Hosting, Day 1 of 3

I promise (hope) I can be finished with the subject of "too busy" soon.

Yesterday imploded with the volunteer crisis again -- had to leave the morning coffee meeting and missed every minute I was there on the phone. Spent the entire day (and already this morning) dealing with this situation. Heartbreaking and hard and scary. 

I got everything finished, but it was a long and emotionally heavy day. 

Today is the start of the 3 day stretch of hosting. Hosting is on my 26 for 2026 list. These aren't exactly the hosting goals, but close ... and this will inspire me forward. My list says spontaneous gatherings and this weekend is more planned, but Monday is organic, spontaneous enough to count. 

I really, really, really need to relax and enjoy these days. I'm well trained from Priya Parker on how to gather and it's time to put these skills to work again. 

This includes:

Doesn't need to be perfect -- and actually perfect can make people tense.

A relaxed, happy host makes relaxed, happy guests. 

Remember the purpose.

Put some guests to work in small, meaningful ways -- makes guests feel a part of the gathering (and helps the host).

This weekend's events are back-to-back and that's a bit of the hard part making it feel like work and a task list. It'll help to remember this is FUN. I seem to need that reminder often. 

It's also a little crammed because I'm still squeezing my things into everything -- the things that give me little bits of happy.

Flowers for the brunch.

Homemade treats for bookclub.

Morning workouts.

Time to journal, etc.

Here are good bits from yesterday ... 

The spring garden is partially planted. I'll do the rest next week. 

Greens.
I'll direct sow peas
in the back.

Flowers waiting for me
to fill pots.

Absolutely beautiful
from Trader Joe's

Grow room is still iffy. Some definitely bonked -- herbs. Tomatoes are growing. Peppers are up, but maybe not growing. It's all such a mystery and surprise what works and what doesn't. 

The farm had to delay some seedling pickups because they needed to reseed from poor germination -- even professionals have issues!

There's a new cafe in town with a Michelin star chef. Two friends from Korea decided to open a coffee and sandwich cafe. They promised GF bread coming soon and I stopped in yesterday to check since I was driving by ... hello to lunch. It was probably the best cooked eggs I've ever had -- mixed with brie. It's going to be a new favorite -- I have a lot of new favorites. 

My cousin called about my aunt's birthday party. I'm taking more of the reins (by her request) and organizing the day. It's my pleasure and will be a lot of fun. Thank the lord it's not until next week though. I can't handle any more mental load right now. 

I like organizing and hosting AND I like being a guest that can just guest. Leaning more on the hosting right now. I think that's why the spontaneous gatherings were interesting to me. How can I host without going to so much trouble? Just gather people for a shared purpose. Quick, easy, fun connection. It's a learning process. 

That's all from here. Time to set up for the rock painting. If all goes as planned {*knocks wood*}, I'll have 11 new rocks for the snake rock by Monday. Grand total of 21 -- eeek, it's actually happening. That's more than enough to release her into the wild. 

Stay tuned for a grand premiere announcement hah -- I can't wait. This was a love project that hit a lot of FS, community, feel-good notes.

Have a good Saturday. Later gators.

Hello, Friday

Pretty soon I can be off the I'm-so-tired channel, but not this morning.

Yesterday was good and filled to the brim. 

Lunch with my cancel friend -- always nice when we meet up. Errands that included stopping at a local bookstore. My DIL recommended it long ago and I tell people about the store often, but haven't been myself. Someone I told about it just went on Wednesday and joined one of their bookclubs. I was driving right past it so ....

... it's hard to purchase books locally when Amazon is so much less expensive, but I wanted to support them. I'm excited to read Marie Benedict -- I've read most of hers. The 6 book Narnia compilation will wait. I have it in mind for something on my 2027 list. I don't think I ever read all six. (This year is the Pride and Prejudice flight, last year was the Stephen King flight.) 

Started this young adult book on recommendation from Gretchen Rubin. There's a podcast that deep dives each of this author's books. I got 2 from the library and have the podcasts cued up. Had no idea this was such a big book though. It seems to be a quick read, but it's almost 500 pages ... eeek.

Then the performance -- The Young John Lewis. Cast of about 9 or 10 people standing on stage behind podiums and a screen behind them. Hip hop and spoken word -- it was so good. Much better than I expected.

A couple of hiccups though. It started 30 minutes late and the sound system was acting up -- screeching feedback shrills and one performer's mic wasn't working. There was a 30 minute intermission and then only 20 minutes of show left -- opportunity to sell more drinks and food, and I understand the need to raise money, but UGH. 

