Off to a Rock-Hard Start

Peach Fest is not going as planned -- eeek, but it's okay. 

I'm taking it in stride and having a good time anyway.

Yea, me.

What happened?

First, my friend had to take a FOUR hour break to walk dogs yesterday -- that's half a day!!!!

Couldn't get the outdoor propane heater to boil the water -- 2 hours before it boiled so we could start blanching (not even canning yet).

Most of the peaches aren't ripe so after many attempts and fails, we are pushing back canning until they ripen -- probably by Saturday. 

I stayed with her mom for those 4 hours. Planned to go run errands so her mom could rest, but she didn't need a rest and commented how happy she was to have company for the afternoon. She just moved into an assisted living apartment. I certainly wasn't going to leave. Lots of nice conversation -- sat outside watching birds and butterflies. My friend has a beautiful backyard space with at least 10 bird feeders. Hummingbirds were buzzing by us all afternoon. Her mom is a delight.

We scrapped making the jam -- the VERY part that pulled me in. Jelly and canned peaches only. Why? Her mom thinks the jelly is the best. Okay. I'm not a big fan of jelly, but it is what it is. 

We prepped the juice for the jelly. It was WORK, but a lot of fun working together. It'll drip overnight.

One of 10 bags we hung.

Cooking down, lots of hand mashing.
Five big pots for jelly prep.

Nicely organized. 

Prep started.

About 1/3 of the peaches.

I'm going to be blunt ... her mom has canned peaches since she was 7 and they've been doing it for decades together, but it seems like they don't know what they're doing this time.

Beautifully organized. 

Lists upon lists. 

And mostly a wasted day. 

I chimed in with some suggestions for today and Saturday, given the outdoor pot problem. 

It was my "insistence" that we wait until the peaches ripen to can. They won't peel after blanching and there's no flavor to them -- rock hard. I used AI to back up my suggestion. It'll be better to do it on Saturday and not waste the beautiful peaches. We all agreed. Caveat is if they ripen by Friday, then I can't help because I have a car service in the afternoon.

This changes the next few days. I've made the adjustments though and am happy with my plan.

I missed the meeting last night -- it was that long of a day. Oh well, there will be a summary posted. So now I'm going to the Friday coffee.

Peach Fest isn't starting until later today since we're just finishing up the jelly and my friend has to dog walk mid-day. It's probably going to be a late evening again though. We are moving so dang slowly with everything. When we "work" it's fast with three of us, but we spend so much time between work wasting time (like waiting for a huge pot to boil).

This gives me my morning back and I need it. I'm going to workout, do my zillion neck exercises, and go to a very local clothing thrift store (I can walk). Then head to coffee with a book and relax before I drive over. The thrift crawl in another town will have to wait. I was in conversation from 8:30 in the morning until 7 o'clock yesterday. I'm glad for some quiet space before it starts again.

On a nice note, and probably absolutely why I'm taking this in stride, her mom bought the very expensive peaches. I don't care what I take home now. She refused the money and said to just do a nice thing for someone -- absolutely and already thinking of ideas to make good on that promise. 

My friend said not to worry, her mom has the money and really wanted to do this. It's extremely generous of her. 

In summary, not at all what I expected. 

Having a great time anyway.

Love the connection.

Learning some things. 

Canning is super time consuming and involved. Not sure this hobby is in my future after all. But maybe it's just our process that's so convoluted lol. Waiting to see. We haven't actually canned anything yet.

Stay tuned ... to be continued ...

Peach Fest 2026

It's Peach Fest 2026!

Look at these beauties!!!

Peaches are purchased.

Jars are prepped.

I'm packed for the day -- drinks, lunch, supplies, gifts. 

Today we're canning peaches. Jam and jelly tomorrow. Early start both days which is a bummer -- she needs to take a break mid-day to walk dogs (her business). Kind of odd -- early morning, break for a couple of hours, and finish up. Not sure what I'm going to do for that time, but I'll make the best of it. 

I'm super excited to learn the process. I have a feeling this'll be something that I start doing with fruits and veggies of the season if it's not too cumbersome. 

I hiked 8 fast miles yesterday and it felt good. The humidity was a tad lower yesterday and you could feel it for the early miles -- cannot wait for fall!!!!!! Spiders in force, but that trail is wide enough to avoid them. They're getting bigger, but not at full size yet. By October they'll be the size of the palm of your hand ... eeekkkk.

As soon as the weather turns, I have to hike a qualifier hike and I'm not ready. I need to be deliberate about hikes in the next month to build up.

