It’s that time of year when you wake up and realize that even though it feels like August was yesterday, you are now in the middle of November and Christmas is probably tomorrow. Don’t blink.

I love this time of year but it goes so fast for me. Firstly because it’s busy season for me with work and secondly because there is so much to celebrate that I love! Pumpkin pie, cozy fires, slippers, crisp early morning dog walks, apple picking, caramel toast… need I go on? I am in the thick of it and loving it all.

My parents are back from harvest in Idaho. Have I mentioned that they go to Idaho that every year? My dad drives trucks for the beet and potato fields and earns some extra wages to help get them through the year. It’s a fun time for them because we have a lot of family in Idaho so they make money and get to spend quality time with family. It’s really really nice for them. I can’t say I’m not jealous but them’s the breaks when you turn your back on the religious beliefs of your relatives. (That is such a loaded sentence. You know I have not done this lightly but I can’t really get into that here.) Anyway, they are back and so I took Spreckles back to them.

I was expecting a grand reunion but dogs are dogs and Spreckles acted like it was just another Tuesday.

My brother is in town for a while. It’s really great to have him around. It struck me, as we were all in the car driving to lunch, with me sitting behind my mom and my brother sitting behind my dad that this is just like we were little again. There we were, the original family unit. I almost wanted to start complaining that my brother was crossing the line and breathing in my space. But he wasn’t. He was being big and lovable and I wanted to give him a hug.

Speaking of hugs, right after I left the desert, my mom got really sick (stomach issues) and she had to go to the hospital. I should have lead with that information but I think she is going to be okay so I don’t want to make too big of a deal of it. She’s been in the hospital for a few days while they do every test in the book to see what is wrong with her. She has really good health insurance and good caring doctors so I am pretty confident they will figure out what is wrong and fix her. But of course I am worried. I think today we will find out what is wrong. Prayers are appreciated. And hugs and flowers if you are in her neighborhood. I will try to keep you posted.

Edited to add: Mom is better! She is coming home Sunday (11/10/19). Yay!

In other news, Bug has asked for a trip to Eureka to visit her dad’s side of the family for her birthday. What a fun and interesting thing to plan instead of the usual over-the-top birthday party! (I wish I could say it will cost less but I think it will be about the same if not more.) So far I’ve booked our flights and hotel room. So exciting!