28 Days of Blogging

Lately I've been thinking about how to get into my writing a little bit more.  I really do enjoy writing, but most of it takes place with pen & paper.  There's definitely something about the crispy white pages of a new notebook & the smooth ink of a great pen.  There's also definitely something about a full notebook, scribbled on pages, filled with a rainbow of colored pens ... something just feels right about it.  But, as someone who has 3 blogs & is a contributor to a 4th, I realize that pen & paper is just not the wave of the future.  Because of this, I'm setting a goal for myself ... & for you, if you'd like to join in.

introducing ... 28 Days of Blogging! 


This is perfect timing, since February is the shortest month of the year.  I'm setting the goal to blog every single day of the next month, even if it's just a simple sentence or two... or even a picture.  As long as I'm spending a few moments minimum on my own blog, I'll be proud.

Well, what do you think? Who's in? Let me know!

Autumn only comes around once a year

It's officially Autumn in our household... 

Pumpkin Spice burning on the counter, 

a few Halloween decorations strategically placed throughout the inside (& outside) house, 

scarves hanging around in my closet - ready to tie on at a moment's notice, 

white summer handbags being exchanged for darker, fall prints on the shelf...

Here are some goals I have for these upcoming chillier months: 

Learn to bake bread.  A dear friend gave me her bread machine, as she claimed to never use it, & I am ready to learn now.  I want to smell the fresh bread & see it on my counter... I want to offer up the delicious taste of real, freshly baked bread. (Anyone out there want to argue that bread machine bread isn't freshly baked? Go for it... I'll give you that, but I'm still excited)

Following in that pattern, I want to cook more.  I do this every time the weather turns cold... there's something about the crisp air & the falling leaves that makes me ready to cook.  When the heat comes back & summer rolls around, I forego much of the kitchen for the ease (& responsibility placed on the Huz) of the grill & steamed veggies.  But now... now it's time for the crock pots to come out from their basement hiding place, for the dinners to get slightly more intricate & detailed & for leftovers to be abundant.  Happily, over the weekend at one of my best friend's wedding, I was let in on the secret of her sister's blog - an amazing piece of food literacy that I can't wait to tackle.

Learn to make a roaring fire... With the Huz traveling so often for work & my house staying at a chilly 65 degrees this week, I'm inclined to start a fire. However, because this house came with a wood burning fireplace, rather than a flip switch gas one, I think I need a lesson first, so the house won't go down in flames.

Give my dog a new attitude & a little less weight.  Yes, I realize this sounds a bit harsh, but the time has come.  We went to our new vet last week & he let me in on a few secrets.  For one, he's a tad overweight.  Someone (I won't mention who, as I love my in-laws dearly) said to feed the Tuckster raw eggs to cut down on shedding.  Well fast forward 2 months & 9 pounds later, he needs to cut weight.  Also, we need to work on his attitude.  The dog barks all the time now (thanks former neighbor dog who was overly aggressive & barked constantly) & he is a little more obnoxious than I like, so some retraining must be done. 

Oh Autumn, you're my favorite...

football parties, going late into the evening, while each of us whoops & hollers for our own team (Da Bears... duh ...Iowa State, of course & Iowa too, as long as they don't play each other ;) )...

careful consideration for which Halloween costume will be chosen this year & exactly what kind of candy B will be allowed to consume

crunchy leaves as the neighborhood bus pulls up & lets off the kids... rushing to meet their moms & siblings...
the promise of apple orchards & pumpkin farms full of warm cider & jack o'lanterns

Oh Autumn, I love you so...