Heading Home

I'm ready.  Monti had tummy issues last night and I was up with him on/off most of the night.  We talked about me staying another night since I'm tired.  Nope -- I'm ready to go home.

It was a great trip, but more of it doesn't feel good.  

Something I've noticed lately is when I NEED a regroup or recovery or rest ... the push into FS doesn't feel the same.  It's subtle.  A sense of background dread instead of background excitement.  A little feeling of UGH or BLAH.  If I take a minute of status quo until that feeling goes away, the excitement comes back.

For example.  I got an interview slot for the fall volunteering training session.  2 hours in early August.  I felt excited and nervous ... all the good FS feelings.  Today it feels like dread and worry about failure.  Time to recoup -- not time to think about FS.  Got to read the room, know your audience.  

Speaking of FS, here's the LFL up against the house.  Hubby has a little concern about it drawing attention to the house (that sent me into a tailspin of doubt because I need to recover, not think FS right now).  I'll tackle the setup this summer.  Can you, do you believe it?!?!?  

Color look good.

Planning to stake it here.

Saw this on a walk.
Another style.

I finished this book.  Excellent.  I also saw an interview with the authors.  Very interesting story about the collaboration.  They touch on that in the acknowledgments at the end.

Lunch was nice.  Teahouse was fabulous, as always.  Lots and lots of fun lately.   

Now I need to work on transitioning home.  That tends to be a buffering time and I feel that urge today (hello, sweets).  Transition and tired make for murky waters.  I'm going to brainstorm on the drive for ways to improve.  Fingers crossed.  It's never a good sign when I wake up wanting to eat sweets.

Happy end of June.  Later gators.

Finally Birthday Celebration

Last night marked my final birthday celebration -- that was a long one this year!  Date night to another downtown restaurant.  The menu changes every month -- farm to table, lots of vegan and GF.  

Vegan, GF lentil enchiladas

Watermelon gaspacho,
hubby's handcut parm fries

The day was good too.  

Teahouse (on repeat) to read and chill.  It was in full Asheville mode with locals.  Then to the Asheville Art Museum.  I saw some interesting things, chatted with a few people and that was that.  I'm not much of an art museum goer, but it was something to try.  Fantastic views from the top patio.

Today's my final full day for this trip.  Lunch with my neighbor at a vegan restaurant, teahouse (don't judge me lol) and home to start cleaning.  

This has been quite a run of full days.  Lots going on through the 4th -- then some downtime.  Guess I'm building stamina.  I want to do a birthday reflection post and chat about what's happening for this year for FS and goals and such, but I haven't had enough quiet time to write and think.  It's coming -- in July, a bit late.

Have a great day.  Later gators.

A Little Intention Goes a Long Way

Yesterday was brought to me by a little intention ... do some stuff that makes you happy.

First a long walk with Duke around North Asheville.  Stayed clear of the mountain walk because it was trash day and I had Duke with me (aka BEARS!!).  Intention was to pay attention.  I didn't get a lot of pictures because of Duke and so many passing dogs, but it was a very fun walk.

Dropped him home and headed to the teahouse.  Had a little time to kill before it opened so I scoped out the art museum.  I bought tickets to go today.  Why?  Because that's the kind of thing FS does.  Be curious.  Might love it, might be one and done ... but have to try to know.

I finished this book at the teahouse.  Absolutely loved it.  Took a minute to get into it, but then it took off.

After the coaching call (about processing change), I explored a huge antique market -- almost like a junk market.  Very fun.  I got a few things that stayed in the car so no pictures.  A little basket for picking veggies and 2 containers for rock painting supplies.  Still nothing for the bedroom walls -- this is proving a challenge.

Dinner was delicious.  I see why it's so hard to get in.  Mexican/California inspired -- GF available for most and a full alcohol-free drink menu if you wanted (I stuck with iced tea, but nice to know).

Best ceviche I've ever ordered

Street corn

We both got seafood.
The salad was from a local garden.

Ended the evening with the movie, Dungeons & Dragons.  So good, but I sagged out halfway.  I'll finish it today.

Today is another intentional day.  Peloton, another walk and after lunch, downtown for the teahouse and museum.  Second (and final) early birthday celebration dinner tonight for hubby -- checking out another local place.

