Good Monday morning, friends.
Can you believe that we are almost at the end of November? Unlike January, which drags by, November goes by in a blur – especially if you’re busy hosting visitors three weekends in a row.
This past Thursday, our second group of guests arrived – friends of my daughter’s who were coming up to talk to people at the college about the Eagles program, which Auburn is well-known for.
The young ladies arrived Thursday evening. We had never met, but after chatting for an hour or so, I felt like I’d known them forever. They were absolutely precious.
I gave them a key to my house and told them to treat it like an Airbnb. I didn’t want them to feel obligated to hang out with us old folks. Ha!
I headed to work Friday morning after making small talk with them. They’d risen early to get in a quick walk around our neighborhood lake. I gave them pointers on where to shop and eat lunch – Auburn must-do’s.
Friday afternoon, the Mr. texted and asked if I thought they’d want to eat with us. He was planning on grilling burgers. I reached out, and they responded with a hearty yes.
We had the sweetest time getting to know them better over dinner in our dining room. We only eat in this room when we have company. As empty nesters, we just eat wherever we are comfortable.
They had already purchased tickets for Saturday’s football game, but someone they’d met with that day gave them tickets for box seats. They were excited, as I was for them! I’m so glad they were getting the royal treatment.
They headed into town early the next morning to take full advantage of all of the pre-game activities.
The Mr. and I followed along later. We decided not to visit our friends’ tailgates. Most people we knew were out of town.
We got in early enough for me to grab a beloved pretzel. There’s just something about a stadium pretzel that hits differently.
We took our traditional pre-game photo.
Although rain had been threatening, it never appeared. Instead, it was a wee bit hot and humid.
We played Mercer, which I guess is a smaller school but one in which Pat from ESPN’s GameDay show had predicted would beat us soundly.
Bah. A few of their fans – young men who’d graduated from Mercer – sat behind us. They were very kind. I love good fans.
I watched the eagle fly. My eyes are crap, so I wasn’t able to keep track of her while she flew – hence no video. Lol.
I enjoyed watching the band come out. I always get chills as they do their quick marching cadence into the stadium.
The flyover was done by the Coast Guard. The planes flew low.
The team came out.
My heart always smiles when I see the players praying in the end zone.
The game started, and we ran the ball all the way back down the field on our first play. We were excited!
I saw this in the Chick fil A app.
I won’t eat it, but someone in my family sure will.
It looked like Mercer was going to keep things close, but then we got on a roll and scored touchdown after touchdown.
We won pretty big – embarrassingly so.
The Mr. and I left about five minutes into the fourth quarter. He was eager to get home and watch other games on TV.
We took a photo under one of the trees because why not?
Gambit was pretty happy to see us, but he barked and cried for the girls who were visiting. Gambit used to be afraid of visitors. Now, he lives for them. He’s a sweet boy.
They stayed out awhile longer and even ate at one of our favorite restaurants in town.
They were smiling from ear to ear when they got back to the house.
They shared the sweetest story of overhearing a conversation at a local coffee shop between two college guys discussing God and Christian stuff. Be still my heart. We have a wonderful group of college students who really love Jesus.
The girls went to bed early since they had a long drive ahead of them the next day. The Mr. and I watched more college football before calling it a day.
I got up early Sunday morning to get ready for church. I’m so glad I did because the girls headed out around 7am. The Mr. was still sleeping, so he missed saying goodbye.
It was a blessing to be able to host them for the weekend. I know I’ll be seeing them when I visit my girl because they all attend the same church.
I was reminded that this faith of ours is pretty special because when we meet other believers, it’s like being connected with extended family. What a beautiful picture of what heaven will be like for us.
The Mr. and I went to church, where our sermon was centered around the movie, Lion. My church does a special series called “At the Movies” each year. Our pastor crafts each sermon around the movie clips presented. This movie wrecked my heart. I saw that it’s on Netflix. I’ll definitely be watching the whole thing or looking for a book about it.
The hubby and I headed to Sam’s on the way home to pick up much-needed dog food. We also grabbed a box of new plastic/reusable bowls.
I wanted something that could be used in the fridge or freezer.
I ran a couple of errands after we got home. I had Old Navy cash that I wanted to use, but I couldn’t find anything I couldn’t live without, so I didn’t buy a thing.
I ran to Books a Million and bought a couple of stocking stuffers for the hubby. I’m hoping that I’ll be in the middle of cataract surgeries around Christmas time, so I’m trying to get stuff done ahead of time. By the way, the referral came through in record time. I’ve got a consultation scheduled for the first week of December!
When I got home, I did a bunch of chores. Cleaning and refilling Gambit’s water bowl is always a big task.
I also began washing all of the bedding. Round 3 of visitors will begin Wednesday evening.
While the washing machine and dryer were doing their thing, I got busy meal prepping.
I made Creamy Tortellini Pasta for my lunches this week.
This was a great way to prep tomatoes for peeling. I used tongs to peel the skins off after lightly cooking them for seven minutes.
The recipe was super easy! I couldn’t find vegan tortellini, so I subbed penne for it.
I should have mashed my tomatoes more, but the flavor was perfection.
I took it easy the rest of the day. My right shoulder has been feeling yucky all week – most likely because of all of the extra work I’ve been doing at home. So, I tried to baby it the rest of the day.
We got a surprise FaceTime call from our girl late in the afternoon. Little Miss E had been very sick since they got home from their trip up here, so she and Chicky had stayed home from their trip evening church service to chill.
Seeing E’s chubby cheeks and wide grin put a smile on my face. Gosh, I sure do love my babies.
The college is open Monday and Tuesday, and then we will be closed the rest of the week. Even though students have left for Thanksgiving, I anticipate busy phones. It’s the nature of what we do that keeps us on our toes while campus feels like a deserted island.
I pray that you have a wonderful week!
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