Wednesday, September 27, 2023
It’s the last Wednesday of the month – wow, September went by so quickly! – and I am joining Sheaffer and Shay for this fun link up.
What we’re eating…
I tried the viral (I think?) sheet pan lasagna and it has all the great flavor of a lasagna without the tedious layering. You break the noodles, boil them, then mix them with your cooked meat and sauce, dollop with your ricotta and mozz and then bake!
An easy meal was turkey sausage, green beans, taters and onions, and corn!
And, we also had carnitas nachos one night along with traditional tacos that I had made a couple of days before.
We haven’t had these yet, but I bought them because I thought they would make Tom and Jack laugh!
What I’m reminiscing about…
I don’t know? Maybe the elementary school years since I hear the school playground noises behind my house after school.
‘what I’m loving…
I am continuing to start my days outside and I just love these mornings. I know it will soon be too cool to do this, so I am taking advantage of it right now!
I am getting more texts and pictures than I thought I would. Mason sent me this hiking photo from a trail near the campus in England.
You know what else makes my mornings on the patio so special? I almost always get a text from Mason to start my day. I have not usually had to be the first to text. It’s about 10-11 a.m. for him when I first get up, so I guess that’s an optimum time. He is still in orientation and starts class next week so it could change.
I overhead Jack talking to Mason online and they were laughing so hard the other night!
What we’ve been up to…
I’m continuing on the school grind. Tom is continuing on the work grind. Jack is really busy with classes and he is living at home this semester. Unfortunately, when we showed up at the dorm room he thought he was going to have, it was not what he thought he was going to have. So, he is a commuter and hopefully he will be back on campus in the spring.
What I’m dreading…
I think I will be sad to not have Mason at home for Thanksgiving.
What I’m excited about..
Just talking to Mason on Facetime and texting with him!
What I’m watching/reading…
I am really enjoying this. I had said I wouldn’t read another WWII book, but this struck me. I will need a palate cleanser!
What I’m listening to…
Most of my day I am listening to the chatter of teenagers. They seem more like 2019 teens! I listen to podcasts when I clean or cook, usually.
What I’m wearing…
You will find out tomorrow if you come back for Fashion Files! So, it’s been in the 80s again and I think we can expect 80s for a while. I like to have short sleeves in fall colors for this time of year.
What I’m doing this weekend…
I have been under the weather with what I hope is just fall allergies, so I hope to feel better this weekend and get caught up on my rest.
I have no trouble sleeping in the summer, so I guess my job really is the problem!
So, what’s up with you on this Wednesday?
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I didn’t realize Jack was living at home this semester! In a way, it’s really sweet that he is there while Mason is so far away. I know that must do your heart a lot of good. I also didn’t think about Mason being gone over Thanksgiving, That makes my heart hurt for you! I am sorry to hear you’ve been a little sick…I hope you feel better soon, my friend! Speaking of coffee (your comment on my blog), you should get a medicine ball from Starbucks!
LikeLike
I hope you feel better, seasonal allergies are so hard to decipher from other things. I read The German Wife recently and it was so good!
I bet it’s nice to have Jack home this semester. I miss having Collin home and knowing Nolan is moving in a few months has me bummed. Ugh!!!
Hope you have a great day Amy!
xo,
Kellyann
LikeLike
Happy Wednesday, sweet Amy! That lasagna sheet pan has me intrigued! I hope you feel better soon! My husband, especially suffers from allergies, they are no joke, and it seems like they’re getting worse with the way our climate has become!
LikeLike
Those teenagers- at home and at school are so very lucky to have such a fun and hip human in their lives 🙂 That recipe looks amazing!
LikeLike
It was 45 here this morning– 45! I’m thinking it’s time for me to start packing away the patio and deck furniture. 😦 I miss my mornings in the sun. I hope you are feeling better soon. It sounds like both your boys are doing well! I was thinking the other day, once Mason has been overseas for awhile do you think you’d want to write up a post about preparing for a semester abroad? I know my son has big plans to do one and I’m sure I’m going to a million questions when the time comes.
LikeLike
That is really a blessing in disguise that Jack is going to be at home this fall. It will probably help with missing Mason. That is so nice to wake up to a text. The time change can be challenging. I was over there for 10 days and really missed talking/texting at the end of the day with the kids. (to clarify, at the end of their USA day when it was the middle of the night in the uK) Hang in there – hope your sleep is good and that you are feeling better soon.
LikeLike
I thought that, too, but at the same time, I wanted him on campus for start of senior year! Also, he has grown so much by living on campus, you know? Oh yeah – I bet that was challenging and that you were ready to be home for that reason alone. Thank you!
LikeLike
Your mornings sounds like a wonderful way to begin the day. I usually wake up late and just do my morning stretches before beginning the day. I’ve not heard of this way of making lasagna, but it looks delicious. I used to make it without cooking the lasagna noodles, but the ones that didn’t get covered with sauce were extra hard.
You are really having a bittersweet fall. I can’t remember if you’re going to England to see Mason or not. I hope you’re able to do that. I’m glad your sons are so close and talk to each other often.
Hopefully, you’ll feel better soon. I have an annoying cough that I’m thinking is allergy related, too. They are beginning to harvest the corn and soybeans which always aggravates my allergies.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
LikeLike
It’s been so nice! I need to stretch more. I have made lasagna that way before, too. I think you would like this method. Way easier!
I am, but I am so happy to see them spread their wings.
Coughs are the worst. Thank you – I hope I’m on the mend.
LikeLike
So great to start your day with a text from Mason. Maybe this is the perfect semester to have Jack home since Mason is gone. I hope you are feeling better soon!
LikeLike
It’s so fun! I had that same thought myself, but Jack has grown so much living on campus and I don’t want him to go backwards. I also wanted a super great senior year for him so it did put a damper on it in my opinion. He seems happy at home, though. He’s literally never here Monday-Thursday, though. He is really busy.
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad Mason is doing well and all the food looked good. Hope you feel better soon!
LikeLike
Thank you! Thank you!
LikeLike
Hahahaha – your job is the problem, yes, yes it is 😦 Take it from a former teacher….it’s hard to leave but so freeing when you do. Plus, you’re eligible so there’s that. You put you time in. I know, NONE of us go in with that ‘tude but, well, who could have ever predicted?
Anyhoo…..hope you feel better this weekend and can enjoy your people, weather, and books 🙂
LikeLike
I know! I’m so torn because there are so many things I still love. Also, I want a second chapter but don’t know what that would be. I appreciate your thoughts because I am really starting to wrestle with the decision.
You too! Thank you!
LikeLike
I get it. . .I really, really do. Walking away was so incredibly difficult – but I’ve never regretted it for a minute. Not one. . .even though I still (after 5 years) haven’t figured out “what is next”. It will work out. . .and the stress is just no longer there. It will be hard (if you chose to retire) but I think you know it’s not what it once was either.
You inspire me to be intentional with my time and my friendships – thank you for that!
LikeLike
I honestly don’t think it will be. I think I will feel like 30 years was enough. 30 years! I have a pretty good attitude about not letting the stress get to me too much – most of the time. I also have a pretty good work/life balance that many teachers don’t have. I just don’t do anything at home anymore – with a few exceptions.
That makes my day – I feel like you live a very full and intentional life!
LikeLike