All right, here we go again – another trip on the weekly merry-go-round.  This weekend was good, although we didn’t do much.  On Saturday, we had the first in a three-week string of birthday parties to attend – this time, a school friend of Peanut’s.  The party was at a local bounce gym, and man was it loud.  Peanut was a bit overwhelmed to start, but she found her groove soon and enjoyed hanging out with her friends, and especially her BFF, who transferred schools and is no longer a part of our daily orbit (sob).  Dad and Mom had a treat later in the evening – dinner out with an old friend who we don’t see nearly enough.  We went to Virtue Feed & Grain, a favorite neighborhood spot, and enjoyed a delicious dinner and even more delicious laughter with our friend.  The dinner out was made possible by our beloved nanny, who came over to babysit the kiddos, and it was such a joy to see her.  Now that both kids are in school, she’s also not part of their daily orbit – lots of changes this year – and there was much rejoicing at the reunion.  Sunday was kind of a blah day.  Steve was watching the first football games of the season (it begins) all day, and the rest of us bummed around the house and looked out the windows at the rain.  I did some reading and some blogging and a whole lot of playing with the kids, and Nugget and I baked sourdough biscuits; they came out pretty well but I don’t know that they’re going to become a regular rotation item.  And now off to work again – another busy week ahead as I work my way toward the end of the fiscal year.  Is it October yet?

Reading.  All non-fiction this week – unusual for me!  I read Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race on my commutes throughout most of last week, and it was an interesting perspective, as it was focused on the experience of being black in England.  Being American, I’m more attuned to what’s going on over here.  So I felt that it was important to broaden my understanding, and it was an excellent book – I learned a lot.  After that, I felt the need for something lighter, so I picked up the sixth issue of Slightly Foxed – I’m still working my way through the back issues.  I’m finishing the weekend with When They Call You a Terrorist: a Black Lives Matter Memoir.  I’m only a couple of chapters in, but it’s excellent so far.

Watching.  Nothing really – just glances at whatever happens to be on the screen for someone else.  Sunday, as I mentioned, was all-football, all-day.  I didn’t really watch, but it was impossible to help noticing that the Bills got creamed.  The rest of the week and weekend, I just watched a little here and there as the kids took in The Blue Planet and BBC Earth: Africa.  Unfortunately, they also discovered a super creepy cartoon movie about some undersea creatures who go on a mission to save their colony – sounds cute, but there is some irksome language and really unnerving imagery (we’re talking skeletons, terrifying homicidal fish, a vampire octopus (???) and a submerged New York City, among other weirdnesses).  They can’t stop watching, and it’s really freaky.

Listening.  I’m almost halfway through Nick Offerman’s Paddle Your Own Canoe on Audible.  Definitely not family-friendly or suitable for work!  But it’s really fun to hear Nick describe, in his own words and voice, his salt of the earth upbringing and his escapades early in his theatre career.  I’m hoping for some good Parks and Recreation talk to come…

Making.  Took a break from bread-baking Sundays this week and whipped up some sourdough biscuits instead, as noted above.  They were good, but not spectacular.  It could be that I’m working my way through my white whole wheat flour, and I don’t think it’s especially fresh.  Muffins next weekend, maybe?

Blogging.  I flaked on you for the promised vacation recap last week, huh?  Let’s change that this week.  The first of the Adirondack posts is coming on Friday – for real this time.  On Wednesday, I’ll have the promised book review for you – another Classics Club entry.  Speaking of which, I’ve added a new page tab at the top of the window, where I’m collecting my Classics Club reviews.  So you can check that out and I’ll update it as I work through the list.

Loving.  With the school year swinging into gear, I’m actually really excited about both kids’ classes. Nugget is spending his days with three really sweet and loving ladies, and both of Peanut’s teachers seem super fun and engaged.  I’m one of the room moms in Peanut’s class this year, and I’m also helping out with “green school” initiatives this year (any ideas for us? keep in mind it’s a small school and the building is old) – I’m feeling inspired and hopeful for a great year ahead.

Asking.  What are you reading this week?