Viewing friday finds

The family has packed their bags to spend an extended weekend in Galena, Illinois for the holidays. We’ve all quarantined and hubby and I got rapid tests for the virus before leaving just to be on the safe side. This is the second year we’ve held our family Christmas in Galena. Since my kids are…

This week I’ve been at my daughter Bridget’s house to help with Baby Cove and her two boys, Bear and Forrest. Mostly I’ve been keeping the older brothers busy so mom can rest and take care of Cove. At the same time, I’m trying to finish up our final holiday tasks like wrapping presents. Today’s…

I’ve been waiting a full week to share the news – Cove Christopher came into this world on Thanksgiving Day! He was one day past his due date but he arrived quickly, in just two-and-a-half hours. We had cancelled our Thanksgiving day plans, primarily due to the virus as outbreaks were rapidly spreading in our…

Now that Thanksgiving is over we can officially say it’s Christmas season! Not only that but today is the 26th installment of Friday Finds which means I’ve been doing this series for half-a-year. Really? Seems like I just started this serious a couple months ago. The spectacular tree above is from Macy’s Chicago store and…

Next week is Thanksgiving. Many of us are struggling with not being able to see family or enjoy the holiday like we normally do. Sometimes adverse situations cause us to dig a little deeper in our soul to find meaning and joy in life. This is the first Thanksgiving in a long time that I…

This week finds me counting the days until my daughter Bridget’s baby is born. She’s due on November 25th. Will his arrival interfere with Thanksgiving dinner? Time will tell! In other personal news, I’m focusing more on my health prior to the holidays. I’m trying to get back into a regular exercise routine. My goal…

Is anyone besides me losing sleep from watching election results this week? Omigoodness what a whirlwind week it’s been regardless of how you voted. We wait with bated breath for final results! And hopefully, the angst will subside and we can work toward unity and love for our fellow citizen. That is my hope anyway….

After Saturday, we officially enter the holiday season where Thanksgiving blends into Christmas and before you know it, the year is over. I think most of us are probably ready to bring 2020 to a close! Call me crazy but I already have the Christmas trees up and decorated. As a blogger, I have to…

Last Saturday was a special day. Not only was it Sweetest Day, but my son’s wife gave birth to their first baby! Say hello to Charlotte Joan – my fun surprise – who was only 6 pounds and 10 ounces. Her mama was in labor for about 8 hours. Not too bad for your first…

The alarm goes off at 6:00 and it’s dark out. Just a few weeks ago it was still light outside. This time of year creates a cozy vibe when people don sweaters, cuddle up under blankets, and enjoy comfort foods like soup and baked goods. Earlier this week I made my favorite Italian Vegetable Soup….

For as long as I can remember, we always get one warm week here in Illinois during the month of October. That burst of warm weather is currently happening and prompted me to take today off from work. This will likely be the last balmy weekend of the year. I want to get outdoors to…

Almost overnight our daytime temperatures here in Illinois plummeted from 80 degrees to 60 degrees. Fall is definitely in the air. Shorter, cooler days provide more time for reading and finding interesting things. I’ve got a few Friday Finds that I think you’ll really enjoy! This week involved fall gardening and cooking. Annuals that were…

Fall is officially here and that means so many things! It’s time to enjoy the riotous colors of the season by taking a long (or short) nature walk. Or maybe you prefer to venture to one of the many outdoor craft markets or farmer’s markets. It’s also a great time for one last getaway before…

Happy Friday, Friends! This week has blown by and I’m glad it has because next week is my first-ever glamping vaction! It’s just a 2-night mini vacay to get away from it all and immerse myself in nature. Hubby and I booked a charming little yurt located on a mostly private, small lake in Wisconsin….

Technically, it’s not officially fall but today’s weather feels like autumn to me. It was only 58-degrees on my drive to work with a light rain falling on the farm fields. Next week it’s back up to the 80s for an Indian summer. Last weekend we took our Labor Day trip to the Knoxville area…

Welcome to Friday Finds! I’ve got good stuff to share with you as we head into apple-picking season. September is a beautiful month and I hope to enjoy every minute of it. I’ll spend as much time outside as I can! Speaking of being outside, today I’m on my way to the Smoky Mountains with…