September’s Essential Guide: Embracing Seasonal Transitions, Home Preservation, and Must-Haves (Good Things List No. 41)
Welcome to our monthly roundup, where we share a curated list of delightful experiences, valuable products, engaging reads, captivating watches, and more to enrich your life.
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As August draws to a close here in the Pacific Northwest, a subtle yet unmistakable shift occurs in the air. Around the third week, the sun begins to feel different – its angle lowers, casting a richer, more orange glow across the landscape. This particular quality of light always serves as my personal harbinger that summer, my absolute favorite season, is quietly turning the corner towards autumn, even if the calendar insists we have a month of summer left to savor.
Despite my conscious efforts to hold onto every last drop of summer, a gentle sadness often accompanies this transition. The long, warm days, the evenings spent outdoors without the need for a coat, the tranquil mornings watering flower pots in flip-flops, and the refreshing cool air drifting through open windows – these are the hallmarks of a season I cherish deeply. While fall brings its own unique beauty and cozy comforts, and spring delights with its vibrant new growth, summer holds a special place in my heart (and yes, I often wonder if anyone truly picks winter as their favorite season!).
I genuinely adore the warmth that summer offers, setting aside the occasional extreme temperatures like those 111-degree days we endured. The simplicity of enjoying the outdoors, the extended daylight, and the slower pace of life are truly invigorating. I’m holding onto the hope that we’ll be blessed with a few more of these perfect summer days before fall firmly establishes its reign. In the meantime, let’s dive into this month’s collection of “good things” – a curated list designed to inspire and delight as we move into September!
Good Things to Experience and Cherish This Season
A Charming Escape to Crescent Lake Resort
Mid-month, my husband Brian and I embarked on a much-needed retreat to a quaint cabin nestled within the breathtaking Willamette National Forest, just a little over an hour’s drive from our home. This charming, rustic resort, ideally situated on one end of Crescent Lake, offered the perfect setting for a few days of relaxation and connection with nature. We were incredibly fortunate to have beautiful weather during our stay, which allowed us to fully embrace the tranquility of the lake. While smoke from the summer’s wildfires occasionally drifted in during the evenings, it thankfully stayed away for most of the day, ensuring we could enjoy our daily kayaking adventures without impediment.
One evening, we decided to dine at the resort’s restaurant, and to our delight, the food was absolutely wonderful. The experience was made even more memorable by the stunning lake view from the outdoor patio, which added an extra layer of serenity to our meal. It was a true testament to how much a beautiful environment can enhance simple pleasures.
The cabin itself, a marvel of 1930s craftsmanship, exuded an undeniable charm with its original old-growth wood construction. Every detail spoke of a bygone era of quality and durability. The kitchen, for instance, featured original wood counters complete with integral drain boards that were still robust and perfectly functional. A magnificent 10-inch fir wood board served as the backsplash, adding a touch of rustic elegance. Throughout the original sections of the cabin, the walls were entirely wood-paneled, and the windows, also crafted from wood, had clever channels cut into their sills, allowing them to open smoothly and invitingly. The fir paneled doors were adorned with lovely old brass knobs, each a small piece of history. This exceptional craftsmanship was truly inspiring, highlighting a dedication to quality that is often hard to find today.
This getaway was particularly special because it gently forced us to unplug and truly relax. With unreliable Wi-Fi, the distractions of the digital world faded, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the present moment. I happily devoured two books during our stay, a luxury I rarely afford myself at home!
If you ever find yourself in the area and are seeking a tranquil retreat that offers a relaxing step back in time, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out the Crescent Lake Resort. It’s an experience that rejuvenates the soul.
Cherishing Outdoor Family Time
Towards the end of August, we finally had the joyous occasion to celebrate my dad’s “pandemic 80th” birthday with an outdoor family gathering at our farmhouse. Although he actually turned 81 this year, we had to postpone the festivities from last summer due to the various lockdowns and restrictions. It was a truly sweet and meaningful time, a wonderful opportunity to honor him and reconnect with beloved family members after a long hiatus. The air was filled with laughter, conversation, and the heartfelt singing of some of our favorite songs.
In a world that often feels chaotic and challenging, I find myself increasingly convinced of the profound importance of making time to gather with family and friends. These moments of shared connection and love are invaluable, offering a crucial sense of perspective and reminding us of the foundational bonds that sustain us. Choosing an outdoor setting, especially while the weather still permits, allowed everyone to feel comfortable and safe, which is particularly important given the amount of wind we often experience here at the farmhouse.