Yesterday was such a good day that felt extra good because I got to layer on PROUD of myself. That day could've been so many other variations and I chose what worked for me. Zero regrets. I could've easily talked myself into something different -- there were reasons to support other decisions. Didn't matter, it was the one that was right for me.

Hike.

Lunch with hubby al fresco.

Food prep for the afternoon.

New book for the evening.

Today is going to be a FULL, long, hard-on-my-neck day. Way too full, but no way around it. It's different than yesterday. These are choices I want AND the timing sucks. On days I can make different choices, it helps offset days like today.

I will modify a bit though. The day ends with a 3 hour meeting that'll last until about 10 o'clock. I plan to head out around 9 o'clock. I need sleep for an early day of jam and jelly tomorrow. I might forego sign waving tomorrow evening depending on my neck. Little bits, little choices. 

Well, it's already time to move on. I have to add about 20 minutes of strengthening exercises this morning. Glad for a path forward, but taking care of my basic needs is becoming a full time endeavor lol.

Have a good day. Later gators.

Plans, They Are a Changing

Shift in plans today.

My friend and her mom aren't going to the peach farm until 2 o'clock which didn't leave me enough time to go and pick up my grandson. She offered to buy peaches for me (phew -- it's a 90 minute drive EACH way). 

Then I found out I'm not babysitting (DIL is off work today), but I decided to hold with the me-not-going plan because that's a lot of car riding on my neck and my friend didn't mind at all.

That leaves this morning open for hiking. I COULD go with the Tuesday group, but lunch with "that" person last week was plenty, so I'm solo hiking -- longer, faster than with the group. Late lunch with hubby.

I like that I'm doing what works for me. 

I like that I listened to my body's response to the options. 

I like that I'm letting someone do a small favor for me. 

BTW, PT approved a hike today. 

However, she said I'm not doing the exercises to the full range of motion. Hello, PAIN. Good lord. It feels like my neck is going to break. That's the feeling I'm meant to have. I'm sore today and these hourly movements are no joke, but it's a means to feeling better. I go again in a couple of weeks. 

That said, I can turn my head side-to-side with much better range of motion. I notice it when I'm driving. I'm excited about what's in store when I really open everything up. I have very easy lifting exercises to do too. Every-other-day to start for a few times, then every day. 

Speaking of driving, I decided not to go to Asheville on Friday and most likely, not at all this weekend. Makes little sense if my neck is this problematic. I won't have a good time. And the drive will add to the issue. Looks like late September is the my next trip.

Maybe I can start organizing the closet instead. I'm itching to get it tidy and styled. 

I'm also going to forego Friday coffee and take myself thrifting instead. I need to be back for a car service in the afternoon, but I'll have a couple of hours in the morning. The last many times I've thrifted have been with people and it's not the same. I want a quick look, less driving, easy, focused, not chatting. It's odd, but thrifting with people has taken some of the quiet joy of it. 

This week I'm craving taking care of myself -- and now I'm doing it. Quiet moments for me AND fun social things with people. It's a good balance .

Finishing up finding supplies for canning, I stopped at Walmart and found the cutest set of summer pjs. Wow, Walmart surprised me. Of course, fast fashion and all that, but I'm happy with the treat for myself. It's been a long time since I've had a new set of pjs AND it's in my color palette. Washed it immediately so I could wear it last night. Light, comfortable, modest enough to walk around the house. Love it. 

I'm going to go plan Friday morning thrifting. I really, really like this idea. We have our monthly meeting on Wednesday for 3 hours and that's enough chatter about all the things for this week -- I don't need to connect on Friday about the same things too. When I think about going, I don't feel my usual "yes," the usual "looking forward to it" feeling. Listening to my body's response. 

Could this be the secret to managing my calendar?? Maybe, but it's not always this simple. Or maybe it is?? -- need to experiment a little hah. 

Changing up certain plans are fine, but commitments are different so this go-with-my-feeling might not always work. But it does this week!!!!!

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

Peach Fest 2026 Week

The musical (The Quilters) was a disappointment. 

Fair acting and singing and a strong effort from the cast and crew.

Comfortable, good seats.

The story was LONG and BORING.

There were no named characters. They all played roles in 16 different (quilt) blocks. Telling stories of a life of a family. 16 was way too many. The through-line of quilting wasn't enough to make you connect with the family. Everyone switching roles (no costume switches) -- made for no audience connection to the plight or anyone in particular. 

Anyway, that was my experience. Of course I was happy to go, but the show was almost 3 hours with intermission. Lordy. 

