Beach and Shopping

We walked the beach -- Hilton Head is one of my favorite beaches to walk because the sand is hard, but not a lot of ocean yuck to walk over.  5 miles.  I ended up with a nasty blister from wet water shoes and sand, but it was worth it.

Great idea for beach goers --
especially in the summer when it's crowded

Also clever!

Miles of beach.

The water isn't blue, but it's still beautiful.

Star fish was here

Solo last couple of miles

Tide pool

Tide pool -- something got out.

I hope we can go back again tomorrow (and I want to take my version of a polar plunge) before we head to Savannah for the day.  We have an early morning today and an hour drive to Beaufort to visit my aunt and cousin.  I didn't realize the drive was so long or I wouldn't have agreed to an early meetup.  Live and learn.

We ate and shopped the rest of the day yesterday.  I'll do some shopping pictures when I get home.

Historic cottage for coffee
before the beach walk

French restaurant for lunch

The only "mistake" yesterday was dinner.  We came back to Harbour Town with the idea of grabbing a light dinner except nothing was open.  I was hungry though.  Dinner = wine, chocolate and cheese.  I'm paying the price this morning.  Not a happy combination for me and I feel every sip-bite of it this morning.  

We started "dinner" at The Members Club (we have access for the week) but it's drinks only.  Incredible sunset view and the entire place to ourselves.

Sun over the harbour

The beginning ...

Sunset view

Plans are a bit up in the air today with rain in the mid-day forecast.  I'll see if I can take a short jog before we go this morning -- just something to rally, but time is tight.  There's a nice flat walking path through the plantation.  Needless to say, I'll be stopping for something better for dinner tonight.  One and done -- lesson noted again.

It's been a super nice trip so far.  Laughing like crazy, meaningful conversations too.  Hilton Head this time of years is very nice -- I'll remember this for future trips.

Later gators.

Hilton Head

Yesterday was a great day.  The drive was easy -- chatted the entire way and the time flew.  Only hiccup was getting into the resort area.  Needed a special pass (3 turn arounds later), crazy directions to our unit, hard to unlock and lock doors -- lots of laughs about it all.

We are right on the bay.  This is the view from our patio.

The unit is a little dated, but it's clean and the location can't be beat.  Walked 5 minutes to the shops and restaurants in Harbour Town.  No crowds (eerily deserted -- crowds come back Christmas week).  Weather is incredible.  Everything is decorated and lit for Christmas.

We had an early dinner (late lunch), shopped a little and back to the porch for a night chat and early bed.  It's nice traveling with my aunt because she's on the same schedule -- early to bed, early to rise.

Adventures continue today.  Later gators.

Drive to Hilton Head

My aunt is coming to our house this morning and we'll drive to Hilton Head together.  5 1/2 hours -- not horrible, wish it was a little less though.  On one hand, I'm glad for the company, but I like riding solo too.  Podcasts, phone calls, music, quiet.  It's the drive home I'm sure I'll wish for alone time.  

I'm always like this -- 5 days is a long time for me to spend with someone.  It's not something likely to happen again.  This was an expiring extra trip from our timeshare.  We could've stayed 7 days and that would've been LONG.

I'm not nervous for this trip, but dread feelings have come to play.  Why do I do this??  I'm really looking forward to spending this time together, but my brain keeps focusing on the fact that I could be alone and how fantastic that would feel.

Hormones are wonky again, sleep is off, mood is down.  Eeek.  I'm going to rally for this trip.  I don't want it to feel like a bust because I can't get my act together. -- my aunt didn't sign up to spend 5 days with a grumpy niece.  I'm expecting my monthly by this weekend.  

Focusing on Future Self.  It helps.  

I hate that I'm always bitching about hormones, but at least 2 weeks of the month I feel them and it's not fun.  Lately, hormones and wanting to be alone go hand in hand.  

Okay, got the complaining out of my system.  Time to pull it together.  Hope this week looks good for you too.  Later gators.

