August Ends

Is anyone else feeling like August was just a complete blur?  I honestly feel as if this month was about two weeks long!

My father's birthday was earlier this month.  We celebrated with a lunch at his favorite fish place.  Last year, we found his biological mother's family just a few months before and I gave him a framed photo of her for his birthday.   This year, I was able to give him a framed photo of his biological father.  

I had the MRI on my knee in mid-August.  The results weren't exactly what I was expecting.  There was no tear to the meniscus.   But that didn't mean I was out of the woods.  I have some seriously messed up cartilage in there as well as a couple of cysts. And a few "loose bodies" (probably pieces of cartilage.) I am probably looking at arthroscopic surgery to remove the "trash" in my knee and see if any repairs are possible to the cartilage. Waiting on the orthopedic surgeon office to call and schedule my consult.  

I also had the follow-up appointment for my endoscopy.   There are some changes to the lower esophagus due to reflux, but nothing alarming.  I need to continue to make sure my gerd is well managed to avoid further damage and get rechecked in three years. I am also able to try cutting back on the dosage of gerd medication.  So, that was all good news!

The oldest grandkid started back to school this month, which means I'm not getting to spend time with him a few days each week anymore.  We did some baking during those last couple of weeks: chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and pumpkin muffins.   

One of my little dogs hurt his eye earlier this week.   I was out running errands and when I came home I noticed that he was squinting one eye. Looking closer, it seemed a little puffy and had some discharge.  Fortunately, I was able to get a same day appointment for him that afternoon.  He has a corneal ulcer (probably from a scratch to the eye).  We've been having to apply drops a few times a day and he has to wear a cone to avoid further injury.  He has a follow-up next week and hopefully it's healed by then.

Also, happening this week: my Canadian cousin and I did some more "together, but apart", cooking.  August brings the anniversary of our grandmother's passing. So in her memory, we made one of my cousin's favorite things that Grandma Janina used to make -  Racuchy Z Jabłkami (Polish Yeast Apple Pancakes).  They were SO delicious!  

I can't brag about my goals for August.  I still haven't cleaned and reorganized the linen closet.  I'm still trying to figure out my morning routine.  And while I did write or journal more often this month - it certainly wasn't an every day thing.  

All in all, I would say that as far as months go - August gets a C+.  

How was your August?

August Begins

Oh, August.  That month which is most definitely still firmly set in summer with all the heat and  humidty, and yet we find ourselves leaning forward and squinting just a bit as we think "I'm pretty sure I can see autumn from here". 

August is another month of medical appointments. I have a follow-up visit for the endoscopy I had in July.  I am scheduled for an MRI on my knee, and a follow up for that. I also think Max is due for a one of his semi-annual checkups at the end of the month. (I should probably double check that and get something scheduled)

My dad's birthday is this month.  I know I've said it before - but every birthday we get to celebrate with him has extra meaning ever since we came close to losing him to a heart attack almost five years ago.  Every birthday since then feels like a bonus.

August has always felt like a month for fresh new beginnings to me. Maybe that's because it's back to school season.  All the new school supplies and clothes as well as a new school year with different classes and teachers.  What better time for reset? Which just happens to be my word for August.  (more on that in a future post)

My reading list for the month of August includes finishing "Normal Women" by Philippa Gregory, "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman, and "I Did a New Thing" by Tabitha Brown.  I started "Normal Women" some time back, but was unable to finish it before it had to go back to the library. I happened to see that the Kindle version was on sale during Prime Days and snagged a copy.  "The Thursday Murder Club" is the Book Club selection for August.  And "I Did a New Thing" is from my endless TBR list. 

My August Goals include:

• Clean out and reorganize linen closet
• Create a new morning routine 
• Journal/Write everyday 

What are your plans for August?

So Long, August

August is drawing to a close and we're about to head into the "ber" months. I know some people aren't quite ready to see the end of summer. But, I am personally looking forward to cooler temperatures, longer nights, and cozy clothing. 

I started August by playing catch up after being gone for the last week in July. And it felt like I stayed a little bit behind for most of the month. 

