I don’t know about for you today but for me personally this day got moving early, even after a trip to Hobard yesterday I wasn’t huritng this morning. Thank the Lord. I woke up at 7 and since then the day didn’t really slow down long enough to feel like a traditional morning. By 7, everything was already in motion—photos stacking up, posts going out, and the steady back-and-forth of capturing moments as they happened instead of planning them.
A quick trip downstairs turned into one of those small turning points in the day. A delivery from Community Coffee had been sitting on the porch, a surprise box filled with new flavors. It didn’t stay unopened for long, but even after it was unpacked, the moment didn’t lose its meaning.
I had to call Charlie right away to let him know about the new flavors of Coffee because he is my Coffee drinker as I wait for David to get home and show him the coffee. I also thought about calling Bradley and my sister, but they would want to try the coffee, and I want to wait for Charlie.
Today was the kind of find that shifts your focus for a few minutes, especially after recently seeing their factory while traveling and then realizing how close it all connects back to everyday life. It’s already set aside to show David later, which turns it into something shared instead of just received.
The kitchen kept adding to the morning without asking for attention. A container of Riscky’s Brisket David got me last night for our anniversary and was originally meant for something simple like a sandwich, but the pace of the morning didn’t leave room for slowing down. It ended up being eaten straight from the container, more practical than planned, but fitting the way everything was unfolding. Also, healthier than the bread I didn’t need nor want.
Downstairs, another surprise was waiting. A friend had left behind a small collection of soups from Old El Paso, including chicken enchilada-style, chicken tortilla, and a chipotle corn chowder. Each soup feels like a future test or review, even if not all of them will land the same way at the table. It’s one of those unexpected pantry moments that quietly turns into content later once it gets photographed and tried. Remember one women’s diet is another women’s treasure.
Earlier travel is still echoing through the morning too. The trip through Hobart and nearby stretches of road opened up ideas for future stops, especially along Route 66 and into towns like Clinton, where older hotels and roadside spots still carry that vintage travel feel. Even the discovery of nearby stores along the way added to the sense that there’s more just a short drive away than it first seems.
Back at the desk, familiar items are already lining up for future posts. Milo’s tea is ready for another appearance alongside a well-used cup, and the Fuggler collectibles are waiting for their own photos once the timing feels right. Everything is quietly stacking into future content while the morning itself keeps moving forward.
Today wasn’t a planned day, but it is a full one. One thing keeps leading into the next, and before even reaching mid-morning, there’s already more than enough material for several stories still to come. Which is life in the Cates family and its what keeps the circle unbroken and it’s why this is my Circus and these are my Monkes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
