Hello again friends. I started to say good morning but I’m typing this at four oclock in the afternoon and it just sounds odd. Actually, I typing this on Wedneday but will post it tomorrow (on Thursday) for a link-up that actually began today (on Wednesday). This whole pre-planning your posts can get so complicated. I’m having to type “today” for anything referring to tomorrow…while typing yesterday for anything specific to today. Huh? The part of my brain that processes such word challenges is feeling overwhelmed. But I am going to give it my best effort and get this Currently post for the month of October “in the books.” As always, the rest of the link-up can be found here Jen’s blog here. All that out of the way. Let’s see, currently, I am……
LOVING – Bible study. Or should I say studies. This “semester” I decided to join two different studies. I was not sure if it would be too much of a commitment – not only with attendance but with the amount of homework/study to be done for each one – but so far, it has been working out great. The Wednesday study is in full swing and, I have to say, I am thoroughly enjoying it. We are studying the book of Matthew. Only to chapter three but I have already learned much and have been challenged as well. The second study is just getting started but will be on the Sermon on the Mount. Not sure I exactly like the format for this one but I have many friends in this study (the other one is brand new to me) and I really enjoy meeting with everyone once a week.
A few other things I am loving: having my fall things out (finally). I still don’t have the front porch done but I am blaming that on the weather. Goodness but we have been without the sun for quite a few days in a row. Hoping to get the porch finished before the weekend. But all the pumpkins, scarecrows and pretty fall things are out of their bins and scattered around the house inside. I really like the way the house feels. So cozy, friendly and so pumpkin-spicey like!:) Also loving pots of chili, all the pretty pansies and plans to visit the pumpkin patch.
LOOKING FORWARD TO – visiting the Museum of the Bible downtown tomorrow. I did not know this (until just a week or so ago), but they have a live theater at the museum and host both concerts as well as drama presentations. The current production is Pilgrim’s Progress and hubby and I are going to see it tomorrow. A bit of a belated anniversary outing for us (as I was in Panama on our actual anniversary). We are having dinner downtown afterwards – at a new to us Italian restaurant – which is always fun, too.
WEARING – the cutest new pajamas. Well, I’m technically not wearing them just now but I have been enjoying them every evening since I bought them last week. I have a hard time buying pajamas because they (most often) come in a set and I usually need different sizes for the top and the bottom. However, these were a set and they fit perfect. And are incredibly comfortable. If I don’t get to the store soon and buy a few new pieces of daywear, I might be wearing those pjs to grocery store. Ok, just kidding but I do need to do some shopping.
READING – and seeing all the photos (like this one off of the internet) from the devastaion in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It really is overwhelming and a bit hard to process. I know many events in past history have shown and proven just how resilient we can be…but I wonder if I would be able to recover/move forward/find hope?? Just being honest. It is also discouraging to navigate a way to offer help. Here in Virginia, some areas are on a “boil water” notice due to flooding that has impacted the tap water. In response, many in my area (literally hours away) are buying up all the bottled water. Why?? So frustrating but definitely a rabbit trail. For those interested, I will say this site is a very trusted source if you wanted to send financial help. It also includes a link where you could volunteer. (Take a look at the link just to see more pictures….)
COOKING – plenty of pumpkin (dare I say pumpkin spice) goodness. I know that I have belabored this point but I just can’t seem to get away from all the pumpkin temptations. Yesterday (um, the other day), I bought some pumpkin filled ravoili. I think we will have that tonight for dinner. I also have some pumpkin soup to enjoy and all the ingredients for some pumpkin snickerdoodles. And, if I ever tire of pumpkin, there is plenty of butternut squash goodness to be had!! I had the best bowl of squash soup just the other night…with thick, chewy croutons and a swirl of truffle sauce on top. Yum! I’m also quite ready to bring out the crockpot again. I use mine alot in the fall and…well, fall is here! Any favorite recipes? Send ’em my way!
Well friends, I managed to get through that…but, again, my hat goes off to those bloggers who can coherently prepare posts days (or even weeks) in advance. I hope you will go back and check out the link-up if you have not already. And then let me know what you have been loving lately. There is so much to love about October!! Have a wonderful weekend ahead and I hope you will come back on Monday!
Good morning, my friend. I will read your posts whenever you write them and whenever you post them! We are also in “Pumpkin ” mode around here. This is good for me because I love the whole vibe of fall and pumpkin and pumpkin spice. I also love Christmas, but I do not like all the chocolate peppermint-flavored things! I join you in thoughts and prayers for those devastated now. I hope you have a cozy afternoon.
I would love to take some Bible classes but I am so afraid of the commitment. Love that you are enjoying your pajamas and pumpkin spice! 🙂 Keeping the storm devastation in my prayers!
I am joining you in the late to link party. So many thoughts about what you wrote. Completely agree about the areas impacted by the hurricane. Intrigued that your area has a Bible museum. You will have to let us know what you think :). I am not that into edible pumpkin things- just decor. But Alyssa wants to go to Trader Joe´s during her fall break so who knows what pumpkin-y food I may come home with? I hope your day is sunshine-y!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Museum of the Bible. Our grandson went for a visit there recently when he was home visiting with his parents. He really enjoyed it.
Your fall decor is so pretty. I love your decorating style.
All those recipes you mentioned sound so good! I love using my crock pot for cozy meals and we tend to eat a lot of squash and pumpkin (and apple!) things this time of year. The photos are so heart wrenching. I’m not sure I’d have the fortitude to move forward after something like that either but really what other choice is there? I hope that the kindness of strangers and the ability of an area to come together and rebuild would eventually help one see the hope, goodness, and light in the world after so much loss and devastation.
Tis the time of the year for all things pumpkin and it looks like you are embracing it to its fullest! Everything sounds delicious!
Hi Jennifer. I agree, I agree, all the fall things make everything feel so cozy! I picked up a pumpkin for the porch at Trader Joe’s the other day. I still need to buy pansies and replace my fading mum. I actually might do that this evening or tomorrow. I’m making turkey chili for dinner tonight. And I just baked a new recipe I came across – pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip bars and they are so gooey and delicious! I’ll share the recipe soon. Thank you for praying for the people here in Western NC. I only live about an hour away from where all the devastation took place. And honestly, I don’t like to talk a lot about politics, but our governor and this administration could be doing so much more. It’s just really frustrating that they are not. Thank God for Samaritan’s Purse, they have stepped up and are doing all they can to help as many people as possible, but more help is needed. They are headquartered here in Western NC. Oh, I just shared a delicious recipe for an Apple Cinnamon Dutch Baby Pancake! It’s so good and your house will smell just like fall! Have a cozy weekend.
I am not sure about being in pumpkin mode here…because its still hot and humid here in Florida, but nonetheless, I have managed to set somethings out. Wishing you a lovely Saturday my friend.
You have such a relatable way of sharing, Jennifer! I chuckled through your first paragraph–yes, this issue is a common one for us writers! And I share your love of autumn, and your concern for those who lost so much in this hurricane (and now the one that is forming…). Your posts are always uplifting to read. Thank you!
Thank you, Karen, for your encouraging comment! You blessed me today:)
I have the same problem with wearing a different size top and bottom!
Glad you stopped by, Dara. Happy Monday!