It's beginning to look a lot like fall....everywhere I go.... 🎶

Good morning lovely friends.  I'm back! ♥   

I didn't expect to be away from here for so long.  To be honest, I found myself in a bit of a summer slump I guess you could say, just waiting to turn the page to September and now here we are! We have arrived! It's still warm during the days but the early mornings and evenings are chilly and that air is bringing me back to life.  

Our windows are cracked open and the AC has been off for days.  It's the best feeling to have lived through the dog days of summer and then to feel that cool air on your face first thing in the morning.  

Yes please. I've been waiting for months ♥

Pumpkin spice coffee is on repeat over here (for me anyway!) and this past weekend I started decorating for fall.  

I had ordered a new garden flag because my old one was all faded.  She made her debut on Sunday.  

Now all I need are some pumpkins to go underneath ♥

Coming soon! : )

Little touches here and there remind me that summer is over.  

I've actually started thinking about Thanksgiving.  Is that crazy?! 

Yes, probably ♥

And YES I'm aware it's not officially fall yet, but once Labor Day comes and goes it's fall in my book.  We celebrated Labor Day at a cookout at my brother in laws. 

 I had my last official summer hot dog with pasta salad and now it's time to bring out the crock pot! 

I think I need a mum for this corner - right where that basket is.  I saw some the other day at the grocery store.  Another sign summer is over.  

The mums are out!  ♥

YAY! These always remind me of my mom.  She loved them.  She also loved fall as much as I do and I'm sure that's where my love for it comes from.  

Thank you mom ♥

I miss her so much.  

Away went the sea glass and summer candles - all packed up cozy until next year. Out came all things orange, yellow, and brown, apple candles, and of course Charlie Brown because everybody knows he owns the fall (and a little of Christmas too : ). 

On to downstairs where I scattered a few things about, pumpkins and such. 

I still need to do more puttering down here, but I'm off to a good start ♥

You know I live here....lol 

What I love most about our kitchen and back-room downstairs is the backdrop.  

There are several windows and once the leaves start turning, we are all aglow with color radiating from the outside in.  

My mother always had lace curtains on these windows but after our painting project this past spring I opted to not put them back on.  I like the light that comes in. And I like that I can see out to all the trees and the river. 

Also - sidenote, this lamp is one of my favorite things in life ♥

Naturally, it's way too soon to start seeing any foliage back here yet but my autumn loving heart knows it's coming.  

I'll be watching! ♥

 

I can tell by the sun shadows that there's a shift. 

 I like having my coffee out here in the wee hours of the morning.  I'll do it until it gets too cold, and even then I go out for a few sips or as long as I can stand it.  Just me and whatever wildlife decided to visit that day.  

It's the most peaceful part of my day ♥

And there you have it friends.  I've declared it.  It's happening.  Is it going to be 80 degrees today? 

Yes it is.  Do I care? No I do not.  And that's that.  

Happy Fall! ♥

So how are you all feeling? Are you ready to say goodbye to summer?  One thing I haven't done is bring Halloween candy into the house yet, even though it's readily available in EVERY store I enter.  I've resisted because let's not get toooo crazy (who? me? never!).  We'll see how long I last :) 

Well, I'm off to make another pot of coffee and get to work for the day.  We are all well over here and things are happening.  John is back to school - I'll talk about that in my next post. I hope to be here a lot more often now that I've got my "mo-jo" back!  

Have a wonderful day friends! ♥

Talk soon! xx 

Monday musings ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Happy Monday and happy first day of Fall! 

I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  Mine was quiet & cozy, just the way I like it : ) 

On Saturday I was home all day puttering around the house.  I dusted, vacc'd, and moved around a few things for fall - including an end table and lamp that had really been irking me. It's the little things, I tell you!  

I celebrated by making a batch of chocolate chip cookies : ) 

See that shelf up above the sliding doors? It runs the length of the back wall and is full of my mom's tea pots and other collectibles.  It needs a dusting very badly. I was going to tackle it but then changed my mind.  I decided cookies and a book was a better plan.  

In fact, I think I'm going to take it all down and put in its place our Christmas village.  Every so often she did that for the winter and it looked so nice. There's plugs up there so the houses can light up.  It's a whole day project so I will have to gear up for that, but it will be worth it.  

That's the thing about living in my parents' house.  Not only did I acquire a house, I acquired everything in it as well (a blessing or a curse? maybe a little of both).  

We were blessed with beautiful fall weather too which made it all the better.  I'm not seeing any leaves changing colors in the back yet, but I'm sure it's coming soon.  

In a few weeks time this will all be golden : ) 

I can't wait ♥

On Sunday John was asked to walk with some friends in our annual town Irish Heritage Day parade.  He's done this every year for several years now and always has a great time.  He's known these kids since preschool! 

We came home after the parade, had lunch with my Dad (who is doing very well, by the way!!)  and settled in for the afternoon. John had friends coming over that night for a band rehearsal, so we ate dinner early.  I made chicken pot pie (the ultimate comfort food) and everyone agreed Fall has arrived.  

