Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Bucket List: Fall 2020

Posted on By jennifer

Well, hello Fall!  You’ve been teasing us for days not but now it’s official.  The first day of fall 🙂 And, apparently, time to think about your fall bucket list.  Assuming, of course, you have a fall bucket list.  I typically do not.  I think it is this empty-nest season and the bucket list items I usually associate with this new season – bonfires, s’mores, and corn mazes – are not in my future.  At least, I don’t think so; however, a corn maze could be a lot of fun!  Just sayin.  However, there are some things I am looking forward to in the next few weeks (and months) as the days get shorter, the leaves start changing and the air gets brisk.  So I thought I would join the bucket list fun…and link up with my friend, Leslie.  I might even get inspired by some of the others and their lists!

This fall, I am looking forward to:

*Pumpkin treats.  I did say that pumpkin spice is not really my thing.  As in, pumpkin spice coffee and lattes.  I do enjoy some pumpkin bread (especially with chocolate chips), pumpkin bread pudding, pumpkin cookies.  Well, you get the idea.  Whip my pumpkin into a bakery delight and I’m all in!!  I have an entire Pinterest board devoted to pumpkin and I’m looking forward to trying a new one each week.  Well, maybe every other week!  Goodness.

*Apple picking.  There is something fun about walking through a pick-your-own orchard.  I love it and look forward to it every year although it has been a couple of years since I have actually picked (rather than bought the already picked ones).  I’m picking my own this year!

*Homemade applesauce.  I am not a canner by any means.  But I would like to make extra jars of applesauce.  Even the jars filled with homemade goodness look so cozy – and delicious – in the pantry.  Which apples make the best applesauce?  Please share.

*Early mornings….that start slow and easy – with the fireplace on, steaming cups of coffee and snuggly pjs.  I love mornings and I love it when the sunshine pours in early during the summer.  But there is something lovely about crisp autumn mornings that begin before the sun is completely awake that is magical!

*Switching to flannel sheets.  Because chilly autumn mornings:)

*Taking more walks.  Walking when the humidity is soaring and the sun blazes is just not fun.  I don’t enjoy walking that much (it is so much like exercise – which I firmly resist!) but I actually rather enjoy it during the fall.  Just don’t tell anyone.  I’m looking forward to hitting the pavement!

*Continuing with my new volunteering.  I think I found a new spot – since returning to the assisted living does not seem remotely possible any time soon (or forever)! 🙁  I am really enjoying the food pantry and I have heard it gets very busy in the next few months.  I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

*Trying some new ideas with my blog and/or my Instagram page.  It is an interesting way to stretch myself – totally outside the comfort zone – but I think fall is the perfect time to try.

*Working on my Spanish.  Every day at the pantry, I am reminded how pitiful my Spanish is (ok, it’s non-existent) and how many times I have started and stopped with trying to learn.  I’ve tried a couple of different at-home lessons – all of which I have found to be so-so.  Does anyone know a program that really works well?  Again, please share.

*Exploring my options for clarinet lessons.  See above…because the same good intentions plus the stopping and not finishing apply here.  Ugh.

*Doing a Bible study.  This will be solo.  At-home.  COVID-style.  Which really does not sound all that great but I look forward to Bible study every fall.  They have all been canceled (or a few switched to Zoom) because of, well, COVID.  And I don’t want COVID to steal the joy – and the benefit – of extra in-depth Bible study.  This one I need to get started with pronto (note to self!)

*Wearing tights again.  And sweaters.  And all the cozy clothes!  But tights are my favorite.  Tights are my friend…yes indeed.

*Enjoying all the comfort foods of fall.  Chili.  Mac and Cheese.  Crockpot meals all week.

I think I should end this list now.  This list that I thought would be two lines long.  I suppose I have more of a bucket list – or, at least, more to look forward to than I realized.  This is a good exercise – to look ahead.  To anticipate and be excited.  I often look back to remember and to be grateful…which is good.  But looking ahead is a good idea as well.  What are you looking forward to this fall??

 

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Comments (21)

  1. Love your list. I joined in as well. I love the idea of flannel sheets but I get so hot at night I just don’t think I could do it. I want to work on my spanish too. We have a lot of hispanic families in our community. I can’t wait for crockpot meals too.

