Going On Around Here

What is this dark, blurry picture I have posted today? Well, that would be the picture of a thrilled teenage girl! Last November, yes, November, Flynn received some tickets to see one of her favorite bands in concert. While Steve or I, to a lesser extent, are usually on board to accompany her on these excursions, we opted to sit this one out. I did because I had never heard of My Chemical Romance. Steve, because he had. Lucky for us, Peyton's husband Christopher is a fan! And so a plan was hatched.

Last weekend, Steve and FLynn drove to Philly to meet Peyton and Christopher. Christopher took Flynn to the concert, and Steve took his secondborn to dinner. The result was a great time had by all. The next morning, they all went to breakfast and shopping before going their separate ways. Shoutout to Peyton and Chris for making Flynn's entire summer with that weekend! And to Madison and Nicolas for watching her pup overnight!

What was I doing while all this fun was being had? Well, it involves DoorDash, binge-watching true crime, and this.

Add Madison and Nicolas bringing me breakfast and coffee, and I was happy as can be.

And, in other news...

Yep. Those would be boxes. And yes. We are moving. This move is actually an easy one. Steve found a house very near here that has a pool, and because he knows I enjoy swimming, and because it also has access to a great place to walk the dogs, we decided to move. I am excited to decorate the new house for fall, as well as set up the little office for our homeschool. We have been busy packing and organizing, but since I purged extensively last time we moved, I have very little to pack. Yesterday we got a lot done while it was raining, and Madison had us in for dinner, so we wouldn't have to cook or eat takeout again. She made homemade chicken soup, and it was absolutely delicious.

So, there's that! I will be absent here until next week, so have a wonderful weekend, my friends. Thank you for visiting!

Billie Jo

Looking Forward To September

Good morning, my friends! This is a long one, so pour a cup of whatever makes you happy and get comfy! And be sure to click on "See Full Post." August is flying by. That means September and all the cozy goodness it brings are almost here! It is no secret that I love this time of year. I always have. I wait all year for these cloudy, cool days, the colorful falling leaves, and the first batch of pumpkin bread in the oven. I embrace the slow, cozy days and nights and try to savor every single moment. Last week, I created a simple, fun list of ways to enjoy the beautiful month of September. Each day features one small, intentional idea—simple enough to actually do, but meaningful enough to help savor every moment of this cozy season. 🍂

 Cozy September Living: 30 Simple Ways to Embrace Fall

 Week 1: Welcoming Fall Slowly

 Sept 1 – Pack away summer, dust, and vacuum.

 Sept 2 – Welcome fall with an apple dessert.

 Sept 3 – Create an autumn playlist on your phone.

 Sept 4 – Set out some fall decorations. 

 Sept 5 – Enjoy a pumpkin spice coffee or tea.

 Sept 6 – Take a ride for some seasonal ice cream!

 Sept 7 – Sunday is a rest day. Be good to yourself.

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 Week 2: Set the Mood

 Sept 8 – Light an autumn candle in your family room. 

 Sept 9 – Make a couple of loaves of pumpkin bread.

 Sept 10 – Play an autumn YouTube video on your TV.

 Sept 11 – Make a fall meal for supper tonight.

 Sept 12 – Wash and set out cozy fall throw blankets.

 Sept 13 – Sweep off the porch and hang a fall wreath.

 Sept 14 – Sunday is rest day. Show yourself grace.

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 Week 3: Cozy Inspiration

 Sept 15 – Flip through a fall magazine.

 Sept 16 – Make a fall fruit salad.

 Sept 17 – Take a fall walk after dinner.

 Sept 18 – Make homemade applesauce today.

 Sept 19 – Send a fall greeting card to a friend.

 Sept 20 – Make breakfast for dinner. 

 Sept 21 – Rest Day. Do something for yourself today.

All The Things

Also known as -I'm having trouble finding a way to tie these pictures together.-

First up: A pretty but bashful visitor.

Next, the search is over. I have found my favorite pizza in the universe. We stopped at a local pizza place in a shopping plaza, and I had this. It was delicious. And, fun fact. I eat my crust first. 

How guilty do these two look????

Today is my favorite Holy Day in the Catholic faith. I always pray for Mary's intercession for my very special intentions on this day. I cut this out of a church bulletin nineteen years ago, and have prayed it every year since.

I finished this book this week. It left me speechless. It is beautiful and thrilling, and I highly recommend adding it to your pile.

One more. I sent this to my kids yesterday. Then I found out that Madison had already sent it to me! LOL

That is a wrap on this week, my friends. Have a lovely weekend, and enjoy. 

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

I Think...

My childhood was the best. Why? Well, when I was young...

We had toys that we could play with for hours and hours without getting bored.

We shopped in small stores where we knew all the people working there.

We played outside in the creek, in the yard, and on the playground until Mom called us to dinner.

We appreciated special things because we waited all year for them.

We simply picked our Halloween costumes off the shelf of the store downtown.

We had TV shows we could watch together as a family.

We ate dinner together as a family.

Life was simpler then. You knew your neighbors and the people in your neighborhood. The news was on for an hour a night. Our lives were smaller, but more peaceful and less stressful. We knew what we needed to know, and not everything that was happening everywhere all at once. It was fun. Just as childhood should be. 

Happy Wednesday, my friends.

Billie Jo

Pictures of the past from Google. And my heart.