Fall has arrived!

Fall has arrived in Israel and I couldn't be happier about it! I love wearing socks and sweaters and eating some of Eyal's mom's famous soups. So fabulous. With the last few days of vacation upon me I have taken the opportunity to do some tasks around the apartment such as painting our closet in the bedroom. The closet takes a one of the entire walls in the room and it was a very ugly pink and pinky cream color. For two years I have managed to hate this color and do nothing about it. Finally, one day I woke up, disgusted at the color, and thought, "Today I will make a change!" And I did! Pictures to come of the finished product. 

Using my new KitchenAid to make Challah - it's amazing!

I have also been working on my Israeli driver's license. I took the written exam just a week ago and passed on the first go! I was obviously the older person there taking the test - the rest were teenagers. Eyal was in the waiting room waiting for me. When I came out jumping for joy he said that all the other kids who walked by hadn't passed. It is common for people to take the test twice. So now I have once again started driving lessons. This time I am learning to drive stick shift. Now that I have been driving for almost ten years it is very easy to learn stick. It's really fun, too! I like the science behind it. I like being part of the process of operating the car in a more active way than just driving automatic. I am learning a VW Golf diesel. So far I have had two lessons and haven't killed the engine...alright!

I attempted to get my license a year and a half ago but it didn't go so well. I was also in a pretty tough place during the time and wasn't very good at relaxing. This time around the driving is much more fun and not any more stressful than it should be - granted, learning to drive stick can be a little more adventurous and stressful, but I am really finding it fun and rewarding. I am blessed to have been able to move on from my last driving experience here into a more positive one. Many thanks to Eyal for encouraging me in all the right ways to complete this process.

Eyal and Frankie napping. 

 Fall has officially arrived with cooler days and chilly nights. I love it! I can't wait for boot and jacket season. It's my favorite. It's a lovely 75˚ F this afternoon. I brought out the comforter and aired it outside yesterday in preparation for cool nights. It's the best time of the year! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, too!! I'm already preparing menu ideas for the event. It's my favorite holiday probably because every year I add more and more new friends to the list. I feel very blessed to be adding some very good new friends this year.

Kitten and shopping bag = perfect soul mates.