October

For my birthday weekend, I requested we finally finish the privacy screens. I had this vision years ago when I was asked to consider a more budget friendly option. The vinyl lattice failed miserably and looked terrible too. We've had nothing in those frames for a hot minute so I am glad they're finally finished. Greg ordered the lumber and selected the stain. I'm impressed with his choice. Ty helped until he had to go to work and Kate jumped in quite a bit around other obligations. Greg was the real workhorse in this scenario. Staining and installing were all wrapped up before the Buckeyes took the field at 3:30. Both Greg and I needed help getting up after the game but a hot shower and time on the yoga mat prevented serious stiffness the following morning. In other words, the hustle was absolutely worth it. 

I still miss our gentle rolling hills and the rustic barn in the distance but breaking up the view of the neighbors' yards helps. I will add some decorative grass in the spring.

The comments exchanged between these two provided shock value and a significant laughter; however, most cannot be repeated here. I raised them in Sunday school and with Veggie Tales. There is no evidence to support that now. 

We no sooner finished the project than Austin arrived ready to play. Kate and I walked him to the park behind our neighborhood he lovingly calls the Bamboo Forest.  I'd just grabbed a quick 15 nap and was ready(ish) to get moving again. He knows the trails and ran ahead more often than not, which gave Kate and me the gift of time to chat too. There is just something about the way nature relaxes my body and often my thoughts.

He fell in the creek and needed a shower. Fortunately, we had just purchased some cozy jammies so he had a dry option available. 

The following weekend, Greg and I made a quick day trip to Ohio to check on Dale and Carol. We picked up salads and iced tea to share and Carol was thrilled with the offering. She loves a good salad and has mentioned several times how difficult it is to get a decent one in the assisted living facility. After a quiet walk, both seemed relaxed and okay with our goodbye just a few hours later. 

Carol had strong objections to this arrangement but Dale needed to feel needed so we allowed it. 

Baby Carter's ghost-themed shower was a beautiful testament to family teamwork. The sisters contributed crafting and decorating; transforming the space. Dean’s parents provided the catering. Dean’s brother and sister-in-law arranged an adorable sweet treats station that proved to be a hit with the under ten crowd. The sugar high was unmistakable. Little boys with bright blue cotton candy smiles were gently scolded for racing around, much to the quiet amusement of the seasoned parents. As the clean-up crew finished, we caught sight of the kiddos running laps in the park across the street before being strapped into their car seats. It was a thoroughly sweet, joyful day for everyone.

Aunt Theresa brought her famous pretzels.

Austin drew the faces on all the ghosts and lamented his mom waiving the use of the ones crying. Austin stood firm, "babies throw tantrums so it is appropriate."

In October I watered flowers and enjoyed the color they brought to my porch. This was a first. I guess the trade off to ninety degree temperatures in September is hanging baskets in October. The annuals were a lovely backdrop for the pumpkins. 

Morning light is my favorite and I only see it on the weekends now. The days are shorter and I do not love this aspect of my otherwise preferred season.

My new office hosted a craft night where we all created our own felt garland. I enjoyed the quick project and am considering a winter version next.

My friend and office manager, Laura creates a Lego character persona for everyone on staff. Mine is the mom with a camera and library card to represent the amount of time I spend with my nose in a book. 

My office has a park behind it and I have enjoyed leisurely strolls during my lunch break most days. I resist bringing my phone, preferring to be disconnected for a bit from constant tech but someday will use Google lens to research the variety of trees along the path. It's lovely, no matter the species. I recently read an article suggesting we use walks as an exercise in noticing. A "color walk" has you searching for one specific color while you meander. The premise is getting out of your head and connecting with nature; making the most of the opportunity to escape. So, long story short, my phone remains on my desk. 

This guy has impressed us lately with his focus and follow through. He not only works at Boot Barn part time but he also jumps in as a second man on demo jobs with Dean. He has straight A's and a girlfriend. Six months ago, this side of Ty was challenging to envision. (Also. The girlfriend gets smiles and photos. His mother does not. 🤨)

Oliver was favoring a paw off and on for a few days before refusing to bear weight on it at all. Two trips to the vet, three shots and X-rays later, we are out over $400 and still have no answers. But he was completely relaxed about the vet and was 100% easier to take than Diesel. The veterinarian and her assistant were both laughing at "Mr. Chill"

Greg spent ten days in Chicago for training. We are pretty used to trips pulling him away during the week, but the weekend took some adjustment. We will have two more opportunities to practice adapting in the coming months; December and February. I have assured him anyone sending him to Chicago in February is not his friend. Burr. No thank you. But while he was away, I spent time in my favorite places, read a couple books, enjoyed dinner at both Erin's and Lana's. Being fed when I was willing to survive on boiled eggs or cheese and crackers honestly filled my soul as much as my stomach.

Captain Underpants (also known as a very engaged 4th grade teacher)

I walked into the class party to hear Makenna lecturing her students about not following directions. I had to fix my face. I cannot imagine why they weren't taking her seriously. 

Erin and Evan came after the UofL game and were thrilled there was still chili and a few hot dogs waiting on them.

Riley explaining to Rebekah that if she wants to eat, she better jump in and get food because this group does not hold back. 😂

Sugar crash for Austin and trazodone for Diesel. 

Trick-or-treat was as delightful an evening as ever with perfect weather, hundreds of kids and our traditional pot of chili with hot dogs. We grazed all evening and enjoyed each of the girls stopping by around football games and costume parties. I handed out candy alone this year because the Buckeyes were on the TV inside. I offered one little princess her choice of candy and she requested water instead. Since I was surrounded by about seventeen kiddos in that moment, I called Makenna inside the house and asked her to bring out a cup. That sweet kiddo stepped aside to let me serve everyone else while she waited. Her parents were watching from the curb, trying to get her attention but were pointedly ignored. The look of shock on their faces when Makenna handed little Rapunzel a drink was hilarious. Mom was horrified but I was delighted. A second favorite moment was when a couple of sisters sorted through our landscape rocks for a treasure rather than accept candy. Again, that Mom was discouraging them while I was pointing out the more impressive options. It was a good Halloween.