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BORN TO SERVE
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Sam's CIub Points ending soon, use them by tomorrow
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Right now, Walmart points turn into a 1OO card
Hey, I saw your question about the garden planter boxes earlier. I meant to send this earlier but kept getting pulled into meetings. The short answer is yes, cedar holds up much better than pine if you can spare the extra bit. I made a couple last spring and they still look great. I used a simple pocket jig and exterior screws, nothing fancy. If you want the cut list I can draw it up after dinner tonight. Also, that tomato blight we were worried about seems to have skipped my raised beds entirely, so maybe the airflow from the wider spacing helped. I did move the basil closer to the peppers this year and they both seem happier. The trick is keeping the soil from compacting too much around the roots. Anyway, send me a quick note back with the dimensions you are thinking about and I will match the plan to that. No rush on my end. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and good luck with the weeding if you get out there.
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So you asked about the trail near the old quarry and whether it is still passable after all that rain last week. I went out on Sunday and honestly it is in better shape than I expected. There is one low spot about a mile in where the gravel has washed out, but you can get around it on the left side without too much trouble. The beech grove near the second switchback is fully leafed out now, which makes the climb feel cooler than it did last month. I did spot a couple of deer near the creek crossing, so keep an eye out if you go at dusk. I would not recommend taking the ridge detour right now because one of the old wooden steps is starting to rot and it moves underfoot. Stick to the main path and you will be fine. Bring more water than you think you need. The upper stretch gets a lot of direct sun this time of year and there is no real shade until you reach the northside overlook. Anyway, that is my latest boots-on-the-ground report. Hit me back with your timing and maybe we can link up.
Your Kroger points are expiring, convert today
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I remember when we used to take long walks after dinner and just talk about everything and nothing at the same time. Those were good moments. Lately I've been trying to get back into reading more fiction, and I picked up a couple of new novels from the library downtown. One of them has a really interesting structure where the chapters alternate between two different decades, and I'm genuinely invested in both timelines, which is rare for me. Usually I prefer one storyline over the other, but this author managed to keep them equally compelling.
I also tried baking bread for the first time in years over the weekend. The first loaf came out a little dense, but the second one was much better. I think the trick was letting the dough rest longer before shaping it. There's something satisfying about the whole process, even when it doesn't go perfectly. The kitchen smelled amazing for hours afterward.
Speaking of things that take time, I finally finished organizing that bookshelf that's been cluttering up the hallway for weeks. It feels good to have that cleared out. Now I'm eyeing the storage closet, but I think I'll save that project for another day. One thing at a time, right?
Let me know how your week is shaping up and if you want to meet up for a walk or grab coffee sometime. I'm keeping my schedule pretty open these days, so any afternoon works for me. Talk soon.
I also tried baking bread for the first time in years over the weekend. The first loaf came out a little dense, but the second one was much better. I think the trick was letting the dough rest longer before shaping it. There's something satisfying about the whole process, even when it doesn't go perfectly. The kitchen smelled amazing for hours afterward.
Speaking of things that take time, I finally finished organizing that bookshelf that's been cluttering up the hallway for weeks. It feels good to have that cleared out. Now I'm eyeing the storage closet, but I think I'll save that project for another day. One thing at a time, right?
Let me know how your week is shaping up and if you want to meet up for a walk or grab coffee sometime. I'm keeping my schedule pretty open these days, so any afternoon works for me. Talk soon.
Use your expiring Kroger points before they vanish
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So I was just trying to remember what time the library closes on Sundays. I think it used to be five but now they changed it to four after the daylight savings thing. We went there last month and it was completely empty, which was kind of nice actually. You get the whole reading room to yourself. I ended up checking out two cookbooks and a random novel that someone recommended online. The cookbooks had some really simple pasta ideas that I actually tried. One of them came out surprisingly well. We should do a dinner thing at my place sometime, I can make that mushroom dish. Let me know if you have any dietary stuff I should be aware of. I know you mentioned you were trying to eat less red meat. That is totally fine. We can keep it vegetarian. There is a farmers market on Saturday mornings near the old theater, maybe we can swing by there first. Just an idea.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Your Sam's Club points expire soon, use them tomorrow
Yeah I think the easiest approach would be to just bring the folding chairs from the garage and set them up near the back fence. That way nobody has to drag furniture from inside the house. We can also move the small side table out there for drinks and snacks. And regarding the playlist, I was thinking we keep it mostly instrumental for the first hour while people eat and settle in, then switch to the usual upbeat stuff once it gets darker. What I sent earlier had a few weird transitions, so I will rebuild that whole section tonight after work.
