Happy Halloween

Duke and I had a nice short run and walk through the wood trails. I collected fallen leaves for a vase arrangement and to use to decorate a hostess gift for tomorrow. I also put painted rocks and some Halloween finger puppets in the kids' LFL at the park. 

Did a trial run for the Christmas table favors this year. More details soon. It's going to be cute. I made yarn hats for candy last year and dried citrus for ornaments. I'm going to do the citrus again this year with the new craft.

This new craft prompted some crafting supplies included a glue gun. I had one years ago and then had no use for it. This one will come in handy. I probably should have ordered burn cream too. It's inevitable. 

I'm hiking with my friend today and she's bringing a friend along. She chose a hard hike and one that I'm not completely comfortable leading, but I'm totally up for it. I decided I needed to use my Apple Watch more to its capabilities and ended up subscribing to FootPath for hiking. Mapped the route, real time turn directions. I watched a few videos and decided on FootPath instead of AllTrails or WorkOutDoors. It's easy to use. I like that I can prep things on my computer first. The app has a free version, but I subscribed to get the real-time navigation. This trail system is large and getting lost isn't a little thing. All set for the hike now and a little nature time.

I bought the day pass and added to my digital wallet only to find out I bought a year pass last spring. Geez. I knew I had a yearly pass to another park system that I use regularly, but forgot I bought this one. I almost purchased the year pass again today -- my sad little memory is on the struggle bus.

Hanging out with a few neighbors for Halloween -- easier to give out candy from the street. It's fun to see the kids too.

It appears the rest of the week's plans are holding and confirmed. Maybe there is no jinx lol. {knocks wood]

I watched Woman of the Hour on Netflix. It's short and based on a shocking real story. I thought the movie was a little boring though -- maybe it was a little too short. I don't know. Something was a bit of a meh for me. 

Books are another meh for me. I'm slowly reading one and was ready to let it go (220/600 pages) and it turned at 250 mark. Hopefully that was the start of a fast paced thriller -- there was so much set up to the story that it was feeling flat. I also have 2 library reads going and a re-read on a non-fiction. More on these once I finish. It's mostly a me problem, not a book problem. It's hard to concentrate with the election looming so I'm jumping all over the place. 

That's all from here. Have a Happy Halloween. Later gators.

I Spoke Too Loudly

Well, well, well ... the cancelation gods heard my whispers. 

We had couples plans for a picnic at a mountain winery with friends (the one who changes/cancels regularly). Her idea. Her push. I prepped and cooked for the picnic (of course I did). They had landscapers no-show and reschedule for today. Late last night she texted that they would "probably" be able to meet us later in the afternoon if all went well with the landscapers. 

Nope. We aren't on-call for plans today. What if they're late or take longer? What about saying that today isn't a good day to reschedule boulder delivery? Both hubby and I turned down other plans to schedule today. Frustrating as all get back. We won't reschedule this particular plans with them. Not worth the trouble. 

I bought food and snacks geared for them. I cooked and prepped. What a waste of time. Neither hubby and I have any interest in still going -- we were doing it for them. It's a long drive (90 minutes each way) for us and we don't drink wine. We were going to purchase a couple of bottles to take home because we were spending the afternoon there, but it's not very good wine.

We had this date for weeks and have been trying to plan this since the spring (at her request). It's so dang frustrating to me.

I'm not sad to have today to fuss around for myself but upset at the work that was a waste of time and money. Okay, rant over. UPDATE: See below ... rant not over lol.

I hiked yesterday. Mixed reviews. I got stuck with a woman who was a Chatty Cathy the first half of the hike (all political talk), but then we switched up and I enjoyed the company for the last half. The pace was comfortable and the weather was great. There's a rock "snake" at the beginning of the hike so I added to it. It's gotten a little washed away after the storms, but it's getting filled back in again.

I'm taking Duke to the park this morning. Not a full run because tomorrow is set to be a hard hike and I need to have fresh legs. Of course, now I'm leery about plans for the rest of the week. Start on the cancelation highway and it all goes to hell hah! Today is cancelation #2. So do I modify today for who knows what tomorrow??? Guess my rant isn't quite over. Simple idea -- do what you say you are going to do. Obviously, within reason and sometimes things need to change, but when it changes for shitty reasons and you've gone to a lot of trouble -- I don't take it well. 

That's part of the reason I'm feeling a pull to more of a small group dynamic. More stable plans. 

Okay, this time the rant is really over.  And now I have nothing more to chat about. Geez. Off to plan something for today. I can make it a fun day if I set that intention and follow through AND stop ruminating over what happened. 

Later gators.

