I am doing NaBloPoMo this month. 30 blog posts in 30 days. Come join me. #nablopomo2023
STOKED | that quite a few people have signed up for the 8th annual Secret SANta Swap 2023. This is your reminder that the sign-up form will be open until midnight tonight, if you haven’t signed up yet or know somebody who would like to participate!
LOVING | the Apple watch SE that I snatched up as an “open box” item for a fraction of the retail price on Ebay. If you know me, you know I am a Garmin girl through and through and I would have never bought an Apple Watch at full price. In fact, I’ve been looking into upgrading my Garmin in the not too distant future (although it’s 7 years old and except for minor glitches sometimes it is still going strong! Even the battery!)
But after giving an Apple Watch to Jon for his birthday, I have to confess that I had major FOMO and I was intrigued by the Apple Watch for various reasons (mostly the ring challenges – come on, you know I love a good challenge! – and some of the smart features). It’ll never replace my Garmin, but I am happy to have it as an option. It has some neat functionalities, it’s smaller and looks a little bit more “sophisticated” than my big Garmin Forerunner 235 for (the few) occasions when I dress up a little more.
ENJOYING | the cooler weather for fall. While I will admit that it’s harder to get up in the morning because I don’t want to emerge from under my cozy, warm blankets, I do like cool temperatures with blue sunny skies (which we seem to get quite a bit here in Northern California). I am not complaining.
WEARING | fuzzy socks and fleece-lined leggings.
VISITING | my mother-in-law in Southern California again. She’s going through chemo right now and we spent an early Thanksgiving with her last weekend. It was nice to be back at the beach, too.
BUYING | goodies at Aldi. There’s a store down the road from my mother-in-law’s house, so of course, I had to stop by there during our visit. I couldn’t buy any fresh or large items, but I stocked up on some granola and German chocolate.
GETTING | my flu shot earlier this month. I am glad I got this out of the way and hope it protects me from getting sick. So many people have come down with colds or Covid again recently.
EATING | this (family recipe) apple cake. The greatest joy was when my nephew (7) told me last weekend that he doesn’t really like sweets/pastries but that he loves this apple cake (and the blueberry muffins I baked for Jon’s birthday a few weeks ago). I think it’s because the German recipes for baked goods are overall less sweet.
DRINKING | gingerbread coffee. It’s my favorite during the holiday season.
READING | blogs. Haha. I mean, I always read blogs but as many of you have experienced, this month, there’s more blog posts to read than usual. It’s not a mystery why.
HOPING | to get into the holiday spirit soon. So far, it’s eluding me. Honestly, I am not ready for it to be December next week. Where did this year go?
What is currently going on in your world?
Suzanne
November 22, 2023 at 1:43 pmI am not ready for December yet either, San! Let’s delay it by a few weeks shall we?
That apple cake is a thing of beauty. YUM.
Hoping your MIL is tolerating the chemo well and that it’s working as intended.
Tina
November 22, 2023 at 5:01 pmI’m trying to get things done before family comes over on Friday, and preparing a few things for dinner tomorrow. I love and miss German pastries! That apple cake looks totally delicious.
Sarah
November 22, 2023 at 8:23 pmThat cake looks so pretty!! (And delicious).
J
November 22, 2023 at 9:15 pmGoodness, I hope Jon’s mom does well with the chemo and that it works and she can be done with cancer for good.
That apple cake looks amazing. I’m not into super sweet things either, I think that would suit me too.
I’m trying to get in the Christmas spirit, but it is eluding me so far. Perhaps by the second week of December I’ll be there.
coco
November 22, 2023 at 11:20 pmI am ready for december, a break from work and the city!
we are going to the jungle tomorrow for the weekend, so that will help to relax until the last few weeks of the year before a prolonged vacation.
Love your apple pie and kids usually don’t lie.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
November 23, 2023 at 12:00 amThat apple cake looks so good. I agree so much less sugar. I always half the sugar intake for American recipes and even the German ones I do less sugar. Rarely does it fail.
Glad you were able to spend some time at your MIL and the beac again.
Also December? I have only three work weeks left this year as I plan on taking a vacation as of Dec. 15th. But puhhh that is coming up fast.
Elisabeth
November 23, 2023 at 4:46 amCan I just say I LOVE your Currently posts? They’re such a lovely summary of life with pretty pictures and I just adore reading them.
The apple cake looks amazing – as always. I want a slice.
I’m so sorry for the challenges Jon’s mom is facing. What a tough year for their family. I’m so glad you have been able to support emotionally and practically via a visit.
And yay for Apple watches. I wear mine daily, though gave up the rings a few years ago when they were becoming an unhealthy obsession for me. I still LOVE it.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie
November 23, 2023 at 6:24 amI confess that I am still Team Garmin but if an Apple watch fell into my lap, I would probably switch. Garmin used to make a very basic model that had a smaller square face like the Apple watch and it looked great – the only reason that I’m not using that one is that I gave it to my husband a few years ago when I was more serious about running and needed to upgrade.
Jenny
November 23, 2023 at 6:46 amIt’s also cooled down some here, but not as cool as it is there! I would still roast if I tried to wear fleece-lined leggings. But I agree- cool air and a blue sky is my favorite.
Yes, LOTS of blog reading this month! I’m really struggling to even get through one book. But I love it. I’m sad there’s only one week left!
I’m totally in the Christmas spirit- we got our tree yesterday and tomorrow all the decorations are coming out. Maybe you need a Christmas tree to get you in the mood!
Rebecca Jo Vincent
November 23, 2023 at 7:04 amCOVID is EVERYWHERE around me right now – UGHHH
That apple cake – looks like something in a magazine!
Nicole MacPherson
November 24, 2023 at 5:14 amI’m so excited about the SANta swap!
A couple of weeks we came down with something, and I’m pretty sure it was Covid, although we didn’t have a test. Hopefully that means we have good immunity now for a little bit but ugh.
Lisa’s Yarns
November 24, 2023 at 7:48 amI hope your MIL is tolerating the chemo ok. I am glad you were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with her early and could enjoy the beach!
I’m currently soaking up some time with my parents before they head out midday. It’s always a treat to have them spend the night with us!
NGS
November 24, 2023 at 11:04 amLook at that pie!! I want to eat it NOW!!!
Stephany
November 25, 2023 at 2:59 pmMuch love to your MIL – I hope her treatment is going well and she’s handling the side effects okay. I’m glad you and Jon were able to spend Thanksgiving with her.
Hooray for an Apple Watch! I might bite the bullet with my wellness reimbursement money in 2024.
Anthea Booysen
November 25, 2023 at 9:26 pmCurrently posts are always enjoyable to read – it like a quick catch up with a friend.
Hope your MIL’s treatment is going well.
Enjoy your new watch!
Anne
November 28, 2023 at 2:36 pmI (think I) knew your MIL was going through chemo, but on top of everything else with Jon’s family and yours (losing his father, your dad’s surgery, etc.) it must be a lot, friend. Keeping you in my thoughts. <3
And also… I'm mentally calculating and thinking your sister's kiddo can't be 7 so… is this a nephew in Jon's family? I am assuming?
I'm going to start googling universities in northern CA soon. Seriously. I'd LOVE the heat in the summer and it has to be better than the ~20 we're having today… :)