Friends,
Can you believe we are knee-deep in fall, ya’ll? It has already been a month since I shared my autumn bucket list with you, and linked-up with 20 or so of my closest bloggin’ buds in the process. If you missed that post or the posts of my bbbs’ (best blogging buddies), you might want to start here, first.
My October
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know I have been traveling more than I have been home this month. Thank goodness, I put those trips on my bucket list. Not so that I would accomplish them but so I was guaranteed to achieve at least 2 activities on my list. Because we were going to Germany and the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series whether school kept or not…as my mother would say.
Will be working the week after we get back from Phoenix and then I hope to have some quiet time in my very own house. Need to be home to accomplish a lot of what’s on my bucket list. That being said, let’s see where I stand one month in.
Autumn Bucket List Update
Fall Travel
- Whirlwind trip to Germany. Oh, yeah, done son. It was indeed a whirlwind but full of beautiful sights and flavors and brand-new experiences. Debating whether to write a post or two about our trip. Might seem a little like inviting friends over to watch a slide show of our summer vacation. Most people avoid those invites at all cost. But here’s a little sampling of our trip: Dachau, a cafe in Dachau with a book chandelier, Berchtesgaden, a traditional Bavarian meal (at a restaurant where we have never eaten), Garmisch, Garmisch again, on the drive to Baden-Baden.
- A week supporting my favorite baseball player for Senior Men’s World Series in Phoenix. In the midst of this as I type. Will share more in next month’s update. But here we are on our way.
This was the first photo I took as we headed out. I showed it to PC saying ‘does this look like the face of a man leaving for a week of doing what he loves doing best…baseball?’ I gave him a sec for an attitude adjustment and then took this pic.
Now that’s better.
Sprinkling Autumn About
As you have probably gathered after spending any length of time hanging out with me here, I am technology-challenged. Actually, I can use technology fairly well for an old broad. But my various pieces of technology give me fits! FITS! Remember when my laptop space bar and the letters ‘O’ and ‘P’ quit working? Well, now the lens in my Samsung phone is cracked. And so the photos I am taking with my camera are various degrees of blurry and fuzzy. And my good Sony camera is giving me a message that there is something wrong with the memory card, and it promptly shuts off. So the photos of my decorating are really awful. But I have a new lens coming for my phone and hope to remedy the memory card situation with my camera this weekend. Then I will try again.
- Decorate the inside of the house for fall. Work in progress. I love doing this. Got the boxes of fall decor down before I left for Germany but didn’t get things decorated until we got home. Here’s what I have so far.
- Decorate around the outside of the house for fall. Work in progress. Just dabbled at this before we left for Phoenix. More to come here, as well.
Working on Me
- Work back to running 3 miles (given my leg holds out) and run 5K. Pending. I did move my printed copy of the directions for building up to a 3K from the frig where they have been hanging to the treadmill. Ha! And we’ve gone to the gym 4 times in Phoenix where I ran a mile+ each time. But that’s a long way from running a 5k.
- Hike twice. Pending.
- Create several fall looks from fall and work wear challenges. Pending.
- Appointment for lowlights to blend away gray. Done.
- Have monthly manicures without tips or gel polish. And done.
Flavors of Fall
- Sample something pumpkiny twice a month. On-going. Here area few of the pumpkin delicacies sampled so far. Pumpkin pretzel and pumpkin soup in Germany.
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- Pumpkin pretzel
- UTEP football game. Pending.
- Food trucks. Pending.
- Try two new restaurants. Work in progress. Of course, everywhere we ate in Germany was new to us except the meal we had at McDonald’s. And even then, we’d never been to that McD’s before. But when I added this activity to my list, I really had in mind trying two new restaurants in El Paso.
As the Temps Dip
- Create Christmas garland for stairs. Work in progress. I bought the fabric before I left for Phoenix. That was the painful part. Geez, fabric is expensive. By golly, I better make this garland. Or eat the fabric.
- Fire in the fire pit. Pending.