Random Chat

Yesterday was a good day. Lunch was better than I expected. Sometimes conversation with this friend is a little bit forced, but we had a nice time -- maybe we're finding our stride outside of dog fostering. She gave me more vintage Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew books. Did you know Agatha Christie wrote 66 detective novels? I had no idea (until I googled, because I now own over 30 of them).  

Plans are sort of holding up this week. Thursday and Friday keep changing, but as soon as something cancels, something else comes on the calendar. I'm still not completely sure what's what, but I'm going with the flow (which is not my usual, as you might know). I'd like to think I'm evolving, but I think it's more that I have enough other stuff this week that I don't care as much.

I made 2 new recipes out of a local vegan cookbook (where I went to lunch on Saturday). Tofu quinoa dish and a chickpea spinach patty. Both are good and something different. I needed a break from veggie soup. I also started Halloween cookies to take on the picnic tomorrow -- chocolate chip cookie base with chopped up candy. Not GF on purpose so I'll stay clear. I'll bake them today. The cookie dough is where I struggle -- it's so good and that's why I made them with regular flour.

I'm feeling less gluten-ed (my foot feels better), but I have a rash under my eye. Why? Because it's always something lol.  Red, swollen, itchy. Hopefully, it goes away on its own. It started yesterday and is worse this morning. I don't think it's shingles (no zaps), but I guess I'll know soon enough. It's on my other eye, not the eye that likes to have shingles.

I painted rocks to leave at a kids' LFL tomorrow.

Trying new glasses out. My readers are getting wonky from use and abuse so I'm starting to wear regular glasses more. It has a distance RX for driving -- like my sunglasses. I wanted to see how they looked from the side. I like them -- dark navy with gold trim. More driving in the dark these days and sunglass won't cut it.

Today I have a hair appointment and an evening hike. I'll regret that hike decision this afternoon, but I'll enjoy it and then I'll be really happy that I did it. Fall evening hiking is really nice -- cool, sun is low, woods are pretty with the light and leaves. Why can't I skip the regret part? It's like travel anxiety. Keeps coming. I do the thing anyway, but it insists on showing up.

I'm kind of in a grumpy mood this morning. I'm not sure why. I have a little arm workout before my appointment and I'll do a meditation after. Maybe that will help. My mind is focusing on the negative. Nice hike today and I'm annoyed that I'll dread it this afternoon. Piling on the negative with a negative.

But enough of that.

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Fun Week Ahead

I feel a lot better this morning. Why did it take so long to realize the gluten issue?

Yesterday was fun. We had a really nice brunch (loved baby time -- he's such a happy little boy). We also did a bunch of family planning. Worked out Thanksgiving. Made plans for Christmas. Made plans for a family vacation to the beach. Finalized plans for this weekend. Added date to watch baby overnight in November. Made family plans for a football afternoon.

Best plans? I'm invited to my Dil-2-B's wedding shower with her family in Philly in December. Yea!

A bummer is my eternity band dropped a stone. Have to make a special trip downtown to the jeweler -- hopefully this week. 

I hiked in the late afternoon and it was fast. We jogged part of it (I wasn't in the right shoes though). Enjoyed the fall evening and the company. Registered for another evening hike on Tuesday, but it's not as fast. Also, joined an all women's hiking group. It's a little wonky in the organization, but I hope I can figure it out. It's a closed FB group which bums me out -- I'm trying to stay clear of FB, but preference vs rules again. Feels good to curate a hiking "life."

Start of the hike

Water released from manmade
lake to support river flow.
All creeks were completely dry.

I have a lunch with a friend today and a big grocery shop. I'm making a couple of new recipes from a local restaurant vegan cookbook this week. Might do a Trader Joe's AND Whole Foods.

This week is really full -- not busy, just full of good things. I'm really pumped for it and I'll feel back to my normal self as the gluten gets out of my system. Great weather. Fun plans. The weekend was all about "how can I live this now" and I'm curious to keep that filter for the rest of the week. Lots of opportunity. 

When I was heading to the hike, on a beautiful afternoon, listening to music ... I realized that was living part of that future day visualization. I needed to notice it. I'm paying attention and noticing this week.

Hope you're off to a good start. Later gators.

It's Gluten

Yesterday was a good day. We hiked 3 miles and then walked to a luncheon soup cafe (it's total Asheville vibes) and finished at a local coffeehouse. Great conversation and plans already in the works for January. Looks like the group is hanging on ... barely, but I'll take it.