Didn't get home until 9:45 and up early for Friday's meeting. That said, I'm really glad I got to see it. What they performed just standing on stage was incredible. I forget how much I like local theater -- the level of creativity was top notch. And, of course, the life of John Lewis is so important to celebrate and remember. Our government is trying (and sadly succeeding) in erasing black history and white washing our country's past -- this makes performances like this all the more critical. 

I'm so happy to say I'm home tonight. I CAN NOT wait to have a quiet night in pjs, reading, drinking tea. But before that, I have another hustle day and it starts now. Best get moving so I can enjoy quiet tonight. 

Hope your week is ending well. Later gators.

That's Better

I did a lot yesterday, but worth it to get almost caught up. I have another full day ahead -- tired, but no overwhelmed feeling 

Squeezing in my stuff too.

I ran 2 miles -- foot was fine. It felt so good to run. Next time will be the regular distance. Even 2 miles and I'm sore as shit today. Hah, of course. It's such a different exercise from anything else I do and it moves so many more muscles -- arms, core.

Little baby tomato seedlings got transferred to regular potting soil (nutrients) and bigger pots. Fingers crossed. Grow little ones. They already smell like tomatoes. 

Lunch and shopping was nice. I checked a couple of errands off the list while we shopped. GF bread for Sunday and gift card for my aunt's birthday. 

Had a late home visit for volunteering and some work for today, but it was a necessary add-on. 

As I said, a lot today too -- some fun, decent amount of work, and another night out.

Tonight is a local musical. Last night out of the 4 night stretch. It's going to be interesting (life of John Lewis), impressive (performances), but I don't expect to really enjoy it. Does that make sense? It'll probably be one of those things that I wish was half the time. I hope I'm wrong. Hip-hop based, small cast (might be only one performer), past my bedtime. I'll rally as best as I can to perk up for the evening. If I didn't have a ticket, I'd pass on tonight.

I finished this book. Much more interesting having met the author and heard about her process, research, motivation. But, the characters were too perfect for me -- even perfect in all their trauma. It was like a cozy romance, but everyone had intense past trauma. She's a good writer though -- beautiful descriptions and a good pacing. Fast read.

The week continues with odd asks from people. Can you... ??? over and over. Funny how often these things run in batches. I'm squeezing in the requests. Woke up to two more this morning. 

That's all from here. My cancel friend has NOT canceled today -- go figure. When I saw text notifications this morning, I immediately thought it was her canceling. I'm caught up enough and I'll have a good time, so I'm actually glad (now she'll cancel for sure hah!). 

Have a good day. Later gators.

So Much To Do

I felt almost back to normal yesterday.

First the hike -- 7 miles. Beautiful morning. Duke was thrilled. 

Ice feathers

It's so pretty.

Twirl tree

My favorite guy

Do you see it Duke?

Painted an owl rock for the rock snake. 

Both of those things were for me -- ways to get back to feeling myself. 

It was a full, long day. Boy, I wished I didn't have to go to dinner -- I have so much to do, but I'm glad I went. She definitely needed company. 

I'm up early and already DOING. Starting to panic a bit about how I'm going to fit everything. It's little things -- if I wasn't driving my neighbor today, I could stack some errands. If I want to run the errands, I have to drop her home and head out again -- not enough time before I need to go to the home visit (in lots of traffic). Today is almost a wash to be able to get ready for the weekend entertaining. Eeeeek - panic. 

My cancel friend has NOT canceled for tomorrow (although the day is young), the one and only time I want her to. Of course, I could cancel on her, but that doesn't sit right with me.

It's really one of those weeks. A friend asked me to help her plan a girls trip to Asheville -- I owe her a long text with suggestions. My cousin is struggling to throw a HBD for my aunt and I took over yesterday -- new plan and I need to finalize some of the details. That's not for 2 weeks though -- phew. Volunteer stuff just jumped up again. So, so, so many things right now. Too many for one little week to handle. 

AND it's one of those weeks where I have little chunks of time, but not quite long enough to do the things. I'm baking GF banana bread for bookclub and I don't seem to have a stretch to make and bake it. Plus I'm out of sugar -- only enough for one loaf and I'm baking two. Things like this. Yes, I could just buy something, but that steals from what I like to do. I enjoy baking for people, making the effort, having homemade offerings. Little special notes to a gathering. 

AND it's garden season in GA. Let it begin. I need to transplant in the grow room, ready the raised beds, pick up from the farm on Friday, get stuff in the ground (or at least care for it until I can plant). 

This is all a reminder that I don't want to be so scattered that I don't enjoy the things I enjoy. The little excursion with my neighbor is set to be a lot of fun and I don't want to rush it or be in my head about other things the entire time. 

