Sunday, September 14

Weekly Reflections — September 13, 2014


I was under the impression that once all the kids flew away, and our home became an empty nest, Mr.P and I would have so much more time on our hands. It is strangely NOT the case. We are more busy now than ever, maybe not with
kid related issues, but busy just the same. So much so that I don't have the time to do all of the things I'd like to do. I would love to take a graphic design class, brush up on my watercolor techniques, practice cake decorating and flooding cookies—but it seems like Mr.P and I are always working! Here's a peek into our somewhat boring, yet busy lives; and what's taken place over the last couple of weeks—besides work.

1. First and foremost, let me just say lizards belong outside! I woke up 2 weeks ago to find a bright green lizard hanging from my ceiling. I absolutely freaked out! Mr.P was kind enough to gently catch and release this unwelcome guest back into the wild. It wasn't pretty on my part. I do believe there was screaming involved!

2.  My aunt, sister and I take turns shopping and caring for our 96 year old grandfather, he still lives on his own. Over the last couple of weeks I have truly enjoyed my visits with him. He lived through the depression and the Dust Bowl, served during WWII, went back to high school after the war and even received a college degree, all on the GI Bill. We have had some great conversations, moments I will cherish. I have learned things about his life that I never knew. If you have an older family memberASK QUESTIONS! Don't let their story die when they pass on and more importantly, most likely they enjoy talking and reminiscing about the past. 

3. We celebrated the end of summer with a cook out on Labor Day. We ate early so that E could head back to school. Ribs were on the menuE is a rib eating girl. It was relatively quiet around our house on Labor Day. We enjoyed spending time with E, we knew it would be awhile before we saw her again. 

4. I don't know much about the computer. You would think any technophobic person would chose something else to do with their time other than blogging. I suppose I love the challenge. I spent 24 hours, with NO sleep, trying to figure out a few gadgets for my blog. Who ever said trial and error was a great way of learning was, is and will forever be an idiot! Honestly? I just want someone to take me by the hand and walk me through the process! I don't know what I'm doing.

5. Mr.P and I snuggled up on the back porch and drank in the beauty of the Harvest Moon. "Oh, shine on, shine on harvest moon up in the sky......"

6. Earlier in the week, our neighborhood raccoons woke me up around 4:30 am. I wasn't sure what it was at first, so I woke up Mr.P. Once he was awake, we started talking and laughing. Soon I looked at him and said, 'Sshhh, we're going to wake E up.' He then opened the bedroom door and hollered real loud, looked at me and said, 'I don't think she can hear us from here!' Yes that's me......

7. My favorite video from the last couple of weeks is of Reveille and the cadet that takes care of her. I grew up in Bryan/College Station and my mother is an Aggie. We are fiercely loyal where TAMU is concerned! ENJOY!
8. You know you've reached a new low when you get excited about buying a steam mop! Yes, I am OFFICIALLY OLD!

9. As 9/11 grew closer I realized Mr.P and I had our picture taken with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Once I found it I was surprised to see the date on the back, Sept. 1994—twenty years ago this month. I was pregnant with E and had accompanied the mister to NYC on business. We soon fell in love with the city. It was the first of many trips to come. We were in the city not long after 2001. I cherish this photo.

10. Finally, it's that time again—FALL! My favorite season of all! We are getting ready around our house for the fall season and yes even the holidays. By taking care of a few household chores now, we can sit back and enjoy our precious free-time, family and friends in the months to come. You can find a good to-do list here.

11. We never have desserts in our house. I'm not sure why that is, but I did make these Brownie Parfait Shooters with left-over brownies. They were a huge hit with the family! You can find the recipe here.

12. I love this Fall quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald even in Texas we are enjoying rain and cooler weather. It's wonderful!

13. I ate my very first caramel apple of the season! They are my special fall treat. I wait all year for them! Make a few today!

14. I'm still working on my book, 'The Auschwitz Escape' by Joel C Rosenberg. It is such a great book, very hard to put down!! 

15. The most relaxing thing I did in the last two weeks was to knead bread. If you've never baked yeast bread and gone through the whole process of kneading and letting the dough rise—you should try it once in your lifetime. For me, this procedure is very satisfying. A quiet house with nothing but the sound of kneading, I love it. Isn't this beautiful? And believe me, NOTHING smells better than bread baking!

16. Yesterday we had end of the summer grilled veggie sandwiches with our fresh baked bread. We used just a bit of herb goat cheese as a spread. If you can't find that buy some flavored cream cheese, it makes the most flavorful veggie sandwich. Divine.

And tomorrow I clean. Sometimes I feel like cleaning and laundry are my life. But let me just say, I am profoundly grateful I have a family and home to take care of. Hope you all are enjoying the beginning of Fall—have a wonderful week!



4 comments:

  1. You're so right about the bread smell. Every time I bake I think "Why don't I do this more often?"

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    1. I don't bake yeast bread often enough either Skye. I used to do it more often when the kids were at home. I need to find some recipes that will make small loaves just for two.

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  2. The commercial was magical! I am a TAMU-Commerce grad. :) Wonderful list and you are so right about asking questions of our aging relatives. We can learn so much from them. Have you thought about recording his stories?

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    1. We have recently started recording his stories. It will be wonderful to have his voice on tape!

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