As I look outside my window: Clear and bright again this Sunday. I might just go sit on the deck.

Right now I am: attempting to finish my current read before everyone else comes downstairs and bothers me.

Thinking and pondering: what is on my to-do list for today? I know torches and horses, but I feel like I’m forgetting something.

On my bedside table: Fledgling by Octavia Butler, The 1619 Project - both buddy reads with various Currently Reading Bookish Friends

On my tv this week: We finished out our music documentary month and am moving onto spooky movie month.

Listening to: Other than my regular podcasts, I’ve been putting my Apple Music on shuffle a lot lately. My music library is very eclectic. I never know what’s going to come up next.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Tuesday - Beef Tips

• Wednesday - Peru and Venezuela Night

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Birthday Party

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I have a ton of birthday party crafts to make this week. And all the other prep that I need to do.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Vala’s Day

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Vala’s Day

• Thursday - Coop; Lit Society

• Friday - Home Day; Birthday Party Prep; Arthur Outschool

• Saturday - Birthday Party!

• Sunday - Coop Book Club

What I am creating: All the birthday party prep. I made all the potion vials last night and finished the rest of potions class prep. Guess I’ll be getting started on the jousting supplies.

My simple pleasures: A clean house, a few minutes of peace, a visit to the pumpkin patch.

Looking around the house: I have so much to put away and clean before the birthday party. The only way to do it is systematically.

From the camera: A trio of pie slices at Vala’s: cherry, monster cookie, and salted caramel apple.