Birthday Week

It's birthday week. 

I didn't plan a secret birthday celebration this year. Nothing popped out and my schedule was up in the air with some house things. Instead, I'm having a "Little Blue House" week. Adding a sprinkling of the things that I want to focus on this year.

Hiking -- 4 times during this heat wave week. Fingers crossed. Long, fast, local hike this morning. 

Connection -- via birthday celebrations. Grateful for family and friends who are taking the time, making the effort to celebrate with me.

Gardening, crafting, books -- all ME things. Lots of solo time this week with hubby in Europe. 

Eating what makes me feel good -- I made two soups yesterday. Zucchini ginger and vegetable curry quinoa. Garden and farmer's market fresh veggies. Not exactly soup weather this week, but it's a delicious way to get my veggies. A few days of less processed carbs and way more veggies and I feel so much better. (Also, hormones are evening out.) Big stash for the freezer.

I'll add little treats this week too -- not sure what, but I'm on the lookout. Remembering fun and remembering for me to celebrate me. Mark the start of another year with intention. 

A little recap of the weekend ...

Dinner with the family was really nice. Loved playing with my grandson for the afternoon. Tapas dinner and walked for ice cream for dessert (they have GF cones and vegan vanilla).

I had a big chore list to finish ahead of this week -- productive and felt good to have it finished.

Bookclub was excellent. Four of us came. We have a plan for next month and we're pulling the group off of FB as the contact method. The conversation was incredible. Loved the local bookstore and the owner helpful and friendly. We had a table setup with a puzzle to do while we chatted. I didn't do the puzzle because I can't walk and chew gum, but 2 of the women finished it. A puzzle is a good idea to remember when people are sitting around a table talking. These are such smart, involved women and I learn every time I'm with them.

As for today, I have a long and fast hike. This hike leader is considered the fastest of the leaders. I'm a bit nervous about keeping up, but I know this trail well so I won't get lost. It's a small group (people dropped, probably the heat). I debated the hike, but the LBH focus (Little Blue House is getting long to type out) spurred the decision. 

Hope you have a good Monday. Later gators.