Last of the 2023 Garden

I forgot to mention the sweet potatoes from the garden. Free shoots leftover at the farm when I volunteered. They didn't grow well -- planted a little late and probably not deep enough soil, but I got 3 minis. It was fun to dig and see if anything grew. Garden is all about experimenting and learning.

I picked the last of the greens too. We're expecting a couple freeze mornings and that will be the end of the greens. I got about 6 salads out of the late planting. Goodbye Garden 2023 - it was fun.

I had a really nice time with the kids at a brunch to celebrate my son's gf's birthday. Lots going on, lots to catch up, good conversation.

I spent the afternoon finishing up framing and a bunch of office chores. I watched The Way about the Camino de Santiago. It was a little predictable, a little boring but gave me some idea of the visual of the walk. I have a few YouTube videos I want to watch and I ordered a couple of books. It's 2 years away, but I want to get a feel for it now because I want to have a full experience. That includes anticipation and planning. Both feel like no pressure since it's so far away. It's also motivating for Spanish study again. 

This week is a mix of social and a lot of getting-things-done (aka off my to-do list). Shower planning in full swing. Planning our trip to AZ in December. Raised garden bed sealing. The more I get the unknown things settled, the less anxious I feel. "Eat the frog first."

Short and boring sweet this morning. Hope you're starting a good week. Later gators.

Picture Wall

Working on a picture wall for Asheville. It's part of my 23 for 2023 list -- only thrifted, already owned or handmade items. Changing out frames, cutting out prints, framing fabrics, painting frames. I worked on this all afternoon (my back isn't happy).

First go -- nope. Too plain and no cohesion.

Second go -- getting closer.

I took the vintage Paris scenes out of cream frames and put into black ones I already owned. I'm spray painting them green with a can of paint leftover from a table I painted. They are drying from yesterday. I'm not sure how I'm going to use them yet. I'll see if they'll incorporate into this group.

The blue flowers are a framed silk scarf.

The top corner is artwork on a card that my aunt made.

Poster is leftover from my original office decor. Brown framed picture is from my family stuff my mom gave away.

I framed two dishtowels and ended up using them in my bathroom here (where the Paris pictures used to hang). Both are recycled frames from pictures in storage.

I took down the bear that I thrifted and put together to use in the picture wall because I needed some variety in the frames. Framed a vintage scarf for this wall instead -- it's little cats.

I have to watch that things aren't looking to homespun. Trying to mix in regular art with the framing-strange-things art I've been "making."

I also need to watch scale. Lots of these are small and it can look cluttered as a group. I'm putting it together here, but the true test is when we get back to Asheville. I'll do a paper mock-up to test it on the walls. It takes a bit to make them, but it makes placement so much easier with no mistakes. Hanging over a large bed frame is clunky. 

Brunch today to celebrate my youngest's gf's birthday. Hubby is in Belgium. Afternoon is a long list of office chores and then a movie. I'm watching The Wall about the Camino de Santiago.

First a Peloton ride and dog time. Hope you're having a good Sunday. Later gators.

The Monday Feels (on a Thursday)

It feels like a Monday -- in a good way. Back in GA. Back to organizing and moving forward with all-the-things happening. Full life = some overwhelm ... and it's worth it.

I had a few FS things happen yesterday that made me feel good. 

Connection has been a goal and something I've worked toward -- yesterday felt like that was paying off.

1. HS reach out about the memory of visiting my friend in Italy in 2019. Prompted renewed interest in getting together sooner rather than later. Not sure if that will happen, but it feels nice.

2. Making plans with old friends from dog fostering days. It was a joint effort to get on the calendar and she wrote such a nice message. We can't get a date until mid-January, but it's on the calendar. Yea!

3. Got a reach out from a bookclub friend who moved to Paris. Nice to continue a little connection and book conversations.

4. Signed up for a long hike in November. It checked all the hiking boxes and I'm making an effort to do it. The hike leader is fun to chat with and I enjoy her a lot.

None of these connections are "regular" (i.e. not looking for a best friend) but they make me feel good. The connection is the reaching out and I'm not focused so heavily on the results. Friendships can look lots of different ways.

