Big Day Just in Time

The weekend was so, so nice. Perfect amount of time. Great conversation, easy drive. Two excellent meals (didn't expect good food). The rental was charming second floor of a Craftsman house in the university neighborhood -- host had so many welcoming touches. Easy walk to shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. 

We took an uber the 2 miles to downtown. Walked around, stopped for music at a couple of bars. It was still the "day" bands and they were good. Dinner with live music too -- and it wasn't too loud so we could talk.

The podcast event was excellent -- much better than I expected. They didn't talk about the book at all. Lots of activism information, deep thoughts, thoughtful audience questions. Their daughter played music to start and end. We sat in the same row as their extended family who were there for the last night. It was PRIDE weekend too and Nashville showed up. 

It was a great reset. I don't have many pictures, but here's what I took.

Donated their entire tour proceeds
to help immigrant children

Tish

Tish's music blasting
just ahead of the start

00 beer -- always available
in bars now. My friend tried
one for the first time.

Classic Nashville venue

I started a book recommended by a bookclub friend and it's amazing. Such a thought provoking book. Found me at a perfect time. More on this soon. Spent a couple hours Sunday morning reading. Loved starting the day that way (my friend isn't a morning person). In bed with a cup of tea, reading, thinking, peaceful (i.e. no dogs bugging me lol).

Today is a BIG, BIG day for us. Closing on the old house. Walk through yesterday went "very well" according to the realtors. Everything is done and ready for today. Phew. That was a long 6 months. Another house in our former neighborhood just went on the market and 2 more are expected soon. I would've been freaking out over this information if we hadn't been under contract. 

We're celebrating with an early dinner using a gift card from the realtor when we purchased this house. It's a casual, okay place, but free works. Not somewhere I'd choose, but not somewhere I'd be upset going either. 

It's a strange schedule week. Last day of June on a Monday. Hubby's birthday. July 4. I'm all mixed up before the week even starts. This week is going to require me to step up into some Little Blue House moments with my own momentum which feels a little sparse this morning. I want to add some fun too. More on this later.

I slept in and need to get moving. The garden is ripe for a good harvest today. P.S. The word 'harvest' is such an overkill word home gardeners use, and I totally agree. Yet, harvest I shall -- haha. It's fun to pretend to be a farmer. 

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

Nashville Bound

Heading to Nashville with my girlfriend to see We Can Do Hard Things book tour. Such a nice birthday gift from her. It's a quick overnight -- probably around 30 hours away, but it's so nice to be a passenger on the trip. All the planning and organizing was done for me. Be packed and ready for pickup on Saturday is my only marching order.

And, I'm completely in the life is 50-50 mode. Feeling the love from a number of friendships and feeling strange about others. I had 2 interactions this week with long time friends that felt really off. Why are friend relationships so difficult for me in this phase of life? Is it me? 

I listened to a coaching call and a woman was coached after listening to my coaching problem from last call. She could relate and wanted help with a similar situation. I guess I'm not the only one with this kind of friend problems. The coach shared a similar issue from her life too.

Hubby came home from an extremely long travel day with lots of weather delays. (I have the birthday chocolate bears ready for eating next week.) I know he was tired and frustrated, but we ended up arguing about the kitchen junk drawer. WTH. I went to bed sad and had sad dreams all night. The combination of these strange friend interactions and the argument with hubby made me feel lonely. I was looking forward to catching up with him -- about his week and my birthday week. We talked on my birthday for under a minute. We had bad phone connections and couldn't get calls to connect -- just a few texts went through. 

See -- 50-50. Headed on a fun trip. Another friend dropped off a super thoughtful gift on my porch yesterday. Ran into another friend yesterday and we have plans to get together after the holiday. 

Yet, I focus on the sad interactions. Still feeling sad this morning. I'll need to table this feeling so I don't shadow the trip. 

I feel like there's a lesson somewhere in this for me. I've looked at my side of these things and I don't think it's me -- none of the issues are the same BTW. I don't mean to blame "them" -- just saying that it seems like they have stuff to work out that's bleeding on their interactions. Could this be a blind spot for me? Maybe, but I don't think so. Guess I carry on and see what happens.