Slow down and enjoy is my motto for this week. Can I? Maybe. I'll try at least.

On that note, best get moving. Have a good day. Later gators.

A Reminder

Good morning.

I ended up spending THREE HOURS at coffee with my friend ... 3 hours!! That was a much bigger part of my day, but it was nice. She wanted to talk about navigating our growing group and some prickly group dynamics. Not in a gossip way, but in a constructive way. It felt nice that she trusted me to talk about how she's feeling.

I busted through some errands. Didn't get to all the walking ones because of the long coffee, but hit Micheal's for more art supplies (upcoming rock painting). Found these fun extras. (I've been trying to go to stores instead of ordering online since we live much closer to shops now -- bundled this with a Trader Joe's run across the street.)

The author presentation was fantastic -- really interesting insights to her writing and this book. I started it last night and I like her writing style so far.

Two things got added to this week -- all in the evening. Ugh and also, it's okay. 

First is tonight. Our little Friday group is going to dinner again, but no one else can make it. The organizer is a recent widower (and lost other family at that same time). I can't say no -- it makes me sad because she said she'd just go alone if other's couldn't and she seemed disappointed. She thought we already agreed to dinner tonight. I know she tries to occupy her evenings -- it's probably her loneliest time. I'd want someone to do that for me. 

Second is a home visit for my volunteer position -- this IS a must. I'll be out every night M-Th ... on a week I'm trying to convalesce. 

All that said -- I'm getting so much friend touching points this week. From texts, to calls, to invites. It feels good. I need to notice this and appreciate this -- it's really, really nice. 

And, it's something I've spent years wishing and working toward. In 2019 when I decided to let go of a lot of social relationships that didn't work, I felt a real sacristy of friendships. Yes, I have a few very close friends and that's a special and amazing thing in itself, but I didn't have many local friendships. Day to day, I felt a sort of being on the outside. Not exactly lonely, but more alone than I wanted. 

It's slow work and has to happen organically, but it doesn't happen without effort. I put myself in positions of shared interests. I introduced myself to people. I went alone to things. Most importantly, I had to do those things for the things themselves and not make it about making friends. That gets grabby or desperate and it attracts the wrong kind of relationships (learned this many times).

That's why when I notice that I have a full plate of friendships, I need to stop and be grateful -- to the work I did, the person I became, the answered wish for something different. 

I still practice this idea. Liking the moment for the moment and if a friendship develops, wonderful. If not, I had a nice shared moment. I have far, far more of these moments than actual friendships forming and that's totally okay -- it's actually good.

Don't know why I went off on this tangent today. Maybe I need a reminder to pause and really notice how much I've grown into what I wanted so many years ago. 

Makes me think, where am I headed now? How do I want to grow going forward? Feels like time for a FS meditation. It takes about an hour and that might be a perfect thing to do next week when all is quiet on the home front. Maybe that's why I thought of this today ... hmmmm.

Okay, going to start a rock this morning while I wait for temps to warm up for a hike. 

Have a good day. Later gators.

One For the Road

One for the road ...

I stopped for breakfast at my new obsession. Bean, rice, veggie bowl with eggs, and chia pudding (to-go). 

Started a re-read of this updated book too. I think it's going to be a timely read.

This breakfast-before-the-drive is perfect. My other go-to option has long morning lines and difficult parking. I could actually load the car and leave from the restaurant because I can see my car from the window.

Drove straight to my old library to grab a hold book and my library card has expired. The new out-of-county rate jumped to $60/year. Not worth it, sadly. End of a library era. This was my favorite library, by far. Hopefully, I can still volunteer in the bookstore.

Jumping into the fire today. This is a really, really full week. Some volunteer stuff, but mainly social -- crowded from postponements from last week. Hosting 2 "big" things this weekend that require a lot of prep. As always, trying to get my headspace around the thought THIS IS FUN and GOOD and part of a FULL LIFE.

Energy is still limited and that's part of the issue. Lord knows I do this to myself. I could use a few cancels this week, but it doesn't happen if you wish for it (it's the cancel law). I have a lunch date on Thursday with my cancel friend though, so there's always hope -- this is her superpower, don't let me down!

I'll whisper really quietly ... NOTHING on the calendar next week. Shhhh. Now I know that won't hold, but it feels exciting. An opportunity to fill it with quiet things. Space. Hubby is out of town so it's the real-deal kind of SPACE week. I need to be careful and think long and hard about what I commit to next week. Put myself on the calendar and HOLD THAT COMMITMENT (and then, you guessed it, complain I'm bored).

What's today?

Coffee with a friend who needs to talk about something. I like that she trusts me to talk about what's bothering her (BTW, it's not me ... at least, I don't think so).

