August 20, 2025

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


August 18, 2025

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.


 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.


 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.

August 15, 2025

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



August 13, 2025

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. 


August 11, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend. And, I hope you are ready for a good week ahead. This week is a mix of days with a few things to do and days with nothing that needs to be done, and while I used to dread the busier days, I now use them to appreciate the stay-at-home days even more. 

Today I am staying home, organizing and cleaning, washing and folding. Dinner is yet unplanned, but I am sure we will come up with something. Last night, we took my Jeep to the condo and sat outside for a bit. We got some takeout from a favorite place nearby and watched Big Brother before tidying up and heading home. It was an impromptu plan, and the three of us, Steve, I, and Flynn, had a good time.

Well, I have to get started on the day. Or on another cup of coffee! Have a cozy day, my friends. Thanks for visiting!







Billie Jo

Pinterest for the coffee-loving squirrel.

August 8, 2025

Friday

Well, these weeks certainly are flying, aren't they? I have things I could be doing, yet not much gets done. It's Monday, then I run a load of laundry, make a To-Do list, drink some coffee, and suddenly, it's Friday! I blame the heat for my lethargy, and the allergies for my lack of ambition. However, I refuse to allow the word lazy to enter my train of thought! I think back to when I was a young mom with four kids at home, and think, "Dang, girl! How did you do it?!" And then, I relax and embrace this chapter of my life with gratitude, because I earned it. I can slow down, spend time appreciating, observing, and allowing life to unfold around me. Rest is not a four-letter word.


Something I did do this week? Celebrated Rhett's sweet girlfriend Kyrstin's birthday! Rhett had the most fun party for her! We all had the best time! 



Kyrstin is as lovely, kind, fun, and sweet as she looks! Happy Birthday, Kyrstin!


Kyrstin loves seafood, so Rhett picked up the most fantastic seafood boil. Crab legs, shrimp, clams, mussels, corn, and red potatoes all cooked perfectly with the best seasoning. For dessert, Rhett made a delicious tiramisu.



It was a great time celebrating a great young woman. 

Now, I am off to refill my mug. Have a nice day and a cozy weekend, my friends! Thanks for visiting! 


Billie Jo


August 6, 2025

Currently and Winners!


Currently, I am enjoying this...


While thinking about this.


And I am waiting for this...


While I am dreaming about this.



Now, for the winners! I randomly chose four names from the very kind comments left on my 13th Birthday blog post. The winners are:

Oh what a fun look back! I am TOTALLY stealing this idea for my next blogging anniversary! It's funny how this small little hobby turned into far more "socialization" than I ever thought it would.


2. Red Rose AlleyAugust 1, 2025 at 8:43 AM

Oh, I loved seeing all the wonderful pictures throughout the years. The one of little Rhett and Flynn on an afternoon walk got to me, and the one of you and Peyton. Love her middle name, Rose, by the way. We meet so many special people in blogging, and I'm so glad to have met such a lovely friend. Here's to many more years of blogging!


Sorry it won’t let me check any other way. I have no social media presence. I read all of your blogs. Loved your book. Daughter and I discuss your book often. Brenda B


4. DellaAugust 1, 2025 at 5:40 PM

The years just fly! I love the picture of Flynn with the barrette in her hair, and the one of her walking with Rhett. So sweet. I always enjoy your posts, thank you for sharing your days with us. :)


Congratulations to the winners!

Please email me with your email address, and I will send your gift card out to you! Thank you all, and have a cozy Wednesday afternoon!


Billie Jo


Google for the images.

August 4, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee

I really need to get better at remembering to snap a picture of my coffee cup before I inhale it drink it slowly, savoring every last sip. But for the record, I had medium roast coffee with three little splashes of vanilla creamer. 

Thank you so much for the kind comments on my last post. I appreciate every single one and am so thankful for this place where we share our lives with each other. Thirteen years went by like the blink of an eye. Dear Time, kindly slow down to a steady trot. I'm struggling to keep up with this record-breaking pace we're currently setting!

Now, a few photos from my camera roll to document the first week of August in our little world.

Mocha had a spa day last week. Several months ago, she got a less-than-stellar cut from a new groomer. Oh, who am I kidding? She looked like a rat! A large, cute rat. But still. Bad. Bad. Bad. As a result, I opted to forgo any grooming for as long as possible and bathe her myself in the meantime. I admit, I may have stretched that a bit far, and rather than looking like a rat, she resembled a wild cat, living in the jungle for several years. I found a new groomer who comes to the house, and he was terrific. He kept sending me updates and pictures like this one! Now she is happy and fresh and cute as can be. 


Also, last week, Madison took Flynn for a fun day filled with hair appointments, lunch, and a TV show back at her house. I cannot tell you how happy I am that my children love spending time together. The time you spend with your children having fun together also builds relationships and connections that last long after their childhood. Steve and I prioritized family when our children were young, and as a result, our kids now prioritize their relationships with each other, and it is a beautiful thing to step back and watch. 
 
I say all this not to boast, but to reassure anyone reading who is feeling sad watching her children grow, you can look forward to seeing them continue to enjoy the relationships you helped create, and watch as they form new ones as teenagers and adults. It is something I will never take for granted. I found this quote online last week, and I absolutely love it. 


We miss Peyton and Christopher, but love getting snapshots of their beautiful life, and can clearly see how very happy they are together!

Me, coffee, and a pup. Pretty much sums it up, don't you think?


Breathtaking phone pictures of a beautiful sunset after mass and dinner Saturday night.

And, a picture of these two. She rarely allows him anywhere near here, but on this night, she felt a touch of compassion. That, or she was just too tired to care.


Finally, I have resisted the temptation to jump into my season, because although it has been hotter than he** lately, I am actually learning to appreciate aspects of summer. However, as it is a few days into August, I feel compelled to ease my way into the absolutely cozy, color-filled, calm, pumpkin-y bliss that is autumn!!




Ahhh. That's better. Happy Monday, my friends. I will post the winners of the anniversary giveaway on Wednesday. See you then!

Billie Jo

(Google for the autumn love.)