Pardon My Dust

Pardon my dust as I brush off the keyboard to do a post for you. . .

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...  I just love these fall days.  It does feel like fall, even here in southern California.  We've had cool, cloudy mornings.  The sky in the morning almost looks like it will burst out in rain.  The temperatures are nice in the low 70's.  What trees we do have, with leaves, are turning color.

I am thinking...  Not really sure what's on my brain.  We're hosting a Thanksgiving party on the Sunday afternoon before the real Thanksgiving Day.  Some church folks and some of our friends are coming over.  We may even have a baptism in our hot tub.  I've got several projects lined up in my brain to complete this winter before the weather starts warming up again.

I am thankful...  I am so thankful God gave us the ability to go on our cruise.  When I think that we've been married 25 years, I am in awe.  What a long time to have 'survived.'  We already know we are going to go cruising again.  It is just such a nice, relaxing vacation.

In the kitchen...  from the kitchen tonight is hamburger stroganoff gravy over rice with green beans from the garden.  I've got gumbo planned to use some okra that is stock piled in the freezer.  Also want to make chicken enchiladas and re-fried beans soon.  I'm loving the cooler weather.  We've had all kinds of cool weather foods since returning from the cruise.  The garden is producing well and i've beentaking squash and lettuce to share at church.  The peas started blooming this morning.

I am wearing...  Brown is the color of the day.  Brown capris, brown tank top and brown cardigan, but with bare feet.
 

I am creating...  I started cutting the squares for my purple, California King size quilt.  I decided on a 7" square.  When sewn it should make each square closer to 6 1/2"  We took family pictures this week also.  I am very pleased with how they turned out.  We ran out of daylight and didn't get to complete all our poses, so we will be returning to finish.  I am in love with the background that is in most of the pictures.  It almost looks haunting.

I am going...  We went on a field trip today.  We went to a place called Urban Jungle.  It has and indoor play place with a multilayer trampoline.  I was also a first time GROUPON user today.  That's a pretty neat idea.

Ethan and Julianna

 Julianna and Timothy

I am praying...  Praying for far away family.  We recently found out that we are going to be grandparents again.  The new baby is due July 4th.

 Praying for our friend David from New Jersey, he has been on my mind all week.  I am hoping for a free moment to call him tomorrow.  I sure miss him.

I am reading...  reading the new book by Nevada Barr.  I am dis-appointed in it.  So much sexual reference and bad language.

I am hoping...  Not sure exactly what I am hoping.  We are expecting company the next few months.  I am hoping that it will go well.  It should.

I am looking forward to...  I am looking forward to the busi-ness of the holiday season being over.  It seems every year, we (even as a nation) are over committed.  I wonder if we even think what Thanksgiving or Christmas mean to us.  As Christians each holiday should hold significant meaning.

From the learning rooms. . .  We are approaching week 9.  I think we are only about 2-3 weeks behind the public schools in our area.  My student is doing well.  We will into diagramming sentences the next 9 weeks.  That was not one of my strong suits as a student.

California in-acted vaccination laws in 2013 that also umbrella those of us who are private home schools.  It has me a bit steamed that I would fall under the same rules as a large public school.  If I do not participate I am filed with the county as a non-compliant school.  Thankfully, I do not have a 7th grade student this year.  It gave me a bit more time to research what is required and I will be able to make an informed decision regarding immunizations at my students future immunization appointment.

The other thing that has me steamed is sometime in the past two years, California decided to make our Private School Affidavits PUBLIC.  All of my information is listed on the lovely internet for every child sex preditor in the world to see.  This includes how many children are located at this address and my telephone number and e-mail address'.  (Still venting . . .)  I have people calling me about my immunization records and soliciting things for my school, like yesterday, a yearbook company and loan companies offering me money for my school.  Sooo frustrating!

Around the house...  Everything is pretty clean.  It received a pretty thorough deep clean before I left on the cruise.  I recently added Sage, Rosemary and Lavender to the dogs bed here in the living room.  Every time he shifts his weight in that bed it releases fragrance.  It is very nice.

A favorite quote for today...  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Colossians 3:15

One of my favorite things...  Lately is been soup.  I just love it and can't get enough. Soup, Chili, Stew. . .it's all good

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Since the week is almost over, there are not too many plans.  We're having company for lunch tomorrow.  (I hope they taste too, right?)  They are bringing pizza.  Sunday is always a busy day filled with church things.  Next week is a bit of a down week.  I've got a bit of shopping to complete for the Thanksgiving Party next Sunday.  That's all I can see happening.

We're going camping for Thanksgiving again this year so I have a few supplies to gather for those few days we'll be in the woods.

A peek into my day...
Urban Jungle

Thank You Simple Woman for the daybook inspiration!