Asheville

Another day that was good, but felt meh. My mood has been so sad, but the night sweats and hot flashes are getting better so I'm hopeful the blue mood is next to improve. 

Adding pretty to the kitchen
from the yard

The drive was uneventful. I didn't stop for a coffee break because it was raining. Got in, unpacked, and drove to the teahouse. I walked around downtown and stopped at a local bookstore I've never checked out before. Because of my HUGE TBR pile, no books for me, but I still wanted to support the store. 

Puzzle for Asheville
It's a challenge

And a puzzle sorter

Book meets truck
for my grandson

I took a whirl around a vintage market -- didn't buy anything, but saw this jacket. A friend had a similar one in the '80s and we had a fun text exchange about it.

It's going to rain most of the day today with thunderstorms looming too. What to do? Yep, clean. The house needs a big clean and I procrastinate it every visit. Today is the day. The moment has arrived. Suck it up, buttercup. Big girl panties on. There is nothing else to do this morning. Ugh. It'll be so nice when it's finished though. 

Then out for lunch somewhere. I haven't decided where, but I have ZERO food in the house. Absolutely NOTHING so I need to get cleaning so I can eat. How's that for a carrot stick?

My sister is coming over this afternoon while I wait for the HVAC contractor. Depending on how everything works out, I might grab a dinner out too. 

I'm hoping for that Asheville magic that somehow sneaks in and makes me feel happier. I'll look for it today.

Have a good one. Later gators.

Garden Prep

Weather forecast changed completely -- expecting nothing but rain in Asheville for the visit. Dang. I'm packed and ready to go this morning though. Guess this will be an inside kind of trip and no excuse to not clean!

I'm glad I stayed home yesterday. We worked on the garden -- pulled the tomatoes and cucumbers, added new compost and soil, filled new beds. Ready for fall planting in a couple of weeks. Rain also expected for the next 3 days here -- glad to have it all cleaned up. Next step is getting utilities marked so the irrigation can be installed. 

Finally, a friend

Street view

Yard view

We went for coffee with the dogs -- sweet boys. 

Waiting ...

Cute as a button

That's all from here. I'm going to finish up and get on the rainy road. Have a good start to the week. Later gators.

Sunday Updates

Leaving for Asheville tomorrow morning instead of later today. I'd leave this morning, but I have a HS zoom call and I don't want to miss it. I don't think I'm up for a late drive today. This will give me a little time to work on the garden and such since I'll come home to babysitting the rest of the week.

I'm still having a hard time. Energy is zip. Mood is awful. Sleep is tanked.

Was yesterday a good day? I'm really not sure. I did all the things and I didn't really enjoy much of any of it. I know it's hormones. I'm not going to fight it -- it is what it is. I'll keep doing the things and wait for the HRT to kick in. 

I made a blended curry, coconut, zucchini, potato soup. If I make this one again, I'll change it up a little, but it's pretty good. Lots of fresh veggies -- spinach, peppers, leeks. 

I bought a basket of beefsteak tomatoes at the farmers market too. I'm out of GF bread, but I'll make a quick trip to get some today. Nothing better than a summer tomato sammie and homemade soup. 

Short and sweet this morning. It's a full day -- more Little Blue House stuff. It's bugging me that things are good and I feel sad and uninspired by it all. Eeek -- just noticed the double meaning of Little BLUE House. I do have a bit of the blues. Hmmmm ... maybe not the best metaphor for my best life. 

Anyway, have a good day. Later gators.

A Quick Recap

Here's a recap of yesterday.

The Hike ...

The BAD:  The hike felt so hard. Like I didn't know if I could finish -- that hard. I did it, but my energy is really tanked for no reason other than hormones.

The GOOD: The weather was perfect -- overcast with a cool breeze. I thought about the Camino on the drive over since I was listening to a Spanish podcast. Ran into the Camino group organizers on the trail. We talked for about 15 minutes and exchanged info. We're going to meet up for coffee or lunch and talk all things planning a Camino. Absolutely AWESOME! They're so generous to help. Said they love doing it and someone did it for them years ago.

The garden ...

The BAD: Summer garden is ramping down and I need to pull tomatoes (diseased and bugs) and cucumbers (end of growth). The new beds have to be positioned a little wonky because of some drainage access in the yard. I was too tired to pull and fill yesterday. It'll have to wait an until after I babysit since I'm heading to Asheville tomorrow morning.

