What's Up Wednesday in August

It's the last Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for What's Up Wednesday. How is it already "back to school/end of summer?" Even though my boys are all starting college this week I'm still going to enjoy some late summer fun in September (I hope!). Though the weather is definitely cooling off.. 


What We're Eating:

Sunday: Pulled pork sandwiches with cucumber salad and salad

We tried a new recipe and I just loved this cucumber salad

Monday: Chicken Fajita rice bowls


Tuesday: Pasta with homemade sauce and salad (and probably meatballs for the guys)

Wednesday: Chicken patty sandwiches with homemade pickles and fries (tater tots for the guys and butternut squash for me) with salad. 

Thursday: Shrimp stir-fry over rice


Friday: Steak and cheese grinders with chips and salad

Saturday: Corn fritters with green beans and salad


What I'm Reminiscing About: Sending out first kid away to college has brought up all my old college memories-- while I never lived in a dorm or on campus I did have lots of fun college experiences. Sorry; no pictures from college..

What I'm Loving:  I finally finished my painting!





What We've Been Up To: It's been a pretty rainy, slow, and uneventful month. I've done lots of reading, cooking, eating, hiking.. but most of our month was spent getting Alec ready to go.


Our last sundaes before Alec left
Hiking at Pulaski



Hiking Mt. Wachusett and getting some lunch




We went for a ride in the RZR one muddy day


Off to college





What I'm Dreading: Nothing that I can think of right now.

What I'm Working On: I've been doing lots of cooking and trying out recipes to preserve so much of our CSA boxes of veggies.

Our mocha zucchini bread

our squash lasagna recipe

our squash casserole- I made a double batch

Chicken, broccoli, & rice casserole

and I tried 2 new recipes--- one for pickles and one for relish


What I'm Excited About: With each month that goes by our trip to Hawaii gets closer and closer!

What I'm Watching/Reading: The Fall Guy (Prime), re-watching Will & Grace (Hulu), The Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix), Unprisoned season 2 (Hulu)



I read 13 books this month and I'll have a full recap of those books up next Thursday with our Share Your Shelf link up.



What I'm Listening to: I'm trying to finish up my last audiobook: The Briar Club.

What I'm Wearing: A lot of pants; August has ben surprisingly cool and rainy.























What I'm Doing This Weekend: My husband and I have a funeral and then we'll head out on an overnight trip planned as a belated birthday gift to me; we're seeing a comedy show and sleeping over afterwards. 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month: We're taking Evan to his first concert next month and I'm oddly excited about it though I honestly don't know that I'm really a "concert person" but he's super excited for it. 

What Else is New: Nothing much.


Linking up with: Spread the Kindness, 






Comments

  1. Memphis BridgesAugust 28, 2024 at 6:31 AM

    Your painting is so pretty and I know tht is a good feeling! Looks like some good baking and hikes were taken this month. Enjoy the weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 28, 2024 at 11:29 AM

      Aw, thank you! Now to decide what to paint next...

      Delete
  2. Maria RineerAugust 28, 2024 at 6:53 AM

    I will have to check out your squash casserole. It sure looks good! All of the food that you ate does too. Hopefully fall will usher in some better weather. Love how you get outside no matter what :).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amy ScottAugust 28, 2024 at 6:58 AM

    I am coming back for some recipes in this post! Do you already miss having Alec's cooking and baking? Are you getting accustomed to one less person? I hope you're doing ok!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 28, 2024 at 11:30 AM

      He actually didn't cook and bake that often for us; just for special occasions so I'm not really missing it. Weirdly I've hardly noticed he's not here this past week... though I did try to set the table for 5 last night! I'm doing real well but have been talking to him every couple of days making sure he's settling in well.

      Delete
  4. Dara @ Not In JerseyAugust 28, 2024 at 8:11 AM

    Moving a kid to college definitely brings up memories!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 28, 2024 at 11:31 AM

      I find any sort of big life moments bring up the memories from past moments!

      Delete
  5. LyssyAugust 28, 2024 at 8:37 AM

    I'm reminiscing about college too! I keep getting Facebook memories popping up about moving into the dorm. Crazy how time flies!

    ReplyDelete
  6. HollyAugust 28, 2024 at 8:47 AM

    Wow! Alec's dorm room is a great size- wishing him a wonderful year! You got this Mama :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 28, 2024 at 11:32 AM

      Thank you! We were quite pleased at how large and roomy his dorm felt.

      Delete
  7. JoyceAugust 28, 2024 at 11:06 AM

    That mocha zucchini bread looks wonderful! I put chocolate chips in mine, but this looks like a whole 'nother level. Hope you're getting used to the new rhythms of home.

