Hello, Sunday.

Well, fall pulled a fast one on us and we’re back up to 80 degrees in these Midwest parts.  Still, the chili is on the stove and apples and pears fill the fridge.  Glimpses to come this week.

I’ve been enjoying it while it’s here, and my friend Hazelnut and I played the most intense game of tennis yesterday.  After 2 hours, we had to call a draw. It’s not a typical game-set sort of situation.  Nevertheless, I was fine with it because I would have really felt bad about myself if I had lost after such a nail biter.  

So, that’s been my day. Little Buddha is on his way in from Chicago for a few days and I can’t wait for the donuts he’s promised to bring me. That is, if they survive the car ride (dude, they better).  While I wait for my glazed old-fashioned from Stan’s, I’m chilling with some 90’s alternative on the radio, and have a few things to keep me (and you) busy:

Independent bookstores are coming back (and my FAVE Read it & Eat is in the article!- one of the things about Chicago that I miss the most).

Save the Manatees! 

Natural History v. Science. Who will win? These London museums went head to head, and…enjoy!

Priest stands up for Gay Catholics, and faces backlash. Smh, so much hate.

Bi-racial boy was hanged in New Hampshire for being black. Yes, we’re in 2017.

You likely have an air conditioner, but what about those who do not? India’s race to cool 1.3 billion people in a warming world.

Are you making chili this week? This one‘s my fave.

Latest read:  The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair.  So good!

The rest of the news is depressing, so I’ll end it there.

Have a great week!

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Hello, Sunday.

I can’t say that I’ve been focused on anything this week but Irma. I know I don’t live anywhere near Florida, but my family and friends still live there, and they all decided to stay put. It’s bringing back memories of Andrew and Katrina, not the good kind, and I’ve just found myself on edge all week. If you’re down there, stay safe. I’m praying for you:  before, during and after.

Fall is here and that does bring back good memories and excitement for the season. Still haven’t set that date for apple picking, but I’m on top of it anyway with these apple waffles. More fabulous fall foods to come.

In the meantime….

Need some hurricane 101? Like, what does it all mean? This weatherman is the internet’s new star.

Not just for hurricanes, if you need to charge your phone in a pinch, think like MacGyver.

Tinder dates IRL. This is hilarious, but did it really happen? You decide.

Her ancestors were Georgetown slaves. Now at 63, she’s a freshman.  Worth the read.

I’m posting something about Christmas. You can hate me, but once you watch it, you’ll LOVE me! Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer; The Man Who Invented Christmas.

I’m certainly not immune to Notre Dame’s faults, but I liked this article, and I think that it really speaks to what makes ND special.

Board games can make us nicer because we learn how to resolve controlled conflict and also about rules and fairness.  Makes sense. Bust out the Monopoly.

Buy yourself a hugeass, “just for you” mug with a puppy or a snarky saying on it. Yes, and other ways to see the light when you’re stuck in darkness.

I’m too old for this s*it. Yup, I am. #Thisis36.

That’s all I’ve got. Good luck this week- you can do it.

We’re almost at the weekend!  The LONG weekend and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for it. I don’t typically take vacation during the summer, so it’s been long stretch since Independence Day and I’m really looking forward to three days of sloth and gluttony.  What are your long weekend plans?  I hope they involve a grill because this rendang burger is coming for me.

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