The GOOD: It's moving along. I shared a bag of compost with a friend -- love sharing garden everything. Fall plan is exciting.

The Dinner & Concert ...

The BAD: GF pizza was horrible. Another couple came arrived before us and we sat on a back porch overlooking gravel with no one else on the deck or no music -- very bland setting. There's a really cute front area where I pictured sitting. A couple of a ladies decided on "one last drink" so we bagged ice cream. Bummer for me.

The GOOD: Set up chairs early and had great seats. The concert was fantastic. The weather was picture perfect -- like a cool fall evening. 

It was a good day, not a home run, but a solidly fun day, hitting lots of Little Blue House moments. 

Today I'm heading the the farmers market for summer soup veggies. We're heading to our youngest's today to watch the wedding video and then trying out a new place in town for lunch. 

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

Comes in Three

Today should be a fun day Friday.

First up -- heading for a solo hike. Temps are cooler this week and it'll be a good morning for outdoors. It's a challenging climb with solid elevation and some technical parts. I've been adding a few miles to the hike taking a rolling hills trail, but I might stick to just the mountain today. My body is out of sorts still and it's been a minute since I've hiked. 

Next up -- garden setup. The fall gardening class was good and I know what I want to do for the fall garden now. Taking an info class always gets me excited and I learn something new every time. I'll plant at the end of the month.

Ending the day with a pizza dinner with friends and the local summer music concert (80s cover band). I organized the group and it should be a nice evening. Temps and humidity are lower and the area is shaded. 

Last night was better with the night sweats -- although hot flashes were bad yesterday. Our washer broke so I'm grateful I had already washed my sheets. I'll be taking dirty laundry to Asheville on Sunday. New washer arrives Monday.

Did I mention we have rats? Yep, traps set and the house will get sealed next week. It's common around here. So far they've stayed in the belly of the house and we haven't seen anyone creeping around. Geez. 

That's the three BIG ticket items. HVACs in Asheville, rats, washer. Let's hope it stops at there. 

Quick hello this morning. Even though it's cooler, I want to get an early start to the hike. Have a good day. Later gators.

Conversation Update and Book Organization Update

Lunch was nice yesterday, but I don't think I was able to change the conversation much -- not that it wasn't good, it was just different. 

I'm craving a different sort of conversation. We spent most of the time catching up on our lives -- family, travel, life, etc. and little time talking about other things. Like something fun. I can't really describe it -- not small talk, but talk that's about subjects other than sort of listing off calendars and updates on family. We get caught up on life stuff (in too much detail) and then lunch is finished. 

I want to know other things about people too. What's making you happy right now? What kind of fun are you having? What did you learn lately? What kind of FS stuff are you heading toward? Any new hobbies and do you like them? What drew you to the new hobby? What feels exciting to you right now?

I did a crappy job steering the conversation this way. We hadn't seen each other in 6 weeks and that's a bit of the issue -- we don't often have time to get through updates onto more interesting topics. The conversation feels like something we could just text. But I love having a friend who knows me and my kids and my grandson. That's lovely too -- just wish it could hold more of the other kind of connection.

We talk about the recent past and not a lot of forward things. The conversation is a recap -- important and good, but not enough.

I know everyone can't be everything all the time and that's why it's nice to have multiple friendships to draw on. But I wonder if I can do better in how I approach these connections and conversations. 

Me and friendships -- it's a whole thing and I wish I had it more figured out. 

I finished this book yesterday. Very slow story, lots of little bits about everyday life and imagination. I liked it. Much longer and I might have lost interest. Worth the read when you're in a reflective, nostalgic mood.

I finished organizing my TBR and I think the plan is a good one. I also created a pile of "Read First" books that I'm interested reading sooner rather than later. Between library holds and this group, it should keep me moving forward.

I also decided to use StoryGraph. I'm adding a few older reads here and there for books I want to remember (and/or recommend). No big rush to add the older ones, but I plan to stay current going forward. I like that you see the cover, not just the title. That spurs a little visual memory for me and it's the reason I chose it over the spreadsheet. It's also easy to see on the phone too. I like that I can input from my computer or phone. 

Check and check.

Now moving toward the garden. Fall growing class this afternoon. Raised beds and soil arrived. It's moving along nicely.

Best get moving. I've been fussing around this morning on house chores, etc and it's late. Have a good day. Later gators.