Have a great day.  Later gators.

Asheville

Back in Asheville.  Weather is warm and humid -- SUCH A BUMMER!  I know, it's summer ... but mountain chills are the best.

Hubby golfs today.  I have a noon coaching call and need to figure out my day.  It's not nearly as fun when I have the dogs here.  They both are nervous and get upset to be left home.  You'd think after 2 plus years they'd be used to it.

I need to figure out my day/week.  No plans, no intention ... no fun.  That I know for sure.  

I might need an activity rest day.  My legs are pooped and my back is tired.  Moving feels so good though -- a little hard to force a low activity day.  Maybe just a walk around town is enough.

Dinner tonight at a restaurant we've wanted to try since since we bought the house.  Last minute with a bigger party and it's impossible to get reservations (tiny restaurant).  Tuesday + just 2 of us + early dinner + booked a month ago = winner.  It's fresh Mexican fair.  

I'll leave you with my garden pick -- hydrangeas 2 ways :)  Have a good Tuesday.  Later gators.

Birthday is a Wrap

Sort of.  Hubby and I are taking this week in Asheville to celebrate our birthdays, but it's low key and trending toward his celebration on Sunday (and the 4th).

I opened my birthday box from my bestie.  Lots of nice goodies (mixed with her usual "junk" from TJ Max counter lol).  She sewed my a cosmetic bag and a jewelry bag -- my favorite gifts from her this year.

I had a long HS zoom call and then caught up with my bestie on the drive to the lake.  I kept mum about the new addition to our family (although I told bookclub) -- hard secret to keep!

The lake party was very nice -- only 5 showed up though.  I arrived and the hostess vented for 45 minutes about all the crap I was undone about too.  She expected a large group and went to a lot of trouble.  So many last minute cancelations that could've been simply 'nos' from the beginning.  All the things.

No one brought a swimsuit except me, but we did take a boat ride (at my nudging).  She mentioned they had the boat ready, her husband stayed home to be the driver and "probably no one will want to go."  I did and I said so ... it was really fun.  We planned to swim after dinner, but big storms rolled in.  

Dinner was good -- my salad was a hit.  There was a little itty bitty tension about the food selection at first, but we talked it out and it was a non-issue.  Look at that -- feeling feelings, talking it through, working it out.  It didn't feel the least bit strange either.

Off to Asheville this morning for a slower paced week.  This last one was a big one for me.  Lots of fun though.  FS showed up in a great way -- people who love me did too.  It was a perfect end of my birthday year.  

Hope your week is off to a good start.  Later gators.

HUGE Birthday Surprise!

Last gift from my eldest and DIL ... framed picture ... drumroll (you guessed it).  I'm going to be an official Granny (!!)

And, of course, they'll be parents lol.  But since it's my birthday it can be about me for a minute hahaha!  We were the first they told (lovely, lovely honor).  Can't believe my son is going to be a dad :)

It's early -- about 7 weeks, but everything looks good so far.  They had amazing poker faces -- none of us suspected anything opening the present.  Hubby wondered last week since our DIL had an upset stomach and took it easy in pickle ball.  Turns out, he was right.  Being cautiously happy since it's early.  Another month and the celebrating will be full on.

Love our growing family (!!)

Today is the lake party (and my actual birthday ... hello, 53).  The party is not without drama.  I signed up for two things from a signup post -- first pimento cheese and then a big salad with dressings.  Some people only liked the post and never made a selection.  They'll be about 5 of us there -- and suddenly 2 pimento cheeses and two salads yesterday.  Seriously?!?!  So I responded -- assertively.  Maybe a little too assertively?!?!  I don't know but I was pissed.  I spent a lot of time and money on food that would not get eaten.  Anyway, both women changed selections and I felt maybe I overreacted -- I don't know.  Probably I did since I'm asking the question.  It's good to speak up, but maybe a little quieter next time lol.  And, don't get me started, 15 people responded they were going and yesterday it dropped to 5.  Major pet peeve!

And I'm exhausted.  Of course I am.  This is social overload for me.  Both the happy announcement and the party "drama" took me over the edge of drained.  I slept like poop.  

