A HBD Surprise

BIG NEWS ... drumroll ...

I'm going to be a Granny again in January!!!!!!!!

Got the ultrasound picture wrapped for my birthday AGAIN. 

So much fun. 

As soon as I felt the frame, I knew. 

We'll know the gender in about a month. 

Shhhhh ... for now it's a secret. 

My other DIL gave me a color analysis and I'm super excited. That's totally her love language. 

Funny story -- the night I tested positive for COVID, my son went to CVS to get a test for him and also bought a pregnancy test. They were both positive. Missed opportunity to take a picture of the tests together. Thankfully, my DIL was and stayed negative for COVID. 

Also funny story, my DIL and younger son said they hit it out of the park with birthday gifts this year and the only way they could be out gifted if my eldest announced a pregnancy. Hahahaha. And I absolutely loved their gift -- they did knock it out of the park. 

I've been slightly MIA. Dang, I'm busy and I can't seem to un-busy myself. 

Am I managing my calendar horribly?

Am I managing my mind poorly?

Something needs to change and I can't seem to change it. 

Actually, if I'm narrowing it down, what needs to change is my mornings. Summer mornings are tough because things need to happen early in the morning. Outside workouts, gardening. Add plans or obligations and my mornings are too full and too rushed. 

I barely have time to chat this morning because I need to get moving for a hike and before the hike, I need to tend to the garden. It's going to be high 90s today and I can't let a day slide in this heat. 

Broken record. Can I move things to later in the day? Doesn't seem to work well. I get interrupted as the day moves on and the peaceful morning routine to start the day well is anything but peaceful.

Should I decide peak summer months have a different morning routine?

Lots of questions, no answers. 

If I can get a couple/few days a week for a full morning routine, that's enough, but something screws up every single morning lately. Issues that I can't deflect or say no. It's beyond frustrating. 

So much to chat about, but I have no time. I probably CAN move this journaling to later in the day or before bed. I might do that this week and just "publish" in the morning. 

Food for thought on my hike today. NOT hiking with the Tuesday group because they are starting later and hiking 90 minutes away. No thanks. Local trail so I can acclimate to this heat wave before a big hike on Friday. 

Hope you're having a good week. Later gators. 

Back to Basics

I have a rushed morning today ... of course I do. Geez. 

Summers are hard on mornings anyway. Lots needs to happened before the heat sets in -- outside workouts, gardening, Farmers Market (today). Add the rest of my morning routine and it feels like a push, too much.

Maybe I need to put some of my indoor morning on for early evening. A calming bedtime routine!?!? I've tried this before with a very limited-run success. Time for another try because I'm not enjoying or having enough time in the morning to get to it all. 

I'm heading back to some basics and just a couple of days worth and it feels SO MUCH BETTER. I drifted unknowingly and it's time to tighten it back up again. It makes such a big difference.

Drink more water.

Daily meditation -- even if some days are just a few minutes.

Speaking up about what works for me (I can't go that early, can we make it an hour later?)

Smaller portions.

Walk more.

Less snacking, less sugar.

Making morning time for outside workouts -- hiking, running.

DNFing books when they don't work -- unclogs my reading.

Enjoying some poetry sprinkled in my reading.

Strength and balance work. 

Finding fun, unusual things to do.

In my hiking.

In my thrifting.

In the creative arts.

In exploring towns. 

Saying yes to adventures

BECAUSE

I've left space in my calendar for quieter things.

(This one is huge.)

More calendar space for creativity. 

Painting. 

Journaling. 

Projects. 

Outfits.

New recipes. 

Garden planning and putzing. 

Big gist is SPACE (my word for this year ... I must have known before it actually registered). I think the juice is in the space between things. Probably more on this later. 

This feels like ME and I forgot it a little bit. 

I'll be chatting about all the birthday year stuff soon. This is a little preview, but in the name of the above list, time for a meditation. Then an outside run. Then a little garden time. Then a big Farmer's Market (not our local one this week). 

Have a great day. Later gators. 

It was HBD (!!)

I had a really nice birthday.

Run felt very hard since it's been a minute, but always feels great when I finish. Got the run in this week before temps climb again.

Lunch was fun with my son -- 2nd year in a row lunching with him on my birthday. Found a street spot, parallel parked -- that felt accomplished. Ceviche for lunch.

Atlanta is super high tech -- driverless cars and delivery robots. Still shocking to see. They were everywhere.

Finished my first watercolor painting for the picture wall. That's on my 26 for 2026 list. Also filled a few more picture frames. 