Anyway ... dogs up and I need to get moving. Have a good Saturday. Later gators.

It was a HAPPY Birthday

My birthday was a happy birthday. 

Brunch was a lot of fun. My grandson is a delight and he was in a great mood -- he loves a brunch :) It's a good time of day for him -- so happy and NOT sleepy lol.

I started a few book category covers. Making the covers is the easy part. Categorizing the books is proving to be harder than I expected. I might decide to simplify. A little trial and error before I get this a way that works. Maybe broader categories. TBR fiction. TBR non-fiction. Then book covers for the READ shelves: Self Help, Fiction, Nature, etc. -- looking for some creative names. Trying to micro categorize the TBR might be a mistake.

Garden is making me happy too. Beans, snow peas, 2 kinds of cucumbers. More today. I made a quick bean dip and used the vegetables for dipping for dinner. I also shared a couple of cucumbers with the kids. Sharing is one of the biggest joys of gardening. I don't know why, but it makes me so happy to give and receive garden fresh goodies -- vegetables, herbs, flowers.

I pulled off the hike last night -- as did most of the list. A couple people hiked but had to cut it short because thunderstorms moved in -- I would've been drenched getting home. Good call for me. And, yea, no morning watering.

I'm hiking and lunching with my DIL's mom today. Then I have a marketplace pickup of some toy trucks -- 5 trucks for $10 plus the little people. Winner.

That's all for the day. I have a quiet late afternoon and evening and I'm going to enjoy it. Full day on Friday and then the weekend in Nashville so a relaxing evening is just what I want. More storms brewing for tonight calls for early pjs and sofa cuddles with the dogs.

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Happy Birthday to Me

The hike and brunch were really nice. It's still not the hike I'm looking for, but the brunch made up for it. A little pre-birthday celebration too. Giving myself an occasional Tuesday to hike outside the group seems like it will do the trick to find a better balance.

Another delicious salad ...
"Breakfast Salad"

I ran a bunch of errands and went to the house to pickup my plant stand and clean the toilets. Maybe my last time at the house? While I can't wait to be rid of the responsibility and expense of the house, there were a lot of great memories. The goodbye was bittersweet.

Woke up this morning to my dog having thrown up all over the carpet. Fun times lol. Happy birthday to me :)

Big risk of storms this evening so I'm not sure about the hike. Should I pull off? I'll wait until I'm back from brunch with the kids to decide. The downside to an evening hike is what comes of a workout this morning. Do I ... don't I? I planned a long walk with my dog (but he's throwing up) and the hike in the evening. I'll have to give it some thought. My mood requires something today.

More cucumbers yesterday and I used the basket my sister gave me for the first time. Says "Granny's Garden" on it. 

I hit my sunglasses with a door that didn't stay opened and it smacked my broken nose. Back to square one and it hurts. Hard to wear glasses again. Dang. Feels like I'm a walking accident lately.

I started the planning phase of a book organization. I don't have enough shelves to dedicate to groupings and they will vary over time. I'm thinking about putting a paper cover on old hardbacks and labeling them. They'll stand up right and can be moved as the book distribution changes. Thinking about claiming books from LFL for this -- ones that are old and no one will be interested in taking (we all know the ones). This will take a minute, but a fun project. 

First I need to make a sample to see if it works. Do I remember how to cover a book? Flash back to grade school. Then I'll group the books and start collecting LFL books for labeling. Guess this will be a project over time rather than an afternoon. Tackling my read books after the TBR. 

If I don't hike this evening, I'll play around with the sample cover. I made a list of group names with a little twist to make it fun.

Time to get gardening. Have a good day. Later gators.

Last Day of 54

The hike was just what I needed yesterday. I'm really glad I did it. Fast and fun. Only 4 of us so good conversation and felt like a group. It wasn't too hot or uncomfortable, but I was drenched by the end.

