First things first, I still hate the block editor and instead I’m coming from edits in my dashboard to avoid it. I forget which clever blogger wrote that option, but thank you. I don’t know how long this will be an option, but I tried the plug in method and WP told me I have to upgrade to a business plan to access plug ins. On an emotional level, I find our WP community priceless, and on a practical level, I truly believe $99 a year for pleasing visuals is enough of an investment for me and my lil blog.
It’s nice when y’all write that you miss me. I miss y’all, too. I’m introverting so hard over here. Stuck in weariness thick as molasses, practicing avoidance — good times.
Good times are had. They seem few and fleeting. We celebrated Sassy’s 18th birthday with a handful of people in an upscale joint where I drank overpriced but delicious cocktails made of “New Amsterdam Grapefruit vodka, Combier Pamplemousse Rose Liqueur, Aperol, pineapple, lemon and fresh beet juice.” Evidence of the cocktail of our celebration:
It was a milestone night, as along with Sassy’s age of majority, I happily embraced my older woman tendencies by wearing an obnoxiously colorful and shiny jacket recently acquired from the closet of an octogenarian. And I got FOUR compliments on it, so I am thoroughly looking forward to rocking bedazzled track suits and rhinestone eyeglass frames the size of my head.
We’ve had a long, primarily warm fall, and no snow all of October, and the next week shows some highs in the 60s and 70s. Wild.
Moo goes to school one day a week for things that must be done physically. I drop her in the morning and The Mister drives her three more times before the day is done. He is working from home and is expected to until at least midsummer 2021. Sassy is 100% virtual and lamenting the fact that she chose not to graduate early due to her lack of a crystal ball when designing her 2019-2020 school year.
I go to work like normal. For several months the city paved the street (six-lane thoroughfare) in front of our office and honestly, as annoying and inconvenient as it was, it was impressive they accomplished such a massive project in such a short time and it sure drives smooth now.
I took a four-day to enjoy all the leafeses. Sassy and I went to the apple orchard for lunch, shopping, and goat-watching. It was a pleasant outing, but it was a far cry from how it usually is. Safety first and all that.
Sometime in the four-day I took, we went to Falls of the Ohio. I hadn’t even known it was a thing, but y’all, it is an awesome thing! There’s a tiny museum with exhibits I swear usta be in the Children’s Museum and they have a Chihuly!
We walked around for hours looking at the Devonian fossil bed. Moo, ever intrepid, did her very best to get as far out into the water as she could. It was a beautiful, perfect fall day and we had a wonderful time!
I’ve worn all my new sweaters from the last post. Not worn the new jacket yet. The eye shadow palette was Elf Nude Rose Gold and it turns out only three of the shades work well for me, so inevitably I bought my third L’Oreal Paradise Enchanted palette, because I wear seven of those shades well. Although, not all at once.
I can’t remember if I told you, but Bubba bought a smoker this summer, and he keeps it at our house because that’s a no-no at his apartment. Poor us, forced to endure smoked meats whenever the smoky mood strikes him. One time this fall, he smoked a turkey breast, I made fries and mac n cheese and peas and gravy. That was a damn good day.
Last time Bubba came, he didn’t smoke any meat, but he did bring my nephew Simon with him and if you don’t know, my nephew Simon is one of my absolutely favorite people on the whole planet. I love that kid. I made pasta e fagioli and we played board games and discussed the merits of belonging to too many cats and correctly purchasing top loading washers with knobs. Man, I love that kid.
Next time, Bubba’s supposed to bring Simon and even more young people I adore. There will be smoked meat. There will be cocktails. There will be laughter. Something to look forward to is kinda where I live.
Also, while in recent years I claimed I was too busy to write the scary story, this year I welcomed the distraction and I did write a creepy murrrderrr for 13storiestilhalloween.com again this year. 
I voted. Sassy voted for the first time ever. Lines are hellalong and worth it.
Moo carved a jack o’lantern tonight — and with that, I bid you all a Happy. A happy. A happy whatever will make you happy.
joeyfullystated 
Happy, happy, happy! For Sassy turning 18, for Joey being back, for smoker. We have one and husband loves it! Your are becoming Iris!!!! Please, photos of you and the new specs. I have red frames, but rhinestones sounds so….special!! Welcome back, Joey. XO
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Thanks, Lois! I bet you rock your red frames! I have not yet taken up bedazzled track suits or blingy specs, but I look forward to them in time 😉
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Welcome back Joey. Love the ’celebration’ photo. Your babies are growing up😃
Great that you are having some happy times. Simon’s visit sounds like a really joyful affair😃
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Good to see you back.
The new editor for WP isn’t bad if you keep to text, heading, and image blocks. I learned quickly. And I’m old. Don’t even try anything else until you’re comfortable with that, but then I got quotes and lists under control.
Just don’t use everything they give you!