Walking errands -- library and dry cleaner because I want that for myself.

Evening with an author presentation and book signing -- going with 2 friends.

Maybe a drop-in after the author talk to the town meeting in the same lot.

In-between -- driving errands, food prep for this weekend, rock prep for this weekend.

Hope you are off to a nice start to this week. 

Reminding myself that it's a good day to have a good day. 

Later gators.

Asheville Fun

Let's do an Asheville list -- all the nice Asheville moments yesterday.

1. Mountain walk. Rained most of the time, but it was cool and beautiful.

No idea what this means,
but always little love signs
to find.

Mountain view. Cute little
homes along the road.

Tucked along the side of the road.
Planters for spring.

Way up the mountain -- decorated
for Marti Gras. Little whimsy. 

2. So many birds. Songs, chatter, loud voices in the quiet mountain. I saw a robin bathing in a puddle -- so pretty.

3. Our Paper Plant is in spring bloom. If you've never smelled this flower, it's incredible. Scents the entire street. 

4. New electronic trash cans along the mountain roads. Bear proof. This initiative was delayed because of the storm and it's back on track. Signs of Asheville's recovery. It's designed to discourage bears from coming off the mountain on trash day.

5. There's a home tour in my neighborhood -- totally forgot about it. We were asked to participate and declined. I wish I remembered because I would've gotten a ticket. 

My street was a steady stream of people walking. Checking out my fairy village rocks (a couple of people took pictures -- made me feel good). Checking out the LFL. Smelling the Paper Plant. 

It was community. It was appreciation for little things. Lovely.

6. Finished this book. I've tried to read this several times and had to try again after I got it in the bookclub Christmas exchange. I decided to force read it in Asheville since I had more time to read. Felt an obligation to the person who selected it to finish it.

It was amazing. I kept getting stuck at the first bit with all the failed attempts, but it takes off after those few chapters. Cried the entire ending -- tear jerker in the best way. It was a perfect read for this weekend and Asheville.

Quote from the author's note at the end. Quoting Jon Mooallem's TED talk.

"Storytelling matters now. Emotion matters. 

Our imagination has become an ecological force."

7. Decided to try a new lunch place. Googled plant forward with GF options. Wow -- it has incredible selections. Most of the menu is vegan and GF. Vegan is important because all the "cream" things were non-dairy. 

I drove since I was out at a shop, but it's walkable from the house. New favorite unleashed.

Lentil soup.
GF corn bread.
Warm oatmeal.
Citrus green tea.
Good cry finishing the book.
Tried to be discrete about it hah.

8. Got a GF pizza for dinner from a local pizza place -- it's small, but delicious. I haven't had it in a long time. While I was waiting, I went next door to Fresh Market --  my first time, and also, not my last. What a nice market for unusual things. Bit $$$ so not for everyday shopping, but great for special things. We have them in GA too. I think reasonably close to my house -- I'll have to check it out. 

00 version of a family favorite.
I haven't tried it yet.
Hope it doesn't just taste like
apple juice hah!

9. Checked out a new shop that's two store fronts -- one vintage, one boutique looking for a HBD gift for my aunt's birthday party. Didn't find anything, but they had painted rocks. I took a sneaky picture to try and copy the owl for the Snake Rock. 

The drive down this road yielded a lot of treasures. I hadn't made the connection these things were on the same road. Not all walkable -- it's about 6 miles of driving down that road to get to everything.

Lunch place.

Pizza place.

Shops.

Favorite plant store. 

Yep, stopped at the plant store, but didn't get any plants (I was tempted). Got a new pot and footers for outdoor planters though.

10. Almost forgot -- after the teahouse, I visited my favorite vintage store. Got a winter coat from 1950s -- picture when I wear it. Also, this broach. It's so pretty in the light.

The purple gets really iridescent 
in the light.

That's a wrap on Asheville. Waiting on sheets in the dryer and a final cleanup before I go. I'm trying to time a library pickup from my old library. I want to start the book tonight. It doesn't open until 1:30 today so I'm not rushing too much this morning. Might be tricky, but will save me a drive tomorrow and I pass close enough on the way home. That said, I forgot a wind storm is moving through -- maybe should get over the mountains before it really picks up. Eeek -- need to think about this now (we just got a big wind gust).

Have a good Sunday. Later gators.

Asheville

I let my body run a temperature on/off yesterday. Oura ring says I'm doing much better this morning. I'm in the convalescent point now -- low energy, but feeling better. 

Rain held off yesterday, but came last night. Once it heads out later this morning, I'm going to go for a walk up the mountain. As much as my body wants -- start to blow off the crud. 