Our Tuesday group is hiking today and I'm struggling with the hiking part. We hike very slowly and only 5ish miles -- but still takes us over 2 hours. Lunch after and that's nice, but the combination is HOURS of time. I'm having a hard time wanting to commit the day. We rarely do anything challenging or different. The group is growing and I don't like that as much either. It's starting to feel not a cohesive group while we hike.

That said, I want to stay connected and stay friends with the group. I've been troubleshooting a solution. I tried thinking about the hike differently. Just a social day that's adds a walk through the woods. The problem is the time involved. I can only be gone so many "all day" kind of things (because dogs and hubby). Now that summer is here and we're hiking earlier, it's difficult to hike extra or workout before -- that's been my solution most Tuesdays.

What I'm experimenting with next is not hiking every week. I already told the group I'm not available next week and I'm planning to solo hike instead. July is a weird scheduled month with lots of morning appointments and other things that will make it hard to hike other days. I'm taking 3/5 Tuesdays and hiking solo. This might be the balance solution. Seeing the group 2 or 3 weeks a month might be enough to stay connected AND give me hiking days that fit better.

If I don't hike longer, harder hikes I can't stay in hiking shape for the club hikes that I like. This is why I specifically need to get hiking miles each week at a good pace. 

Fussing with the garden yesterday and found some poop on tomato leaves. I know what that means. The search began and I found him. Clipped the branch and tossed him into the woods. I didn't see others, but they camouflage so well. I'll keep a look out. They are fascinating and rather cute, but they do so much damage.

On a brighter side -- cucumbers have begun. I picked the first one yesterday and 3 more should be ready today. This delights me. 

Summers mean rushed mornings. Garden needs to be watered (no irrigation yet), dog walked, etc. All to leave the house for the early hike and brunch after. I can't fit in more mileage ahead -- simply not enough light hours before I need to leave. Last time I rode the Peloton before and my back didn't like that combination so I hesitate to try it again. 

Anyway ...

After the hike I need to go to the old house and check on things, move more garden stuff (last thing), and do a library return/pickup. That'll probably be the day because I won't go until later in the afternoon (need to come home to dogs first).

Speaking of books ... I have WAY TOO MANY books hitting right now. On the "possibility" list this week is organizing my TBR. There are so many books, I want to organize by type -- working on those categories. When I'm in the mood for X, look to this area. Is it enough to divide by genre? Not sure. Looking some other options, but not sure if it'll work. I also want to put a sticky note on them with a little reminder of why I bought the book. When it gets too far away from purchase, I forget and I sort of lose interest. It's a big, but fun project. Not sure I can fit it in this week. It's something I can't work on in fits and spirts. It needs to be a start-to-finish project AND I need to be in the mood to do it. 

That's all from here. Last day of 54 -- wow does time fly. Later gators. 

Birthday Week

It's birthday week. 

I didn't plan a secret birthday celebration this year. Nothing popped out and my schedule was up in the air with some house things. Instead, I'm having a "Little Blue House" week. Adding a sprinkling of the things that I want to focus on this year.

Hiking -- 4 times during this heat wave week. Fingers crossed. Long, fast, local hike this morning. 

Connection -- via birthday celebrations. Grateful for family and friends who are taking the time, making the effort to celebrate with me.

Gardening, crafting, books -- all ME things. Lots of solo time this week with hubby in Europe. 

Eating what makes me feel good -- I made two soups yesterday. Zucchini ginger and vegetable curry quinoa. Garden and farmer's market fresh veggies. Not exactly soup weather this week, but it's a delicious way to get my veggies. A few days of less processed carbs and way more veggies and I feel so much better. (Also, hormones are evening out.) Big stash for the freezer.

I'll add little treats this week too -- not sure what, but I'm on the lookout. Remembering fun and remembering for me to celebrate me. Mark the start of another year with intention. 

A little recap of the weekend ...

Dinner with the family was really nice. Loved playing with my grandson for the afternoon. Tapas dinner and walked for ice cream for dessert (they have GF cones and vegan vanilla).

