Ah, the Coolness!

[linaewen]

I can't really complain about how hot it's been around here this summer, because it really has been quite a moderate season, both in Wisconsin and in Chicago.  But after a rather steamy Monday, the weather today is simply lovely!  At least as far as coolness goes.  We are getting what is left of Hurricane Gustav up here, with rain and cool breezes.   Believe it or not, even up in Wisconsin where they were having flooding not too many months ago, the rain is sorely needed, so I am hoping it will last a bit, even if it means getting my feet wet when I have to go out.  ;-)

I really like how our apartment is set up; if there is any air moving outside at all, we get it coming in through the windows.  We haven't had to use our central AC more than twice all summer, which makes my budget-conscious hubby happy.  So in spite of the rain, we've got the windows open to let in refreshment.  ;-)

So the update on the two Wisconsin trips I recently took is that we enjoyed a visit with DS, got him caught up on some things like dishes and housework and gardening, spent some time with my dad and brother, (they are both doing well), got to enjoy some GB Packers on the tube, and definitely made some major purchases of cheese.  Nothing fancy, just your typical cheddar, swiss and pepper jack, but we are stocked for the time being, if we eat it carefully.  Which I should be doing anyway, since I'm trying to lose weight!

I am keeping busy here in Chicago, every day is full and some days I don't really know where the time went!  I have a schedule of meetings and English teaching sessions for the early part of the week now, but the rest of the week is a bit more flexible; I'm thinking I need to set up some "home office" time so things get done around home as well.  That's kind of the plan for today -- I'm going to spend the majority of my time today at home shuffling papers, and only pop over to the Center if I am needed for anything.  Since it's so close, I really can just pop over in a minute!

I want to do better at updating here and posting at my other places I used to frequent; seems like it's been a long time since I was regularly present anywhere.  Hopefully that will change, now that I seem to be settling into a routine -- even though it's a busy one, lol!

Have a lovely day, wherever you are and whatever the weather might be.

Comments

[estellye.livejournal.com]

I am so glad you posted photos of your pretty apartment, because I can totally imagine how nice it must be with a cross breeze.

Yayyy for cheese! I love using a little jalepeno jack mixed with sharp cheddar when I make mac & cheese. Yummy!

It will be great to see you around the place more consistently now that you are starting to get a feel for the new routine. *hugs!*

[shirebound]

Your icon is a hoot! :)

[telperion1.livejournal.com]

It's always nice to hear from you. I'm glad Chicago agrees with you. On the weather, count yourself lucky. I don't know if I'm just spoiled, but the weatger feels really sultry in NYC. Perhaps that has more to do with me walking more than I did in Cleveland - there was a free trolley that went right from my apartment to my school, so I only ealked when I felt like a walk.

Anyway, it's nice to "talk".

PS - You describing your apartment reminds me, I posted pics of my apt. a few days back at my LJ. If you missed them being so busy, thought I'd give you a heads-up.

[rowantwig.livejournal.com]

I love having the windows open in the summer, especially when it's raining. :) Sounds lovely at your new apartment.

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

this last week I witnessed summer packing up and getting ready to move on out; crisp mornings;leaves being pushed off the trees, first frost on the windscreens of the cars, righteous sunsets, asters in first bloom, and so forth, and I rejoiced!

a hickory smoked sharp is about my fav. We have a Tillamook brand, from the town of the same name, that is made without animal rennet, and so a favorite with veg-heads like Tine.

Can't say as I know where to buy a Wisconsin brand locally, must go on safari to find some I deeM.

still love your Sharpe Icon!

[fafojoy.livejournal.com]

We were laughing that the front that came through Monday and knocked us from 90 to 60 means that winter is here!

Good to hear from you, good to hear such 'cheer' in your writing voice while doing these things you clearly love. Glad things are well at home in Wisconsin too. I'm sure this is a great but perhaps slightly difficult experience for your son. He sees what managing the house is like on his own!

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Hickory smoked sharp sounds amazing -- just right for the coming autumn, I am sure I can find some...along with the Milky Ways I am always hungry for when I see your lunch box...and some red delicious apples, maybe some Jonathans, if I can find some. They are rare here, but my fave.

As for Wisconsin cheese I suggest Trader Joe's. I know there are a number of TJ's in Portland. We have good number of them locally and their Wisconsin cheese collection is superb. Actually, their whole cheese collection is superb. I have to be really careful when I go there! Which I did. To celebrate Linawen going to Wisconsin.

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear the cheese foray was successful! We had a little cheese here to celebrate your trip. I am a sucker for the power of suggestion. I'm trying to post more in my journal too, I got away from it for too long and then I was so far behind I didn't know where to start. Actually, I am still far behind and some amazing things happened and they didn't get documented. I'm slowly trying to catch up.

I loved the pics you posted of your new place. I took some updated pics of our new house just the other day. We finally got some furniture for our living room, and a little TV to put in the armoire hubby picked out (big harp and armoire is all we've had in there for almost two years).

I'm looking forward to decorating for the holidays this year. Our first year here I was just coming out of hospital and last year we still weren't unpacked enough to do much, and then we didn't have furniture. We didn't bring anything but our bed and an old kitchen table with us so it has been a slow process. This year everything is unpacked and we have some furniture. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming season. Thanksgiving at our house with friends, too. First time ever we've had room to do this. I'm stoked. Oh,cheese. Oh, please!

[maidoforange.livejournal.com]

We have been having some Fallish weather here. I am sure it is steamy by Wis/Chicago standards, LOL. We are getting another cool front tomorrow. Yay, Fall! October and Nov. are my favorite months.