I got most of the Christmas decor down yesterday -- a bit more today and then that's a wrap. I have to wash sheets and clean a little too. I'll do a teahouse visit and maybe a late lunch outside. Add some fun.

I have 3 big Asheville visits coming up and I might add another quick visit in 2 weeks. One (maybe 2) solo visit with my dog -- hubby is away and some extended family is gathering in Asheville. I haven't solo traveled with dog(s) for years. It makes potty breaks a little tricky, but I can figure it out -- I did it several times with 2 dogs -- one should be a piece of cake.

Hubby and I talked about Asheville and how we need to make a deliberate effort to come here and enjoy it together. The storm recovery was about 6 months and then we moved and it's been sporadic ever since. The ONLY way to make it happen is to schedule it. We have to block dates and hold that block. We said once our sweet Monti was no longer with us, we had no excuse not to come. We love it here and we need to spend more time enjoying it.

Waiting until a block of time magically appears between both our schedules is not working. We also want to entertain friends and family in Asheville more. 

I'm feeling all sorts of overwhelm this morning. I think it's just that I don't have the energy that matches my week ahead. Hopefully, once I'm completely over this bug, I'll be back in the swing of things. I'm trying to not give this feeling too much credence because I don't think it's accurate. 

The last few days, doing anything felt like a gargantuan task and that's with most things canceled. This week ahead is another jam-packed week from Monday-Sunday (with several evenings too) and that feels like too much. Nothing I can or will or want to cancel though. It was the timing and the postponing that overcrowded the week. Also, there's a lot of fun in this week and I want to make sure I view it as FUN and not as something to check off a list. 

And, I need to keep on task so FS doesn't have to hold the burden of extra, extra stuff. Dramatic, yep. I want to curl up in my bed and do nothing again today, but I should feel better if I get up and about. 

On that note, I'm going to go finish the Christmas decorations and start sheets. Rain will be out in a couple of hours. Have a good day. Later gators.

Finally Heading to Asheville

Back to "major signs" and a temperature this morning. I ended up testing for COVID and it was negative. It's an older test (found where I put them after the move), but the control line was solid so I expect it was okay. I might test again when I get to Asheville. This bug is behaving strangely and feels like it's something other than a cold. 

I am going to Asheville. It's probably not going to be particularly fun today because my energy is low -- need to focus on putting away Christmas and cleaning. 

Good news is rain is out for tomorrow so I hope for an easy mountain walk and a farmer's market visit. Fingers crossed I feel better. That's why I want to focus on cleanup today to get it out of the way. It's also best to stay clear of the teahouse if I'm germy -- I hope I can get at least one visit though.

I'm bringing food with me so I don't need to eat out. Being a good neighbor keeping my germs to myself until I feel better. 

I'd actually send hubby to Asheville if it weren't for the fact that the painters are coming today and tomorrow. No rest being home so I guess I'll head to Asheville. He'd have no idea how to put away the decorations anyway and maybe I can salvage some Asheville fun tomorrow. 

I'll keep it short today. I want to get on the road. Have a good start to the weekend. Later gators.

Some Updates

Woke up to "minor signs" on my Oura ring -- that's a step better from "major signs."

I'm postponing Asheville until tomorrow. I wasn't up for the whole shebang today. Today is the last day before rain comes in for the weekend -- I'm going to spend time moving outside today. 

Turns out the painters weren't coming to paint yesterday -- only assess. That makes way more sense. They're coming on Friday and Saturday. Hopefully, I miss the entire thing hah.

My virtual gyn appointment with a PA was interesting. She thinks the lab result is an error given how I feel and my other lab levels. She also said it's almost impossible to get such a high lab from my dosing. She wants me to go back to the regular dosing and redraw next week. Now comes the lab charge battle today. Lovely. 

The new craft room rug came yesterday. It's so pretty -- from Anthropology. Had to let that other rug go after Duke decimated it with watery diarrhea twice. It was already stained and I couldn't tell what was what -- it needed another professional cleaning. That would help the ick from the poo, but the rug was still a stained mess. I decided to stop sinking money into it and start fresh. 

Believe it or not, I messed up the grow room lights AGAIN. Finally figured out the issue -- the "off" timer was set to "once" not to every day. Good lord. My poor little itty bitty plants. I'm not sure what will take now. Fingers crossed nature can overcome human error. 

I've done exactly ZERO reading since I've been sick. I haven't even selected a book. I'll need to choose before I leave for Asheville. Nothing is interesting me from my 50+ TBR books so I know it's me, not them. 

