Belgium Chocolate

Hubby got home from Belgium with a box of the best chocolate I've ever had -- incredible flavors, textures ... perfect.  They looked basic on the outside, but the layers and flavors were outstanding.  Can you tell I liked them?  Nothing like I've ever eaten.  Best news -- he's probably going back to Belgium in June!

I ran solo at the park and found a few wildflowers on the cooldown walk.  Sometimes it's nice to not take Duke -- calmer and easier.  My back is still holding up.

Lunch and the afternoon at my aunt's house.  Salad worked well.  As always, laughs and good conversation.

I started some Easter egg dot rocks.  Doing them stages so they can dry.  Here's step one.

Signed up for a fitness hike on Thursday.  Feels good to feel good again.

Full day today.  Lots of errands, pedicure (yea -- my toes are a mess) and some sort of walk this morning.  Time is tight so it might be around the neighborhood instead of the woods.  Duke gets to come today :)

Hope you're having a good week.  Weekend is here -- later gators.

Tale of Two Coffees

Another little future self day yesterday.  After a Peloton ride (back is doing so much better), I took a drive to the hiking trail where I find rocks for painting.  

I walked along the water, left a happy rock, found rocks and then decided to walk until I found a wildflower.  ("Walk until your day becomes interesting.")  They're well hidden in the leaves and such and I almost thought I wouldn't see any ... but ta-da!  Found two kinds hidden along the trail.  These are TINY -- super zoomed to take a picture.  It was a fun and focused way to walk since it wasn't my usual kind of hike.

Then a couple of scouting stops around the trail -- places I've noticed, but haven't checked out.  Two coffee shops with an americano comparison (there was a clear winner).  Only pictures of this one -- NOT my favorite and it's a faith based cafe.  In the south, faith based can mean exclusion so I'm not sure about this one.  The patrons looked like a "hippy" kind of mix so maybe it's a good place.  The signs were sweet too.  It's in a cute old building, but it wasn't the best coffee so I probably won't go back.

Then a lunch place that's heavy vegan and GF.  It reminds me of Asheville.  LOVED, LOVED the vibe and everything about it.  I like giving business to places that promote inclusion.

Outside table with
"everything veggie" soup.

Another painted table.

Finally, a Trader Joe's run for last minute lunch ingredients to bring to my aunt today as she recovers from surgery.  Cobb salad with all the fixings.  Simple salad, but lots of components.

Found these little beauties to bring too.  I got a couple for me, of course (although I might share one with my DIL).  No water, indirect light and flowers in 4-6 weeks.  Curious!!  Trader Joe's gets some fun items.  And, I got another plant because I have a problem.  I like the shape of the leaves.

Since the weather is nice, my back is feeling good and I'm having a solid future self week, I decided to head to the park for another run today.  It feels incredibly good to get my heart rate up.  And I'll take a cool down walk along the woods to look for wildflowers.  

Have a good day.  Later gators.

Gray (or Grey!)

I want to chat a tad about black and white thinking -- my go-to default.  One of the future self changes I'm working on is living more in the gray areas, problem solving into the gray area (i.e. not just this or that ... not just 2 options).

I'm bringing this up because this is EXACTLY yesterday and the garden club.  After that initial meeting, I didn't like the vibe, didn't like the group dynamic and normally I would've done THIS or THAT.  This -- stayed and pretended to be social and such while hating every moment because I want the gardening information from the events.  That -- decided not to join.  

But this time I looked for another option.  Participate in the events that interest me and participate in a way that works for me.  Yesterday's presentation was very good (2 Master Gardeners about wildflowers).  I came, I listened and I left.  I didn't stay for the social after, I did some polite chatting and smiling, but I didn't seek out any engagement.  

And the group still annoyed the shit out of me.  Phones (on LOUDEST RINGER) went off the entire 2 hours.  The leader kept asking people to silence them, but guess no one did lol.  Text beeps.  One lady excused herself for a phone call, but there are no doors -- totally heard her entire conversation.  Side loud whisper conversations, questions that were not really questions.  A 1/3 of a leftover cake from the weekend someone brought to share.  Someone parked shitty next to me -- on an angle so our back bumpers were almost touching.  I had to go around to get in the car and it took FOREVER to back out.  (Lesson learned for next time -- I'm reversing into the space.)

I know these are pet peeves and I'm not knocking them for enjoying themselves or bringing a leftover cake lol.  It's just not for me, but I enjoyed learning about wildflowers.  Had MY cake and ate it too :)

All this to say, I'm happy I chose the gray decision.  

