Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Thursday, August 20, 2026

I first heard of these posts from Kristin! These are things I just don’t get that others seem excited about! Now, with that being said – to each their own. People probably don’t like the things I like. That’s what keeps life interesting! I hope this makes you laugh and know that we can still be blog friends, okay? Sound off in the comments about what you just don’t “get”!

Alcoholic soft serve – it’s way too cold for me and you have to “eat it”. My sister said it has to be soooo cold because of the alcohol having to stay frozen. I literally felt like my tongue was burning. I think I got “tongue burn”. I am glad I tried it but it’s not for me.

Hey Dudes shoes – these are the ugliest shoes I have ever seen and there is nothing feminine about them. I don’t even like them on literal dudes. “Hey Dude, your shoes are ugly!”

Tall Tables – maybe it’s because I’m on the shorter side. I feel like I’m mounting a horse. I am not graceful. My legs dangle. This stranger appears to be more skilled in the art of a tall table.

This place only had tall tables.

Sushi as a meal – I would like one or two pieces as an appetizer, but I really don’t want to eat sushi as my meal. This is a new epiphany for me.

Beaver gas stations – it’s still a gas station. I don’t get it. I don’t enjoy a gas station for my shopping. I pump my gas, buy nothing else, and leave. I will admit that I have never visited a beaver gas station. Now, I am an encourager of more fun and whimsy in your life, so if this is your fun and your whimsy, go for it! But now that I heard about the situation in Beavercreek, Ohio with the big beaver suing the little beaver I will boycott the big beaver. You can’t trademark all the beavers. That’s just not right. Beavercreek, Ohio has more right to all the beavers in their business names than the Big Beaver Corporation!

Buying/ Using disposable water bottles – I think the water tastes bad and I don’t enjoy having plastic to recycle. It’s a huge waste of money and so bad for the environment. Plus, the sound they make when they are empty and being crushed is horrible to me. I was a teacher during the “flip the water bottle” phase and it was horrible. I also had someone crushing a plastic water bottle during many lessons. Some schools are now banning metal water bottles. I do get that. We had a major girl fight at my school where the two girls used Stanley cups as weaponry.

Paying $$$$$ to go to concerts – you are still so far away, and the performers look like ants, and you have to watch on a video screen anyway. Give me a smaller venue and I guess a lesser-known artist.

I saw this on social media recently:

Amazon clothes – I have had very little success. I have figured out that I need to not be super cheap on Amazon to get something good – like $30 or more. I would say an exception would be Amazon Essentials tanks and tees. I have loved that line. Otherwise, most Amazon clothing is impulse for me and ends up being returned. And, why do their brands have such weird names like “Anrabess” and “Ekouear”?

Drive thru coffee – I don’t do it much anymore so maybe that’s why the price including a tip is shocking to me now. I don’t really enjoy the paper cup or anything about the drive thru coffee experience. I usually spill it, too.

Extreme online shopping – I love getting a package in the mail, but when I have packages coming every day or several days in a row, I feel kind of gross. I don’t like what it does to me as a person. I track, I stalk, I stay home and wait for my packages. I cancel plans. Just kidding!

Outlet malls – I think they used to be better than they are now. The last time I went to one, the prices didn’t seem discounted at all. I have heard that some brands make a specific line of clothing to be sold at outlet malls.

Packing cubes – I have them. I have the compression type. I can’t seem to make them work for me. I am a roller. I roll my clothing. I feel like the cubes need a certain amount of space and rolled clothes can fit better.

Social Media Usage Between Couples – I hate when a couple shares a social media account “BenandLynn Jones”. Why? I hate when a couple holds a conversation in the comments. Don’t y’all live together? I hate public posts that could have been private. Who are you putting on a show for?

AI signs and AI photos – There is an AI template, and everyone is using it for flyers or signs. I looked for an example but couldn’t find one to share. Wardrobe Oxygen talked about why she never ate breakfast at her hotel on a recent trip. The AI poster was horrible. I couldn’t find her photo again, but the AI generated bacon looked like an animal tongue. She said it totally turned her off. Let’s use our noggins, people!

I have seen some people use AI photos of themselves on social media and act like it’s a normal photo. I just saw you in real life and you don’t look like that. I guess filters are ok, but AI just bothers me in this way.

What is an unpopular opinion of yours?

Amy

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

It’s Wednesday and our Joyce has Hodgepodge for us today!

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day…do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)?

I am a nervous flyer, but I love to travel. I hate that but it’s just what it is. The last time I flew was to Spain in 2024. My favorite part of flying is landing.

I have not been to Kitty Hawk. I have been to the Dayton National Museum of the United States Air Force and it’s super cool if you ever get a chance to visit.