Not exactly a masterpiece, but it's whimsy and I like it. Here are a couple of other filled frames.

Picture from a children's book.

Pressed flower card from my friend.

I had a few birthday calls too. 

The scheduled call with an old friend was interesting. We've been friends for about 27 years. Had SO much in common. We were so often on the same wave length even not living near each other for well over half of our friendship. 

What's interesting to me is talking to her shows me how much I've changed in the last 6 or 7 years. She doubled down on the same trajectory and I took a left turn. This is probably a little judgmental of me, but it seems like she hasn't grown. Lots of diet and body image talk. Lots of brag-book chatter with rose colored reporting. Outdated thinking. 

It's been this way for a while and yesterday's conversation hit home how different we've become. Believe me or not, it's less about judging her, than being grateful I made changes. It's a feeling like THAT could be me and I'm glad it's not. I could have continued to grow those things, but instead I planted something different. 

What a relief to be over body image and diet crap. What a relief to not feel like I have to peacock to show my worth before I could ever admit anything vulnerable. What a relief that I don't need to give subtle jabs to cover for what I really want. What a relief to update my thinking and evolve with new ideas. 

We are still close friends who've shared a lot of life. I wonder what's in store for us in the future. It was kind of a cool revelation on my birthday. A reminder to keep building WHAT I want and WHO I want to be ... keep going. It makes a difference. 

Hubby got home in time to tuck me into bed.

Lovely birthday. I felt the love and friendship and really felt seen by the people in my life. Couldn't ask for more. Also, a few little accomplishments scattered in and that felt like the right foot to begin this next year. 

From my garden. Little flowers
around the center -- incredible. 

I have my Friday morning coffee and then I invited the group to try the new Lebanese cafe for lunch. 5 or 6 of us going -- it'll be a fun morning.

Have a happy Friday too. Later gators. 

HBD to Me

Starting another year and I'm grateful. 

What's on the birthday agenda?

Outside run -- I try to do an outside run every birthday. I'm a bit stiff and cranky in my joints right now, but I'll give it a go. I'm not sure why I do a run, but it's tradition. I suppose there will come a year I can't run anymore so I'll enjoy it while I can. Hah -- might be this year, my hip is giving me grief. Always aches and pains. 

Midtown Atlanta with my son. He's working in the office today and invited me for lunch.

Birthday call with a good friend -- her birthday is Monday and we do a call every year at the end of June. She was available today so we scheduled it on my actual birthday. 

Maybe little spatterings of fun in-between things. Or some quiet time. Or watercolor painting. 

I registered for a club hike for next week. It's been a long time since I've hiked with the group. I'm ready to focus on getting back to it for longer hikes. This one is a fast 10 miler with elevation and a picnic after -- should be fun. It's a trail I know well so a good one to get back on the horse.

I made another cucumber chopped salad -- I guess this is my summer repeat while the cucumbers are producing. It's so good, but a lot of fiber. Nighttime gets a bit windy lol.

Look at this GF bread from Trader Joe's -- it's always wonky. This one looks like a tooth. Why, Trader Joe's?!? Never a square slice. 

New thrifted rug. It's handmade and really fun colors. Couldn't find a place for it, but I'm happy to add some color to the workout room.

Breakfast with my friend was really nice. She was up against babysitting so had to change the time -- I guessed as much. She bought me little vases from Montana and made a pressed flower jar. Very kind and perfectly me. We had a nice catch up and a good conversation.

I should have time for a birthday meditation today after all. I've been reflecting and reviewing the year -- more on this soon. It's kind of a return to basics for the year ahead. I've been playing around with new things and having fun with it, but somehow stepped a few too many steps away from my base. Time to strengthen it again.

Stronger and lighter -- this year's motto. I'll try it on and if it doesn't fit after a few months, one of the classics will come back (choose the bigger life, keep going, walk until the day becomes interesting). 

More on this later too. 

I also want to do a post about summer books. I've been lazy about book talk. Stay tuned.

Lots of "more later " --  mornings have been a bit rushed and I haven't had as much time to do the more thoughtful chats. That's a little part of that base I want to get back to -- slower rolling mornings to have more time with my morning routine which really sets me up for a good day.

On that note, have a good day. Later gators.

Eeek, A Birthday Mood

I'm in a bit of an ungrateful mood this morning. I know it's sort of my fault and I know it's JUST a temporary mood. 

The week seems to have gotten away from me. Where did my downtime, reset, reflection time go?