I made a discovery. I've been feeling crappy the past couple weeks. Joint aches, foot pain (like way back when I was eating gluten), swollen, moody. Remember I said I was stress eating junk? Remember how I ate regular wedding cake twice this month? Turns out said junk food -- granola and a granola bar that my hubby gets from Costco -- are made with oats, but 2nd ingredient is wheat. He used to get GF ones and switched up. I never looked at the label and normally don't eat them so it never occurred to me there was gluten. THIS is why I feel ancient and sad.

My gluten foot pain is really specific and that prompted me to look at the labels. Good lord. But it's good news. I have no desire for those snacks now AND I'll feel better soon. Lesson noted.

We are heading to brunch to celebrate my DIL-2-B's birthday this morning. It'll be a nice family gathering. We haven't all been together in a long bit. We were at the wedding, but split up every time we gathered. We need to chat Thanksgiving AND I need some baby time.

I have an afternoon hike at 4 o'clock which will be fun. 5 miles fast (sometimes she runs part of it). I think my foot will hold up. I signed up as part of getting back to myself again. I CAN do 2 things in a day. I CAN hike later in the day. Sometimes my preferences become rules and I'm trying to be aware when they become too rigid. 

Looks like a fun week ahead. I hate to say it too loudly because that cues the cancel gods. It's a big social week. Lunch (with more vintage books), picnic at a winery, Halloween neighbor gathering to give out candy, dinner party invite and a big group going to my aunt's art show. Serious social week by my standards. I don't expect any cancelations, i.e. nothing is giving off that cancel vibe. Sometimes I get a feeling and I don't have that feeling {said quietly, just in case}.

It's also great weather. Temps are back to seasonal and I want to get some outside time. No hikes on the books yet, but at least one run at the park. I'll look at the calendar and see if I can add on something in the afternoon.

Hope you have a good Sunday. Later gators.

Is 2025 the Year to Gather?

I had so much fun at the library volunteer shift. First hour was quiet, just read and picked out a few books for my grandson and a book for hubby. You earn between $7.50 and $9 in books each shift. I ended up giving $2 since I took 4 board books. It felt right to pay for them because those always sell well (50 cents each). The rest of the shift was busy and fun to talk books with kids and adults.

No need to fear spiders lol

Speaking of talking books ... bookclub hike today and there are 3 (plus me) signed up to come. I'm excited and I hope this means the bookclub is back in business. I'll suggest another meetup in January, after the holidays since we can only meet on the weekends. Trying to breathe life into this group because I really enjoy the women. Smart, interesting, kind. It's a good group.

Speaking of groups ... a member of the local Camino chapter posted about doing some regular hikes at a local mountain. I put my name into the hat because these are the type of people I want in my life. I know the local chapter is inclusive and kind. It feels like a safe place to be with people during a hard time in this country. Support and community are what is going to get us through this -- more important than ever.

Speaking of community ... I had an idea yesterday and I really love it. I've wanted to host a bookclub that meets twice a year to chat books. I'll host each time if no one else wants a go. There will be a theme (favorite childhood books, or mysteries, or favorite books ever, etc). There will general book talk and take home book things and a lunch. I've had this idea since 2019 and it was on my list for 2020. We know how that went. The problem is I cleaned house over the pandemic and I don't have enough friends who read, whose schedules coordinate, who have an interest. Dang. 

Here's my idea. Instead of a bookclub (for now), I'll do a garden club at my house. I'll have seeds and information. We can exchange garden tips and plan our spring gardens. Since GA has an early growing season, we can do this in February when schedules are easier and planning starts. I absolutely love the idea and I think I have enough gardening friends with similar schedules to make this work. Meeting with a purpose, solving a problem, offering community and garden support. Stay tuned.

I got the idea from Priya Parker -- gather to solve a problem. A problem solution entices people to come. Since most of my friends are occasional readers (not avid readers), I didn't think a book lunch would interest them enough to make an effort. But gardeners love tips, and seeds, and a push to get the garden ready, etc. This type of gathering should fill a need. 

I'm sensing a gathering theme for 2025. I'm taking Priya Parker's class in January and I hope this spurs me to host and gather more. For a few years, I've wanted to socialize one-on-one for the most part. This year I've had a pull to gather in small groups (that community pull), but I don't have small groups of friends. I have an individual friends that don't necessarily share interests or schedules. I've invited a few together to do craft things, etc, but it hasn't worked out. I'm looking (and trying) ways to gather them and add to my community.

Dinner parties aren't interesting enough to me (at least how I traditionally have hosted). I'm excited to get creative and gather with intention. 

Have a good Saturday. Later gators.

Sweet Potatoes?