Laundry Detergent & Books

I got influenced.  I was reading a post about a perfume you wear that elicits compliments.  In the comments someone said it was their laundry detergent and LOTS of people seconded it.  So I bought it.  Hubby said he could smell it on the back porch and walking in the street -- smells so good.  I washed sheets and workout clothes yesterday.  The entire house smelled amazing.  Got it on Amazon -- expensive compared to Tide though.  I need to see if the scent lasts.  Even so, I'll probably have this as a second detergent option because I enjoy nice smells.

And books ...

Here's the last of the HI vacation books.  It's a mystery -- fun read.  Ending was okay, not fabulous, but not a dud either.  It took me FOREVER to get a few chapters in, but it wasn't the book.  It's a super fast read (read the rest in one day).

Here's what I'm bringing to Hilton Head.  It's probably more than I need, but just in case.  I don't know how much reading time I'll make -- both of us are early risers and early to bed though so maybe I'll have a lot of time.

Fiction -- I started City on Fire.

Non-fiction.
I'm almost finished with both.

New (used) book came yesterday based on IG recommendation.  It was the author who was recommended and I've seen this author pop up a lot recently.  It'll be next on the list.

I need to finish packing.  I did a lot of peripheral prep and thinking about what to wear.  Did errands and chores too, but I wasn't "feeling" the packing vibe yesterday.  

I'm excited for this trip -- no trip nerves at all (which, as I type that, makes me nervous I'm NOT nervous -- good lord).  This is the last trip of the year for me (except Asheville).  Most of the year was spent in back pain so having the privilege to get back out their isn't lost on me.

I'm bringing my computer which I don't do on vacations, but this feels like a little different kind of trip so I'll probably check in during the week.

My sleep and recovery stats are declining -- looks like hormones are beginning the rollercoaster.  I get about 2 weeks of good before it starts again.  Hopefully this doesn't screw up the trip or my immune system.

Have a good Sunday.  I bet lots and lots of travelers heading home today.  Stay well and be safe.  Later gators.

Hilton Head Prep

Switching gears in full swing.  Started a little Christmas decorating yesterday (just some basics) and Hilton Head packing begins today.

I'm driving so plenty of room to overpack ... BUT the weather is totally in-between all my clothes.  I'm really at a loss on what to wear.  I guess walk-the-beach clothes and shopping (restaurant) clothes (i.e summer dresses and a jean jacket).  No washer/dryer in the room so that's a bummer.  Once I make some decisions on what to bring, the rest should be easier.  November has been a month of my TOTAL wardrobe -- summer to heavy winter clothes and all the in-between too.

Speaking of clothes.  A "fancy" sweatshirt from EverEve.  I ended up changing into a t-shirt because it was warm yesterday.  It's an odd top -- fancy arms, but low-key material.  Maybe it'll be better with jeans. I wanted some color and this one IS color.  Hope it holds up after washing.  EverEve's clothes are very comfortable and this is too.  Not too heavy, a little flair and soft fabric.

Nails got done.  My nail tech was sick so I had someone new.  Very nice foot massage, okay on the actual nails.  I finished a mystery I've been suck on since Hawaii -- it was okay.  I'll do some book pictures tomorrow.  Had to pick a couple to bring to Hilton Head.  

That was the day yesterday.  This weekend is chill too, but I want to start packing early because that relaxes me.  Some house chores before I leave for the week and that's about all.  I'm using a new detergent for sheets today -- more on this tomorrow.  I got influenced :)

Have a happy Saturday.  Later gators.

The Day After

It was a good Thanksgiving (!!)

Duke and I did our own little Turkey Trot.  I finished my end of cooking and off we went.  

Dinner was delicious.  I LOVE turkey -- which is strange since I don't like chicken recently and I don't eat a lot of meat right now.  Tons of veggie options because my DIL's father is vegan now.  My only "extra" was pie and I had both pecan and apple -- totally worth the gluten.  The conversation was fun -- lots of connection and such.