During the second week of August, we had our new windows and patio doors installed. We've been waiting months for this to finally happen. There were a few hiccups with the installation - two windows were the wrong size and have to be reordered, and there are some issues with one of the doors, so they are also ordering a replacement for that.  But for the most part, it is done. And once the corrections are completed the final step of new siding and gutters can begin!

That was the same week that my youngest sister came to visit.  We always have a great time together.  Not only is she my baby sister, but she's one of my best friends.  At one point during her visit, we were laughing so hard in the greeting card aisle at Target that I could hardly catch my breath. We can have fun and adventures together, but we're also comfortable just sitting in the same room, quietly reading.

Our dad's 77th birthday  was on the 10th. We celebrated with a dinner at his house that following weekend. There was lots of good food and even more laughter.

The Man of the House and I drove down to Atlanta to attend the preseason football game between the Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals.  As you may remember,  we have a goal to attend a game at every NFL stadium in the country. This marked Mercedes-Benz Stadium off our list. And what a stadium it is! The nicest one we have visited, so far. Before heading home the next day, we had brunch at Atlanta Breakfast Club (chicken and waffles- yum!) and visited The World of Coke. 

The heatwave that hit western North Carolina at the end of this month was trying. This peri-menopausal body doesn't tolerate the heat very well.  Not that I ever did, but it's worse now than ever before.  Thank goodness the window installation was mostly complete and the a/c was functioning! 

How was your August?

Renew

My One Word for 2023 is Explore. In the spirit of exploration, I made the decision not to stop at one word this year - but to also have a word for each month.

During August, I am exploring the word Renew.

August has always felt like a time of new beginnings to me.  A good month for reflection, refreshing, and renewal.

As we prepare for a new season, we may look to refresh our wardrobe, personal appearance, or home decor.

Children begin preschool or kindergarten, and older ones head off to college leaving behind an empty nest and as parents, we find ourselves facing a new season of life.

It's a month that's perfect for setting new goals, or refreshing your commitment to ones you made earlier in the year.

As for me, this month I will be:

- Taking a hard look at my Etsy shop and reevaluating things. I think it's time for some changes to renew my passion for my work. It may be time for some changes and perhaps some rebranding.

-  Renewing my commitment to healthier habits. In the month of July, my attempts at healthier eating took a bit of a downward spiral. (I'm looking at you birthday cakes, airport food, Disney snacks, room service, and In and Out burger!) It's time to get back on track and stay the course.

- Refreshing and renewing my skincare routine. As my skin matures, and deal with the changes of menopause, I'm not feeling like what I have been doing is entirely working for me any longer. So, I'm trying something new. 

- Renewing the look of our home. Our house was built in the1970s, and it's fair to say that it is showing it's age. We're scheduled to have all new windows installed this week. Once that's completed, it will be time to put up new siding and gutters. Then, we're looking at building a new deck, probably this fall.

Is there an area of your life that could use some renewing in the month of August?

August 2023

 It's August, y'all - and you know what that means.  It's almost fall!  Sure, there's still over a month until the official start of my favorite season.  And if you live in the southern portion of the US, It's going to feel like summer for a while yet.  But, once August arrives, I find myself starting to long for cooler days, colorful leaves, and all things pumpkin. But first - we have August.

July was a challenging month for our family. Most of the things we faced aren't my stories to tell, so I'm not going to go into details. Fortunately the month ended on a high note. The Man of the House had a work conference in California,  so I tagged along and we took a few extra days to do some sight seeing.

This month we'll be celebrating my dad's birthday. Every birthday is special. But ever since his heart attack and surgery in 2019, each one we get celebrate with my father is even more precious to me.

I haven't set a reading list for August.  Instead, I'll do a little mood reading - just whichever books strike my fancy. I have a few books that my daughter loaned me, as well as more than a few that have been on my nightstand forever. The plan is to work through some of those this month.

There are some major changes coming to our home in August.  We're scheduled to have new windows installed throughout the entire house, followed by new siding and gutters. I am so excited. These renovations have been a long time coming and are really going to change the look of our home!  