Some good news is I have a plethora of podcasts for the drive tomorrow. Haven't driven anywhere, haven't cooked ... this week's podcasts are waiting for me.

That'a all from here. I'm trying to rally and feel better by doing something. I think more sitting around will be counter productive now that I'm on the mend. Seems like this was a quick go.

A little confession -- I worried that it was COVID and I'm not actually sure it wasn't. I lost my smell on Tuesday. It came back by evening. I don't have any tests left here (I have some in Asheville and I'll test tomorrow). BUT ... I had no other symptoms other than a head cold. No sore throat, slight temperature the first day. Basically fatigue and congestion. It's probably a cold, but the cold moved faster than I expected. It's unusual to feel that much fatigue from the beginning of a cold and then have symptoms improve so quickly. If it was COVID, I should test positive still. I think the tests are still usable -- I'll know from the control line.

(Eeek -- just googled symptoms of current strain and it's primarily cold symptoms that resolve in a few days. Dang.)

Okay, now this is REALLY all from here. Have a good day. Later gators. 

Trucking Along

I took a 2 hour nap yesterday -- that's a tell tale sign I'm sick. Oura ring said "major biometric indications" this morning. Yep, I feel it. Odd symptom is my right eye is a steady state of tearing. Guess some sinus pressure. 

I'm going to complain a tad -- I'll keep it short though hah! And the usual disclaimer that I know I'm fortunate, etc. This is a temporary moment. Just a little blimp on life's radar. 

I JUST got my foot and back feeling well and now I'm sick. Seriously?!? Why?? 

No run. 

No hike. 

Possibly feeling like crap for Asheville. 

Come on -- not cool. 

Over 2 months of low activity and counting.

Okay, complaining over. See ... short, as promised (as I delete 10 other paragraphs -- hah).

I have a tele-health appointment this morning to discuss my labs. This will be interesting. I also completely ignored my lab bill situation. I won't "click" links so I have to wait for the mailed bill. I really hate our medical system. 

We are supposed to have painters here today to do the 1 year punch list on the house. There's a lot and probably more than they expect. I have a feeling not much will get done today and this will push out. We don't have enough leftover paint to do much -- we told them, but I don't think anyone listened. 

Asheville tomorrow or Friday. I haven't decided if I feel well enough to go tomorrow. I hope so though. 

I did nothing yesterday except watch the new season of The Lincoln Lawyer -- it was good. That was a lot of TV watching in one day though. I didn't even shower. Hoping to do some walking today -- nothing strenuous, but get off my backside (and a shower).

Speaking of which, virtual appointment is early and I have to clean up -- I look gross and greasy. 

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Yep, I'm Sick :(

Just spent some time canceling my week -- cold is a real cold and not leaving anytime soon. Fingers crossed I didn't get my grandson sick. 

You know what's nice? Every single friend asked if they could help -- store, cook for me, etc. I love woman who take care of other women. The offers felt genuine and specific. I try to do that too. That was an unexpected kindness this morning. 

I'm disappointed to cancel a few things (a couple of things just got postponed) BUT there's something a little nice about stepping off the treadmill for a few days. I've been stretched a bit thin lately (mostly my own doing) and now I HAVE to be away from everyone. 

Can you hear the silence? 

I'll be bored before you know it, but I'm leaning into the slow-down and quiet today. I'm pushing back a hike too because I don't think I need to stress my body. I get out of energy just climbing the stairs. 

Picked up the pottery yesterday. Not the look I intended, but the glazing got out of hand with a couple of mess-ups and I had to pivot. I'll try something different next go around (I have a lot of the gift card left).

We had the most fun with our grandson yesterday. He is a delight and a joy like no other. This age is the absolute sweetest. 

Heading to the coffee shop.

I had a mess up with the grow room. Apparently, the one timer got toggled and the lights NEVER turned off. Oh no. I don't know that that means for the success of the seeds. Geez. I hope I didn't blow it. 

I'm going to call it this morning. I'm tired enough to consider going back to bed. Hubby is golfing all day so I have the house to myself and can just chill without interruption or fussing. 

Have a good day. Later gators.

Monday Doing Me Dirty

Woke up with a cold this morning. So far it's not bad, but I imagine this will change my week. 

The week is 100% social -- no volunteer on the calendar (just some follow-ups via text/email). I'll see how I feel by this evening and then look to cancel plans.

Dinner out on Tuesday.

Monthly woman's meeting -- it's a celebration of the 1 year anniversary.

Shopping and lunch with my new neighbor to show her another town.

Asheville visit with my sister (I'll still go, just not see her or the babies).

I'm still babysitting today because this was a favor to the kids -- neither can miss work. I'll do my best to keep germs at bay, mask, handwashing, etc. 