I had a big chore list to finish ahead of this week -- productive and felt good to have it finished.

Bookclub was excellent. Four of us came. We have a plan for next month and we're pulling the group off of FB as the contact method. The conversation was incredible. Loved the local bookstore and the owner helpful and friendly. We had a table setup with a puzzle to do while we chatted. I didn't do the puzzle because I can't walk and chew gum, but 2 of the women finished it. A puzzle is a good idea to remember when people are sitting around a table talking. These are such smart, involved women and I learn every time I'm with them.

As for today, I have a long and fast hike. This hike leader is considered the fastest of the leaders. I'm a bit nervous about keeping up, but I know this trail well so I won't get lost. It's a small group (people dropped, probably the heat). I debated the hike, but the LBH focus (Little Blue House is getting long to type out) spurred the decision. 

Hope you have a good Monday. Later gators.

Thanks, Asheville

I found the Asheville "something" yesterday. 

I gave the mountain walk a go and it didn't disappoint (with the caveat that I'd stop if my back was bad). You know it's Asheville by the easy breathing up the mountain. It's what these mountains are famous for and you absolutely can tell the difference in the air as you walk up.

So funny

Left a rock

I planned a brunch stop as I got down the mountain but needed to re-route because of a bear. I love seeing bears. This one was a big guy and too close for comfort, but he turned the other way. They step off the hillside and you can't see them until they are right in front of you. Totally silent as they move through the mountain. Too close for a picture -- I needed to get out of the way.

Little Free Library message for my birthday. Also saw this plant stand and I'm thinking I want something like this eventually. For what, I don't really know, but it's so fun. Maybe for seedling giveaways when I use the grow room again next year. 

Asheville is crowded from the holiday -- I bet folks made it a long weekend. I skipped the brunch idea because line was to the street and walked downtown for chai. Grabbed a salad and soup at a vegan cafe on my walk back. Hello, veggies my friends.

Visit at my sister's was great. Babies are so, so tiny and adorable. My sister decided to make dinner instead of takeout -- it was delicious. She's a great cook and loves veggies. Got my veggies in yesterday.

I'm heading to the farmer's market this morning with plans to make vegetable soup on Sunday. I'm using the zucchini and squash from my friend too. I used up my freezer supply before the move. 

Hustle bustle this morning getting house ready and car packed. Downside of no garage and bears -- can't pack anything ahead. 

When I walked the mountain I decided to do a little walking meditation -- asked the walk to show me what to focus on this birthday year coming. It's a little woo-woo, but here's what I noticed and what came to mind as I walked. 

Saw friends walking and talking: CONNECTION

Saw a funny sign: REMEMBER TO LAUGH and HAVE FUN

Saw a fire hydrant painted in colors: YEAR OF COLOR

Walked by 2 people speaking Spanish: SPANISH STUDY

Sights, sounds, smells of the mountain: GET OUT IN NATURE

So many people out running: MOVE MY BODY

Pretty hidden flowers: PAY ATTENTION, BE PRESENT

Saw a man gardening and had a little exchange: LITTLE KINDNESSES

On the walk downtown, I passed a Little Blue House -- almost exactly what I picture in the FS visualization. Exact color, similar style, big garden in the back, little garden shed. Nice nod from the universe. 

I have afternoon plans with the family today and early dinner reservations -- first of the birthday week celebrations. I'm skipping the coffee stop on the way home since I'm going to the farmer's market before I leave and getting a later start. Having a couple of days without coffee is a good tastebud reset. 

Have a good Saturday. Later gators. 

Looking for the Asheville Vibe

Here are some random thoughts this morning (more random than usual). 

Drove to Asheville and made the stop in Franklin for a coffee break. It always perks me up. I gave the local bookstore another go and chose the 2nd Thursday Murder Club Mystery. This series is getting a lot of talk again (I think a TV version is coming out) and I've only read the 1st one. I don't remember liking it, but don't remember it so I'll try one more.

