Good morning, dah-lings! I sit here writing – and all of the windows are open and I’m not cold! I cannot tell you how momentous this is. To have this type of weather in November in Wisconsin? The birds are flitting about, enjoying it as much as I am. Granted, the bottom is going to drop out and the highs on Monday are supposed to be thirty degrees cooler than today. I better enjoy it while I can!
On Tuesday, Jim’s mother and brother left us to go back home. It was an absolutely lovely visit. They wanted to do nothing but relax. I was more than happy to accommodate them. Jim was able to take off on Monday and Tuesday and took them sightseeing. The weather wasn’t horribly cold, although we did get some snow showers Tuesday morning. (They live in Texas; weather definitely plays a factor as to their enjoyment of a trip.) I don’t think we could have asked for a better visit. I think it made Jim’s (and his brother’s) birthday more special than it has been in a long time.
Yesterday it was my turn for family events, as we drove to Green Bay to celebrate my grandmother’s 90th birthday. To be fair, my grandfather also turns 90 in December of this year, but he is suffering from dementia and probably has no idea how old he is, let alone why we would have a party for him. I believe this was one of the first birthday parties she has had in a while, and my mother planned for the guest list to be a surprise. When all of the grandkids and all but two of the great-grandchildren showed, there were tears aplenty. I may have issues with my grandparents and their understanding of the word as it pertained to my childhood, but it was so touching to see how important it was to her. Since we did the trip there and back all in one day (six hours round trip), it was definitely worth it.
Today’s schedule involves the usual chores and errands. The stack of bills, receipts, and other mail on my desk is overflowing, and Connor is in desperate need of clothes that fit. The Packers have a bye week, so there should be plenty of time to get it all done and still find time to read. That’s my goal anyway. Alafair Burke’s latest is calling to me a little too loudly, so we shall see if I can avoid temptation.
Speaking of football, as much as I love my Badgers, it is a sad state of affairs when their pitiful record is enough to get them to the Big 10 Championship game again this year. I want to gloat that the best team in the conference this year is not bowl-eligible because of NCAA violations, and we all know why Penn State will not be seeing any post-season play. Still, what a shame that an undefeated team is going to be punished because of poor choices on the part of former players and their coaching staff. It almost feels as if the championship game is somewhat of a joke because this is one year the best teams will not be participating.
Did you see that Jenn from Jenn’s Bookshelves and Jennifer from Literate Housewife are hosting Thankfully Reading Weekend this year? I am definitely going to be participating this year! We have no plans for the entire weekend, other than celebrating the holiday itself with my parents. I don’t do Black Friday shopping. It is the first weekend in months where our schedule is wide open. I plan to take full advantage of that. Won’t you join us?
Reviewed:
- Small Favor by Jim Butcher
- Cold Light by Jenn Ashworth
- Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
You'll find your routine. I say just enjoy the weekend and don't plan on anything. That way, whatever you do will be a success!!
I still need to add my post to Jenn's sign-up! Yikes!
I don't think my grandfather has dementia so much as old age. He has been in very poor health for years now, and it is a testament to modern medicine that he is still alive. It will be a blessing when he passes, as sad as that is to say. My grandmother is still sharp but incredibly frail. I'm not certain what is worse to watch.
LOL! I was so busy I didn't even have a chance to miss them. I don't know how that happens to me. I don't know why.
Isn't it wonderful? There are some perks to global warming, I guess!
And yes, she did have a great birthday. We have had issues in the past, so I'm glad that I was able to make her day a special one and overcome those issues.
No snow…yet. I am definitely not ready for it. The extreme cold only lasted for a day or two, and then the temperatures rose to normal again for the rest of the week and should last for at least another week. I'll take it. It is brisk but not bitterly cold. Yay for fall!
Thanks, Susan! It got cold and then warmed back up again. I'll take it. I am not ready for snow!!
Glad you're getting some lovely fall weather before you get socked in by snow and cold.
We woke up on Monday to temperatures in the mid-30s. Even though it isn't the first time we experienced cold weather this autumn, compared to the temperatures from this weekend, it was a very rude awakening. Yikes!
Hmmm…should I say anything about the Bears game this week? Nah. I'll be nice and ignore the painful loss.
(Mwah! You know I love you!)
It finally got cook here in So Cal!! I was freezing all weekend when it got down to 39 or so.
Sounds like you have been busy, but having fun. 🙂 Family get-togethers can be a blast – or stressful – or both. Glad you enjoyed yours. 🙂 I'm thinking about Thankfully Reading Weekend – not sure what all will be going on that weekend, though. Still trying to get into a new routine at the new house.
Happy Birthday to your Grandmother. My Grandfather turned 90 in September and he is still as sharp as he always was. My mom's mother died last month and she had Alzheimer's. I'm so glad that my Grandfather isn't going through that. I'm sorry your Grandfather is. 🙁
I'm hoping to do the Thankfully Reading Weekend too! Thanks for the reminder.
I'm glad you've had some lovely family time lately 🙂 And good weather too? Bonus! I'm not a fan of bye week. I miss my Packers..boo hoo 😉
We're having gloriously unseasonal weather here too. It sounds like your grandmother had a wonderful birthday!
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I am in SE Wisconsin and you are right! The bottom is about to drop out when the cold front comes through! Happy reading and stay warm!
Go Bears! 🙂 I'm glad that your grandmother's birthday turned out nicely.
We had that same kind of day yesterday – spent the day in shorts and a t-shirt and still needed the ceiling fans on. It was great and so conducive to being productive. Well, that and my Huskers once again trying to give me a heart attack; I clean during stressful games so my house is looking good today!
What a lovely birthday your grandma had – sometimes the best gift you can give someone is just being there.