Not Really Random Photos On A Friday...Beach 2017

We spent this past week at our favorite fall getaway spot...Ocean City, Maryland. And we had fun! Our group was smaller this year...My Mom and Madison were unable to join us, and were missed...but we still had a wonderful, relaxing time.

Girl selfie before we left...

So happy Marian joined us again this year!

Selfie to send to Madison...

And after hours of driving...

We arrived.

And the ocean was waiting for us, just as we left her last year.

That is what I love about the ocean.

It is a constant in a world of change.

Our condo was super pretty...

And really clean...

And I brought along our favorite Pumpkin Spice Candle to make it cozy.

We even turned on the fireplace while we relaxed after a day at the beach.

There were early morning walks on the beach...

And playing in the water in pajamas.

Because. You are only young once.

There was mini golf...

Frozen yogurt...

Hours spent on the beach playing with beach toys that my Madison once used...

The best donuts.

Ever...

Dinners out...

And lunches too.

So many wonderful moments to tuck inside and save forever.

Oh. And one more thing.

One day this week happened to be my birthday!

That's right, dear friends...I am now 48!

I had a wonderful day!

It started with beautiful flowers delivered to me on vacation from a very special friend.

Marian surprised me with a new mug...perfect...and some delicious tea...

And because she knows me better than I know myself...

She got me the SOFTEST, MOST BEAUTIFUL blanket ever, as well some of the best fall candles that we started to burn immediately. Also, she got me the cutest navy blue ball cap, which I would show you, but am currently wearing as I type. : )

My sweet son Rhett remembered that I love Starbuck's Black Tea Lemonade, and went out and bought me one!

After I had a nice, long afternoon nap, we got ready and took our annual pictures in the lobby...

And then headed to dinner!

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at our favorite hibachi restaurant, and it was amazing.

After dinner, we returned to the beach, took some photos...

And took a nice long walk.

48 years...30 with this guy by my side.

How blessed am I?

Tomorrow we pack up and head home, to our country house in the mountains.

We will be filled with love and laughter and memories to hold onto forever.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!!

Autumn Evenings Are For...

Television. What else?? Ok, maybe an after dinner walk. But after a nice walk, showers, and jammies it is time to hit the couch as a family and watch our new fall shows. We have our schedule all set, and while we watch some shows with our little one, we wait until after her bedtime for others. Here is what we will be watching as we are cozy on our couch these next few months...

Dancing with the Stars premiers Monday, September 18 at 8:00 Eastern on ABC.

While technically not my favorite Monday night offering on ABC...it is a good filler until the next season of The Bachelor. And although we always lament the fact that we know hardly any of the stars, we always find someone to root for.

We love Halloween. And we love The Halloween Baking Championship on Food Network. It premiers Monday, September 25, at 9:00 Eastern on Food Network.

It is just a fun and festive way to enjoy one of our favorite holidays.

The Good Doctor begins Monday, September 25 at 10:00 Eastern on ABC.

We are really looking forward to this, because we just finished watching Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates in Bates Motel. He is an incredible actor. Absolutely amazing.

This new series begins on Tuesday, September 26 at 10:00 Eastern on NBC.

Although I am very familiar with this case, I am a sucker for true crime.

So we thought we would give this one a try.

One of our favorites, Survivor, returns Wednesday, September 27, at 8:00 Eastern on CBS.

This show never gets old. Some seasons are better than others, but Jeff Probst, the one constant, keeps it exciting. 

And this. We have to wait awhile for The Walking Dead. It returns Sunday, October 22 at 9:00 on AMC. Intense to be sure, but full of touching and complicated relationships too.

Stranger Things Season 2 will be released entirely on Friday, October 27 on Netflix. We always have a dilemma as to watch the entire season at once, or try to space it out. We will see how that goes!

And finally. If you watch one thing this season, it should be The Crown. Season 2 premiers on Friday, December 8 on Netflix. This series is simply amazing. If you get Netflix for this alone, it is worth it.

Well, there you have it.

The shows we will be watching and recording and loving.

What is on your watchlist, my friends?

Am I missing something?

I Really Do Love Autumn...And Here's Why

Autumn. Fall. September, October, November. No matter the name, the most glorious time of the year has arrived. And I am happy. I absolutely love fall. I say that often. Here, in no specific order, are some of the reasons why I wait all year for these fleeting autumn days.

Autumn days are glorious.

I love that the sun still shines, but is tempered by a nip of cool, crisp air that makes it feel just right.

We can be outside without being hot. Or cold.

And nature provides us with the most amazing backdrop for our late morning walks.

The leaves. Just that. I have always loved watching the slow, subtle transformation of the leaves on the trees from green to multiple shades of vibrant color. I remember being in high school during last period on any given October afternoon. Our high school sat in a valley surrounded by mountains, and as the band practiced and my fellow majorettes and I marched and twirled, I took in the beauty of the amazing colors surrounding us. I still remember that. And now, thirty years later, I enjoy it from my own front porch.

Eventually, the colors fade, and the leaves fall.

But they still have much to offer.

I remember the unmistakeable smell and the sound of the crunchy leaves on the sidewalk during late October evenings. One of my favorite memories for sure.

Pumpkins and cornstalks and mums on my porch.

Some people find joy in bright summer flowers.

Me? I'll take these things anytime.

They just say comfort.

And cozy.

Fall.

Candles.

Fall candles.

Specifically...Yankee Candle's Pumpkin Spice Candle burning in our home.

That is our favorite scent of all.

My children tell me that is the smell of home.

And that makes me so happy.

I love autumn evenings.

As much as those long summer nights bring fun outside, I find comfort in the shorter days of fall that give way to the cozy, longer, darker evenings. I love the time after dinner. I light a candle in the family room, tidy the toys and books from the day, fluff the cushions, get out the throw blankets, and prepare for our evening together as a family.

Autumn is a fresh, new start.

It is back to school, sharp crayons, new books, pumpkin lattes, apple pie, afternoons at the park, colored leaves, burning candles, cozy blankets, and long nights.

How do you feel about fall, my friends?

What is your favorite thing about this beautiful time of year?

Light A Candle, Say A Prayer Again

As I sit here this afternoon and watch coverage of Hurricane Irma, my thoughts go to all the people who will be affected, including those who are unable to care for themselves. I think about the men and women who reside in nursing homes and those currently in hospitals. I think about people who will lose homes and belongings. I think about the families displaced and currently in shelters. I am reminded that our world can change in an instant.

Will you please join me tonight at 9:00 P.M. Eastern Time in lighting a candle and saying a prayer for those in the path of Hurricane Irma, including those in the islands that were devastated before it hit Florida? This weekend at mass, we were reminded "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

I think we are gathered together through this world of Blogging, even if we are scattered all over the world. Please feel free to share this message, so we can have an even greater number of candles lit, and prayers offered.

Thank you, my friends!