When September Ends…monthly recap and a contest!
October 3, 2020
For me, September felt like the month that never ended. First of all, we had EARLY snow. Ugh. It killed everything in my garden that had been limping along since our 4 separate hail storms this summer. So I had my fireplace on for a couple of days and then we were back up to mid-80s so I had the air-conditioner running. I usually love having the windows open in the fall, but the smoke situation means that’s not an option.
The month started on a high note for me, getting so see THIS cutie — here she is with her loving mama
I hate doing taxes, we always have to file an extension and this year was no exception so I spent the first TWO WEEKS of the month prepping our taxes, because we have to itemize everything and I uh…hadn’t done anything bookkeepingwise to speed up the process…so yeah…not fun.
WHAT WE COOKED
I didn’t make a lot that was picture-worthy, besides my beautiful jams 🙂 but I did try to use my airfryer for two new things. First was a batch of fried green tomatoes. This worked amazingly well in the airfryer–and there wasn’t grease everywhere (or maybe that’s just me, because I am a messy cook) and they were delicious!
When we were in Denver, Mr. James bought TWO BUSHELS of hot hatch chiles. Some were roasted, some were whole, all were unfuckingbelievably hot. Still, I wanted to try a chile rellenos recipe in the airfryer. We didn’t have the recommended cheese, because we’re in the middle of nowhere grocery land for ethnic foods, but we substituted cojia cheese and it was good. I loved how crispy the outside got in the airfryer. I don’t know that I’d make this particular recipe again, I’d look for a better one.
I was making jam and already had the stove on so I boiled these little potatoes and then smashed them, covered them in spicy garlic olive oil, lots of salt and roasted them. More work for a side dish than I prefer, but if you’re already in the kitchen, it’s a nice SMASH UP — haha — for potatoes. You literally smash them and bake for 20 min.
Sometimes Mr. James sees something wacky online and decides he wants to make it, and usually this is some sort of meat dish, smoked or grilled or roasted. But he saw this cheesecake and had to make it THAT DAY (and I’ll never complain about that because…cheesecake) For me, the best part about it was how it looked, freakin’ cool, right? The honeycomb effect is done with BUBBLEWRAP that you layer on the top before it solidifies. The honey on the top was mmmm…. Would he make it again? I think so. But just between us…if I’m going to eat something with that many calories? Well, it’d better have chocolate in it.
WHAT I READ
The City We Became, N.K. Jemesin. I’ve always read fairly widely, except not much sci-fi. I’d heard great things about this book and I follow the author on Twitter. A lot of sci-fi is suspending your disbelief and after I sort of grasped what she did, with the burroughs of New York being literally embodied in individuals to ward off an ancient evil, I enjoyed it because it was unlike anything I’d ever read.
Interior Chinatown, Charles Wu — this is a National Book Award nominee and that piqued my interest. First of all, it is told in 2nd person POV entirely (that means the phrasing is YOU go to the store, instead of I go to the store – 1st person POV, or SHE goes to the store – 3rd person POV) It was super bizarre, to be honest. It was told in the style of a movie script, and it seemed confusing because I never figured out if there even was a main protagonist. It’s very much a character study on stereotypes in Asian culture and that was so well done, but because the author is #ownvoices, it was to be expected. It took me 2 weeks to finish. I’m glad I read it, if only to remind myself that I’m much happier reading genre fiction.
The Last Flight, Julie Clark — I loved the premise for this: abusive woman married to a powerful man, is on the run and she switches plane tickets at the last minute in the airport…and the plane she was originally supposed to be on crashes. The story is told from POV of both women, there’s some backstory and some intrigue. I enjoyed it, but maybe not as much as I expected because there was a lot of flashbacks.
Thick As Thieves, Sandra Brown — I LOVED this book. She is a master of psychological suspense, she doesn’t shy away from sex scenes and I honestly did not see the twists coming. Highly recommend this one!
WHAT I WATCHED
I’m in the middle of finishing like 5 series that are episodic — so I have to wait every week for a new episode (I know, I know, streaming entire series has spoiled all of us, hasn’t it?) so I won’t highlight them until I’m finished with the entire seasons.
