Another Friday, another week of life doing its thing. Between dodging early Christmas ads and trying to figure out how many sides I actually need for Thanksgiving, this week has been a blur. Spoiler alert: I’m still not ready for the holidays, but hey, we’re getting through it! Let’s catch up, because this week certainly kept me on my toes.
This Week
in the wilderness
I’m officially in that awkward pre-holiday phase where I’m still pretending I have plenty of time to get everything done, but deep down, I know the holiday train is barreling toward me at full speed. This week, I tried to be proactive and make a list of everything I need for Thanksgiving. The problem is, I got distracted by a recipe for pumpkin cheesecake and now I’m debating whether to add yet another dish to the menu. How many desserts are too many? Asking for a friend.
On top of that, the Christmas ads have fully invaded every inch of my life. I can’t even scroll through social media without being bombarded by holiday sales, and I’m pretty sure my phone is plotting against me. It’s like every retailer knows I’m weak when it comes to sparkly decorations and cozy blankets. At this rate, I’ll have my house decorated for Christmas before I’ve even finished planning Thanksgiving dinner. Priorities, right?
Life at Shady Pines
free range seniors
Ma decided it was time to get a head start on holiday baking this week. She dragged out her 1960s recipe cards and got to work. Uncle R, eager to ‘help,’ suggested adding rum to everything… including the cookies. The result? Rum-flavored sugar cookies that could probably knock you out after two bites. Ma claims they’re ‘festive,’ while Uncle insists they’re just strong enough. I’m pretty sure we could start a side business selling them as moonshine.
Hot Flashes & More
Midlife
Here’s a fun fact about midlife: glasses are now required for… well, everything. I’ve got reading glasses, driving glasses, and that one pair I’m always losing but desperately need. Half the time I forget they’re on top of my head, so I’m walking around blind while my glasses just laugh at me from my hairline. Welcome to midlife, where clarity is optional!
What’s Cooking
this week
I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. WE shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.
- Monday: White Bean and Kale Soup with Parmesan Croutons
- Tuesday: Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce and Sage
- Wednesday: Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti and Garlic Knots
- Thursday: Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Glaze, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Friday: Salmon Cakes with a Lemon-Dill Sauce, Quinoa, and Roasted Broccoli
- Saturday: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef, Rice, and Tomato Sauce
- Sunday (Family Style): Lasagna with Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread, and Tiramisu for dessert
A Moment of
peace and quiet
I thought I take the time to share three things that you can do or read for a little self care, a moment of peace and quiet or more.
- Treat yourself to a home facial or skincare routine.
- Practice deep breathing for 5 minutes before bed.
- Light a candle and enjoy some quiet journaling time.
Book Chat at
Storied Conversation
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I’ve had a good week. Been running around with my sister.
My husband was away on business again, but at least he was in the same time zone so we could still talk on the phone in the evenings. I can’t believe we’re already in the middle of November. Time is flying by.
It’s been a rough week; capped off with a touch of the flu. Ugh
It has been a busy week here. We got a lot of rain which we so needed but I spent a lot of time hauling firewood and keeping the house warm.
Besides a lot of soul searching, I packed for vacay (yay!) and my brother is visiting so we’ve had a great time.
Not a bad week. I started my Christmas shopping.
It’s still really stressful lately, but I’m looking forward to a few fun things. You can always use more desserts, it just depends on how involved thry are to make. I always loved that old Richard Scarry cartoon where the whole family of rabbits is searching for their mom’s glasses, and they’re on top of her head…
Weird week! And I had to find my glasses to read your post lol
I had a good week, planning for Thanksgiving at my house.
An ok week for me. Just getting ready for the holidays
With an adult (depressed) child added to the household of a husband, 2 dogs and a mother with dementia, I am always busy! This week I had my eyes checked and learned I have a wrinkle in my retina in my left eye that also has worse cataract (although I barely notice). On a positive note, we finally have cooler weather!
My week was busy with appointments.
It was a very hectic week for me. My youngest who is in preschool is suffering from really bad separation anxiety and cries when I drop her off, but then fights to come home, because she if having fun and doesn’t want to leave. My oldest in middle school is dealing with mean girl bullies. Eventually it will all be ok. Looking forward to Thanksgiving and giving my girls some extra time and love.
My week was not great! We’ve still been sick. I hope you had a great week. & I hope next week is better for me too.