Other FS stuff happening today too. Swearing in for volunteering program. This has been on my goal list for over a year. Finally happening and I like that I didn't rush into this decision since it was a big one.

Still semi-procrastinating the garden assembly and the LFL (because of our schedule). But I AM moving forward -- snail's pace forward, but oh well. This can't surprise anyone lol!!

Off to the park to run Duke. Later gators.

So Many Bears

Bears on our walk. Bears in our yard. Bears on the street.  All big guys hanging around the neighborhood this season.

Another fellow in the yard.

Look at these decorations -- people go BIG for Halloween around here. Duke never noticed them on our walk, but jumped at little yard flags blowing lol.

Looks like a house fit for happy witches.

Speaking of season, our little Christmas tree is unpacked and in position to decorate next time I'm here. These next couple of months are going to fly.

Taco Tuesday yesterday. Dogs love my side of the table. I wonder why?!?!

Last stop for chai and got a GF, dairy free oatmeal pie recommended by my DIL as a MUST, MUST try. It was delicious.

Marshmallow cream in the center.

Up early for a quick cleanup and heading back to GA.

Hope your week is going well. Later gators.

Mucho Mejor (!!)

Un día normal en Asheville y estoy muy feliz. Estoy estudiando español entonces estoy escribiendo un poco en español. 

Funny enough, the spellcheck switched to Spanish. Kind of cheating. Anyway, back to English.

Yesterday was my usual Asheville deep breath.  Peloton ride, mountain walk (all of us) and headed downtown. 

The teahouse said they've never had a rush (4 hours) like Sunday. Crazy!  Good for them. It was empty yesterday -- good for me.

With this number and an open counter
seat, I knew it was a good day lol.

GF snack plate and a chai lunch.

Shopped for an hour or so. Christmas gifts, hostess gifts for upcoming travel, a couple of baby things for the shower -- great finds and glad to have that off my to-do list. Pictures to come.

Home to this big boy.

He stayed in the neighborhood
all afternoon -- napping, forging.

Dinner date with hubby. We ATE and ATE. Full and happy. Back home to watch Amazing Race and bed. Not a bad Monday at all.

Smores GF brownie.
I had a few bites, but a lot
of dairy so I restrained myself
for the better good lol!

Fried green tomatoes.
Pumpkin, quinoa salad.
Hubby - burger and truffle fries.

Not pictured -- my big bowl of fries as a starter (and his lobster bisque). As I said, we ATE (!!) 

This morning I'll do another Peloton ride and a walk with Duke in the neighborhood. Trash day so no mountain walk -- bears will be out in force. After a contractor repair, heading to the river for Taco Tuesday with hubby and the dogs. Rest of the day is cleaning and such.

Home early tomorrow. Still sporting some full days so I need to hit the ground running and energetic. Living a full life (I say to not feel overwhelmed). It helps.

Have a good day. Later gators.

I Need a Do-Over

Yesterday was a bust. Nothing horrible, but nothing "good."  

Accident on the way -- took an extra hour (plus) for the trip. Grateful to not be in an accident, of course, but it felt long.

Came into the house to a bunch of chores after houseguests -- sheets, towels, bathrooms, general clean-up. Nothing big, but not my usual everything-in-order arrival.

Went downtown to do the usual fun things while hubby watched football. First up, Dobra Teahouse for reading and a chai. Line out the door and into the street. What?!?! Okay, I decided to grab a HBD gift at Anthropology and come back. Struck out at the store (really strange clothes) so much so that I opted out of even a gift card. Went back and STILL a huge, on-the-street line. The place was jam packed too. Hit the flea market for bedroom art -- also struck out. And STILL the teahouse was packed. Seriously?!? It wasn't a group. I've never seen it like that -- no chai and reading for me. I tried to buy BoldRock as a part of the HBD gift and I couldn't get anyone to wait on me. "Someone's coming." No one came. Final strike out.

Stopped to pick up dinner for hubby. I was so thirsty, but I waited for his pizza. So much for MY time downtown. Came home and cooked my dinner I brought along.