Archer, season 10, FX on Hulu — I LOVE Sterling Archer, he’s the ultimate alpha-hole, stupid and smart, mean and funny, but…has those odd moments of sweetness and loyalty. The other characters are hilarious. Plus, I cannot believe with what they get away with in this show. Anyway, Archer has been in a coma for 3 seasons, and this one is set in space. If you liked the other seasons, you’ll like this one, plus this is the season where he comes out of the coma (Season 11 just started)
Enola Holmes, Netflix movie — I cannot recommend this highly enough. I ADORED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! A fun romp, with a plucky heroine who is masterful at everything, but still is a 16 year old girl. Watch it! Oh, and it has Henry Cavil in it as Sherlock Holmes if you’re still on the fence 🙂
Mulan, live action, $19.99 to rent even with Disney Plus — the cinematography was spectacular. Mulan had NO personality. And there wasn’t any music/singing so…yeah. Disappointed in this, big time. Watch Enola Holmes instead.
Time Trap, movie on Netflix — I tend to stumble down rabbit holes when doing research or whatever and I saw this mentioned as an “underappreciated sci-fi time travel gem.” WRONG. It was horrible. Seriously. I forced myself to watch the whole damn thing, with Mr. James going WTF for almost 2 hours. Next time I’ll do better research so I don’t get caught in a stupid time trap — haha.
Crazy Stupid Love, movie — I saw this movie years ago and just rewatched it. It is a damn near perfect movie, in my opinion. It has everything gushy and sweet and raunchy and wrong and oh so romantically right. I needed a reminder that there were still screen writers out there that KNOW HOW TO WRITE A TRUE ROMANTIC COMEDY. I literally sighed when it ended. If you’ve never seen it? Do yourself the biggest favor in the world and watch it.
WHAT I CRAFTED — nothing, sadly because of stupid taxes, but I have been finishing my secret project, so that’s good, right?
CONTEST — I’m behind in mailing out last month’s prize (it’s coming T! I promise), because I’ve left my house ONCE since coming back from Denver, but I’m getting to the damn post office THIS WEEK so I will announce the winner on Man Candy Monday so come back for that! Just tell me how your September went — and I’ll be honest when I say I’m so thankful I don’t have school age children that I’m trying to teach in addition to getting my work done…big kudos to everyone doing that! SHARE this post and if we get a lot of comments and participation, I’ll be inclined to give multiple prizes 🙂
XOXO
L~
BONUS CONTENT!!! SEPTEMBER by Earth, Wind and Fire
This music video of September makes me happy because it is ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALL TIME SONGS — seriously, it is impossible to be in a bad mood when listening to Earth, Wind and Fire! Their Greatest Hits CD has been my go-to for well over a decade — makes me feel young and carefree again 🙂
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Yasmeen said:
I got married this month!! 9/26/2020 was out beautiful crazy ethnic wedding 😂. It was extra special for us because September is the month we first started dating.
Moved to NJ and now on our honeymoon exploring California ☺️☺️.
Stacia Smith said:
Finished replacing the deck, powerwashed and restained the fence. Painted my front door white and planted some hydrangeas. So not too much. Lol!!
bn100 said:
was okay
Donna said:
Just love reading about what you’ve cooked! I’ve never cooked very much since I’ve always lived alone. Heating a microwave entree or picking up take-out is more my speed.
Recently I watched all available seasons of The Crown and am now working on Call the Midwife.
My reading has slowed down quite a bit since I’m working again as well as living with my mother. She seems to expect me to sit in the living room and watch TV with her when I’d rather be reading. Hopefully that will change soon since I’m actively searching for a house to buy.
reading.islife_ said:
My September was a bit crazy… I think it only started looking up after I won a few book comps on fb and insta… I’m changing jobs and super stressed out like all the time…🤷🏾♀️ what can ya do.
Anyway, totally feeling you about “crazy stupid love”- that film is 🔥
Oh! Sandra Brown- I agree, absolute genius! I used to read her back in the day and I’m hoping to dive back in at some point, love her books❣️
And now the weather has changed in London which is just the worst!😩😩😩
Kristi Powell said:
My September has been full and busy ! Getting my son ready for 12th grade plus Virtually visiting colleges. Ugh but we are safe and healthy so I am thankful!