Well, the sweet potatoes were a dud. The yield is less than the sweet potato that started it all lol. It really needed a lot more time. I can see where potatoes had started but didn't get to maturity. That said, chopped these guys and used them in a veggie bean stew. It was a fun process and I might visit it again at some point if I ever have a bigger garden.

I put together a Halloween treat for a little one (bag has animal finger puppets -- drawing is a coloring page that I sketched from a picture).

I'm looking forward to the volunteer shift at the library today. Forcing me up and out the door this morning is a good thing. I need to get my butt in gear -- I've been stress junk eating and it's catching up to me. Turning that around today. Someday I wish (want, hope) to not have to do so many turn arounds or start-overs. It's less frequently and less intense (although this one was a bit of a fall), but it's annoying that I don't have a better way to deal with stress. 

The weekend is set to be fun and that's another reason I need to get my butt in gear. More on this tomorrow because I need to get my old man dog up and going so I can get out the door -- he loves to sleep in until the sun comes up. Sweet little man.

Have a good day. Later gators.

The Good, The Bad

Good morning. This week is a 50-50 kind of week. 

First -- best news. I'm cleared from all concerns. The lab work and ultrasound matched and I'm not in menopause, nor do I have anything wrong. Phew. I expected there was nothing wrong, just a snapshot at the wrong time. That said, it could have been something, and I'm not stupid so I followed up. And a bonus, the appointments moved so much faster this time. It wasn't the same 4+ hour experience.

I'm plugging along with meetings and such this week. Those are going so-so. My volunteer position with juvenile court is ramping up now and it's prickly. I had a meeting yesterday and a meeting tonight. Taking a 180 turn, I'm volunteering at the library tomorrow (opening shift, my first). So easy and fun, plus I get to "buy" a few books.

Biggest yuck of the week is stress from the election. Now that early voting has begun, I'm absolutely terrified that the orange f*%k gets in office. It's freaking me out. 

Hubby is in Paris safely and secured my favorite chocolate from France -- marshmallow bears. It's second only to one specific fresh strawberry chocolate in Switzerland for overall favorite. It's going to be a nice Halloween for me -- trick or treat in style. The timing wasn't planned, but it worked out well.

I decorated this little jar with Washi tape. It was hard to get it to match up, but you can reposition it as much as you need. Filled with oregano from the garden.

I'm pulling sweet potatoes today. I don't expect much (or anything). I didn't plant early enough and I let them spread too much (I think). Energy into leaves and not roots. It was a fun experiment, but not sure if I'll use that garden real-estate again for sweet potatoes. 

I shared jalapeños yesterday -- I can't eat them all. I might be sharing greens soon too. Beans are hanging on and peas are going too. Both need to plant a little earlier for fall, but I'll plant in the spring too.

I tried a zero proof sparkling wine recommended by Kyle Richards and it was just okay. I have a big bottle to use for the shower and I won't order again. The bottles are beautiful though. I tried the rose and the regular -- slight difference, but neither was particularly good. They have sort of metallic taste to me.

That's all from here. I have a day at home gardening, cooking, and chores before an intense meeting tonight. I'm happy to have a home-body day. Later gators.

Back Home

That concludes the October wedding guest travel.

We had a great time. Saw lots of old friends. Spent time with the kids. Enjoyed the NY mountains on a perfect fall weekend. Wedding was fancy -- excellent food, good table mates. Only downside was not very danceable music. Kids said the same so it wasn't just me who's become extra daft at dancing. That was 2 weddings with hard-to-dance music. 

Next wedding is my son's. Oh boy. It's getting close. 

Beautiful night for the wedding

Walking around

Heading to the walking bridge
over the river

Best GF pizza

GF tacos

I'm relatively settled for the week. Unpacked, errands run, VOTING FINISHED, and set for hubby to leave for Paris this morning. He has a long travel day with a connection out of NY.

I have a gyn appointment this afternoon and hopefully the last tests to clear me of any concerns. I made a morning appointment after such a long wait last time and they changed the time to the afternoon again. Dang. It'll be there for another 4 hours.

I have a full week and weekend. Not overly full or too busy, but a steady week with volunteering stuff and a weekend with social fun. Since I'm solo this week, I want to make some reflection time and quiet time. Journalling, meditation, crafting. I feel a need for a mental reset. I have stuff on my mind that's making me feel out of sorts. There's family stress and election stress and a friendship stress -- it's all swirling and I need to recenter. 

Anyway, time to ponder this later. Hope you're having a good week. Later gators.

NY or Bust -- Wedding Time

Yesterday wasn't as smooth as I planned.

Lots of add-on crap -- from volunteering stuff to dogs to kids to garden. Of course, I didn't sleep well. Woke up to go to the bathroom and that was all the sleep I got. I KNOW I'll have a good trip, but the lead up to travel is crap. I wish I could figure out a way to stop fussing. 

