♪ Chemistry like apple and cinnamon ♫

♫ Started out so simple and innocent
So simple and innocent, so simple and innocent, so simple and innocent
Chemistry like apple and cinnamon ♪

With the day of Thanksgiving creeping upon us it conjures ideas of gluttony, warm fires, and laughing with family. This is also the time of year where we have a lot of birthdays packed into this same time. My brother Spud and Savannah's birthday is only one day apart. Usually Thanksgiving is around that time and it makes it difficult for them because of it. People forget or get caught up combining those birthdays and holidays.

I understand this completely because my birthday falls very close to Christmas. So I always try to keep birthdays special and focused solely on the celebration of the person. They deserve a day celebrating who they are.

Unfortunately, Spud will be in KY when his birthday comes around but he knows we will be thinking of him. :D


I have more pictures to share from this summer. Another discovery-drive led us to discover this interesting little park tucked away. We didn't get to explore as much as we would have liked due to the mosquitoes being to fierce and a lack of bug spray to defend ourselves.


It felt so private. We were the only people there. There was hardly a sound of other people being around.


A spring bubbled up from the ground and then spilled down a small waterfall. It smelled so wonderfully crisp and clean.


A large tree's hole was filled in. I thought this was an interesting way of protecting the tree.


Steam from the lake rose eerily and slowly moved in the wind.


Still being summer; the flowers and plants were flourishing. A storm had recently picked up their spirits and brightened all of the colors.


A dead tree out in the lake was a strange juxtaposition to all of the thriving, living things surrounding it.


The feeling in the air was quite haunting.


We were losing light but it didn't stop us from trying to at least explore as much as we can before retreating from the mosquito hoards.


A drinking fountain must have been tapped into the spring close by. The water tasted so fresh and clean.


I'm trying to get plans all set for Thanksgiving and Savannah's birthday. I'm trying to hash things together and make them come to fruition.

Sadly, today I'm lacking in the energy department. I'm having a difficult time motivating myself to do much of anything. I'm currently heating water for tea but I'm hoping this will provide a pick-me-up.

♫ Low tide and high tea ♪

♫The oysters are waiting for me♪

I want to gush about my feelings for those around me. I love them all so dearly and cannot find the words to express it properly. I'm so thankful.

Josh and I take time for each other as much as we can. We usually have people around us all the time, so, privacy or private time is almost nonexistent for us. We try to make each time we are together special; because it is.

Here is a small photographic story of one of our date days. It's not a lot but it's still important to me.


Before we left, I took the time to photograph one of my roses that were in bloom before the cold days set in.


Josh and Savannah are one of my favorite test subjects. Here, though, is just because I wanted to take his picture to capture this day.


Tis I in front of the capital building.


Here is a better picture of the capital. There were so many people out that day and it was no wonder; the temperatures hit into the 80s(In October, nonetheless). The sidewalks were packed with Badger fans (must've been a game day) and weddings.


This was a serene scene except the soundtrack was so rambunctious with hooting and yelling from fans.




This was a compilation of many pictures so that I could get as much of the building in as possible. In front of the building was a bride and groom having their portraits taken.


One of the bus stops was completely knitted into a cozy. It was so cute and so colorful.


After a day of delicious gelato, weather and company; the setting sun made a spectacular backdrop for the rising moon reaching over the waters.


It really was a great day. ♥ I'm glad I have this to always remind me.




Today has been quite packed already but there is even more I need to stuff into it still. I'm quite excited because Josh and I are going on a spur of the moment trip down to Kentucky to go see Allison & my bro "Spud". (You should check out her awesome photography.)

We needed to return an item he left here on his previous visit and out of the blue last night he called. It went something like this:
-Abridged version-
Me: "Hello."
Spud: "Hey!"
Me: "Hey Spud! What's up?"
Spud: "Well, I'm not doing anything this weekend..."
Me: *Pause* *repeats his words to Josh*
Josh: "Hmm, I think we can make it then! We can leave after I get out of work."
Me: *Repeats Josh's words to Spud*
Spud: "Great!" *Allison in the background saying hello*
Me: *sends lots o' love to Allison* "We'll see you soon then!"

Yup, easy as pie, we move like the wind. We'll have to budget but we can do it! I can't wait to see them again. I'm going to pack soon enough but first I am going to go visit the wonderfully awesome Nahdene.

OH! Side note. I didn't have a chance to post the last two days because my friend, Valentina, was visiting. :D

♫ Cos it's easier to fly ♪

♪
Than to face another night
In Southern Sun
And your love is all around♫

Yay! Thanks to a suggestion from a friend; I have found a new way to share music with you every day. So far I'm really liking this website.