Scaling back my goals and to-do lists worked out nicely for July. I'm going to continue working on and refining this new system. Keeping things simple certainly made it easier to accomplish the things on my list. It also helped when plans needed to be changed for various reasons.

My goals for August:

• Complete sweater I am making for myself
• Add 6 new items to Etsy shop
• Launder all window treatments
• Schedule vet appointment for dog

What are your plans for August?

So far, So Good!

August is off to an extraordinary start! The first week went just so well. tAt this point, I'm only expecting more great things from August. 

Most of my positive feelings about how August is shaping up so far is because we got confirmation that our second grandbaby is due in February of next year!

Am I a little excited?  That would be a complete and total understatement. I don't think I could be anymore excited. 

I adore my grandson so much.  Being Oma is one of my very favorite things ever. And finally, after ten years, I'm going to have twice the love to share!

I accomplished all of the goals I set for the first week of August. That's always a good feeling and sets a nice tone for the rest of the month. And I'm ready to conquer a few more goals this week!

• Write 3 blog posts
• Add 4 new listings to Etsy shop
• Photograph more new cloths for Etsy shop
• Ship open orders
• Sort 1 box of inventory for Etsy shop

How is your August going so far?

Currently... August 2022

Once August hits, I find myself thinking ahead to Autumn. Wondering exactly when it's ok to put out my fall decor, thinking about pumpkin spice everything, looking forward to football season, and dreaming about comforting soups and stews. 

Too soon? Maybe.  Probably. There's still plenty of summer left to savor.

But, after the extreme heat we had to endure during July, I'm guessing that I am not the only one who is already longing for the crisp Autumn days to come!

Until they arrive, let's enjoy what August has to offer!

Working On:  My health.  The husband and I have been walking 2 to 4 miles with the dogs every Sunday (weather permitting)and I am slowly trying to increase my activity levels during the week.  I'm also getting my nutrition back under control.  We'll discuss this in just a minute.

Celebrating: August is a quiet month for celebrations. My dad celebrates his birthday on the 10th.  I'm also going to go ahead and say that I am celebrating a few personal experiences that are going on.  But, we'll talk more about those later this month.

Wanting/Needing:  As I'm trying to increase the stock of ready to ship items for my shop, I find myself needing a different way of storing and tracking my inventory.  I'm considering a couple of different options, but haven't decided yet what is going to be the best way of managing things.

Eating: I have been focusing on lean protein, lots of fiber, and nutrient dense fruits and veggies. It's been amazing to me how a few simple changes can help you feel fuller and reduce snacking.

Loving: Our Sunday walks. I love getting out in the sunshine and fresh air, watching the dogs explore a little, and - most of all - spending the time with my husband.

Goals for August:

• Update blog appearance and layout
• Add 10 new listings to my Etsy shop
• Sort and reorganize 2 boxes of inventory

What are your plans and goals for August?

Currently... August 2021

August used to be such a big, busy month in my life.  But now that my kids are all grown - that has changed.  I no longer have all the rush and excitement of the back-to-school season.  I mean, I'm not gonna lie - my heart still skips a beat when I see all those brand new notebooks and pens in the store aisles. But if I buy any of them, it's purely selfish enjoyment now - not due to a long list of required items. 

July was a blur and I fell short on almost all of my goals.  This seems to become a trend and I'm not happy about that.  I didn't even come close to walking 30 minutes a day.  My crochet top is close to being finished - but not done.  I added several new items to the shop - but not the 15 I was shooting for. I have Sunday posts planned for the next several months, but not the rest of the year.  In fact, getting the outlines created and scheduled for Thankful Thursday posts for the rest of the year is about the only thing I can fully mark off the list.  I'm not exactly proud of this.  But the plan is to buckle down and be able to stay something different at the end of this month.

Working On:  Getting back on track...  with setting and accomplishing goals.  With my health.  Drinking more water.  And 

Celebrating:  My dad turns 75 this month!  And after the past couple of years that he has had - kidney failure due to a retained kidney stone, a massive heart attack followed by triple bypass surgery, and another episode leading to a heart cath and stint - it is definitely something to celebrate!

