Fall is, without doubt, one of my most favorite seasons. I love that the hot, tropical-feeling summers are over (along with the weeding, the mosquitos, the constant checking for ticks) and that the season for fires and jackets and crunching leaves is starting. This is one of the reasons why I love living in Virginia. … Read More Fall ‘n All
Thankful for a visit from my mother-in-law this week. She brought their dogs as well and I’m happy to say that all went smoothly in that regard 🙂 Family is so precious – I’m thankful that we’re back in the States, where we can easily see them and share our lives with them.
I finished a few little projects this weekend and wanted to share them with you, my lovely readers. Weekend Project #1: Painting and installing an above-the-commode cabinet in hallway bath I found the cabinet at World Market the weekend before. It was originally a dark brown with “whitewash” splotches. In other words, it was a… Read More Little Projects
One of my cheap, go-to dinners is spaghetti. A box of noodles + a jar of sauce = food that everyone in the family will eat, and it all comes together in less than 20 minutes. Toss in some rolls and add a side of salad or frozen veggies, and it’s a fairly healthy meal.… Read More Happy Meatballs
My parents, Bruce and Mary, flew into Norfolk Airport on Wednesday evening and I happily picked them up for their 3 1/2 day visit. Such a short time, but so much was packed in while they were here. For starters, my dad taught Chris about installing toilets… There’s Chris, diligently observing and soaking up knowledge… Read More Family Visits and a New Toilet
My sister Valerie is here for a visit! Hooray! I know that I’d talked about her and I taking a trip to Paris but, as it turns out, there’s plenty to see and do right here in England. The only time that would have worked for her and I to go was also basically immediately… Read More Oxford to Bournemouth
One of the (many) great things about living in New Zealand is that it puts your location in relation to the rest of the planet in a whole new perspective. You think you’ve got a long 6 hour drive with your toddler? Try a 24 hour flight! Because we live so far away from our… Read More Family Visits and Stonehenge
Today has been a bad day, the kind of day where I wish the US and New Zealand were just a bit closer to one another, geographically speaking. We started on a downward slope right after midnight: Joe, awake, running a fever of 39.5C/103F. Paracetamol on board, stripped to shirt and nappy, lots of fluids,… Read More Living in New Zealand: Sad Days and Loss
For the next 2 weeks, the 3 of us will be hanging out at Chris’ childhood home in St. Simons Island, GA. At the moment, I’m currently seated at probably one of my favorite spots in the guest house: Overlooking the marsh on the downstairs porch I have a pork loin roast in the slow-cooker. … Read More St. Simons Island
Tuesday was a good day. Mom, Joe and I headed over to my hometown church and attended a women’s Bible study. Nursery service was provided, which meant that Joe was able to play and I was able to visit. I grew up in this church. Many of the women have known me since before I… Read More Good Days
Part of our reason for staying in the States so long is for Chris to do a bit of work at some different universities, the primary one being Notre Dame. He’s already been here and to Purdue in the 2 1/2 weeks we’ve been in the USA. South Bend is about 2.5 hours north of… Read More Michigan, and now South Bend
One year ago today, Chris and I arrived in New Zealand. I’d never been here and didn’t know what to expect. Chris had only been here for ~5 days when his {now} employer flew him out for an interview. I was nervous and worried – what if we got here and Chris realized that the… Read More One Year Ago Today
Shelly, Dirk, and Cindy {l – r} How’s this for precious? It’s a photo of my 3 eldest siblings. I wonder what ever happened to those car seats…
Happy belated birthday to my dad, B! Dad is a family practice doctor in Indiana. I first started working for him when I was 15 years old, and it’s part of the reason I became a nurse. I wish that I could’ve spent the day celebrating with family, but had to suffice with just a… Read More Belated Happy Birthday!
The following conversation took place between my husband and me on Friday afternoon. I love my husband, but sometimes, his suggestions kind of scare me! Read with care. Chris – Hon? Me – Yeah? Chris – So, there’s this conference… Me – Hmm. Chris – Can I at least read it to you before you… Read More Conversation Between a Married Couple
I want to take a second to wish a huge GOOD LUCK to my brother-in-law, M, who has a medical school interview today at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. If you have a second, please say a prayer asking that he does well and that the interviewers make the right decision 🙂… Read More If You Have a Sec…
Hello my lovely readers – I hope that you all had a great Labor Day weekend! I was so excited to have my younger sister, V, come for a visit. She and my SIL, B, were running in the 5K at the Blueberry Festival, and she asked if she could stay with us for a… Read More Labor Day Weekend Wrap-Up