My Dad learned to fly in college in the ROTC and joined the Air Force and went on to become a Lt. Colonel so it was a big part of my life.

Here are Kate and I sitting on the couch with a piece of art depicting one of the planes my Dad flew.

I think I’m sad because of my hairdo (hairdon’t).

Someone from my Dad’s Vietnam unit wrote a book about their assignment. My Dad was a forward air controller in the war.

My dad and me and notice my accessories:

We moved to Madison, Indiana from Evansville, Indiana so my Dad could be the commander of a practice bombing range but he still had to go fly fighters in Terre Haute, Indiana once a week. He would come home every Tuesday in his flight suit. How do I remember that it was Tuesdays that he flew? Here he is with Molly:

We didn’t have to move around because of this post he took in Madison. He was there from 1975 until 1992, I think? We did have to “move” to Phoenix for a few months for my dad to train on a new jet. I got to start second grade there during that time. I returned home to my second grade class at home and everyone thought I was “new” and it made me mad. I had been there for kindergarten and first grade.

We had a family trip to the Dayton museum and my dad got to show us all the planes he flew and tell us stories. Kate has video of him telling some of them. On the left is my cousin’s kid Ben, then all my dad’s grandkids – twins Mia and Miles, Lena, Nora, Mason, Jack, and Samira. Silas and Lincoln weren’t born yet.

I’m not sure where this next photo was taken because my kids are in a different outfit. Maybe we went back to the museum the next day.

Jack in a cockpit:

Mason in a cockpit:

After my Dad retired from the Air Force/Air National Guard, he was a pilot for a local chemical company and actually got to fly more and absolutely loved his “second career”. We got to see his plane at Christmas, you might remember. We got to hear some really special stories, too.

2. In what area of your life do you tend to ‘wing it’? Is this an area you should be winging? 

I still tend to wing it with cleaning. I would like to have a better schedule as I have said many a time. I try my best, but Eddie Otis comes running when I get out the broom or Swiffer. He wants to “help”. He also likes to “help” dust and tries to grab the cloth. He doesn’t ever help me with dishes which is unfortunate.

Who me?

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?   

I love the song Fly Me to the Moon. Top Gun will always be one of my favorite movies. My cousin and I used to sing “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling” all the time, too.

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream…what’s your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge? 

If I’m going to have it, I like ice cream or gelato. I like a very small kid sized scoop. I don’t need much.

5. I never get tired of coffee, potatoes, the library, looking at my old photos.  I could go on and on!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This nephew, Miles, is becoming a pilot!

Don’t forget Currently is coming up soon. September’s themes will be: Adjusting (to), Baking/Cooking, Decorating, Balancing, and Learning. Thank you to Laura for helping me with these. Interpret these anyway you wish!

Grab this graphic if you like, thanks to Tanya:

Amy

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

I’m just going to change the name of my Fashion Files post to “My White Blouse”. OMG! You all are going to stop reading!

I warned you…

White blouse from J.Crew Factory, Halara jeans, cork Aerosoles heels, consignment clutch:

White blouse with patterned pants, straw consignment clutch, and gold flat sandals.

The jeans and the patterned pants just returned from tailor and I wore them right away! I got the zipper fixed in the jeans (needed a new zipper pull) and a little tear fixed in the pants.

I wasn’t looking to buy, but all summer long I have lamented not having white linen pants. Kristin shared the Target version and I trust her recommendations. Bonus was that the pants were on sale from $30 to $21. Bonus bonus was that they came in short length! I ordered the white, the black, and the brown polka dot (swoon!). Unfortunately, I think the price is back to $30, but there is a teacher discount of 20% until September and maybe they will go on sale again.

Here are the white: I do think they run TTS. They are a little thin but good quality.

The polka dot seemed to run bigger, and I have ordered a size down to compare; they should be here in a couple of days and I will let you know next week. I feel like you often need to size up in white pants, but I find it very frustrating when the sizes are not standard from one colorway to another. See how the short is still a bit long?

I also ordered the black. I know these pants are linen, but I feel like they can be worn after Labor Day just fine. These are the black. They also fit like the white:

I had been wanting this type of sandal. I’m still testing them out.

I will let you know if I keep them!

I pulled lots of my gauze from my closet as I am over it. I kept a couple of tops in my rotation, but I put the gauze shorts in a drawer with some other summer things I don’t want to get rid of, but I also don’t want to wear anymore this season. Did I go in too hard on the gauze? Perhaps.

I totally cleaned my closet this past weekend. I did the floor, washed the rug, went through tote bags and handbags, and it was great. This is the best shopping deterrent there is – to organize what you have and see how much you have!