I'll leave with this picture of the orchid.  I'm a happy orchid mama.  I took the picture to send to my cousin who gave me the plant.  And a picture of the Easter Bunny I left in the LFL at the park.  Hope your week is going well.  Later gators.

First Thing

I had a good coaching call this morning.  Turns out, I like a first-thing call.  Nice way to start the day.  Coaching on goals and sliding back -- what it means, what it doesn't mean, how a slide can actually move me forward and how to have compassion for myself. 

I woke up with a little headache -- it's odd and hopefully, not getting worse.  I can't take Advil because I'm on the anti-inflammatory, but I'll look to see if I have Tylenol.  I don't often have an unexplained headache.

On the agenda today -- run at the park and garden club meeting.  I also finished painting another rock in the "real" series.  Also not my favorite, but this concludes my list of the series for now.  Next up is Sesame Street.

Trader Joe flowers had a last moment yesterday.  The blossoms opened to pretty blooms -- looks like those paper flowers you make with tissue paper.  All fell last night but it was pretty while it lasted.

In crappy news, I broke my desk chair.  I leaned back and it snapped.  The mechanism that broke is under the upholstery so I don't know if it can be fixed.  Dang.  It leans way too far back now.  I put a lumbar pillow as a make-shift solution for now.  This chair took 8 months to arrive so I need to think about what I want.  Maybe a thrifted chair??

That's all from here.  Hope you have a great Tuesday.  Later gators.

Future Self -- She's Back!

Bookclub was good yesterday.  I gave it a shot of Future Self because I've been a bit wonky on remembering that lately.  Showing up AS MYSELF and RELAXED about it.

What did that look like?  Not worrying that I was being "too much" or look like I was trying "too hard."  I used my fancy vintage dishes, wore a dress, made peach tea and served it in a pretty pitcher.  Even though bookclub is very casual, I wanted to be a little less casual ... and I did.  These were decisions I questioned and almost changed because I wanted to "fit" the vibe of other meetings.

The apple cake baked strangely with almost a separation on the bottom.  I tried a piece and it tasted fine, but I didn't think it was serve worthy.  For a hot minute I thought about saving it for me, but, NOPE ... don't need inflammatory foods with my back injury.  To the trash!  FS showed up again.

Finally, one of the ladies brought some leftover wine from a dinner party the night before.  No one drank (it's not a big drinking group) so one of the ladies took the white wine home.  That left me with a half bottle of red wine.  Post THREE HOUR bookclub, a little tired, a little over-socialized, home alone and that wine looked GOOD.  But down the sink it went!  For the same reason -- inflammatory stuff while I'm working hard on my back isn't okay.  

I'm taking a minute to celebrate a lot of FS work.  As I said, I've been lite on this lately and it felt good to run decisions through a future filter.  

I'm continuing that this week too.  Tomorrow at 6 o'clock IN THE MORNING I have a coaching session.  I decided I wanted to add one and last minute left me with few choices that worked with my schedule.  Why not do it early?  I don't need to be showered and such ... I just need to sit and talk.  It's about goals.

A few other things happening with FS in mind too.  Doing a solo hike this week to get more painting rocks.  I'm expanding the Sesame Street bunch and I need more rocks.  Ironic, because it started as a way to use up the rocks I had -- now I need more.  I'm also choosing to get outside with some workouts even though time is tight in the mornings this week -- always feels good.  A couple of social things on the calendar too -- gardening club meeting.  Enjoying the club without feeling like I need to enjoy the people. If I enjoy the people, that's a bonus, but I'm not seeking friendship.  It's a garden club with people, not a social club with gardening.  And a possible visit with my aunt -- always good for laughs!

Speaking of rocks -- I added a chipmunk to the "realistic" series.  It's not my favorite, but it looks like a chipmunk to me.  I was a little meh about painting this one (I really want to do Sesame Street, but I don't have the right kind of rocks).  

Hair day this morning.  I like the conversations with my stylist -- I always learn something.  Looking forward to making this a good FS week.  Hope you're set for a good one too.  Later gators.

So Many Books ...

So many books on a bookclub day no less.  Here's the scoop.

A semi-autobiographic account of a boy (Jordi Coca) growing up in Barcelona after the war under Franco dictatorship. I was interested in learning more about that time before we go to Spain.  The book was good but it didn't give me any of the history I was interested in learning about.  I felt this could have been a story anywhere in Europe post war.  That said, heartbreaking, well written, worth reading.

I started this gem -- it's quirky and good so far, but I had to table it because of library books.  Back to this one soon.  Love story in a sci-fi world and it's funny!

This had a long wait list and I'm surprised I got it so quickly.  I'm almost finished with it -- well written, engaging, beautiful story telling.  Three different time periods all revolving around racism and the most prized horse of a century.  

