Happy Fall! Summer 2026 Favorite Moments

Hello friends! This post of summer memories will look very different compared to last year's memories post. Last summer was filled with adventure and this one is more low key. 

Check out last year's Hello Fall! Summer 2025 post here.

I am sharing some of my favorite moments from the summer season as I close the door to one season and open the door to another season. 

Kicked off the summer season with a fun family fourth of July gathering.

Lots of fresh flowers were in our home this summer. From all the get well wishes from my surgery, birthday gifts and just weekly bouquets, our home was filled with so many beautiful flowers all the summer season.

My first outing after my 6 weeks at home recovery. Tea with my friend at a local tearoom. It was such a lovely, refreshing day.

Simple nature walks at our library nature walk. I have had a lot of these here and there. It calms that itch to be hiking in the forest or mountains. I haven't been in about 3 weeks. I am ready to take a little stroll. Hopefully this coming week if the husband is steadier on his feet.

Hannah and I had a neat unique pedicure this summer. We like going a few times a year together.

My husband and I received an invitation from the mayor to attend his annual prayer breakfast for our area. It was a nice event, and we were grateful for the invitation.

We had a fun ladies event this summer. We met at a local pizza parlor, and it was such a nice and relaxing evening. 

 

Attending our daughter's surprise engagement is a special memory for sure. 

The day of the surprise engagement my husband and I spent time enjoying the beach until the time of the engagement. We enjoyed breakfast looking at the beach as well.

We had to ride a ferry to the island that they were getting engaged at. That was a neat experience. I got this picture of the hubby! :) It was nice but windy day!

After the ferry ride, we had to hide on the island until Clayton told us to come so we found a park to sit and relax at. There wasn't much on the island, so we just walked around this park and then napped in the car in the shade. We had a long weekend. :) 

Hannah and I are apparently in our self-care beauty era! LOL! We tried a head spa for the first time. It was amazing. Our hair was so soft and felt so good afterwards. 

You all... I am using on a trail covered in mud, dirt and sweat. I had to be creative this year because I cannot hike much right now. So, I have been converted to spa fun. LOL! FOR NOW!!! In all honesty, our daughter is FULL ON GIRL... all things pink, spa, shopping and fun. I love this about her and so to spend time with her I tag along with her ideas. :) 

We celebrated Labor Day on Sunday this year with a family cookout right before Derrick's surgery to remove his tumor. This was two days before. We had a lovely day of food and laughter. Our youngest son was not able to be with us at that time but came later.

This last picture wraps up this summer well. I have spent a lot of time reading and resting. Lots of cozy moments this summer compared to the last few. To compare this summer to previous ones I would say it has been one I like I have never had before. It was different. Not bad, just different. It was hard but also joyful. It was challenging but yet eye opening and lots of lessons have been learned. I think this picture is perfect to wrap up my memories. In this picture I am reading, listening to quiet soft jazz and embracing the moment. As we enter this autumn, I am sure there will be more days like this.

Thanks for joining me as I reminisce about summer and move on into the new season. As always LIFE IS ONE SEASON TO THE NEXT!

With Love,

Chrissy T

Summer Recap of Books Read, Series and Movies Watched, and Favorite Youtubers (2026)

Hello friends. I like to share the books I read for each season. These are the summer books I read for 2026. I will share my FALL TBR plans (To Be Read) hopefully soon.

 ⭐= 5

This was probably one of my favorite nonfiction Christian books this season I read. My word of the year is QUIET, and this book was so helpful and gave me so much direction. I find myself to this day slowing down and putting to practice things I read in the book. I highly recommend.

⭐= 3 in half

I always enjoy Daily Grace Bible Studies. This was good but not one of my favorites that they have published. I am glad I did it, but it is not in my top recommendations from them. 

⭐= 5

I was gifted this book from a blogger friend as a get well happy this summer. It is such a wonderful little book. I read from it every single night right after surgery. It was something I enjoyed doing each evening. There are so many wonderful sayings, quotes and poems. I will use this book for years to come. I will use some of these poems and such to encourage others in letters and cards. 