Wanting/Needing:  To dig deep and find the motivation to get things back on track (as mentioned above)

Eating:  My favorite lunch recently has been a veggie wrap.  I start with some hummus and then pile on greens, sprouts, cukes, red or yellow pepper, tomatoes, shredded carrots, garbanzo beans, and some feta or goat cheese.  Delicious!

Loving:  My New(ish) "What I'm Reading Wednesday" feature.  I adore books.  Reading has been one of my very favorite things to do ever since I was a little kid.  And I adore telling others about the books I'm reading.  I've struggled a little bit with writing the posts because I feel as if I'm coming across all school book report-ish.  But hopefully, it's not as bad as I think and I'll get better as it goes along.

Thinking About:  How close we are to the arrival of autumn.  Fall is my favorite season.  I'm already wondering how soon is too soon to put out all my autumn-themed decor.  Should I wait until after Labor Day, or can I get a head start on it after the middle of August?  What's your opinion?

Goals for August:

• Get everything ready for vacation: packing, dogs and house prepped and ready for the sitter, etc
• List at least 10 new items to Etsy shop
• Write 2 posts for shop blog/newsletter
• Get everything ready for vacation: packing, dogs, and house prepped and ready for sitter.
• Finish creating Sunday posts for the rest of the year
• Create healthy meal plans and stick to them!

What is life looking like for you in August?  Any big plans, celebrations, or goals for the month?

Random August Thoughts

There comes a day in every August when - despite the fact that we're still in one of the hottest months of Summer - there's the slightest promise of autumn's impending arrival. 

It can be difficult to put your finger on exactly what it is that brings to mind that fall is coming - but nonetheless, it's definitely there. 

It may not be an especially chilly day even though there's a touch of crispness to the air.  Just cool enough to remind us that more comfortable days are coming.  

It will still be a couple of months before Autumn colors are in their full beauty.  But, the earliest budding trees are already starting to see some leaves turn yellow and begin to fall,  A preview of what will come.  

Those days are a pleasant break from the weary heat of summer.  You start dreaming of sweaters, boots, and pumpkin spice. Or maybe for you it's bonfires and apple cider.   

You may find yourself with a strong desire to begin putting out your autumn decor and wondering if it's still too soon.  (my answer: it's not!)

This August has also been a bit damp so far.  At least here where I live.  There's an old wives tale which says that "For every fog in August, there will be a snowfall." If there's any truth to that - we are in for a wild ride this year.  (Considering how 2020 has been so far, that wouldn't be such a huge surprise)

So, perhaps we should enjoy these last days of summer as we anticipate the coming Autumn.  And we'll deal with whatever may lay beyond that as it comes.

Currently... August 2020

Remember back in the late winter/early spring when we were hoping that Covid-19 would go away during the summer with the heat and sunshine.  That didn't quite work out as we wished, did it?  Here in North Carolina the numbers - especially hospitalizations and deaths - have continued to increase.  

Schools are opening this month and that whole situation is going to be anything but typical for a while. They are going with a "hybrid" plan, which means beginning with some brief in-person time (including masks and social distancing) to get to know their teacher and the program, then at least the remainder of the first semester will be remote learning.  

It's not going to be easy on anyone.  Least of all, the children.  I don't envy the administrators and government officials for having to make those decisions.  Not the teachers trying to readjust lessons and plans to meet new requirements and also managing to keep kids 6 feet apart and stop them from fidgeting with masks all day for that first week while worrying about keeping themselves healthy.  Or the parents trying to make this work for thier families.  Lots of prayers going all around! I will be helping out with the remote learning portion of the grand kid's schooling since it's not as if one of his parents can just take a semester off from work.  

I'm still pretty much self quarantined here.  About once or twice a month I make a trip out to the craft store to pick up yarn needed for my shop orders (fully masked and social distancing as far away from other people as possible)  Other than that, I stay safe here at home.  I'm not enjoying the heat this summer, which keeps me inside with the comfort of air conditioning where I do a lot of reading and crocheting.

Working On:  Staying sane.  Aren't we all?   In 2020 so far, some days it really does feel like work.  If you're like me you go along thinking you're doing pretty well keeping it all together, then you have a day (or a week) when you feel as if you are truly struggling.