I have a lot of birthday plans this week and I'm very grateful to have so many people in my life who want to celebrate my birthday -- I feel this and it feels good. 

Here's the mood ...

I said yes to some changes that are making the quiet bits difficult. I didn't feel like I could say no since these plans are people celebrating with me. If I had all the facts (so to speak) before I originally said yes, I would've made different decisions. 

Then the add-ons of normal life interrupting. Duke threw up 3 times again this morning. Hubby called me at 5:30 because he's in the UK and "knew I'd be up." 

I'm trying to have a bit of a morning before breakfast with my cancel friend that WAS a lunch and got shifted. Now I have a very rushed morning and the long birthday meditation is out the window -- no time the rest of the week. 

Could I change some of my plans until afternoon? 

Not really.

Can't garden in the heat of the day because it stresses the plants.

Meditation in the afternoon doesn't hit the same for me.

Workout, dog walk -- all need to be early. 

Even if I can change some things around ... I don't want to and that's what's frustrating me. 

I don't want to!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Said with a total tantrum vibe.)

My friend shifted lunch to breakfast to accommodate HER schedule and in the process MY schedule got messed up this morning. 

And I agreed to it. 

And it will be fine.

And I'll have a nice time.

But ... ugh.

Guess I'm more frustrated with myself. I don't mind a full, energetic day at all, but I LOVE slow roll mornings with my routine and quiet evenings. I thought I had that protected this week. I have some soul searching to figure out how to do this better or shift my perspective. 

In other news ...

I did a practice watercolor picture ahead of a larger one for a wall frame in my bedroom. It's okay (not that the bigger one will be a masterpiece hah). That's why it's a practice on a small sheet. The plan is a bunch of little birds all over 9x12 with music notes floating around. 

Color isn't quite right. I'll add different shaped birds too. I wanted to start the bigger picture yesterday but my plans changed and I ran out of time.

Painting is the one thing that I can easily do anytime. I usually prefer afternoons so maybe today. Watercolor is at least a 2 day process so it can dry. 

Okay, that's all for today. I have to get going for a quick garden time, workout, and dog walk. I'm trying to change up this mood and bring in a different perspective. Wish me luck. Later gators. 

HBD Week

Birthday week continues ...

I started the scent flight from Ode to Perfume. Did I talk about this? 

5 samples selected based on a questionnaire. Video explaining why each was chosen and instructions on how to experience them.

First -- spray the card, wave it, wait, smell. 

I did this with all 5 and put them in order that I liked them. Made notes on the back. I really liked 3/5.

Now I'm trying them -- favorite to least favorite to see how they do on my skin. 

My favorite on paper was AWFUL on me. I had to wash it off before bed. Totally different scent experience. I sprayed #2 on this morning and it's not as bad, but I don't like it enough to wear it out in the world. This is not boding well to find a scent I'll wear. 

I'm shocked, but now I understand my mistakes buying perfume. I can't believe how different they smell on me after a bit of time on my skin.

Duke hid after I sat down.
Don't think he liked it either.

This is very unscientific, but I think I have particular skin. A number of lipsticks turn a bright shade of pink after about an hour on my lips. I have to wear brown based lip color or put a base on my lips -- and even that can change if it's not enough of a brown base. 

I think perfume does the same -- a little presto change-o. Maybe this happens to everyone?!? I'm only wearing the perfume in the morning (before my shower) or when I change into pjs. I don't want to scent my clothes if I'm not going to like the perfume. 

A couple of plant things ....

Saw this beauty on a morning walk with Duke. 

Pretty shape, pretty color.

Looks like a phyllo pastry with slightly burned edges.

Thai basil is such a beautiful plant. Easy to forget it's a delicious herb too.

HBD lunch was really nice. We had a particular lively conversation. Had to call it at 2 hours because of parking limits in the town. I think they do themselves a disservice. I planned to stop in the vintage store before I left, but no time before we'd get ticketed.

Chatted with a good friend for another couple of hours when I got home. Also, lively, fun conversation.

Today is the only non lunch-out day this week. Volunteering for the local road cleanup again. Two hours walking the road -- weather is much cooler this morning so it should be nice. I enjoy spending time with this group of ladies.

Also chores! Watering my indoor plants -- such an effort in this house. I'm going to try and get some watered before I leave this morning. I saved a couple of good podcasts for the plant care today. Distract my way through it works the best. A few other little things too.

Picking up my grandson from school and back to his new house for the afternoon. Then the evening is mine. I finished a book yesterday -- "Woman on the Ledge." Fun, quick suspense. Twists, but not super believable. Library book so worth the read. 

