As summer eases into autumn’s golden glow, I welcome fall’s gentle rhythms — a season of reflection and renewal. The crisp air carries earthy scents, the trees begin to glow with vibrant color, and cozy sweaters emerge from storage. Though the equinox is still ahead, the spirit of fall is already in the air, quietly inviting me to slow down and savor the shift.
“The only constant in life is change.” – Heraclitus
Life is always in motion, much like the turning seasons. Each transition reveals its own beauty and offers us new perspectives. Change is the rhythm of life — each shift carrying fresh blessings if we’re willing to notice them. Every fall, I pause to reflect and appreciate the richness woven into both everyday moments and seasonal traditions.
What a difference four weeks can make! Our sweet thirteen-year-old coton-poo, Jacque’pot, was recently diagnosed with spinal degeneration. 💔 Watching him slow down and struggle has been so hard, and my heart ached seeing him face these changes.
With the help of our veterinarian, Jacque’pot spent some time on medications to ease his pain and inflammation. Those treatments gave him comfort, and now — the best news — he no longer needs daily painkillers or anti-inflammatories! His true personality has bounced right back, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Jacque’pot at the dogtor.
The stairs are still a challenge, and he sometimes needs “elevator service” (courtesy of his devoted humans 🥰), but his daily routines are back to normal. Most importantly, Jacque’pot is once again lively, bossy, manipulative, and absolutely full of spunk — just the way we know and love him.
At the beginning of this time, I noticed how hard it was for him to eat and drink from his floor-level bowls. Each time he bent down, he would tuck his bottom into a sitting position to relieve the strain on his back and neck. For a while, I held his bowls up to help. After researching, I discovered that elevated dog bowls can make a world of difference for pets with mobility or spinal issues.
Jacque’pot comfortably enjoying dinner.
That’s when I chose the SPUNKYJUNKY Ceramics Raised Dog Bowls with Wooden Stand— a set of two 28.7 oz bowls in grey ceramic with a natural wood stand that blends beautifully into our home. Since switching, Jacque’pot eats and drinks more comfortably, and such a small change has made a big difference. 💛
Sometimes the most memorable evenings are the simplest ones. Tonight’s dinner came straight from the kitchen, served on paper plates without fuss or formality. Our furry family member, Jacque’pot, demanded his nightly ice cream ritual before we finally sank into the soft embrace of our twenty-year-old Italian leather sectional—aged, worn, and full of comfort and stories of its own.
As the night unfolded, we let ourselves drift into the world of an Acorn TV detective mystery series. Cozy, familiar, and unhurried—it was the perfect reminder that joy is often found in the simplest rhythms of home.
Like flowers that bloom in unexpected places, every story unfolds with beauty and resilience, revealing hidden wonders . A Wolf Called Wander, by Rosanne Parry, is a captivating story perfect for readers of all ages, especially those between 8 and 12. In this powerful narrative, we follow a young wolf named Swift, who faces daunting challenges as he struggles to survive in the wild. He embarks on a remarkable journey, traveling hundreds of miles from his birthplace in search of other wolves and a place to call home.
This tale highlights the fierce battle of man versus nature. Swift, known as OR-7, was a real wolf whose incredible trek of over a thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest inspired this fictional story. Beyond its thrilling adventures, the book imparts a profound moral: one should never trust a liar, even if they seem to speak the truth. This lesson resonates deeply in the real world as well. It echoes the timeless fable of the tortoise and the hare, reminding us that “slow and steady wins the race.” After his family is tragically attacked, Swift courageously chooses to seek a new home and a new family. His journey leads him to an unclaimed land, where he ultimately finds a place to settle down. Swift personifies loyalty, strength, courage, and the yearning for freedom. As he navigates his trials, Swift emerges as a leader who fiercely values family and possesses a deep respect for nature.
Looking for your next great read? This bestselling adventure will capture your heart. Great for classroom reads to stir thinking about life and nature.