I am so happy; I sent my sister Molly these jeans and they arrived on her very birthday, and she wore them to school the next day (first grade teacher) and she said she loved them, they fit perfectly, and they are so comfy. I followed the size chart and ordered short for her even though she is 5’6. I feel like Halara still runs long. Am I going to make a Halara fan out of her? We shall she. Do you remember that I sent Halara jeans to my other sister for her birthday in March?

Please link up with us here and visit other entries!

Amy

Monday, August 17, 2026

It’s Monday and I’m retired so I love a Monday! I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly to share my weekend. How was yours? We had a heat advisory, and the river is a mess due to the storms last week. It was so hot on Saturday, but yesterday I could hardly breathe when I went outside!

Friday morning was a nice treat. I went to Con Huevos with two friends. We had a nice chat over breakfast/brunch/lunch – it was 11:00!

Breakfast tacos:

My other friend and I were boring and just did eggs, potatoes, and toast, but it hit the spot.

After that, I went home and got Eddie Otis, and we dropped off a bag at my friend’s house. I didn’t expect her to come out but she did, and we got to chat and that was nice. I overthought it and questioned my offerings multiple times, but I made strawberry muffins and truffle popcorn and bought from our bougie little market: cinnamon rolls, sourdough bread, plantain chips, guacamole, and shortbread cookies. It was random but I called it “weekend treats”. I have known this friend for 26 years and we taught together for some of those. I adore her and my heart breaks for what her family is going through.

Eddie Otis and I went home and enjoyed the air conditioning!

For dinner, I got Fazoli’s take out. Tom and I used to get that a bit and then we used to take our kids there because it was kid friendly. We always got the sampler platter which had spaghetti, lasagna, and alfredo. Well, I am a better cook now and Fazoli’s is not. Anyway, it was fun to re-visit this old favorite.

We finished The Hawk and it was silly but entertaining.

Saturday was cleaning day for me. I also worked on my plants which almost all live in the mudroom. They love the light in there. I managed to get all the floors done with EO out of the house walking with Tom.

I made bagel sandwiches for brunch.

I tried to go to a coffee/tiramisu pop up at a nearby shopping center with Mason, but the line was crazy long and like I said, there was a heat advisory. Several people were holding umbrellas.

We pivoted and went to Bamboo (coffee and donuts).

Tom was outside mowing and Eddie Otis and I watched Sterling Point and I read my book.

I worked in my closet a bit and pulled out things I don’t plan to wear again this season and just shuffled some things around. This is one of my favorite things to do!

We watched some Top Gun on tv and then the new Top Gun came on and then our friends called to see if we wanted to meet at the nearby pizza place and we did.

I had been curious about this canned cocktail and they were $3. I really liked the peach flavor.

I watched some of My Brilliant Career on Netflix when we got home.

Sunday, I opened the door and it was already miserable out. I needed some Target things and didn’t need some Target things if you know what I mean.

Ulta and Target have broken up, by the way. I asked an employee what happened to Ulta and he told me. It’s going to be Target Beauty or something like that.

Tom went to another room and closed the door and EO came back and took Tom’s seat and then was very dramatic. Then, he grabbed the remote and ran off.

This week…

I want to make this dish and these rolls. I have discovered a new blog and sometimes that’s all it takes to bring back some cooking inspo. I also plan to make this 80s recipe from my aunt. She has a version of this. I could not find Russian dressing or apricot preserves. I got Kosher Lipton soup mix. Is Russian dressing no longer PC?

I am missing salad as I have been cautious about it for the last month. I am going to get my salad greens from the farmer’s market or my permanent farmer’s market and make my olive oil, dijon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup dressing. I’m going to throw in pumpkin seeds and a soft cheese like goat and maybe some craisins.

I told you last Monday that I was sad for some friends. It helped me to “do” last week. I sent some things, I prepared a care package of weekend treats, like I said, and I texted. Thank you all for your comments on this. Also, my sisters and I are learning that our kids’ lives are not ours to control and parenting adult kids can be more challenging. Goodness, this is a hard thing to accept.

I’m thinking of so many parents sending kids off to a first year of college, another year of college, to the “real world” for their first big boy/girl job and transitioning to a new stage of life.

Amy

Friday, August 15, 2026

It’s Friday and we are exactly halfway through August, believe it or not. Let’s link up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week.

I bought some pumpkin spice creamer and thoroughly enjoyed it this week! I will probably wait until a more appropriate month to buy it again, but it was fun this week!

Just look at that…

Did you know it has collagen powder in it?

I bought collagen and creatine this week. I’m putting collagen in my first cup of coffee and creatine in my second. Now I have to drink the whole cup and not toss the dredges. I am considering changing my blog name to “Coffee and Collagen and Creatine at the Casa”. Stay tuned.

I dropped my phone a few times recently and this glass protector saved me. I changed it out for a new one; it was a 3 pack. You need this.