Sleep is so tender for me right now and losing a good night the night before adds to the problem. More specifically, adds to my worry that I'm not getting sleep, then I'll get rundown, then I'll get sick .... then, then, then. So much fuss and the fuss IS the majority of the problem. Got to love the mind.

But, I'm going into this trip with a FS focus. Looking at today and asking "how can I live this now." The question works surprisingly well and directs my mind for good (not evil hah). Gives my mind something positive to focus on. If I can figure that out for the middle of the night -- huge win.

Anyway.

I picked up the pottery from the class two weeks ago. Class moved to the day before last trip and pickup moved to the day before this trip. Neither timing was ideal, but I'm glad I took the class. Learned some stuff, hung with a friend and have a cute little bowl to show for it. It's a berry bowl, but I'll probably use it for trinkets or decoration. 

The base color is a mix of bright yellow and cream. I had no idea how bright it would end up, but this is the shade I wanted -- soft yellow. It's rimmed in white sparkle but you couldn't see the difference in the glazes when painting -- especially with the low outdoor lights so I had no idea if it would look rimmed. But it works. Happily homespun looking. The blue dots are blueberries :)

That's all I have time to chat about this morning. Another super early flight with the add-on of picking up kids. See you Monday for a recap of the trip. Have a good weekend. Later gators.

List Time

Time for a list :)

(1) I'm still fighting a little cold or something mild. I started taking 100mg of zinc daily. It's the only proven supplement to help reduce duration and severity of a cold. Worth a try. I feel good until about 7 o'clock at night -- then I need a little cold med to sleep. I haven't felt any worse and I'm totally fine the rest of the time. Who knows how it would progress without the zinc though -- so hard to know if it's actually helping.

(2) Fitness hike with a friend yesterday. She's been working out and is up for some harder hikes. It was an absolutely perfect fall day.

Big old turkey -- hard to see.

(3) Speaking of hikes, we're set for a NY hike this trip. I enjoy finding outdoor time when we travel and I can't pass up a crisp, cool day in the northeast. 

(4) Still speaking of hikes, we're set for a bookclub hike the following weekend. I'm really, really trying to breathe some life into the club again. I want to brainstorm a few ideas for next meetup to get that tentatively in the works. I heard somewhere, best way to make next plans is to plan during current plans -- make sense?  We won't set an actual date, but we can talk about what we want to do. I'm happy to organize. 

(5) And a final note on hikes, the hiking club has been really quiet. Mostly new leaders posting short hikes. I wonder if something happened and leaders jumped ship. Still looking for a hike to get back to the group. 

(6) Packing day. I'm not as frantic as I usually am since this week has been easy and I basically packed for the exact same trip 2 weeks ago. Rinse and repeat.

(7) Picked this book for the plane ride. Quintessential fall book.

Finished this book -- such a pretty cover. It was a fun, quick read. 

(8) Got influenced on a couple of things. First up, a candle heater so no need to use a flame. It works so well and melts evenly. Great for candles that burn wrong and no need to put on a foil collar. 3 heat settings and a timer if you want.

Pine tree -- a little early in
the season, but I like it.

Zero-proof sparkling "wine." Real Housewife rec. I ordered for the spa day because 2 of us won't drink alcohol that day.

(9) Speaking of spa day, part of the gift bags are little trinket jars that I'm filling with DIL favorite candy. Got these on amazon. I have others coming from Etsy. I got a few others I returned because they were cheap and tacky looking. Lots more details coming as I plan for the January party.

(10) First frost last night. I covered greens in garden so fingers crossed. Waiting for it to warm up before I take off the sheets. It's suppose stay above frost temps again for the next bit so hopefully the garden has a little more time.

That's all from here. I have a full day, but it shouldn't be a stressful full day, if you know what I mean. Lots to do before a very early flight tomorrow, but my list is ready.

Have a good day. Later gators.

Dodged a Sick Bullet, I Think

You know the feeling when you might be getting sick -- that was yesterday for me. Last time I got my period, I got sick. Hormones are no joke -- I'll say it over and over. I "think" I'm good today. Definitely taking some restful kind of days leading up to our trip this weekend. 

I have a challenging hike tomorrow, but I expect I'll be good to go after an easy day today. That's the last scheduled thing on the calendar for the week. 

Continuing with "what I'm tweaking for a new FS" -- the construction of my days.