Oh, and I watched this movie. The book was even better, but this was still so good (maybe because I also read the book). Cried at the end. This is one of the reasons I like alone time -- would never have cried if people were around (it's a me-thing), but it feels really good to cry at a movie. Cathartic, but no lingering emotions. 

I had a full day and it felt good. I made a cucumber and bean salad with all the garden things -- chopped my heart out. Baked banana bread for my grandson. It was a little bit of everything yesterday. Even though today is more obligation based, I want to find that same intention. 

Hope you also have a well intentioned day. Later gators -- I'm off to water plants. The good news is the level of dread is equal and opposite to the delight I feel when it's finished. I'll be positively skipping by this afternoon hah! 

Better(!!)

Quite a bit better. 

AND, the universe WAS all up in my business yesterday. Power went out 4 times while I was riding the Peloton and the internet went down for about 15 minutes. I powered on and eventually finished the workout. Duke threw up in 7 places on my new bedroom carpet during the never-ending workout attempts. Used every last drop of the carpet cleaner AND it's no longer available for delivery.

Yep, I declared EASE and UNBOTHERED and the universe is showing up to help me practice. Maybe I should retract that declaration.

But ... I did my sheets anyway. Hubby worked around it. I waited to help the kids until I tamed the garden a bit. Passed out a big bag of veggies to a neighbor (always my delight). THEN spent the rest of the day packing, cleaning, moving. 

Hubby and I tried a new bakery that opened 2 blocks from the house. Turkish treats and coffee. Family run to help an autistic son who has a passion for coffee. Lovely people and story behind the cafe. My neighbor gave me the heads up it FINALLY opened. I love that our neighbors are community minded -- all part of being a good neighbor. I passed the info along and am going with friends on Friday. 

Gave Turkish coffee a go
even with the caffeine hit.
Hubby got the biscuit.

I feel better. Just getting a few things off my plate helped -- mostly helped my mental load. I feel ready to enjoy my birthday week. 

Today??

Another Peloton workout (too humid for a run).

Birthday week meditation.

Lunch with my HS friend at a favorite restaurant. 

Reading this afternoon. 

Reflection time for an intentional year. 

Quiet and fun -- I love this combination.

On that note, time to workout. 

Have a good Monday and start to the week. Later gators.

Not yet ...

Not quite MY time yet ... still helping the kids today. Grandson with his other grandparents and we're on moving duty. Apparently, not everything (like the entire kitchen) was boxed and moved (not sure why THEY didn't help with that yesterday), but here we are. 

MY list of chores is growing LONG. I really, really don't want to spend my birthday week doing chores. 

There's some lesson somewhere in all of this. I'm not sure where. 

Go with the unexpected flow? (Ease and unbothered ... I'm looking at you.)

Set stricter boundaries with my time?

More downtime built into my schedule?

Just accept this happens?

It's really frustrating because I'm trying to get my things worked on and I get blocked at every turn. I've needed to wash my sheets since before my trip to Asheville. Everyday has been some reason I can't get at it. I planned this morning, no exceptions and hubby said he was too tired to do wash yesterday and needed the washer and dryer all morning before his trip. 

Seriously?!? It's things like this. Now I need to fit it in tomorrow morning which is already a push and a growing list of to-dos. 

It seems like everyday there's some add-on or left-over that's pushing my chores further into my birthday week.

Goodness. I didn't plan on this being a rant, but I am feeling a bit desperate to get my life organized and room left to get back to my routines. 

BTW -- such a great day with our grandson yesterday. Hubby went to the house to help and I got the day with our little 2 year old. Park, library, cars and more cars. No room to squeeze in any work, but it's always worth it. 

On that note, I'm going to get moving. At least I'll get a workout in this morning. Hoping for a little garden time too. Tomatoes are OUT OF CONTROL and the storms broke the trellises. I hope I can stake them without braking the main stem. 

Fingers crossed. Wish me luck. Happy Father's Day.

Later gators. 

Chasing a Two Year Old

Home and busy as ever. 

Kids are moving this weekend and we're on babysitting duty. Yesterday was a joy and we're at it again today. Two year olds are hilarious and we laugh the entire time we're with him.

Then ... tomorrow it's all about my stuff and getting my act together. Storms hit my tomato plants HARD and they need some TLC before the main stem breaks. I need to organize my week. Organize my stuff. Get back to a morning routine. Get back to meditation. Get back to eating veggies!!!!!

