Good morning, my friends. Today was the first day I needed a jacket for my morning walk. And that made me happy. I will take a chilly day with a soft zip-up jacket over a hot, sweaty day every single time. Anyway, the transition from bright, colorful October to the more subdued browns of November has begun here, and I couldn't help but think this morning how thankful I am that as each new season approaches, I am in some way ready for the change. As much as I love the colors, leaves, and excitement of early autumn, I am also ready to embrace the cozy, more muted days of late autumn through November. It feels like the right time to slow down and start preparing for the cozy days ahead. My walk today reflected the changes taking place as the vibrant greens faded and the water, once bustling with activity, grew still.
Madison and Nicolas are off to Denmark today! They are so very happy to return to his beloved Copenhagen to visit with his family. Steve cooked dinner last night for them, and Madison requested sloppy joes and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Spirals. Our favorite. If you look closely at my plate, you may notice the macaroni-and-cheese-to-zucchini ratio is a bit off, especially for this fifty-seven-year-old. Still, there is something about that blue box macaroni and cheese that gets me every time!
I contributed Halloween cupcakes for dessert, and they were delicious! Again, boxed, but sometimes Pillsbury does it better. Especially the festive holiday mixes I cannot resist.
Sharing this picture of my handsome, hilarious, and hardworking son because he is the best. And because I love the young man my little boy became.
Lastly, last night I went to throw something away, and the garbage can was empty, with a fresh new bag in it. Can I tell you how happy that made me?! I started thinking about other seemingly small things like that because, more often than not, we find happiness in the simplest things. Here are a few of those things for me...
~ Opening the dishwasher to find it has been emptied
~ The first night sleeping in fresh sheets
~ Stirring pumpkin creamer into my hot cup of coffee
~ A stack of new books sitting on my bedside table
~ Lighting the Yankee Home For The Holidays candle for the first time each year
~ Plugging in the Christmas Tree on a dark December morning
Feel free to add something simple that makes you happy!
And have a cozy Monday!
Billie Jo
Hi Billie Jo :) Happy October! My mac and cheese ratio to veggies is always lopsided :) In fact, I picked some up on my latest grocery trip. It makes a good breakfast when you're in the mood. I wrote my first post in months today. I hope you'll come visit me :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure Nicolas and Madison will have a wonderful time. It was nice that you got to have a send off. Nice pic of Rhett too!
ReplyDeleteBeing aware of the small things that bring joy is such a good thing! Reminds us of how blessed we are.
I see you shared your walk with a Blue Heron! Your photos really do capture the somberness of late fall! For me...getting into bed with fresh sheets, having my coffee and a cookie in the morning, watching T.V. in the evening under a cozy throw.
ReplyDeleteBlue Box mac and cheese really is where the heart is. All the homemmade in the world, while tasty, isn't the same. One of my favorite simple things is when the radio gets the mood JUST right with whatever song makes sense in the moment. I love a playlist... but those serendipitous musical moments, those are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteYour macaroni and cheese looks amazing! I really need to make some for dinner this week.
ReplyDeleteRight now, what's making me happy are the freshly baked ginger cookies in my kitchen. Xx
Hello beautiful Friend! Your walks always look so peaceful and such a perfect place to be meditative as you walk. I love the crane walking up the road. :) Each season does have its own beauty and charm, doesn't it? I'm watching some leaves fall out my window right now. It's started to be past peak in our area. I'm not ready for snow🙈 but I do love the stillness and preparation November brings too. Prayers sent for Madison and Nicolas to have safe travels and a wonderful trip! I agree -there is something about kraft mac & cheese that will forever have a chokehold on me as well, and I'm proud to admit it! Lol Love the pic of Rhett - he's just such a grown man now! And I love your list. Hmmm - I think I'll add the simple pleasure of feet up in a favorite recliner with a soft warm blanket with my sweet Bubba kitty purring away on my lap. (I swear he lulls me into a "cat" nap every time - see what I did there? 😉) Blessings on your week xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are liking your weather. I love the photos from your walk. I hope their trip to Denmark goes well. Sweet photo of your handsome son. I love your lastly. How awesome was that....
ReplyDeleteYes to every word! Simple meals, morning walks (you are so wise to embrace the change of seasons) and oh a Denmark trip - what an adventure! Enjoy every day this week - take time for you.
ReplyDeleteCozy things: I settle into my recliner after lunch every day to watch the noon news and usually take a 20-minute nap that empowers me to face the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful post of food and visions of pleasant things.
Oh yes I love the first night in clean sheets, I also love a new pair of socks.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of your walk. I like a cool morning for walking too. :) I'd love one of those cupcakes.
ReplyDeleteI always love to come with you on your walks. Your photos are very pretty of the nature around you. You're right, there is something about the box or pouch cookie mixes that taste even better. Betty Crocker makes good ones too. Those little skeleton plates are so cute. And Rhett - I love to see his dear face now and then. Sons are just the most special people. I hope Madison has a safe and fun trip to Denmark. I can't wait to see your Home for the Holiday candle this season. This was a wonderful post today, Billie Jo, and have a sweet October week.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of fnding joy in the ordinary! I love when I walk into the kitchen and hubby has emptied the dishwasher and left my tea cup on the counter before he is out the door in the morning. That happens more morning than not. Makes my smile everytime!
ReplyDeleteLoved the photos of your walk! Wishing safe travels for Madison and Nicolas. I love stepping outside and checking on my garden every morning, soon it will just be checking the bird feeders. Hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThere is always something to be thankful for. One of the things I truly appreciate is when someone else has changed the toilet paper roll rather than leaving just the cardboard tube.
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo, it was really chilly here this morning too. When we walked out to go to the store we had to go back and get our vests. One of the things that makes me really happy is when I come downstairs and find that someone has folded up the laundry or hung my clothes up. :). I have always done it for the family and was happy to do it, but now with husband retired and MIL living with us, they often surprise me. My 83 year old MIL takes her time and folds everything just perfect. And, she has a sweet smile on her face the whole time. It always means so much when someone does something for you because the "want" to not because the "have" to. I know it is one of her ways of showing me love. :)
ReplyDeleteI too love all of those simple things that not only gives me a smile, but makes my day so smooth. Prayers for Madison and Nicolas as they travel. Wishing for them a wonderful visit and making fond memories. I always enjoy your nature photos...so pretty. Hope you Enjoy all your love today!
ReplyDeleteI also “love” my dishwasher when somebody ( my husband) emptied it for me!
ReplyDeleteFirst night sleeping in fresh perfumed sheets! Lighting Yankee candle I love it!
Here we still have Autumn colours but we had frost yesterday I can sit next to my wood fire and relax ☺️
I love finding out little things that no one else cares about! Did you know that Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is just Kraft in Canada? Will this help me in life? No! LOL!
ReplyDeleteSorry, Kraft Dinner. Left out that 2nd word in comment above.
ReplyDeleteI came back to read this again. You wrote such a sweet uplifting post and even your comments are special. I try to embrace Fall every year but it is a challenge to me. I'm determined to enjoy it to the fullest this year! Sweet hugs, Diane
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