Rock Gathering Debut

Met for Friday coffee. 

Focused on community work.

Meetings set, projects identified.

We're also having fun. 

Another dinner scheduled.

We need both. 

The work.

The fun.

In community with each other. In-person. Together. Accepting. Welcoming. 

It's good for right now.

Drum roll ... rock painting gathering. My aunt went first. I need to spray them. I hope the black outline pen she used doesn't run -- she says it won't. I learned a bit about setup and what people will need to know when I host small groups. 

Mine

Wimsy

She wasn't happy she painted
the dog brown, but she did this
in 5 mintes. 

The snake is growing ...

Last of the social days for the week.

Bookclub -- looks like 5 of us, and that will change last minute -- my guess, 3. 

Babysitting our grandson too. No details yet ... overnight? at their house? at our house? what time?

The week was a mix and I'm feeling done. Mostly good things, but losing Monti is a heavy sadness right now. I think that's why I feel tired -- not sleepy tired, more needing quiet and space tired. 

I've been the driver for most of the activity this week too -- nothing hard, nothing major, but coordinating is an added layer of energy and everyday was a coordination. I can tell I'm overstretched because I'm not super excited about today -- more excited to have today finished. 

Going forward, I need to watch my involvement in the women's action group -- pick my focus, pick my interest. The social is good, but I also need to tread lightly. I can get burned out from people -- not my favorite thing about myself, but it's the reality. Next week is a big group week, but I won't sustain that level of involvement every week. 

Some of the projects interest me a lot; others, not at all. It's don't want to get pulled into "everything" -- service AND social. 

I've said this before, I can get into times where I get a little manic about "doing" -- yes to everything. Planning, searching, scheduling. I recognize it more quickly now and I know to hold steady, brake a bit, and be intentional. 

SPACE.

I pulled a few things off the "tentative" calendar.

Quieted down the schedule a bit.

Leaving room.

Leaving space.

Being intentional and selective.

Listening to what feels important to me, in this moment. 

I've rambled a lot this morning. Off to spray the rocks (fingers crossed).

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Slow Burn Friendship

I had an incredible lunch yesterday -- really a wonderful afternoon.

This friendship has been a super slow burn. We met when she applied to adopt a dog I was fostering about 6 years ago (didn't work out because of her cat). She wore a t-shirt from Refuge Coffee and I commented on it and we were off ... ever so slowly. 

She actually transferred out of the area and back again in those 6 years. 

We talked for almost 3 hours and have a lot more in common than I knew. We'll continue letting the relationship be what it is -- no pushing, but I hope it continues to grow. 

We sat and talked so long, the owner brought us warm cups of tea -- how lovely was that? She said, so we could linger a bit longer in our conversation. 

That's the energy this woman brings to things -- she's warm and kind. She walks the walk like no other person I know. Very inspiring. 

After lunch I walked to a new coffee and sandwich shop -- two brothers, one Michelin star chef. GF bread coming soon. It's really a nice vibe. It's the furthest point in town from my house, but still walkable. I'll be checking out the food when they get GF bread. 

Then I walked across the street to a  hole-in-the-wall, no frills, Indian restaurant. Recipes are from the owner's mother. No English so it was hard to figure out gluten -- it should be naturally GF, but sometimes flour is added to bind. I got a lentil stew for dinner takeout. Absolutely delicious. 

Usual coffee meetup this morning.

Then lunch with my aunt.

And ... ta-da ... first rock painting gathering with her.

She's an artist so I'm starting with the best.

I need to experiment with setup and such.

How much should I prep ahead, etc. 

Pictures to come.

Last note ... I talk about all the little things that are making me happy or sad or frustrated AND the country is a shit show. So much suffering and hate. Awful, awful things. Scary beyond measure. Heartbreaking. 

I'm feeling all that.

I'm taking action.

I'm not sitting quietly. 

But, I don't want to talk about it here (often) because I need moments it doesn't touch. I was signing off to say, have a happy Friday, and that felt wrong. How can any of us have a happy day? But happy can live in small moments and focusing on them helps. Look at the memorial service in MN -- beautiful, joyful, kind. We can't let them take that from us.

We're in this together and we need that connection and those little moments. 

So I'll say, let's find that today AND let's take action.

We can and must do this. Later gators.

Chaos-ish

The playdate was quite chaotic -- totally on my end. 

Cleaning team had an issue and needed to come early.