It's got my mind wandering to the holiday times.  I'm looking forward to cooking Thanksgiving this year and decorating for Christmas. 

OK, I won't get too ahead of myself...don't worry : ) 

I pulled out some of my cozy sweaters and moved them to the front. I love these colors! I'm no longer in summer clothes. Yay!  I need to get a new cardigan and pair of slippers. 

 A September tradition for me ♥

And all of a sudden, it's Monday again! Today will be a workday for me..also laundry, meals, checking in with Dad, checking on the leaves of course, and lots of coffee! 

Have a great Monday friends!  Thanks for visiting and stay cozy! What's for dinner tonight?  I think pork chops over here, but we'll see... ♥

Bye! xoxo 

September so far ♥

Hello lovely Friends! ♥

September has arrived!  It's back to school time.  It's dark chilly morning time. It's the smell of burning leaves in the air time.  Welcome back.  I'm so glad it's here.  

This morning after Rob left for work I baked this pumpkin bread.  It's midafternoon now and the house is still filled with the yummy smell of this goodness.  It's better than a candle, let me tell you.  My Dad and I both had a piece for breakfast with our coffee and it was truly like getting a huge hug from the universe.  Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but it really was delicious (thank you Pillsbury quick bread mix) and it totally CEMENTS that we are indeed in the best season of the year

...in my opinion anyway : ) 

Over the past few weeks I've been slowly bringing out the fall decorations.  Every day the house is filled more and more with orange, gold, and warm harvest colors.  It's not quite Halloween time yet, but everything else is fair game. 

I also brought in the last of the hydrangeas off the bush out front and have them scattered throughout the house as well.  I love how the color goes from vibrant blue to dusty gray.  Funny, I like these flowers as late in the season as possible. 

I was thinking of drying them but I'm not sure where I'd keep them after that.  For now I'll enjoy them this way for as long as they last. 

Cinnamon has also earned her permanent place on the counter for the next few months. I add cinnamon to everything this time of year and she deserves her spot next to the sugar.  I especially love it in my coffee. It doesn't look that pretty but it tastes divine ♥

  Days are starting to get shorter.  I can feel and see the shift through the sun coming in in the morning.  

The shadows are so pretty ♥

 Everything feels warmer, cozier, and homier. 

Just the way I like it ♥

Candles are burning all the time ♥

 I've been trying to spend as much time as I can lately on the back porch.  I like to sit out here first thing in the morning for a few minutes and then again later in the afternoon.  I'll read my book for a chapter or two, have a tea or coffee, make a phone call, or just sit and watch the birds. 

It's pretty private back here, like my own little secret garden ♥

Soon the leaves will change color and fall right before my eyes.  

It's a very peaceful spot.  Probably the best spot in our house. 

My happy place ♥

Our local Dunkin Donuts FINALLY has pumpkin spice back on the menu! YAY! Rob knows to bring one when I need it (which is often).  He's good like that.  

Next month will be our 27th wedding anniversary. 

He knows me pretty well by now ♥

We've really been trying lately to make a conscious effort to slow down. Life is so fast, isn't it?  We've spent the last year going like two hamsters on a wheel, going - going - going.  It's time to start enjoying things more.  A slow Sunday drive, coffee shops, walks, easy days.  The house projects can wait.  And you never know what twists life will throw at you (I speak from experience). We appreciate every day we can relax and enjoy ourselves. That's what we're all about lately.  

I smile just thinking about it ♥

 

Anywhoo...

...speaking of enjoyment, we just came off a lovely September weekend.  On Saturday Rob's cousin got married on a beautiful golf course on Cape Cod.  Here is my attempt at an artsy photo of my outfit that I snapped right before getting dressed...lol 

Here is me in the ladies room at the wedding to document that I did indeed dress up and leave the house.  It's been a while.  It was fun, although my feet aren't used to heels (only slippers) and boy were they hurting.  We did dance the night away so it was worth it! : ) 

I must remember that it's fun to dress up and go out sometimes.  I was still home and in bed with my book by 10:30.  

I'm such a party girl :) 

On Sunday I saw the new Downton Abbey movie with my friend Julie.  I brought tissues because I was told I would need them. Glad I listened because I did need them!  I loved every second of this movie.  It was perfection.  I refuse to believe that this is the end.  It has to continue, it just has too.  I love these characters and the world they live in.  Especially when ours is so heavy right now, this is just what I needed.  Lady Mary and her stunning dresses for two hours.  I want to see it again.  

In fact, I might ♥

Well friends, that's my September so far. I can't believe today is the 15th already!  I'll be buying Halloween candy sooner that I realized. 