Full, rushed day today.  I'm trying to remember to enjoy it.  Some of the rushed is so I have time to go walking at the park ... with music ... happily marking this new year.  Putting myself on the list too.  Then the HS birthday call and packing up food for the lake party.  Leaving at 1 o'clock, home probably around 7 or 8.  That's a long day for me.  Asheville will be a quiet relief on Monday.

Haul from the garden yesterday.  A forgotten radish and a couple of cucumbers and ripening tomatoes.

Happy birthday to me -- and it's an especially joyful one.  Next birthday I'll have a little grand baby (I'm still in shock).  Wow!

Later gators.

Family Birthday

The never-ending birthday celebrations continue.

Big switch for family plans today.  Eldest has a hurt foot (and youngest doesn't like to hike) so hubby and I are taking the dogs on a woods walk this morning.  Family is gathering at our house for the afternoon and an early dinner.

I'm making said dinner.  

Oh well.  I didn't like the takeout options and I didn't want to go out (too expensive with 6 people).  Since I have to make dishes for tomorrow, I'm doubling and adding protein to the salad -- Cobb salad with different dressing options from Jen Hatmaker cookbook.  Also an appetizer (doubled for tomorrow) and roasted veggies.

I woke up sneezing and I feel stuffy and a little headache-y.  I HOPE this is just allergies.  Being sick will screw up all the rest of the plans.  I'll know in a few hours.

The Vintage Antique Market was a total BUST.  It was more a craft fair -- stuff you see left and right at the farmer's market (minus the farmer's tents).  We met friends there -- bummer, but nice catching up.  There were only 3 vintage booths -- massively overpriced.  

Here is my library haul.  

Started this first.

Can't believe it's my birthday tomorrow.  Since my dance card is full (by my standards), I'll do a birthday goals, reflection, summary next week while we're in Asheville.  Hubby is golfing 2 days so I'll have more time.

Have a good weekend.  Later gators.

Garden Brag Book

Heading to an outdoor thrift market today -- on the search for artwork for our bedroom in Asheville.  It's part of my 23 for 2023 goals -- only thrifted, gifted or already owned decor for last few decor needs in Asheville.

Here's a little morning view of my itty bitty garden.

First eggplant

LOVE cucumbers from the garden

Only healthy tomato plant

Little bee doing his service

Lavender is a bee favorite.
It's the first year it bloomed.

Peppers not pictures, but give a huge yield so far.  I pick 4-5 daily.

Short and sweet today.  Happy Friday.  Later gators.

Lake Visit

I had a really nice birthday celebration with my girlfriend at her lake house.  She made an effort to make it special.  A couple of appetizers with her lake view, dinner at a fancy southern restaurant, an evening of good conversation.  I had flowers to take home and GF cookies too.  Feels good to feel seen and celebrated.  

I brought her a couple hostess goodies and painted an angel rock with 11s since that's her "sign."  Fun to give it and she's keeping it -- not leaving it on a hike (which was the intention, but sweet she wants to keep it).

I'm dead tired.  Up VERY late for me and wide awake at 5 o'clock.  I had a nice morning sitting outside on a covered porch with cool rain though.  She's a later riser so I had a few hours to myself.

Finished this book this morning.  Absolutely loved it -- charming, funny, well written, heartbreaking and heartwarming, creative.  Fantastic read for summer.

That's all I can muster to chat today.  I can barely form full sentences.  I'm such a sleep wimp.  Home, showered and chilling on this rainy day.  Have a good one.  Later gators.

More Birthday

Yesterday's lunch was a good catch up -- not the usual 3+ hours because we do 5 birthday zoom calls each year since 2020 (haven't met in person since 2019).  That keeps us caught up a good deal more.  But it was nice to chat longer and be face-to-face.  She treated to lunch (I gave a sincere protest) -- looks like birthday lunches are a new thing.  I like that idea :)

Next birthday stop is a lake house overnight with dinner.  It's a go -- I had doubts, but she confirmed again with details.  It's becoming an unusually celebrated birthday this year.

Hike was canceled for this morning so that washes any "should I, shouldn't I" guilt about pulling out.  