Switching gears today. Peach Fest 2026 begins. I named it on my calendar and the name became official hah! I'm a teeny tiny bit concerned we missed peaches (the farmer's markets pulled out of peaches and started apples this week). But, I'm not driving this activity so I'm having faith she knows what she's doing -- every farm has a little bit different time line. 

(BTW, I'm THRILLED to be a passenger this week. You know I complain about being the activity driver too much.)

I need to buy the rest of the supplies today. 

Then ...

Tuesday: Trip to the farm to purchase the peaches.

Wednesday: Prepping the peaches.

Thursday: Jam and jelly making and canning.

Friday: Ice cream making -- I'm skipping because I can't eat it and hubby doesn't like peaches. 

I have PT this afternoon. I'm curious to know what's what. I have some improvement, but the aching pain comes in the afternoon still. 

I penciled in an Asheville trip for 2 nights leaving Friday or Saturday. On the fence for a number of reasons. It'll be a game day decision based on Peach Fest, family plans, weather, my neck, etc. The push is because I haven't been up in August and my next availability is late September. 

The real question though -- do I WANT to go this weekend? Is there a reason to go? Something I want to enjoy? Not sure about that answer. 

It's a lot of effort for a mountain walk and tea. That said, I'm leaning toward going just because it'll be two months by the time I can get back in September. 

There's a longer conversation in all this -- managing my calendar. It still feels too full, but full with things I want to do. I'm saying 'no' to  things, but I guess not enough. I'm looking for some lulls to enjoy creative time and can't find it. I'm also having a hard time finding time to hike (weather isn't helping). A situation of my own doing ... not sure how to adjust it though. Conversation for another morning when I have more time. 

Hope you're set for a good week. Later gators.

Books, Musical, Color

The author talk was really good. Excellent moderator with good questions. The author was funny and energetic. Turns out I read the book in March and I enjoyed it -- gave it 4.25 stars.

The free talk was so popular that it was moved to a different location to accommodate everyone. The seats were narrow (but comfortable), but were setup with no room between them. It was so tight and I couldn't get in a good position -- it set off my neck for the evening. That was a bummer. Otherwise a really good way to spend an afternoon.

More enjoyment of The Arts today. I'm seeing a musical at our local theater with a quick lunch before. It's SO HOT that I probably won't walk -- it's THAT uncomfortable. Dew point and humidity and temperature. The trifecta of summer misery. Going with the same friend.

COLOR is having a moment. The color flip book from the color analysis finally came and it's much more helpful picking clothes than the little card. Paying attention to what color looks nice on me is surprisingly fun.

I also bought this Japanese book about color pairings. There are multiple volumes. It's an interesting way to put color together in fashion or decor or art. Unexpected combinations that work because of the science of the color wheel. Match that with MY colors and wham -- clothes styling as an art. I'm not at that level, but I'm curious about it.

As fall is on the horizon (can't get here fast enough), I'm looking ahead at what I want from this season. Of course, elections and that's stressful, so I'm leaning hard on balancing that with creativity and the arts. 

Still mulling it around. Projects around the house and garden that tap into creativity. Exploring more local art interests -- museums, art displays, theater productions, art classes. I like intentional planning. 

Saying yes to out-of-the-box stuff. Hosting more casual moments.

I'm also exploring a new path for fitness. Gearing up for qualifying for the hike trip. Pilates to help strengthen and realign my posture. Staying injury free -- pretty, pretty please. Focusing on PT to help with these goals. 

Gretchen Rubin talks about leaning into a season (I think it's her). I don't always do that, but this fall feels like a moment to do a little redefining. September being the second January kind of thing. 

Okay, best get going. I'm giving my body a break today. Balancing exercises, a couple of leg strengthening squat movement (need to be careful on this because my back is tired), and meditation. I think I'll do a little future self visualization -- Fall Edition.

Have a good Sunday. Later gators.

Worth It (!!)

Totally, totally worth it. 

It was such a good evening with friends and conversation. Not as much about the music (hah), but we did touch on it a little.

The meal was spot on. This was decidedly a "ladies" supper and we all enjoyed the end of summer garden flavors. (Pretty please let summer end already -- hottest week set for this week.) I thought I'd have some untouched choices (I made a lot of options), but everything got eaten. It's a good night when people go back for seconds and thirds.

Build your own summer tomato sammie was fun. I served the blended gazpacho in tea cups (from my parent's wedding registry) so you could drink it. Love that kind of delicate touch. It was just enough soup without being too much. I'll do this again. 