Have a cozy evening! Bye xoxox

Lately in September ♥

Hello! ♥

About a year ago a very good friend of mine traveled to London.  She very kindly brought me back a box of London Breakfast Tea. I have adored this tea from my very first sip.  I love the taste, the smell, the packaging, everything.  Needless to say, I've been hoarding it and only allowing myself a cuppa when I really want to treat myself.  Well friends, today is a sad day.  I am currently having my last cup of London Breakfast Tea. The beautiful gold box is empty.  I'm gutted.  I just texted my friend and told her that she needs to go back and get me another box.  She jokingly said, "or WE could go" and you know, that's not a bad idea! : ) 

So now I'm sitting here in my cozy home office dreaming of a London vacation.  If and when that day comes, I'll definitly be going to the tea shop.  Until then, hopefully Amazon can help a girl out.  Fingers crossed! ♥

I've been drinking tea in the afternoons these last few days.  Of course I start my day with coffee (not to worry!) but as my mom used to say on days like this "it's a tea kind of day" and it has been.  Fall arrived overnight and it's been rainy, cool, a little gloomy but in a good fall-ish kind of way, and I've not minded at all.  

 

♥

The mornings are dark and chilly so I light my candles first thing.  I'm always a little sad when the sun starts to come up. I like the flickering candles in the early morning darkness.  Is nice to spend a few minutes in solace before the craziness of the day starts.  

I've been thinking a lot about my mom this past week.  She loved fall as much (if not more) than I do.  Clearly that's where I got it from. The other day I went into the basement and brought up some of her fall decorations to put around the house.  I lit one of her favorite scented candles (sparkling cinnamon) and thought about how much we used to love this time of year.  Now is when we'd go to HomeGoods and Michales and craft fairs and start buying things for the holidays.  We'd love to go out to lunch afterwards.  Usually for soup and salad.  The last time we did this she was in a wheelchair. I know she wasn't feeling great but we had the best time shopping, planning, and laughing.  It was raining that day and we both ordered hot tea at the restaurant as soon as we were seated...

because it was a tea kind of day. 

I think it makes my Dad happy to keep on with her seasonal traditions. It's nice to see the things she loved and made (like the lamp below).  I know it makes me happy.  And also, a little sad too.  I am finding it hard to balance my feelings sometimes. 

But I digress about that....♥

Occasionally the sun peeps through the clouds, just long enough for the birds to have conversations, and then it grows dark again and rains some more.  

Honestly, I have to say it's the perfect weather if you want MOODY Fall.  And of course I do.  

The books I'm reading feel a bit spookier and my couch blanket feels cozier than ever.  

It's like a hug every time I wrap up in it.  

And now the house is full of all things Fall.  Orange, red, and yellow everywhere I look. 

It's finally here and summer is a memory.  

I feel like I was just in Maine. It really wasn't that long ago, but it feels like it.  

The leaves are just beginning to turn now.  We have a long way to go.

Soon this will all be golden and I can hardly wait ♥

If it ever stops raining, I'll plant my mums and marigolds.  

Hopefully next week! ♥

I love my pumpkin spice coffee in the morning in my pumpkin mug...and my little Halloween lights around the window... and my plants that I always forget to water but I'm praying they won't die....because I love them too.  

It's the little things ♥

It's almost October! ♥

    

I have to get more seasonal soaps!  Thankfully I have a little of this one left over from last year.  

Isn't the bottle cute?! ♥

(It's Bath & Body Works) 

More baking! How I love it so!!  We have a date set to go apple picking (and pumpkin picking) in October.  It's one tradition I try to never skip.  The more apples I bring home the more pies & crisps I'll bake.  I also want to do caramel apples this year.  

This is a Susan Branch recipe I've made many times.  It's SO GOOD!!!!  

Cozy ♥

Pumpkin heaven! ♥

The best! ♥

John's been making plans too.  There is a big Haunted House that he and his friends go to every year that he's looking forward to. And this year for the first time, he's going to be attending something called Scream Fest which sounds absolutely horrible to me, but he's excited about it.  It's at an amusement park.  Apparently, the park is taken over by zombies and monsters and they jump out and scare the life out of you around every corner.  No thanks.  I'll be home watching Charlie Brown that night. That's my kind of Halloween fun. LOL 

Last week I celebrated getting my annual mammogram with a pumpkin coffee and apple cider donut from Dunkin Donuts.  It was my treat for getting myself out of the house and at the doctors at 7:40 am.  It was well worth it.  

Side note: I got the results yesterday and I'm clear!  Yay! I don't have to do that again until next year.  

♥

Stunning colors at the supermarket.  If this doesn't say Fall I don't know what does! 

Maybe a black cat and a pumpkin....hmmm! :) 

So that's lately in September ♥

Tonight, Rob and I are attending an open house at John's school to meet his teachers.  We go every year.  It's hard to believe this is the last one.  I feel like lately I want to freeze every moment in time.  

Have a wonderful rest of the week friends! ♥

What are your plans for the weekend?  I hope you all stay cozy and if you're in the path of any bad weather, please stay safe! I have to do a little shopping on Saturday for a baby shower and a birthday celebration next week.  After that I hope to be able to cozy up and read some of my current book.  I'm thinking about making pizza on Friday night too.  

Love you! 

Byeeee! xoxo