Two big construction delays and a stop to my sister's to drop off donations for a local charity and I finally got to the house -- 5 hours! That's a record for the slowest trip.

My usual lunch places were closing at that point, so I drove to Black Mountain for a late lunch and I wanted to grab a treat for my son -- childhood favorite that he still loves. They have this at an old fashioned general store in town.

I visited a consignment shop and found a sling bag for a "granny" bag. We're doing more babysitting now and I need a bag for toddler goodies and supplies. I've been using a tote bag, but this is nicely hands-free.

I went back to a pizza place in Black Mountain that I enjoyed the last time, but I ordered differently and didn't like the one I chose. Bummer. Late afternoon on a porch with a cold iced tea and a book was still good though. 

Got back to the house around 5 o'clock and was in for the night.

My back is giving me a hard time. It's better this morning, but still grabby -- it's throwing a wrench in my plans. Maybe a mountain walk isn't the best idea. I need to do a little cleaning today too. I won't be able to do the floors because of my back, but I can do the rest (that's good and bad hah).

Heading to my sister's for dinner tonight and to meet her grandsons. Should be a nice night. I was a little bummed to find out she's door dashing dinner. She usually has a very veggie forward meal. I've been way too lax on my veggie eating these last couple of weeks and I feel it. My usual vegan places were closed by the time I got in and pizza doesn't count as a vegetable! I had ZERO vegetables yesterday. I need to figure out something different for lunch that includes veggies.

I'm feeling a bit out of sorts -- my back, my energy (no veggies, lots of bread), my motivation (see previous two things). I know what I need to do to get back to feeling good and I'm resisting it. 

An evening hike opened a few minutes ago on my birthday next week. I have lunch plans with the kids and I'm on the fence about an evening hike. I won't want to hike, but this is the kind of thing that I know makes me feel better. I won't want to hike, but I'll be glad that I did and I'll enjoy it a lot. Hubby is out of town and I'll be on my own. 

Is this the way I want to spend my birthday evening? The alternative is reading or TV snuggling with the dogs. Decisions, decisions. Running this decision through "The Little Blue House" means I register for the hike because this is the kind of person I enjoy being. Hold on ... registered. Will my birthday self thank me? Stay tuned, but I expect not in the moment -- I'll want nothing more than to change into my pjs and be home. 

As for doing the FS thing today -- veggies and get outside on a walk. I might not be okay for a power mountain walk, but I can do an easier walk and enjoy the cool morning. I brought the big zucchini from my friend's garden and I think that's what's for lunch today. Missing protein, but veggies are my priority. I didn't want to cook this trip, but making an effort is a "Little Blue House" moment. (I brought the zucchini to bring to my sister's for dinner, but not needed.)

Okay, on all these notes, I'm going to get moving. Thanks for letting me random ramble. Later gators.

Asheville Bound

I finally got my period and that might be what was contributing to my extra grumpy mood. You'd think 45 years of experiencing PMS, I'd recognize it. That said, I do need to work on my expect-the-worst attitude.

I had a nice coffee with my cancel friend. She had the time wrong and was late (that doesn't bother me -- honest mistake) and I got some time to read my bookclub book. A table noticed what I was reading and that led us to a conversation about democracy and inclusion. I like little moments like this.

Bookclub is this weekend and the response is relative crickets. There will be 3 of us -- more if we're lucky. Always slim pickings and pulling teeth to get people to respond either way. Then take a percentage of people who say 'yes' and don't show up on the day. It's have to stop expecting differently.

Hike last night was rained out. We have had so much rain -- it's crazy. Storms today in Asheville, but the next couple of days look nice. 

I'm excited about a little respite in Asheville. Not that I'm overwhelmed here, but I haven't taken a lot of reflection time and I like to do that before my birthday. 

I ran yesterday morning and then took Duke for a walk. He knew I went running without him and wanted to run a little on the walk. It ended up bothering my back quite a bit and my lower back muscles are out of wack. Hopefully a rest day is all it needs to feel better.

