Not again! – I had to get a new driver’s license photo taken at our local department of transportation office. It was easy peasy. My butt didn’t hit the chair before I was taken in to answer some questions. It was donation questions — do I want to donate my organs or do I want to donate money to different organizations, etc. I closed my eyes for the first picture (like I always do) so the person kindly took another. She showed it on a screen. I said “That’s what I look like” and put us both out of our misery. In past years I’ve had to wait while someone ahead of me had six different shots taken because they didn’t understand that they were not beautiful! I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what I do, I always look the same. My photo looks a lot like Mitch McConnell’s proof of life photo. Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut when I smile. That won’t be for a couple years, so I’ll probably forget.
Really Mother Nature? – Up until the day I went for my photo, we had 17 days of sunshine without a drop of rain. Just gorgeous! There was a slight chance of spotty showers predicted on the day I went. I hoped spotty meant a few drops here or there and in the afternoon. Nope, it poured while I did my errands. I looked like a drowned cat. My hair was mostly dry, but I (foolishly) wore a hoodie instead of a rain jacket, so my clothes were wet. On the scale of life no one sees this photo unless I’m arrested and that won’t happen. Hopefully.
The real fall is coming! – After a fabulous and warm fall season, our temperatures are dropping and the trees are almost bare. It seems to have happened overnight. It’s still mild but a cooler mild. No bumping 70 degrees. Not looking forward to winter but you must go through it to get to spring.
How do you handle unhappy? – We have a person who does financial work for us. We’ve been with him a while. He replaced the original guy we had chosen. He’s a lot more talk than action. You can’t get a hold of him on Fridays and sometimes Mondays. It takes days to respond to an inquiry. Ultimately the service is adequate and changing would be a challenge. It reminds me of how lucky we are when we have a good match with service providers. We have a meeting this week and I’m working on phrasing my displeasure in a way that doesn’t incite retribution.
Coffee season – Our local Starbucks cafes are jammed. They just came out with the holiday feu-feu drinks. Pumpkin lattes are passe. I get the same drink year-round. Other than for an afternoon treat, I don’t understand the attraction. Morning coffee time should be reserved for those of us who need it to prevent homicides!
So how was your week?

I also drink the same coffee and creamer every day. In theory, I might like to try something new and tasty, but I never do. In theory, I tell myself I should try tea instead now and then, but I don’t. Sometimes in the afternoon, but never in the morning.
Our nice, rather dry fall has come to an end. We’re expecting rain and sometimes wind for the next week. I think it has something to do with El Nino.
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I was surprised I didn’t have to go this year to renew in person as it was 8 years since my last renewal, so I’m good until 2030 … seeing that date on the new license blows my mind though. The third decade in the new millennium and it seems like we were just angsting over what would happen with Y2K. Our beautiful and long-lasting Fall came to an abrupt halt on Friday with rain and we’ve had three days of gusty winds at 30 mph. Now the leaves are here, there and everywhere on my lawn, but they are far from being all off the trees. My last day for yard waste is the Monday before Thanksgiving (the 23rd) but this will be the third year in a row they stopped pickup too early.
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Your financial guy sounds like the attorney we have for my husband’s sister’s estate.
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Yes and I bet you feel as stuck as I do!
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One of my friends mentioned a gingerbread latte, which is apparently the London Christmas thing. I’m very curious!
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They have them here too (but not yet for this year). I find some of their drinks a little sweet. I’ve never had that one but they have a chestnut praline (also for Christmas) that’s good!
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Your office view is wonderful!
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It is. My neighbor is a gardener and her back yard is wonderful. This is her tree!
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I just thought I would mention it again in case you forgot(wink)…. my next license renewal is 2034 🫤 Scary.
I am happy you had a beautiful fall season. I am trying to get in the mood to even pretend it is fall-ish. Friday night we will be in the 50s with lower humidity… there is hope. I have decided I will have a few white chocolate mochas during our cool down to feel the “merry” of the season… Fa-la-la-la-la ♫
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I did not notice the tree is your view from your office! So pretty 🍂
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White chocolate is just a little too sweet for me but the mocha is wonderful!
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As usual, Kate, your current post is beautifully written. I envy your skills . . . . .
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Thanks!
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Loving the fall weather. I enjoy putting on turtlenecks and sweatshirts and getting cozy. One cuppa coffee in the morning is my limit, but an absolutely must have.
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I love the warmer clothes too. I never seem to be comfortable during the transition season. I’m either too warm or too cold. Now sweatshirts and warm jeans feels good.
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I dislike running errands in the rain . . . especially after a string of sunny days. But I love rain when I can be out on balcony listening to its pitter patter while staying high and dry.
Good week. Belated birthday cake and pizza for BFF. Plus early Christmas presents from our niece ~ including a digital frame and a baby soft hand knitted blanket to cuddle up in on cooler mornings. The yarn color is “Beach Foam” which is more cozy than wrapping up in “Frosty Snow.” We will be with her for Christmas, most likely, but she couldn’t wait for us to enjoy them.
I switched from coffee to tea a year or so ago and am happy with the change. Every morning I choose a delicious herbal tea (for flavor) to pair with Twinings English Breakfast Tea (for a hit of caffeine). I did it mostly because I couldn’t find a non-dairy creamer that seemed as creamy as Half & Half.
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I’ve never been able to embrace tea, not even iced. Gotta be coffee! Beach Foam sounds like a wonderful color!
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I have NEVER had what I’d call a good photo for my drivers’ license/passport – WHATEVER. I look bored or dead (for quite a while) or like a criminal. Period. I’m used to it. I only have one cuppa coffee in the morning – decaf…..my heart goes nuts on caf and I have high BP soooooo….. Anyway, we have had a pretty Fall but the leaves are now that dead color – not brilliant orange/yellow/red BUT on the bright side, without all the leaves on the trees surrounding out house I can see STARS in the morning – beautiful. Love both of the “toons!!
Hugs, Pam
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My heart races on caffeine too. One a friend did a half caf/half decaf pot when I was on vacation. Thought I was having a heart attack. Funny how your body adjusts to no caf, then reacts to it! I can still drink a caffeinated soda but not coffee.
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Love the view from the office window. Now that’s what I call a tree. All our Starbucks are packed too, standing room only. Could be the sudden cold or maybe…Pumpkin Spice everything nice. :)
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The first wave of Christmas drinks came out this week along with the pretty holiday cups. Who knows what motivates people to drink coffee!
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I need no motivation. I’d have an IV in my arm if it was available. :)
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Me too!
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I knew that. :)
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Good morning! Facing the day with plenty of coffee is essential!
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Yes, I thought of you when I wrote this.
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Awwwww how sweet!! ♥
I’m on my second cup now! Had to go make a ham salad on toast to go with it!
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