Goldilocks Spanish

Spanish classes are a little Goldilocks situation. Thursday class is a bit much; Tuesday class not enough. Unfortunately, there are no other choices. The group was nice, although I think many won't be back. The teacher is a 78 year old woman who speaks Spanish with a deep southern accent and wasn't even a little prepared for class. All over the place with very basic information and if you didn't know any Spanish you'd be totally lost. I don't think she knows a lot of Spanish herself. It was strange, but she said this is a volunteer teaching gig -- might explain it.

I'll head back to the Thursday class for another try AND make myself practice regularly. 

The class was at another library and I didn't like it very much. I had a book recommendation from a friend and I noticed the book was shelved at this library so I checked out in-person -- first time "shopping" the shelves for a book. They have a super small bookstore, but it houses all the special donations. Beautiful old books and if I needed any for decor this would be the place to go. I was tempted, believe me, but the last thing I need is more books. 

I finished this book and it was good. The plot had lots of moving parts, but it was easy to follow and came together well. Solid, believable twists and turns. 

We finished The Pitt -- excellent. I thought we had 1 episode left, but we had 3. Had a fun TV night together and still time to finish my book. Nice way to spend a rainy evening. 

I have lunch with my cancel friend today (looks like it's a go though). My intention is to level up the conversation. I'll report back. Practice will make me better. I like this little experiment. 

Hope your week is going well. Later gators.

A List

I'm in the mood for a list today ... in no particular order.

(1) Lunch was absolutely excellent. I know everyone isn't the same and every friendship isn't the same, but the conversation with these ladies is such a step up from most. We talked books and politics and social issues and travel and family and health. I want to take that blueprint and try to carry it to other situations. It was interesting and well balanced and no peacocking. I'd like more of this in my relationships.

I have a lunch on Wednesday and I'm going to see if I can encourage a little elevated conversation. It's easy when everyone is making strong conversation -- harder when I'm the one carrying it. It's not that I'm particularly good at it, but I can hold my own in a good conversation. I'm not great when I have to do all the lifting. 

I might talk about subjects that interest me with other people, but it doesn't often go further than surface level chat. Somehow not thoughtful. I'm guilty of it and I absolutely need someone to help elevate me. It's like conversations ping pong from subject to subject instead of really talking.

 

(2) One more episode of The Pitt. It's fantastic, but has me dreaming about work. A little too close to home with the stress of a hospital. But, dang, this is a good show.

(3) I started organizing my TBR pile. A bit loosely because I don't have room for every category delineation and some books fall in a gray area. I'm trying to add a little note in some books -- where and when the recommendation. This can help me choose. Especially when I've picked up books from LFL and not a recommendation. It's been helpful to simply review my TBR. Maybe that's the answer. Label with the when and where, keep loosely organized, and visit the pile once a month.

I'm giving the spread sheet a little looky-loo. Chatting with the ladies yesterday, they recommended Goodreads. Still back-and-forth with this one, but I'll decide by the end of the week.

(4) Found this classic and it screams to be read now. One of the ladies yesterday had read the book and wants to talk about the ending once I've finished it. See?? Interesting person. Interesting conversation. Interesting connection. 

(5) I'm headed to the Tuesday Spanish class at another library this afternoon. How's Spanish, you ask? In the crapper. Geez. I have no excuse and no answer. I'll report back after the class today. It conflicts with my hiking group, but the class seems more of what I'm looking for -- no registration, no max size, more casual. I'll see if the description matches the experience. 

(6) Still having hormone issues. Dang.

(7) Apparently, everyone uses ChatGPT to help with recommendations and ideas for things, etc. I'm a lone hold out among my friends. I think I'm going to cave and give it a try. 

(8) School is back in session for ATL. September is the 2nd January -- ever heard this? In this case, it's August. I'm using this as a little moment to reflect and regroup. I have few fun months leading up to the holidays and I want to be intentional about them. The more intentional, the more I enjoy things.

That's all from here. I'm chatting later this morning because I worked out earlier. I've been a bit meh about wanting to work out so the best solution is to do it early. Ran first thing yesterday. Peloton first thing this morning. Have a good Tuesday. Later gators.

Slow-Mo Monday

Let the slow-paced week begin. I really haven't had this kind of a week in a bit. It's a nicely balanced week -- not too full, not too lean. 

I'm a ways off from feeling like myself. Hot flashes are calming down a little, but night sweats haven't changed. I feel off too. Oura ring is noting something isn't as usual and I agree. Hah -- typing this and hello, hot flash. It's going to take a minute for the hormones to kick in and maybe a minute to adjust to what relieves the symptoms. 

I'm moving forward on the next steps for the garden. I ordered 2 more beds and soil. Once I have those in, I'll get irrigation to the beds. The sprinkler guy came out and it looks like it'll work well. My goal is 3 beds of veggies, one of picking flowers. Next year begins converting the landscaping to native plants -- this'll be over a few years. I have a lot to learn first and some experimenting to do before I go all in. This is the fun of gardening (so I tell myself).

Today is a bookclub adjacent lunch. The woman I met up with in Paris is back for a visit and a couple of us are meeting up. We're headed to a restaurant just up the street from me. I arranged the details and it was EASY. These are ladies who hold their commitment and it was so nice to relax into knowing the plans are happening (baring an emergency). No back and forth, no last minute changes, no last minute cancelations. I texted to confirm (remind) and got immediate responses back. Usually a reminder text prompts cancelations and excuses. This is rare these days.

As far as the rest of the day -- not sure. I'll run this morning in the cool weather and take my dog for a longer walk. After lunch is totally free and I'm on a struggle bus to have the energy and motivation to do anything later in the day. It's absolutely hormones. I'll probably compromise -- do a little, sofa-slug a little. 

I'm watching The Pitt finally and it's as good as they say. I'll be hitting up a couple more episodes this evening.

Book update -- I'm reading some library reads with more on the way. This one was such a disappointment. It was so good and I couldn't figure out what was what and who did what -- and still have no idea. I googled the ending and I guess that's the "thing" about this book. No one really understands the ending. Everyone has a different opinion on what happened and not in a clever way, just in a confusing way. It's unclear who a narrator is for some of the chapters so it's not possible to know for sure. Guess the title is meant to be ironic. It left me frustrated, not impressed with the misdirections.

Started this yesterday and it's good so far. About 50 pages read.

That's all from here. Waiting for it to get light to head out in 67 degree weather. Awesome. It won't last, but it's been a welcomed break from the heat. Later gators.

Book Organization Rambles

No hiking today -- rain most of the day. It looks like rain for the next 5 mornings. Of course that can change, but probably rules out hikes this week. I might be able to squeeze a run or two between rain showers. The good news is this'll keep temps low. It is positively cool this morning.

I have a relatively slow week ahead and I want to take advantage of that -- use my time for good, not evil hah. I can easily become a sofa slug when I have too much time. Sounds like a perfect week to work on book organization projects.

Storygraph is recommended and I started the free app, but it's work to input. I don't think it's for me. I'm going to check out the spreadsheet and think about an index card catalog -- both have pros and cons. It's not a big deal to start inputing books as I read them, but I want to back catalog what's in my notebook so I avoid duplicate reading (buying) and that's why I'm humming and hawing over the choice. 

Index card boxes seem like an easy way to write up books and keep a log, but you can't search beyond title. The spreadsheet is extremely detailed, but it's also complicated. I'd need to spend a descent amount of time learning how to use it. But once I do, I can search a lot of criteria. Neither gives me access when I'm somewhere buying a book or wanting to give a recommendation.

The question is how much do I really want to know about my reading history. Do I care how many mysteries I read or average book length or recommendation source beyond just a general knowing? Can I catalog the index cards in such a way that I have more details if I really want to check it out?

Also, my notebook list is incomplete. Should I go back and add books to the reading log or just my favorites so I can remember and recommend?

I also want to organize my TBR in a way that makes picking a new book easy, fun, etc -- depending on my reading mood. I'd also like to note where and when I got the recommendation and maybe a few words why the book interested me. If too much time has gone by, I often lose interest. A little note might help to reinvigorate that book selection. 

Should it be organized by genre, alphabetical, time on my shelve, recommendation source?

A bit to chew on and this week seems like as good of a time as any. I have to sit down, think about it, and DECIDE. I'm in a paralyzed decision loop and that's getting me nowhere. I need to start with what is the purpose of the list and the purpose of the organization of the TBR pile and decide from this focus. 

Geez. I tired myself out just thinking about it. Stay tuned ...