Best get moving. Trying to get to Asheville before afternoon storms and the drive is longer from our new house.

Have a good one. Later gators.

What's On My Mind

I'm noticing that I have an attitude about too many things right now. I try to keep it to myself, but I think it leaks out with seeming less friendly or happy.

I was in such a mood about the hike yesterday and it turned out to be nice. We got turned around a bit so the hike was longer (yeah - 6 miles). Still not long enough for that length of drive, but it was fine to do every so often. 

Cool mushrooms

We decided on a cafe for lunch and I was grumpy about it. Great restaurant next door and we are choosing this place. One of the women recommended it saying it has a new chef.

Turns out, one of the best salads I've EVER had -- no exaggeration. Last time I was there -- years ago, it was very basic. Iceberg with cherry tomatoes basic. This was farm fresh, amazing ingredients, served beautifully, clever table decor. Loved it. Want to go again. Why didn't I trust her and get excited to try something new?!?

See?? Attitude for no reason, in this case.

I'm so used to getting "burned" on things, I lead with that expectation. I don't expect people to show up the way they say they will. I've become inflexible about a lot of things.

It's not that people haven't given me reason to feel this way. This is why I find it hard to find a balance.

Expect good and often be disappointed. Expect bad and potentially ruin something that is good. 

This is what's on my mind this morning. I don't have an answer, but I don't like my mental grumpiness. I don't like leading with the exception of being let down. More things to think about on my trip to Asheville tomorrow. I'm hoping Asheville "magic" helps me with some clarity.

Have a good day. Later gators.

Mixed Bag

Yesterday was okay. Some good, some less good.

The shutter and shade rep was on time. I picked the shade on the right -- fingers crossed it gives the look I'm expecting. The rest of the windows are getting plantation shutters. It's a long process -- probably about 2 months before we have window treatments and the price is $$$. We knew that going in -- lots of windows.

Final 2 options from a pick
of about 50.

Harvested the garlic a couple of weeks early, but the closing is most likely moving up and I needed to get it before I leave for Asheville. We'll see how it goes.

Drying and curing

Picked some flowers too

Guess I missed a seed shoot

Not quite dry enough
but time's up.

My car interface was acting up -- blank screens. Usually means a 2 hour update at the dealership. I called and they took me through a hard start in the car and it worked. Praise be -- service avoided. 

Here are a few more rocks. I've been on a painting streak and it's fun to be back at it.

Blue car -- not my favorite
but added it to the car collection.

We lost power last night for about 4 hours. That was a bummer. House got very warm by the end. My sleep was tanked. I have no sleep resilience. 

Hubby has been in a mood these last few days. Edgy, bossy, sulky. I don't understand -- he golfed all day and played pickle ball last night. Why the mood? He just hobbled downstairs and has apparently hurt his knee at pickle ball. This will be interesting for the week. I hope it's a quick recovery for both our sakes. 

There's a little part of me that feels like I'm back to having to "fight" for my time or it's not happening. I'm feeling a bit bulldozed by needing to take care of other things at the expense of my life again. Dramatic? Yep. Probably need to have a little tantrum and get over it.

Anyway, I'm up earlier than makes me happy. I want to get a quick workout before the hike today. We're hiking an hour away and it'll be less than 5 miles, few hills, slow pace. I took one for the team today. That's actually one of the things that's making me feel bulldozed. I should've passed this week and hiked the way I want to hike. It's absolutely not worth the drive and will eat up most of the day. 

This is a good reminder -- I'm just realizing. I'm feeling like I'm fighting for my choices because I'm not making my choices. I'm "compromising" and such in a way that's not aligned with how I want to compromise. 

Anyway -- I'll have a long drive to think about the ways I'm not making choices that align. I need to get moving this morning. Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Hello, Monday My Old Friend

I'm ready for a Monday. I need a little reset and probably a bit of a re-entry day. For some reason (wink, wink) I got a bit sidelined (hormones and sugar -- looking at you gals).