Ever since the pandemic followed by my back injury, I pace my days. Mornings are productive and awesome up until about mid-afternoon. Then I run dry. Energy is low, motivation isn't inspired, sofa is calling. I want to change this up. It's going to be a slow roll so that it doesn't feel too much. Adding a few things into the later afternoon and evening. I started making a few evening commitments here and there (evening hikes, evening classes) and that's been good, but I want to extend it to home too.

Why? Because I want to learn that relaxation can be from other places. A little gardening, a little outside time, a little crafting, a little journaling, an easy errand. Some fun, some relaxation, some productivity. I have too many hours being a blob. Yes, the rest of my day is all the "good" things, but it's overall too much nothing-time. I want to build stamina back but not in a type-A way. Maybe time to cook dinner and set a place to eat (instead of snacking on the sofa) -- slow and intentional. I make a good lunch, but rarely take time to do that for dinner. Things like this. I expect it's going to make a big change doing small steps.

Going out is good, but it takes a lot of energy and messes with my sleep for the night. This is something different. A calmer energy. Reflective energy.

This fits into my new FS vision of a full life which is made of full days. Not full as in busy, but full as in satisfying, true to me. I think this will help with sleep too. (I need another word for vision -- that sounds too weird to me.) 

Vision

New FS

Image

2.0

Update

Focus

Not sure -- don't love any of them. Guess I'll keep thinking. 

That's all from here. I have a day of house puttering, cooking with garden veggies, and a few errands. My little bit of extra today is some afternoon journaling and a neighborhood walk. All easy and relaxing.

I'll add this picture of Duke. His new thing is to sleep under the blanket. He pushes off the pillow and gets snuggly. 

Tomorrow I'll chat about some new goodies. Searching for spa shower and wedding stuff and I'll share a few things. Later gators.

Unscheduled Monday

Welcome to a full and totally unscheduled Monday. I'm here for it. Lunch was relaxing and nice yesterday. Good conversation and a beautiful fall day. Today feels productive, but easy.

Instead of doing one long post about the FS tweaks I'm going to talk about it a little here and there. Why? Because I'm totally too lazy to do it all at once.

I mentioned focusing on creative projects yesterday and hosting with intention as a way to further connections. Leaning into both leans into this new vision of where I want to go.

Another combo focus is hiking. I invited myself into a Camino local chapter group. They hike once a month. Unfortunately, I can't make the 3 hikes remaining in the year. Dang -- away this weekend, my aunt's art show (and I'm taking 5 of us), and the weekend I'm babysitting my grandson (on the day I have him solo). Hopeful for next year -- although the next 4 months have a "can't miss" weekend so who knows. This group (and the leader, whom I've met several times) are the type of people who fit into my new self. Sounds a little weird, but their interests and values seem to be a nice fit. I want to meet more people who align this way and I won't meet them doing the same things I always do.

I also started the conversation about gathering our bookclub for a local hike and talk books. Waiting on one response before I put it out to the bigger group. Connection, nature, etc.

I invited a friend to hike this week -- we're going Wednesday. My hiking group has slowed down for some reason and I'm not matching on hikes. Taking matters into my own hands a little. Also nature and connection -- great combination.

Finally, I found a hike to do on our trip to NY. Nothing strenuous, probably similar to Boston. We have a lot of time to kill on Friday and Saturday so surely we have time to enjoy the fall weather again. Hubby and I have this corny saying ... "we are people who take the stairs." Meaning we want to find ways to be active and be intentional about it. It's easy to slow down and not even realize it. 

Creative projects and hiking -- using both these interests to move the FS needle. It's kind of exciting and it feels fun. I have to remember planning is good, anticipation is good, but ACTION is better. Sometimes my follow through is a little lacking and action is where the needle really moves.

Two more FS things to chat about -- structure of my day and gardening.

I've read a few meh books lately. Started this one last night and it seems promising to pull me out of a reading slump. If this falls short, I think I'll take a longer reading break -- it's me, not the books. Every book starts out strong and then I get bored about halfway and skim read to the end.

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

A Little Different Sunday

I have a little unusual Sunday. I'm heading to lunch with the girlfriend who had to cancel plans last week. Sundays are usually reserved for families, but we both had availability. I know I'll be confused about the day of the week all week lol.

The week ahead is relatively unstructured -- and actually kind of empty until Thursday (heading to NY for a wedding with the entire family -- minus the baby). I have things to do, but I could use some moments to refocus. Quiet, reflective time. Outdoor time that's not rushed (weather looks amazing). Possible first frost so I'll need to cover greens. Garden is close to ending for the season. 

