As I look outside my window: It's dark this Saturday night.

Right now I am: Watching the last episode of Ken Burns's The National Parks with J. I've really enjoyed this series. Even with the struggles and turmoil, I found the series to be very calming and up-lifting. Now we need to plan some trips to some of the nearby national parks.

Thinking and pondering: Christmas card designs. I usually start making my cards in September or October. It's been on my mind lately, but I need to finish my Halloween and Thanksgiving cards firsts.

On my bedside table: The Lost City of Z by David Grann; The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick; The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

On my tv this week: Ken Burns's The National Parks (we finished Saturday night!), Supernatural S2, and a few movies.

Listening to: Lots of political podcasts including Pod Save America's interview with Hillary Clinton. Fascinating!

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Tilapia
Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken Nachoes
Wednesday - Broccoli Beef
Thursday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatos
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken
Sunday - Appetizer night

On my to do list: I still need to buy plane tickets, make eye appointments, and finish some craft projects.

Happening this week:

Monday - Errand day (Safeway, Target, Sprouts)
Tuesday - Possible pool party here
Wednesday - Playdate at our house
Thursday - ???
Friday - ???
Saturday - Coffee and Cards Craft Event
Sunday - Book Club (Fates and Furies)

What I am creating: I'm finishing up the birthday party crafts this week. I need to complete the big letters and a few signs. After that, I want to finish out my Halloween and Thanksgiving cards. I also have a few random card ideas rolling around my head right now. I'm thinking about using up a few scrap pieces I have laying around.

My simple pleasures: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cookies; Tazo Passion tea concentrate (keeps me away from Starbucks); Open windows allowing the breeze and nature sounds inside

Looking around the house: Decent shape around here although I really need to move out the baby stuff. I was hoping someone in my parent group would want some stuff, but no such luck yet.

From the camera: Arthur and Quentin at the zoo on Tuesday.

Next up on the TBR pile: