Sunday Reflections
It’s fall y’all! And welcome to my Sunday Reflections Lifestyle Post.
Of course, today my Sunday Reflections are on fall and the big move this week.
No, my tree does not currently look like this…but it will in November…and my precious grandchildren can enjoy what fall color really looks like in South Texas.
Our neighborhood is one of the few in San Antonio where fall color is vibrant and fun…I hope to discover some of it in North Texas as well.
On Sundays, I reflect on a variety of things and there is so much happening that my head is spinning and sleep is elusive while I have trouble stopping reflections.
Let’s begin Sunday Reflections with the official start of fall.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THE FALL LIFE
My Sunday Reflections in the fall always include family traditions…
After I invited readers last week to send their seasonal recipes and decorations, I heard from a new reader, Stacy.
Stacy writes:
“I found your blog not too long ago. My daughters are teenagers. I’m nearing empty nest status, and your blog has helped me realize that there will be joy in the next stage. I’m sharing this recipe that I’ve been making on the first day of September since my girls’ were little. It’s nothing special, l but everyone looks forward to it.”
I want Stacy to know that a family tradition is always special…so I am honored to share it.
PUMPKIN BUTTERSCOTCH MUFFINS
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 t. ground ginger
1 t. cinnamon
1/8 t. ground cloves
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup butterscotch chips
*walnuts or pecans if you like
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugars, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the middle of the mixture. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, and butter. Stir in the butterscotch chips and pecans and pour into the well of dry ingredients. Fold together just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix. Spoon batter evenly into greased muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes.
Making these with butterscotch chips sounds so good! Thank you for sending Stacy!
My Pumpkin Bread is also a family tradition…all year long…and since my grandchildren love it, I did a little baking on Friday.
Some of these loaves will be left frozen in our freezer (which is staying at the house) for the grandchildren moving in!
If you have not seen my recipe, it is in this post from 2018. MY AWARD WINNING PUMPKIN BREAD.
Again, anyone can send me your recipes, family traditions, or decorating pictures to share with everyone else.
If you send pictures, please make sure they are not too dark and high quality if possible. Send any of these things to over50feeling40@gmail.com.
Since this is the actual moving week, I may not respond as quickly, but promise to be back on things soon.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: MOVING NOTES
My Sunday reflections cover a gamut of emotions right now…one minute I am freaked out, one minute I am excited, one minute emotional, one minute driven….
And I am well aware that our little dog,Tux, is experiencing his own freaked out moments.
The more boxes we pack, the more under our feet he is. We keep loving on him and assuring him that he goes where we go.
We have discussed plans for when movers are in and out…so, I assure you, his emotions have not gone un-noticed.
Meet Malachi. There is something about being a GIGI that lead me to name many of my inanimate objects.
Malachi has greeted people around our front porch for years, and the grandchildren moving in would like him to continue doing just that.
So, Malachi stays in San Antonio, and I will be looking for a new greeter for our new home.
Sixteen years ago, Mr. B met an amazing group of people at one of our local trail running parks.
This relationship has enhanced and enriched his life for many, many reasons.
They ran together often three times a week, and then in special runs in various locations.
They honored him this weekend on their final run(for now), and it blessed him beyond all measure.
He will miss them so much, but knows he will still see them and speak with them often.
As he tells me all of the time…A RUNNER’S GOT TO RUN!
The gentleman to the right is a retired Marine, and he gave me moving advice that I plan to take.
It will involve before and after pictures of our nicest things to make sure and damage has been captured on the front end.
So, I still have so much to do.
So glad we were able to make the birthday party for this cutie.
Which made my Sunday reflections turn to thoughts about how quickly he is growing.
His LEGO party was fun.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THE BLOG
I ask your patience going into the next two weeks, because I honestly do not know how all of this going to go as fall as when my office will be up and going again.
But, I plan a smooth transition from one office to the next!
Tomorrow, I have some new arrivals at Talbots that you may want to see.
Tuesday, I will share a beauty update.
Wednesday, as always, Today’s News….
Thursday forward will be vacation time on the blog.
However, I plan to post updates of how the move is going on my INSTAGRAM, which also runs on my FACEBOOK PAGE….please make sure you are following me on one or both places.
Please stick with me through all of this…I have a whole new life to share with you when the move is officially over…it will also be my very favorite time of year!
I love morning glories and captured these in my backyard this week.
They remind me that this flower is just like God’s mercies…faithfully new every morning. Great is His Faithfulness!
I know he holds every detail of this move in His Hands.
Any questions or Sunday Reflections of your own? Please share……and until then…
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.
Pam, dear, you are still thoughtful and filled with joy, even when you are in the middle of this exciting and stressful time. Planning, cooking, photographing, blogging, partying, packing…poor Tux. He doesn’t know what’s going on. He will be so relieved when the car is running and he is in it with you. You and Mr B are busy with your goodbyes, but soon you will be saying hello’s. The recipe of Stacy’s looks like a winner! Have a blessed journey.