I got a visit from Jack and made him chocolate chip pancakes!

Eddie Otis and I are doing well with our new routine. He took lambie out for his walk and I was trying to get a photo but he dropped it.

I get such a sense of accomplishment when I get something fixed at the tailor. I picked up repaired jeans and pants this week. I’ve already worn both! Woot Woot!

I went in Kroger (as opposed to delivery) and I have never seen so many deals. Nothing was expired. This was a Tuesday. Maybe I will look for Tuesday deals again?

The movie theater last weekend had no Twizzlers! Redemption for 27cents!

I love my umbrella and love that I got to use it! Clear umbrellas are a game changer. I love the black trim. I purchased this from Target in the spring. We got some rain on Wednesday, and it was much needed.

We have not had rain (a good soaking) in such a long time that I can’t remember when it was.

EO and I got our walk in while it was sprinkling and then I can’t tell you how happy I was for a summer morning rain with my cup of coffee when I had nowhere to go.

Awkward blog photo – I got my eyebrows tinted and waxed this week. I am going to use The Ordinary serum to try to thicken up where I don’t have as much growing. If you are looking for help with brows, this won’t break the bank. Just look up “brow tinting in my area”.

I finished this:

I really liked it. It was chick lit but with depth.

I started this and it’s really sweet so far. That’s what I need right now.

I thought the rainy day called for chicken pot pie and I made it for dinner with a frozen crust for the bottom and a sheet of puff pastry on top. I am trying to use up some freezer stuff so I was happy. In weird stuff you won’t believe…

My sister Molly makes chicken pot pie quite a bit and I was talking to her on the phone and told her I made it that day. I explained my bottom normal crust and puff top crust and she said, “you won’t believe this, but I also have one frozen pie crust and one frozen sheet of puff pastry in my freezer, and I was thinking about making it like that soon.” She always copies off of me – lol! First I had twins, then five years later she had twins.

I told you earlier this summer we were reading the same book without talking about it and very often we are having the same thing for dinner.

These are really good and have quite a kick! They need a creamy cheese to cut the kick.

I made the dip the Big Boo Cast has been talking about – Boursin, fig preserves, crushed pistachios, and hot honey. They said to have with this cracker. It’s too much going on. It’s better with a Ritz but I probably won’t make it again because there are way better dips and I know dips. I served some of the dip to Tom and he said, “there’s a lot going on here.” Bahahaha!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I am not brand loyal and like to try new products. When I repeat a purchase, that means something.

Repeating:

This is so good, lathers so well, and my face feels so clean without feeling dry. I heart this product.

Another repeat:

Who is your primary care physician? Mine is Dr. Teal. I love this smell. I wouldn’t call myself a “lavender person”, but I don’t really think this smells that lavendery. It just smells so good and look, it says, “sleep blend”. I use this for my nightly shower.

I recently bought this one for my daytime scent for my morning shower. I love it, too, but it’s not as strong as the above.

Yesterday, I had a nice “ladies who lunch” lunch with my friend Beth to celebrate her birthday.

I ordered wine at lunch! Naughty! I wanted to support my favorite local winemaker Good Pain Wines who recently got her wine accepted at this Louisville classic restaurant, 211 Clover Lane. Go out to lunch! Lunch is so affordable. Our sandwiches were $18 and you can barely get a “moist sandwich” as my kids would say, at Jimmy John’s for that amount.

The waiter heard me tell another lady there that I knew that it was Beth’s birthday celebration and he surprised her with a crème brûlée.

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Today it’s time for another edition of the Global Writing Challenge and the theme is “a day in the life”.

How fun is this? I love getting to hear how others frame their days.

I last did this with Joyce from Hodgepodge in June, so it hasn’t been too long ago. I also did a Monday! After reading it myself – oh my gosh – we even ate a very similar dinner on that Monday in June!

If you missed my previous Global Writing Challenge posts, I talked about Chasing Sunshine here and Dancing here. Someone in the group chooses the monthly theme and we all interpret it as we will.

A little backstory if you are new to Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa. I think I’m going to need to change my blog name. I am still drinking lots of coffee, but I might need to change “cocktails” to collagen and creatine. Just a little perimenopausal/menopausal humor.

First off, I was a high school Spanish teacher for 31 years from age 22 until age 53. I am a wife and a mom of twins who are almost 24. I retired last year and became an empty nester pretty much all in one fell swoop. My twins graduated from college in 2024 but moved home for a bit over a year. My widowed mother passed away in early 2025 and I spent the first half of my first retiree year managing the sale of her estate and the sale of her home. I also really had a hard time with being totally parentless. My Dad died in 2018 and we were very close. My husband is still working, so I am like a stay-at-home dog mom now. Honestly, I feel a little aimless right now and I am considering a part-time job or joining of some things. I feel lucky and blessed to have had this time at home to process all the changes in my life.