A quick note for those on the West Coast: We were thankful to only have a minimal amount of smoke from the forest fires, which was visible as a haze over the distant hills. However, even that small amount was enough to affect my brother, who suffers from asthma, requiring him to wear a mask to protect his lungs. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges many face in our region.
The Joy of Canning Homemade Salsa
August and September are unequivocally my “tomato processing months.” This time of year, my kitchen transforms into a hub of activity, with enamel pans brimming and even a 5-gallon bucket overflowing with fresh tomatoes, all patiently awaiting their destiny as delicious freezer marinara and savory canned chutney.
In the past few days, I’ve had the immense satisfaction of canning two double batches of my favorite thick canned salsa. The sight of those freshly sealed jars lining our pantry shelves brings me an unparalleled sense of happiness and accomplishment. There’s truly nothing quite like the flavor and texture of homemade salsa. This feeling is especially potent because we completely ran out of our homemade supply back in June, forcing me to buy store-bought alternatives. And frankly, it’s just not the same. Every bite of the commercially produced version makes me deeply miss the vibrant, fresh taste of my own salsa.
To prevent such a culinary crisis from happening again, I’m diligently using this dedicated preserving notebook. It helps me track exactly what I made last year and calculate how much more I need to put up this year to ensure our shelves remain generously stocked. The goal is to always have a plentiful supply of our favorite flavors, ready to enjoy throughout the colder months.
Are you engaged in any canning or freezing projects right now? I’d love to hear about your seasonal preserving efforts!
Simplifying Food Preservation: Freezing Produce The Easy Way
Speaking of preserving fresh produce, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve just completed writing a comprehensive ebook dedicated to making freezing produce easy and quick! For anyone looking to extend the life of their garden bounty or capitalize on great deals at the grocery store, freezing is undoubtedly one of the fastest and most efficient methods of food preservation.
For a long time, I held a notion that freezing wasn’t “real” preserving, somehow less authentic than canning or dehydrating. However, once I let go of that misconception, it dramatically alleviated the stress of having an abundance of peak-season produce all at once. Freezing became a game-changer, allowing me to capture the freshness of ingredients without the intensive labor often associated with other methods.
Beyond its speed, freezing is also the most forgiving and practical way to preserve smaller batches of items that might otherwise go to waste. It’s perfect for those odd bits and pieces of vegetables or fruits you don’t have enough of for a full canning run but want to save for later.
In this ebook, I share all my best tips and proven techniques, including my highly favored no-blanching method for various types of produce. You’ll discover which vegetables and fruits respond best to this time-saving approach. Furthermore, the ebook is packed with delicious recipes, essential freezer inventory and record sheets to keep you organized, and clear guidance on what items you should generally avoid freezing. It’s designed to transform your approach to seasonal eating and reduce food waste efficiently.
Click here to learn more about the ebook and see how it can simplify and enhance your own food preservation journey!
Discovering PureBites: One-Ingredient Dog Treats
When we had our previous dog, Samson, we regularly gave him treats from Trader Joe’s, believing them to be a healthier option compared to many other brands on the market. However, even those treats contained a list of ingredients that often felt unnecessarily long. About a year ago, when we transitioned our sweet Jynx to a homemade raw food diet, my priorities for her treats shifted dramatically. I was determined to find options that were simple, natural, and free from a multitude of additives (and let’s be honest, we still needed treats to help with training and recall – a dog’s gotta earn her supper!).
It was during this search that I stumbled upon PureBites on Amazon, and I was genuinely surprised by their philosophy. They are made from literally *one* ingredient, matching the flavor listed on the package. For instance, their Liver treats are simply beef liver, and their Salmon treats contain only salmon. This level of purity was exactly what I was looking for, offering peace of mind about what I was feeding her.
These treats are freeze-dried, which not only preserves their natural nutrients and flavor but also makes them incredibly easy to break into smaller pieces, perfect for portion control or for smaller dogs. (Some of the salmon pieces come with skin, which I’ll occasionally trim with scissors if I want a tiny reward for Jynx). The convenience of being able to customize the treat size is a huge bonus for training.
But here’s the best part: Jynx absolutely *adores* them. Her enthusiasm is undeniable; she will do pretty much anything we ask to get her paws on a PureBite! And it seems she’s not alone in her devotion. A quick glance at the reviews reveals that almost all dogs seem to universally love these natural, single-ingredient treats. It’s a clear win for palatability and health.
