What's Up Wednesday, October 2024 Edition

 

I'm always a little sad to see October come to an end, and this year is no exception; I'll miss the mild fall weather, the vibrancy of color in the tree leaves, and the fun that comes along with Halloween. I'm grateful to Sheaffer and Shay for providing this link-up so that I can capture this particular October.

What I've Been Eating 

I've been working on adding more protein to my diet, so chef's salads have been on the lunch menu quite frequently.

 

And I've been in the kitchen more often, cooking dinner. Casseroles are a fall staple, and one of my favorite casseroles combines sauerkraut, kielbasa, and egg noodles in a sauce made from cream of mushroom soup, onion, and yellow mustard, topped with Swiss cheese and bread crumbs. That probably sounds disgusting, but it is  delicious. I'll have to post the recipe, one day.

Another favorite is  butternut squash and vegetable lasagna  . 

I haven't eaten out much this month, but I did join my Board President for lunch, where I had an Asian chicken salad that was tasty and that added to my protein goal quite nicely.

The only fast food I had this month was a chicken sandwich from Sonic; Mom and I had doctor's appointments in Neighboring City and we needed a quick bite in between.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Hugh and I made the difficult decision to let Boomer go on September 30th. It was a hard decision, but it was the right one. Adjusting to his absence has been tough; I still expect to see him waiting for me at the door when I get home from work.

I expect to see him at the bottom of the stairs every morning.

I miss my shadow. But remembering him, and reminiscing about our time together helps to heal the ache.

What I'm Loving

The kids finally got the wedding pictures back from the photographer and I am loving them! 

What I've Been Up To

I planted one hundred tulip bulbs in the flowerbed in the front yard; I'm curious to see how many mature and bloom next spring.

And I golfed in my first tournament! I joined Kristi and two of my staff at a tournament that was also a baby shower (coolest idea for a co-ed shower, if you ask me) at one of the hardest courses in our area, which seems like a great idea for one's first tournament. Did I mention it was also the first time I golfed 18 holes? Yep. It was.

It may have required alcohol.

Ok, it totally required alcohol.

Then, this past weekend, Hugh, the Man-Cub, Shanti, Jules, Kristi and I hit a haunted corn maze in Hooterville. It ended up being quite entertaining.

What I've Been Working On

I'm planning to do a full post tomorrow, but I'll give you a peek at the Halloween decorations that I worked on this year.

What I'm Dreading

The weather is definitely starting to change and I am dreading the snow that is to come. I'm also dreading the time change; it screws me up every year. And, it probably goes without saying that I am dreading the fuckery that is bound to occur following next week's presidential election. I don't care what side you're on, I have a feeling shit's going to get weird, no matter who prevails.

What I'm Excited About

Queen B is making a quick trip home next weekend to meet Miss Mia's brand new baby girl; I'm excited to see my baby and the new baby.

What I've Been Reading

Still working my way through TJ Green's White Haven Witch Series.

What I've Been Watching

I watched The Birds, for the first time. It was...interesting.

I also watched Woman of the Hour on Netflix. Knowing that it was based on a true story made it all the more eerie.

What I'm Listening To

There is a killer documentary playing on the television right now, and I am listening to it in the background as I type this. Tis the season.

What I've Been Wearing

I feel like I never have anything interesting to say on this topic. I did clean out my closet recently, and I'm planning to do a better job of cycling through the clothes that I kept, but seldom wear. I am giving myself six months to wear them all; anything that doesn't get worn goes to charity in the next purge.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I plan to take down my Halloween decorations and will probably be starting on my Christmas village. Is it too soon to put up a Christmas village? Maybe, but, in my defense, we are heading to Texas for Thanksgiving, so there is no sense in putting out the Thanksgiving decor, and, there are just four short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it makes sense to get the Christmas decorations out, now, so we have time to enjoy them. Plus, it takes a minimum of two days to construct the village so I might as well get started.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

I'm looking forward to the trip to Texas for Thanksgiving. We will be staying at the Rodeo Princess's  new house, and will be spending the holiday with her, Queen B, my nephew and his fiance and daughter. I'm sad that Shanti and the Man-Cub won't be joining us, but they both have to work. They'll be in our hearts.

Favorite Purchase This Month

I've been on a bit of a vintage Christmas hunt lately, and, have picked up a few things that I'm really excited about. I'm not going to say what they are just yet, but will, in time.