Dar said:
September was spent settling into my new place and dealing with some health issues
Jenny Black said:
I swear September dragged on for me too. I’m waiting to watch Mulan until its free for all subscribers on Dec 4th. Hahaha.
My daughter turned 12 in September, and I can’t believe she’s almost a teenager. So everyone in our little family has now had a “quarantine birthday”.
I’ve been watching the new episodes of Great British Baking Show (even though there’s only 2 so far), and binged the new season of Call the Midwife.
Amanda R said:
September went the same as any other month for me. I only have one kid on school, but she is a sophomore in high school so I don’t have to teach her. She has daily live lessons.
Pamela said:
I will read Thick as Thieves and watch Enola!!! Hope October is not a long for you. I am thrilled that I got to meet you last October in Phoenix but sad that it is not happening again!!! It was soooooo fun! XOXO
Tambra Byrne said:
This must be the year for hatch peppers. My Dad made a fantastic casserole from the hatch peppers he got.
DAD’S HATCH PEPPER CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS
1 lb 3oz pkg Johnsonville sweet Italian sausage
(Either loose meat or natural casing – remove from casing)
Mild Roasted Hatch Chilies – 1-1/2 to 2 lbs (Peelings and seeds removed)
Could use Green Bell Peppers if Hatch are not available
Shredded Cheese (Can use all 1 kind or 3 like I did))
Quesadilla – Mexican Style 4 Cheese mix – Mozzarella (3 – 7oz or 8 oz pkgs)
White Corn Tortillas – 24 count package
Crushed Tomatoes – 15 oz can
1 Fresh Beefsteak Tomato – large with skin removed – Cut into ½” pcs.
1 Medium Green Bell Pepper– Remove seeds and pulp – Cut into ½” pcs.
1 Medium Onion – Sweet Yellow – Cut into ½” pcs.
2 large or 3 medium ears of Sweet Corn cut off cob (or 1 cup frozen corn if fresh not available)
5 or 6 Mini Bella Mushrooms sliced ¼” or less thick
20-1/2oz can Refried Pinto Beans
15oz jar Salsa Con Queso Cheese Dip (Heat and mix with Refried Pinto Beans)
6.9 oz box of Spanish Rice mix. (I used Zatarain’s)
2 tbsp Olive oil
SPICES
Chili Powder 1 tsp
Ground Cumin ¼ tsp
Garlic Salt 2 tsp
Ground Sage 1 tbsp
Crushed Oregano leaves 1 tbsp
Celery Salt 1 tsp
Black Pepper or Cyan Pepper 1 tsp or “to taste”
Salt “To Taste”
DIRECTIONS
Preheat Oven 400 degrees
In large Skillet lightly brown the sausage in the olive oil; add onion; bell pepper; corn; tomatoes;
mushrooms (stir ingredients at all times and add spices). Reduce heat and continue to simmer ingredients. In a 2 qt sauce pan cook Spanish rice until tender per box instructions. Add Spanish rice to skillet. Add Refried bean mixture to skillet.
In large casserole (I used one 11X11X5” deep and was barely large enough) lightly oil bottom and sides of casserole; place single layer of Hatch chilies; place layer of 1/3 of the cheese; place layer of tortillas (overlapping edges if needed); add 1/3 of the skillet contents; repeat layering of chilies, cheese, and remaining ingredients 2 more times. Top with tortillas and cheese.
Bake in 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. May need to cover with foil to avoid browning top.
Let me know what you think. 😋
Kellie Rossow said:
I love cooking with Hatch chili’s so I am going to try this recipe for my husband.
Thank you for posting this recipe!!!!
A friend of ours is a Dutch Oven trail-ride chef, who introduced us to chili recipes when my husband was doing some engineering consulting at a petrochemical plant in New Mexico. Yum-Yum!!!! I was born and raised in Nebraska where my mom cooked/baked bland food. In my early twenties, I moved to Houston, TX and have lived on spicy, tasty food ever since. Love, love, love…the spice, seasoning and heat!
Lisa Rounsley said:
My September seemed to fly by. So missing summer but loving the colors of Fall!!
Juli Hall said:
September was meh, we moved my mom a state away to live with my sister. I’m sad and missing her. We do talk on the phone though but I miss my walking and reading buddy.
