A Saturday Fall Preview

 The weather today is glorious.

It's a little preview of fall and I'm reveling in it. I know we'll go back to crazy hot for at least a couple of weeks before fall truly comes in earnest, but for today, this is just what my heart needed: a reminder that there is beauty out there.

We went over to Dad's to help him assemble the new mattress underlayment he bought and put the new mattress on top of it. I'm glad that he's finding a moment to care about things like his mattress and the fact that he doesn't sleep well in the bed where Mom died. I think it's good that he's replaced it. Maybe I should have pushed harder for him to do it sooner -- but I also think maybe it was something he needed to do in his own time.

Then we took the boys to Game Stop since both have allowance and chore money that's burning holes in their pockets. Of course, we got there at 11 only to find they don't open until noon. So we were going to hit up Noodles & Co for lunch, but they're still only doing carry out (insert eye roll here), so we went across the parking lot to Mission BBQ instead. It's so glorious outside, we sat on the patio and reveled in it while we ate.

Hubs took the boys into Game Stop. I can't manage GS on a good day - it's hectic and overwhelming to the senses and the boys want to touch everything. Beg for everything. And...it's horrible. So I sat in the car with my book and the windows down while they had a joyful time doing manly gamey things.

We drove through Baskin Robbins on the way home, because ice cream is never wrong.

Now the boys are all out back breaking in the new power washer and cleaning off the siding in the process. We got a quote a few weeks ago from a company we'd used previously and I remember it being maybe $250 to have the whole house washed when we last did it. The quote we ended up with this time was well over two grand. And yes, they also factored in the deck and patio, but still. We figure the boys can earn some dosh (and if things continue as they've begun, have some fun in the process) and we'll still never have to spend anywhere near that. Even if we have to replace the power washer -- it was only $150 (ish) and it's a beast.

Eldest, in particular, has been looking for ways to get some extra cash of late, so this works out well. Youngest also thinks it's fun and is helping for the joy of using a power tool. I'm beginning to think it's as much a difference in personality as age.

Anyway, they've shooed me away because I keep wanting a turn, so I'm back inside with the pup who isn't quite sure what to make of it all. 

I have a to-do list about twelve miles long. I guess I'll take a look and see if I can at least pick the low hanging fruit. Because life continues to trudge along, whether or not that seems fair.