Here's the "Thanksgiving" dress from EverEve.  It worked well.  Festive fall color and super comfortable. 

I kept forgetting to put out the rest of the Thanksgiving rocks on walks.  I brought them along and put them in the kids' neighborhood.  There are lots of little ones so I thought they'd enjoy finding them.

I'm getting my nails done this afternoon and that's all on the agenda for today.  I have to switch gears this weekend -- Hilton Head on Monday and the beginnings of Christmas decorating here.  I'm still pacing well (although my recovery numbers are dropping again) and I'm still healthy (knock wood).

December originally felt less crowded than November, but it's quickly catching up.  I'm going to keep practicing showing up as my Future Self would and that's been making a difference.  

Thanksgiving in the books.  Christmas is banging at the door.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Happy Thanksgiving

It's here -- the first "big" of the holiday season.  I have Mac & Cheese and sausage stuffing on the docket this morning.  Both are prepped and ready for a quick whip up.  I'll give them a final bake and heat up before dinner.  I reserved some coveted oven space lol.

I picked up the lamp yesterday -- I like it a lot.

Made a Target run for cleaning products and toiletries while I was staying clear of the cleaning crew.  I was running dangerously low on both.  Happy to be stocked up again.  Proud I stayed focused without too much extra -- not easy hah.  A few command hook products and a $5 rope basket -- not bad.

Duke and I will do some version of a Turkey Trot at the park this morning.  I'm not sure how much trotting vs walking though.  We just ran 2 days ago so I'm going to be careful.  Weather is warming up a tad -- good for our run, not as good for my Thanksgiving outfit choice.

Hope you enjoy Thanksgiving in whatever way it's happening today,  I spent a lot of years squeezing in Thanksgiving around a work schedule.  It's not always a relaxing, enjoyable day.  And, we all know FAMILY is a mixed bag too.  

Happy Thanksgiving.

Twists and Turns

Well, I ended up feeling okay for a run -- it went well.  Then the day started twisting (after a productive, feel good morning).

Hubby announced he wants to retire -- now, not 3 years from now.  Long, long conversation about it.  Maybe a year left?  Maybe not.  I have no idea, but that was a curve ball.  

Then my sister called.  She spoke to my mom and more crazy ensued.  Long story short, my mom wants to "talk."  Lord help my stress.  I told her not now, but December.  First -- some life coaching.  

50-50.  Always.  

Today I'm meeting an online seller to get a vintage milk glass lamp for $20.  Cleaning crew will be here and I want to make myself scarce so the timing works well.  

I prepped the dishes I'm making tomorrow and made the cranberry sauce.  It's coming along and I have ZERO Thanksgiving prep today.  Wow.  I also finished eating the mandarin oranges and low and behold -- THIS is my stomach issue lol.  Problem solved (and eaten).

Here's my new shacket from EverEve.  It's super soft and very stretchy.  Perfect for the temps yesterday.  I didn't think I'd go for this trend (it feels like a short-lived trend to me), but here I am.  This is a comfortable one.

Today I'm going to regroup and reset for a big, fun day tomorrow.  Easy yoga and meditation this morning.  Fun errand (hopefully) and the afternoon for reading and maybe rock painting.  I could get used to not hosting Thanksgiving (!!)

Stay safe and well on this busy travel day.  Later gators.

Keeping the ME in the Season

I got a lot finished yesterday -- keeping the Thanksgiving overwhelm away and it feels good.  That leaves very little to do today so I've been working on some ME stuff this morning.  Drafts of 23 for 2023 list, new year thought planning, etc.  It's funny that I have no idea what to do for either and after a few minutes of writing, I have a bunch of ideas.  Intentional planning has merits. 