I felt rundown yesterday afternoon. I went to bed early and slept well. Having a monthly every 10 days is doing a number on me. 

Looking for a better mojo day today. Yesterday wasn't horrible, but I wasn't able to add any fun.

That said, taking it in stride, knowing when to throw in the towel, listening to my body -- all future self stuff. 

"May you forever stay in pursuit
of the small things that warm 
your heart."

Wish me luck today. It's Monday -- how bad can it be? I have a plan. Hope you're set up for a good week. Later gators.

P.S. Looks like BOTS are back. Hopefully, they get bored again and leave.

Vintage Headband

The closet ended up coming in at budget (a smidge under). The designer estimated it would be a lot more. Maybe she forgot to account for the sale price. Install mid-December. It wasn't without issues though. Long story, but they had to redo the order because of a mistake and install wasn't able to be refunded because it's an outside company. Bottom line is I had to be billed twice for install and now wait for THAT company to refund the money -- $1300 refund. Guess how smoothly that's going to go?!?!

I got this headband from Etsy to ride in the convertible. It'll hold my hair without needing a full hat. It's made from a vintage bandana. This picture is at night and a lot of my hair is pulled out -- it'll work fine for the car though when more is clipped back.

Heading to Asheville this morning. Lots to do before we get on the road. My intention for the trip is to bring FS along for everything. I feel my mood slipping again.  Got my monthly yesterday -- 10 days again. Geez. 

Happy Sunday. Later gators.

Cha-Ching

We met with the closet designer from The Container Store. Getting the quote today, but, dang. It's going to be $$$ -- even with the 35% off sale. I'm a little shell shocked. I know it's a big closet, but we're doing mostly basics. Find out the damage this morning.

I got botox for my 11s yesterday morning too. I had a later appointment just in case the closet stuff ran long. It actually finished early so I called to see if there was something earlier -- yep. I ended up also getting an off label dilute botox for under eye to see if that helps my tired eyes. The filler is holding up (2 years later) so I'm trying this. I also got a cream for my neck to see if that helps with the crapy skin. A bit of an old lady tune-up.

Today is a bunch of house stuff, errands -- all getting ready for an Asheville trip tomorrow. Weather looks amazing. A little respite before a string of big travel begins for hubby (business) and us (vacation). Need to put the house back in order after the kids used it and we're meeting a contractor for a small repair. Hopefully, no big cleaning needed and an inexpensive repair.

Quick hello today. Happy weekend. Later gators.

Chai and Rock Painting

I had some fun personal things on my list this week and I actually did them. Homemade chai and finally painted a rock.  

The chai was really good. The trick is not only in the steeping method, but also cooking down the mixture for a slightly thicker texture. I'll be making this again and again -- since I get a little obsessed with new drinks and now I know how.

Darjeeling tea

Fresh ginger

Green Cardamom pods

Cinnamon stick

Cloves

Pepper corns

Star anise

Almond milk

Rock painting idea came from a sketch my aunt did for ideas for the baby shower invitations. It was fun to do something different.

The jungle crew.

It's hard to see the tall giraffe lol.

Almost finished

First up.

Started with a pencil drawing.

Last up, new sweater from the shopping day on Tuesday. It's lightweight and soft. I've had my eyes on heart sweaters for a long time. It's usually the ones with the heart patch on the elbow - I like this better.

Heading into COVID land to meet the designer for the kids' closet this morning. They're both past the days for contagious but I'm wearing a mask and steering as clear as I can. Fingers crossed. The designer wasn't concerned.

Yesterday was the last volunteer class. Biggest take-away - single space sentence breaks in the court report. I know it's the new way, but it's hard to remember. Muscle memory. I'm trying to convert by typing these posts that way. I've only had to correct it ten zillion times.

Can't believe it's already Friday. This week has flown by. Hope you're set for a good weekend. Later gators.

Downtown ATL

I did BOTH yesterday.  Trader Joe's and the local coffeeshop -- thanks, FS.  Turns out the online coffee order is for next week so I absolutely needed an emergency supply and I like supporting local business.

