Seven on Saturday.

1. It is pouring here, with no end in sight. I love rainy days. To me, they are the perfect opportunity to wax nostalgic, cuddle, watch movies, scrapbook, and revel in all the comforts that are home. I almost like gray rainy days as much as I like warm, sunny days. The kids have been enjoying the huge puddles in the back yard....I only got to snap one photo (above) before it started pouring and I had to run for cover to save my camera!

2. I stocked up on groceries today.....we were running dangerously low (like only squares left!) of toilet paper. Lots of "bigger ticket" items like dog food and cleaners resulted in a grocery bill much higher than I like. Maybe I need to look into that grocery game thing? It was very wet, I think everyone and their brother was getting groceries....and I changed into my jammies and Sonja slippers as soon as I got home.

3. Meijer actually has a CHRISTMAS DISPLAY up! It is September, people. I did see a cute serving bowl (polka dots), but I REFUSE to think about buying for the Christmas season when it is technically still summer. People, we are controlled by the marketers more than we realize. And when we got home, I told the kids they could watch a movie, and what did they pick? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! I am listening to the "Island of Misfit Toys" song as I am typing. Sheesh.

4. We lost our first football game last night...BOO. But it was a great game against the top team in our league. I actually thought we were going to pull out the win, but they have this amazing quarterback who could connect with receivers for big yardage, and they made the big plays when they needed to. We still should make the playoffs, though, so our optimism continues! 2-1 is still a great record, after all. I am really proud of the guys.

5. I'm simmering a big pot of Chicken Tortilla Soup for dinner tonight...this is my all-time favorite soup. I believe that it is a recipe from Joan Lunden. It is healthy, low-fat and extremely flavor-filled. I'll have to share the recipe here sometime. There is nothing that says "rainy fall day" like a big pot of soup on the stove.

6. I am starting a fresh herb window garden. So far, I have basil and parsley and cilantro. I am hoping to add chives, oregano, and mint on my next trip to the market, followed by some rosemary. I am going to get a few random-sized clay pots on my next Michael's trip and write on them with chalk....I saw the idea in the Pottery Barn catalog a while back and have been wanting to do it. I have a very deep window behind my kitchen sink, so it will be the perfect place.

7. Thanks for all the support on the 10-on-the-1oth post. I am thrilled that many of you are wanting to join in the wellness journey together...I find that so encouraging and motivating, so thank you! It has been going pretty well so far, and I'm already feeling stronger and just more focused overall. I'm thinking about starting a Facebook group where we can all communicate and encourage and celebrate successes together. Stay tuned......

Have a great weekend. Do something creative that you love. And hug those you love, too. And try to stay warm and relish the beauty of home.