Another self-help I heard about on a podcast.  I love getting these "maybe" books from the library.  It's a maybe because I think it'll have a lot of the usual advice, but it perked my interest.

Last one from the library.  This should be fun.

Bookclub this afternoon.  One dip made, one more to go.  Apple snack cake too.  Looking forward to today.  Hope you have a good Sunday.  Later gators.

Spring Storms

Woke up to spring thunderstorms.  I think the rain is moving out after the morning storms -- now I'm all about rain/sun mix for the garden.

Spring planting is finished, but I'm not super confident since it started a few weeks late.  Summer planting is right around the corner and I don't want to miss cucumbers.  Also, these spring greens will completely fade in the summer heat.

Greens and a pot
of strawberries from last year

Scallions

More greens

And more ...

And more ...

Mint at Whole Foods.
I love herbs and love mint plants.
I'll make room for them somewhere.

I DID make it to the park for a run -- Duke guilted me into taking him.  He LOVES to run.  I use a belly leash for a large dog -- it works great.  You'd think I'd get a boost from his pull, but it's actually harder because I have to shore up against going too fast.  It's like resistance running.  When I don't run with him, it feels so easy.  Little dog with a lot of might.

I'm getting a couple of dips from Jen Hatmaker cookbook ready for bookclub hosting tomorrow.  Looks like a bigger group.  Her version of pimento cheese and a ricotta-honey-lemon dip.  I'll also make a quick apple snack cake right before it starts.  Easy on every front.

Closing went well.  We closed WITH the other owners.  That hasn't happened since we bought our first house.  It ended up being fun to meet them.  

I have a library tsunami of books ready for reading that I'll pick up today.  I need to pace reserves a bit better.  More on books soon -- so many!!  

Taking my chances on another easy Peloton ride.  My back is feeling significantly better.  And, I got my monthly yesterday so I feel much more myself today.  Add some spring weather and I'm positively floating -- hah!

Hubby leaves for Belgium and France today.  Wish I was going too -- I'd love to see Belgium.  

Hope you're having a fun weekend.  Later gators.

Friday Updates

Hopefully the boring (at least major boring) is behind for a little stretch.  

Yesterday was a super early appointment for ortho -- haven't driven in the dark morning in years.  I think I made some progress -- no trigger point injection because my pain is too diffuse.  Oral new anti-inflammatory and possible joint injections if I'm not more stable soon.  He said it's still well within the injury healing from last year -- can take another year.  That's what the chiropractor said too.  He thinks the anti-inflammatory will give me the best stability for now.  My back feels okay this morning after starting yesterday, but it was already on the upswing.

Summer started suddenly yesterday lol.  Planted all the babies outside and now we wait.  No pictures but everything looked pathetic after watering so you're not missing anything.  Let's see if they perk up today and I remember a few "start" pics. 

Hubby found an old CD of mine from 20 years ago labeled Workout Mix.  I used to run to the mix with the portable CD player rubber banded to my treadmill handles.  The skip delay was enough to hold most of the bouncing.  We only have one CD player now --- and it's in his car.  Here's the list -- and it holds up. I love working out to any music I like (fast or slow).  It was fun to see and realize my tastes haven't changed much.

Baby Stay With Me Tonight

Dancing Queen

9 to 5

Coat of Many Colors

Superman

You Raise Me Up

Only Got 100 Years to Live

I'm the World's Greatest

Today is the closing on the townhouse.  I'd like to run at the park before, but I slept later than I expected.  I didn't sleep well yesterday and was up early -- made up for it last night.  Forgot to put the Oura ring back on last night, but I feel like I slept well.  Looks like an easy ride on the Peloton as a backup.  If I can get going, maybe I can get outside.  That requires morning drinks, digesting said drinks, bathroom run and then enough time.  All hinges on my digestive track lol (!!)

Hope you are all ready for the weekend.  Later gators.

Boring ...

These last couple of days have been high on the boring scale so that means nothing much to report.  Still trying to get my back feeling better (slowly recovering).  Ortho appointment at 7am tomorrow.  Fingers crossed for some relief.  My hope is an injection.  My guess is PT and anti-inflammatory.  

Waiting on the weather to plant veggies.  A little warmer today and tomorrow, but might dip AGAIN over the next week.  I replanted a few indoor plants and the flowering girls are going strong.

We have the walk-though for the townhouse today.  A few hiccups in the process that we'll try to resolve today.  Down to the wire -- closing is scheduled for Friday.

I miss being active.  No hiking for me this week.  Maybe next week.