* sitting happily drinking coffee on this cold morning*

It was a blistery fall day -- enough so that I needed the new jacket the kids got me for my birthday.  Took a picture to show them.  It's lightweight, lots of pockets and fits well.  Hello, true fall.  I don't think we're going back to warm again this year.

Headed to walk the dogs.

I'm driving downtown this morning to shop at The MART in Atlanta with my girlfriend.  She wants to look at accessories for Christmas gifts and we both need to visit the jeweler to get our rings checked.  It's by invitation only and limited shopping for the general public (you need a small business license otherwise).  Wholesale boutique things on a few of the floors.  While the rings are being serviced, we'll leave the building and go to lunch downtown.  I found a local restaurant with lots of fresh options.  We usually eat at a crappy cafe in the building -- changing it up a little.  Pays to have a plan.

I ordered this used classic.  I don't recall reading it, but I know a little of the story.  It's such a pretty cover and a longer book than I expected -- legitimate novel length.  I'm curious if I'll like it.  Stay tuned.

That's all for the day.  I'm up early to get in a Peloton ride before battling the end of morning rush hour traffic.  The rings can take up to 4 hours to be checked and polished (depends on how busy they are) so we need to drop them early and kill a lot of time.  We'll leave just in time to catch the start of afternoon rush.  City traffic in the ATL.

Hope your week is going well.  Later gators.

Hello Monday, My Friend

Still love Mondays.  

The grand-dogs left yesterday.  I adore them, but order has been restored to our household and that's a really, really good feeling.  We get to enjoy them in smaller doses for the next few months.

A little confused about
the gate ...

Finding a sunbeam.

I finished the library reads.  Nothing fabulous with the last couple.  I started this on recommendation from my bookclub.  I've read from this author before and he's a great storyteller.

Look at this onion.  I know you can separate and dry the parts, but I'm not sure I have it in me to try (and don't know if I have a dry enough area).  I guess I can google.

I'm going to run out of coffee this week -- as in no coffee tomorrow.  I have some on auto ship coming in a few days.  I can't decide if I should wait it out or go get beans from a local coffeehouse.  It's an odd dilemma because it shouldn't be a dilemma.  I took a bag up to Asheville and that messed up my supply chain (hah).  I haven't made a stop to my favorite local bean place either.  I think I'll regret being without since the mornings are chilly and crisp.

But ... I have chai to keep me happy too.  I have all the ingredients to make a traditional spiced chai and a technique to steep it.  Since it'll have almond milk, I'm not interested in it first thing though.  

My "issue" is I need to grocery shop today and I don't think I can do a Trader Joe's run AND a coffeehouse run.  You'd think the solution would be buy beans at TJ's, but I dislike their coffee so much I returned a bag and dumped the beans out of my machine (no easy feat).  

Comes down to veggies or coffee.  Which will win?  This is my brain lately.  CONFUSED about how to show up in the most basic areas of life.

What would my FS do?  Find a way to do both.  Make time for both because my life has enough time for both.  And my FS would NOT BUY any fall sweets from Trader Joe's.  Their covered toffee (fall spiced) is stupidly good.  You are warned -- it can never enter my house again.

What might I do instead?  Neither.  Can't let that happen either.  I get lost in confusion and I bag everything.  BTW, TJ's run to grab their soup and vegan chili too.  It's not just veggies or I'd go to another store.

This chat took a crazy stream-of-conscious turn.  I'll end it here and continue the rest in my head to save you any more wasted time.

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

I've Been Influenced ...

... and I'm passing along my reviews.

First up, new nail polish brand.  It wears pretty well, goes on smoothly and dries quickly.  The shear pink color was sold out on Amazon so I went with a neutral.  I prefer a shear pink shade though.

Pre and pro-biotic supplement to take first thing on an empty stomach.  I've talked about this before and it's holding strong.  Helps with regularity and more "normal" goings.  Also, I'm much less bloated after problem foods -- like raw apple or bananas.

Sleep gummies.  This one is the powerhouse -- a bit of melatonin and THC.  I get a nice feeling of sleepy within 30 minutes and fall asleep really well.  No problem waking up and no groggy in the morning.  That said, my deep sleep numbers aren't great when I've taken it (3 times so far).  I'll test it a couple more times, but it might be the case of false sleep.