Last night we went and saw Megamind. I went in not sure what to think and wasn't sure if I'd like it or not. I think the character designs were something off putting to me but I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did! The movie was great. Sure, it was predictable in parts but what movie isn't anymore? I also had another self realization come to me again. Sure I knew this about myself but I was once again reminded by the character Megamind.

I love good-bad guys. I found that through all of my life I've been that way. From toddler to now; I like that type! Even the stingier uptight sorta character that has a soft gooey center to them.

From Oscar the Grouch, The Count & Bert all the way to Beetlejuice, Chip (from chip and dale's rescue rangers) and the like; it's a repeating theme. (Not that I mind.)


So, onto the final pictures of the watermelon eating contest.

You know, on a side note, I love fresh fruit. It can't be cold though! I love fruit at room temperature or sun-warmed in order for me to fully enjoy every savory flavor. That's why I love gardens too! The fruit or veggies taste so good!

In the winter sometimes I'll slightly warm up oranges in the microwave. It's just something I feel brings out certain subtle flavors that aren't there when they are cold.

Okay, pictures, yes!















Another note about today; I was called this morning about my bloodwork results. You see, I had them checked because a few years ago I was on a medication for my skin called Accutane. It made my cholesterol shoot through the roof! It was dangerously high but lucky for me I was finished with "rounds" of pills. I switched meds for my skin but also at the same time my cholesterol came down; not as low as I would like but it came down nonetheless.

During that time I also lost a lot of weight, close to 40/50 pounds, and changed my exercise up a notch. I've always eaten healthier so the issue was cutting down on how much I ate in comparison to how much I burned. I didn't turn hyperfocused but integrated it into my life so it wasn't a BIG change. I still ate what I liked but my portions were smaller. During the summer, Josh and I would take 5 mile walks and during the school-time I would walk to Savannah's school which is a mile away and a mile back.

It's amazing the weight started just coming right off. I learned little tidbits about health like: The human stomach is only as big as your fist. That's how big your meals should be otherwise it stretches out the stomach. The stomach, although it can handle it, shouldn't stretch out like that!

Here's a neat little link explaining it a bit clearer but I've found these things to be true once I changed my eating habits.

So, back to the phone call, they called me personally to let me know my cholesterol/triglycerides were VERY high. I was shocked! They said normal levels are about 150 and mine were ate 350!!!! I asked how this was and they said that birth control I'm on raises those levels in some people and since Accutane did that to me earlier; it was clear that that was the culprit.

They want me to get off my birth control right away and we'll be changing my meds right away.

So, here I am, rethinking things and weighing my options. I think I will see about some medicines to help reduce those levels and see what my doctor will think will help.

I've been wanting to join a gym so I can get back into walking 5 miles every weeknight again. I've slacked on days to walk to Savannah's school but I'm going to crack down on that again. Too bad I don't like being cold at all.

A suprise!

Tonight I'm treating Savannah to a surprise movie and dinner. We found a theater that has $5 any movie Mon-Thursday. So, why not! We will go see Megamind and I'm hoping it's good. I really don't know or have seen much about it but I'm willing to give a go!

In fact, I tend to be the adventurous sort and love to try new things. This summer I did something on a whim and I'm glad I did! Ah, segues, you know I love it!

Savannah and I entered a watermelon eating contest. We were heading to the farmer's market and they just happened to be setting up for the kid's watermelon eating contest. I told Savannah she'd be a shoe-in due to her love of watermelon!

Lucky for us, I brought my camera to document it. After the kid's contest the adult contest was up next. Big farm-hands all gathered around the table and I decided to be in this contest too. So, me against the big farm-hands.

Both Savannah and I won!

















I'll share the rest of these pictures tomorrow!

♪ How they dance in the courtyard,

sweet summer sweat.
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget. ♫

I want to be able to share music with you ever day that I blog. I'm having a hard time finding a reliable site to use. Ah well. I'll find something even if I have to host them myself.

More pictures from our wanderings...


"We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lost sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way." -Gloria Gaither











“I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don't conclude the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?”

Lemonade summer dreams...

Another song to share. It's one of those songs you just have to sing along to. ;)

More pictures for today to share. Taking you back to summer once again; dreaming of those cool ice cream moments, sun warming, a comforting breeze and the smell of freshly cut grass.


Once again, Josh and I, cuddling up on the picnic bench.


Leif and I. We've been great friends for 20 plus years. Wow, it's something when I put it like that. Haha.


Josh always help make my days brighter with just his smile.


Leif and I being silly!


Walking home that day was very nice.


All of those moments, the summer, was captured and kept away to be enjoyed on chilly days like today.