I'm also cycling hormones again.  Night sweats, mood, low energy.  Fun being me right now -- and even more fun being around me lol!

I'll keep it extra short today.  Hope your week is going well.  Later gators.

Painting With a Twist

3 hours of painting!  It was so much fun.  The end result is okay -- knowing what I know, I'd change a few things but you can tell it's him.  The frame included leaves a lot to be desired, but I'm letting it hang out in my office for now.  There's no way I'll actually paint the frame and the canvas is stapled to it (or I'd spray paint it).  That was disappointing.  It was a great Christmas present though.

It took so long because they had you do "steps" together and I spent a lot of time waiting for the next set of instructions.  It was a long time to be mentally focused -- my eyes and brain were a little foggy when I finished!

Then off to youngest and his GF's for a very nice night.  Dinner was tons of work and beautifully cooked.  Crab dip starter, short ribs with polenta and pretzel chocolate pie.  Everything was dairy and gluten-free.  It was nice to show up without having to cook anything and get served a 3 course meal.  Well done :)

Hubby is on his way to Asheville -- my back can't make the trip.  Guess what's along for the ride?!?!?  Hang onto your hat -- Little Free Library is heading to NC.  Next step in the long, long, long, never-ending road to the finish -- haha!!

That's all from here.  Regrouping for the week since I had to change things.  Still cold -- hard freeze overnight.  Will my veggies EVER get planted?  Probably go from this weather to 90 degrees in GA.  But look at these girls showing up and showing off ... so pretty.

Have a good start to the week.  I'm hoping for the same -- Monday morning planning session to help focus my changed up week.  Later gators.

Happy Sunday

High school zoom call was nice.  We talked for about 90 minutes -- lots to catch up.  

Headed to Trader Joe's in the afternoon to get flowers and wine to take to dinner at my son's and girlfriend's tonight.  I got her a big bouquet of yellow tulips and got me something that looks a little like wildflowers.  Tulips in a wide mouthed mason jar with a twine bow -- looks pretty (didn't take a picture).

Orange and yellow

Yellow extras I put in the office.
Morning tray with morning drinks.

I painted the final hiking rock from the stack -- another Big Bird to finish the Sesame Street "collection."  I'll leave them at the kids' LFL at a park I take Duke.  Although, there's a possibility I'll add a few more -- Bert, Ernie and such.  We'll see since I'm actually out of the hiking rocks now, but it's a fun theme to paint.

I wrote part of the song on the back.
"Sunny days, sweepin' the
clouds away."

Today is a full day.  Three hour afternoon paint class -- Paint Your Pet.  It's a Christmas gift from my youngest.  I'm painting Monti.  Update tomorrow.  Then dinner at his place -- should be a good day.

Have a happy Sunday.  Later gators.

Less Busy Stretch

Rock painted a lot yesterday -- Oscar the Grouch, Easter bunny and punch bug car.  I have this stack of rocks that were bugging me just sitting around from a local hike.  I have one more Sesame Street rock to paint -- today if my back cooperates.  I remembered to take a couple of process pictures.

I wrote Hippity Hoppity
on the back

Wrote
Grouchy
Happy Rock

Here's the batch drying.

My back is a mess.  Lots of pain.  I hope ortho can help.  My busy week got less busy because of it.  Hubby is going to Asheville instead of me -- I can't sit and drive for that long right now.  No family hike today -- maybe a walk when the temps warm up.

Only "thing" this morning is a high school zoom call starting the next round of birthdays.  We haven't caught up in a long time so it should be a chatty call.

Hope you are having a good weekend.  Later gators.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day.  I'm not sure why I remembered this -- I rarely do since my kids are finished with school.  I bet lots of crowded bars and restaurants today.

I may not have the luck of the Irish, but look what I found -- ladybug is my nod from the universe.

Hubby got home early this morning on the red-eye -- he'll sleep most of the morning.  Rain is back all day.  This is very unusual to have this many FULL rain days in GA.

My orchid (gifted from my cousin) is blooming.  It's amazing to watch.  The flowers are incredibly intricate.

I painted some rocks.  I have a stack of rocks I found on a hike that I'm painting to return to a hike at some point.  Starting a few Sesame Street rocks.  I did a Big Bird (I'll do another one since I already gave it away), planning an Oscar and yesterday I tried a simple Grover.

I finished this library book.  I didn't like the writing style at all.  Made for a boring story.  Glad it was short.  Maybe the show is better?!?!  

Big old nothing on the calendar today.  Rock painting, reading, Spanish ... the usual suspects to keep me occupied.  Tomorrow begins a busy stretch so I'm happy for a home day today.  Later gators.