This is the gentler aid.  No melatonin and no THC -- just CBD and a couple of other things.  I don't feel sleepy when I take it, but I get a good sleep.  This is my go-to a couple of times a week.  It's still full spectrum so it might give a positive if you are someone who has to test with work.  They have one that doesn't.

Not exactly influenced, but here's the start of the raised garden bed.  Unpacked, organized and ready to test out veggie safe sealers next week.  Ta-da (!!)  I had another salad from the fall greens -- winding down for the season.  I can't wait for the spring garden in this new garden bed.

Helper girl

Is it wrong that the best part of today is the improved dog ratio this afternoon?  It's exponentially easier.  I don't have much of anything planned since the closet design meeting is postponed.  I'll take Duke to the park to run and then wait for pickup. 

Lazy Sunday.  Later gators.

Raised Garden Bed Begins ... or Does It?

I went to a quarterly volunteer lunch with the judge yesterday.  A booster club makes and donates everything.  Chili 3 ways (including veggie), salad and tons of desserts.  I was surprised to have things I could eat.  Then a Q&A session with the judge -- very interesting.  I got to meet other volunteers and I introduced myself to the judge after the lunch was over.  It was a good experience and I'm glad I made time to go.

My youngest has COVID again -- he's fine, but the closet design is postponed by a week.  I'm not sure if we can make this happen for the sale.  Waiting to see if his gf gets sick too.  Right now, we'll just squeak in for the sale, but if we have to cancel, we'll miss out.  Bummer timing, but glad I didn't get exposure.

Last full day with the dogs -- home tomorrow.  The biggest issue is medication for the chihuahua -- hiding ground pills in everything possible.  This was the morning prep counter -- meat and more meat mixed with peanut butter so she can't spit the little grounds out as easily.  Fun way to start a morning and we do it all over again in the evening.

The pepper mill just happened
to be in the picture - lol.
It's not THAT fancy!

We ARE STARTING the raised garden bed today.  Probably not a lot of work, but setting up the process to get this done.  Unboxing, organizing, etc.  I'm already trying to talk myself out of it.  Good lord.  WE ARE STARTING IT TODAY -- yelling from the rafters.  Can we do it?  Will we do it?  Odds are an even 50-50.  

I have a seasonal flu shot scheduled for this morning and that's all on the calendar for today, but that's enough.  Did I mention the dogs leave tomorrow?!?!  It can't come soon enough.  Getting anything done is like moving through sludge since one dog needs something every 15 minutes.  A bit of an exaggeration, but not as much as you'd think.  Last 11 days -- 8 with all the dogs.  

Happy Saturday.  I think I'll do a supplement update tomorrow.  Later gators.

FS Fires

Yesterday was a group of little FS fires - all at once.  THIS is a sign of a full life.  It helped to remember the coaching.  Things worked out, sort of.

Most people wouldn't think these were fires or much of anything at all, but I'm still practicing showing up as myself and it still takes practice.

I texted the gf I'm traveling with to Hilton Head.  Last we got together was in Austin, TX (Feb 2020) for a long weekend.  We took 2 tours, one walking, one golf cart.  I expected we'd do the same on this trip.  She texted back that she doesn't like to take tours.  I guess I'm not the only one speaking up these days.  BTW, last trip the tours were her idea.  We'll probably compromise -- she's a good compromiser.  We'll chat next week and firm up a few things.  Why is this an issue?  I made assumptions of what this week will look like and the enjoyment for me when I asked her to come.  I'm feeling like this could be a chauffeur trip.  It won't be if I don't let it be, but FS needs to keep showing up.

Then I texted my aunt and cousin about lunch either of the days after my gf flies home.  Suddenly lunch became dinner, without asking me.  They eat late and live over an hour from HH.  I put the kibosh to that idea, but it felt uncomfortable.  My aunt is the type to boldly take hold of plans and she required a hefty push back.  If they can't do lunch, we won't get together.  I have full control of my choices, but it was a FS fire.