So, I've been thinking: I want to share more with you; more about me, about my life, my experiences. So, I've been looking for interesting memes, surveys or questionnaires to post here. Does anyone have anything? I know they are cheesy, teeny-bopper-esque but they are a great way to share and get to know others.(At least to me.)

Here's a quick one I found. How about you? I'd love to see your answers.

favorite animal: Corvids & Cephalopods
favorite drink: Tea straight up.
favorite singer: Billie Holliday
favorite show: Destination Truth
favorite website: I don't have one favorite.
favorite place to shop: I usually shop where I need to go to get a certain item. Though, I'd love to shop at Hot Topic if I could afford it.
favorite color: Red, bright orange and black.
lake or pond? Lake
A, B or C? C, though I don't know how this is relative to anything.
Outside or inside? Outside
foil or plastic wrap? Both serve their purpose.
hamburger or taco? Depending on my mood because I like them both.
meal or snack? I like meals because it's great to share that time with others.
Wii or xbox? Both, again they both have their own benefits.
Love or hate? ♥ Love ♥
1 or 2? Um, 2?
summer or winter? SUMMER!!
hairspray or hair gel? Neither, please and thank you.
yogurt or pudding? Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruit or granola.
flip flops or sneakers? Bare feet! Though, if I have to choose, flip-flops but I call them thongs.
Soda or water? Agua, por favor.
funny or sad? Funny
goo or clay? Clay. There is more you can do with clay than the amorphic goo. It conjures up the thought of a scene in Ghostbusters 3: "Vhy am I covered in goo?".
shiny or sparkly? Sparkly I guess.
small or big? Both are nice.
happy or sad? HAPPY!!!!
fiction or non-fiction? Both again.
bright or dull? Bright.
cat or dog? Cat but I do like all animals.
fish or snake? Fishies but I LOVE Snakes too.
odd or even? Odd.
smooth or bumpy? Smooth.
awake or asleep? Awake but I love to sleep.
fruit or vegetables? BOTH!!!!!
car or bus? Car. I love to travel.
old or young? Both.
never or always? Always.
interesting survey or weird survey? I'll take both.

♫ The man of a thousand faces

Sits down at the table
Eats a small lump of sugar
And smiles at the moon like he knows her ♪




The time of transitions are here. Yes, we have had the leaves change but today you could really feel it. Winter is sending her gentle reminder in the smell of the wind. We are to officially have the coldest night, so far, this fall. (I wonder if this will scare away the robins who have been lingering?)

So, I couldn't procrastinate any longer! I had to bring in my plants that wouldn't fair well in the winter. Many of the outdoor plants can be brought in to bring summer joy throughout the winter. I brought in my geraniums, a decorative lily, basil, petunias and my marigolds. This will also save me money next year; I wont have to buy new plants to replace them.

I find happiness in my home that is filled with love, music, plants and Halloween goodness. My dream home is actually the A-Typical classic in the country "haunted house" style.


Want to come in for tea, dear?

Here's to the hope of being able to build or find something like this! :D

Savannah is out of school for the next couple of days. She's currently outside finishing up the decorations. She's going to be staking the tombstones, that we made, down into the ground. Hopefully they wont blow away! She's just as excited about Halloween as I am. She starts planning her costumes quite a few months before October! This year she is going as Sheik from Zelda's, Ocarina of Time.

I love making costumes. I'll either make them from scratch; creating my own patterns, or making/altering from a pattern. It's so much fun for me! The feeling of transforming yourself, dressing up any chance I can get, is a real high for me. So, I'll Cosplay, I'll do Renaissance, and costume parties!


What do you mean this isn't appropriate for Easter?




As I said yesterday; the adventure didn't end for us once we got home and it was dark. We decided to load up into the car and take Allison for a drive out to a lake and take pictures!



The sky was so clear and full of stars. There was a slight breeze coming off the lake but it didn't make it unbearably cold.


It looks like it could be a setting for a horror film.


It was so peaceful. The sound of the leaves rustling in the wind and fish jumping out of the water was the only sound to be heard.


It's moments like this that will be memories that wont be forgotten.


Allison and Josh leaned back on the boat rental building while I made a small dash to the rudimentary bathrooms. They were glorified port-a-potties but I was thankful not to have to find a dark corner and bush.


Shouldn't everyone take moments like these? Do something out of the ordinary to break routine!


Josh looked preoccupied with his phone but Allison and I were talking about many things. She looks so cute here!!!


The glare from the different light sources gave this a vintage feel. I love how it turned out.

Annnnnd, yes, there will be the final batch of these photos tomorrow.