Outside my window...
Mother Nature cannot decide exactly what the season is. I guess this is what is called 'Indian Summer'. I recently saw on the news there were temperatures as high as 100* in parts of California. That is crazy! Today it is 64* here. We started the day off being just around 30*. I sure hope it did not harm my ficus tree which is still on the patio. Today I need to add some potting soil and bring it into the house for the winter. They are predicting our first hard freeze (temps in the 20's) for Saturday. Today the sky is a dazzling blue with no clouds in site. Also, no wind blowing! Yay! A perfect day.
Pondering..
I have been listening to the news this morning. I knew our president would bash the Senators who had the balls to tell why they would not be seeking re-election. And he didn't disappoint. This man cannot let any kind of criticism go without a Tweet! But listening to the speech from Senator Flake yesterday made me proud. I don't know why the people of Arizona do not want to re-elect him (maybe some of my Arizona friends want to weigh in) but yesterday the truth he spoke on the Senator floor resonated with me. Especially this:
"But we must never adjust to the present coarseness of our national dialogue with the tone set up at the top. We must never regard as normal the regular and casual undermining of our democratic norms and ideals. We must never meekly accept the daily sundering of our country. The personal attacks, the threats against principles, freedoms and institution, the flagrant disregard for truth and decency.
The reckless provocations, most often for the pettiest and most personal reasons, reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with the fortunes of the people that we have been elected to serve. None of these appalling features of our current politics should ever be regarded as normal. We must never allow ourselves to lapse into thinking that that is just the way things are now."
Watching...
I am still watching past seasons of Grey's Anatomy on Netflix! So good! I have also been enjoying this season of Dancing With the Stars. Do you watch? Who is your favorite, so far? I am loving Jordan and Lindsay. The most amazing story is that of Victoria who is dancing with Val (oh, lala).
Reading...
I am currently listening to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte on Nook Audio Books. It happens to be one of the many classics I have never read. So far, I am finding I have to keep going back and listening to the chapters that play while I'm sleeping. LOL! I am also still reading Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. It's a long book and will take me awhile. A fast reader, I am NOT!
Learning...
One of life's lessons which I am continually learning is: how hard it is to raise a girl as opposed to a boy! Maybe hard is the wrong word. It is different. And this particular girl...well, maybe there will be a blog post someday. Let's just say it is challenging. Those of you who have raised (or are raising) girls will know what I mean.
Planning....
I've started pre-planning in my BuJo. (Bullet journal) Making my pages for November. The fun part of bullet journaling. I am finding this creative and fun. This is one of my favorites for November:
What's in the kitchen...
Monday...Lasagna and garlic bread
Tuesday...Salisbury Steaks
Wednesday...Leftovers
Thursday...Soup (? kind)
Friday...Roast
Saturday...Pizza
Sunday...Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
A quote to share...
Photographing...
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| Harley has gone blonde |
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| Harley and Isaiah carved pumpkins |
A final thought...
We will soon be into the month of November and the start of the holiday season. When do you think it is a good time to start thinking about Christmas? Should we wait until Thanksgiving is over? What about being bombarded with it in the stores? I heard this morning that Target is going to stop what is called 'the Christmas creep' by easing in the Christmas promotions AFTER Thanksgiving! Good idea as far as I am concerned.
I think Haley looks really good with blond hair! I wish all stores would wait until after Thanksgiving to put out Christmas stuff. Time goes by fast enough without hurrying it along.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Vicki!
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more about Flakes address on the floor. He was clearly speaking from the heart. I know others feel the same and keep wishing more would come forward and say so. It saddens me and angers me beyond words at how we are now viewed by the world. I just recently returned from a trip to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland and they truly can't stand the man and asked what's wrong with Americans for electing someone like him. I don't like to think about Christmas too soon, I think it robs us of the other holidays. I tire of the decorations and music when you're seeing and hearing them before Halloween.
ReplyDeleteIts too bad that others may feel the same as Senator Flake but fail to take the high road because they are afraid of this big bully. I, too, wonder what people saw in him. I think the majority who voted for him only did so because they hated Hillary so much. I cannot believe they are TRULY happy to have him for their President.
DeleteHi Paula - the weather is warm here too - but the weekend like you will be cooling rapidly down ... yugh!
ReplyDeleteI agree Harley does look good with her blonde locks ... I think Christmas should come when one sees something appropriate - then it's the kitchen things mainly ... cheers Hilary
We are rapidly cooling too Hilary. Tonight may be our first hard freeze!
DeleteGirl, you know how I feel about the current state of affairs. And I was fortunate enough to have the TV on MSNBC yesterday when Senator Flake made his announcement and I sat there in awe. Why or why can't any of the others do this? He really called them out and I hope the ones who are keeping their mouths shut because they don't want to rock the boat with the Bully-in-Chief took a long hard look at themselves last night. A bunch of chicken-shits we have in Congress if the only ones who are willing to speak out are the ones who are leaving politics. But I sure did love what the Senator had to say. It was very eloquent and thoughtful...and hard-hitting.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Dancing with the Stars, I haven't been watching this season but I did happen to catch Terrell Owens doing the Jive last night. WOW!!! He was amazing. I might just start watching now. I love the jive - it's my favorite dance -- and he and Cheryl didn't disappoint. Did you see it Paula? Here it is on YouTube in case you missed it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rMpLm9lcYk
Have a great weekend.