Our court swearing in ceremony was postponed from next Thursday to the following week.  That messes up my plans, but it's mandatory.  I understand the shift, but I wish we'd have been notified when it happened.  I asked at the end of class yesterday and she said ... oh, I forgot to tell you.  Geez.  This is a volunteer position so my time IS my own.  Kind of a big forget on her part.

SCS coaching is moving rapidly to a coach training program in her quest to make 10 million a year.  Coaching options are few and far between lately, so I emailed.  At this point, they have no plans to have more options available.  The value comes with the coaching calls since I've been in the program for over 2 years.  It might be getting time to let go.  Once you leave, you can't re-join for a year.  The coaching has helped a lot and private coaching is expensive.  I don't know what will fill the void.  They said they'd pass my feedback along.  I responded to the first email expressing my issues with how this is being handled, etc.  FS spoke up.

The other program I joined billed and then kicked me out of the membership.  I emailed them as well.  I got a response saying they fixed it so I'll find out today.  Felt like everything wasn't working.  

There were a few more even smaller things.  It was an afternoon of "problems" -- I guess opportunities to practice FS stuff.  I'm trying.

Later gators.

Random Updates

A list ... in no particular order.

(1) LFL is moving to its final stage.  I have "a guy" who'll cement the post in November.  It's happening -- prepare your heart :)

(2) Raised garden bed assembly starts on Saturday.  It'll be a long, slow process, but STEP ONE begins.  Unpack the boxes, make a plan and start sealing.  10 million other steps needed -- time's ticking and life is full so we need to get moving.  It'll be spring planting in the blink of an eye.

(3) My hairdresser gave me the name of a contractor for the bathroom at the townhouse.  Good to have backup name.

(4) Travel plans are in motion.  Lots to plan -- details for trips already on the calendar and adding new trips for 2024.  Not a bad problem to have, but it always produces a little trip anxiety for me.

(5) 2nd to last volunteer class today.  It's going quickly.  Computer training day.  I'm bringing my laptop -- business women vibes.

(6) Outnumbered for a long weekend again -- grand-dogs arrive this morning.  Lord help my sleep.

(7) Going to try my hand at traditional chai (not to be confused with a chai latte).  I need to visit a South Asian grocery store for the spices.  I like this little bit of fun coming soon.

(8) Latest food obsession.  Unsweetened almond milk yogurt with cinnamon apples on top.  Honeycrisp with spices (no sugar needed since they're already sweet) cooked until soft.  I have a batch in the refrigerator cooled for this afternoon.  I'm having a moment with alternative dairy products.

(9) Which brings me to this update.  I'm trying to eat a bit more seasonally.  Not for health reasons per se, but more for variety.  I'm bored with my usual.  Changing up for the season seems like a fun way to make food interesting while keeping healthy habits.  Maybe I won't fall face first into candy when I have new tastes around.  In season means fresher, better, tastier produce too.

(10) Bots have left the building, for now.  I guess I was too boring!  Phew.

Have a good day.  Later gators.

Being Crafty

I got a bunch of prickly paperwork issues off my plate yesterday.  6 different "problems" that I needed to handle (medical billing, furniture order lost, tax bill problem, etc).  It felt SO DANG GOOD to finally get them off my plate (mostly).  Each one was in wait mode for various reasons -- systems down, delivery center research, resubmission through insurance, etc.  Hurry up and wait -- I don't like unresolved things hanging around.  2 issues still need to completely finalize, but I'm a lot closer now.

Lunch with my aunt and shopping was a nice way to spend the afternoon -- as usual with her.  We talked about the shower invitations she's going to draw.  I can't wait to see it.  I bought a fall sweater vest at the store.  Picture when I wear it which should be soon if this weather continues.

My aunt brought me back a "tree of life" necklace from her trip to Ireland.  

While I spent HOURS on the phone dealing with the outstanding stuff, I "made" this picture.  Found the frame at the vintage store.  Tore a sheet of paper from a plant book and added a card I had that was envelope-less.  I think it turned out well.  Artsy and mismatched.  I like the shape of the frame -- it's long and narrow.  The picture angle doesn't really do it justice.  I enjoy being crafty and since I haven't done a lot of rock painting lately, this hit the spot.

