I’m working on my attitude about autumn – bundling up and taking the dogs for walks to see the fall colors in our neighborhood; enjoying my fireplaces; drinking copious amounts of hot tea; and lighting candles against the darkness. The fresh autumn air does smell really good, and I notice I have time to read …
Today isn’t supposed to be just a day off from work. We should call (not just text) our friends and family members who have been members of the military (even if they haven’t been on active duty in war time) and thank them for their service. They’ll appreciate it so much. I’m reading up on …
More beautiful trees I drive past on my way home from errands Today I’m dropping off a car load of gently used, serviceable donations at the Goodwill van in my town. I’m also planning to clean off all sorts of surfaces in my house: Dressers, counters, coffee tables, the mail table, TV stands, bookcases, wall …
Peacock Fairy Wings, from Elven Creations on Etsy This weekend it’s still “Time for Us” week. We will not be engaging in any sorting, decluttering, cleaning or house projects. We’ll just perform the minimal amount of work necessary to keep our kids clean, rested and fed; our pets happy; and our houses from falling apart …
Hudson Single Malt Whiskey, at Total Wine & More Today I’m checking my liquor cabinet to see what I need to stock on for the upcoming holiday season. I throw a lot of dinner parties, cocktail parties and movie parties. While busy cooking and cleaning for a party, I’d rather not have to stop and …
The flowerbed I’m going to have to weed tonight, like it or not! Have I ever mentioned that I really, really, really don’t enjoy gardening? Yet I love having pretty flowers in my yard. I have got to force myself to weed out these horrible nettles or thistles, whatever they are, out of the bed …
I’ve added an outdoor living room to my outdoor office. This is where I sit to read magazines, browse catalogs, text people, and drink tea while watching my dogs play. I try not to do any work in this area, wanting it to feel leisurely. If I need to write, study, pay bills or work …
Ornamental peppers I was admiring at my neighborhood grocery store’s garden department Seattle doesn’t get a lot of 90 degree days – this is one of them – so we hardly know what to do with ourselves when it happens. I learned the hard way yesterday to keep my heavy curtains drawn all day. Turns …
The lavender pound cake I’m baking today while in domesticity mode Today’s stronger-than-expected thunderstorm and rain showers have put me into a delightfully domestic mood. Don’t get me wrong – I love summertime, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the warm sunny weather, long days, and outdoor activities. We certainly have enough rain here in Seattle …
A colorful pot of flowers I bought to bring cheer to my back deck This week Seattle has been surprised with beautiful sunny weather in the 80s. I’m making the most of it – I threw a backyard hot dog barbecue (tofu dogs for me!) for family on Monday; working on my laptop outside in …