Jeanine L'Esperance said:
Sept was kinda surreal. I am happy about cooler temps though. I miss the Fall festivals.
kc said:
Thanks so much! I’d heard this song recently on the radio (for some reason they played it quite a bit last month 🤷♀️ but I’d forgotten those costumes! Oh so many years ago when I used to see them so much! Yep, showing my age again, as the family continues to state!
Caroline said:
We went away last weekend for the first time since March, and had a great time. Came home to find one of our cats had been hit by a car. Then woke up at 4am Friday, and walked into my bedroom door, and fell on the floor. I got up and went into the bathroom. The next thing I know, my husband is telling me to wake up, and I’m on the bathroom floor! Then I couldn’t even call in sick, because we were short staffed. Ended up working late, too. I have bruises on my hip and both sides of my head! Will 2020 ever be over?
Mary C said:
About the same as the previous momth.
Sherry said:
My September started in a new unit at work. I felt like a new hire, but at the same job I’ve had for 15 years. The end of the month ended on a high, I’m going to be a grandmother! My daughter has kept it a secret for five months.
Mary Preston said:
ENOLA HOLMES is on my list. Pity about MULAN.
Michelle D Holden said:
LOL, On the 21st Day of September I posted that same video on Facebook by Earth Wind and Fire and then had the song stuck in my head for days.
Your smashed potatoes look great, I’m gonna have to try that.
Life for me has just been work, work and more work. I cannot wait to retire in 5 years!
Sharon said:
Crazy Stupid Love is a favorite movie for both me and the hubby. We love it!
wendy said:
I survived virtual and in person teaching!!! I am a second grade teacher in Texas and it has been a wild ride this school year! I also finished up rehab for my hip replacement. Feels great to be out of pain.
Monica said:
Thanks for the air fryer pics. My husband and I are seriously considering getting one. I want to send out Kudos to all my coworkers as we continue to do school in person. We are holding it together and making it work.
Wendy said:
I survived the first reporting period of virtual and in person teaching! I am a second grade teacher and it has been wild. I also finished up rehab for my hip replacement.
Megan said:
I’m teaching full time with in person and remote learners synchronized. This month has been so exhausting, but I love being with my kids each day. They are amazing! 💜
Steph said:
My September was a bit of a mixed bag. I got told I was keeping my job, which is a huge relief, being as it’s the second restructure we’ve gone through since I started six years ago, and I work in the airline industry which has been crippled by this pandemic. The downside to the month saw my grandfather pass away, which, while sad, was also somewhat of a blessing as his health had deteriorated dramatically. He lived to the ripe old age of 88 and was married to the love of his life for 65 years of that, so I think he can’t be too disappointed with that.
My September has been a pretty healthy one. I’m getting my fat ass in shape, so I’ve kept up with my PT sessions, have been dragged out for long walks and I’m over 2stone down since I started. I have the hint of a muscle starting in my arm too, which I’m desperately excited about.
Bring on October and let’s see what level of hell the overlords can wreak on us this month!
Best to you and yours, Steph x
P.S. Crazy, stupid love is Everything!!!!! 💖
Bobbie Sue Kearse said:
Let’s see how did September go? First my baby started kindergarten, then he got sick in a week and had to have a covid test, then I had a heart episode that now has me being tested for so many things. So bitter sweet and annoying all at the same time
Sherri Atwood said:
I’m a school teacher….so September was rough. Our students were supposed to start back to school on September 8th. The county I live in was unable to start back in person so I’ve been teaching my students through Teams meetings. I’ve been logging in and out of meetings 11 times during the day and I really dislike sitting in front of my MacBook all day long. I’m desperately looking forward to teaching my students in person!!!
Chrissy said:
September was so long. I’m a teacher and was back to work, but remotely. My daughter has to do remote learning due to health reasons, while my son is in school. It’s been a lot of juggling and sorting things out. Thankfully my husband is currently a stay-at-home dad, which helps tremendously.
I loved Enola. It was one of the best movies I’ve seen lately.
Annette said:
September was ok. Watching my granddaughter while Mommy and Daddy are upstairs trying to teach remotely. Plus Daddy started his Master’s program so he has his own homework. Lots of walks with Lennox on her tricycle. Doing a few crafts together. Took a week staycation and did some reading. Looking forward to October…Halloween I hope. And on to November when our girl turns three…she already thinks she is 16…LOL
Rose j said:
September was really good. Schools here offer the parents a choice between in-class learning and virtual learning and ofcourse I chose the in-class learning because I discovered last year that I’m not a good teacher 😭 We went also apple picking so I have a lot of apple pies to make in October.
