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
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I pray for God’s healing of the person’s pain- whether the pain is physical or emotional. If the person lives close to me, I like to bring a meal or flowers if I visit the person in the hospital. Really, just small things to let the person know that I care. Your weekend sounds like a good one. Recess after a half or hour sounds nuts to me but what do I know, lol?
LikeLike
Yes! Prayer and something comforting. I think I/we get bogged down trying to bring the perfect thing but just anything is appreciated. That’s my opinion – it seems like the latest kids just arrived at 8 and they are already playing at 8:30?
LikeLike
I wish I had some answers to those last few questions… but I don’t! I have found that a huge help to me these past couple of days is getting creative. I’m struggling to read (though have managed to read 1 book) but making cards or painting while listening to an audiobook is working out. I’ve had so many friends and family reaching out offering help and I honestly don’t even know what I’d need help with… it’s not like there is much anyone can do. I know I just have to keep walking through and will eventually get to the other side. I’m sorry to hear you are having some difficult family things going on and hope things turn around for you soon.
LikeLike
I agree with the struggle to read when someone is going through something. Getting out in nature helps. I like your creativity idea. I think you can’t go wrong sending a card if they are long distance and dropping off food if they are local. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those tend to be my standard “go to” as well.
LikeLike
Yes. They are always appreciated.
LikeLike
It sounds like you had a lovely weekend despite everything that’s been on your mind. I hope things get easier for those you’re worried about. Sending hugs xx
LikeLike
Thank you so much. It was good to be with people who are easy to be around and it was good to be in nature. A funny movie helped, too. I am more worried for my friends, though.
LikeLike
Love that graphic- Tanya is a pro right? I love the summer and heat but yes to that humidity. Not only is it bad for the hair but I don’t breathe the best in this weather…ok done ranting
LikeLike
So good! I know. I wish I dealt with heat better. Haha – you can rant to me. I ranted about the heat and children playing. That’s so Karen of me!
LikeLike
Sending love and hugs. So sorry you have people going through some things. That is rubbish that Eddie Otis hasn’t got to enjoy his usual outside time. That does seem weird that the kids have recess so soon! How lovely to spend some time with Mason and that street you drove to on Sunday is beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you, Kim. Haha – we did well yesterday so we’ve got this! Thank you. I love that street, too.
LikeLike
I love you. Thank you for hurting with me and for me. What I do when life is hard is cling to what I know: God loves me, sees me, and knows what pain and suffering looks like. On a tangible note, I lean heavily on the people I have in my life: my sons, my parents and siblings, and my friends. I literally could not function with my Missy Byrd. She keeps telling me what to do next…well, her and Lisa. I know I said it already, but I love you. I’m so thankful for your friendship.
LikeLike
You spread love like glitter and it comes back to you. We all love you in the blog world. I hope you feel that love today.
LikeLike
I am so sorry you have friends and family going through difficult times. I find that letting people vent is helpful to them sometimes. Bringing someone flowers or food is always nice. I know I personally appreciate it!
LikeLike
I can do that! I always tell people to “cold call” me and I will let them talk and talk since I have the time. It’s just the effort. One friend brought me a bag of frozen soup and alcohol. I loved that!
LikeLike
I remember the first day of school each year when I taught (kindergarten) and those sweet little faces would look up at me so overwhelmed within the first hour. They were always so excited to be at school but the realization that it was all day every day was something they couldn’t comprehend. We had to break up our day into 30 minute increments although I only went out for lunch recess, as usual, and one other twenty minute break. Otherwise, we did frequent brain breaks and that helped. It was always such a big transition for them – and me! I was pooped by the end of the first week! On another note, I can only imagine what a caring friend you are when those you love are in need! They are lucky to have you!
LikeLike
That makes sense! I am going to be more understanding and look at it from this perspective. The transitions are so hard. How do you calm them down again? It was similar in high school. If you had them get up it was hard to get them settled again.
Thank you – I think I take on others’ problems too much sometimes.