You guessed it, same time as the playdate. 

I should've said no, but I thought I could handle it.

Remember that Duke was having tummy troubles?

Discovered he had pooped and smeared poop from every bit in my craft room.

Rug. Floor. Chair.

Sometime the day before so it was dried and crusty -- I had to rehydrate it to clean it up.

GROSS.

Took me almost 30 minutes to get it sort of cleaned. 

Ordered a new rug. 

Can't tell what's the old stains (old rug from Marketplace) or remnants of diarrhea-gate. 

I'd have to get the rug professionally cleaned and at that point, I'm calling it. 

I was spinning. Everything was crazy. 

And yet, fun morning.

Kids were cute together.

We had at the best truck day on our street.

Fascinating for my grandson.

Park was fun.

Just us for lunch and then home to sit on the porch and watch the construction equipment. 

And, it was garbage day.

Very exciting for a 2 year old. 

Granny day wore me out though. 

I'm teetering on "too much" this week. 

The balance is off because of the dog things this week.

I'm hoping for calmer today -- trying not to task my immune system in this germ-filled month.

I meeting a friend for an early lunch today. First time she's coming my way -- usually meet at Refuge Coffee in Clarkston. Then I'll check out the new coffee shop. 

Got my wish and it's WINTER today in Georgia. I'll have a lot of walking errands and I'll enjoy all of them. 

Have a good day too. Later gators.

Sleep

I slept through the night -- can't remember last time that happened. I feel asleep and woke (with a crazy full bladder) at 4:45. Not even my bladder could rouse me earlier. 

Dinner was nice. 

The restaurant was good, conversation and company, even better. 

Of course, I walked and that delights me. 

Got recommendations for 2 places I've had my eye on -- now it's a go. I'll try to get to the new coffee shop today, because, of course I will. Oddly, Wednesday is the only day it opens later so it'll need to be in the afternoon (or tomorrow). The other is Indian take-out -- all recipes from the owner's mother. That means it's good. Both are on the north end of town and I only noticed them while stopped at a traffic light. Walkable, but it's further than I usually venture, hence the delay checking them out.

My social card is FULL this week.

First ever playdate with my friend, her 2 year old granddaughter, and my grandson this morning. It'll probably be short and not sure they'll actually play together, but giving it a go. My plan is play for an hour and walk to lunch via the playground. Let's see who's up for that -- I know me and my grandson are in lol.

My son got a job offer yesterday. 

Better than his previous. 

Proud of him. 

Some extra random bits from the day ....

I have a set of flannel pjs that I like, but the top had slits halfway up the sides. I'd move and there was my belly. Took them to the dry cleaner and had the sides stitched up -- $5. Now it's fantastic. I almost tossed the top and kept the bottoms. I also had them stitch up mittens that had ripped -- my favorite mittens. Since I can't sew, it's the next best thing. Picked them up yesterday and it was a double win.

I misplaced my ear bud container while I was using the ear buds. Knew it was in one of three rooms. Had to leave for dinner, so I paused the search. Came home, couldn't find it to save my soul. Trash day, so I said, best look through the kitchen trash before I take it out -- that would be the ONLY way I wouldn't find them hahaha.

Yep, in the trash.

Good lord.

Sleep deprived brain yesterday.

Very lucky.

I'm going to get going. I have some toy prep and play date prep to get ready. He's coming over early so we get some regular playtime before guests. 

The week is improving -- hope yours is a good one too. Later gators. 

Regrouping

Sad day yesterday.

I knew we'd say goodbye this week, but wasn't sure when.

His last night was a rough one and he needed to be at peace.

I called the vet first thing and they took us right away.

I think I'm all cried out now. His passing was peaceful, but it was hard coming home without him. I miss him -- we got almost 6 years, but it felt too short. Doesn't it always?

Okay, moving on or I'll start crying again. 

Last night was our town's city hall meeting with the swearing in of the newly elected -- the campaigns I got involved with. Reception in the rotunda and then the meeting.

Lots of women from our group. I didn't want to miss the night, but I was a long day to get myself out for the evening.

I went with my local friend and we met for dinner first. Husbands were supposed to come, but bagged out. It was good to get out early and stay out so I could stay awake. 

This new Thai-inspired restaurant has the most unusual food -- absolutely delicious. My second time there. I got a couple of starters and blue rice (an edible flower infused, but it tasted like regular rice). It's a block from my house. Only lunch on the weekends, but we can do an early dinner weeknights.

