Fall In The Hudson Valley.

 

It's peak foliage right now in the Hudson Valley and each year we go to Sleepy Hollow to check out all the sights. We didn't do the whole "touristy" thing because we've gone so many times and it's a good thing because it was so crowded. I swear every year this area gets busier and busier with crowds. I know putting this spot on social media doesn't help. When some big influencer posts about a certain place everyone just has to go there. We've been coming here since Instagram was even a thing and now that I'm getting older it kind of bothers me that these quaint little towns are becoming so popular. Don't get me wrong I love people but not when it's super crowded! We love sleepy hollow and we will still come here but not during halloween season!

Tia Margot.

I've always wondered what my aunt was up to since she left Mcallen and when I googled my aunt's address earlier this year I knew that I had to get in touch with her. I was trying to get a hold of her to let her know about my mom and when I was on my way to see my niece I decided to go see her. See, they both live within 30 minutes of each other and I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone. Even though it took me forever to get a hold of my aunt I knew that I had to keep trying. I finally got a text back from her but it wasn't very sensible. I kept calling her to let her know that her sister (my mom) died but to no avail. She wasn't picking up or answering the texts right away. When we finally arrived I now knew why and I will explain that in a minute. 

A Hike In Bucks County.

Hiking is honestly not one of my favorite things to do but oh how I love basking in nature. Over the summer we went on a hike in Bucks County Pennsylvania and I have to admit it was beautiful. Going hiking at this age proves all too well that I am a city girl through and through but theres something about nature that lives in you. Noah loves to go on hikes and being a Boy Scout has helped him appreciate the outdoors. He loves using his compass to find his way through the woods. Not that we would get lost in a hiking trail but you never know. It's good that he learned how to use a compass and the do's and don'ts of hiking. It was a beautiful warm day and something that I needed to do to feel closer to my mom. She wasn't a hiker either but the fact that I was in one of Gods beautiful creations in the outdoors and being high up helped me to know that she is always looking out for me from above. 

Arthur Ashe Day At The U.S. Open!

Here we are in the middle of the October and although I am enjoying the cooler weather there are days when I miss summer. Particularly because of the U.S. open. It's only here for a short time. Two weeks is never enough to see our favorite players play but we did get to take Noah on Arthur Ashe day. We've been coming here for years since he was about seven and you're never to old to go. We love all the freebies they give. We had such a great time sitting in the stadium watching dude perfect and the legendary Andre Agassi. It was so much fun and a perfect sunny day for it. Last year we got rained on and the crowds were minimal. This year it was super crowded! We had such a fun time and look forward to taking Noah to see a game next year. 

Moments to Live For.

It's been over a little two months since my mom passed away and the one thing I will always remember are the happy moments I shared when we were all together. So grateful that 3/4 of my kids made it to our little gathering and that they were able to help us get through the grief. So thankful for them and for my brother and sister who held it together through this stressful time. We are all built differently when it comes to handling stress and grief and believe me, I'm not that strong and when I'm not it's God's turn. Inside I'm literally screaming but on the outside I'm keeping it sane. I made the choice to do so for the sake of myself and my family. I love the time we all spent together and these will be the moments I will remember the most. 

It's October!

And just like that...it's October. 

It's been a pretty busy first week of October hence not blogging but alas I'm here and am welcoming October with open arms. I love all the "ember" months and look forward to cooler temps, the smell of pumpkin spice, and of course Halloween. Noah is on the fence about dressing up this year and it makes me sad that those years of trick or treating are gone but hopefully he will be in the mood to dress up. I mentioned to him "it's free candy" and he still hasn't budged. I won't force him but it's on October 7th so there's still hope! 

At least he'll still let me take his picture on decorated stoops in the city! And this one on the upper east side is absolutely gorgeous!