Monday Doing Me Dirty

Woke up with a cold this morning. So far it's not bad, but I imagine this will change my week. 

The week is 100% social -- no volunteer on the calendar (just some follow-ups via text/email). I'll see how I feel by this evening and then look to cancel plans.

Dinner out on Tuesday.

Monthly woman's meeting -- it's a celebration of the 1 year anniversary.

Shopping and lunch with my new neighbor to show her another town.

Asheville visit with my sister (I'll still go, just not see her or the babies).

I'm still babysitting today because this was a favor to the kids -- neither can miss work. I'll do my best to keep germs at bay, mask, handwashing, etc. 

Sometimes it's a quiet and quick little cold -- hard to tell yet. Fingers crossed. 

I'm trying to figure out how my testosterone could jump THAT high. It's the dose I've been on for well over a year with no issue. What changed?

My exercise -- foot injury and back issue. Haven't hiked, long walked, run in 2 months. Inactivity can change your uptake of T in the muscles and leave more free floating (hence higher levels). My activity almost went to a standstill. Well, shit. 

And, I'm having an issue with lab charges since we essentially are self-pay. Already a nightmare and $$$. I'm super fortunate -- I can afford the charges and I'm not sick trying to fight the issues. It's horrible what the medical billing side puts patients through. 

Monday is doing me a bit dirty this week. It's usually my favorite day. 

Add that it's also plant watering day -- eeek, such a chore and so little time to squeeze it in with a toddler from 7-5 today. I wanted to water yesterday, but the afternoon program that was expected to be an hour was still going at 2-1/2 hours. I slipped out because hubby and I had plans to hang out last night and I've been tied up so many nights. (I told him I'd by home by 4:30 and it was almost 6.)

The program for black woman's history was amazing -- just too long. Everyone and their mother spoke saying the same thing (mayor, every committee person, etc.) -- took an hour. Then a presentation and an incredible music production -- opera, jazz, gospel, harp, piano, dance. Love every bit of it. I jumped out before the speakers closing the event. The list was long and probably the same "thanks" over and over.

It was special to be in the mix of black women and black joy. It was incredible to watch the community celebrate black women and the arts. I can not tell you the talent on the stage -- the voices were unbelievable. 

Okay, best get going. I can probably water a few plants before my grandson gets here. Have a happy Monday. Later gators.

"Down Came the Rain"

The day is well underway. 

Grandson sleepover -- check.

Breakfast at the diner -- check.

Singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider 10,000 times because of the rain -- check.

Returned to parents -- check.

Elmo had a wild morning.

It was a super fun and easy sleepover. Babysitting all day tomorrow since school is closed and parents are working. Set for a craft (painting) morning, lunch out, park time in the afternoon. It should be a good time again.

Getting ready to meet a large group of women from my action group -- lunch and tickets to a Black History event in our town. Learning about the historic black church and first black-owned business in our town. Both are a block from my house and I'm glad to have a chance to learn more about this history. 

I'm "hosting" the lunch -- taking care of the reservations, group response, etc. 

Then home on this full rain day to chill and watch the rest of "How to Get to Heaven from Belfast." 

I finished two, thankfully, short books. "Slaughterhouse Five" was strange and not at all what I expected. I see the point. I get why it was such a breakthrough book. And, I thought it wasn't a good read. (Did I already review this ... can't remember hah!)

Then I read "A Cold Day for Murder" (Dana Stabenow) which came highly recommended. It was SO BORING. I wasn't invested in any character or the mystery of the book. Even the ending did nothing to change that -- how does someone recommend this book?!?

I need another pick today and I need something good to break this streak. 

I got a nice stack of books from my library bookstore shift yesterday. Really good kids books and a few for me too. It's my favorite FUN volunteering. I've never had a bad shift. 

Okay, time to get ready for the lunch. It already feels like a full day. Guess it's good to have something to do on a rainy Sunday. Later gators.

Be Our Own Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day.

Today was the day I met my grandson two years ago -- had to wait because I had shingles. It's a fun date to remember and I forget every year until I write in the one-sentence journal. And, that's kind of strange since it's Valentine's Day and should be super easy to remember. 

If you don't have an interest in journaling or can't seem to commit to regular journaling -- highly recommend a one-sentence journal. It's fun to look back. It's amazing what you can recall from a little reminder. 

I write about the day. Or a quote. Or a prompt that I wrote at the top of the page -- what's your favorite song right now, what's the best thing that happened this month, what's something you hated and now love. You get the idea. It's interesting how life repeats and how life changes. It's not necessarily what I expect and that makes it all the more interesting. 

It's also a nice touch-point to remember things about friends and family. I'll often text someone after reading last year's entry. A reminder of something we did together or something nice they did for me or something important in their lives. 