I have a loose weekly structure and routine. I chose a Monday for my “Day in the Life” which is my most “at home” day of the week. I try to do laundry, clean after the weekend (not that we are partying), pay bills, make phone calls, plan out the rest of the week, and do some meal prep. I also allow myself reading time and a short nap. I walk my dog a few times a day and I always sit down to eat my meals – no standing! I love a Monday!

This was Monday, August 10th:

My husband’s alarm goes off at 4:30 for him to be at the gym by 5:00. He is part of the 0500 club at the gym which is an informal group of crazy people. I usually sleep right through his alarm but on this day, I woke up. Argh. I stayed in bed until 5:27 and gave up trying to get back to sleep. I am trying to go to the gym at least 3 mornings a week, but at the more civilized time of 6:15.

I turned on the patio lights. I actually really like getting up early. Eddie Otis (our chocolate labrador) and I are waiting on Tom to get back from the gym.

Tom returns home and Eddie Otis acts like he hasn’t seen him in months. It has really only been a bit over an hour. EO sleeps in our bed with us. They start their morning walk around the school yard behind our house.

I leave for the gym now.

As I mentioned, my dad passed away in 2018, and I believe in “pennies from Heaven” where a loved one leaves you a penny as a sign. I “told” my dad about the penny no longer being produced and “told” him that he would need to leave higher denomination of coins. I found a dime in June and found a quarter on this day. It made me smile.

I like going at 6:15 because the 0500 Club is gone and there are very few people there. It’s like the lull before the next wave. I don’t want to talk. I do say “hi” to the dad of twin girls I taught. He is really nice.

I return home to my beloved coffee with my beloved frothed creamer.

Tom heads to get ready for work and then Eddie Otis is stuck with his non-favorite human.

Oops – I forgot about some Sunday laundry. I don’t usually do it on Sunday. I must re-wash.

I read my favorite blogs and prepare my own blog for the next day.

I get up and pack Tom’s breakfast and lunch and he leaves at 7:30. Eddie Otis and I hug him good-bye. I’m very trad wife now. When I worked, I always left way before Tom.

Somebody is ready for walk number two as I am switching the laundry over.

School just started a week ago and we are figuring out our new routine. They start at 7:30 and we have a very short window of the playground being free. We usually walk around 8:15. The kiddies start coming out around 8:30! I heard one kid yell, “I remember that dog!”

We are very lucky to have what is essentially a little park behind our house.

We return home and I look at my agenda. I still keep a paper planner and I love it. I can’t wait to buy my next planner. Nerd alert! Each day I take what is in my agenda and put it in list form on my notepad. I love a list! I love crossing things off a list!

Tom showed me a video of some high protein potato rolls so I attempt to make them. The sweet Grandpa looking guy in the video must have been AI because my rolls look nothing like his!

I cut some strawberries that we need to use.

I try to always run the dishwasher at night so I unload the dishwasher.

I eat my breakfast between 10 and 11. I ate a bit earlier today because I was getting out of the house for an errand fairly early.

I made 3 Amylu chicken breakfast sausages, breakfast potatoes, and cottage cheese egg – I spray Pam in a Pryex and crack one egg, add liquid egg whites, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, spices and then microwave for about 1.5 minutes and add another 30 seconds if necessary. I added a slice of very thin cheese.

I shower in the am and at night. I don’t always wash my hair but I at least do my body. I do a body shower and get dressed.

Eddie Otis and I do another very quick walk because it is so freaking hot and humid and like I said, I needed to run out and do an errand. He knows that he gets another walk after I get ready, so he was waiting on me.

Doh! I went to the tailor to pick stuff up and they are closed on Mondays!

Kroger is in the same shopping center, and I needed a couple of things. I always push a cart in if someone has left it out in the lot (not in the cart corral) because I need the good karma.

Yup, I did it! I know it’s only August!

Now, it’s really too early for Reese’s pumpkins! I did not buy any!

I had several nice exchanges with employees and shoppers in Kroger. Are you chatty? I think I have one of those faces where people talk to you.

My son wanted to come over to get some things, and I offered to make pancakes! He had a specific time window, so I had worked around that.

Jack stayed for a couple of hours and we chatted. He is off on Mondays and stops by some of those Mondays. After he left, it was already almost 2:00! I made myself a little snack plate for lunch (forgot a photo) and read my book. I then fell asleep for just a bit. Oops – checking my phone record, my best friend called me at 1:59 and we chatted for a bit before I read. She had called me just as my son was arriving, so we didn’t get to talk so I texted her and she called back. We talk almost every day. We met at freshman orientation for college, roomed together for most of college, and roomed together after college. She introduced me to my husband!