In the small town of Portsmouth, Ohio, Patricia (“Momma”) and Melanie met as children, their friendship sparked by the bright innocence of youth. From the beginning, they were inseparable—their laughter echoed through school halls, their dreams intertwined.
Nursing School: A Bond Forged in Hardship
In the early 1960s, both women entered nursing training, a chapter filled with grueling hours, stern instructors, and relentless expectations. Shoulder to shoulder, Patricia and Melanie leaned on each other through long nights and early mornings. Their friendship became a lifeline, strengthened by shared perseverance, humor, and unwavering support.
Looking for the ultimate water bottle? You want something tough, super easy to use, and that keeps your drinks nice and cold for hours, right? The Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle (32 oz) totally nails it! Whether you’re off to the gym, school, work, or just enjoying a weekend adventure, this BPA-free sports bottle makes staying hydrated a breeze and a blast!
Dreo Quiet Tower Fan Review: Silent Cooling for Your Home
When the summer heat sets in, finding the right balance between cooling power and quiet comfort can feel impossible. Traditional fans can be noisy and bulky, while air conditioners drain energy. That’s where the Dreo Quiet Tower Fan comes in — a sleek, modern solution designed to keep your home cool without the constant hum of traditional fans. In this review, we’ll dive into its features, benefits, and why it might be the perfect fit for your space.
Key Features of the Dreo Quiet Tower Fan
Ultra-Quiet Operation – Perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices, with whisper-quiet performance even at higher speeds.
Powerful Airflow – Despite its slim design, it circulates air effectively across medium to large rooms.
Multiple Speed Settings – Customizable airflow with different speed levels and modes (including sleep mode).
Oscillation Technology – Wide-angle oscillation ensures every corner of your room gets a refreshing breeze.
Space-Saving Design – Slim and modern, it fits seamlessly in tight spaces.
Energy Efficient – Keeps you cool without driving up energy bills.
Remote Control & Timer – Convenient adjustments without leaving your seat.
OMGOODNESS! My thirteen-year-old coton-poo, Jacque’pot, is suffering from spinal degeneration, and it makes me so sad. He is currently taking three medications to manage his pain and inflammation, helping him feel more comfortable throughout the day. I noticed that Jacque’pot was struggling to eat and drink from his usual floor-level bowls. He would often tuck his bottom down into a sitting position when he lowered his head to eat. To help him, I held his bowl up a few inches so he could eat more comfortably.
After much reflection and extensive browsing on Zillow, John and I made the heartfelt decision to embark on our new journey northward. We quickly sold our beloved Florida oasis, although the sale unfolded in an unexpected way. The buyer—ironically from Ohio—never stepped foot inside our home until after the deal was finalized. Our first meeting was as the movers busily loaded our cherished belongings onto the truck. Despite this unusual circumstance, a wave of excitement washed over us as we prepared for our exciting relocation to Wellington, Kentucky!
As we packed our bags and bid farewell to our dear friends under the warm Florida sun, we came to discover that those who move to Florida and subsequently relocate north (but not quite as far as their original home) are affectionately known as “halfbacks.” At long last, the day of departure arrived. With the title of halfbacks now fitting us, we set out with our little companion, Jacque’pot, and our grand-puppy, Lola, on an adventure to a picturesque mountaintop nestled within the rugged expanse of Daniel Boone National Forest. Our hearts brimmed with anticipation, exhilaration, and pure joy as we journeyed toward the breathtaking beauty that awaited us in Kentucky
Wowzers! It’s hard to believe that I have been retired from the world of education for eight years—what a crazy and wonderful journey it has been! Throughout these eight years, I have embraced the phase of life known as retirement. But what does retirement really mean?
It can be an unknown, sometimes scary, and awkwardly busy, yet exciting phase that involves exploring new possibilities and reflecting on the moments that captivate our interests. One might even refer to this chapter of life as “growing young.”
Life on the Sunny Side 
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