....this week has been one in which I have felt grounded.....prepared even.....Sunday night I planned all of the weekly meals, ensuring that our Monday night dinner was a crock pot recipe because it has turned out that Mondays are harried, full and we are all in the car for most of the day.....
....the groceries were delivered Monday morning, so my refrigerator would be full of color and healthy options.....the laundry was done, the lunches have been packed ahead of time and we still have had opportunities to play.......after living in boxes for six weeks, I am starting to feel less reckless and more structured.....and as much as structure is good, too much can be rigid....so we have balanced it out by spontaneous trips for fun....and when I say fun, I mean the kind of play that comes to mind when I think back to my own childhood......
....no, it's not Florida.....
....but this Connecticut, quick trip to the shore, way of life is glorious and I am inhaling the intoxicating ways this charming place is reeling me in.....
....when Stefan and I were narrowing down where to live, the access to the water kept drawing us both to CT.....the sand is not white or fine, the water is not translucent aqua blue and the sun does not burn hot until November......but the oyster and mussel shells keep us entertained as we search for crabs and other little beach critters.....the sailboats rip in the wind and occupy the mini coves that hug the shoreline and the beach draws us near, even with a slight chill in the air.....in fact, swimming isn't heard of or allowed in most places post Labor Day.....another extra something that keeps us grateful during the three months of the year when we can swim.....
....I smile at the thought that my own children will get their own beach memories for their childhood.....their Momma inhales the humid, sticky, hot and salty air of Florida and is transported back home and they will get the the same nostalgia in their own way as their senses determine over the next few years what home will mean to them......
....and opposed to pelicans, we have geese up here.....
....quite the surprising change.....
....and although the beach could be our playground on a daily basis, we still visited some old fashioned slides and monkey bars this week......the fact that we have been able to carve out some great outdoor activities so easily has been good for all of us.....
.....fall is not quite in the air yet, but it is close....if anything, the birds, geese and ducks are starting to show signs they are gearing up to fly south for the winter....they scrounge any bit of food they find to store for their long journey....
....and although the temperatures have not dropped to the point we are cued that a new season is near, we are gearing up for it too......the pumpkin and spice candles are lit every day and we are trying out some new recipes that scream, cozy.....
....and as always, I am thrilled to have a volunteer for assistance.....
....we are enjoying the small moments of suburbia newness......
....and although the city is still on my mind daily, there are some chores that are so much easier in the burbs.....
....it doesn't get much better than this.....
....and yes, that is my first pumpkin spiced latte of the season......or the season we are anticipating with bated breath.....
....happy soon to be cozy weather and beginning of fall.....we are pulling the warm clothes out hoping it will cue mother nature that we are ready for pull overs, cords, suede and cashmere.....
.....and pardon the open snaps showcasing the wet and soggy diaper.....
.....in fact, take back everything I said about structure in the home.....
....some things just don't change.....
....enjoy the weekend.....