I switched up my workout schedule so I can do an outside run with Duke on Thanksgiving since hubby's knee isn't up for a hike that morning.  That means a park visit today too.  But, as I've been sitting here, I don't know if I feel very well.  Eeeek!  I hope it's nothing.  My stomach is wonky and maybe I'm getting a headache??  (I have a new air scent in the office though and that might be the head issue -- just turned it off for a little bit.).  And now it's pouring rain.  Hmmmm.  Not planning to go for another hour, so I'll see what's what then.  

In the name of keeping the holidays FUN for me too, I scheduled my favorite massage with my favorite massage tech for the weekend I'm in Ashville ahead of Christmas.  Keeping the ME in the season -- lol.  That should be my mantra every year (and is now the title of this post).

As usual, Christmas shopping involves some shopping for me too.  I went to my current favorite store (EverEve) to look for something to wear to Thanksgiving.  Success along with LOTS of other goodies.  Pictures as I wear things.  It's been fun to dress with FS in mind -- changing up my look a bit and that's nice.  I like creating a style and expressing myself that way.  I didn't do that most of my life -- I dressed for sweating and dressed to hide parts I didn't like.  Looking through a different lens makes clothes shopping more fun.  P.S. I still dress for sweating and things I think compliment, but my intention leads with liking the clothes (leading with want I want, not what I don't want).

Found these at Whole Foods yesterday.  Mandarins with leaves -- pretty and they are good too.  Mandarins peel so perfectly and no seeds.

I didn't think the Christmas cactus was going to bloom this year, but she has a few buds.  This is a true Christmas cactus, not the other variety that blooms in November.  I got the plant from Etsy.  Go, little lady!

Happy this week is feeling good -- I'll take it when I can get it.  Hope you're having a good one too.  Later gators.

Change of Plans

Yesterday was COLD and windy in Asheville.  Hubby cancelled his tee time so we did a quick clean and hit the road back to GA.  Boo hoo, no salad repeat (but guess what I'm having next trip?).  It worked out well though.  I have a lot to get going at home so this gave me an extra 1-1/2 days.  We made it home in record time of 3 hours.

Came home and did a boat-load of online Christmas shopping.  Can't order too early these days.  I'm closing ranks on finishing shopping.  A few things for hubby, DIL and a bit more stocking stuffers and I'm finished.  Not bad.  I can focus December on decorating, cooking and ME.

I feel pretty organized for the next few weeks.  Lots going on by my standards and I'm going strong.  As I said before, easier without hormones through the roof, but I'm proud that I'm focusing well on FS.  The key??  It's my diet, of course it's my diet.  The biggest challenge of my FS.  The thing that makes the most difference -- either good or bad -- for my energy, mood and overall wellness.  I need to remember that crap food isn't worth it anymore.  My body doesn't compensate like it used to and if I want the life I want (i.e. the energy I need to live that life) I need to have that under control.  You are what you practice.

That was a tangent (feels like all roads lead to this tangent though).  Anyway ...

My extra day in GA today is already filled -- in a good way.  I'm offloading some of the rest of the week and using today to help.  I like when I can get a little ahead of my schedule since something often comes up.

Playing with my phone yesterday.  Wonder why this lighting is an option?  Makes for an easy cutout, I guess.  Hope you have a good start to this holiday week.  Later gators.

Asheville Weekend in Full Swing

Good morning.

Trucking along in Asheville.  Yesterday was a fun day -- lots of Christmas shopping, picked up framed pictures, dropped off the big painting for framing and ate lunch at my favorite restaurant.  Peloton ride in the morning and a family mountain walk late afternoon.

What was interesting is I was in a horrible mood yesterday morning.  Blues and annoyed -- for no reason.  I was excited about Asheville and then woke up to a pisser mood.  I stayed the course and kept focusing on Future Self.  Eventually, the mood left and since I hadn't given into it, I ended up finishing strong.  It was strange, but a good lesson for me to remember.  Keep going (!!)

Here are the pictures we hung in Asheville (one is going to GA).  All have strange angles to photograph so the pictures don't them justice.

