This is the second batch of dough I’ve made for a pie.

I swore I would never make a pie until I realized how easy it really is to do. This is the second homemade pumpkin pie that I have made from scratch in less than two weeks.

I am now a pie makin’ fool. Just don’t call me a fool to my face.

New year, new challenges. Do you have one thing you plan to do this year that you swore you would never do?

I took a weight reading after Christmas dinner, just because I could. Although, I lost exactly one pound since Thanksgiving dinner, I usually don’t put too much faith into a scale reading. Living by the scale can be paralyzing. What I do is if my jeans don’t fit, then I know it is time to shape up. Then again, I guess I can’t really put too much faith into that either because my jeans do fit, but I know I need to shape up. I hit the road early this morning on my second week back and pounded some pavement. It was cold (very, very, freezing, summer come now kind of cold), but it felt really good.

Whether you cook or not, I think everyone has that favorite or really special dish. It’s the one you pull out and actually use several times a week. Well, this dish still is and always will be forever more was that dish. While cooking food, I also accidentally cooked this dish. It would be salvageable if it weren’t for all of the squiggly crack lines going through the bowl. That is how badly I wanted to keep it, but it’s going out with the trash this week.

It is a little bit before midnight and I just finished off my last piece of pie for the evening. Although I didn’t, I probably could have eaten the entire pie myself because it sure was good. This was my first attempt at making pumpkin pie and it happened by default. The original plans for dessert were Lemon Ice Box Pie and Chocolate Chip pan cookies. Well, I didn’t have the condensed milk or chocolate chips and the idea of making a second run to the grocery store didn’t sound like fun; pumpkin pie! The only thing I will change the next time is that I will make my own crust.

Are you a pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie kind of person?

I went for a walk instead of a run this morning and enjoyed the peace, quiet time with God, and the cool, crisp morning air. Everything was fine and enjoyable until I came upon the home of these “wild dogs.” They barked, growled, and tried to get my attention, but I ignored them and continued walking. The first time I came upon them on another walk, I yelled at them and they backed down. This time, I ignored them, but kept a close eye open and watched that they never left the boarder of their property. I think I disappointed them.

NOTE to owners of dogs who unjustly bark and threaten people walking or running in the neighborhood: Lock, chain, or tie your dogs up before they get maced, yelled at by people like me, or beaten with a very large stick.

We have already had two snow “storms.” Okay, not really storms. Each time it has snowed, there has really been just enough snow to make one or maybe two of these Mr. Snowy Weird looking “thingies.” Maybe, we’ll actually get a real snow storm and be able to build a real snowman and not one of these very interesting looking, ah “thingies.”

I think they were waiting by the door with chalk in hand hoping that this day would come…a sunny and very warm day in the middle of fall soon to be winter.

The chalk had evidence of the season with it being a little wet, but that just made for some more creative pictures…and also really messy hands.

The “chalkboard” was the entire driveway and they used every bit of it.

A sunny and happy little girl with an orange ribbon in her hair.

An alien that is kind of weird and cute looking at the same time.

Canyon had fun playing with the wet chalk, but after he was done he drew this…

three crosses and it made me smile.

These swings are good for more than just swinging.

It rained today, but it is not the rain that kept me home. All it took was the thought of all of the crowds of people pushing and shoving trying to get a great deal. I think I got the best deal in town. I stayed at home.

Did you head out to shop today or stay and enjoy the comfort of your own home?

I ate everything that I put in front of my face and it was really, really good. I hope to maintain or at least not go over, but I am not going to get back to a regular workout routine until after Christmas dinner.

What favorite food(s) did you eat today?