⭐= 4

I was gifted a set of these cozy mystery books with crossword puzzles after each short chapter. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the rest of them that I was gifted. I loved the puzzles added in. I wish the chapters were longer and less of the puzzles. The story was good, but it was stretched out longer than needed. Overall, it was fun and neat read. 

⭐= 5

Oh, I mean can you give Agatha anything less?! Nope, not to me. This book is a collection of many of her stories in short versions. I chose a story to read each night. I loved them all but one. If you like books with a collection of short stories this needs to go on your next summer reading list. 

⭐= 5 plus

My favorite fiction book from the summer that I read. This book was recommended by several "Booktubers" (aka...youtubers that talk about books) and I added it to my list. I was not disappointed. I read this in one day. Not because it was a short read. One... I was rstuck in the bed and had nothing but TIME and Two... it was just that good. 

It is twisty, strange, mysterious, decently clean, oh my word...I truly never saw the ending. It was so complicated. I was in suspense until right at the end.

⭐= 3 in half

I truly love Susan Branch seasonal books and artwork. NORMALLY!  This book was sweet and fun. I did find many of the quotes and sayings as well as some of the poems repeated several times throughout the book. Many of the recipes were very strange. I am glad I read it but probably would not read it again. She shared several of the same recipes' multiple times in the book. It was as if she didn't have enough content for the book so she would create different artwork pages using the same recipes and quotes over and over. 

⭐= 4

I originally purchased this last fall to read for fall but stuck it somewhere when I was in a rush and forgot all about it. I did enjoy this cute, twisty and interesting book. If you like storylines with animals living real human like lives and the cozy and wonder of that then you will enjoy this book. It is a mystery book. I enjoyed it very much. It was fun yet had suspense. Sometimes you need a unique cozy read. After Mrs. England I did. :) 

⭐= 4 in half

I was given a signed copy by this wonderful youtuber/author/book shop owner from Washington. I loved this whimsical book. Here we are again with animals as the main characters. I was on a kick, I guess. This book is complicated in a good way. It has hidden lessons I feel can be taken to heart for our own lives that is sprinkled throughout. It is about a strange friendship between odd animals and the sacrifice of one for the other. It is about helping in a hurting world. It is a unique book. If unique whimsical books are your cup of tea. I would say it is probably not for everyone. You would definitely need an imagination to read this book. I would suggest reading the description to decide for yourself if this would be to your liking. If you like magical tales, animal characters, whimsical, good versus evil.... you may like it. :)  To compare... think Narnia but a little more twisty and unique. 

⭐= 3 in half

THIS WAS MY CHRISTMAS IN JULY BOOK. I am giving this book three and half stars due to the language that was sprinkled throughout. It was a good book. Nothing majorly wonderful but it was enjoyable enough. 

⭐= 5

I love every single book in this series. I haven't come across one that didn't cheer my heart, have me crying happy tears, laughing out loud, and overall, just feels clean, joyful, encouraging and lovely. Books like these are my preferred genres of reading. They are just cozy feel goods.

⭐= 4

Another youtuber author here. I have followed Jennifer L. Scott for years.and read almost all her books. I enjoyed her newest book. A book about living well at home and making the most of what you have. I felt it was a simple read and a nice reminder of things I already know. There were some good new tips and ideas but mostly pretty much similar to most Living at Home Books. I did feel some things weren't realistic for the average person who may not have a lot of money. Her budget ideas didn't seem very budget friendly for the average person in today's economy. The book was quaint and nice though. I would recommend but I would not expect nothing grand or life changing. It was still enjoyable and served some reminders that I already know and encouraged me to apply again. 

⭐= 4

I am a big Mitford Series fan and also Jan Karon. I usually always give her books a 5. Her books always make me laugh out loud, shed a tear, and give me that "I do not want to put down the book feeling." I love following along with the life of the characters throughout this series. I will say this book shifted and felt a little discombobulated with the characters compared to past books. Random shifts from character to character in the middle of the story line and it was confusing at times I had to go back and see if I missed a page or something. This is also the first book she would have a bible verse and talking all things wholesome and the next page have an inappropriate word. There was also some strange humor throughout that I have never read before in her usually wholesome books. I will try a few more books of hers but if they are changed to this style, I am not sure I would continue to read her newest writings. I love her older books.