Father's Day was a lot of fun. We ended up staying at the house instead of walking around town. It was ungodly humid and we knew it would be crowded too. It was a nice afternoon and evening with the family. We had the best time with our grandson too. He loved the slide.

My younger son brought me herbs from his garden. Sweet boy. Smells pretty in the office this morning. 

The agenda for today begins with waiting on a window treatment contractor. No reminder so I'm a bit worried I'll be ghosted with some BS excuse. Fingers crossed. We made the appointment weeks ago.

Picking up GF bread from a local bakery for my DIL and niece -- ordered it last week.

Heading to the house to check on things and maybe pick some wildflowers. 

That's it. Quiet day. Focusing on veggies and no sugary sweets -- I need some energy for a big workout day tomorrow. 

Happy Monday. Later gators.

Father's Day

It's Father's Day. The kids are coming over for takeout and a walk around the town for a drink and ice cream. I'm picking up pizza from the new place in the area -- best GF locally. We'll heat them up for dinner. Best part is my grandson today :) He's at such a fun age now.

We got massive storms and rain again last night so I'm not going to hike this morning. It'll be such a sloppy mess and it's too easy to slip. Makes for very slow hiking. I need to figure out another workout. Sadly, hiking is slim pickings coming up this week.

I walked my dog to the farmers market yesterday and he was such a good boy. Not reactive to other dogs at all -- calmly waited in the long line behind two big dogs. I brought corn, tomatoes, and flowers. 

Off the cob is so much
easier and nothing stuck
in my teeth. More today.

Made more oat bars (ate half of the pan) and Rice Krispies for today (also ate too many tasters). Bottom line -- lots of carbs/sugar which made for poor sleep (night sweats) and low energy this morning. All my own doing. I'm still all up in this hormone moment and the cravings are big. I'd like to say today will be better, but it's not likely with ice cream, pizza, etc. I will eat a lot less though and that'll help. No rules around food so I'm not going for restriction today. Too many treats that I don't want to miss. It's a choice and a balance -- I'll swing back tomorrow to my usual eating.

Got these cute little magnet vases that hold water. Put herbs and flowers in them.

Gardening today too. Trellising to help the beans and tomatoes. I purposely over-planted the garden to see if that will naturally shade the plants from the hot summer sun. I read about full sun gardens and this was one of the suggestions. Not sure if this will work. So far, it's growing well and looking healthy. 

Hope you have a fun Sunday. Later gators. 

Little Blue House Day

I had a fun day and used "my little blue house" focus too.

First up, pedicure. It's been 4 months since my last one and because of hiking my feet and toes were a mess. I tried a place recommended by a friend and it was good. I liked the massage and the color selection was a step above. I got a medium pink-red -- summery and pretty. It feels good to have my feet back in order.

Started this book from the library store on a recommendation. I've read "Practical Magic" and I liked it a lot.

Came home and baked oat bars for my grandson. Oats, banana, peanut butter, flax seed, carrots, zucchini, cinnamon, salt, baking powder. Freezing these for him and making another batch for me. I tasted them and they're delicious.

Did some rock painting -- first few layers of some more detailed rocks. They needed to dry before next steps.

Then we went to a lawn concert just a 10 minute walk from our house. This is "the little blue house" part of my day. One concert a month during the summer. Yacht Rock cover band. We met friends -- so much fun. Outside under trees, bring anything you want (food/drinks), set up chairs. You can set your space up as early as you want. Casual. Great vibe.

I planned to chill on the sofa for the night, relax, etc. This came up and I thought about "the little blue house" and who I want to be in that visualization. This was that in spades. And we did it. 

I could've easily talked myself out of going. Weather was iffy. Bugs. Late night. Next month. Last minute. 

We moved here for this kind of thing and it's as good as I hoped. Got to remember to say yes. 

Have a happy Saturday. Later gators.

Quick, Late Hello

It was a good day yesterday-- and for some reason, I'm beat to the bone. Perfect timing for a ME-ish, quiet day. 