Sometimes it's a quiet and quick little cold -- hard to tell yet. Fingers crossed. 

I'm trying to figure out how my testosterone could jump THAT high. It's the dose I've been on for well over a year with no issue. What changed?

My exercise -- foot injury and back issue. Haven't hiked, long walked, run in 2 months. Inactivity can change your uptake of T in the muscles and leave more free floating (hence higher levels). My activity almost went to a standstill. Well, shit. 

And, I'm having an issue with lab charges since we essentially are self-pay. Already a nightmare and $$$. I'm super fortunate -- I can afford the charges and I'm not sick trying to fight the issues. It's horrible what the medical billing side puts patients through. 

Monday is doing me a bit dirty this week. It's usually my favorite day. 

Add that it's also plant watering day -- eeek, such a chore and so little time to squeeze it in with a toddler from 7-5 today. I wanted to water yesterday, but the afternoon program that was expected to be an hour was still going at 2-1/2 hours. I slipped out because hubby and I had plans to hang out last night and I've been tied up so many nights. (I told him I'd by home by 4:30 and it was almost 6.)

The program for black woman's history was amazing -- just too long. Everyone and their mother spoke saying the same thing (mayor, every committee person, etc.) -- took an hour. Then a presentation and an incredible music production -- opera, jazz, gospel, harp, piano, dance. Love every bit of it. I jumped out before the speakers closing the event. The list was long and probably the same "thanks" over and over.

It was special to be in the mix of black women and black joy. It was incredible to watch the community celebrate black women and the arts. I can not tell you the talent on the stage -- the voices were unbelievable. 

Okay, best get going. I can probably water a few plants before my grandson gets here. Have a happy Monday. Later gators.

"Down Came the Rain"

The day is well underway. 

Grandson sleepover -- check.

Breakfast at the diner -- check.

Singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider 10,000 times because of the rain -- check.

Returned to parents -- check.

Elmo had a wild morning.

It was a super fun and easy sleepover. Babysitting all day tomorrow since school is closed and parents are working. Set for a craft (painting) morning, lunch out, park time in the afternoon. It should be a good time again.

Getting ready to meet a large group of women from my action group -- lunch and tickets to a Black History event in our town. Learning about the historic black church and first black-owned business in our town. Both are a block from my house and I'm glad to have a chance to learn more about this history. 

I'm "hosting" the lunch -- taking care of the reservations, group response, etc. 

Then home on this full rain day to chill and watch the rest of "How to Get to Heaven from Belfast." 

I finished two, thankfully, short books. "Slaughterhouse Five" was strange and not at all what I expected. I see the point. I get why it was such a breakthrough book. And, I thought it wasn't a good read. (Did I already review this ... can't remember hah!)

Then I read "A Cold Day for Murder" (Dana Stabenow) which came highly recommended. It was SO BORING. I wasn't invested in any character or the mystery of the book. Even the ending did nothing to change that -- how does someone recommend this book?!?

I need another pick today and I need something good to break this streak. 

I got a nice stack of books from my library bookstore shift yesterday. Really good kids books and a few for me too. It's my favorite FUN volunteering. I've never had a bad shift. 

Okay, time to get ready for the lunch. It already feels like a full day. Guess it's good to have something to do on a rainy Sunday. Later gators.

Be Our Own Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day.

Today was the day I met my grandson two years ago -- had to wait because I had shingles. It's a fun date to remember and I forget every year until I write in the one-sentence journal. And, that's kind of strange since it's Valentine's Day and should be super easy to remember. 

If you don't have an interest in journaling or can't seem to commit to regular journaling -- highly recommend a one-sentence journal. It's fun to look back. It's amazing what you can recall from a little reminder. 

I write about the day. Or a quote. Or a prompt that I wrote at the top of the page -- what's your favorite song right now, what's the best thing that happened this month, what's something you hated and now love. You get the idea. It's interesting how life repeats and how life changes. It's not necessarily what I expect and that makes it all the more interesting. 

It's also a nice touch-point to remember things about friends and family. I'll often text someone after reading last year's entry. A reminder of something we did together or something nice they did for me or something important in their lives. 

Anyway ...

Unexpected turn of events yesterday -- all my own doing. 

I had the standing Friday meeting that went well. Took Duke on a long walk. Nice start to the day. Now what should I do with my unplanned open day??

How about falling face first into sweets and plopping on the sofa in a sugar coma. What the what?!?! I don't know what happened. It was lightning fast and virtually no thought to maybe this isn't the best idea. 

Looking back, I'm quite distressed about the testosterone level -- I feel defeated. Up and down and with the rollercoaster comes symptoms that suck. I want to feel better. I threw in the towel and said screw it.