Hubby is out of town from Sunday afternoon through Friday. I have lunch plans everyday next week for my birthday and a few little extra straggling things in the afternoon. 

The week is MINE and the evenings are quiet. I want to get back to basics -- rock painting, reflecting, hiking, reading. QUIET, ME time is a must.

June has been a bigger month than I expected and I need a recovery.

It's been a lot of loud life and I'm grateful, but I need to mix in the quiet things now. 

Duke had FOMO of the napping tent and tried it out last night. He hates confined spaces and sat in there with the flap down until I found him. Oh boy. Poor little Duke.

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Heading Home

Heading home today. 

Yesterday was a recovery day that I didn't know I needed. 

First up -- manicure. 

My fingernails got too long. 

I forgot my manicure kit. 

I SUCK at clipping my nails.

When they get that long, I get tempted to rip them. 

Made an appointment at a local place.

They were so nice, but something was lost in translation. No big deal. Got a fast, inexpensive manicure and it was just what I needed to shape my nails without ending up with wonky nails (from clipping them wrong or tearing them off). Manicure was 15 minutes -- speedy, but they look good. 

Light pink.
Won't last, but it's fun for
a couple of days.

Drove to park and walk to the teahouse and everything was PACKED. No parking in lots or street. I gave up and went back to the house. I have no idea what was going on with parking late morning on a weekday. 

Then a surprise 3 hour nap ... dang. I guess I needed it. I laid down with the intention of resting for a few minutes and I fell asleep immediately. I worried about sleeping last night, but also slept long and hard. Oura says I might be getting sick. My voice is scratchy this morning. 

No teahouse because I slept until 3 o'clock. The rest of the day was making up beds and getting the house ready to leave.

I have no idea what I'm going to do on the way home. 

Breakfast?

Stop for coffee?

Drive straight home?

Looking for a little delight. 

I hope I'm not getting sick. I have a full birthday week ahead and it kind of starts tomorrow (in my mind). 

More on the birthday things soon. I still haven't done the mid-year review and reflection. That's for next week. I have 2 birthday TREATS that will be waiting for me when I get home. I'm excited to chat about them. I plan to save both for next week too. 

Time to get packing up. 

This was a great Asheville week.

Checked so many boxes and I'm grateful.

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Beautiful Hike

The hike was SO GOOD (!!)

I figured out a connector trail that added a couple of miles of rolling hills to the mountain climb and let us park at the inn for the start. 

The drive up was no problem at all. It's actually scarier as a passenger. I had nothing to be worried about.

Here are some pictures from the hike -- found amazing mushrooms along the way. 

Lunch was very nice at the Inn. 

A man choked and I gave him the Heimlich maneuver-- good deed for the day. 

Dinner was also a hit. We walked through downtown on a beautiful evening with a cool breeze. Picture perfect mountain summer weather. 

I woke up this morning not feeling particularly well though. Nauseous, shaky. Both have passed, but I'm not sure if I'm getting sick or the activity was a lot on me. I certainly had a relaxing, fun time. Oura ring stats were off too, sleep was shit. Could a nap be in my future today? I'm not a nap girly, but it's tempting.

My girlfriend leaves this morning and I have the day to myself. A few cleanup chores and that's it. I'm not sure what I want to do, but the teahouse is calling me if my stomach holds. I'd like to long walk, but I need to watch my back. I've had 3 strong workouts in a row and I don't want to push it. 

It was a really nice mix of things this trip. Exactly what I wanted from this week. THIS was the trip I was worried about and it was the best of the three. 

I'm ready to go home though. I briefly thought about leaving today, but I don't want to rush myself and I want to enjoy the mountain air a minute more. Weather is heating up in GA and in Asheville so this will be the last of crisp air for a bit. And I didn't sleep well, so a quiet day (maybe with that nap) might be just what I need. 

I actually thought about going for another massage today, but the massage therapist I wanted is off. Wasn't meant to be, I suppose, but still ... probably not, especially if I'm not sure how I'm feeling. Man, but I wish!!!!

Time to plan my solo day. What to do, what to do ...

Have a good one. Later gators.

A Good Day

Another really good day.

8 mile mountain walk in cool, crisp air. We ditched coffee to keep walking because it was so nice. Sadly, no bear sighting. 

Left by construction equipment.
Looks like HUGE bear claw.

Mountain flowers.

Come on -- beautiful!!

Massage was incredible. I was so relaxed and had to fight falling asleep for most of it. I was half awake, half dreaming -- worried I'd start dream talking. My friend said it was the best massage she's ever had -- everyone I bring there says the same. It's a different style of massage and it's ridiculously relaxing. 