PS: Harley looks adorable as a blonde!
Michele at Angels Bark
Yes I saw them dance to the Jive. I love that dance too. It is so sad to see where Trump is taking this country. But I am happy to see his approval ratings going down!!
DeleteI find it very hypocritical that Trump's wife was in my community on Monday to talk about bullying. She should stay home and talk to her husband!!! I find it hard to believe that most in Arizona do not like Flake. What is wrong with them??
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to believe she can even engage in a campaign about bullying with children when she is married to the biggest bully in the country. I feel so sorry for their young son. I cannot imagine what he is going through.
DeletePresident Trump is in touch with his people. The stock market is at the highest it has been ever. I heard today that Border Security is better than it has been in years. Then there is all the Russia/Clinton/Obama/Uranium etc...and Millions to The Clinton Foundation. When that all unravels we might have an awakening in America. I am more of a wait and see what happens in the long term. Maybe the Politician should just do their jobs:)
ReplyDeleteHarleys hair sure is pretty! I like Val and Victoria too and Frankie M :)
That's the problem, as I see it. He is only in touch with his people. He has no idea what the rest of us are going through. If I had his money I would be in his favor. Yes, the stock market is in a good place. It took years to get there. It didn't happen the past 10 months. AND not everyone benefits from the stock market. I don't! I agree with you that the politicians should just do their jobs. That extends to the President of the United States. I have never known that it is the job of the president to call people names and tell lies about them and especially to engage in arguments with the poor dead soldiers wife. But, whatever! We are all entitled to our opinions. I was not a fan of Hillary. But I certainly do wish she were in the White House right now! I have a grandson in the Army. I hope Trump doesn't get him sent to North Korea just because he wants to engage a crazy person on Twitter.
DeleteWell said Paula!!!
DeleteThank you Denise!
DeleteTemperatures as high as 100 degrees? I'm laughing right now. Nope. We got up to 105, I believe. I heard it was 107 some places. Today we cooled off a bit--only up to 101. At least tomorrow it's supposed to only get to 89. Whew. That'll feel like a blast of cool air.
ReplyDeleteJane Eyre is one of my favorite books. I read it when I was in my teens. There was a mini series on TV, and after seeing that I had to read the book. A classic.
Wow! Hot!! I am really liking Jane Eyre!
DeleteHarley looks great as a blond! And what cute carved pumpkins! Hubby's brother lives in Southern California; text him today and told him it was 105 degrees here, just over 90 degrees here. I honestly don't keep track of what goes on politically here or much throughout the country (I know, its bad that I don't). I ask hubby about things I see and he gives me a quick run down of the story, etc., so I am no help when it comes to answer your inquiry about Senator Flake. I do feel for John McCain and his fighting of brain cancer.
ReplyDeletebetty
Yikes it is hard to believe they are still seeing such hot temperatures. I do follow politics. I like to be informed. I love John McCain. He has given so much to this country.
DeleteWe are totally on the same page regarding Flakes address and the individual who occupies the White House. I can't even use his proper title - or even 'Mr.' - I so detest him.
ReplyDeleteI also bullet journal and have done so since 2014 or so. But my bullet journal is a very, VERY simplified version - running to-do lists and nothing more. My future calendar is still mounted on the fridge and there is no art work. I just couldn't keep that up. I think all my creative juices go into knitting. But I enjoying seeing the various layouts. Check out Facebook for some BoJo groups. You can get some good ideas from what other people are doing.
Raising a girl is different, but worth the effort entirely after they get past the teen years. My daughter is now 41 and she is my best friend.
I belong to a couple of Facebook groups. Most of them are much better at design that I am. But that's okay! I sincerely doubt Harley will become my best friend as she ages. But I am glad your daughter is yours!
DeleteI raised 6 boys and 1 daughter and for me it was definitely easier with the boys. I was always thankful that at least I had 1 girl but also that I had 6 boys and not the other way round. I've noticed that every store I go into has already started putting out Christmas things. I have to start planning on Christmas early in order to get all the things done I want to make for Christmas gifts, but I don't decorate till after Thanksgiving. It seems I get more in the true Spirit of things in December.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful week...It is much colder here!
Oh WOW! I hear that. I am thankful for the girl but one is enough!! I start my decorating the day after Thanksgiving too! That is long enough for me as I get tired of it by New Year's Day!
DeleteAgreed, Harley looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteYou already know my feelings about our President, so I'm not going there. :)
But to answer your question? .... In my opinion, Mr. Flake is a loathsome individual who - long before his recent grandstanding - has used his position to influence local elected officials and law enforcement to benefit certain family members.