Coconut that tasted like calamari.
Charred cabbage with incredible flavors.
Pretty blue rice, but needed a flavor.
I ordered the rice just to try it.

Regrouping today. 

My other dog isn't tolerating his new food.

Up twice to go out last night. 

Back to the drawing board AND chicken/rice for a few days.

Hoping for a full sleep tonight -- I'm worn out.

Nothing on the calendar today until a dinner tonight for restaurant week (with the ladies from Friday coffee). Taco Tuesday -- during a happy hour (hopefully it's quiet because I'm not into loud, close talking during flu season).

I have a little guilt that it feels immensely easier without Monti. His diseases and doggie dementia had taken over and he was constant work (and always so unsettled -- sweet boy). 

There's a stress that's gone -- stress trying to get him comfortable, stress watching him constantly, stress knowing the ending was near and we'd have to make that decision. 

This is a "big" week for me socially and I'm hoping I don't get sick {*knock wood*} -- sleep's been poor and stress high. Everyone and their mother is sick too and I'm totally out-n-about in the mix of people. Not a good immune combination. 

I'll take a little extra care of myself today. 

Enjoy the seasonal temps (finally!!!!!).

I have some walking errands to do today and you know how much I love walking about the town. 

The cold, crisp weather does a body good.

Last night I needed to wind down before I could go to sleep. Read a bit and then shopped eBay for a purse. Stay tuned -- I got 2. Rather bad habit unlocked -- my son gets most of his clothes from eBay and started me down that rabbit hole. I'm trying not to eat or scroll at night -- so the smart thing is to replace that with a shopping addiction -- hah!!

Hope you (we) have a good day. Later gators.

Godspeed, Sweet Monti

We said goodbye to Monti today.

I knew it was coming.

I'm really sad -- love that little poodle.

Feels like part of our family is missing.

The house is too quiet. 

I'd like to think he was welcomed by all our family dogs who went before him and he's happy and running free. Hugs and kisses, sweetest boy.

I want those baby treats too!

Going for coffee a couple of months ago.

His adoption photos

Just adopted him in 2020

Our last night together.

Regular Programming

Back to regular scheduled programming now that the "lists" posts are finished.

It's interesting to look back at older years too. I have lists back to 2022. Wonder if some year I should do a list of the things I didn't do from all those years -- the ones that still could be possible or still hold an interest? Hmmmm ... maybe.

I went to 2 talks on Saturday with the author of Skylark -- Paula McLain. 

(And, The Paris Wife.)

Bumping this up on my TBR
while my interest is peaked.

Morning writing workshop -- fabulous, even though I'm not a writer or an aspiring writer. 

Loved her talk.

Loved the writing exercises using memory and imagination (great for FS work).

Afternoon was with a friend for the talk about Skylark.

The author was tired and you could tell.

The talk was flat.

Bummer, but the venue is great.

I'm glad I went for the writing workshop too -- best part.

I finished the morning class and the rain had let up so I decided to walk from the Art Center to the new bakery to get sourdough bread for Sunday. Only a half mile to the bakery from where I was parked.

I walk fast.

Halfway there, downpour to end all downpours.

Even my HUGE clear umbrella didn't help.

I was drenched from mid-back to my toes.

No joke, cars driving by splashing a wall of water.

Barely a dry spot on me.

Guess it's not always the best idea to walk.

Had to wash and dry my entire outfit before the afternoon.

Kids over for football yesterday.

Vintage outfit for this week.

Painted another rock for the snake rock.

Maybe looks a little like boobs??

Started this book on recommendation from my bookclub friend I saw on Saturday. She said it's so excellent that she expects it'll be her top book of 2026 -- seriously? already? of course I must read it ASAP. 

See that cute checkered blanket with all the colors behind the book?

Purchased at the bakery on Saturday -- yep, they sell odd mashup of things too.

Walked it in the pouring rain.

Protected the blanket and the bread for dear life, hah. 

Both were safe and sound (and dry).

Couldn't pass up a blanket full of colors. 

The box of matchbox cars came from eBay. 

Took out about ten.

Delighted our grandson.

So much, that there was NO nap!

The racetrack beckoned and the toddler answered. 

I'll fill you in on today, next chat. This was a long one. 

Lots of fun happening this week. And, probably some sad too.

Happy Monday. Later gators.