We ditched shopping for a drink on the patio, rocking in the chairs -- lovely, but I missed going to the teahouse. Guess that's a solo moment for Wednesday. Probably better since I like tea and a book better than tea and talking. 

Dinner at Chai Pani for Michelin Star Indian street food. Amazing.

Bed by 8 o'clock. The massage left us like mush and neither of us could form a sentence after the massage and big dinner. 

Today is the hike. We're doing the short, but hard out-and-back up the mountain. Then lunch at the Pisgah Inn -- views, fresh food. It should be a good day. Weather is still awesome (tomorrow the heat comes back). Dinner at one of our favorite places downtown.

I'm getting more relaxing downtime than I expected and that's been a pleasant surprise. We won't leave for the hike until 10 o'clock and we're doing a breakfast here on the patio again. Turns out we're good travel companions. 

On a last note, the 'u' key was not working at all and I gave it an aggressive pounding -- it's fixed. Hah -- guess it was a little dislocated. Maybe that weird little black cloud energy has passed. Healing powers of the mountain. 

Have a good day. Later gators. 

Asheville!

Asheville is doing its thing. 

Easy drive.

A few good podcasts and I was here.

Got a text from a hiking friend who's in town for a funeral. She was 5 minutes from the house and did a quick stop over. Her extended family was in the car, so it was really fast, but unexpected fun seeing her. 

My friend arrived later in the afternoon. 

She brought a hostess gift. Asked a friend in TX to find me a copy of Lonesome Dove (one of her favorite books and a book I've been trying to find used). How lovely is that? She remembered I was searching for it with no luck. Now it's one of my favorite gifts -- she and her friend went to so much trouble to get this. I asked how she knew her friend could find it ... TX always has copies and her friend loves to thrift. 

Also beautiful strawberry
plate and pitcher.

We had a great vegan dinner. Mocktails and split a few dishes. Didn't remember to take pictures of it all, but here's a sample.

Spicy Curry

Best of the meal.
Sauce under was incredible.

Pineapple, ginger, cardamom.

She was a bit hesitant to tell me she likes to go to bed early. WHAT?!?! Perfection! 

So far, so good. 

As for today ... mountain walk, massage, shopping, Michelin star Indian street food for dinner, EARLY to bed hah.

Have a good one. Later gators.

Asheville #3 ... Maybe a Charm

These last couple of days have been that 50-50 of life. 

We said goodbye to a friend and it was hard and beautiful -- as it is. We felt a strong connection to friends as we gathered. Lots of hugs and laughs and some tears. 

"That" person was there and behaved as expected. We actually had a pointed exchange because I'm tired of her, every bit of her. Now I feel that drama level again. She's so intrenched in my world and it sucks. I'm sure there's some growth or grand purpose to my involvement with her, but it's a lesson I'm not asking to learn. I probably shouldn't have poked the bear, but I hate how some people feel they can say or do anything unchecked. I checked her ... and she hit back, hard. 

Pride walk was AMAZING! Loved every minute. It was so humid, but a great turnout and such a good time. I stayed for part of the festival too. My friend hit it out of the park. P.S. The shoes were fun and held the color.

Marshaled the walk.

So many colors and rainbows.

Ready to volunteer.

Kids closed on their new house. People are renting back from them for 3 days and it's going very poorly. The owner inherited the house and doesn't even live there. She's being awful to them and might stick them with things left unfinished. Their realtor didn't protect them against this in the contract. 

They scheduled their move the weekend I get back from Asheville. No rest for the weary. I hope that changes because I planned a quiet weekend to relax and recover from the first half of June. I'm trying (and not completely succeeding) to keep the rest of June chill and easy. Summer of ease and unbothered is not starting well.

Maybe that recovery can come from this trip to Asheville with a friend. I'm psyching myself out because I don't think I'm going to get enough sleep or downtime. Probably isn't true. I'm remembering last trip and how that felt. They're different (hopefully). 

I'm also more recovered. The heart issue from Covid has finally stopped. My period is almost finished (I think). My neck and back are improving. 

The only day that will be a push is Tuesday. Leading a hike I'm not 100% confident about, driving up and back down a switchbacked mountain (freaks me out a little). I need to keep perspective though. It's one little part of the week AND my friend will help -- she's an experienced hiker. 

Weather looks good for the trip. The higher heat will move out today and hopefully the humidity too. Ready for mountain air. 