I have a hair appointment today.  I usually learn something new from my hairdresser so I'm looking forward to the appointment.  She recommends something -- new coffee shop, book, vitamin, plant stand, etc.  It's kind of fun to see if something comes up. 

The afternoon is volunteer class prep and a little cooking.  

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

Blue Elephant

It was a good day.  Maybe I'm slowly getting my groove back.

Took Duke to the trail to run.  There was a cross country team of boys running the loop -- very fast.  They'd fly by us and then we'd slowly go by them while they recovered from their sprint lap.  I commented that Duke wanted to run with them (he pulled like crazy when they passed) because he thinks he's that fast too.  After that, they cheered him on every time they saw us.  Duke was SO HAPPY (it was fun for me too).  Good group of kids :)

Took my coaching call in the car again.  It was about feeling overwhelmed.  The take-away that came at the end (as it often does at the end) is feeling overwhelm is a sign of a full life.  I need to tweak my relationship with overwhelm.  It's not a sign things are going wrong, it's a sign things are going well.  Of course, both can be true, but serves me to focus on the one that is forward motion.

I decided to go to True Foods for lunch and eat outside (beautiful day).  I sat outside with a book, vegan meal and herbal iced tea -- felt "Asheville-like."  The table next to me were French speakers and the woman came over to ask me what I ordered.  We had a nice exchange.  Felt like a FS lunch.  

Good energy matches good energy.  I felt that yesterday.

Hit up a couple of stores for shower stuff -- mostly looking, but I found a couple of things for table decor.  I'll fill the little vintage cup with flowers.  It's Peter Pan collector welcoming the birth of Prince George.  The elephant is new from a boutique -- mama holding a baby.

Meeting my aunt for lunch today (at another vegan forward place) and checking out a boutique store she loves.  It's right next to a Trader Joe's -- yes!  Fall stuff coming my way.  Note to self -- you don't need any sweets.

Did I mention I got my monthly AGAIN on Saturday?   It's heavy and long this time.  Every 10 days to 2 weeks.  Not fun.

I have a bunch of chores to finish out the day.  Things are really tight lately -- lots of balls in the air, but it's good.  I need to remind myself.  THIS is my full life.

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

Favorite Day

It's my favorite day of the week in what looks like a good week.  I have a balance of social, free-time, volunteer stuff and appointments -- AND fall!  Who doesn't love the turn to fall weather?!?  (Maybe the lettuce plants, but they've had a good run.)

Brunch to celebrate my DIL's HBD was great -- good food and conversation.  I had my first PSL with locally made almond milk.  It was rich and delicious.  Dropped the grand-dogs off so our household feels easy again (until Thursday when we do it all over).  Slept in a cool room since it was in the 40s overnight -- 65 (vs usual 70) and I slept well.  Thank you, FALL.  

Typical GA story yesterday -- our brunch reservations were on an outside covered porch.  Since it got cooler, they plastic zipped sides and added heaters.  It was so warm for our "outdoor" seats on what was an incredibly, beautifully cool morning.  The south is very scared of temps below 70 lol.

Today is full of chores and errands -- neither of which I mind.  It's part of the balance of work and play this week.  I also have a coaching call.  Feels back-to-back, but the appointment availability has been wonky recently.  Not sure the topic today.  

Short catch up this morning.  Hope you're set for a good week.  Later gators.

Library Stack

Library pickup.  I didn't manage my reserved holds well -- I thought I was still long on the list for most.  6 books, no renewals, 2 weeks.  Can I do it?  Probably.

I finished Behind Closed Doors in one sitting.  Recommendation from my sister.  Sinister suspense book.  

I finished Be Your Future Self.  Mostly skim read this short book because I'm well versed in the ideas -- no new takeaways and I like how I think about FS a little better.  "My" way (from lots of sources) is a little more existential and a little less type A goal setting, but it was a good reminder.

I started The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store last night.  The writing is good and the story is interesting (I'm only 3 chapters in).