Finding these treats has been a tremendous relief, knowing I can reward Jynx with something wholesome and delicious. You can check out the liver variety here and the salmon treats here – highly recommended for any dog owner seeking quality, simple ingredients.
August Reads: My Latest Book Reviews
Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’m officially a Taylor Jenkins Reid enthusiast! Her last few books have been utterly captivating, and Malibu Rising was no exception. The premise—four wealthy siblings in Malibu hosting a party where everything unravels—didn’t initially strike me as something that would hold my attention. Yet, TJR’s storytelling prowess is simply undeniable. At its heart, this is a deep dive into the complexities of a family, expertly weaving through each character’s backstory to reveal the intricate paths that lead them to that fateful night. I was utterly hooked by chapter two, finding myself sneaking in reading time whenever possible. The novel, set in the vibrant 1980s, touches upon themes of drugs, sex, and infidelity, but it maintains a “closed door” approach, meaning these elements are mentioned without graphic detail. The true strength lies in its exploration of family dynamics, and how each sibling grapples with their identity and their relationship with a famous father who was often absent. Despite a somewhat rushed ending that felt like falling off a cliff, I anticipate this book will join Daisy Jones & The Sixth on my “best of the year” list. It’s a compelling, character-driven narrative that resonates long after the final page.
Life at the Dakota, Stephen Birmingham. This book has languished in my Kindle Library for ages, a free Prime find that I finally got around to reading during our cabin getaway. As a history enthusiast, I was immediately drawn into its narrative, which begins in the mid-1900s and offers a rich tapestry of New York City’s history and its diverse inhabitants. While a more intimate knowledge of NYC’s streets and neighborhoods would have undoubtedly enhanced my spatial understanding, the deep dive into the Dakota apartment building—its architectural design, unique character, and the fascinating lives of its illustrious residents—was utterly captivating. It’s worth noting that this book was written in the 1970s, predating John Lennon’s tragic death just outside the building (he and Yoko Ono were residents). The author therefore portrays the Lennons as alive and thriving within its walls, adding a unique historical snapshot. Researching the building’s legacy in the 40 years since its publication, it’s clear the Dakota has only grown in allure, with apartments now commanding millions. A truly engaging look into a legendary landmark.
The Chanel Sisters, Judithe Little. This historical fiction piece delves into the early lives of Coco Chanel and her sisters, narrated from the perspective of one of them. However, it leans more heavily on fiction than history, as little is definitively known about the narrator sister, compelling the author to invent much of her story. Furthermore, Coco Chanel herself was known to embellish or outright fabricate details about her upbringing, blurring the lines between truth and legend. Despite these historical ambiguities, it proved to be a compelling read. Set around the turn of the century, the narrative follows two women who start with absolutely nothing and, through sheer determination and unconventional choices, ascend to wealth, fame, and rather bohemian lifestyles, especially for their era. It’s a vivid exploration of ambition, resilience, and the societal constraints faced by women in that period.
Redshirts, John Scalzi. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Star Trek, you’re familiar with the trope: a couple of unknown characters join the main crew on an away mission, invariably wearing red uniforms, and almost always meet an untimely demise. These unfortunate “redshirts” are practically guaranteed to have a limited lifespan on the show. John Scalzi ingeniously takes this familiar sci-fi cliché and reimagines it with a brilliant twist. What if the events unfolding in a 1960s TV show in the US were somehow causing real people to die centuries later on an *actual* starship in the far future? The premise is delightfully absurd and executed with clever wit. As some of the starship crew members begin to suspect something is deeply amiss, they embark on a mission to rectify their grim fate, employing time travel, cloned identities, and other inventive sci-fi elements that make the story genuinely fun and engaging. That said, I must mention that this author could greatly benefit from some serious editing; the incessant “he said,” “she said” after almost every line of dialogue became quite distracting at times, almost driving me batty!
Summer of ’69, Elin Hilderbrand. I’ve seen Elin Hilderbrand’s books frequently over the years but this was my first experience reading her work, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The novel centers around a family’s deep-rooted tradition of summering on Nantucket, exploring how their lives and relationships evolve as they grow older, set against the backdrop of the pivotal year 1969. A significant plot point revolves around the son, who has been drafted into the Vietnam War, adding a layer of historical weight to the personal drama. It’s a quintessential family saga, intricate with its various moving pieces and intertwining narratives. However, Hilderbrand skillfully crafts a satisfying story arc that culminates in a truly beautiful and poignant closing. I was so taken with her storytelling that I will undoubtedly be seeking out more of her books that pique my interest in the future.
