Thursday, November 5, 2026
Good morning! I didn’t really have a blog topic today so I thought I would just be chatty as if we are sharing a cup of coffee together. If you don’t drink coffee – why? Lol.
Tom is off this week! I made him a list and called it “TTO” – Tom’s Time Off. He humored me with my list. It is a silly list, but I love a list!
On Tuesday I took down the Halloween specific decor and got out my very small Thanksgiving decor stash. I hang the little paintings on my mirror that has hooks in the hallway, and the Fat Pants sign makes me laugh and reminds me of the Friends episode. The little salt and pepper shakers were a gift from my MIL, and I can’t remember where I got the turkey.
I can’t guarantee I won’t put Christmas stuff up before Thanksgiving, but it felt right just to do this for now.
I did pretty well on my Fall List!
So, look at the strip of clean grass below; that is our property.The neighbor’s EX left the strip full of leaves on Saturday when he could have very well just included them since it’s their tree. Tom blew leaves Tuesday for only about 20 minutes and cleaned off our strip, the rest of our front yard and our back yard. We had rain and wind, so the leaves were all a mess again after Saturday, but I was very happy to snap this photo to show you all what I talked about in Hello Monday.
I really just laugh about it!
Tuesday was gorgeous! We took the boat out and had a really nice few hours!
EO taps his paw on Tom when he needs a hug. He needs lots of hugs.
We saw cows taking a dip in the river! Can you see the little black blobs in the middle of the photo?
We beached our boat not too close to the cows and could hear them mooing. Eddie got to go on shore to potty. I made us sandwiches and we ate lunch while beached.
How are you doing with early darkness? I’m ok with it since I wind down after dinner anyway but it’s so dang early.
My sister Molly had some fun with AI and made us 70s sisters and 80s sisters!
So funny!
This week I decided to cook dinner only twice since I knew we were going out for my birthday. I decided on Molly’s lasagna and it turned out so delish! I plan to make chicken enchiladas for the other meal. Those both will provide leftovers.
Mason is in a graduate program at a small college in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He got a job at a tea house, as well, and Morgan Freeman recently dined there while Mason was working. He is filming a movie between there and Montana.
Mason sent a photo of his graduate cohort dining at an Indian restaurant:
And he sent this photo of his Halloween costume – Sherlock Holmes:
I loved seeing some photos! He decided he wanted to come home for Thanksgiving and then he has his other half of a ticket to get him home at the end of the semester. He will be home for about 6 days for Thanksgiving and for almost a month at Christmas, I think. He has not bought his return ticket in January yet. I miss him so much, but I am also happy that he’s happy. He has to fly either through Dallas, Denver, or Chicago it seems, to get home from Santa Fe.
My body still wants it to be an hour later. I can’t believe how confused I’ve been!
What would you tell me today? My coffee is gone now but I can’t wait to read your comments!
Amy
Ah coffee– it smells so good and yet tastes so bad. LOL I bet you’re excited to see Mason. Our boys only get the Wednesday off before Thanksgiving and the day (and weekend) after so it will be a quick visit but both do have a full month or so off at Christmas. I struggle with these darker days as I consistently think it’s later than it is. On the plus side I’m getting plenty of sleep!
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Maybe you’d like it with my frothy creamer! Lol! I am so excited. I miss him so much. He has class on Monday and Thursday nights and got off work from the tea house so it worked out for him to come home for 6 days. It’s weird having him back on a college schedule. Same!
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So nice that Tom has the week off! The leaves / grass photo is funny. Omg
What a lovely day of boating. Love Mason’s costume…I know you’re counting the days until you see him!
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It’s been so nice! While it’s nice to travel, I like him having time at home, too. Right? I just laugh about this ridiculous EX.
It was so nice to get out and boat on a Tuesday!
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I love that Mason is coming home and you can enjoy him for awhile!
The grass/leave situation is hysterical – that man!!! Ha!!!
The AI photos are so fun! Everyone is so bent out of shape about creators using them on IG!
xo,
Kellyann
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I’m so excited and hope it goes well – i.e. mom not being too excited and over the top annoying!
Right?
I like using AI for fun, recipes, and travel. I hate the promotional materials. I don’t know!
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Having my coffee with you : ) Today is my volunteer day so I don’t get to linger as long as I would like. So glad you’ll have your son home for the holidays. You reminded me I need to revisit my lists. Did i make a fall list? Hmmm…might have to do a ‘before the year ends list’ instead. But I have enjoyed fall so that’s something. Have a great day!
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Wonderful! Glad to see you! Ah, I understand. Thank you! Any kind of list helps me to be intentional! An end of year list is great! Thank you for volunteering today!
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Oh so glad Mason is settling in and making connections! Love the AI photos- so cute!
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Hi Amy!
I was just thinking about your boys and noticed you haven’t brought them up lately. I’m glad Mason is doing great! I love AI pictures try telling it to make you a cartoon so cute! I can’t believe the leaf guy, he has issues. I would also tell you when I’m just doing errands I think about what I’m wearing now all the time. LOL.
Cheers! Missy
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That looks like a great list for Tom! I hope he is having a great week off work!
Your Thanksgiving decorations are cute and well done with your fall list.
Aww! Eddie Otis is the cutest and it looks like a fab boat ride!
I am still so confused with it getting darker earlier, it makes it feel way later than it is.
hahaha! Those AI photos are funny!
It looks like Mason is living his best life and how lovely he will be coming home to visit soon.
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Why is anyone using a leaf blower instead of actually raking and bagging the leaves? Don’t the same leaves just blow back to your yards?
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Exactly! Haha
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It sounds like Mason is living his best life in Santa Fe. I love the Sherlock costume. How wonderful it will be to have him home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I just found out that Jack will comehome for the week between Christmas and New Year! Yea!!!
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