Holding onto Fall

Autumn is certainly in full swing, but today winter was threatening to move in. At least it sure felt that way. The wind didn't tickle, it sliced! Not nice.  My girlfriend who lives an hour and a half away told me she saw snowflakes swirling in the air. No.. !! Say it isn't so!! 

I have enjoyed our autumn weather so much, and I think I was in denial that our beautiful Fall weather would actually end. So, in honor of the dwindling autumn season... 

I managed to work through most of this bin. A few pies made, bags of apple slices frozen for later, and containers of homemade applesauce. These apples were so sweet, I didn't even have to add sugar!

Our huge lodgepole pine dropped its nasty needles a few weeks ago. Not a fun job to rake those up. 

picking a pail of painful pinecones

 (step on one of these with bare feet and you'll know what I mean!)

I stepped out to check for mail later in the day and was greeted by a pile of lost, lonely leaves pushing pathetically against the door. I was sure they were begging to be let in, 

away from the cold wind! 

 View from my desk, which I was chained to for most of the day. The sun tempted me to go out, but I could hear the wind's warning whistle.  Wimp that I am, I chose to stay indoors.  I think it's time to bundle up a bit more before heading out! 

Not sure if you noticed or not, but I have been using alliteration in this post.

Couldn't help myself. 

Poetry on the brain, what with planning for this week's lesson. 

I spent an hour writing a 'found poem'. I figured that if I asked my students to write one, I should probably write one, too. It was rather fun, I have to admit. Although it took longer than I expected. Creativity is hard work! 

In Full Swing

Yes, I'm on the ground running, now that September has pulled ahead of August. I was reluctant to engage with this month, but now that Fall activities have begun, I am feeling quite okay with it all.

It's the little things that make days extra special, don't you think? Take this, for instance. My sunflower bloomed!

 It is huge and beautiful and makes me smile when I peek out the back window in the morning. It's already starting to droop (I should've taken the photo a few days earlier!), but it's amazing, nonetheless.

Our home exterior renovations are coming along so nicely. It looks so much better! I don't know how many times I've opened the front door just to have another look at our great new covered area and steps.

 I can't wait to have a flower garden in the Spring. Husband is going to build the planter soon. I'll be buying fall tulip bulbs so something colorful will pop out of the earth to greet me early next Spring! I'll add other perennials and such next year, as well. I have a friend down the street who has the most amazing green thumb, so I'll be asking her for ideas and tips, no doubt about that.

And.. my work as an online support teacher has begun again (it's been a whirlwind this last week!), and I am purposefully not letting myself get overwhelmed with all I have to do. There is SO much to do! As I'm telling everyone (well, mostly myself), I am only ONE person and all I can do is what I can do. One day at a time. One task at a time. And here are a few tips that have helped me stay sane so far..

1. Getting up early - Yes, I've been getting up as early as 6 a.m.!!! I used to get up at 7:55 religiously, and that was because I had to ensure my dear hubby had a lunch to take to work. I now have up to two extra hours in my day... it has made a difference. I'm not always up at 6, but I'm batting a pretty good average right now.

2. Making a list - I keep it simple with 2 columns - Home and Work. As thoughts come to mind, I add to my list, and check them off as they are accomplished.
 
3. Choosing to have a good attitude -  I don't want to be a complainer! The reality is, there are good and not-so-good aspects of my work. I am choosing to focus on the good ones, and to frame the others in a more positive light. Believe me, it's hard.  Being a 'cup half full' person is who I aspire to be, but I'm not there.. yet. I have caught myself wallowing a few times.

I also want to be more organized with meals, etc... but that always seems to be the thing I let go.. I sort of fly by the seat of my pants. Don't enjoy that, but oh well.

Hope your September has more good than bad days so far! What are your tips for staying sane in the back-to-school (or homeschool!), back-to-work, or busy-times-at-work time of the year?