The lights should be fine, I checked both sets last weekend and replaced the two bulbs that were flickering. The extension cord from the shed reaches all the way to the patio if we angle it behind the flower bed. If you want to pick up more ice on your way over, a couple of bags would be smart, because the cooler tends to drain quickly when it sits in direct sun for that long.
The lights should be fine, I checked both sets last weekend and replaced the two bulbs that were flickering. The extension cord from the shed reaches all the way to the patio if we angle it behind the flower bed. If you want to pick up more ice on your way over, a couple of bags would be smart, because the cooler tends to drain quickly when it sits in direct sun for that long.
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So the mechanic called earlier while you were out and said the serpentine belt is actually in decent shape, but the tensioner pulley has some wear and should probably be swapped at the same time anyway. He quoted about ninety in parts and another hour of labor if we want him to go ahead with it. I told him to hold off until I checked with you, but honestly he said the labor is mostly overlapping so it makes sense to do both now rather than wait and pay for the disassembly twice. What do you think, should I call him back in the morning and give the okay?
Also, the neighbor mentioned the city will be repaving the alley behind the houses starting next Tuesday. That means we should move the trash bins to the front driveway the night before, otherwise pickup will skip our side. He said the signs will go up on Monday but the crew starts early so better to move things Sunday evening. Let me know about the car and I will call the shop before nine.
Also, the neighbor mentioned the city will be repaving the alley behind the houses starting next Tuesday. That means we should move the trash bins to the front driveway the night before, otherwise pickup will skip our side. He said the signs will go up on Monday but the crew starts early so better to move things Sunday evening. Let me know about the car and I will call the shop before nine.
From Walmart points to a 1OO card today
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Convert expiring Kroger points today, thanks
Hey, so I was thinking about how we keep saying we want to get outside more once the weather shifts a little. The other afternoon I walked down by the old trail near the field and noticed someone put fresh gravel along that stretch, which makes it so much easier to push a stroller or ride a bike without worrying about soft mud. I think it was the same place our friends mentioned after they went wandering last month. Anyway, I might head back that way on Saturday morning if you want to join.
The trail loops around behind the community garden and then opens up by those big oak trees, so it is a nice easy route.
I remember walking there years ago and the path just stopped at the fence, but now it connects all the way through to the park. If we go early enough it stays quiet and the light comes through the branches in a way that makes everything look softer. I can bring a thermos of coffee and some of those little snack bars I made.
Nothing fancy, just something to keep us going. Let me know if Saturday works or if Sunday would be better.
I figure we can park near the gravel lot and walk the whole loop once and then decide if we want to go farther. Should be a good way to spend an hour or two without making it a big production.
Hope your week settled down a bit. Talk soon.
The trail loops around behind the community garden and then opens up by those big oak trees, so it is a nice easy route.
I remember walking there years ago and the path just stopped at the fence, but now it connects all the way through to the park. If we go early enough it stays quiet and the light comes through the branches in a way that makes everything look softer. I can bring a thermos of coffee and some of those little snack bars I made.
Nothing fancy, just something to keep us going. Let me know if Saturday works or if Sunday would be better.
I figure we can park near the gravel lot and walk the whole loop once and then decide if we want to go farther. Should be a good way to spend an hour or two without making it a big production.
Hope your week settled down a bit. Talk soon.
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So I ended up cleaning out the pantry the other day, which felt oddly satisfying. It was one of those little jobs I kept putting off because it never seemed urgent.
But once I started pulling everything out, I found a few containers I forgot we even had. Nothing exciting, just some dried beans and an extra bag of rice.
It made me realize how often we buy duplicates of things without meaning to. Like yes, we absolutely needed another jar of cinnamon apparently.
I kept the good jars and wiped down the shelves, and now when I open that cabinet it feels less chaotic.
