Saturday, November 30, 2024

Goodbye to November

Whoa.  Just... whoa.  November felt like the longest, shortest month in the history of months.  One minute I was celebrating my birthday on the first, and now - in the blink of an eye - we're here at the end.  With so much happening in between that it must have been longer than a few quick weeks.

This month was crazy busy.  

My birthday was nice. Didn't get up to too much celebrating since I was barely 2 weeks out from my knee surgery.  I had hoped to go for a hike somewhere, but between the area still recovering from Hurricane Helene and my knee - that wasn't happening. 

My sister came to visit and it was such a comfort having her here and getting to hang out and catch up.  I miss her all of the time, but especially now that she's on the other side of the country.

My daughter started having a lot of stomach pain and nausea one weekend. She went to the doctor and they discovered that her liver enzymes were through the roof, causing her to end up in the ER.  That resulted in four days, one surgery to remiver her gall bladder, and and endoscopy procedure to clear stones from her bile duct. Fortunately she is recovering well and felling better.

The Man of the House headed to Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks for the week of our anniversary.   We relaxed on the beach and did some fishing, reading, and general unwinding. One day we took the ferry over to Okracoke Island where we rented a skiff and spent the day exploring a deserted island and fishing in the sound. 

The month wound up with Thanksgiving.  The kids and grandkids were here.  It was loud and wonderful. And of course, there was too much food.  On Black Friday, the Female Offspring and I hit the stores early and spent the day getting some of our Christmas shopping done. 

I would like to hope that December will be slower and less hectic.  But let's be honest - it probably won't.  

How was your November? 




Thursday, November 21, 2024

Thankful Thursday: November 21, 2024

 


I Am Thankful For:

My daughter is feeling better everyday
My morning tea
When the errands are completed
Packing done
Safe travels
Sunset on the beach
No crowds
The sound of the waves
Sunrise over the ocean
Hunting for seashells
A good catch
Visiting little known places
Relaxing on the boat
A delicious dinner at a local restaurant
Little beach birds
Time away with my husband 
32 years of marriage

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Thankful Thursday: November 14, 2024



I Am Thankful For:

The ability to be flexible with my time
Kind hospital staff
A late night drive home
Beautiful autumn days
An evening cup of tea
My daughter's surgery went well
Helping out with the grandkids
My grandbaby and dog playing ball
My daughter home from the hospital
Simple dinners
A day at home
A pot of chili on a rainy day
A quiet evening 
A nice lunch out
Coats for doggies
Cool fall temperatures
Lazy mornings
Used book stores



Thursday, November 7, 2024

Thankful Thursday: November 7, 2024

 


I Am Thankful For:

Another year

Birthday cards

Take-out from my favorite chicken place 

Birthday gifts

Funny coffee mugs

A pretty new honey dispenser 

Time with family

Birthday cake

Homemade soups

The ability to be flexible with my time

My daughter is going to be ok

My sweet grandsons

Family

Focusing on what I am able to control



Monday, November 4, 2024

Can You Believe It's November?

We know these last two months are going to zoom by.  They always do.  That's just how it goes.  So, before that happens - let's take a moment to appreciate November. 


As it has for more than 50 years now - November started off with all the joy and fun that is my birthday. Nothing grand was done to celebrate this year.  At my request, the Man of the House brought home take-out from Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack for dinner. On Saturday, the kids and grandkids were here for dinner and cake. I received some lovely presents and cards.  It was a nice weekend and I appreciated every minute of it.

The Man and I will also be celebrating 32 years of marriage this month. That's right... 32 years!!  We've planned a little getaway to the coast later this month to celebrate the occasion.

Of course, here in the US - November means Thanksgiving and I'm already beginning to plan for our feast.  I find it's easier to start picking up things here and there rather than trying to remember it all in one big shopping trip. Especially with all the other busyness of the month. 

Usually on Black Friday, the Female Offspring and I get together and go out to start our Christmas shopping.  We enjoy spending the day together and the fun of searching for some bargains. 

My Goals for November:
  • Do knee exercises every day 
  • Have Christmas cards ready to mail by December 1st
  • Decorate for Christmas

What are your plans for November?