Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Lake Day

I took the day off on Samuel's birthday, and headed to one of our local lakes. I wanted to spend the day, thinking happy thoughts, and seeing beauty that exists in this harsh world we live in.

Some days are so hard, the news and social media has heartbreaking story, after heartbreaking story. I just wanted to step away from it all. Titus and I spent a few hours at the lake and it was good for my soul. I sat and felt the breeze, listened to the water as it rippled along the shore. I wanted to hijack that little boat on the shore, and sit in the middle of the lake, Just sit, with the gentle rocking of the boat lulling me to sleep. I've often said I would love to live on a houseboat. I love being near water. I prefer an ocean, but sometimes a little lake will do.

I didn't hijack the boat, but I did sit in it for a bit. Maybe next time I will find the owner and ask if I could borrow it.

Me ~ Titus ~ Leaves

Leaves! Leaves! Leaves!

Today, the air is chilly, the leaves are crunchy and I wanted some pictures to remember the joy that is Fall and being in leaves.

I can always count on Ezekiel to be my photographer. He may shake his head, but he'll always appease me.

 As soon as I sat under the tree, Titus came running and sat beside me. No pictures without him in mix. I wish I could get Fonzy and the boys to do the same thing. They hate taking pictures, but I'm hoping this weekend I can get them to sit for a few in the backyard, under this tree. I need a family picture, Titus included. And this is the perfect setting. Our own backyard, where all our memories are. I'm hoping the tree can hold on to some of it's leaves until then.

I'm sure you are tired of me saying it, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Fall! Can it just go on forever!

Ordinary Days

We are in the last week of October. This month has flown by. The hustle and bustle of the holidays are right around the corner. I have dolls I need to knit for Christmas, and a few other things I want to knit for the holiday. I knew I wanted to knit this stuff the beginning of the year, but as my normal fashion I have procrastinated all year, and now feel the pressure to get it done! This is on my list for holiday knitting. If I have time I want to knit it for me. Yes, for me. I think it's the cutest and perfect for the holidays. The orange knitting was this, also for me. I have yet to wear it, hasn't really been cold enough, but I plan on wearing it as soon as the weather cooperates. I have 3 dolls I need to get done before my reindeer cowl. The next few weeks will be filled with knitting, lots and lots of knitting.

My obsession with soup and pumpkin continues. I've made a few pumpkin recipes and soup, but not as many as I like. The males in my house are not fond of my pumpkin and soup obsession. They liked the Mexican chicken corn chowder, but I have yet to find another. I'll just have to keep trying. I have a pumpkin pasta recipe I want to try. It probably won't go over so well with Fonzy and the boys, but I'm going to try it anyways.

Is it too early for Christmas music? I'm feeling the urge to play some.

October

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

The trees in our yard are spectacular right now. Showing off! I LOVE this time of year. Fall is so so fleeting. I wish it would last longer.

As soon as I get up, I open all the blinds, and doors just to see the trees. I find myself standing in the door just gazing out. Cooking dinner, I get distracted, grab my camera and run out to take pictures. Luckily I haven't burnt dinner...yet.

Sitting here at the dinning table, typing this, sunlight filtering in, I notice the leaves blowing in the breeze, and I feel them calling me....and I must answer.

Candy Apple Goodness

Yum!

Happy Birthday Samuel

Today you would have been 26.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Wonder what your life would be like now - the man you would be. I looked through pictures of you this morning. It's so hard seeing the boy, and young man you were and knowing I will never take another picture of you. You will forever be frozen at 19. It's so unfair. You should be in the prime of your life right now.

I struggle all the time with your death. There are moments when I feel I can't breathe thinking about it. But today, I'm keeping the bad thoughts away and focusing on the good.

I sent you a birthday balloon and watched it float and swirl until I could no longer see it. Such a small gesture, but somehow makes me feel better.

Happy Birthday Samuel - I love you!

***More posts about my Samuel here.