I didn't watch many movies this summer nor a lot of series. I would like to share the ones that I feel are worth sharing. 

We watched the reboot of the Little House on the Prairie. It was good. I did have a hard time with the actors because I didn't feel any of them matched the original actors. Well, Mr. Edwards was the only actor that seemed authentic and true to part. I did like it though. I felt it was good. I think I am such a purist about things sometimes remakes/reboots are hard for me to get into but this show is worth the watch for sure. 

Oh, this was such a wonderful and heart wrenching movie. Minus the few words I do not prefer..... this movie was excellent. I cried so much and my heart was so happy and yet sad. As you can tell I am not a fan of curse words by this point. I think they are pointless. I usually will turn a movie off if they have vulgar language or a lot of inappropriate language. I am truly not a fan. I will warn this does have a few words but overall this was a fantastic movie. 

Oh, I loved this series. Incredibly clean, decent, sweet and over all this is my kind of show!!!!

I have been watching this series for years. Clean, decent and always wonderful mysteries without gore and inappropriate things. I just love this series. 

Well, that is all my books, series and movies I watched this summer as time allowed. 

Overall, I am extremely pleased with my books that I read. 

A couple of my favorite youtubers that I have came across this summer. I had a lot of time on my hands as you all know due to surgery. So, I read more books, watched more series and YouTube than the average past summers. 

Favorite Youtubers...

 Davee Kilian - YouTube a Christian stay at home homemaker with a focus on Small Home Living

Morgan Long - YouTube a sweet gal that posts seasonal ideas, books and a focus on finding joy in the ordinary moments. HER CHANNEL SPEAKS COZY!!!

Amber Wanders - YouTube a young lady that shares her adventures as a beginner solo car camping, solo hiking, and solo backpacking. 

Jonna Jinton - YouTube a Swedish gal that is an artist. From stories and glimpses of her everyday life to music, painting, ice baths, nature and inspirational films and much more.

Jen's Reading Life - YouTube I love watching her book reviews and her suggestions. 

Chase Your Wild w/ Torey - YouTube an older woman learning to camp, hike and explore in her "later life" on her own. 

Krysta Norwick - YouTube outdoor adventure gal

Miranda Mills - YouTube one of my favorite book reviewers 

Terri’s Travels - YouTube a new widower learning to explore parks and beginner van camper in her later years. 

Did you read any great books this past summer? Any movies or series you watched?

I would love to read about your books, shows and etc. share in the comments!

With Love,

Chrissy T

I Feel You My Little Friend....

Hello friends. You know it is HOT when the squirrels are literally passed out like this. Whew... it is still super steamy in my area. We are under a heat advisory too. Autumn is around the corner, but it feels like true full-blown summer is never leaving. From what I see and read we still have hot days ahead. The mornings are beginning to feel very small bit cooler. I truly mean only a little. I am not one to rush seasons but when one season bleeds to the next... I AM! Haha!

In all honesty, I wish I was this squirrel. Oh, I long for the outdoors. It has been since March since I have hiked. Since June since I took a scenic drive. This is a huge shift from my normal seasonal activities. I really can't leave my husband at this moment alone very long.  It also very hot in my area still and the snakes in our area have been super bad. Copperheads and rattlesnakes have dominated the trails and even yards this year I have been reading and hearing. 

Nothing much major going on here. Derrick is getting a little stronger every day. He is battling extreme fatigue and weakness. I do not leave him alone at all if I can help it. I only have two times, and it was very short situations. I had to make the church deposit and I had to unlock the church doors for the pest control man. But I rush back home. I find myself being super anxious when I leave him. I try to rush back. I do think he will be stronger this coming week. We have a few doctor appointments next week and then the following his oncologist appointment. 

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Oh, I wish it would feel like fall Monday!!! 

