Halloween Hockey

I logged another milestone! On Halloween, we went to see a pro hockey game at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh with our sister from another mister, Amanda. It was such a fun way to celebrate her birthday. We all enjoy hockey, even though we don't any of us know much about it, so off we went. The Penguins are our local pro hockey team and, apparently, they've been on a losing streak. But, on Halloween, we got to see a winner. They beat the Anaheim Ducks in 3v3 sudden death overtime. 

The one thing I didn't anticipate was how cold hockey arenas are. Which is ridiculous, because if they weren't cold the ice would melt, but this arena was freezing. There was a fine mist in the air from the chill and even though it was frigid, I enjoyed the ambiance. If it hadn't been cold, I think I'd have been disappointed. Still, next time I might bring a coat or wear more layers. 

We'll definitely be going again! Go Pens!!

Oh, Christmas Tree...

As a sufferer of manic depression and anxiety, sometimes it's incumbent upon me to find things I can do that will help with my mood. I'm on several medications, but coping mechanisms are a way for me to try to be proactive. At this time of the year, my favorite coping mechanism is to put up the Christmas tree way early. I enjoy the lights and pretty baubles as much as I do the shocked reactions when people hear my Christmas tree is up before Halloween. The whole thing makes me feel, somehow, lighter. 

This year, I need to feel lighter. With the election right around the corner, I'm feeling all kinds of bogged down and my mental health is taking a toll. So, this year the tree has been up since the second week of October and we went with a mostly white/silver theme again this year because it's the husband's favorite. It's certainly pretty...

As we get closer to the election, even the pretty glow of the white Christmas tree isn't quite enough to fight back the anxiety I'm feeling about maybe having Donald Trump as our president again. I need Kamala Harris to win, I'm terrified what will happen otherwise. Come on Christmas tree... work your magic.🎄

The Blue Sofa

Our house is finally finished being decorated. We're done... well, yeah, as done as anyone is. My red sofa met it's end (long story) and, thankfully, under warranty was replaced by the manufacturer. It took three months and a lot of frustration, but they did replace it. So, I got the same sofa, but it's blue now.

With a blue sofa, we couldn't very well keep the black and red rug, so we got an orange and gold rug to compliment the blue sofa and they look amazing together. The rug also matches the brown chairs.

Then, at a craft fair the weekend before last, we got the finishing touch...

It's a chime made from geodes and I absolutely love it. There was no way we could even think about hanging it outside, it's far too pretty! And, we had this hook in the ceiling in the corner, so it was an easy place to put it. It pulls the blue up and ties everything together. Well, that and I replaced the previously-red candles with blue candles (as you can see in the picture).

I couldn't be happier with how everything has turned out. Our house is cozy and comfortable, and we love it! 

I Grew Pumpkins!

Okay, this is a big deal... I grew something. I transplanted a pumpkin plant from Amanda's yard into mine at the beginning of summer and... poof! Pumpkins! They're soooo cute. Well, all of them except the small one on the right. It's a little mushy, so I threw that one back. The rest are on my porch with my other pumpkins and mums. I'm so proud of myself for growing even one pumpkin, let alone four! Go me!