A beautiful weather, quiet week and I want to take advantage of it. I've been asking myself "how can I be her now" or "how can I live this now" based on a new focus of future self. I want to lean into that this week. I'll report back on what I noticed. I find the more rushed my time, the less I lean into the things that make me feel good. Slowing down, present, noticing helps a lot to see moments to be her now. I missed a big moment last week because I was grumpy and rushed.

Grand dogs head home today -- very short visit and that was plenty. I love them, but it's SO MUCH work. The poodle got stuck behind the washer and drier within 15 minutes of being here. The chihuahua is fighting her meds. 4 little (crazy) dogs is too much -- at least we're used to our dogs, but the addition of 2 changes the dynamics exponentially (!!)

Cloud bed.

Happy in the yard.

There's a poodle in this picture.

Rescued.

An area I'm focusing a little harder on for this next year (aka future self evolution) is creativity. It helps me get in touch with myself and connect with others. Martha Beck's book comes out about anxiety and creativity next year too. This has been a little push to remind me how much I like tapping into my creativity -- and maybe helping anxiety too.

Here's a little rundown of some things in the works.

I ordered samples of peel and stick wallpaper for my workout room. It would be nice to cozy up the space. Part of living this now -- aesthetics play a role. If I don't like any of the samples, I'll frame them. There's a little cut out area that screams to be decorated. When the samples come, I'll take pictures to show you what I'm talking about. I don't want to repaint so it'll need to look nice with the current color. I have other ideas if the wallpaper doesn't work out. 

Another creative project slowly ramping up is the second wave of the garden space. The space behind the garden. I'd like to make a flower picking area for next year with a little path so they don't get stomped. I'll hire gardeners to do the work, but I need to plan the space. 

And, of course, I'm working on planning the spa shower and rehersal dinner early next year. It's time for the personal, creative touches. Host stress is very real for me and the dreams have already started (remember the baby shower!!!!). Priya Parker ("Art of Gathering" author) had a webinar on hosting. I attended and got sucked into signing up for her course on hosting with intention (discount from the webinar). It starts in January -- 7 weeks. Hosting (connecting) is another important part of what I want to grow next year. I think this course will serve me well -- I've learned and incorporated a lot of her ideas and they work well.

I also want to do another Christmas craft. Last year was dried citrus (doing it again) and little yarn hats for candy. I think I'm going to make picture ornaments from mason jar lids. I have one from almost 50 years ago of me and it would be fun to make for our grandson and engagement photos too.

Okay, dogs are swirling to go out -- best move it along. Have a good Sunday. Later gators.

Oh, That's Why ...

Apparently, most of my mood was because my monthly was on the way -- 32 day cycle. I'm almost positive there's no issue now. 2 out-of-town wedding weekends in October and I got my monthly smack dap in the middle. That NEVER happens. Travel is a period magnet. Feels like a nice win.

Hubby is back from Asheville. Long road ahead and long time before we can enjoy the area again, but our house and our neighborhood are in fair shape. Relief and sad at the same time.

I made my first journal/notebook at home. Easy kind to experiment. I'd do a couple things differently next time. Once the garden is finished for the season, it's back to crafting. Rock painting, journal making, embroidery. 

Also, cooked up a bunch of bush beans. Garden is still producing -- slowly since it's lost a lot of the sun, but the veggies are good. Tons of lettuce and greens, peppers and beans. Carrots will overwinter. 

Read this yesterday. Add a husband and family and this is the dream ...

Hubby restocked the LFL in Asheville -- only a few books left and reading is an easy option with no internet.

Grand dogs are on their way over. Only one overnight. Also, not bad timing. I don't feel great, so staying home isn't a horrible option. I have some garden to transition -- taking out greens from a container that got pests and planting garlic. Garlic takes 9 months to grow. See you in June if all goes well.

I never wrote about some of the changes that I'm making (things I'm doing). At some point, I'll chat about it -- I just forgot and I need time to organize my thoughts. My morning brain and morning mood haven't been on point this last week (hello, monthly). I'm excited about the changes and all the more important having Asheville off the table.

Hope you have a good weekend. Later gators. 

Mixed Bag

Hubby just left for Asheville. Our next door neighbor had a home invasion (break-in) yesterday afternoon -- had to fight off a man in her home. Police in Asheville saying this is happening frequently since many cameras and alarms are disabled. Our alarm is working again, but no cameras until internet is restored. The neighborhood is reeling from the break-in. It's a horrible feeling to not feel safe in your own home.

On a happier note ...

I had some good news yesterday. Labs back and I'm out of menopause levels which is positive news for my issues. Still need another ultrasound and appointment to discuss, but I interpret this result as I AM still in perimenopause so the last ultrasound result isn't as concerning. Also, testosterone is up. Next (and hopefully final) appointment in 2 weeks.