Neighbor's painting of Duke

My other aunt -- Italy watercolor.

Also, other aunt -- little bird in watercolor

I stopped at Laughing Seed Cafe (my favorite restaurant) to get lunch takeout since it was cold and I didn't think they'd be seating outside.  Turns out, they have overhead heaters on the patio so I stayed for lunch and took takeout for dinner and lunch today.  That was a FS thing.  The salad and soup was so good, I might go back today and get the same for dinner and lunch tomorrow.  As I'm typing this I KNOW I'll do that -- it was that good.  Vegan curry chickpea soup.  Salad was a raw vegan fermented veggies, fresh veggies, avocado over greens with a spicy dressing.

Shopping was mostly small gifts -- stocking stuffers and neighbor holiday cheer.  I also needed hostess gifts for my aunt and cousin when I go to Hilton Head after Thanksgiving.  My aunt and I are visiting them one of the days we're there.  This year it's chocolate and local honey varieties from Asheville as neighbor and hostess gifts -- both are very good.  

Hubby is golfing today -- I'll drop him off since we only have one car.  Afternoon is my own -- hitting up the plant store today.  Tomorrow I'll clean while he works and we'll head home mid-afternoon.

Hope you are staying warm and well this weekend before Thanksgiving.  Later gators.

Asheville Weekend

I'm excited to go to Asheville today.  Not sure why exactly, but it feels fun.  Cold, cozy weather.  House decorated for Christmas.  Mountain walks.  Picture framing.  Christmas shopping.  Seeing my neighbor and new friend.  It all feels good.

I ended up running with Duke yesterday (yea, me) and made the gravy (and chicken for hubby) and did the bulk of grocery shopping for Thanksgiving.  Caught up with a friend in the afternoon who is one of the few people who know about my mother.  It felt good to talk about what happened and feel supported.  Not a bad day.

Given my unusually full schedule this November, I'm doing well with energy -- mental and physical.  I'm at an even level with hormones right now and that's helping too.

It's almost goal review time AND new list -- 23 for 23.  I plan to do a thought download about it while I'm in HH after Thanksgiving.  My aunt spends her quiet time drawing, so that's perfect time for me to make a sloppy copy of goals for 2023.  Inspiration -- ocean and my fun-loving, adventure aunt.  I'll also do a post reviewing what I did this year and what didn't happen and why (it's a mix this year -- missed more than I expected).

That's all this morning.  Easy workout and packing ... then Asheville.  Have a good day.  Later gators.

Antique Market

I had a nice day yesterday.  Feelings still linger, but I'm working through them.  We had a fun dinner with the kids to celebrate our youngest's #26.  

I finalized plans with my aunt for our trip to Hilton Head after Thanksgiving. Assuming good weather, we're staying M-F.  It should be a lot of fun.

After yoga and a meditation, I decided to fill the afternoon with a run through the antique market.  I found a bunch of things -- so many things, I needed to edit before I checked out.  That hasn't happened in a long time.

Here are the finds.

Little table for a strange nook in our bathroom.
Still need something for on top and a picture for the wall.

Old scoops I'll use for potting soil
and fertilizer scooping.

Wooden tray and wall pocket

Vintage table runners

Set of 8 dessert plates from Germany.
Old Santa cookie tray.

Folding Santas

Wooden box with lids

All I "have" to do today is make a crockpot chicken dish so I can make the gravy for Thanksgiving.  Nothing hard about it, but it uses a lot of dishes for the prep and then the gravy making.  It's so nice to be able to do ahead and avoid all the last minute fuss of making gravy.  Plus, it's super tasty.

Plans also include a run at the park this morning, but it's COLD.  I'm not sure I have it in me.  Waking up this morning was hard (fell back to sleep after waking up too early).  I'm kind of in a daze still -- once I fully come around, I'll decide on a workout.  My stats were higher again last night.  Still don't know what caused the drop yesterday -- experiment continues.