It's at max humidity right now -- positive soup bowl. We got so much rain yesterday evening. The hike today would've been so slick with mud. I thought about hiking tomorrow, but that's up in the air. More storms predicted this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Looks like I have a stretch of no hiking coming up.

I read this book. Quick, easy, fun.

Picking a new book today. I got "paid" from the library shift with some good books. I love volunteering at the library store. Spent the 3 hours picking out books, chatting books, studying Spanish. It was a quiet afternoon in the store, but the time still flies. 

I need to organize my bookshelves, but that's pretty far down on the to-do list. I have some ideas, but haven't finalized what I want to do. More on this later. I can't decide how detailed I want to get -- should I alphabetize the shelves, ranks things, label things? I want some sort of a system. The shelves are loosely organized now. Books I've read. Books I've read and am keeping. Books I've read going into the LFL. TBR shelves. It's a fun project so I'm taking my time.

I was up late last night and slept in until almost 7 o'clock (!!), so I best get my morning moving. Have a nice Friday. Later gators.

Some Garden Pictures

Keeping with allowing some decisions to be more fluid, I pulled off a big hike tomorrow because it's extremely steep and storms were threatening for the night before and possibly the day of the hike. Muddy and steep don't mix well for me. Woke up to find the hike leader canceled the hike for the same reason. 

I did the regular Wednesday evening hike with the club. It's amazing to walk 5 minutes to the trail head. She hiked fast and it felt good. I'm signing up for next week and shifting the trip to Asheville so I can do it again (weather permitting). She can't lead every Wednesday so I try to go when it posts. 

I also shifted the Asheville trip so I could go to the farmer's market on Saturday and be home for a lunch with a friend on Wednesday. Fluid decisions for good reasons -- theme of the month.

Here are a few garden pictures. Slowly catching up.

Bean grabbed the pepper.
Then changed her mind and
grabbed the onion.
All in one day.

Fig tree came back this year.

Lavender to bring the bees.

Friend or foe ... sitting
on an onion bloom.
She got tossed into the woods
just in case.

A few little tomatoes.

Today is a full day mashup. Heading back to the house to check on the garlic. Volunteering for the afternoon at the library. Volunteering meeting in the evening. Mix in a few errands, a bit of gardening this morning, taking my dog for a walk and coffee. Bunch of stuff and I'm oddly quite happy about the day. I've been in a little funk these last few days (hormones) and the hike last night helped steer me back. Also tomorrow opening up feels good too. I love hiking but it takes up a lot of time. Friday feels like a found day and I get to decide how to use it. 

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

Chai Class

It was a nice day. One of the women "forgot" and we waited for her for about 15 minutes and then went ahead with the class. She texted back later to explain she forgot to put it on her calendar. Seven was still a respectable number -- phew. 

The chai was amazing. The instructor is the nicest man. We had interesting conversations, learned about experiences as a refugee, heard heartbreak and inspiring stories, and had a lot of laughs. Friends met other friends and some connections were made. This was the spirit of the gathering. It was a success despite my frustrations and complaining about people backing out.

Tasting the concentrate

Good to save for boiling later
for aroma therapy. We also
ate boiled ginger slices.
Spicy mouth cleanse.

Steeping away. The smell
was as good as you'd expect.

We had incredible shawarma for lunch -- best I've ever had. Local, small, so fun. 

Overall, it was a great experience. I'm working on some thoughts about how much hand holding I need to do with things like this. My attitude has been grown women with calendars. I don't need to go overboard with reminders, etc. Had I sent a quick -- "see you tomorrow" text the other woman would have been there. Can I accept that handholding comes with planning? Not sure yet. I know it's not a black or white answer and can be different in each situation. But asking myself the question -- what if I let go of that thought? Does this change the experience? Does it change my attitude?

Next up is corralling for bookclub in 2 weeks. This won't be as "high pressure" for me this time, but we still want people to show up. The store is staying open later for us to have our meeting. 

Up and showered extremely early this morning. Hubby has a colonoscopy. 

Have to get heading out. I get a couple hours of reading time while I wait for him. Later gators.