Remember the spider and computer debacle? The 'u' key is sticking from the computer toss. You don't realize how often you need that letter. Dang. Glad I didn't completely break it. P.S. Spider is no longer with us, but he got the last laUgh. 

Rushed morning, but hopefully that's the last time I use that adjective this week. This week was planned as a wellness moment for body, mind, spirit. 

Can it be done?

Will it be done?

Eeekk. Fingers crossed. 

Off to Asheville. Third time's a charm?!?! 

Have a good one. Later gators. 

And I'm Home Again

Very quick Asheville run, but well worth it. 

Full clean, all the nitty-gritty spots and the house looks great. It's been too long since I've done a complete head-to-toe clean. Did a bit of yard work too. 

Never left the house. It was HOT and HUMID and I decided not to take a mountain or town walk. My neck and back are mending and I didn't want to set either off from the hills. 

I feel better. 

But guess what?? 

I got a period. 

Full on, or so it feels.

Cramps, the works. 

Of course I did. Now what? Does the clock start again? Can I celebrate next week? Will I need an ultrasound and $$$.

Day 3 and I need to use a tampon. It's not just a little spotting. 

I can't even give it much thought. I give up. This June is not the June I wanted at all, but it's the June I'm getting. I'll deal with this after the Asheville trip. 

Tonight is the first of the funeral events. Dinner. It's going to be a late night. The RSVP list is as expected -- out of town family and very close friends. We aren't either, but she asked us to come so we're going. I looked at the RSVP list for the funeral and it's missing a lot of friends. I hope this means people didn't RSVP but are coming to both. 

Hottest and most humid day of the season so far. It's absolutely miserable out there. Ditto for tomorrow. Ugh and double ugh. Pride Walk will be a soupy mess.

Big spider just landed on my lap. Threw the computer, spilled my coffee. 

That's all for today. Dang. NOT a good start. 

Asheville #2

Yesterday was a better day. 

First day that felt like I could ground a bit.

A day where I didn't feel like I was catering to everyone else. 

I'll get that over these next two days too. Of course, I'm driving and cleaning -- not exactly on my list of "best of" ... but I desperately need some alone time and this will do well enough. 

I do this thing where I need some space, panic that I'm not getting it, need space even more from that panic ... and so on. I haven't felt this at THIS level for a long time. 

It's been a series of events that added up to now. 

Covid is the biggest offender. I'm still recovering. I'm still "off," not myself.

Anyway ...

Yesterday's bookstore day was really good. It's an adorable few blocks of gentrification in an otherwise industrial kind of area. Stores, restaurants, 2 coffee shops, one teashop. Easy-ish drive. I love that I know about it now and will be back. 

Top tear Indie bookstore. Shelves were well curated, great shelf talkers, good vibe. I got a few books. 

Lunch was really good too. -- Asian fusion. This friend also has food sensitivities so I knew her restaurant pick would be good for me too. 

We stopped at a teashop walking back to the car because the restaurant served iced tea from this store and it was really nice. I got a few loose leaf herbal blends. 

We made a date in July for another bookstore afternoon. 

I did a fun thing. Got a recommendation for a perfume scent flight from a small, women owned business in Denver, CO. Ode to Perfume. $70 for 5 samples of perfume that are hand selected from unique options. They send a questionnaire and then select for you. 

A little birthday moment for me. I'm back to enjoying personal scents. A friend got me hooked on Crown Affair -- hair perfume. It smells so good. I've also bought a few higher end body washes with more of a designer scent. 

Since June isn't the June I planned, I'm making another plan. Adding in small birthday delights. Little moments for me. Trying for at least one a day. Got a few in yesterday and ordered the perfume flight today. Hoping to find a couple of moments in Asheville too. Of course, not all are buying things hah, but nothing wrong with some treats either. 

I'm going to try an easy workout this morning -- first in almost a week. If anything hurts when I start, I'll bag it. 

Going to grab a few podcasts for the drive too. I'm looking forward to these 2 days far, far more than I expected. I thought this little trip would be the worst of them all, but I wonder ... fingers crossed for a nice couple of days.

Have a good one. Later gators. 

I'm back ...

I've been a little MIA. 

My back and shoulder are out and that's put a damper on ME. Both are improving, but ever so slowly. 

Asheville was nice, but kind of not fun. I was the driver of the weekend and felt burdened by it. I'm sure it was because I was hurting and all-the-things aggravated my shoulder, neck, back. It felt like I was doing for everyone else at my expense. One ask after another. 

