So Long, September

As September comes to an end, I always feel a subtle shift—not just in the weather, but in my mindset. I find myself lingering in the quiet moments a little longer. This time of year always seems to me as if the world is gently encouraging me to slow down for a moment before the rush of the holidays begins.

It's too close to call as to which post on the blog was your favorite this month - Cozy September or Shopping My Closet: Transitional Fall Style. I also shared what I love about Fall in Welcoming Autumn. 

September was a month of long awaited accomplishment. Our countertops were installed. We were thrilled at how quickly this happened.  We had originally been told it could take 6 to 8 weeks. As it turned out - once we approved the slabs, the installation took place 10 days later! They are so beautiful.  There's still work to be done. For example: tiling the back splash, putting up all the trim, and figuring out window treatments.  But we once again have a functioning kitchen and I love how it is coming together!

Our new deck passed final inspection. And we have been enjoying as much time out there as possible! We bought a giant cantilever umbrella to provide shade even when the sun is past the trees and beats down on that side of the house. And we've already hosted a small family get together on it.

No one seems to be happier about the deck than the family dogs.  Ziggy would spend every waking second out there if I let him!  Although he has tried to squeeze through the gate and make an escape once already. We need to figure a way to prevent that from happening!

Mid-month I was sick for over a week with what must have been a nasty cold.  The day it started, I thought it was just some fall allergies. But by the next morning I felt terrible and there was no doubt that I was really and truly sick.  I felt bad enough to test for Covid and the flu. Fortunately, all results were negative. And by the end of the week I was starting to feel a little better. Although, I still haven't completely gotten rid of the cough.

This month I read "Lightning Strike" by William Kent Krueger for book club.  I also read "A Resistance of Witches" by Morgan Ryan and "The Reformatory" by Tananarive Due. I am currently reading "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by V. E. Schwab. The man of the house and I finished reading "Equal Rites" by Terry Pratchett.  Any suggestions for what we should read next?

Some of my favorite things from September included: mornings and evenings out on the new deck, iced coffee, the subtle changes in the weather, and the man of the house grilling every weekend.

How was your September? 

Good Riddance, September

 I'm not even sure where to start with trying to reecap the month of September.  This was meant to be my month to Prepare.  And for a while I was making pretty good progress.

I was getting my house in order to prepare for my knee surgery in October. Getting things cleaned and organized. Decorating for Autumn. Things weren't moving along quite as quickly as I hoped, but I was happy with the progress I was making.

Then we got to the last week of September...

On the afternoon of September 25th, it began raining.   Over the next twenty-four hours, the area of North Carolina where I live received record rainfall.  Some areas were flooding.  It was a bit of a mess. But that wasn't the big problem.
The big problem was that Hurricane Helene was about to make landfall in Florida and head our way.  It's path was just west of us, putting us on the east side if the storm where the heaviest rainfall occurs.  Rain we didn't need on top of what had just fallen.

It rained throughout the day of the 26th. And in the early morning hours of Friday, September 27th, Helene unleashed her fury on our mountains.  It was worse than we could have imagined.

In our immediate neighborhood, trees and power lines are down.  We have no power, no water, and no internet service. Part of our road has washed away, but is fortunately still passable. Cell phone service is extremely spotty and virtually nonexistent at my house. I'm posting this while sitting in a parking lot where I was able to find a signal.

As crazy as things are for us right now, we are considering ourselves fortunate.   Our home isn't flooded and doesn't have a tree through the roof. We have been in touch with family to determine that everyone is OK. We've been able to cook some on the grill and a propane burner. We have been able to get out and get some more bottled water and some groceries. 

So many others in the area are suffering much more than we are right now. Homes have washed away or been destroyed by landlides and falling trees. Lives have been lost.  I don't think is possible to overstate how much this area is hurting.

It's Friday... right?

I feel as if it has been both the longest week and the shortest week all at the same time.  I can't explain why it feels that way.  It's not as if anything especially drastic, or terrible, or exciting has happened.  It's just been one of those weeks.

I went and had my flu shot yesterday.  So... yay, me!  Today I'm feeling a little tired and headachy.  And  my arm is sore.  You know, typical post-flu-shot type stuff.

I'm going to take a moment and complain just a little.  I am pretty much sick and tired of this heat.  It's almost October.  I'm ready for some sweater weather already!  However the temperatures this week have been in the 80s.  Thanks global warming.  : /

Fortunately, that is all supposed to change.  Tomorrow is only supposed to be in the low 70s and gorgeous.  With overnight lows in the 40s and  highs in the 60s on Sunday.  Yippee!!

I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend. See you in October!!