Birthday | Book Chatter

Sunday Matters

The Labor Day holiday falls on my birthday so I get my birthday off which is really nice. And, because I did my much-needed car shopping mid-week I do not have to spend it at the dealership. Plus, the middle-school ministry is not meeting because of the holiday weekend so I have a Sunday evening to myself. Triple win.

Here is me, at 10 o’clock, Wednesday night at the dealership. I was tired and had not eaten since that morning so forgive the deer in the headlights look.

Me and my new car! — Me and my new Subaru Forester.

Right Now:

The Teen had a really bad case of food poisoning Friday night which he hasn’t fully recovered from so hopefully he can join us today. The plan is to head to Santa Barbara right after church. Or maybe Solvang and then Santa Barbara. I haven’t quite decided but I feel the need to get out-of-town for the day.

This Week:

No work on Monday. Medical appointments for the kids on Wednesday but not really much else. The Teen is adapting to his full college and work schedule and The Girl’s schedule is beginning to pick up.

Reading:

I am reading After the Parade by Lori Ostlund and it’s quite good so far.

After the Parade

I need to sit down for a few minutes to figure out my list for the R.I.P Challenge. Will you be joining in on the fun too?

Watching:

I haven’t been watching much lately. With the car shopping, back-to-school night and the test that The Girl needed help studying for, I haven’t spent a lot of time in front of the TV this past week.

Making:

I have yet to cook anything but I bought food! This week I plan to make spaghetti, chicken tacos, a chicken stir-fry and tuna salad. I have a craving for tuna salad.

Grateful for:

I am very happy and grateful to be able to spend this long weekend with my family. The Teen took off from work and even though he’s been sick with food poisoning it’s nice to have him home. I am also grateful for the teachers that my daughter has this year. She had a great academic team last year so I was really praying for an excellent team this year, too.

That’s it from me. What is happening in your world?

Sunday Matters

Today, The Teen had a birthday! He’s eighteen which is almost impossible for me to believe. We had a lot planned but much of it was affected by the #sandfire, which some of you may have heard about. So far, it’s burned about 30K acres.

The Teen at 18

On Friday, we saw Cabaret which was hauntingly excellent. Seriously, one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Saturday, we had planned to see a concert at the park but it was cancelled when the fire took a turn for the worse. This is how the sky looked (no filter).

Sand Fire

Today, the sky was better so we headed to the beach but got stuck in traffic when the freeway closed due to the fire changing direction. We still managed to have a nice dinner but with so many friends affected by the mandatory evacuations our minds are with them and the numerous fire crews working this fire. Plus, there are a lot of ranches in the area so the safety of the animals is also a concern. After three days you’d think there would be some improvement but the drought has made the hillsides so vulnerable.

Right Now:

We are home safe and watching the news and just praying for everyone. I am not sure about work tomorrow. I only have one way in and out and right now, that area is not looking good.

This Week:

Not too much going on but there are a couple of fun things planned. We have a pool party one night and a college “going away” party on another night.

Reading:

This is my summer of reading. I’ve read so many good books. I am currently reading End of Watch by King. I was late to the party but that’s okay. It’s really good. Also reading Cronin’s The City of Mirrors. Also good but taking me more time to get through.

Watching:

I did manage to watch the latest Cloverfield movie. It was pretty good but once I got to the end I was like, hmmm. I did not like the ending. I heard that there was an alternate ending and of the two, I liked this one better.

Making:

Not a thing. We’ve been eating out and although it’s nice not to have to cook I am getting tired of it.

Grateful for:

This fire response. I’ve seen fire crews from all over. While stuck on the freeway, we saw squads from cities hundreds of miles away racing towards this fire. I wanted to get out of the car and cheer them on. So grateful for their presence.

That’s it from me. I hope you all had a good weekend.

Chatting with friends about books and life…