Celebrating: My dad's birthday is this month.  And I think that's the only celebration we have for August

Reading:  Last night I finished The Alienist by Caleb Carr.  I have started watching the show and wondered if the books were as good or better. (Answer: better)  Next on the To-Read queue is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins and then The German Heiress by Anika Scott.  I'm also still limping my way through The Great Influenza.  Parts of it really drag on and the parts that don't are depressing in that they show that nothing has changed much in 100 years.

Loving:  All these afternoon and evening thunderstorms.  I'm one of those weirdos that enjoys the thunder, lightening, wind and rain of an afternoon storm.  As long as it's not severe.

Wanting/Needing:  To reorganize my office and get a space ready for the grand kid's remote learning time. I want him to have a dedicated place for education away from distractions.

Dreaming about:  An upcoming getaway.  In this summer of Covid, I'm not comfortable going somewhere touristy or at risk of having crowds for a vacation.  So, the Man and I have booked an AirBnB at the lake for a long weekend soon.  I am in great need of a few days by the water, resting, reading and soaking up the sun.  

August Goals:

• Drink 64 oz of water per day
• Journal every day
• Meditate at least 3 times per week
• One week sugar detox
• Created blog schedule for September
• Create Thankful Thursday posts for September
• Create Sunday posts for September
• Receive 20 new orders
• Write at least 3 posts for shop blog
• Create shop social media schedule for September

What's your August going to look like?

Joyful Gratitude: September 5

I Am Thankful For:

Another week with a weight loss

Essential oils in the diffuser

A delicious low point breakfast

Rainy days

The first peek of sun after a few days of rain

Filling the bird feeders

Bridal Shower invitations

The first falling leaves

Perfect blue skies

Picking the grand kid up from school

Baking banana muffins

Playing "The ABC Game" in the car

Perfect weather

Braving the heights

Bedtime

Joyful Gratitude: August 29

I Am Thankful For:

Losing 10% of my body weight
The Man of the House helping with dinner
A lot of hummingbird activity
Conquering my To Do list 2 days in a row
Cloudy days
Not getting stung when I almost grabbed a wasp
Another delicious dinner
Books that make me smile while reading
Tree struck by lightening wasn't worse
Hearing the Etsy "ch-ching" sound
Shopping for wedding decor
Discovering a low point treat
Down 20 pounds!
Fall-like weather
Little baby Carolina Reaper peppers

Joyful Gratitude: August 22

I Am Thankful For:

Feeling good about myself
Blue Heron on the bridge
Surpassing my daily step goal
And my water goal
A movie "date" with the grand kid
Orders ready to ship
Family dinner
Berries with whipped cream
Books that make me think
Last day of summer break
Good morning kisses
A new shower curtain
Shopping for fresh fish
Jammies all day
Grilled swordfish and veggies

Joyful Gratitude: August 14

I Am Thankful For:

A cooler, breezy morning
When the grocery shopping is completed
Getting all my steps
Taco "pizza"
A day with no where to go
Listening to the hawks calling to each other
A good weigh in
Staying below points
NFL preseason
Doggy facial expressions
Noisy little birds
Indulging for an evening out
A long walk at the park

Joyful Gratitude - August 8

I Am Thankful For:

Eating lunch with the Grand Kid
Shark Week
Clean Sheet Day
Silence
To Do list: Done
A hawk on the back porch
Going out to lunch with The Man of the House and the Grand Kid
Keeping it light
The smell of coffee
The Grand Kid asking me to read to him
Zero point dinners
Strawberries
Kisses
Sleepy little boy
Dog-sitting
Dinner with my Dad
Key lime pie
Making travel plans

Currently... August 2019

This year is flying by!!  In just over 2 months we will be celebrating the wedding of the Female Offspring.  In just under 3 months,  I will turn the big 5-0.  Once my birthday rolls around, it always seems as if the rest of the year is just a blur!    But for now, I plan to spend this month enjoying my last few weeks with the grand kid before he goes back to school.

Reading:  Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak (author of The Book Thief).  Later this month I plan to read either Great Expectations or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for my Before 50 list.