Anyway ...

Unexpected turn of events yesterday -- all my own doing. 

I had the standing Friday meeting that went well. Took Duke on a long walk. Nice start to the day. Now what should I do with my unplanned open day??

How about falling face first into sweets and plopping on the sofa in a sugar coma. What the what?!?! I don't know what happened. It was lightning fast and virtually no thought to maybe this isn't the best idea. 

Looking back, I'm quite distressed about the testosterone level -- I feel defeated. Up and down and with the rollercoaster comes symptoms that suck. I want to feel better. I threw in the towel and said screw it.

Of course, absolute opposite of what I should do -- made myself feel extra, extra horrible. Well done, nice choice -- geez. 

As for today ...

Hike with hubby and Duke. (Still going easy on my foot so it a good time to hike together.)

Library volunteer shift.

Overnight babysitting with my grandson.

Looking for a do-over kind of day.

But ...

... some good came out of the sofa slugging. 

"How to Get to Heaven from Belfast"

Oh, it's so good.

Mystery, Irish humor. 

More of this tomorrow night.

Hubby loves it too.

Grow room is sprouting. Sprouting is the easy part. Fingers crossed they "take" and grow secondary leaves -- then the transplant to bigger pots. Grow little ones -- I'm cheering you on.

Hope you have a day of feeling loved -- something we can all do for ourselves. Be our own valentine -- it's  underrated, but it's actually really wonderful. I'll make sure to love my people today too, but I'll start with me. Hope you do too. Later gators.

A List

Good morning.

Here are some updates -- it's a list day.

1. Got my lab results back. Testosterone went from 45 to 361 -- good lord. That's a problem. My appointment is next week, but I'll start lowering my application now. I'm doing NOTHING differently and it's swinging wildly.

2. Court situation was 4 hours -- very tough. Smart decisions were made by the decision makers. Everyone is safe and getting help. 

3. Trolley Tour with my aunt. Absolutely free (not even tip or donation). It's paid from a portion of hotel taxes. Food, drinks, goodies. It was really a fun way to learn about this town. Great way to promote the new restaurants in the area. 

Got to play indoor mini-golf.

Super funky.

Saw the local theater.

Family opened a group
of restaurants all
in one spot.

Front row because we were early,
of course we were!

Once a month free trolley tour.
It was surprisingly good -- 3 hours.

4. I was suppose to help with an elementary school dance this morning in the refugee town I love. Volunteers are canceled because norovirus is abound. They considered postponing the dance, but the logistics wouldn't work. I'm disappointed, but relieved that I didn't get the exposure. Babysitting our grandson next 3 days and I'd worry about passing something along. Norovirus is SO contagious.

Didn't see the email until this morning. Frees up my day and that's a little perk. I've been going fast and furious lately -- a little slow down is nice. I think I'll use the time to take a walk or an easy hike this afternoon.

5. Date night with hubby. Going to a super close restaurant. One block away. It's a good one and his first time. Although, with my day canceled, we might switch to a day date instead. I'll give him the choice. 

That's all from here. I need to go research side effects of too high T -- I know pimples and hair loss (oh goodie), but hopefully only from longterm levels. 

Have a good day. Later gators.

Yesterday, From Start to Finish

First hike in 2 months. Easy 5 miles and it felt good. Exercised restraint to keep it short -- maybe another hike this weekend. 

I had to take a call from my supervisor during the hike, but most of the time it was just me and birds and lots of deer. 

Found a spot at the trail head lot to put a bigger happy rock. People are trying to get the rock snake back but someone is tossing the rocks in the water. Maybe this will be protected. The rock snake I'm doing will be next to my property to protect it.

I forgot to show this little random rainbow on my counter. Looks like a magic butterfly.

I had a little time after the hike for myself and I started and stopped a few things until I found what felt GOOD. Listened to Priya Parker's group life on gathering for hope and activism. Just the inspiration and motivation I needed. I was feeling deflated and this popped me back up. I need to finish listening today. 

Painted a couple simple Valentine's rocks while I listened.

Lunch with this new friend-ish was very nice. I was early, but the restaurant was happy to seat me. Sat outside, sun and breeze, reading a book. She was late (which I already knew, but we had reservations so I went ahead). 40 minutes of quiet reading -- lovely. We had a long lunch, great conversation. 

Very small book.
Anti-war classic.
I have an old brown copy.
Didn't know it had this cover.

Next a zoning meeting -- talking about affordable housing in our town. Young families and single people are priced out of this area and that needs to change. Very interesting. 

Took a call from an attorney on the court case, had another impromptu meeting about the helping people living on the streets. Busy afternoon.

