Friday Things #594
1. Before school kicked off, we went to an “end of summer” party with other families from school last weekend, and if there’s one thing that Isabelle can’t resist, it’s face painting 🩷
2. The first week of school has been a whirlwind, but a success! Everyone had a wonderful first day and came home with huge smiles. Joseph probably had the most “new-ness” to adjust to (he now switches classes every period); he is enjoying the new freedoms that come with middle school, and also adjusting to the increased responsibility and work.
3. I was so excited when I saw that Joseph will be reading two of my favorite books from when I was his age – Where the Red Fern Grows and Island of the Blue Dolphins. I may have to re-read them along with him :)
4. All of the kids began taking piano lessons over the summer, and it’s been such a joy to watch/listen to all they’re learning! I took lessons briefly as a kid and could play a little bit, but never stuck with it; I’m so glad they’re enjoying it.
5. Which flavor do you prefer in the fall – apple or pumpkin? I am apple 100%!!
6. Speaking of fall, Isabelle has already asked me to order a Halloween costume, but I fear she’ll change her mind three times in the next two months, so I’m holding off a little while longer.
7. Do you have a set of go-to meals that you make only when the weather starts to get cool (aside from chili)? I’d love to hear!
8. I’m excited for hockey season to get rolling again, though it’s been fun watching baseball with the kids this summer; even Isabelle really got into it!
9. Do you have any good show recommendations? We’re still watching the new season of Reacher!
10. TGIF! Have a wonderful weekend!
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I loved both of those books and was so excited to share them with my kids too!
Yesterday I made both your shepherd’s pie and Guinness beef stew in anticipation of fall. I love a pumpkin something now and again this time of year but apple has my heart year round. 🍎❤️
I’m sorry about your families loss of Duke. I always loved seeing him and Judith together, 2 love bugs. Prayers answered for sweet Dominic.
Could I please have your chicken marinade recipe?
Also just finished Off Campus on Prime and it’s a great show. After all, we’re still younger ladies at heart 🩷
Apple over pumpkin, unless it’s a pumpkin roll. Where the Red Fern Grows…oh my heart! Fall/winter meal – always meatloaf, mashies, and peas.
I love apples and pumpkin so I’m all about apple in September and switch to pumpkin in October. Then, of course, cranberries in December.
Chicken and Dumplings when the weather is cold and any soup since I never make soup in the summer.
So happy to see your weekly updates again!
We’re in Texas, so our cold weather meal requests won’t start until November. But every year, my kids request ‘Texas’ goulash (ground beef and pasta in a tomato sauce with lots of diced tomatoes, corn, rotel and peppers).
As for shows worth watching, have you checked out ‘Department Q’ on Netflix? It’s a detective show set in Scotland. I’m impatiently waiting for Ludwig season 2, but this one was an also very clever and engrossing series.
PS – Team Pumpkin all the way!
Hi,
I’m an apple person.
We make chili (regular & sweet potato) & freeze it in portions small enough for 2 old peeps.
Just finished binge watching “The Four Seasons” on Netflix and LOVED it🙌
Prior comment had Pollard as series. I meant Poldark. Couldn’t find how to edit.
My husband is also enjoying Reacher. Pollard on Masterpiece Theatre is great. Enjoying rewatching as I watched the original about 50 years ago. I enjoy any kind of soup for fall/winter. A favorite is Vegetable Beef Soup made with lots of veggies including cabbage for sweetness. I throw in some browned ground beef for surprising flavor. Keeps well in fridge but not frozen. Veggies get mushy.
Oh my gosh, those were my childhood favorite books! So excited for him. We are watching the new season of Ted Lasso and really liking it!
I reread books with my children and it was fun to discuss the books with them, like a little book club. If you have Apple TV, I recommend Ted Lasso, the new season is out. Someone else mentioned the Night Manager and I would recommend that too (on Amazon Prime).
Apple also 100% :)
I am currently watching Murder in a Small Town on Hulu!
I watched The Night Manager this summer…there are several years between season one and season two. Season three should be starting early next year….and I can’t wait!
Watch Widows Bay on Apple
I like Pumpkin and Apple .
Great British Baking Show will be back on soon .
Piano lessons are fabulous! I took for 8 years and loved it. Of course , I take Voice so piano helps .
I highly recommended The Chosen!
Sort of a Southwest dish but when November gets to S.TEXAS, it’s time to make Pozole Rojo. Freezes well so I make a big batch to last several months.
Can’t wait til it cools off!
A great way to enrich his experience is to explore the story of Juana Maria and her tribe, the Nicoleno, either before or after reading The Island of the Blue Dolphins. Understanding their story adds a personal and fascinating layer to the adventure.