    ReplyDelete
  8. CathyAugust 28, 2024 at 11:08 AM

    All your food looks delicious! I especially thing the shrimp and rice and the cucumber salad look really good. Your painting is awesome! Cute outfits too. Hope you have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  9. PamelaAugust 28, 2024 at 12:10 PM

    Great post! Your sundae looks yummy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JeanieAugust 28, 2024 at 12:31 PM

    I like Kate QUinn -- I'll be interested in hearing about this one. Your cuke salad looks great. I hope you get in more lazy summer days before fall! And finally, thanks for all your visits and wonderful comments, too!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kari August 28, 2024 at 12:38 PM

    You had a busy month! All good things, though. 🌈

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousAugust 28, 2024 at 3:22 PM

    It certainly is a time for reflection when our children are spreading their wings, isn't it, Joanne? A busy month though for you. x Sue from Women Living Well After 50

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jodie's Touch of StyleAugust 28, 2024 at 5:13 PM

    Wow, I've made pickles but never thought to make relish. I'll send you some of our hot weather if you want, LOL
    XOOX
    Jodie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 29, 2024 at 5:33 AM

      Once I had the pickle stuff out the recipe I had found for relish was nearly the same; just required shredding the cucumbers and onions so I figured why not?!

      Delete
  14. Lydia C. LeeAugust 28, 2024 at 5:39 PM

    Your painting is really fantastic! What talent. And I love the nails!! I am having a bit of an emptynest sadness so I feel for you in the off to college days - thoughwe have to be proud and happy that they are flourisihing in their own lives....#WWWhimsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 29, 2024 at 5:33 AM

      Aw, thank you! I feel so rusty with my painting skills.

      Delete
  15. JudeeAugust 28, 2024 at 6:40 PM

    You certainly have been busy! So nice that you have a hobby like painting. Love your photos from your hike and your food looks really good! I like the outfit with the peach pants and off the shoulder black top and your hair pulled back.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Deb's WorldAugust 28, 2024 at 6:56 PM

    It's been a huge time for you getting your son ready to go off to college, I can remember those days well when my daughters left home, bittersweet feelings. A good month of activities for you. #TeamWWWhimsy

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousAugust 28, 2024 at 10:02 PM

    I love your painting—it looks awesome! Your outfits are great too; I can’t wait to start wearing lighter clothes. It’s been so warm that I wore a T-shirt yesterday! It’s been months since I’ve had my arms out. Not long until Hawaii—I’m excited for you!
    Ruth@playworkeatrepeat

    ReplyDelete
  18. Denyse Whelan.August 29, 2024 at 3:32 AM

    Well done on the painting! BIG month alright and for Alec and that family. Sigh. Life, hey!! Denyse #TeamWWWhimsy

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lauren DAugust 29, 2024 at 1:59 PM

    I'm so happy to see you're doing well!!! Your food pictures all look delicious! And as always, your hiking pictures make me want to go on my own hike!

    Lauren @ Don't Mind Our Mess

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kim CarberryAugust 29, 2024 at 2:10 PM

    All of that food looks so good, especially the Chicken Fajita rice bowls.
    I hope Alec has settled into college well.
    Your painting looks fab, you are so talented.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Min - Write of the MiddleAugust 29, 2024 at 7:06 PM

    Hi Joanne, your painting is so good! You should keep doing more. All those meals look amazing and I am still so in awe of the outlook from your verandah! I would be out there ALL the time!! Loving all your outfits too - you've got so many tops and bottoms that could mix and match making lots of outfit options which is great. You've also reminded me that I really need to get out in nature more and do some hiking. That always makes me happy! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy and have a fabulous weekend! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 30, 2024 at 12:42 PM

      Aw, thank you. Sadly it's been such a rainy year that I haven't gotten to spend as much time out on my verandah as I'd like!

      Delete
  22. Tamar SBAugust 29, 2024 at 7:58 PM

    Good luck to Alec!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. MandyJoyLoves♥August 29, 2024 at 9:36 PM

    As always, the BEST food photos! And always love your outfit posts!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Maya KuzmanAugust 30, 2024 at 4:09 AM

    Started watching the Good Girl's Guide and find it interesting. Reading the Nightwalker by Fitzek. Nail-biting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 30, 2024 at 12:43 PM

      I haven't read the books recently so I'm intrigued to watch the show as it jog my memory of the book series. I'm liking it.

      Delete
  25. Soma @ InkTorrents.comAugust 30, 2024 at 8:38 PM

    Your food always looks delicious and beautiful hiking photos. Love the painting. The sky look amazing!

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
  26. BriAugust 31, 2024 at 8:49 AM

    I love cucumber salad too! I just had some last night. That mocha zucchini bread sounds so good! Saving the recipe to try it!

    ReplyDelete

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