Spirit of Gratitude
- Pay it forward. Kinda. One of the players, Jeff, on PC’s baseball team in Phoenix commented on the Auggie Pullman “Choose Kind” canvas tote I used to carry my cross-stitch to the games. Auggie is the main character in the children’s book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. If you haven’t read this book, you need to. Even if you aren’t a child. Even if you don’t have a child. Anyway, Jeff went on to say how much he and his daughter loved the book. So I recommended a couple similar titles. One-Handed Catch by Mary Jane Auch and Firegirl by Tony Abbott. You can check out my reviews in an earlier post, here. So, back to pay it forward. I always love to reward readers with more books to read. I asked Jeff for his daughter’s name and address in order to send her these two titles to read. Does that count as pay it forward?
- Donate food for Thanksgiving. Pending.
Spic-n-Span
- Have house painted, carpets cleaned and scrub house from top to bottom. Ha! Yeah, right. Nowhere near. PENDING. Yup, in all caps.
All things considered, I think I am on track with my autumn bucket list. PC has promised we can stay right here in our little house all weekend so I can catch up on laundry, work on my garland, and just enjoy sleeping in my very own bed.
Your Turn
Did you create an autumn bucket list or maybe a fall to-do list? How’s your progress coming? Is there something you are beginning to think might not happen in the next two months as we approach winter? Share your list in a comment below, or if you are a blogger, link-up with here.
Please stop by the blogs of my bbbs and show them some love. And keep in mind, we’ll be right back here on 11.21 for another update and on 12.21 to share our winter bucket lists.
Hope to have a “Spiritual Sunday” post put together this weekend and a recipe ready for “Tasty Tuesday”. As always, my loves, thank you for spending time with me.
Hugs and kisses,
Jamie Moore says
October 21, 2017 at 6:01 amHaha! I use that phrase too “done, son!” People look at me ssoooooo strange! And sending kids good literature is ABSOLUTELY paying it forward!!
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 21, 2017 at 9:35 amThey look at me strangely when I say ‘done, son’ and ‘you guys’. Sometimes the kids at school will tell me, “We aren’t guys!!” I think that is a hold-over expression from my childhood days in Boston. Kind of like ‘yous guys’.
Glad sharing literature counts for my paying forward. Love to share good books with good readers.
Debs says
October 21, 2017 at 7:31 amWe Brits don’t decorate our houses for Autumn, but when I look at pictures of American homes, I wish we did!
Now I’m going to make you feel a whole lot better about that fabric – over here we know that fabric is a lot cheaper in America. I did some conversions for you looking at that first item on your bill – we pay on average $15.83 a metre for quilting fabric so your yard and a half would have cost $21. $13.48 doesn’t seem so bad now does it?!
Oh that book Wonder. I was asked by our Head of English faculty to type up a few samples of chapters from the book for Year 7 to use for homework. When I gave it back to her, I had to admit that I was almost in tears at my desk. She gave me to book to take home and read completely, and of course I cried properly. What a great book. I think it should be compulsory reading at school.
Tamara / My Retirement Project says
October 21, 2017 at 8:51 amLeslie, first I have to say I love, love, love your Dia De Los Muertos decorations! I have a fondness in my heart for this celebration starting when I resumed my Spanish studies some years ago, and solidified by my mixed Mexican/Irish heritage granddaughter. The Etsy barrettes you shared on your Instagram feed, for example, were instant love!
And, OK, I’m sold, and will pick up Wonder from the library just as soon as I can. Plus, love the pumpkin food photos, and could happily dive into either item given the chance! Did you dip the pumpkin pretzel? Into what, if so?
And if it makes you feel better, we’ve eaten at McDonalds exactly one time in the last 15 years, and it was at a McD’s in, wait for it . . . Venice, Italy! I know, I know, but sometimes you simply need a little taste of home when traveling for long periods of time abroad, so no judgement here!
Welcome home soon, and may this next week fly by for you so you can get back to having some downtime to just nest and be!
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 22, 2017 at 12:07 pmHey friend,
So glad to be home today. There’s truly no place like it! And after a week’s stay in an RV, our home felt positively palatial. Although, I go to work this week, I am looking beyond to next week when I hope to be home to catch up on some autumn bucket list activities.
