The Weekly Ramble – October 23, 2026

Hello, Fall! Are you here to stay? I sure hope so!

We’ve had two moody mornings with scattered showers and it has been lovely. Wild to think it was 100+ degrees just a few days ago. I love getting cozy in sweaters and blankets. Here’s hoping summer has faded!

Unfortunately, I don’t think the mosquitos have died off. I don’t think I’ve complained yet here about the skeeters this year, or more particularly, my skeeter syndrome.

It’s actually a thing! I’ve had it all my life and didn’t know the doctors had given it a name. It’s seriously been a plague this month. October!

I’m currently on my 7th blister in the last 4 weeks, one that once it hit 3/4″ sent me to urgent care yesterday. The PA was underwhelmed and also unaware of all the ins and outs of this type of allergic reaction, but she ruled out infection and gave me some things to look out for.

It’s been rough, but it makes me appreciate the respites between blisters. Gemini tells me that it’s rare to have such serious reactions in such a short amount of time, attributing it to a new breed of mosquito (thank you, Gates Foundation) or a compromised immune system.

Here’s hoping it’s all just a fluke!

Here’s what else I’ve been doing, eating, listening/watching, and/or reading this past week:

What I’m Learning

The mosquitos aren’t the only pest to be pestering this week. I cleaned out the baking cupboard and found three tiny varmints. Not sure what they were, but I was thankful that I had this on my list.

Can you imagine how annoying that would be to find during Thanksgiving week?!

Holiday prep isn’t just buying cute decor. It’s staging for success.

A few weeks ago, I tackled the snack cupboard and the spice cupboard. This week it was my baking supplies.

I gutted all four shelves, tossed anything outdated, and inspected everything. I double bagged what wasn’t already in a jar and instructed the kids on what to do if they see anything that moves. 🤮

What I’ve Been Doing

I have also been buying cute holiday things, too, though! I saw these gingerbread mugs on Pottery Barn a few weeks ago and decided to treat myself. Remember, I am a mug enthusiast.

The finish isn’t exactly how I pictured it, so it’s possible that I might return them, but since there is no PB close by, I may just keep them.

I love exploring stores in person, though, and World Market always has some fun things. This reprint of the 1963 Betty Crocker Cooky Book has caught my eye two years in a row. I remember that my mom had a copy, but I don’t know what happened to it when she left my dad.

It is tempting to buy the reprint, but I bet if I’m patient, I can find it used. Ya think?

What I’ve Been Eating

In keeping with the holiday prep theme, I grabbed a box of these Walker’s Shortbread Gingerbread Men. They are very much a cross between shortbread and a gingersnap. Since I don’t love gingersnaps, I don’t love these, but I’m glad I tried them.

I actually did an experiment this week and tried a Hungryroot delivery. Bryan and I have had many days when it was just the two of us, so it made sense to try some of theirs. (Sorry no pics!)

As a general rule, the recipes were quick, easy, and fairly good. I chose mostly low carb options so they featured a protein, a spice or sauce, and veggies. Most meals were 3 to 5 ingredients which I love.

It would be very easy to plan your meals this way! The price, however, is not amazing. If I made more money and had less time, I’d totally do it, though. It was really nice for the days that Bryan and I were both working on projects and took a quick lunch or dinner break.

What I’ve Been Listening/Watching

Allison and I have recorded two weeks in a row, discussing holiday planning. This week’s episode was a fun chitter chat about our holiday faves. Listen here:

Over the weekend, Bryan and I watched a French “comedy” called, The Mystery of Henri Pick. Keep in mind that it’s comedy in the Shakespearean sense; it has a happy ending.

We used to watch a lot of “arthouse dramas” when we were dating, often those in French. We attempted a second one last night, but abandoned it. Some are winners, some are not.

What I’ve Been Reading

I am plugging along in the old testament, this week finishing Numbers. I’ve got Deuteronomy at least half done.

I’m also continuing in my study of 1 John with my Tuesday Bible study ladies.

As for fiction, I’ve had a little check in my spirit about what I read or like to read. You know I love my romcoms. I don’t think there’s anything “wrong” with the genre, but I’m struggling to find the kind of books I want to write.

I don’t know how to explain it. I’ll get there eventually. I still feel a call to write fiction, but I’m working through some things.

What I’ve Been Creating

This week I put together a fall mailer for members of the Good Cheap Eats Club and am working on this year’s Meal Plan Advent Calendar.

I’ve also worked on some video content for some national brands.

And, I’m dreaming up a project for a gift for some of my kiddos which includes glue and measuring.

My list of projects knows no end!

Alrighty. That’s it for me. Have a great weekend. Leave a comment and let’s chat!