Yes, Myra I do know your feeling about Mr. Trump! And I respectfully will continue to disagree. I do find it interesting that your feelings about Senator Flake echo my feelings about Trump! Don't you think Trump is grandstanding and using his position to benefit members of his own family?? I love you no matter what :)
DeleteNot normal! Boy I hope not, we sent President Trump to Washington to rid us of normal, ie.. "Drain The Swamp" I have been reading most of the day on the Snowflake and he is just the type we need to purge, he has done nothing important in his time in government except draw a wage for doing nothing. He's a Romney RINO
ReplyDeleteTemps here got chilly and cause my furnace to come on about 6 am yesterday. House had dropped to 65. Normally I would have pulled the sheet up and slept in, but car had to com in for brake light unit replacement. Still under warranty. Had to drive I12 at rush hour, nerves are shot
First of all WE didn’t send Trump to Washington He lost the majority vote! The ONLY reason he won the election was because he ran against Hilary Clinton! I am appalled daily with how he talks to people and how he treats people! He acts like an overgrown petulant crybaby who stamps his feet when he doesn’t get his way! You would have blown your top if your kids would have acted half as bad as him when they were much younger! He’s disgusting and an embarrassment to our country! The only people who do not believe he was in bed with Putin is the Trump family and his small base. His approval rating of 34% shows most of the country agrees with me! I still think Flake spoke for the majority of us in pointing out his obnoxious and deplorable behavior!
ReplyDeleteNow stay warm We are expecting a hard freeze tonight! Winter is on its way Hope you got your nerves under control!
Things in Washington are worse than I ever feared they would be. I hope the fact that members of his own political party are saying he is a loose cannon resonates with those who thought he was going to be a good change. I fear that if they impeach him our VP may be even worse. I just want to get through these next few years without a nuclear war and then, God willing, we can start repairing all the damage that has been done
ReplyDeleteI don't think Pence would be worse. I hope we can get through without a nuclear war but I don't see it happening! He's such an idiot!
DeleteI really enjoy these posts of yours Paula. Yes, raising boys and girls is different but they both have challenges. Harley looks great with the new hair colour. I'm not even going to start on the subject of your president - we have enough problems of our own lol.
ReplyDeleteThe challenges with this girl have been immense!
DeleteYou've got me kinda curious about the 'girl-raising' post that may appear on your blog. ;-) The one I have living with me would be in the Air Force if it weren't for the metal in her knee. I was hoping for the Air Force.... Harley looks cute as a blonde, but....Harley is just cute, blonde or brunette. The pumpkins are fun. Love the mouth on the one Isaiah is holding. As for the Christmas question.....I don't want to see it in stores too early, but I fully admit to watching a Christmas movies now and then all year long. In fact....I fell asleep in the middle of one last night, so I'm off to finish it...at 5:30 AM! Happy Saturday.
ReplyDeleteYes, I often think of GN when I think about girl issues. I wonder how she is doing and how you are doing with her!
DeletePaula...ditto on everything you said about Trump and Flake. I detest Trump with every single fiber of my being! The things he said to those little kids when they were in the Oval Office for Halloween. Good grief - he is a horrible horrible little person. agghhhh!!!!!! I can't even get across what that man does to my brain!
ReplyDeleteand I did not send him to Washington. Let the people who did reflect on it all and what they've possibly done to all us here in the U.S....
I've had a hard time with this, since some of those people are members of my family. I still have not been able to wrap my head around that - and never will be able to.
Linda in VA
I know Linda! When I think it can't get any worse it does! Most of my family voted for him too. Can't understand why they are so dumb! LOL
DeleteBlog visiting again today Paula, hoping to hear from you. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteHello Sandy! Good to see you!
DeleteIt's been HOT but is cooling down. Supposed to get cooler temps and possibly some rain, by the weekend.
ReplyDeleteWe are downright cold here now!
DeleteWe're supposed to get our first big dump of snow tonight.. not really looking forward to that! Not feeling ready of Old Man Winter!
ReplyDeleteI love watching Dancing with the Stars -- I watch excerpts on YouTube - my favorites are Lindsay and Jordan. I also like Mark and Lindsey. And Frankie & Witney.. they're all so likeable! I'm just amazed how excellent the dancers become in such a short time (it seems).
Harley's hair really suits her.. she's a pretty girl! I have 1 daughter and 3 sons. I can't say she was harder to raise than the boys.. just different :)
I tried a bullet journal but it just didn't work for me. I'm glad you are finding it fun and helpful!
I do enjoy my bullet journal! I love DWTS. My favorite for now is Val and the girl who was paralyzed for so many years!
DeleteI admire Senator Flake and his courage to say he right things.
ReplyDeleteI have raised one son and two daughters, one of whom still needs raising. The son was so much easier.
Yes, my boys were so much easier too!
Delete