September 2025 Update
The question I’ve been asked the most this month is “how’s empty nesting going?” Honestly, great! It’s not all that different, but definitely quieter and a little less chaotic. Skylar has been coming and going to her heart’s content for at least a year. Between classes, practices, and work, there were days that I didn’t see her. She’s always been a busy girl. Now that she’s at school, there’s less for me to keep track of. She’s doing great with her classes, has made tons of friends, and joined several clubs. Basically, she’s living her best life and I love this for her!
I had an opportunity to see an Advanced Screening of Downtown Abbey: The Grand Finale. As with all good series, I’m not quite ready to let these characters go, but I feel like they wrapped it up as tidy and sentimental as possible. I’m just thankful they gave us not 1, 2, but three movies after the series ended and that all of our favorite characters came back to finish it up.
The weather has been so lovely, which is perfect for back porch sitting and pickleball (thankful to not have a torn calf muscle this year). Live Like Ambria Day hosts a pickleball bash, which was a lot of fun to participate in. It’s not a tournament so there’s zero pressure. It was a great day to play against some of my favorites and meet new people too. The fall league has started in Lebanon. Jan always does a great job of making it festive. I’m playing in the mixed division with my favorite partner. We are the Kitchen Renovators. There are some really good teams participating, so it should be fun!
My friend, Sonia, hosted her annual Autumnal Equinox celebration at the farmhouse. I always appreciate how she thoughtfully holds space for us to usher in the new season. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the last season, let go of what’s no longer serving us, and make a conscious decision of what we want to focus on next. In addition to the time of reflection, there’s usually a themed craft. This time, we created handmade brooms as a reminder to sweep out any negativity. I currently have mine perched on the fireplace mantle.
I definitely did some good eating this month. First, I’m super excited that the new Dutch Bros has opened in Mt. Juliet. It’s right next to Andy’s Custard, another favorite. I had lunch at Painturo’s in Mt. Juliet before they closed (Lebanon location is still open) as well as the new Tholos Mediterranean restaurant. Across town, I ate at some old favorites like Taj, Nectar, and Calypso Cafe. I also discovered a Mexican bakery just minutes from home, Chulito’s. It’s not gluten-free, but my people sure do love it and I can’t believe how cheap it us. For me, there’s a new Italian Gelato shop next door, Brio, which is super cute!
Now that Skylar is off to school, I’ve ventured out exploring on the weekends. I found The Market at 109, which is the cutest farmers’ market. I go at least once a month, especially for Bakes for Broly, Pops Pnutz, and Melmac Florals. There are always food trucks and live music too! It’s a perfect little Saturday outing. Otherwise, I’m usually at home doing puzzles or watching the Eagles because NFL is back, baby!