Outlive will definitely be a skim book too.  Frankly, first glance it looks boring and longwinded.  I listened to a podcast with the author.  Good use of the library -- aka FREE.  I thought it was worth a look.  I'll report more once I give it more than a passing glance, if it even holds my interest for a skim.

Two other fiction reads after that.  I have my other holds suspended ... just in case that list gets super short again.  Technically a reader can have 3 weeks (one to pickup and 2 to read) ... or they can suspense (or remove) themselves or it can be just a day to pick up and read and anything in-between.  It's hard to predict.  I've waited FOREVER when I'm 2nd on the list and gotten books when I was 10th just days before.  6 books since I didn't check my holds while we were in Asheville.  Rookie mistake.

Stuck at home with the grand-dogs so it should be a reading afternoon.  Hope you have a good Saturday.  Later gator.

Outnumbered

Last night was the beginning of 3 nights with our grand-dogs this weekend (we have them 4 nights next weekend too).  One has doggie dementia and one is a persnickety chihuahua.  We have our hands full -- especially getting 4 medications into the chihuahua twice a day.  Lord help us.  EVERYONE got up super early this morning because the medication comes with meat lol.  Meat excitement might be better than Christmas morning.

Life coaching yesterday was about FS stuff.  Take-away is "it's easy to be me."  I keep telling myself it's so hard to show up as myself.  That's not helping anything -- leaves me stressed and overwhelmed.  Switching the thought to "it's easy to be me."  Both are true -- why not pick the one that serves me best.

Volunteer training went well too.  I also had a fingerprint appointment.  This is moving along.

And then I snacked all night on chocolate and caramel.  Seriously?!?!?  I give up -- not really, but it feels like I should.  I have no words.  

I have coaching again on Monday.  This might be the topic.  I've coached on it before to no avail though.  Also, maybe it's time to explore HRT.  

Anyway ...

Today is a homebound day because of the grand-dogs.  

I have a library pickup -- 5 books.  Oops.  I finished this historical fiction.  It was enjoyable, but very lite on the actual history.  Obviously, historical fiction takes a lot of liberties, but based on the author's note, she took significantly more than I'd expect.  Fabricated juicy story lines with no basis -- usually there's some rumors in the day or something that the author chooses to expand on.  Nope, just made it up.  That's strange since it's about actual people and these were BIG liberties.  

I didn't want or expect to be up this early today.  I'm in a sugar coma and hoped to sleep later.  It's totally on me.  Long length of day ahead.  I'm hoping to salvage something and have a good day.  Oh, and I'm tossing the rest of the candy.

Later gators.

Nice

Productive and nice day.  Not a lot to report.  House is clean (sheets and toilets finishing up this morning).  Lunch by the river was nice with the dogs (Taco Tuesday).

Waiting for our tacos.

We had our neighbors over for a happy hour which was also nice -- they stayed a couple of hours.  

Nice was the theme of the day apparently or the only adjective I can use this morning.

Back to reality and a very full day tomorrow. 

I'm seeing spirts and fits of Future Self again and I'm building on that feeling.  Sometimes I lose her.  I definitely miss her. 

While the sheets wash, Duke and I are taking a long exploration walk.  "Walk until the day becomes interesting."  Taking this literally today.  A FS mantra. 

Later gators.

Asheville Groove

Back in the Asheville groove.  Yesterday was a good day.  Today is a little more "work" focused, but still time for fun.  Here's a recap with a few pictures.

Cute glass pitcher with some TJ's flowers.

Spoon rack from flea market.
My aunt gave me tons of old spoons.

New read for the teahouse.

Everything is GF.  Avocado toast for lunch.
Waiting for chai -- good table number.
Walked through a used bookstore after lunch.

Lobster nachos -- hubby's dinner.

Halibut, carrots and forbidden rice for me.

We also walked up the mountain -- no pictures because dogs were enough to handle.  

Today is heavier cleaning, lunch by the river and happy hour with friends at our house.  We head home tomorrow but we have prep to do to get the house completely ready for our son and DIL.  

Hope your week is going well.  Later gators.