Just the Facts #30

 "Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is." (Bullet Bob Feller)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

 And just like that, it's our last Friday Funday before the holiday blogs take over. Can you believe it? Even with the weather still feeling like summer, we’re about to be plunged into a world of pumpkins, pies, and festive cheer.

 

So, let's talk about all things fall!

 

1. One autumn in high school, my dad was raking leaves in the backyard and asked for my help. I was sporting a fresh set of press-on nails and a less-than-enthusiastic attitude about yard work. As I was stuffing handfuls of leaves into a trash bag, I suddenly stopped dead in my tracks.

My eyes scanned the chaotic pile of leaves, a mix of vibrant reds, oranges, and browns. Panic set in. One of my precious nails had popped off and disappeared into the leafy abyss! I got down on my hands and knees, sifting through the leaves like a detective searching for a crucial piece of evidence. It took a while, but I finally spotted it—a tiny, shiny piece of plastic triumphantly recovered from nature's clutches.

 

2. The chill in the air always brings back a flood of memories. As kids, certain foods and drinks were a sure sign that the colder months had arrived. My mom would whip up creamy bowls of Cream of Wheat, savory pots of chicken soup, and mugs of fragrant spiced tea. Even now, when the leaves start to change, those familiar cravings kick in. It's a tradition that has warmed our family for years, one delicious bite and sip at a time.

 

3. Growing up, a simple tradition filled our family with so much joy: we’d pile into the car, a cooler packed with snacks and drinks, and head for the mountains. The four of us would drive for hours, mesmerized by the stunning, golden spectacle of the changing Aspen leaves. After our drive, we'd find a charming little mountain town to spend the rest of the day in, exploring local shops and enjoying a cozy lunch together.

For years, life got in the way and those trips became a distant memory. But the year before my dad and Bella passed, we spontaneously decided to do it all again. We packed up the car and drove into the mountains, just the four of us, chasing the vibrant colors one last time. It was a day I’ll cherish forever, and I’m so grateful we got to create that beautiful memory together.

 

4. As the weather turns crisp, one of my favorite little luxuries is snuggling into my bed. I'll swap out my light summer comforter for my thick flannel sheets, but I'll still wear my thin summer pajamas. The mix of the cool fabric on my skin and the warm, fuzzy sheets feels like a perfectly cozy secret, making for the best night's sleep.

 

5.  When the weather turns cool, I love to make a big pot of menudo. This hearty Mexican soup, with its rich broth, tender tripe, and plump hominy, is a labor of love that's worth every minute. While many swear by it as a hangover cure, I just love digging into a steaming bowl on a chilly day. It's a time-consuming dish, but the end result is pure comfort in a bowl.

 

6.  I had my very first hayride in 8th grade. It was a blast because I was with all my friends, but it was also the day I discovered I had allergies. I sneezed the entire time! Afterward, we gathered around a campfire, but to my dismay, there were no s'mores. I still haven't had one to this day, and I've never been on a hayride or a horse since.

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!