Happy Monday…and good morning, although I am just under the wire with morning greetings. I will say that I sat down to post much earlier this morning. I intended to join the Ten on the Tenth link-up. But, when I checked for the “ten things prompt,” well, as they say, “I got nothin.” Marsha was asking for thoughts on our ten favorite muppets. Yep, muppets. I just could not even think of four muppets, much less my favorites and/or much to say about them. Sesame Street was a long time ago:) Honestly, I do not remember watching Sesame Street as a child. I suppose that I did but I do not remember it. (I DO remember Romper Room!!?)
Actually, I do not remember watching tv in the morning. Most of our tv watching was done as a family and would be in the evening. Shows like Andy Griffith, Green Acres or the Brady Bunch. Well, not sure Dad watched too much Brady Bunch. As younger kids, I (sorta/kinda) remember Mr. Rogers. Saturday mornings were an exception. Saturday mornings were made for cartoons! I might not remember much about tv…but that I do remember! I digress…but I could not think what to say about Sesame Street. Sorry muppet fans!!
That said, how about ten other things? Maybe ten things I love about this time of year. Ten about the autumn season. Probably won’t be too creative but I’m okay with that.
A LITTLE MORE SUNSHINE IN THE MORNINGS – yes, I know that means it gets dark (way too) early in the evenings, but my morning lovin self is happy when the sun comes up early! I love the first morning rays even while the house is still and very quiet. Ahh – magic time, in my opinion.
CROCK POT SEASON – sure, I can use the crock pot all year. But I typically do not. The crock pot reminds me of slow-cooked, deep comfort foods. And soups, too, of course. I used the crock pot yesterday and I love coming home from church to the smell of a yummy meal simmerin in the crock pot. I made swiss steak. What is one of your favorite crock pot meals?
SWEATER WEATHER – I wore a sweater for the first time this season just the other day. I’ve worn lightweight sweatshirts several times. I’ve already sorted through my sweaters, purged just a few and look forward to choosing a different sweater (like old friends…lol) each morning!
OPEN WINDOWS – as often as I can. The windows are open today but there is definitely a nip in the air. I love the fresh air. I love airing the house out after months of it being closed up and the air conditioning just pumping. We do try to open the back sliding door every morning (througout the summer, etc) and I’m grateful for even a half hour of fresh air but the whole house is enjoying it this time of year!
THE LEAVES – hard to have a fall favorites list without including the fall color. I don’t think the color has been as vibrant as it has been some years but, regardless, the foliage never falls to impress. They are falling like crazy, just now, but I’m okay with that. Yesterday, our neighbor “vacummed” all our front leaves up as he was doing his. What a blessing!!
PUMPKIN SPICE – You either love it or you don’t! I have to admit, I used to love it much more than I do now but there are several pumpkin spice things I look forward to this time of year. I’ve even been making my own pumpkin spice lattes at home. I know, I know – impressive:) I did buy some pumpkin spice almonds at Sprouts the other day. These were a fail. For sure, not all things pumpkin spice are created equal, but there is a lot to love so it is worth mentioning on this list of ten favorites. (For the record, I bought some pumpkin scented soap the other day)!:)
FESTIVALS – not only fall festivals but, now that we are in November, there are more and more holiday (aka Christmas themed) festivals. We went to our first one on Saturday. Well, we drove to it. A fair little drive, I might add. Only to find out, it had been cancelled. And this was no small event. A 33rd annual event with hundreds of vendors. Crossed off the calendar (with little to zero notice!) Apparently, the venue cancelled. Was not ready. Or something. We were bummed (thankfully we had not purchased tickets beforehand) but we made the best of the day while we were out and about. And, to be sure, there will be plenty of holiday markets/festivals to choose from in the weeks ahead.
VETERANS DAY – this one is a bit of sore subject for me. Our local school districts have decided Veterans Day is not worth celebrating. Such a shame. And a disgrace. It is all very political. Probably best if I just leave it at that; however, several private school are doing special things to recognize the day. We are always having a special Veterans Day service at church on Wednesday with a catered dinner and special speaker. This past Friday, Hubby and I went to a Salute to Veterans concert by Pershing’s Own Army Band. It was a great night. I do love some good John Philip Souza music and marches….and seeing how proud the (rather senior) veterans become when they play their service anthem!
PILGRIMS – I mentioned last week that the pilgrims and turkeys are out of the bins and around the house. They are still bringing smiles, good memories, and we love them!
THANKSGIVING – speaking of pilgrims (and turkey!), I cannot fail to mention Thanksgiving! It is my favorite holiday. I’ve blogged about that fact numerous times so no need to rehearse it. But I have wonderful memories of Thanksgiving. Memories from my childhood and memories with my own young family. (Maybe I will rehearse them one day this month.) Of course, the food is yummy. Some of the best, in my opinon. And the reason for Thanksgiving, to begin with, is a blessing. What’s not love? And it is low stress. A win all around!
Oh my goodness, do you notice what I did there? That was number eleven. I was not paying attention. Or something. But, looking back over the list…I don’t see one to eliminate. So, that’s Eleven Things I Love About Autumn!! Good thing it is my blog and I can just make it up as I go along. Have a great Monday, my friends!! (Editor’s note. Found one to leave out. List is now ten. For that one person who was actually counting.)
Jennifer, I love your list of 10 things. I am sorry about the festival being canceled. My mom and I would begin at the end of September through the 2nd weekend of December and hit the craft shows and festivals. Some weekends, there would be 2-3 per weekend. Good memories! As a former teacher, I always did an activity with my students about Veterans Day. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, and we also celebrated that in my classroom. Happy Monday!