Random 5 for August 16, 2026 – Dad, driving, programs, Starbucks, pumpkin time

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On of the very few pictures I have of my Dad.

Happy birthday Dad! – Yesterday was my dad’s birthday. He would have been way over 100 years old. He died in 1958, but I still remember him on his birthday. I’ve written about him over the years. A good man taken way too young.

Is it from the accident or just plain old age? – Five years ago, I was in an auto accident. My brakes gave out and ever since then, I’ve lost my confidence. That doesn’t mean I don’t drive but it does mean I stay local. This past week I figured out a new way to drive to one of my docs that wasn’t stressful. I was delighted. I’m having lunch with some friends in September, and one person announced she no longer drives. She gave up her car and one of us will pick her up. It was time. She’s 88 and I’ve admired the fact that she drove so long. My mom stopped driving around 70. She didn’t like to drive but liked the independence it gave her. Maybe it’s in my genes. Many of my friends don’t drive in the dark because of vision issues. I like to be snuggled in when it’s dark rather than out and about.

Speaking of snuggled in – The beloved husband and I have been watching older programs. We are big fans of Castle, The Good Witch, Bones, NCIS and non-violent (is there such a thing?) detective shows. We are finishing up The Kominsky Method. Maybe it’s the age of the actors but we laugh hysterically. The newer programs are too edgy for us. I don’t like going to bed with images of gore and the sense that the world is doomed. Give me my illusions of happy endings (or at least somewhat plausible pleasant ones).  Any suggestions welcome.

Gotta love Dave Barry

Stadium seats? – Our local Starbucks just installed graduated levels for the pickup area. We always laugh because although there is an alphabet on the counter where you are guided to pick up your drink. Sometimes my drink (under Kate) is over by the “S” section or maybe the “A” section. Now there are three levels to check. This may be prep for pumpkin latte day which is when people who don’t drink coffee come out of the woodwork to clutter up the store. It’s not unusual to have to wait for my simple mocha while school kids are buying premium pumpkin drinks which I never could have afforded at their age. My thought is that pumpkin belongs in breads, cakes and pies! Not in my coffee shop!

I saw this on Facebook and laughed! – Breaking News: Pennsylvania stores have officially entered their annual tradition pretending summer is over. It’s 92 degrees, the humidity has achieved sentience, and you’re just trying to buy bug spray. Meanwhile, the front entrance is already buried under cinnamon pinecones, hay bales, fake pumpkins, and enough autumn décor to convince your brain it’s time for flannel. Pennsylvanians aren’t ready for fall yet. We still have at least three more surprise heat waves, two violent 20-minute thunderstorms, and one argument about whether it’s too early for pumpkin spice. Put the pinecones away. It’s August.

So how was your week?

41 thoughts on “Random 5 for August 16, 2026 – Dad, driving, programs, Starbucks, pumpkin time”

  2. I’m not even 50 and I prefer staying local and taking back roads! My mom gave up driving after a bad accident too. On the other hand, my dad drove a lot longer than he should’ve and had many near misses.

    I prefer older shows too but there are lots of good new ones as well – All Creatures Great and Small, When Calls the Heart, Heartland, Hope Valley 1874, Crossroad Springs. For non-violent detective shows, the new Sugarcreek Amish mysteries and Blue Skies, both on UPTV are excellent. Hudson & Rex is very popular too but I haven’t watched that yet.

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  5. I am ready for Florida’s idea of fall but I don’t want to rush it because time screams by too fast these days. We aren’t out of hurricane season till end of November and September is the peak month for hurricanes with October being busy too.
    That is a great photo of your Dad. I am sure I have never read the post you linked to but I have seen the photo you used today. My Dad died early too at 52. I have the same feeling as you do about driving. I have always loved to drive and I love cars but Florida’s crazy drivers plus the peeps that come for season have done me in. I feel like napping this afternoon away.

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  6. That was a touching post about your Dad….he was way too young. I was in Winners/Marshalls yesterday and it was full of autumn stuff and Halloween – although I saw Martha Stewart light up ghosts the end of July for $49. Halloween is one day, do we really need to buy that many decorations and ceramic pumpkins and candles etc. I re-use my stuff from year to year, most of it I bought at the dollar store. And don’t get me started on the clothes – brown and rust and burgandy tones are in this year. I guess so you can blend in with the season?

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  9. Well my friend – who cares what MY week was like when I can read about a week like you had and think how incredibly BORING mine was. We are at the “yes we’re boring but happy” stage here. My husband is so debilitated from a very bad back that he’s barely ambulatory and my knees and other joints are aching constantly so we always can talk about ACHES and PAINS without inflicting that on friends/company. LOL Actually we say “as long as we’re on the right side of the dirt we’re GOOD”…..and know what? We mean it! Happy Sunday!

    Hugs, Pam

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    • We say that all the time here. If you only knew how hard I work to make a boring week sound interesting! I’m sorry about your husband’s back. My SIL has really bad knees. She has a lot of pain when she walks up even a very small step.

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  10. I love that photo of your dad…very handsome indeed.

    Those pinecones, halloween candy and cinnamon have found their way here as well … at the damn beach.

    I agree with you about the TV shows. We just watched Sterling Point on Prime. It was a mystery, without a murder. Also, the scenery was gorgeous! Filmed in Canada.

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  14. We did an adoption event at a Tractor Supply store yesterday (I adopted Wren out!) but the place is full of pet costumes for Halloween and other fall stuff. Way too early. But I guess they need to get the fall stuff sold so they can put up Christmas.

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