Then dinner out with a couple of women from the action group. Tried a place I've been wanting to try for months. Lebanese cuisine and it was excellent. Adding this to rotation. We're going to try a standing Tuesday dinner -- cuisines from around the world in our little town.

Came home to birthday planning for my aunt with my cousin. She turns 75 next month. 

It was a FULL day. And a good day. I was able to do all-the-things. And I'm tired. Today is a hard day, but tomorrow should be all fun and laughs with my aunt and a trolley tour -- stay tuned. 

Best get moving this morning. All day court and meetings regarding this family in crisis. I'm not looking forward to today, but I hope this will be a step in the right direction for the family. I think it's going to get worse before it gets better though. Heartbreaking for everyone. 

Hope you are well. Later gators.

The Allusive Goldilocks Day

Guess I jinxed myself being all "it's a protected space" day ... yada, yada.

It wasn't. My court position blew up again and it's bad. Next 2 days are prioritized for this case. It's sad on too many levels -- life knocks some people down over and over. 

I didn't hike yesterday because my back has been pulling this week -- since a hard Peloton ride. "THE injury" kind of pulling and I wanted to give it an extra day since I felt it pull again in the morning. I plan to hike early today unless the court case changes that timing or my back feels at all off.

I DID get to glaze the pottery. I messed up the big bowl and had to shift gears -- went from simple to a little crazy. The colors should be vibrant once they're fired. We'll see. Here's the before ...

No new book pick. I was up late working on the volunteer case -- phone with attorney and sending emails. No coffee shop either. But, did learn that one of the new coffee shops put in court yard seating (it was only take-out until now). That warrants a visit soon.

Today is totally up in the air and it's packed from morning to bedtime.

Early hike -- fingers crossed.

Then I'm meeting someone I met through this volunteer position. She took my number and called me for a lunch date. Not sure if this will be a friendship, but it's nice to have a friendly connection within the organization. I also appreciate people who initiate -- it's a lost art these days. 

From lunch to a town planning meeting until 5 o'clock.

Dinner at 6:30 with friends. 

ALL DAY! And, if I'm being truthful, too much. I over-scheduled. That said, something will probably have to change today -- not sure where and when. Waiting on decision makers for next steps. I won't cancel the lunch, but everything else is up for grabs. 

Well, so much for learning this balance thing. I'm still getting it wrong and I'm not sure it's ever going to be a Goldilocks Day. Maybe this is byproduct of a full life. Lots of choices. I said NO a lot and here we are -- still too much. Trying to get it a little closer. Backing out of things isn't an option (unless for court stuff, of course) so I need to balance BEFORE I say yes. 

That's what's up today. Hope you have a good one. Oh, and it's suddenly spring temps today -- what the what?!? Guess mother nature can't find a balance either. Too cold, too warm ... where are our seasonal days?!?! Best run before I start weather ranting. Later gators. 

Hello, Garden 2026

Today is a protected space day.

There was "pressure" (or at least opportunity) to fill today with obligations. Two hard-ish no's to hold this space. Even a social option I declined. 

The rest of this week is FULL to the brim with all the things. Good amount of fun, substantial volunteer work, appointments. Today needed to be quiet. I'm slowly learning to balance. I was tempted to fill "just part of the day" -- glad I didn't. 

What's on the agenda, you ask (or didn't ask)??

An easy hike. 

My foot feels good. 

Taking her on the mountain.

It's been 2 months.  

Then heading to glaze pottery (from my son's gift). 

Solo.

Didn't invite anyone along. 

Quiet, creative time. 

Maybe a coffee house run -- I need to pick a new book today too.

Coffee house + new book + alone = PERFECTION

A wealth of choices (books and coffee house).

This feels right. No political calls, news feed, IG. Back at it tomorrow. 

Resting AHEAD of the week, AHEAD of the chatter, AHEAD of the hard. 

Now, ta-da, Garden 2026 (!!)

The grow room is up and running (and a little broken). One of the water trays cracked -- new ones coming tomorrow. I'll try and rig something for today. The cells get watered from the bottom until they germinate. 

Hello, little seeds.

Using gifts from the kids.
Garden apron, watering can.

One in each hole??
How?? Teeny tiny.

Progress

Beautiful pepper seeds

I have the spring and summer garden planned. 

Topper soil ordered

Seeds selected. 

Lists made. 

Grow room transplants.

Direct sow.

Temps to plant.

Depth.

Spacing.

GARDEN 2026 -- I'm excited. 

Okay, off to start this day. Fingers crossed. I actually don't feel super well this morning. I think I just need to blow out some cobwebs. Looking for the mountain and cool morning to help. Might be the start of a cold though, dang. 

Have a good Monday. Later gators.