My grandson is an absolute delight and I had a fantastic day with him yesterday. 8 months is a really fun age -- so interactive but not crawling yet lol. Got some Granny time and I loved it. I think we'll be fine for the upcoming overnights in November and December.

That said, I'm really having a hard time today. I'm going to try and rally a little and do things that make me feel a bit better. Get outside, meditate, read, craft, eat well. 

I'm nervous about hubby traveling to Asheville -- his safety and what he'll find. Once we know what's what that might help me feel better. If all goes as planned, he'll be home by bedtime today.

Tomorrow starts a weekend with the grand-dogs. Wish me luck. 6 lbs of love and war lol -- don't let the sweet face fool ya. She's a chihuahua, through and through.

Later gators.

Watch Out

I'm rambling this morning. I'm sad and stressed and can't find my usual relief paths. Read at your own risk -- you've been warned lol :)

I decided to stop resisting life this week. I have no choice. Things are changing left, right, sideways. Trying to plan or control outcomes is not working. Resisting is making it harder (of course).

Every direction is stress. Every phone call is stress. Every text is stress. You get the idea. 

My "fun, de-stressor" stuff is getting canceled. I'm left to feel the feelings, or, in my case, eat my feelings. Dang wedding cake started me on the sweets highway. Getting off today. Sugar is absolutely the worst thing I can do for stress. Nice in the moment and then messes with sleep, energy, mood. Not my best decision.

Focusing on some good things (hopefully). Power came back on in Asheville last night. Hubby will drive there tomorrow to check on the house, reset stuff, bring supplies to neighbors, etc. Fingers crossed for a smooth, safe trip. 

Today I'm having a HBD lunch with my DIL and grandson and then babysitting for the afternoon. I'm looking forward to the day (but timing isn't great again because we're trying to get ready for Asheville and I'm going over in the morning which nixed my park plans). These plans were a last minute change and I didn't want to say no because I'll love spending the day with them.

This is where the not resisting comes in. I planned to go to the park because a run/walk outside is a mood boost for me (and I need it), but it's not going to work now (not enough time between sun up and leave time). Letting it go -- Peloton will be good enough. I have a lot to do today and I'll be late getting home -- it's okay, everything will get done. Focus on this nice day with family instead.

I'm trying to not get caught up in every else's issues too. There are a lot of them. 

I'm trying to not focus so hard on the negative details, on things going wrong. There is a lot going well, but my mind loves a drama.

I'll finish this ramble with 2 pictures. Heartbreak for Asheville and a little quirky moment. 

Inside of one of my regular antique markets
in Asheville. River flooded the entire area.

New way to cut a sandwich
and I'm here for it.

Mixing the good with the heartbreak with the normal with the moving forward. Again, I know how lucky I am and I have perspective and I still have some hard feelings too.

We're waiting to hear how family and friends in Florida faired overnight from Milton. Hopefully, good news. A few evacuated and those who stayed are inland. Hope you are safe and well. Later gators.

Hello

We're home. It was a fun weekend. First up was a hike at Moose Hill. We got lost and had to use GPS to find our way back (one wrong turn). I slid down a hill on my back because of so many acorns I couldn't get traction (luckily, no back injury). It was beautiful weather and a beautiful trail.

Climb to overlook

Fall in Boston

Insect house

Park lodge

Our hotel was near 2 of our favorite Virginia staples and we did lunch and dinner, respectively.

The wedding was beautiful. We had a nice table with good conversation. Morning wedding and reception and then a dinner event at my friend's house. It was nice to share this day with my friend -- keeping connection is important to me. We had a long chat about the weekend yesterday too. 

Flight home was a bit wonky. Take off stopped to go back to gate and kick 2 families off for behavior issues. Massive construction on the drive home. I was tired Sunday evening. 

Can't complain one bit. Very glad we had this weekend.

We are still so upset about Asheville and now another monster hurricane to hit FL. We have family who are evacuating. This will also pull recovery resources from Asheville (of course). No power, cell or water still at our house and no time frame for any of it.

I have perspective on how lucky we are, but I'm also really sad about the loss of our mountain retreat this year. It is a lot of heartbreak for everything. And, let's add the election worry to the mix. Geez. It's a hard time. And, I'm fine -- I know. Both can be true.

Quick little wedding tidbit. Seat assignments were in little bud vase and we got to keep them. Someone gave me theirs too. I filled them from the last of my garden flowers. This idea is going to make it's way into the spa decor.

I have a lab draw for hormones today. Checking on the testosterone levels and hoping to see a results that indicate no need for a biopsy. We'll see.

Have a good Tuesday. Later gators.