Anne Stevens said:
Crazy, Stupid, Love looks super cute. Definitely adding it to my watch list. And Enola Holmes. Love your recommendations!
Erin Dixon said:
My September flew by so fast I think I missed it😜. Crazy month with my mom having knee replacement surgery but I’m just happy she done so well. And most of all football is back!!!
I love my college football🏈🏈🐘🐘
Moran said:
September was a strange month for me, we are back on lockdown in Israel but at least I was able to see my baby niece before the lockdown started and I was able to spend the Jewish New Years with my parents and not alone like I was in Passover.
I love making the smashed potatoes. My family has been making them this way for about 2 years now. We use different seasoning every time and they always come out great.
Kellie Rossow said:
September disappeared too quickly! My husband and I were dodging tropical storms, hurricanes, etc. which is not fun however the prayers worked for us. My heart breaks for southwestern Louisiana since they were hit hard by Hurricane Laura.
School has been in session since early August. All of our kiddos are doing great with no problems of Covid. Masks/shield are required and no children complain because they love wearing them. So, September was delightful.
October is going to be a wonderful month! Our humidity level and temperatures have decreased which is definitely a good sign that fall will be here for a little bit. In Texas, there are two seasons-summer and winter. LOL
Happy Fall Y’all!!!!!
Larri said:
September was a big month for me. My daughter and her boyfriend got engaged, I sold my coffeehouse, put my lake house on the market (it’s under contract now), terminated the contract on my townhouse, and am finishing up all the details to put my house on the market, I’m trying to tie up all the loose ends of the business and my husband’s estate. Oh yeah, and I decided to move across the country to WA.
Shelly Wegand said:
September was just another month for me. Still looking for a new job and this pandemic isn’t helping. Hoping October is a better month
Judith Cohen said:
Still recovering from total knee replacement. with physical therapy 3 times a week.
On the up side, I am reading and rereading some favorite books (including the Lund series. I love this series). Also catching up on the last two Louise Penny books.
Otherwise, just enjoying sitting outside in the cooler weather.
Valerie S said:
Painting and repurposing furniture in basement family room including wine cabinet (once we put wine bottles in new cabinet realized we have almost 100 bottles of wine!). We visit wine trails in MD, PA, VA, and DE and bring home a case at a time. Also hosted family birthday party for 4 of 5 birthdays between September and October. Thankfully we had good weather and could spend most of the day outside. Have been finding a lot of new authors after reading all of your books earlier in pandemic.
Jennifer Beyer said:
September was quiet for me. Both of my kids are in college….in college. I’ve been studying, updating resumes, fixing up my pantry (oh boy is that a lot of work) and getting caught up on doctor’s appointments. I figure I should get as many done as I can in case we get shut down again! I agree about the chocolate! I have a whacky suggestion. Try King Arthur Gluten Free chocolate brownie mix. Add in Enjoy Life semi sweet mini chocolate chips. Honestly, absolutely no on knew they were gluten free until they saw me eating one! They are that good! My family thought they were the expensive Ghirahdelli brownies
Pamela Gomes said:
So the BEST thing happened this September. On the 21st, our first grandchild made his appearance! At 2 weeks past due, an induced labor lasting over 48 hours, and COVID restrictions on visitors, Jack Churchill Rhoades made his debut at 9-1/2 pounds and 21 inches. Everyone is doing great and he’s already visited our home. I can’t believe how awesome being a grandparent is.
It’s going to be hard to top this, October!
Amy Perrault said:
My September went well. School didn’t start till the 18-21 & my daughter is doing high school online from home so she doesn’t need to see or talk to anyone. The teacher e-mails her if needed & will call. We had a birthday party for my Dad’s Birthday on the long weekend & got to meet my great niece who was only 6 days old. My daughter’s birthday was very special as well & turned 15. We have been camping alot.
Sylvain Perrault said:
I’ve enjoyed my September camping & having birthday parties. I’ve been enjoying time with my family & my child is doing online at home school.