With Love, 

Chrissy

Litte Things

 Little things... during these times little things are such a helpful boost to my soul.

My new fall wreath was delivered. It was time to update our fall wreath. This brought a smile. :) 

A little chocolate always gives me a smile!

A beautiful much needed rain! 

 A new book from London signed by the author! :) Perfect for these days when I have a little moment. I just read a little daily.

A yummy simple grill cheese with salt & vinegar chips. Our current fancy dinnerware (ahem... paper plate) has been a little thing that has been a big help during this time of life. 

Seeing my husband get out of bed and finally feel a little better to eat a little lunch with me is a big thing which may seem little to most was such a blessing. 

I hope you all are having a lovely week. Embrace and appreciate the little things in life. Sometimes those little things seem like a lovely grand thing in reality.

With Love, 

Chrissy

Life Update

Hello friends. I wanted to pop in and update this sweet space and my friends if any of you are still visiting. Derrick's surgery was more complicated than we thought. What was supposed to be a 3–4-hour surgery was 6 hours followed by an hour of recovery and almost a week stay in the hospital due not being able to get his pain under control or strength. He had some cardiac issues during recovery right after surgery so lots of monitoring needed to be done. All that has somewhat leveled out thankfully as of now. 

Derrick needs full-time care at the moment on the most part. But daily he is getting better. I have been caring for him around the clock. It has been super hard, but I would have it no other way. I am typing this and still in shock what curve ball we were thrown three weeks ago to the day. I am trying to be brave. I am trying to hold it all together but there are moments I just want to cry and cry. So, I do. After I ugly cry.... I clean up, lean on Jesus, and move forward. There is no other way really.

I hope to make my rounds to visit you all one day. I am so sorry for my lack of visiting and posting. It just really isn't possible much. 

So, where do we go through from here? Well, he had the surgery for removal of tumor and lymph nodes. We meet the surgeon to follow up next week and then on the 28th the oncologist to discuss next steps. Continued prayers are appreciated. 

I hope to pop in a little more now that I am home and getting a "new" rhythm to my days.

With Love, 

Chrissy T

PRAISE REPORT & UPDATE on My Husband

 

Hello everyone. First, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that has prayed, sent encouraging emails, and thoughts towards our family at this time. It means so much. This space and all of you lovely people have a special place in my life. I truly miss visiting you all and posting here. I hope to be back to a little more regularly when time allows.

MOST IMPORTANT thing is.... THE LORD heard our prayers and Derrick did not have any spread of cancer to other organs at this time. PRAISE THE LORD. The cancer is in the colon for what can be seen by the scan. They could not see how much pass the tumor and they can't tell if the lymph nodes or how much is in the colon until after surgery. 

He is having surgery THIS TUESDAY to have the mass removed and parts of the colon as well as lymph nodes in the area. He will be in the hospital for a little while following that. After a week or so we will know about treatment such as chemotherapy. As of now we are told they suspect it is stage 3 but until they get inside the colon, they cannot confirm 100%.  Also, due to the tumor being so large and blocking most of the middle and upper colon they cannot know until after he recovers and does another colonoscopy what other issues remain. Our hope is NOTHING.

So, I am going to post today this update and probably do a Monday post because I so miss you all. Monday may be about my summer reads and my fall reads that I hope to get to, then it may be a bit quiet here unless I do a quick update on things due to helping him after surgery and being at the hospital for a while. 

If you would have told me that I would be caring for my husband in this way 10 weeks after my own surgery I would have never believed you. The Lord is giving me strength, but I am truly exhausted and could use some prayers. I am being very transparent that today has been a very emotional day. I am so thankful with every inch of my being the cancer had not spread anywhere else. I am so trying not to worry about his surgery it will be up to 4 hours long. I also know a TAD of what to expect as far as recovery in the abdominal area so I feel so bad for him because his will be a more complicated and being that my surgery is so fresh in my mind it makes me hurt in my heart for him. He is not a person that sits down or does well with being "down." This will be a real challenge for him. 

We have had to arrange so much for the church and for his job. This is definitely a hard season, but we will press on! 

Blessings, 

Chrissy