The Week Ahead: September's Calling

 

There is no doubt that a seasonal change is on the way.   I looked out the window last night as we finished our  prayers and it was dark outdoors at half past 8.  The sun slants in through the west from a different angle so that the shade of the pecan tree falls only across half the double window in the living room.  As I looked across the field, I noted that the oak tree on the far border of Sam's land is lightening it's color.   This morning we were up early, before sunrise and the sunrise was spectacular.  We've seen only the most washed out faded sort of morning skies all summer but this morning was full of glory.   I feel almost as though someone should be playing "The Party's Over Now".  Yes,  a bit of drama over summer's ending notes, but you know the older I get, the less I look forward to seasonal changes and the less I feel sure that Autumn is my favorite.  

My back is feeling better, so I've started planning out my work for next week.

Work:  

I set up a zone chart last week. I'll begin in the kitchen/Back Entry/Laundry areas as people tend to use the back door as the main entry.  I don't know why they do.  The steps actually point out toward the carport and are on the back side of that porch and the front steps plainly come down on the patio and create a proper entry way but without fail everyone comes to the back porch and stops there.   I mean strangers, too, not just family and friends.

So it seemed to me the most obvious starting point.  I suppose I should include the back porch as well, but I've put porches in Zone four.  

Zone week One: For the laundry and back entry to move unnecessary items.  John has started to use the back bench as his resting zone for tools and equipment.  I asked him on Friday to remove the chain saw.  I need to move the blower which is technically my tool...The whole area could use a nice turn out and dusting.

The laundry will get a quick wipe down and things put where they belong.  I cleaned that space deeply last month.  I've had it in my mind to remove the old sewing illustrations I'd framed and hung in that area and move them to my sewing area in the back bedroom.   That means I'll want some sort of new art to hang in that space.  I'll have a look around to see what I might use.  Perhaps I'll get Katie to make me something...We'll see.

As for the kitchen, my main focus this month will be to wipe down cabinet doors and counter tops and declutter counters.

Of course, I'll gather a few odds and ends of foodstuffs to incorporate into food items for us.  I know I have marshmallows in the cupboard that really ought to be used.  I'm sure I can find another item or two that requires use.

It's the first check of the month, a smaller one but I always choose this time to get my checkbook squared away and to plan my financial month.

Outdoors, I want to get the sticks removed from the two flower beds.  There's a tree across the yard that needs some attention.  A briar began growing up about the base and John hasn't used the weed eater about the base.  I need a new bag of mulch to go there.  Will I make it to the garden center to get mulch?  Or blocks?  Who knows?

One of my spider mums has sent up a shoot from the plant basket I'd tossed it into.  I need to plant some bulbs and must really determine where they are to go and do the digging so I can plant them.  I am the world's worst procrastinator when it comes to replanting.  And yet, for some reason, my bulbs and plants thrive anyway, more a testament to their hardiness than to anything I do.

Along with meals and routine chores this appears to me quite enough planned work.

Meals:  

Leftovers: Tuna Casserole, Green Salad with Roasted Beets and Walnuts

Soup and Sandwiches, Old Lady Cake

Stuffed Peppers, Butterbeans, Coleslaw

Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Home Fries, Carrot and Celery sticks, Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

Eggplant Parmesan, Garlic Bread, Salad with Orange Segments, Black Olives and Onion

Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn Muffins

Lentil Tacos, Yellow Rice, Green Salad

Leisure:  I started an apron for my doll.  I want to try and work on that some this week.

I finished my previous book and am now reading Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.  I'm trying to get into reading books for a longer period of time and for the last half hour or so before bed.

I will be cancelling my Ancestry subscription this coming month.  I did some research this past week that led to interesting places and things like photos of my Great Grandmother at age 18...What a stunning looking young woman she was in 1916.  I also found photos of her as the older woman I remember and what stunned me was the wide border of blooms in front of her porch.  I guess I come by it honestly.   Anyway, I'll continue to work hard at finding family info and pictures until I do cancel it.  Then I'll get busy printing and posting notes to my notebooks.