I finished this book. I would call it chick lit with depth. It did deal with grief, but I enjoyed the story.

I got up and started making dinner. It was originally going to be a crockpot recipe, but I didn’t start it in the morning so I made it on the stovetop. It was partly a recipe and partly made up. I sauteed onions and used some chicken broth, green chilies, and some of a jar of salsa verde. I love salsa verde! I cooked chicken breasts and jasmine rice. I opened a can of Ranch style beans and made bowls for dinner. As I was cooking, my sister Molly called. She is a first-grade teacher and is teacher-tired right now, but she wanted to tell me something.

The final product:

Eddie Otis and I work his “puzzle” while we wait for Tom to get home around 5:45. He called me on his way home. He either texts or calls at the same time every day as he is leaving.

Daddy!!!!! Someone is really excited. I let him run to greet Tom.

I added sour cream and mixed mine up and added some tortilla chips. I loved this dinner if I do say so myself.

I bought a new pedometer that has no app and no charging needs. I am really enjoying it. I decided to take it off after dinner so I could shower. I didn’t do as well on steps this day due to the extreme heat. We didn’t walk as long as we usually do. I don’t have the clock correct. It was 6:29 our time.

I took an early shower. Tom and I usually watch a show after dinner but on this night we didn’t. I showered and did a bit of straightening and then went to the basement with a small bowl of ice cream and some Real Housewives. Yes, it is so stupid.

I was so tired from getting up earlier, so I feel asleep and eventually made myself go up for bed. I am asleep most nights by 9:30 or 10.

And that’s a day!

Please visit here to see other entries!

Amy

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

It’s Wednesday and that means it’s Hodgepodge with Joyce day!

Before I start, many of you know and love Jenn. Last weekend, her love sadly passed away. Please keep her in your prayers.

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-‘The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while.” 

Time is crazy isn’t it? So…what were you up to in the year 2002? 

First, of all, I was 16 in 1987. I loved that movie. I still love it now. Two words – Patrick Swayze. My sister Molly always says, “I carried the watermelon” from the movie whenever she has watermelon.

2002 was a really big year! I had been married for two years and had been teaching at the school from which I retired recently for two years. In January of 2002, Tom and I were walking our beloved first dog Archie at the dog park and we decided to start trying for a baby. We did not start right away at the dog park for clarification. In February I was pregnant and took a test before leaving for a West Virginia ski trip. I skiied! Can you even believe that? I don’t think I really believed the pregnancy test because it was from The Dollar Tree.

My twins were due in November but came early in September and that was a crazy rest of the year, to say the least.

2. “Me? I’m scared of everything…” What’s something that scares you that you’d like to try anyway? 

I would pee my pants, but I think a tethered hot air balloon would be an experience of a lifetime. Notice that I said “tethered”.

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to…

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

Watermelon is my favorite of these but it doesn’t have much flavor in my opinion. I don’t eat the other melons. I am anti-melon. I’d rather drink a big glass of water. He he. I do, however, love pineapple, but that wasn’t a choice. I craved fresh pineapple during my pregnancy in 2002! Now, if the watermelon is perfectly ripe and the perfect color, I do enjoy it.

I have had watermelon flavored cocktails, and they just don’t have much flavor, in my opinion.

I would go with the watermelon feta salad since I love feta.

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

I think birth order and how it affects personality is fascinating and I think a kid’s role in the family is put upon them by the parents without them intending to usually. My sister Kate is the middle but if Molly hadn’t been born, she would have been the baby. So, that is interesting to think about. Kate is liked by everyone. She is a peacekeeper. She is the most go with the flow of all of us. She had the most friends growing up and I would say was the most “popular”. I admire how Kate can focus on one thing and be in the moment where I am often thinking about the “next thing” and sometimes don’t live in the moment.

I am the oldest and I definitely am a true “oldest in the family” personality. I think the oldest has a lot of responsibility and it can be hard on them.

I also think birth order in marriage is interesting. Tom is the oldest and I am the oldest. An oldest and a baby sometimes struggle is what I have heard.

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. 

I think at a party I would rather make my rounds to everyone.

I love to have a significant conversation with two people but that doesn’t seem appropriate at a crowded party. I definitely don’t want to have a shouting conversation! I also don’t want to be anti-social sitting in a corner in a deep conversation with only two people. See? Classic over-thinker, oldest daughter. I am worried about everyone feeling included.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I’m out of random thoughts!

Amy

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Hello! Well, last week I don’t even think I bothered with real clothes from Monday through Wednesday. It was athletic shorts and tees to run errands and walk the dog. I’m at the point in the summer where I’m over the heat, over the clothes, and over the season! This is pretty typical for me in August.