Celebrating:  This is a relatively quiet month for us.  The only celebration this month is my dad's birthday on the 10th.

Working On:  Still working on my office.  I have been steadily plugging away at it, and now it's almost done. There some detail things, like a lot of paper work that needs to be sorted/organized/shredded.  And some final organizing details - mostly sewing and craft stuff that needs purged.

Enjoying:  Trying new Weight Watchers recipes.  I have tried several off the app and website and haven't found one that I don't like yet.  Even the Man of the House and the Male Offspring have liked them.

Wanting:  Ice cream.  And donuts.  Or both.  Generally, all the things I try to limit or avoid now that I am determined to lose the weight.  Once I reach a certain milestone I will give myself a little treat.  But until then, I will continue to be strong.  (unless anyone has a secret for removing all the calories from my favorite foods?)

Needing:  I started Weight Watchers at the beginning of July.  So far, I am down over 10 pounds.  Now I need to incorporate more activity into my routine to help keep things moving in the right direction.

Making:  It must be washcloth and exfoliating bath puff season!  I have a steady flow of orders for both.  When I have a moment between orders, I am trying to work on new ready to ship dishcloth sets, especially for fall and I will soon be starting on Christmas items.

Feeling:  Alternately good and frustrated with my weight loss journey.  I keep reminding myself that it is just that - a journey.  Every journey has twists and turns, ups and downs.

Anticipating:  NFL preseason starts this month.  Which means that the regular season is just around the corner!  You may know by now that I am a big fan of football, especially the Carolina Panthers.  The Man of the House and I are making plans to attend a few games this year.  We already have tickets for the Panthers home opener against the Rams.  Now we're looking at making a trip to Cleveland to see his Browns play.

What is your life looking like during August?

Currently... August 2018

August can be one of the hottest, most humid months of the year.  And yet, somehow, this is a little more bearable because there is that promise of Autumn just around the corner.  There is always that day in  August that is a little cooler, a little crisper - as if the air carries that hint of what is to come.  It's also back to school time for many across the country.  And even though my days of back to school shopping lists are over - I still get a little excited when I see all those brand new pens, pencils, and notebooks filling the aisles.

Reading:  I just finished Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth - the book which the television series is based from.  I enjoyed it very much.  Although I can't help but wonder if everyone who watched the show before reading the book hears Vanessa Redgrave's voice as they read along.  No?  Just me?  Now I'm reading The Watchers:  A Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth I by Stephon Alford.  As someone who is a sucker for all things Tudor (or most English history, for that matter), this history of Elizabeth espionage drew me in like a moth to a flame. 

Enjoying:  Making some healthy lunch packs.  The first ones I have made are based on the Starbucks protein packs.  They are filling and delicious.  

Working On:  Trying to get all my Etsy orders completed and shipped before we go on vacation

Anticipating:  Finally - Vacation is almost here!!  I am looking forward to seeing the grand kid's reaction to all the Disney parks and enjoying them through his eyes.   I'm also excited to spend some time with my youngest sister and her family.  

Wanting:  A real, serious, do-able plan for getting in shape.  I know y'all are probably sick of listening to me talk about how I need to lose weight and get healthy.  So, that's all I'm going to say about that. 

Needing:  Ideas for keeping the squirrels out of my bird feeder!  While it's occasionally cute to watch the little thieves play on the porch, I'm also getting sick and tired of them emptying my feeder.  I buy that seed for my feathered friends - NOT the squirrels!  

Feeling:  Excited about helping the Female Offspring with all her upcoming wedding planning!  I am willing to be involved as much, or as little, as she needs or wants me.

Have a fun, safe and healthy August!! 

Currently... August

Once August arrives, the entire rest of the year seems to just fly right on by.  Today, it may currently be August 1st, but next thing we know I'll be posting about the holidays coming up and we'll be wondering where the time went.  Well, I plan to take things as slow as possible and really be in the moments instead of anticipating the rest of this year away. Who's with me?  Let's start by pausing to look at what we're doing and how we're feeling right now!

Reading:  I'm finally finishing up Issac's Storm by Erik Larsen.  And waiting to get back to the top of the wait list so I can complete A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.

