August 24, 2026

Monday Morning Coffee

 

Good Monday morning, my friends! How was your weekend? It was good here, with an equal balance of productivity and relaxation. I caught up on laundry, planned the first week of homeschool for Flynn, and did some Sunday morning meal prep. I boiled some eggs, chopped and roasted some sweet potatoes, and sliced a pineapple and cantaloupe. We went to Mass, out to dinner, and hung out at the condo, went swimming, and took a couple of naps. 

I had been slacking on my morning walks for the past couple of weeks because, honestly, I could not deal with the humidity. Today, the weather was lovely, and Mocha and I resumed our morning routine. And, I think, although it may be wishful thinking, that I felt the tiniest flicker of autumn in the air. Just sayin'.





Dinner last night was taco bowls. This is always a favorite here and so simple. I cook some rice in the rice cooker, which, by the way, we use all the time, chop some lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, shred some cheese, heat some corn, and cook some ground beef with taco seasonings. I add some Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and there you have it. So good!


Flynn spotted the faintest rainbow in the sky when we were at the condo Saturday night.

Lastly,  Mocha is happy with the snuggly new blankets I got for fall.

And remember:

Happy Monday!

Billie Jo






August 21, 2026

Happy Things

Sometimes it is nice to stop and think of the things that bless us and make us happy, like visiting your grown daughter and her husband and being spoiled with love, delicious food, and amazing hot coffee.



Or returning home to the most delicious meal of pasta with short ribs cooked by a wonderful family friend.




Or the gift of beautiful skies on warm August evenings.




Have a lovely weekend, my friends. Notice some happy things!


And maybe, just maybe, pull out some fall???

Billie Jo



August 19, 2026

Remember When?

It is almost back-to-school time, and as hard as it is to believe, my youngest is entering her junior year of high school. This got me thinking about when I was that age and what was part of my daily life. Like... 


















As my kids say..."That was the vibe."

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Billie Jo


August 14, 2026

Friday

Here we are, my friends, halfway through August. Summer is still in charge, and she is happy to remind us daily. Autumn is on her way, however, dancing up the path, with colorful leaves swirling around her as she does. Soon, lazy summer days will give way to structure and schedule. The heat and humidity will eventually give way to cooler air that smells of cinnamon and crunchy leaves. And I am here for it.

In the meantime, we enjoy all the ordinary things, because no matter the season, ordinary is best. We are ordering greasy cheese pizza late at night.


We are sitting on the porch while Mocha keeps an eye on the neighborhood.


We are going to Madison and Nicolas' house for dinner on warm summer evenings.



And we are just being cozy.


Have a nice, ordinary weekend, my friends. 
Thanks for visiting!





Billie Jo