Monday Musings... Lots To Do...

I am at home today and tomorrow instead of work, as my mother has a terrible flu, and so cannot watch the kids. I can't say I really mind, especially with all the work stress lately (see below).

Around the House...
I'll be working on catching up on some housework this week, since I have an extra two days at home! I've already done a load of dishes this morning, and a load of laundry. I really need to find my fall wreath and hang it up on the front door! My mom has hers up, and it looks so pretty!

Outside My Window...
Today has started with my favorite kind of weather -- cool, crisp, the sun is up, and the sky is that particular shade of blue that fall brings. Still, it is supposed to be relatively hot later today, which I could do without, though it will be cooling off over the week, and we might even get some more rain!

In My Garden...
We took out all the vegetables yesterday except the Swiss Chard, which is still thriving! As much as I would like to do a fall/winter veggie garden this year, we either really need raised beds, or a lot of soil amendment first, and finances are very tight at the moment. We'll see...

In Our Kitchen...
Since I've relaxed again about grains, etc., I'm back to cooking some of my old favorites. Right now, I've got a baked oatmeal dish going, full of apples, cranberries, and spices.... the whole house smells amazing! I'm curious about Kim's cider donuts. I am planning on making butternut squash soup, with some roasted garlic, and a little orange juice and orange zest in it this week. I made three-bean turkey chili yesterday, and it was delicious!

In Our Homeschool...
The Girl's Life of Fred book should be here today. We got caught up with documentaries last Thursday, so we'll have to try geometric art this week instead. I'm thinking about adding Builders of the Old World to our history reading. I think it would compliment The Early Human World quite well. Hmmm. I also want to get more science done this week! And I might add in some titles from A Picture Perfect Childhood as well... we really enjoyed the selections when we were making use of that book!

Reading & Watching...
We'll finally make it back to the library tomorrow--it's been a few weeks! Then we can get started on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and some of Edgar Allen Poe's poetry. I'm rereading Nourishing Traditions, and will try to find some good fiction at the library. The kids have been watching Cartoons That Time Forgot, alongside their documentaries/TV shows (The Girl's watching David Attenborough's Life in the Freezer, and The Boy is watching Mythbusters). I think this week's family movie will be Catch Me If You Can.

Thinking About Crafting...
I decided I need to get back to knitting, so I plan to start a scarf for M, maybe a red and black tweed yarn. I think I might pick up a couple of crafty books at the library too. Or go through my Pinterest pages and pick something fun!

And At Work...
A little back explanation first: the state gives districts money just for special education. Until now, all the districts here have been happily pooling all the funds into a central fund, which then provides centralized services and adaptive equipment/technology. The department I work for provides the equipment/technology, along with trainings in how to use it. However, this year, the four largest districts decided they don't want to do that anymore. They're taking back their funds. This won't take effect until the following (2014-2015) school year, and will result in the reduction of staff where I work, and the closure of my department. The two specialists I work with will simply go work for districts as pathologists/consultants. The fix-it guy will likely take retirement. I haven't been with the office long enough to guarantee placement anywhere... at least they are giving me plenty of notice! This has all resulted in a very tense work atmosphere, which is sad because until now, I have really enjoyed my job!

Have a good week!