What's Up Wednesday, August 2024 Edition

 

What a great month it's been! My only complaint is that it went by too fast; I'd like a Do-Over, so that I can soak in the parts that I missed while I was enjoying all the festivities. I'm grateful to Sheaffer and Shay for providing the writing prompts that will help me remember this month for years to come, and although it is unlikely that I will forget the Man-Cub's wedding; I'll likely journey back to these pages for small reminders of what a perfect day it was fairly frequently.

What I've Been Eating

Hands, down, the best meal I ate this month was the dinner that we served after the wedding rehearsal. Hugh and I hired a very popular catering company from Neighboring City and they did not disappoint. The meal consisted of beef tenderloin medallions in a wine reduction sauce, chicken breasts in mushroom sauce, a trio of vegetables in a butter sauce, roll and butter, and a tossed fruit salad. We served an ice cream sundae bar for dessert, which was a big hit.

Another great meal that I enjoyed this month was a chicken and apple salad that I ate at a local flower nursery the day that I joined the bridal party to cut flowers for the reception centerpieces. The candied walnuts in the salad were slay. Do the kids still say slay? Or did I just out my elderly status?

Finally, I just recently had chicken and waffles at a fairly new restaurant in Hooterville. Chicken and waffles are notoriously hit-or-miss, so I was pleased to find them perfectly cooked and seasoned.

 

What I'm Reminiscing About

Since I mentioned the dinner that followed the rehearsal, I will admit that I have been reminiscing about the party that accompanied it. Hugh and I had been planning the rehearsal dinner for months, and it was so rewarding to see it come together as well as it did. 

The farmhouse table that Hugh built especially for the dinner turned out absolutely beautifully, and was large enough for the entire wedding party, parents, plus-ones, and a few extra guests. I had such a good time sourcing the decor items that I wanted on the center of the table, as well for the additional two tables where out of town guests and the grandparents were seated.

Of course, the best part of the party were the people in attendance, and it felt nice to be able to welcome them in such a big way.

 

I also had the opportunity to give the kids their wedding shoes, which I had been working on in the weeks leading up to the wedding. I am so grateful that I was able to contribute something that they really wanted to their day.

What I'm Loving

We don't have the entire album from the wedding photographer just yet, but I am loving the sneak peek of the detail shots that she took.

I can't wait for the full gallery!

What I've Been Up To

We've been celebrating milestones! Obviously, the Man-Cub and Shanti's wedding tops the list, but we also have had the opportunity to celebrate Oscar for 61 years of service to fire services, as well as Mom's 80th birthday; both of which are awesome accomplishments.

What I'm Working On

The annual Barn Dance fundraiser for Not So New Job is next month and I am working on all the details that make it a success.

What I'm Dreading

The tickets for the Barn Dance fundraiser for Not So New Job are not selling out as fast as they usually do and I am dreading the thought that we might be left with unsold tickets. This is a ridiculous fear, given that we increased the number of available tickets this year by almost 100. We may simply have overreached, here.

What I'm Excited About

I'm excited for the changing seasons! Fall is my favorite time of the year and I am ready for it.

What I'm Reading

I read It Starts With Us in less than a day; I was fighting a head cold and didn't have the energy to do much other than read. Colleen Hoover's books are usually a quick read for me and this one was no different.

Monday morning, I had to report to the courthouse for jury duty, so I started reading The Dead Guy Next Door. I was several chapters in when the entire jury pool was dismissed, as the involved parties had reached a settlement. It would have been a complete waste of my time were it not for having the book. I'm looking forward to having some time this weekend to finish it.

What I'm Watching

When my eyes got too tired to read while I was fighting the cold that I mentioned above; I binge-watched the first four episodes of the new season of Emily in Paris and the entire Gilmore Girls, A Year in the Life limited series. 

What I'm Listening To

Hugh is mowing the lawn as I type this, so I am listening to the sound of the mower.

What I'm Wearing

It's almost time to go back to closed-toe shoes, so I have been wearing my cute sandals as often as possible. I especially love this pair.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Hugh and I might take the boat out on the lake, or we might take the four-wheelers up to the mountains. It's really the last weekend of the year for either one, so we better take advantage of it.

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

Hugh and I will be celebrating 31 years of marriage. I have no idea what we will do to mark the occasion, but it's something to look forward to, I'm sure.

Favorite Purchase This Month

I purchased these seed paper hearts to use as favors at the wedding. The Etsy shop that I used did a great job in getting them to me quickly and I was thrilled with the quality. I can't wait to plant mine to see what they produce.