this week was good because of...

...our 2nd annual trip to a local pumpkin farm.

...a gorgeous Saturday afternoon to spend together.

...finding not one, not two, but three pumpkins to bring home.

...Wildcat Guy successfully navigating us through the corn maze.

...simple little pleasures like sharing a funnel cake and taking a hay ride.

...homemade pumpkin ice cream that was oh-so-delicious and creamy.

...a card from a former student that blessed and touched my heart in so many ways.

...an October Sunday of high 70's and sunshine.

...the delightful wine-and-cheese wedding shower for a colleague.

...not setting my expectations too high.

...the arrival of honeycrisp apples at the grocery store.

...news of a friend's engagement.

...being able to let go of a very stressful second half of the week to start fresh tomorrow.

...spending a couple of days on a beautiful private-college campus for a professional conference.

...the opportunity to co-facilitate a program at that conference.

...good conversations with colleagues at institutions across the state.

...lounging in a luxurious hotel bed with lots of pillows.

...finally watching a very cute animated movie.

...baking and decorating a lovely chocolate cake for one of my staff members on her birthday.

...her happy reaction and appreciation.

...making a strawberry cheesecake for another staff member's birthday.

...enjoying the leftover strawberries, dipped in chocolate, with Wildcat Guy for dessert tonight.

...a sweet bouquet of autumn-y orange flowers from my love.

...success at finding a new hair stylist.

...good conversations about tough decisions and the unwavering sense of "together, we'll figure this out."

...introducing Wildcat Guy to hot-off-the-conveyor glazed doughnuts at Krispy Kreme. (Because that was a life experience he really needed to have!)

...the campus 5K that I almost didn't attend, but that ended up being the best thing I could have done for myself (and my mental health) on Saturday morning.

What made your week good?

Where I am: home
What I'm reading: just finished Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children