Passing, Nella Larson. Penned in 1929—an astonishing fact given its contemporary feel—Passing is a concisely written, powerful novella that delves into the life of a light-skinned Black woman living in Harlem during the vibrant 1920s with her Black doctor husband. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when, during a visit to her childhood home in Chicago, she reconnects with a childhood playmate who had vanished years prior. To her astonishment, she discovers her old friend has been “passing” for white, having married into a wealthy white family. The book subtly shifts into a mini-noir territory as our protagonist finds herself reluctantly entangled with her former friend, who seems determined not to let her go. The plot unfolds with gripping tension, and I remained entirely unsure of its direction until the shocking twist at the very end. The conclusion was so impactful that I had to rewind and listen again, questioning if I truly heard what I thought I did. It’s a testament to a truly good book when it lingers in your thoughts, prompting reflection and discussion long after you’ve finished it.
Heaven (2018), Joni Eareckson Tada. This is an updated and expanded edition of Joni’s original book of the same name, first published in 1995. In this newer version, she thoughtfully incorporates all her profound life experiences accumulated over the years, making it an even more wonderful and insightful read. Joni writes with an incredible depth of knowledge about heaven, meticulously weaving in numerous Biblical references. What truly makes this book resonate, however, is knowing the context from which she speaks—fifty years spent in a wheelchair. This personal journey imbues her reflections with an unparalleled authenticity and power.
One particular insight that deeply struck me is her perspective that while she would never wish for paralysis and the immense pain and agony she has endured, she profoundly realizes that she has been transformed into a completely different person internally than she would have been without it. This person, shaped by adversity, knows God on a far deeper level and has been able to accomplish things she never would have if she hadn’t taken that fateful dive into the lake at 17. She contemplates that while she eagerly anticipates shedding her wheelchair in heaven, she believes she will still be the same Joni, the person she has become through all these years of experience. This concept is incredibly thought-provoking, extending to those we’ve known with other ailments like Down’s Syndrome, or even just the various hardships we’ve all had to endure. It suggests that while our physical burdens may be lifted, our essence—the core of who we are, shaped by our life’s journey—remains. So much to ponder in this remarkable book!
The Bromance Book Club, Alyssa Kay Adams. Despite its fun and intriguing premise—a group of men secretly reading romance novels to better understand and salvage their relationships with their wives—this book unfortunately did not resonate with me at all. While I acknowledge that I’m likely in the minority, given its generally positive reviews, I found the content to be too graphic for my personal taste, both in terms of language and sexual descriptions. Furthermore, the characters often felt shallow and rather trite. For instance, the central premise that a couple married for years would suddenly have the husband decide, almost out of the blue, to seriously invest in their relationship, lacked believable motivation. I struggled to believe the purported hang-ups between the main characters or the sudden “awakening” that supposedly healed their rift. Adding to my dissatisfaction were two particularly annoying, almost toxic, secondary characters whose actions grated on my nerves throughout the story. Ultimately, I ended up skimming the latter half of the book just to reach its conclusion, which, frankly, could have been achieved much sooner if the characters had simply communicated effectively with each other.
Watching: Our Latest Movie Discoveries
The Tomorrow War, Amazon Prime. As our family are big fans of Chris Pratt, we thoroughly enjoyed his performance in this action-packed sci-fi film. While the core premise was admittedly a bit far-fetched—a war fought across time against an alien invasion—the execution was surprisingly engaging. The movie managed to blend thrilling action sequences with unexpected human moments and emotional depth that truly resonated. It provided a perfect and entertaining way to spend our Saturday pizza night, offering both excitement and a few genuine laughs.
Coming 2 America, Amazon Prime. I must confess, I was incredibly curious about this sequel starring Eddie Murphy, especially since more than three decades have passed since the original movie became a beloved classic. It was a true pleasure to revisit the familiar characters, all of whom look remarkably well, and to see how the next generation navigates their relationships and royal duties. The film perfectly balanced nostalgia with new humor, making it another delightful choice for a fun movie night with the family. It successfully captured the spirit of the original while offering fresh perspectives.
That concludes another enriching edition of our Good Things List!
If you’re interested in exploring more of my recommendations and discoveries, you can check out all the previous Good Things Lists here. I’m always eager to hear your thoughts and recommendations! If you’ve tried any of the items or experiences mentioned, or if you have something wonderful you’d like to suggest, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your insights are always appreciated!
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