    1. Flannel sheets can be tricky..to be sure. I do have to throw them off every once in a while…but I just love to crawl into them at night or snuggle into them first thing in the morning:)

  2. Wow, what a fabulous list. Wish I had seen it before I made my own. Wonder if it is too late to tweak mine a bit. Love the idea of pumpkin goodies. Especially pumpkin bread pudding!! Yes, please!! The early morning rituals, fire in the fireplace, coffee, cozy throw. I hope that my time helping with my grands will be less frequent so I can enjoy my mornings at home. Sounds so selfish of me.
    I love tights and sweaters and cords. Looking forward to wearing them, too.
    As far as Spanish lessons go…my public library just started offering free access to Mango Languages. You might see if your public library offers something similar. I have also used Duolingo with some success. We can practice with one another.
    Glad you can continue volunteering at the food bank. I would like to do that, too. Maybe I will look into it but would only be able to help when I am not helping with my grands. And not cleaning the house. Or ironing. Will I ever get it all ironed?

  3. I love your list – so many of these ideas resonate with my own goals for the season. 🙂 Slow mornings, soup, and apple picking is a great socially distanced social event. We went the other week with my SIL and niece – it was so nice to be out somewhere different and be together but still be safe! Enjoy the season. 🙂

  4. This is a fabulous list! I’m not typically a pumpkin fan either but do love it in my baked goods. We found a chili recipe that used a can of pumpkin and while I was so skeptical it turned out to be one of our all time favorite recipes. The pumpkin adds a nice body and texture without a funky taste (like I had feared). My kids have used Duolingo to teach themselves a few foreign languages and they enjoy it too; which is always a bonus when learning. Just 15-20 minutes a day is supposed to be all you need. I’ve been thinking of taking up French myself as I did study it in high school but don’t really remember any of it.

    1. I studied French in school, too. Would love to work on it again…but know I could use Spanish just about every single day! I think I have Duolingo on my phone…will have to check it out again. Thanks. Oh, and pumpkin in my chili – WINNING! I’m going to look for that recipe!!

  5. Hi Jennifer! I’ve arrived here via Leslie, it’s nice to ‘meet’ you!
    I started a Spanish course on Duolingo back in March when we went into lockdown here in the UK, I thought it would be useful as I’d like to visit Spain again sometime but I think it may be a while before I’m booking that ticket to Seville 🙁
    Looking forward to the comfort foods of Autumn too, I do love casseroles and pies, it’ll be good to get those warming recipes out again. Our weather is constantly changing here, but I think today is the last day of full sun that we are forecast for a little while now so it won’t be long before I’m back in opaque tights and winter shoes again!

  6. I’m planning to do a little baking with pumpkin. Pumpkin bread with chocolate chips sounds sooo…Mmmmmm. I keep my flannel sheets on the bed year round. Love my flannels!

  7. I love Fall. I’m so ready for cooler days – and I’m going to try and get walking a bit more too – and all the cozy, clothes. I’m all about the layers!! That’s great you found that you have more to look forward to than you first thought!

    -Lauren

  8. I so enjoyed reading your bucket list, Jennifer. Your descriptions (or explanations) painted a picture for me that made me want to join in–especially for the pumpkin and chocolate treats. Yum! Enjoy your fall and take care of yourself!

    1. Thanks so much, Christie! So glad you stopped by – and thanks for your kind and encouraging comment!

  10. Fall is my favorite season, and even if I wasn’t already excited about its arrival, reading your list would definitely get me there. You have loads of fantastic ideas on there! I do have to say that I’m a pumpkin spice gal, but even more, I’m a pumpkin gal. Pumpkin pie is my absolute fave—year round. I am one of those folks who loves that the hours of daylight are growing shorter. That is one of my favorite things about fall, and the days from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice are my favorite of the entire year for that reason. I love it being dark at 5 p.m.! Many people hate it, but I love the coziness of cuddling up in front of the fire (gas) with a cup of hot tea and a good book. In the light months, I just don’t do that as readily. Wow, clarinet lessons and Spanish. You rock! You are proving that one is never too old to learn new things!

    Blessings,
    Patti @ Clothed with Joy

    1. The dark evenings can definitely be cozy!! Funny that you love it! Good for you. So many are already whining about it!!:( Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!!

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