One of the ladies made peach cobbler (GF for me) and I made a mascarpone maple whipped cream. I couldn't have the cream, but it was enjoyed. Someone got seconds of just a bowl of the cream hah.

The concert brought out so many friends and it was just a great time with music and people. I love that these free, easy concerts are a mix of young, old, family, friends. It reminds me of how it used to be -- accessible, inclusive, together. Singing to songs we all know, laughing, chatting, people watching. Collective experience, diverse group. Reminds us to like one another. 

Ran into my neighbor earlier in the day and she offered to drive my chair home. So nice and saved me the trouble of dropping my car. No storms in the afternoon, but it got overcast. Much better for walking up.

One round of cleanup last night and just finished the second one this morning. Good leftovers for today. 

The hike was also worth it. Hiked with a core group going on the trip next year (they're all leading it). Face-to-face time to help keep me a bit relevant. Two of the ladies leave today on a Rocky Mountain week of hiking. They're hardcore and I want to join them for some medium hard-ish core someday.

This particular hike is my least favorite of the local hikes, but it gets technical in a few places and that's good practice for me. Otherwise it's convoluted, not very pretty, muggy, buggy -- for some reason it's a favorite for a number of hike leaders. 

Walking to the trailhead.

Hubby will be home this morning.

I have an author talk this afternoon for about an hour. 

Easy day. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night so it'll be an early one tonight. 

Have a good Saturday. Later gators.

Iron and Overthinking

Today is that big, full day I said was building as the week went along. It's not so full that it's too much, it's full of activities that will put strain on my neck. 

Should I have changed this day up? Maybe, but I didn't. 

I did make some better choices for yesterday. I usually do an evening sign waving and I decided not to go to rest my neck. Good choice. 

I keep reminding myself it'll be a good day. Do the PT exercises, take Advil, ice, and I'll be okay. 

While I kept my plans for today, I am modifying things to help. New chair for the concert that's better for my posture. Dropping a car so I don't have to carry said very heavy chair home. Using a different hiking pack this morning. 

Anyway, the furniture came yesterday. I love the look, BUT had no idea that it's made of iron. Heavy as all get back. It feels like a fancy filing cabinet and every touch leaves a fingerprint. Good lord. I didn't even consider looking at the material -- it's always wood or a composite. IRON, Pottery Barn?!? Why??

I hate making a mistake like this -- geez. 

Organizing the closet over the next week or so. Have to work around things-that-bother-my-neck so it'll be a slow roll. I moved them back a little and I'll get a 3x5 rug to sit in front. There's also a strange hook on the back to secure them to a wall and it's preventing them from sitting flush. Maybe I can take off the hooks. They're short and sturdy -- not worried about them tipping over. 

I also made better decision for tomorrow. There's a hike that I pulled out because it's too much after today. I'm going to an author talk in the afternoon and that's all. If I feel well enough, I'll start closet organizing, but I want a slow-roll morning and ease on my neck. (Are you sick of hearing about my neck hah!!)

You know I overthink some things everything. Here's my overthink today. Bare with me as I try to explain.

I want to be someone who hosts. 

I want to gather friends in a fun way.

I want connection. 

Tonight is THAT. I'm Priya Parker-ing the evening. It's a curated group of ladies. It has a purpose and a specificity. 

But am I enjoying it? I don't know. Maybe because of other things going on (hello, neck)??

Here's me being petty. I asked people not to bring things and I'm having to insist too hard that they listen. Otherwise, we'll have WAY TOO much food and the cooking I'm doing will be wasted. I know women like to help, but please just come and enjoy the tomato-themed supper. Someone is bringing a dessert and she insisted. Okay. Pretty please no one else show up with food -- in the name of being helpful, it's actually rude.

Also, per PP event planning, I sent a text and told people to come prepared to defend Piano Man vs Rocket Man (it's the cover band tonight). Choose a side, pick a winner. Some fun tension. Everyone responded in the text -- "I like them both, could never decide." Come on ladies. Also, this was meant to be DISCUSSED, not a text response. 

I'm going to post in the Group Life discussion board after tonight. How do you host like a Group Lifer if guests don't know how to do it and don't LISTEN? I'll see if I can get a better discussion going at the table tonight. 

So I'm overthinking whether this is worth it if it's not actually working out. Is it fun? Can I make it fun? Does it get better with practice? Is there a better way? A simpler way? Is it actually working out, but I'm expecting something too perfect? Questions, no answers. 

Maybe some answers after tonight. I need to overthink about it. 

Best get going -- it's another rushed morning. Just waiting for it to get light to get started. 

Have a good day. Later gators.