One comment: our 17 year olds all went to college TOO EARLY – and I think it hurt them (it seemed smart at the time, but their classmates and competition were all older). Should have suggested they do languages or travel or something after they were accepted, but they couldn’t wait. They’re fine now, but we had some rough years, especially with the youngest (she had the undiagnosed and unhelped sleep disorder). Mostly out, except the youngest also had a hard time finishing, and got trapped in NY State by the virus; needs a job, but we’re happy all three are at home and safe right now.
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There are a lot of kids dropping out. Like, a lot, a lot-a lot dropped out in October before the cut-off to keep the larger percentage of fees. They’re reportedly not having proper college experiences and their mental health hurts. Because of this, I’m not sure Sassy would have fared better at university this year. I am only aware of one kid who decided to take a gap year, and you know what? He seems okay. He seems better off than our Sassy, who is definitely not having a proper senior year. I let her do what she wanted, but I did tell her missing her senior year would be the worst one to miss, and here we are, schooling with computer, no social life, not remotely as it should be. 😦
I am very glad for your family’s current statistics. I hope your baby baby gets a job soon, a nice safe one!
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Thanks. Sassy will catch up – everything is on hold until the vaccines can be delivered and become effective – and then the world will restart and pick up steam. It won’t be fast, but it WILL happen.
Same for my baby – this was the worst possible time for her, but she’s holding up, staying safe – and called with a question about reformatting her resume, which I took to be a good sign. She’s ready to work – when it’s safe.
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Pamplemousse rose liquor? I have no earthly idea what that is, but whole heartedly approve. Glad all is well in your corner of the world… drop by more often!
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Me neither, but it was super tasty and had they not been $12 a pop, I would have gotten sloshed 😉
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All good stuff. Best of all, seeing a Joeyemail in my inbox 😊
The smoked turkey looks delicious. I’m glad you guys were able to get out and celebrate Sassy’s 18th and that she followed up with voting. Good girl.
I hope remote work/school/life stays safe through the winter. I hope you all stay healthy and I hope to see more posts, you know, whenever, no pressure.
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Thanks! Yours too. It’s scary.
I think about blogging, but I don’t actually do it. Someday things (I) will feel right again.
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Hello, hello. So good to hear from you and know all is well at your homestead. 🙂 I’m avoiding that block editor every time. I guess one day the option won’t be there, but until then I’m using it. 🙂 Smoked meat would certainly put a person in a good frame of mind when that ‘molasses’ feeling weighs you down and boy howdy do I recognize that feeling. I just read a blog post showing a gated community, the impressive pool, and announcing they’d be gone for a couple of weeks on a trip and how positive they were feeling. Hmm, I wonder if they realize everyone doesn’t have those same options. I relate more to your molasses and that’s why I’ve missed you. Stay well, stay safe, and enjoy the family that keeps you smiling.
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Thank you. You stay safe, too!
I would very much like to escape on a trip, but there is no safe way… You’re right, this pandemic has highlighted financial privilege, not just with amenities, but with jobs. I’m sorry you relate to my molasses feelings — but there is big gravy coming to the rescue soon 😉
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“A happy whatever will make you happy.” Well, if that isn’t just the best wishes anyone could bestow on someone. I like 🙂
I hear you, Joey, about practicing avoidance. This year my inner Hermit has taken centre stage and she’s not about to give up the limelight anytime soon.
It sounds like you are sailing through this pandemic in a place of relative contentment – cocktails, good food, and the people you love. In the grand scheme, that’s pretty damn awesome! Happy November and best wishes for more awesome ahead.
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Thank you. Let’s hermit on, shall we?
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Thanks for another peerless post. I am glad you are having some fun and I think would rock just as hard as an old lady as you do a young one.
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I sure hope so, thank you!
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Hello Joey! Glad to see you are upright, breathing and enjoying your family, sweaters, bright shiny things and smoked meats. Happy Birthday to Sassy. Happy belated Halloween and Happy Autumn. Make the best of your warm fall weather and stay safe always.
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You stay safe, too! Thanks!
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Good to see you’re appreciating good things, Joey. Best wishes for a safe ride-out to this wild 2020.
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Back atcha!
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Love your shiny jacket, Sista!! There is more fashion freedom as we mature and joy in all things shiny and blingy! Rock those rhinestones 😜 Great post! Hope you and the fam had a fabulous Halloween 🎃
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Thanks, Sue! I really do love the jacket and it does make me think I will enjoy clothes MORE as I age, cause earned confidence, hm?
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You look smashing, Joey. Bright suits you. You should see what I’m wearing today. Retirement has freed me from the shackles of conventional office-wear. Yee Haw! Your story is terrific, chock full of smells and sounds and a building tension. You created a believable character in a tiny space, too. Fantastic!
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Ya know, you’re rather iconic — bold and edgy, always chic!
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Happy to hear that you are well and writing! Yeah !