By Thursday, I was ready to put something nicer on. I paired my fun summer skort from Old Navy with my newer white J.Crew Factory blouse. Both of these turned out to be excellent purchases. I get compliments on this skort every time I wear it. It’s just so fun. And, the blouse, it’s just perfect. One of my dear blog readers commented that I should get a striped one. It’s $50! That’s a lot for this born and bred bargain hunter, but when you consider price per wear and just how perfect it is…

The buckle sandals are probably 5 years old from Target. As a general rule I don’t let myself buy Target shoes because they are usually impulse and get donated. These turned out to be a good purchase, too.

Friday, I paired my other Old Navy skort from this season (orange gauze) with a white tee and my kimono. FYI – I learned that flowy kimonos make me hot. I took it off for the car and then I couldn’t keep it on after I got out of the car! It’s just fussy, too. Did I ever tell you about the time I was at school rushing to use the restroom and zipped it in my jeans and had to be rescued by a co-worker who had to rip it and then I had to take it to the tailor to get it fixed and I was late to class? Yeah, that’s typical Amy.

For the movie theater, I wore flip flops, cut offs, a white tee shirt with a graphic, and my striped button up.

I’m definitely starting to think about fall and transitioning to fall. Are you? I did not purchase anything from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, but looking kind of gets you in the mood for fall.

I also look at Instagram and get inspiration.

I love this look even though it does say “teacher”. I’m trying not to dress like a teacher now! I have brown knit pants, I have a chambray, and I have a scarf.

I take inspiration from retailer ads. I used to do this from magazines. Do you snap screenshots of outfits you want to copy? I think we get bogged down with trying to be exact, but it really doesn’t have to be an exact copy. Your version might be better!

I love the white/off white blouse (I don’t have an exact but I have something similar), and I have dark jeans (not exactly like this) and I have black Dansko Mary Janes. I think the jeans need to be a little shorter to show some ankle for this look. I think her burgundy color is better, but I’m going to use what I have.

I think I would only do this look until Labor Day -white on white with tan flip flops. I don’t have a jean jacket but a chambray button up would work.

I know they say the old rules about white after Labor Day don’t apply, but after August, I feel like white pants, anything too tropical, and gauzy gear all look too summery for me and where I live. You may feel differently and that’s ok. I like to pull those things from my closet or from my rotation. I’m tired of those things anyhow at the end of August.

Dark wide leg jeans, a white blouse, and flip flops:

I found a new IG account that belongs to a professor living in Copenhagen.

Do you want to know what all the cool girls are wearing in Copenhagen? Honestly, it hadn’t crossed my mind. However, did you know the Danish are some of the happiest people on Earth? Maybe it’s due to the “cool girls”?

Apparently, they wear baggy jeans with flip flops. Ok. done. I will try this and be cool.

They wear white tops with jeans and flip flops. I like the pop of the red handbag. I don’t have one, but that’s ok.

Look for me to try some of these outfits!

Please join us here with your blog! Check out some new blogs, too!

Amy

Monday, August 10, 2026

It’s Monday and I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly to share a bit about my weekend.

I have some people in my life going through some pain right now and a couple of difficult situations in my family, so honestly, that was on my mind all weekend. Today’s post is going to be pretty short.

I really think the heat is getting to me. I just hate this humid sticky weather so much and it puts me in a bad mood.

Eddie Otis and I missed our playground window both days (Thursday and Friday) adjusting to the elementary school being back in session. Thursday was the first day of school and school is supposed to start at 7:30. The car rider line was still going around 8:00 and EO didn’t like all the cars and didn’t want to walk with them there. We tried again at 8:30 and the kiddies were already playing on the playground. Friday, the car rider line was still going at 8:00 and there was a guy weed eating (employed by the school district) by our fence for a really long time, so EO would have been bothered by that, too. By the time he left, the kiddies were already playing on the playground.

Asking for a friend, is it normal to already need a recess after being at school for 30 minutes to an hour? Anyway, we walked in the neighborhood instead and it was fine. Yes, I do realize that our walking green space belongs to the school; we have just enjoyed our summer routine.

I read this book quite a bit this weekend. I really like it. It deals with grief, but it’s done in a way that I’m ok with, I guess.

On Friday afternoon, I wanted to visit a favorite street to go to a couple of places and I spontaneously asked Mason if he wanted to meet me there after he got off work. He did! He gets off at 3:00 usually.

We shared some breadsticks and then I took pizza and salad home for dinner for Tom and I. Mason hadn’t had lunch and ordered a stromboli that he said would last him at least three meals.

After Mason and I said goodbye, I ran into a friend on the sidewalk who is going through a very hard time. I think it was meant to be that I ran into her. She’s been on my mind. It was great to talk to her and I’m hoping that she will let me bring her something this week.