Asheville tomorrow -- all the framed pictures are ready AND I get to take the big pictures to the framers.  It's all coming along.  I'm excited.

Have a happy day.  Later gators.

Oura Ring Stats

An interesting thing happened in Hawaii -- my Oura ring stats went through the roof.  I hit all my indictors and then kept climbing.  

Now I'm trying to duplicate it.  What made me have such strong recovery nights?  Diet, exercise, lower stress?  All can have an impact.

Yesterday my mother reached out to me and, long story short, we are not currently speaking.  Even though I have boundaries and have dealt with her for decades, the text conversation hurt.  I went to bed and had a night terror (haven't had one in years) and horrible dreams.  My recovery numbers were lower again.  Could it be stress?  Or was it a harder Peloton ride in the morning?  

Still experimenting.  

I thought it was diet.  Clean eating and lighter dinner.  I did that yesterday though and my HRV dropped a lot again. 

Maybe it is stress -- either physical (hard workout) or emotional.

I have a lighter workout scheduled for today and, hopefully, I'll work though these feelings too (meditation).  We're scheduled to go out to dinner to celebrate youngest's birthday so I'll be eating closer to bedtime though.  (Although, hubby has a hoarse voice that started last night -- we might be postponing dinner.)

In other news ...

I'm chipping away at Thanksgiving prep.  Found the fresh, organic turkey and got the chicken and ingredients to make the gravy recipe (Nom Nom Paleo).  I'll cook the chicken on Thursday and freeze the gravy for Thanksgiving.  

Dogs had their yearly vet checkup and $700 later both are set.  Dang, vet care is EXPENSIVE!

Here's my Thanksgiving table even though I'm not hosting.  It's the October table with a turkey added :)

November is FLYING more than usual for me.  Blink and it's December.  Have a good day.  Later gators.

Quick Recap of Vacation

We had a great time.  It was LONG and more stops than we usually do on a vacation (LA, Oahu and The Big Island), but I made it!

Oahu -- Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach (high end window shopping) and a hike up the crater, Diamond Head.  

Air root trees originally from India

USS Arizona memorial
Sunken ship is below

View of Waikiki Beach from our hotel

Diamond Head
99 stairs at the end

Walking tunnel after first set of stairs

The Island of Hawaii (Big Island) is crazy different.  We stuck to the Kona side and it's mostly black lava flows.  Food tour in the town on Kona, estate plantation tour for Kona coffee and chocolate and boat-snorkeling to coral reef.  

The plantation was my favorite.  Owner and his husband run an award winning small plantation -- coffee, chocolate and soap.  The owner is over the top friendly and it was such a fun time.

Food tour

Okinawan potato drink.

Food tour

Food tour -- fruit stop

Chocolate grove

Star fruit picked off his tree

Soap making room

Taste testing patio.
Kona coffee, chocolate and soap smelling

Boat tour

Snorkeling was incredible.

Looks like a monster.
Hawaiians call it a god.

The resort was beautiful.  Beaches with lava flow.  Turtles.  Sunsets.  I liked this resort the most of any I've stayed.  We walked the beach, swam in the bay and pool, hung out on the patio.

Resort at night

Resort 

Sunsets

Friends

Pools

View from patio

Lobby patio -- open air

Beach walk

Turtle

I had poke, papaya and pineapple everyday.  We ate very casually -- mostly at the hotel and resort except one local dinner out (and the food tour day).  I didn't drink at all to keep my energy the best it could be.  Kona coffee everyday though -- I'll probably need to pull off caffeine this week.  

Brought back chocolate and coffee from the plantation and a mug (he's also a potter) -- nothing else.  Kids getting coffee and chocolate too.  

Dogs are super happy to see us and us them.  Stayed up until 4:45 yesterday and slept until 5:45.  Maybe jet lag is over??  

I have some Oura ring updates tomorrow.  This post is long enough.  I'm happy to be home.  Knock wood we stayed well and so far, not sick from the travel.  Later gators.