Thanks Deborah! It is going to be a crazy week!
Thinking of you and Mr. B as you face your move. I would so dread having to move from this house where we have been for 40 years, but your attitude has given me a new perspective. I so appreciate your continued blog during these weeks but have wondered how you can manage all you have done. Thank you for your continued attention to us, your audience. I pray you have less stress, and this week’s move is smooth.
Thank you, Celia! Love that prayer!
Good Luck Pam! I look forward to reading you in the next phase! God Bless.
Thanks Beth! There will be three more blog posts here this week!
Have a great week! How do you get the pumpkin bread to “sit flat” when you bake it in the lovely pan….mine rose and was very wobbly.
I agree on the pan…it does not sit flat and that is the main reason I use the loaf pans. But for gifts, I will use the pretty pan because it wraps up and looks so lovely…I wrap in in plastic wrap with the pretty side up! Thanks Judy!
I hope that your move goes smoothly this week. I’m sure leaving your home of so many years will be emotional, but I love that your keeping it your family. You’re the epitome of what family is all about. And thank you for your sweet words. They made my morning!
Thank you for YOUR sweet words…you just made my morning, Stacy.
Pam, my heart is with you this week during your move. God has blessed you with a wonderful family to be around you during this time. Prayers are headed your way for a successful and peaceful move. Stacy’s muffins sound delicious and I will try them. 🥰
I hope all goes well for you all during this move. I do understand the many emotions. This is a big step for all of you. Take care and I will pray for you. It does sound like you very organized, you have the blog ready for most of the week.
Aww, that picture of Tux is so sweet. Also love that your husband’s running buddies expressed their love for him ahead of this big move. I’m sure they will keep in touch and share runs when you all are back on visits to S.A. To Stacy, I am four years an empty-nester now (well, 4 years, 4 months, 2 weeks and 5 days, but who’s counting?! 🙄). You will make it through okay, and yes, there is SO MUCH great life ahead, a big part of which is seeing your kiddos grow up, becoming your most wonderful and amazing adult children. The bonds just continue to deepen. A beautiful reward. 💐
Thank you so much, Marcia.
I am trying to be! Thanks for the encouragement!
I second everything you said today, Connie!
Don’t worry, Pam. Believe it or not, in a few weeks you’ll look back and think, “Well, that wasn’t so bad.” All will fall into place according to God’s timing and it will be great.
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this emotional time. You will be ok!
Well tomorrow is the big day. Tux will have a hard time with workers and packers and furniture going out. Perhaps a neighbor can dog sit him until you are ready to get in your car to leave. He may try to hide in something and wind out on the moving truck. I could see my Havanese freaking out and pulling a disappearing act in our stuff. if you have a safe crate to put him in the bathroom where he can’t do a final act of defiance and spend a hot hungry week on the truck, that is best. He will need adjustment time in your new house. I have moved several times across the country with pets in the car and needed a vet as soon as we got to Colorado. So have your daughters vet in your phone just in case vomiting and or diarrhea comes from anxiety in Tux. He is picking up on all the emotions that you are experiencing now. It is a major transition in your lives and going through it isn’t much fun but will be great in about 6-8 weeks. Hang in there, you are doing great!
Thanks Michele…I agree…
Thanks Cheryll…I am good…just tired!
Thanks Sydney!
Happy Sunday Pam. I know its hard for you to leave the home you love but its in good hands with your son & family. I bet you will be back to visit often. Four hours isn’t that long of a drive once you get used to it. We commuted 4+ hours to our cottage most weekends for years. Poor Tux but he’ll be fine once he explores your new home and sees/smells your belongings there. Summer has come back with a vengeance. We’ve hit 90 the past few days. I’m so ready for fall. I’ve saved your pumpkin bread recipe and will make it soon. I always have cans of pumpkin in the pantry for that pumpkin chili that I shared with you . And I make dog ice cream mixing it 1/2 & 1/2 with fresh ground peanut butter and freezing it in puzzle toys. Good luck with the final prep and the actual move. I’ll keep you and Mr. B (and Tux) in my prayers during this stressful time.
I too hope your move goes smoothly Pam!
Take things one at a time, and don’t tire yourself out. Stay hydrated! Stay cheerful! It will all come together. Hugs….
Thank you, Kathie! All prayers welcome!
Thanks so much, Paulette!
I have you in my thoughts and prayers this week. All will be well and I sense that you and Mr. B have the fortitude and focus to do this. You need to be kind to yourself and each other and remember to stay hydrated and get enough sleep. Also give Tux time and extra hugs to get used to his new surroundings.
I am looking forward to your future blogs about life in your new town.Best wishes once again.
I think I always fear and worry ahead of time then everything works out so well. You’ve got this! Together y’all can do anything❤🙏
Thank you, Julie…you are so sweet!
I agree, Missy!
I absolutely love that your house in San Antonio will be lived in and loved by family. Kind of perfect!
Absolutely…perfect!