Painted a fun rock yesterday.  I'm empty on the give-away rocks so time to get painting.  I'll probably paint this one again because it was fast and it's cute.

Rainbow-ish

I have a bunch of little things to do before I leave this afternoon.  It's only a 45 minute drive which is super nice.  Leisurely day ahead of what will be a late night.

Happy Wednesday.  Later gators.

Birthday Celebrations Begin

Another new-to-me park and walking path with my hiking group.  Rain held and full overcast skies made walking the boardwalk comfortable (6 miles).  I had good, deep conversations with a few older women -- interesting lives, interesting life experiences and shared lessons (all about aging, staying active, staying open).  We walked along the river with a few turns into marsh-like areas.  Birds everywhere -- singing loudly.

I stopped at a local coffee shop I like and ordered my usual decaf americano.  Turns out the machine was cleaning for 30 minutes so I swapped for an iced herbal tea -- ended up being a nice mishap.  Another Trader Joe's run since I was in the area and out of veggies at home.  

All this to say, I'm glad I went even though we weren't hiking.  I would've missed a lot of good things.

I painted the final lion rock for me to keep in my "realistic" collection.  This was tough and probably my least favorite, but she's finished.

Messed up placement of eyes,
nose and mouth.  The eyes
gave me trouble the entire time.

Rock is more round than long
and I kept having to adjust.
And it's not as flat as the others --
hard to see in the picture.

Finished.  Most of the time
she looked like a gorilla until
I painted the white and whiskers.

Today is the start of a stretch of birthday fun.  Some things are birthday adjacent, like today.  My high school friend wasn't able to have a lunch when I reached out in January.  She JUST got back to me since she's on a term break (she's a PT instructor) and asked if I wanted to go to lunch for my birthday.  It's not really for my birthday, but it's part of the fun stuff I have planned for the next couple of weeks.  (Some of the fun is for other people -- hubby's birthday and the going away bookclub party.)

I need to keep an open mind because no doubt changes will happen.  Oh, and speaking of ... NOT shingles, just a mouth full of cold sores.  Fun, but no one can see it and I'll just chew on my left side!!  If it had to be something, this was the best something.

Have a good day.  Later gators.

Mary Oliver Poem

“How I go to the wood

Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single
friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore 
unsuitable.

I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds 
or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of 
praying, as you no doubt have yours. 

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, 
until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost
unhearable sound of the roses singing.

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love
you very much.” 

― Mary Oliver, Swan: Poems and Prose Poems

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We had a nice day yesterday.  While everyone played pickle ball, I walked the trails.  Not crowded at all (above pictures), mostly all shade and groomed path.  Lunch was good too.  Oh, and a LFL on the path.  Here's what I borrowed.

Reprint from 20 years ago
and it's also a movie.
Never heard of either.

Rain is expected ALL WEEK.  There's a morning break in the weather after HUGE storms so today's hike is more of a town walk.  I'll go because I'm curious to learn a new park and boardwalk.  I withdrew myself from Wednesday's hike.  Weather is too bad and conditions will be muddy and slippery.  Wasn't meant to be this time.  I'll keep searching for another D3.  Looks like lake plans are still on, but I'm not 100% confident until I'm actually on my way.  This is one of those weeks that looks completely different than the original calendar.  Not horrible though.  Going with the flow.  It pays to have a plan B in the wings.

(I'll whisper that something is going on with the right side of my face and eye -- I'm worried about shingles.  I'll know by the end of today.  It started with pain on my cheek bone, moved to zaps along my eye and cheek with occasional ear pain.  Sneezing a bit this morning with a dry eye.  Might be allergies from walking 2 hours in the woods yesterday.  Fingers crossed.)

I made another stir-fry yesterday and it's what's for meals today.  Stir-fries are my obsession right now.  Easy, veggie forward -- I add egg, chickpeas or tofu depending on my mood.  

I picked a few wildflowers since so much rain happening this week.  I can do better in the bottle, but it's not bad.  Needs to be fuller with longer flowers.  I probably should have painted the bottle more -- maybe dots to fill it up.  If I get motivated, I'll try to add something.  

That's all from here.  Hope you're off to a good start for the week.  Later gators.