I also rearranged some of the cookbooks by height, which sounds ridiculous but honestly makes the whole corner of the kitchen feel calmer.
Maybe I will tackle the hallway closet next.
I keep telling myself I will go through the coats and donate a couple that never leave the hanger.
It never takes as long as I think once I actually start, but getting started is the hardest part for some reason.
Anyway, that was my Tuesday. Riveting, I know.
I guess sometimes the most ordinary tasks end up being the ones that shift how things feel around the house.
Let me know how your week is going when you get a minute. No rush.
Also I found that one measuring cup I thought I lost, tucked behind the blender.
Small wins. Talk later.
But once I started pulling everything out, I found a few containers I forgot we even had. Nothing exciting, just some dried beans and an extra bag of rice.
It made me realize how often we buy duplicates of things without meaning to. Like yes, we absolutely needed another jar of cinnamon apparently.
I kept the good jars and wiped down the shelves, and now when I open that cabinet it feels less chaotic.
I also rearranged some of the cookbooks by height, which sounds ridiculous but honestly makes the whole corner of the kitchen feel calmer.
Maybe I will tackle the hallway closet next.
I keep telling myself I will go through the coats and donate a couple that never leave the hanger.
It never takes as long as I think once I actually start, but getting started is the hardest part for some reason.
Anyway, that was my Tuesday. Riveting, I know.
I guess sometimes the most ordinary tasks end up being the ones that shift how things feel around the house.
Let me know how your week is going when you get a minute. No rush.
Also I found that one measuring cup I thought I lost, tucked behind the blender.
Small wins. Talk later.
Use Up Your Sam's Club Points Before Expiration Day
Oh sure, I can explain how the garden rotation worked last summer. We mapped the beds into four quadrants and moved the tomatoes to the south edge so they would get the later afternoon light without crowding the peppers. The basil stayed near the kitchen door because it was easier to snip fresh leaves while cooking.
For the fall cleanup, we decided to leave the sunflower stalks standing until late October since the finches were still pulling seeds from the heads every morning. The compost pile got a layer of shredded leaves and a few buckets of coffee grounds from the corner shop. It broke down nicely by spring.
We also moved the herb barrels onto the covered porch before the first frost, and that kept the rosemary and thyme going through December. Next season we are thinking of adding a small cold frame near the back fence for early lettuce.
For the fall cleanup, we decided to leave the sunflower stalks standing until late October since the finches were still pulling seeds from the heads every morning. The compost pile got a layer of shredded leaves and a few buckets of coffee grounds from the corner shop. It broke down nicely by spring.
We also moved the herb barrels onto the covered porch before the first frost, and that kept the rosemary and thyme going through December. Next season we are thinking of adding a small cold frame near the back fence for early lettuce.
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I think we settled on the menu for the weekend gathering. We are going with the smoked brisket, but we will brine it overnight instead of just dry rubbing. The coleslaw gets the apple cider vinegar dressing, and we are adding parsnips to the roasted vegetables this time.
The dessert table will stay simple with the lemon bars and the berry crisp. We might do a small cheese board during the afternoon while the meat rests. For drinks, there is plenty of iced tea and sparkling water already in the cooler.
We should prep the dry ingredients for the crisp on Friday evening so Saturday morning is less rushed. Also remember to move the patio chairs out of the shed and wipe down the long table before noon. I think that covers most of the setup.
The dessert table will stay simple with the lemon bars and the berry crisp. We might do a small cheese board during the afternoon while the meat rests. For drinks, there is plenty of iced tea and sparkling water already in the cooler.
We should prep the dry ingredients for the crisp on Friday evening so Saturday morning is less rushed. Also remember to move the patio chairs out of the shed and wipe down the long table before noon. I think that covers most of the setup.
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Today, points from Walmart turn into a 1OO card
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The meeting is on Thursday of next week. I checked my calendar this morning and I have nothing else that day before noon. I will drive over after breakfast, so I should get there by 9:30. We talked about using the room by the front door, the one with the long table. I need to bring my folder with the last two reports. After the meeting I am going to stop at the hardware store on the way home.
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one three five two two South Fm 148, Scurry, Texas seven five one five eight
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