Hello friends and welcome to another Monday! Fall has certainly been lovely these past few days. At least in my neck of the woods. The nights (which are getting longer…sigh) cool down to temperatures that make sleeping with the windows open just delightful. But, during the day, the sun is glorious and the termperatures are warm and just lure me outside. Afternoons on the porch – with a fall drink in hand – have been a favorite. A few other favorites just now: daily diffusing pumpkin pie essential oil, cute pumpkin themed earrings and a cute new (fall inspired) gnome for the back flower bed. Here are few favorites from the weekend as well.
ONE – apple picking with friends. Goodness but it was a pretty day when we rode out to the mountains. Apparently, the apple season has not been great this year. I guess there was a late frost back in April that did a lot of damage. (I will take their word for this. My memory has no recollection of such a frost. My memory has no recollection past the last week of September!) Although the trees did look rather sad, we found plenty of apples to fill our small bags. I also came home with a couple of mums and a perfectly shaped pumpkin! My plan is to make applesauce today…yum.
Have you ever made applesauce in the crock pot? This is my favorite way. This year I am going to try unsweetened applesauce which is something different. Fingers crossed.
TWO – We had a lovely ladies meeting on Saturday morning at church. I am grateful for my church family. For my friends. And for another chance for Bible study. We also had some really yummy breakfast.
THREE -Those mums and pumpkin that I brought home were used to help make my porch a bit more seasonally appropriate. We have been dragging our feet in getting the porch looking ready for fall. But it was finally “now or never” time and I’m glad to report that the scarecrow and pansies are now all in place.
I know that my summer-loving soul is slow to embrace the new season. But, goodness, once it warms its way into my heart…autumn is just lovely! Weekends, and even seasons, like this just make my heart happy. But I have not forgotten this quote (that I read years ago) from Dr. Charles Stanley. He wrote: Victory demands more than floating through each day. Yes, I can be a floater.
A day may begin sun-drenched or with storm clouds. My heart may be singing or it may be heavy, pained or even overwhelmed. But whatever the day or whatever it holds, each day deserves intention. Requires intention. And each day includes a battle. Without purpose and attention, complacency, idleness and such like will defeat me in many ways but, especially spiritually. I certainly cannot let my guard down…even on these sun-dappled, joy-filled days. Especially on these days. So here’s to week ahead that is intentional and productive. And victorious.
So glad you stopped by, friends. Enjoy your week and I hope you will stop by again on Wednesday!!
¨Apple picking with friends¨ may be the most fun four sounding words I´ve read about today :). I am with you on not being able to remember what April was like frost wise!! I have made applesauce in the crock pot. It was years ago- Alyssa was in 1st grade (I only remember that because I loved her first grade teacher; the teacher made applesauce for her students and sent the recipe home to parents in case they wanted to try it). The last paragraph is so true- thanks as ever for your wise, truthful and good way with words.
Maria – always glad to see you have stopped by first thing. I have started looking for you:) Apple picking was a lot of fun…and, this afternoon, the kitchen smells so good with those apples simmering in the crock pot!! It could not be easier, that is for sure. Hope you are enjoying your Monday!!
The apples on your counter look good. Are they the ones you came home with from your apple picking adventures? How did the applesauce turn home, Jennifer? Do you have a favored applesauce recipe that you would share? Have a wonderful week!
Robin, I just used the Pioneer Woman’s crockpot applesauce recipe that I found online. It is still simmering just now but I will let you know how it turns out:) Happy Monday to you!
Your header photo is incredible Jennifer, one of the reasons I love Fall, sights such as this one. As for the other photos, all delightful. You have had another lovely week. And I can almost smell that wonderful aroma from your applesauce. Have a great week🎃🧡😊🌻
Jennifer, I certainly agree with living life with intention. It can make or break a day. Being complacent brings on depression – something I’ve battled with lately. We need to choose joy. It doesn’t always come automatically. Have a blessed week.
WOW…my friend, thank you for sharing the last paragraph with us. It was something that I needed to hear TODAY…at THIS particular time.
Love your mum and pumpkin and the sweet little doggie to welcome people to your home.
I’ve never made applesauce in the crockpot…thank you for the suggestion. I’m definitely going to give it a try.
xx