I took a break from canning this weekend, and while that feels weird, it feels good at the same time.  I planned it earlier this week and didn’t let myself go to the farmers market or fruit stand just to be sure I didn’t get tempted by some good deal.  I did spend the weekend sewing, doing some baking, and hanging out with my love.  I feel rejuvenated and ready to face the week ahead that includes packing a special lunch for Jeff as he returns to work (yay!), attending a dehydrating class, teaching a canning class, having a quick cup of tea with a friend before class, and all the other day-to-day stuff that makes up my life.

A special weekend deligh included having my neighbor’s grandson, Robert, over to help me decorate some fall inspired sugar cookies.  We had acorns, oak leaves, maple leaves, and pumpkins in a variety of colors and designs.  He was quite creative and deliberate in his decorating technique, acorns and pumpkins quickly became faces complete with eyebrows in some cases, leaves were decorated to be sure there were some green and some in changing hues.  When we were done baking he assembled plates for his grandma, grandpa, mom and dad, taking his time to pick and choose the perfect cookie for each person.  It was a blast and when I returned him to grandma and grandpa, he asked if we could do it at Christmas, too.  I promised we would.

Doing Not Thinking Challenge: I didn’t work on my letter any more, but I did test a new recipe that I’d include in the book should I get published.  I’ve been keeping track with everyone who signed up for the challenge and I must say I’m impressed.  Be sure to check out the challenge page for links and if you haven’t updated in a while, please do so, this way we can encourage and support you on your journey.