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I, too, am not a fan of the blockhead editor. I am a fan of blogs so I, like you, am putting up with WP. That being said, I want a drink with grapefruit vodka in it. I’ve not heard of this libation which sounds delicious. I like your brightly colored jacket btw. Happy Birthday to Sassy. Happy Fall to you and your sweaters.
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I genuinely miss you when you aren’t around. You have a great outlook that I appreciate. I love how you highlight simple things. We could all take a lesson from you. I love the big leaf, the Cheshire pumpkin, and it’s great to see you again.
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*smiles in a northwesterly direction*
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So wonderful to see you pop up in my emails, Joey. The jacket is fantastic and you and hubby look so cute! Congrats to the birthday girl. Glad she made it in time to vote this year. We are starting to get a chill in the air around here too. Happy November 1.
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It makes me happy to see you in front of the Louisville skyline. It makes me happy that you texted me from the Falls. It was like a Covid visit without the masks. Simon sounds like my kinda kid: Any kid who likes pasta fazool is okay by me. I bought a grill that smokes things this year! I can’t put it up, though, because it’s too heavy for me to carry and (it’s a Kickstarter) they don’t have their all-weather covers out yet. When they do, and I have it set up, Imma smoka turkey, or at least a turkey leg. I love smoked turkey! Great to see you back! And p.s. no way is Sassy 18!
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Sassy is so 18. So.
I’m glad you got you a new grill! I hope you do smoke some turkey legs! Man, that flavor, makes me want open face sammiches and alllll the graaaaaavy!
I think about you lots, especially when I get near your necka the woods 🙂
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When This is All Over, I hope you’ll come literally into my neck of the woods. ❤
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I have been thinking of you and glad to hear you are doing well. I do not like the ‘block editor’ either. I have not figured out how to put #tags and categories on my posts and featured images with the thing. So I have to go back to the ‘classic editor’ to do stuff and the ‘link’ gismo is not user friendly either. Hope we all get through to the end of this crazy pandemic times.
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Wow! Joey’s back! I was so excited to see you in my email! Glad you and the family are well. Sassy and adult! Wow! So cool, all the pics! Oh, I complained recently about the Block Editor and people came out to let me know their workarounds. I took pictures, sorry for the fuzziness. for how I now do it. I find if it is going to be a short post I can do the block on the phone. But for things like reviews that I have to do a lot of copy and paste the block is crazy-making. Here’s to my blog about finding the editor version we know and love: https://darsword.wordpress.com/2020/10/20/how-i-managed-to-post-my-review/. Virtual hugs to you and your fam!
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It’s a clever trick, I like it 🙂
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It works for me. Miss you!!!!
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I love Chihuly’s work! We went to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma a couple of years ago and it was such a fascinating experience; every exhibit was amazing.
That sounds like one delicious cocktail BTW.
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There she is!!! It’s good to hear you’re well and busy! The smoked turkey dinner looked delicious, and you look so pretty in your new jacket. I have looked at two eye shadow palettes and decided I need to use up the palettes I have before I buy a new one. I do have skincare in my cart and will hit the buy button today! VIB sale starts today for me. Woot!
Stay healthy and happy, Joey! 😀
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I have noticed I seem to have more time for beauty rituals! I hope you’re enjoying your new skin care 🙂
Y’all stay healthy and happy too!
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No breakouts or anything so, it’s so far so good! The wrinkles are still there though! DOH!!! 😀
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There she is!!! It’s good to hear you’re well and busy! The smoked turkey dinner looked delicious, and you look so pretty in your new jacket. I have looked at two eye shadow palettes and decided I need to use up the palettes I have before I buy a new one. I do have skincare in my cart and will hit the buy button today! VIB sale starts today for me. Woot!
Stay healthy and happy, Joey! 😀
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I missed the happy but I’m glad you didn’t. Your photos are great especially the one of you and The Mister. Stay happy, Joey and stay away from the crazy of today.
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I go out very little. The crazy is scary. You stay safe ❤
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Glad to read you! Lmk if you need more old people clothes as I’m pretty sure I have a stash available next door. Looking forward to more Joeyness. 💜
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Office Administrator’s mom moved, and there was a huge closet cleaning, and I scored several jackets 🙂
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Gotta love it!
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It’s a treat to pop over and find your post! Good for you for taking time off! It seems like introverting hard makes the outings count more. You still look pretty young to me, but it’s never too early to start having fun with shiny jackets in whatever color we like. Anyway, you wear it well!
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Thank you!
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Hello my friend – nice to read your post and LMAO with the
“an obnoxiously colorful and shiny jacket recently acquired from the closet of an octogenarian.”
it looks awesome in the photo
and I thought of you a couple times this month – one of the time had to do with when you talked about how many bad hair days you had in your life-
funny how certain stories stick with us –
belated happy 18th to the daughter and wishing you all a wonderful December
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