When I first learned of Dia de los Muertos, I was taken aback by the celebratory aspect of this Mexican Memorial Day. But the more I learned, the more I loved it and its celebrations. Every year, I create an altar for my sister’s three year old son who died of cancer in 2001. If I am working at a school when the holiday rolls around, I build my altar in the library. So many of the Hispanic babies I work with are unfamiliar with this tradition in their culture, so I try to do my part in keeping it…’alive’…pardon the pun.
My daughter is making and selling the barrettes on Etsy. She has a lot of different patterns but asked her to create something for Dia de los Muertos because I love the holiday so much. Lauren has just opened her shop and is struggling to get started. Please feel free to share the barrettes with anyone you know who might like them. Lauren would appreciate the business and so would her mom (me).
My PC craves McD’s waaaay too much… at least once a week. If not a cheeseburger, then he wants the jun at Taco Bell. I often succumb just to keep from cooking. Now that’s weak!
Looking forward to nesting. And maybe getting some blog posts written at something other than the 11th hour.
Thank you for being my friend.
XO
Christie Hawkes says
October 21, 2017 at 10:45 amI adore your list Leslie, We have so many similar tastes that everything on your list is something I want to try! Those pumpkin treats looked divine. Sending books to someone definitely counts as paying it forward. I love giving and receiving books. When my husband and I walked past a McDonalds in a shopping center in Paris, I was so surprised to see wine being served–at McDonalds! Good luck with the rest of your list. Enjoy!
Natalie says
October 21, 2017 at 12:24 pmThanks, Leslie, for sharing some pictures from your trip to Germany. Your selfie with your hubby before and after “attitude adjustment” made me laugh. Good food and seasonal home decor pictures, too. Glad you’ve got time for self-care like hair and nail care. Keep on looking good and feeling good, my friend!
Danielle says
October 21, 2017 at 12:33 pmI love the pumpkin man in the wheel barrow. I just put my pumpkin leaf man out this morning. I also enjoy the pics of you and PC. 😂 He’s such a good sport.
I actually have a railing on my stairs going down to the basement this year. Maybe I will have to put something there. Could be fun. I actually need to go into the attic of my garage and find my Christmas stuff. That tree should be going up soon 😬
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 22, 2017 at 12:21 pmI need a pic of your leaf man. There is book called Leaf Man that would be perfect for Z. It is written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert. Maybe you already know of it?
PC is a good sport. He doesn’t smile much because as a child he broke his two adult front teeth and his family never had them fixed. So he went the rest of his childhood and into his adulthood without smiling, at least not a broad, hearty smile. Once he was in the Army, he could afford to get the teeth fixed but by then the practice of never smiling was a habit. I have to remind him to smile. Kinda sad.
Come make a fabric garland with me for your stairs!! I am doing it like the one I made in the spring but with shorter strips of fabric (to keep it cheaper to make). I am going to try to figure out a way to weave little strands of white lights through it, too. And then hang it on our wrought iron banister. When we saw our floor plan as a model home, it was in the winter before Christmas and the model home was decorated for the holidays. They had a beautiful fir garland on the staircase. Have always wanted to do something similar.
Let me know if you decide to do one! Can’t believe Christmas will be upon us soon. Yikes! I need to play the lottery. 😛
Sheila DelCharco says
October 21, 2017 at 3:24 pmI did not create one but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been doing stuff! Loved reading about your list though!
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 22, 2017 at 12:15 pmOh, ladybug, I know how busy you have been! You world traveler, you! Hope you can settle into some time at home now for a bit. I am ready to be home to work on some of the projects I have added to my autumn bucket list. It is finally feeling like fall in El Paso, cooler temps, bright sun by longer shadows. Waiting for the winds to return.
Thank you for coming by. Sure enjoyed all of the photos from your adventures. Hope you are safely home.
