Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm linking up with Joyce for today's Hodgepodge. I'll jump right in!
1. What's something that's had you "chuffed to bits" lately? Did anyone else have to look that up?? Just me? Something that has pleased me greatly as of late has been the weather. I love cool mornings and evenings! It truly feels like cool weather is just right around the corner.
I hope to spend Sunday cleaning the back porch and getting it ready to sit out there to read on the days when it's nice outside. This old picture makes me excited to do that, even if this time of year also adds a hint of sadness to my mood. (Just another thing I'm chalking up to life circumstances. I'd love to stop feeling sad!)
2. Tell us about an instance where you've been tempted to "throw a wobbly" (an expression used to describe tantrums thrown, usually by adults who should know better) recently. Um, my entire life right now has had me tempted to throw a wobbly! I have to confess that I have succumbed to that temptation a few times with angry texts that I've sent to a certain person. I don't like to stoop to that level, but some things needed to be said, and I had earned the right. Seriously, though, Friday was the last time I was feeling that way; I don't care if someone thinks ill of me or not and they say it to my face, do NOT say it in front of my sons and their friends! I was fuming when I overheard what was said about me on the camera in my garage.
3. Something everyone seems to love but that isn't your "cuppa tea". Two words: pumpkin spice. I have tried repeatedly to get on board with this phenomenon, but I just can't make myself like it, so I give up.
4. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding...which entree would you choose? Yes, you have to choose. First, I need to clarify that I would try them all! I'm an adventurous eater, so I have no issue with trying new things. I really want to try shepherd's pie! I haven't had it before, and would love to try it soon. We have an amazing pub here in Memphis called Bog & Barley that I would love to visit again soon; and also in my little town, we have a Scottish restaurant called The Highlander that I'd love to visit. The person I used to love to do that kind of thing with never wanted to go to either, but I have friends who are up for anything!
5. Something you want for your birthday this year? A new last name? Too soon to joke about that? Seriously, every year on my birthday, all I want is to be surrounded by my sons and anyone else who wants to join in with us. I also always need to see my Mom on my birthday every year! Tangibly, I would love for my sons to pick something out for me for this next phase of my life that looks different than what I'd imagined. I have no idea what that would be, so I'll have to share some ideas with them. It's not going to work out for us all to be together on my birthday this year since Noah is in Dallas now and because that day Graham is in a wedding; in lieu of a family thing, I may just invite several friends to a restaurant and have all my favorite people gathered at the table with me as I celebrate the last year of my 40's. Gulp. Why did that just hit hard?
Thanks for reading my blog today, friends! Love to all.
Jenn 🖤
I think you have every right to be a little sad right now... and angry with righteous indignation based on what you discovered someone said about you that was not true. On a lighter note, I had to look up what ¨chuffed to bits¨ meant as well. Now I can see myself using that phrase as it is funny sounding and I like using new to me words and phrases :). It would chuff me to bits (not sure if that change to the phrase is a valid usage?) to see you on or near your birthday and check out The Highlander!
ReplyDeleteI miss my old way of living happy all the time! 🤣 Someone just needs to learn not to be dumb. That would chuff me to bits as well! I am so glad I wasn't the only one who had to look that up.
DeleteI think a new last name on your bday could be a really cool thing? It just depends on if you are ready for that.
ReplyDeleteSee - now you can go do all the things that person who shall not be named didn't want to do.
I can't believe you had to hear about yourself on the camera! That's horrible!
I want you to try my shepherd's pie recipe - it's Erica's really. I think your boys would like.
The base is ground beef, tomato, and Guinness beer along with some spices and then you use frozen peas, carrots, corn. You top with homemade (or store bought) mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese.
The new name will depend on the paperwork and finality; but I'm taking my old name back. I'm looking at all the positive things in life right now that I can do, and it actually helps me! Yeah, it was terrible; Marilyn had to hear it as well. I would love that shepherd's pie! I just haven't tried it before, but I may try to make it based on your recipe. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteWhere we live almost everyone has cameras now. I'm sorry you heard something unkind and I think it's okay to be sad when life is sad. You will come out on the other side, I'm sure stronger, and I know there will be brighter days ahead. Grab some friends and go to the pub! Have a nice week.
ReplyDeleteI do both like and hate that everywhere has cameras. It's great for safety! I use them all the time to check on the outside of my house when the dogs start barking and I'm alone. They're so handy! I will definitely come out better and stronger on the other side. I am looking forward to that day! Enjoy your birthday, my friend!
DeleteI am cracking up at your birthday answer- yes- you go girl!! I think you are handling it all with grace and dignity and being a kick ass mom in the meantime
ReplyDeleteI wondered if anyone would laugh at that. I did! I mean, I have to laugh some or I'd cry all the time, right? Thank you for that! I am learning to be that more and more, for sure. I'm especially not letting myself be walked all over ever again!
DeleteSounds like things are pretty tough right but hang in there. Life has a way of turning around; it just may not be on the timeline you want.
ReplyDeleteIt has been! Thank you for that; I'm okay with that, as long as there is forward progress. I am praying things don't drag on and on.
DeleteHi Jenn! a few things-I don't normally comment but wanted to share. I have tried to like pumpkin spice, but just can't do it. I'm more of a caramel apple girl. I also have been wanting to try shepherd's pie-every year when we vacation in Destin, FL I'm tempted but never do. But, I've been told the place to try is at McGuire's Pub in Destin. Maybe one day I will. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteHi, Amber! Great minds think alike on that pumpkin spice. 🤣 I have been to that McGuire's pub, and it is outstanding! The time to go is around 3 or 4, because they're always packed. I vacation there every year as well, and everything I've eaten there is delicious! Thanks for taking the time to comment today!
DeleteThe glimpse into your backyard is stunning! Praying for you during this new season of your life (and good for you for advocating for yourself!).
ReplyDeleteI find that I am loving our weather right now too! It's been that perfect mix of cool but not too cold that I love. If we lived closer I'd totally make you a Sheppard's pie! I have a fabulous recipe I "discovered" years ago that I just love. But typically any good Irish pub makes a great one. I whole heartedly agree that sometimes stooping to an angry text, letter, email, etc. is needed because you do need to be heard.
ReplyDeleteI am loving the chilly mornings too. It was so foggy and cold here the other morning but it felt so nice.
ReplyDeleteThat is crossing a line, talking ill of you in front of your sons and their friends. So, wrong! You did right saying something.
Ohh! That food is proper British food, it would be hard for me to pick one! Shepherd's pie is amazing, you have to try it!
Love the back porch. I'm looking forward to cooler days to be able to sit on the front porch and read and people watch. I hope all is settled quickly for you. I do wish people would be kinder. I'm so sorry you had to hear someone talk about you.
ReplyDeleteI threw a wobbly for you Friday and for me Monday. Ugh....we will make it to the other side. I am up for trying out some restaurants next time we hang out if you want!
ReplyDeleteThrew a wobbly!! I've read a few of these hodge podges today (as I attempt to get caught up) and that phrase is making me giggle every time! Although the reasons attached are not exactly funny for anyone's answers...it just sounds funny. And I have to agree - pumpkin spice is highly overrated!! Enjoy that back porch...and everything else you love about these fall months!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of pumpkin spice lattes either, so I don't think you're alone on that! Sounds like you had the right to throw a bit of a wobbly over someone talking ill about you in front of your sons! That's horrible, and I'm sorry you've had to deal with that and any number of other things that make you sad or angry. Hope you're having a good week overall, and enjoying the beautiful weather and your lovely yard!
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