Lesley Lindsey said:
In September, our oldest was finally able to live into her dorm at college and start that adventure. Our other child is adapting to online school for now and we are making it all work!
Diane Amato said:
My September started out pleasant. Nice weather celebrated my son’s birthday with the family. Spent some time with my new granddaughter. Watched sports on TV-although I would rather have seen them in person. Went apple picking one weekend. The renovation on my daughters house is finally finished.
Unfortunately the end of the month stunk! Got laid off a few day’s ago (I didn’t see it coming) and given the job market and my age let’s just say I don’t think there will be much if anything out there. On the bright side I can spend more time reading and baking.
Also my husband is very supportive and told me I really don’t have to work and we will be fine. Now if the guilt would take a vacation.
Elisa A said:
For me, September was all about cleaning up the garden and canning. I finished up the tomatoes from the garden, and made some red pepper jelly, and blackberry jam. I have a row of blackberry canes so I get about 10 large freezer bags of blackberries every year!
And I finally finished reading Outlander (Book 1 – that I started in January!) Yes, I’m super slow when it comes to reading!
Thanks Lorelei!
Sandypo said:
September was a frustrating month for us — our son was deployed in Afghanistan (where he also got COVID but that’s another story) and we were waiting for his unit to come home and the September date kept being moved around — I think it changed at least 4 times. Of course, that’s the Army but it was frustrating. Finally at the end of the month he got back to the States (and that trip took 4 days). He finishes up quarantine at his base (upstate NY) tomorrow so we’re driving up to see him and give him his car, which we’ve been babysitting while he was gone. Very excited!
Joye I said:
My September was not stressful, thank goodness.
My sister visited for a couple of weeks and we mostly stayed at home working on crafts projects and sewing.
October will be busier preparing for the upcoming holidays.
Misty Dawn said:
Hi, my September has been busy! I planned a baby shower for my niece on September 7th and the baby arrived on September 26th. Then I started planning my nephew’s baby shower that is going to be in October, plus a birthday party for his little girl’s 1st birthday. Plus I had to drive my sister and mom to their doctor’s appointments which were 2 hours away from us (3 trips in 9 days)! So it’s been a little hectic 😳 🙃.
flchen1 said:
Wow, you’ve had quite a month, Lorelei! Love seeing your reading–will have to check some of those out! I read almost exclusively romance, but some of your reads definitely sound intriguing enough to spread my wings for 😉 September was busy! Still decluttering, which feels like such an enormous task, LOL! That’s what I get for putting it off for a decade 😉
SARAH TAYLOR said:
My Sept. was good I had 2 Adult children had Birthday’s this month!
Serena Kenton said:
This past month I’ve decorated for fall, I live in eastern PA so the weather has been nice “fall” feeling weather for us.
All 4 of my daughter’s are virtual learning this year. Twins in 1st grade, 8 yr old in 3rd, and my oldest is still home, she’s doing online for her college courses. So that has its its ups and downs.
Myself, I’ve been trying to loose weight. Watching what I eat, moving around a lot more, walking, and some exercises. It’s just so hard to come off….my husband can do little and it disappears, so frustrating.
I love the pictures of your girls, your daughter looks so much like you.
Heather Scully said:
Forgive my language, but September was a clusterf*#k, because we had bad mews almost every day it seemed. My 5 yr old cat is going blind for no reason anyone can figure out, my dog got sick, two of my bestie’s furbabies just got diagnosed with cancer, found out my mom needs knee surgery, and I need to see a breast surgeon because who knows why my body hates 2020.. i mean.. do you? Lol Plus my guy’s kids’ first month of school has been a nightmare.. I am more than ready for 2021..
Lynne Lee said:
My September was celebrating my husband’s birthday. Now we are facing bad news concerning his aunt. We moved to North Carolina a few years ago to be closer to family but I miss Wyoming so much!! I have been reading a lot but instead of reading just romance I have started reading suspense books as well.
Latifa Morrisette said:
September was a doozy. Besides that, my sister turned 24.
Suzie Weber said:
September – what should be a lovely Indian Summer month living on a lake w a kayak that calls me daily. Instead I didn’t see a drainage ditch, face planted and broke my wrist in two places. Say hello to my purple cast.