Anne says
October 22, 2017 at 8:35 amSo glad we’re finally getting some fall weather here! I need to start a list…
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 22, 2017 at 12:13 pmAre you still working, friend? I have worked most of this school year until the first part of October when we became ‘world’ travelers for a bit. Starting back to subbing tomorrow. Sure like having the money and love the work but I am ready to be home, in my house for a few days. Do you have time for your beautiful arrangements, crafts, wreaths these days?
Thank you for stopping by and leaving me a comment. I think of you often. XO
Laura says
October 22, 2017 at 7:15 pmThat pumpkin pretzel looks so good! I am loving your fall decorations! I love decorating for this season!
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 24, 2017 at 9:24 pmOh, that pumpkin pretzel was scrumptious. I am really getting into eating, drinking and smelling pumpkins this fall!! Isn’t this the best season?
Valerie Price says
October 23, 2017 at 7:31 pmYou really look like me in the right highlight lowlight picture.. I had to enlarge it to see if it was you or me.
curlycraftymom says
October 24, 2017 at 4:46 pmI love reading these posts! You always have a lot on your lists, but it gives me ideas and I love to read about it! If you did a post or two on your trip to Germany, I would def. read it! Your outdoor fall decorations are so cute! I can’t wait to see your Christmas garland when it is done.We ate at a McD in Paris and I didn’t like the food, something was different about the fries… they didn’t taste the same. PC cracks me up! Brian is the same way. Hates to have his photo taken, especially if its for the blog or social media! Ha!! He has a bad habit of blinking every single time, too!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 24, 2017 at 9:48 pmI think PC must be Brian’s long lost, older brother. Cut out of the same bolt of cloth, those two.
Thank you for your encouragement about a post or two about our trip. I will do one. But need to do it pronto before I forget!!! And then I need to get started scrapping the trip before I forget all of the details and fun.
Yeah, the McD’s in Germany wasn’t that hot. You are right…it was the fries that were off. And my soda didn’t taste right either. Hadn’t had a soda the whole trip and then when I finally have one, it is kind of a disappointment.
I have a pumpkin craft to make this weekend in hopes of linking up with you Sunday. And then I will get started on the Christmas garland. Hope it turns out! Do you get nervous doing crafts? I am always so afraid I will mess up.
Gail says
October 26, 2017 at 10:53 amI was so impressed you went off to Germany at short notice! I could never get Mr Mutton to do that. Isn’t Bavaria a beautiful place? I love your Fall decorations. I’m afraid the only decorations we have, until Christmas, are Halloween ones (though I don’t, personally) – it’s more of a thing for kids). Looking forward to your next update!
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 31, 2017 at 9:30 amThank you, Gail! I truly enjoyed my visit to Germany…much more so than a trip to France a few years ago. Hoping while PC is there working this coming new year, I will be able to join him again for a visit.
I think decorating for fall is my favorite! Fall colors are so pretty and my more my personal preference. Now looking forward to adding Thanksgiving decor to the mix.
Would love to have you join the bucket list posts, if you are ever interested! Thank you for coming by, Gail and taking a moment to comment.
Michael Ann says
October 26, 2017 at 1:07 pmHow is it that I’ve not made a single pumpkin anything yet?!? Goodness! I liked pumpkin before it was cool, and I think I’m rebelling against it now that EVERYONE is doing it! LOL! I do love it though.
I wish I could zip over to your house and sit and hear ALLLLLLL about your trip to Germany! We lived there for 10 years, and I still miss it!
I just loved the way your cheered your Prince Charming on at the ball tournament! *happy sigh*
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
October 31, 2017 at 9:33 amI have fallen off the band wagon on the pumpkin sampling this last week or so. Need to get back at it!! Ha, had a giggle at you liking pumpkin before it was ‘cool’. My youngest has always loved pumpkin. In third grade her teacher shared a recipe for the easiest pumpkin bread and Lauren would make it all year-round. Delish!!
Sure enjoyed the pics of you and Sheila together. I know you had the best time.
Germany was fabulous. I am hopeful that when PC returns at the beginning of the new year, I will be able to sneak over to join him again. Ready for some more beer and Bavarian food
PC calls me his baseball bunny. I am always glad to cheer him on at his games and just thankful he likes me to go along with him!