Here's my day yesterday -- picked up TWO cars in opposite directions. One delivered to my grandson and one for outdoor use at our house. Can't beat marketplace. He loved the one for his house.

Today is up in the air because of the weather. Peloton workout and nothing else on the calendar. Hiking, gardening, walk to coffee -- all out because of the rain.

Oh, I woke up in the night, looked at the picture wall and realized the problem. I'm in search of thrifted artwork for two spots and that should help. It's too rectangular and too bland -- I need a couple colorful pictures or art hung higher to make it feel more organic or full or open. Hard to describe, but I know the issue now. I'll take before and after pictures when I find something. 

Shades are getting installed in two weeks so things are moving along. I need to tackle the guest bedroom pictures and closet and upstairs hallway too. Waiting on the shades for the hallway before I make decisions.

This reminds me I want to organize the toy bins in the basement. We seem to have mice (getting addressed next week) but I want to move the loose toys into bins to protect from pests and droppings. Guess that's a good project for this rainy day.

Can you tell I have nothing going on by so much rambling? Time to get moving. Have a good Sunday. Later gators.

Saturday Meh

The car was a HUGE hit. It's got a lot of miles already and, turns out, you can do everything in the car. Snack, books, play with other cars. We made a drive-thru on the coffee table -- it was so fun. The library was amazing too. Perfect for a hot afternoon. Brunch was fun, but our service wasn't great and the table was a bit wonky and I was hot flashing left and right.

Only real hiccup? Nap time. He napped on our laps. Started on mine and I tried to put him down -- nope. Hubby took over and we let him sleep it out. This will be interesting for the big watch in a couple of weeks.

I'm not hiking this morning. The run did me in yesterday. I'm a mess with hormones. I started the replacement and it'll take some time to see relief. I'm have the worst night sweats and about 15+ hot flashes a day. What the what?!?!? This is the worst it's ever been. My body feels like it's been through the wringer. I'm sweaty and stinky and damp all the time.

I decided to take my diet to a strict version for a week and see if that helps. Lowering sugar (including a lot of fruit), lowering GF white carbs (hiking sammies on pause), and caffeine (kombucha and iced tea at restaurants). I need relief. I need sleep. Maybe this will help. 

I found another push car on marketplace for the kids to use. Not as nice, but a lot cheaper. I offered to swap, but they don't want to take the blue car from us. I'm picking it up today.

Hopefully I'll hike tomorrow. I'm still figuring out when to push and when to allow. The run yesterday was a push and I think I paid the price. I didn't feel well all day. 

The temps are a lot cooler with rain in the forecast and I'd like to take advantage and be outside a little more these next few days. 

Okay, time for a little arm workout this morning. Have a good Saturday. Later gators.

Granny Day

Volunteering went well yesterday. It's an amazing community and the teachers show up against many challenges. I've never been in a situation with that many languages and cultures in one place -- it was really special for me to experience it. The kids were fun and full of smiles.

Since our government is actively promoting hate and taking desperately needed funding away, we need to step up and be good neighbors and support in whatever way we are able. It was heartwarming to see the support.

Hubby did me a solid and picked up the hormone replacement because it was in the opposite direction. I'll start it today. Fingers crossed.

I usually get toddler toys on marketplace, but I bought something new. It's a "stroller" car -- seatbelt and all. Rubber wheels for a quiet ride too. The hood opens for storage. Lots of cup holders -- everything you want in a car hah.

Grandson comes for a full day today and we're set for a day of playing and little adventures. Biggest concern? Will he nap at our house -- eeek. I can run him home for a nap, but we have him in August for 5 days and he needs to be able to sleep here. It's a bit of a test.

Lots of morning playing, maybe a little water painting too. Brunch on a garden patio with grass and trees to explore -- my aunt is joining us. After nap visit to the library for some fun and maybe a little stop at the ice cream store before he heads home. All predicated on him and the vibe of the day, but it will be a fun time.

We moved into a rain pattern for a bit -- and we need it. I haven't had to water the garden, but it's limited hiking options. I want to hike tomorrow, but the forecast is getting worse for the morning. I'll hike on our local trail so maybe I can beat the rain. There have been many big trees down after these storms this summer and it makes me nervous to get caught on the mountain -- a little dangerous with the winds even though it doesn't seem enough to take down these big trees.

Okay, my dog is up and bugging so I'll stop here. Have a good day -- later gators.