No one person was too much, but it was a full house and everyone needed something. Trying to rest my shoulder, and another "need." Also, literally driving the car and that was the worst and that's all I did for the weekend. Being in charge is the achilles heel of hosting.

 

Chauffeur extraordinaire. 

Constant conversation.

Questions, asks, favors, people-pleasing. 

Came home to more "obligations" for others yesterday. 

I have an extremely strong urge to run-away and be totally alone lol (!!) Desert island without the island (sand, sun, ocean). 

That said, Asheville was also good. Party was fun. Happy to be with family. Got some good thrifting. Here's my new nightlight hahaha! No mountain walk, no teahouse though. Too busy pleasing guest agendas -- aka, hosting.

She glows red when it's dark.
Cracks me up!

My days are PACKED until June 20 and it doesn't feel great. I'm regretting it. Dang. Not the feeling I wanted for June.

So I decided to make a shift. My birthday is the end of June and that will signal the beginning this year. Instead of June being "my month," I'm pushing it forward to July. Hubby is away for a week and that'll be my secret birthday celebration and the birthday year planning, etc. 

All the pressure is gone to make these next 10+ days "perfect" and worthy of menopause and 56-- now I can accept it for what it is instead of holding the expectation. It's worth remembering that my secret birthday celebration needs to be solo. 

Pride walk on Saturday -- I'm volunteering before the funeral. The day called for sharpie pride shoes. I didn't have a yellow marker though.

Color with sharpie. 

Brush 91% rubbing alcohol over to get a blended look. 

Dry, rinse, dry. 

I rinsed them this morning. They'll bleed color for a few times, but they look fun.

Two little things that delight me:

1. I stocked the LFL in Asheville and it got lots of use this weekend. Little joy whenever anyone stops. 

2. A woman who walks her dogs by our house in GA, stopped to say she took one of the free pepper plants and she has tons of peppers and a new love for gardening. 

Cue the happy dance. So much fun!

Today has been long on the calendar with a bookclub friend. Bookstore crawl and lunch -- her plans (aka I'm not driving this at all), but was bummed about the timing. Downtown, lots of driving, etc. Repeat of this weekend's thrift crawl antics. 

She texted to say she can't get something that involved planned -- she's not a plan executor. Kind of funny since it's been 2 months in the works. So we're doing a one-stop, close to home, bookstore and lunch. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!  I needed simpler today. We're taking raincheck on the other and it may never come to pass and that's okay. This is so much easier and will be just as fun -- I've never been to either. 

Then off for a 24 hour Asheville visit to clean and prep for next week. Probably no time to do much (teahouse or mountain walk), but we'll see. If I can get it finished Wednesday, maybe I can do something on Thursday morning before I drive home if I feel okay.

Okay, that's the update. Hope you're having a good week. Later gators.

Asheville Trip 1

Asheville or bust -- with my aunt. Kids come tomorrow. 

Thrifting all afternoon. So much so, we're packing lunch for the car so we don't waste time at a restaurant. My aunt is the EARLIEST bird and she just got home from Italy. That means EARLY riser to an extreme. It's a bit of a push for me this morning.

Car packing (partial packed, but most waits until day of).

Gardening tending (have to water pots and pick).

Workout (because I won't this weekend).

 

The good news is she wants to go to bed early too. 

I selectively use ChatGPT because of how much water the computers use, but there are times it's so helpful (like diagnosing Covid based on my strange symptoms).

I used it to plan a thrift crawl for Asheville. I know the antique stores, but not the thrift stores. Gave me a curated list which I refined and then asked it to map out an order based on several factors. Bam. Done. 

I didn't ask for more details, those I looked up. This list would've taken me forever and I don't think I would've done as well. There was one mistake -- one place on the list is permanently closed, but seems otherwise great. 

Three trips to Asheville in the next 2 weeks. All VERY different. 

This one is shopping and family. 

Next one is cleaning.

Then the big menopause/birthday week -- spa, hiking, all things me.

In between the trips is SO much work. One thing at a time and no use thinking about it now (so I keep telling myself). I had no way to predict the things that got added on. Emergency court report/date for my volunteer position. Kids are closing on the house (work for us). Closet sale came early and we are helping the kids do their closets. Two day funeral for our friend with some tasks for me. 

ALL in one week that already has obligations. It's a bit of a nightmare, but I'm trying to not let it affect my celebration week. I want to enjoy every moment of that week and not think of it as a task list. 

Anyway ... time is ticking and I need to get ready for my very early aunt. Have a good day! Later gators.