In non-fictio, I am finally reading through The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.  Confession:  I have avoided this book like the plague.  Because some of the things I have seen in reviews sound a little out there for me.  But I have decided to give it a chance, use what (if anything) I find helpful and leave the rest.  Then, I have 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker next in the queue.

Eating:  I had hoped July would be a better eating month. However... beginning the month on vacation - which involved lots of eating out, French toast breakfast (and one with chocolate gravy!) -  the female offspring's birthday, and an overwhelming craving for ice cream - it was not to be.  I did do some breakfast and lunch meal prepping once we were home again.  Which definitely helped keep me a little more on track!  More of that needs to happen in August.

Working On:  Would you believe washcloths?  Yep... more and still.  I've also been hard at work on some bath puff orders and a moose hat.  I took time during vacation to start on a beautiful wrap for myself.  Who knows when I'll get a chance to finish it!

Enjoying:  My new little car.  It is just so cute and I love driving it.

Anticipating:  The male offspring goes back to classes on the 14th.  The grand baby starts kindergarten later this month.  And...  The solar eclipse coming up on August 21!

Feeling:  Honestly... today I'm a little tired.  I didn't sleep well last night.

How about you?  What are you up to as August begins?  How are you feeling?  Anything you're really looking forward to this month?

Currently... Things Are Moving Along

August is moving right along, isn't it?   Things are happening and plans are being made, and everything is just so exciting right now!

Reading:  The Paris Wife by Paula McLain.  A fictional account of Earnest Hemingway's marriage to his first wife, Hadley.  It's a bit strange to be enjoying a book so very much when I dislike all of the characters so very much.

Eating:  Spaghetti squash!  One of the zucchini vines we planted began producing something which clearly was NOT zucchini.  After a little research I determined it was probably spaghetti squash and decided to give it a go. And I was very pleased with the results!  What a happy mistake.

Making:  Finishing up a big order of cotton facial rounds for the shop.

Enjoying:  Both of my offspring being in college.   The male is starting his first semester, whole his sister is starting her final semester.  And for the first time ever they are attending the same school!  With the age difference between them the girl started middle school the year her brother started elementary and was in high school before he arrived in middle school.  So this is a new experience for them.

Anticipating:  A trip to Japan!! (insert squeals here)  The Man of the House and I have actually been anticipating this for a while.  I haven't said anything to anyone because until this week it wasn't a certainty.  But now - the plane tickets are purchased, the hotel is booked, and I am crazy excited!

Feeling:  Excited!  A little nervous. Very happy.

What's everyone else up to these days?

August Goals and Intentions

July was not a great month for goals.  I did not finish reading 3 books and most weeks I was doing good if I got in 2 walks.  I did make some progress on the yarn stash - but it's not exactly what I would call organized yet.  And those pillows for the living room still live on the to-do list to haunt me another day.

The Man of the House and I have been doing a pretty good job of healthier eating. We have allowed ourselves a cheat day every now and then (about once every couple of weeks), but mostly we've  been keeping it pretty clean.  So...  yeah us!!

My intention for August is  PRIORITIZE.  I don't know about you, but between my business, my family, maintaining the house/daily chores, and my personal interests/hobbies - I feel as if there are about 100 different things competing for my time, attention, and energy every day.  This means taking that now famous to-do list of mine and each day pulling out the one thing in each category (Home, Personal, and Work) that MUST get done that day.  Anything else which gets marked off the list is a bonus.  If it's not the Priority  item and it doesn't happen, it can wait until tomorrow.  Or the day after that... or the day after that.

GOALS FOR AUGUST:

1)  30 Day Water Challenge: I started the previously abandoned Water Challenge again on August 1.  We'll  talk more about that later this month.  I will say that so far, so good.

2)  Read 2 Books: Apparently my goal of 3 books from last month was a little over reaching.  As a result, I have pared it down to 2 books for August.

3)  Finish Organizing Yarn Stash:  I am determined to knock this out next week while I have my grandbaby-free week

4)  Walk 2 to 3 Times Per Week: Because if at first you don't succeed - try, try again.

What are your goals for August?