LikeLike
Yes to all of what you said! I’ve been feeling the heaviness as well, and never want to be bothersome, but want people to know I’m here and praying. I like to get out in nature and walk in our woods (apparently that’s called “forest bathing” nowadays lol!) or reading or cleaning with my headphones and a podcast/you tube channel going!
LikeLike
Awww – prayer is key and I know that it works. It just may not always be the answer we want in our little brains! Yes! I love that term. I grew up playing outside all day long surrounded by woods and a lake so that calms me the most. I have a funny podcast that I just adore, too. Great ideas!
LikeLike
It was a heavy hearted weekend. I feel like it’s been a heavy year with so many hard things for people we love. I like to bring food or send food if the friend is a distance away. Or maybe flowers if I know they’re someone who would love that. We can overthink the food, but I feel like it’s all appreciated. It could be a quiche for breakfast, fixings for a lunch, a rotisserie chicken, or something fabulous and homemade. The throught truly does count. Prayer is a great comfort to me, and I think our prayers are felt by those we pray for. As far as 9 am recess? Huh? School is a bit of a mystery these days. We were talking about our school day as children recently, where we had an hour for lunch, yet somehow managed to get the academics in. There wasn’t a lot of fluff then, just the basics mostly. We were definitely not at recess thirty minutes after school began. Hope you find a new morning routine with EO.
LikeLike
That is so true.
All great ideas. I have been praying and I have sent cards, and I have a plan in place to drop off breakfast foods because I think fewer people think of that.
I know – I think it’s odd but with so many classes maybe someone drew the short stick.
We found our timing yesterday so hopefully it will continue or get better. It’s their playground and we are just enjoying it!
LikeLike
Cute combo graphic — the colors remind me of Lilly Pulitzer! I love pink and green together.
LikeLike
I agree! So pretty and so talented!
LikeLike
I’m sorry you and your family are going through it. I will leave it at that because I know you are, by nature, a fixer and already trying to work it out. OK, here’s my two cents on the recess situation. Depending on the size of the school as well as the personnel, that may be the only time that particular grade level can have recess. For a few years, we were lucky and had an aide who would cover recess. Then, we had to do it ourselves (other than noon recess). If they have an aide who does the recesses, or the special schedule allows for only that time, that could account for an 8:30 recess. The very first year I taught, my kids had recess from 2:30-2:50 or so (as far as I can remember), and school let out at 3:10! The twenty minutes in between were a nightmare! I think it’s so cool your boys come home or meet up with you regularly. My youngest did that until he found his (hopefully) forever partner. My weekend was spent at the museum on Saturday and working on the blog the rest of Saturday and almost all of Sunday.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
LikeLike
Some are not my personal things, but I take on others’ problems. Thank you!
Yeah, that is a good explanation to help me understand it more. EO and I got our timing right yesterday! We will live in harmony with the kiddies.
Ah, I hope he brings his partner around, too.
Nice!
LikeLike
I like your new graphic, looks very Lilly P!
That poor teacher that has recess first thing in the morning, ugh. Elementary school scheduling is next level pain in the rear. I am so glad I don’t have to work on that stuff anymore!
Glad you had a movie date with Mason and Tom!
xo,
Kellyann
LikeLike
These feel like extra recess times but I should look at it like that. Maybe it is scheduled. Anyway, EO and I got our timing down yesterday and it will continue to be fine.
I am glad you don’t either.
Thank you!
LikeLike
Sending you a big hug—carrying heavy things is so draining. Be gentle with yourself this week!
How sweet that Mason joined you twice this weekend! Running into your friend felt like a true “meant to be” moment, too. (And yes, early morning recess is totally normal—teachers love a quick “brain break” right after the bell! :D).
Simple comforts (like a silly movie!), is a great idea.
Hope this week brings cooler weather and some peace of mind for you and EO!
LikeLike
Thank you! I am feeling better now that I have “done” a few things for some people. I will.
It was so nice! He is a joy to be around at this age.
Yes – it was nice to run into her and make her laugh a bit even though her life right now is hard.
Yes!
Me too! I am waiting on some rain this week! We had a great playground walk yesterday and got the timing down!
LikeLike