I started this and I’m loving it!

My nail saga – I think the damaged part (from gel) is grown out, but they are still very flimsy and break a lot. Here is my Kur Londontown original illuminating nail concealer with two coats. I do this about every 5 days or so.

Saturday was super hot and Tom had wanted to see a movie in the afternoon after our chores were done. We invited Mason after work and he said yes again.

Tom was showing scenes from Super Troopers 1. It was silly and funny and what I needed.

We had sandwiches and Trader Joe’s frozen fries for dinner.

Sunday, I drove on my favorite street and it was good to see nature!

We had a little boat ride and brunch with our friends…

The next Currently will be Wednesday, September 2nd and Tanya is letting me use her graphic! Many of us do the Hodgepodge on the same day, so this is perfect. September’s themes will be: Adjusting (to), Baking/Cooking, Decorating, Balancing, and Learning. Thank you to Laura for helping me with these and I apologize that I forgot to post them last week at the end of the August Currently – oops! Interpret these any way you wish!

Isn’t this cute? I really need to try my hand at making cute graphics!

What did you do this weekend? What do you do when life is hard? What do you do for friends when they are in need?

Amy

Friday, August 7. 2026

How was your week? We had some awesome weather after I complained about our weekend weather – lol. It’s time to link up with Andrea and Erika to share some of my favorites and I’d love to hear yours, too.

One of our local news stations posted this so I’m not just being grumpy – it was the 7th wettest summer since 1872!

I had to laugh at my little blogging buddy:

I’m not a big sock in the summer person, but I find myself reaching for these thin ruffle socks this summer. I really like them.

I finished this book this week and really enjoyed the story! Check it out if you like stories set in Paris. I think it was loosely tied to the stories of Hunchback of Notre Dame/Beauty and the Beast, too.

Then, I started and finished this little story this week. It involves Nashville country music singers and songwriters so that is kind of fun. It was pretty spicy.

Then, I picked up a new stack from the library this week:

Not favorites…

I couldn’t get into this. Maybe I should have seen it when it was in the theater?

I couldn’t get into this, either…

Both were free on HULU, so NBD. Should I try them again? Sometimes you have to be in a certain mood!

I really like this brand of hand sanitizer and spraying rather than squirting.

Not a favorite. Twizzlers forever. I threw these away.

I loved Old Navy’s spring and summer stuff, but this week I went in just because I was next door and I hate their fall stuff. Maybe online will be different, but the in-store stuff just looked horrible to me. I guess that saves me money!

I was next door in the Kohl’s Sephora looking for a certain product. They didn’t have it – boo. Is Kohl’s where middle aged women’s dreams go to die? That store makes me sad. No offense to anyone who has a fat stack of Kohl’s cash.

I picked one of my two hydrangea blooms to bring inside. I felt a bit bad, but it’s a bloom I can’t see from my yard. I have to go outside my fence to see it.

We’ve had some good walks this week. Tom bought this new harness, and it looks like he is a support dog. He also picked the patch with “Mama says I’m special” so that is weird. I honestly think I’m EO’s support human when Tom isn’t around. He is so nervous. He got scared of someone’s pig lawn ornament.

I surprised Tom with his very own personal pan pizza for dinner one night this week. He smiled and enjoyed it.

Eddie Otis and I had a field trip to Mason’s leathergoods shop. It is dog friendly. I would give EO a B-. He licked some leather but didn’t try to steal anything. They have dog treats and a water bowl for dogs.

I made Ted Lasso “biscuits” for Wednesday night’s premiere of the new season. They are shortbread and delish.

We have a new Chipotle with a “Chipotlane” which is their term for drive thru. I ordered it and picked it up and it was very efficient.

I got a kid’s meal for me and a bowl for Tom and we could have just split the bowl easily. I have only had Chipotle two times now!

Who is ready for a PSL?

I might go on that very day just because I can! I also plan to buy the Chobani pumpkin creamer soon.

I loved this:

I am definitely “normal maxxing”. I think social media is so bad because people forget what “normal” is. People feel less than when they can’t “keep up” and it’s not normal what we see on the social medias. I am proud of myself for eating leftovers and using them up. I have had zero packages arrive this week! I am going to have to disagree on the reading one book a month is plenty. Hehe.

EO and I have a friend named Skyler. She knows that I have treats in my pouch.

This face:

And, finally yesterday I had a big day to celebrate my district’s first day of school. I took myself to Con Huevos (where I also went last year):

I ran into a college friend there which was fun!

I had a happy hour with a former student which was quite perfect for this day’s plans, too.

We had goat cheese and…

cocktails with dry ice!

How fun!

What was a favorite of yours this week?

Amy