Of course, absolute opposite of what I should do -- made myself feel extra, extra horrible. Well done, nice choice -- geez. 

As for today ...

Hike with hubby and Duke. (Still going easy on my foot so it a good time to hike together.)

Library volunteer shift.

Overnight babysitting with my grandson.

Looking for a do-over kind of day.

But ...

... some good came out of the sofa slugging. 

"How to Get to Heaven from Belfast"

Oh, it's so good.

Mystery, Irish humor. 

More of this tomorrow night.

Hubby loves it too.

Grow room is sprouting. Sprouting is the easy part. Fingers crossed they "take" and grow secondary leaves -- then the transplant to bigger pots. Grow little ones -- I'm cheering you on.

Hope you have a day of feeling loved -- something we can all do for ourselves. Be our own valentine -- it's  underrated, but it's actually really wonderful. I'll make sure to love my people today too, but I'll start with me. Hope you do too. Later gators.

A List

Good morning.

Here are some updates -- it's a list day.

1. Got my lab results back. Testosterone went from 45 to 361 -- good lord. That's a problem. My appointment is next week, but I'll start lowering my application now. I'm doing NOTHING differently and it's swinging wildly.

2. Court situation was 4 hours -- very tough. Smart decisions were made by the decision makers. Everyone is safe and getting help. 

3. Trolley Tour with my aunt. Absolutely free (not even tip or donation). It's paid from a portion of hotel taxes. Food, drinks, goodies. It was really a fun way to learn about this town. Great way to promote the new restaurants in the area. 

Got to play indoor mini-golf.

Super funky.

Saw the local theater.

Family opened a group
of restaurants all
in one spot.

Front row because we were early,
of course we were!

Once a month free trolley tour.
It was surprisingly good -- 3 hours.

4. I was suppose to help with an elementary school dance this morning in the refugee town I love. Volunteers are canceled because norovirus is abound. They considered postponing the dance, but the logistics wouldn't work. I'm disappointed, but relieved that I didn't get the exposure. Babysitting our grandson next 3 days and I'd worry about passing something along. Norovirus is SO contagious.

Didn't see the email until this morning. Frees up my day and that's a little perk. I've been going fast and furious lately -- a little slow down is nice. I think I'll use the time to take a walk or an easy hike this afternoon.

5. Date night with hubby. Going to a super close restaurant. One block away. It's a good one and his first time. Although, with my day canceled, we might switch to a day date instead. I'll give him the choice. 

That's all from here. I need to go research side effects of too high T -- I know pimples and hair loss (oh goodie), but hopefully only from longterm levels. 

Have a good day. Later gators.

Yesterday, From Start to Finish

First hike in 2 months. Easy 5 miles and it felt good. Exercised restraint to keep it short -- maybe another hike this weekend. 

I had to take a call from my supervisor during the hike, but most of the time it was just me and birds and lots of deer. 

Found a spot at the trail head lot to put a bigger happy rock. People are trying to get the rock snake back but someone is tossing the rocks in the water. Maybe this will be protected. The rock snake I'm doing will be next to my property to protect it.

I forgot to show this little random rainbow on my counter. Looks like a magic butterfly.

I had a little time after the hike for myself and I started and stopped a few things until I found what felt GOOD. Listened to Priya Parker's group life on gathering for hope and activism. Just the inspiration and motivation I needed. I was feeling deflated and this popped me back up. I need to finish listening today. 

Painted a couple simple Valentine's rocks while I listened.

Lunch with this new friend-ish was very nice. I was early, but the restaurant was happy to seat me. Sat outside, sun and breeze, reading a book. She was late (which I already knew, but we had reservations so I went ahead). 40 minutes of quiet reading -- lovely. We had a long lunch, great conversation. 

Very small book.
Anti-war classic.
I have an old brown copy.
Didn't know it had this cover.

Next a zoning meeting -- talking about affordable housing in our town. Young families and single people are priced out of this area and that needs to change. Very interesting. 

Took a call from an attorney on the court case, had another impromptu meeting about the helping people living on the streets. Busy afternoon.

Then dinner out with a couple of women from the action group. Tried a place I've been wanting to try for months. Lebanese cuisine and it was excellent. Adding this to rotation. We're going to try a standing Tuesday dinner -- cuisines from around the world in our little town.

Came home to birthday planning for my aunt with my cousin. She turns 75 next month. 

It was a FULL day. And a good day. I was able to do all-the-things. And I'm tired. Today is a hard day, but tomorrow should be all fun and laughs with my aunt and a trolley tour -- stay tuned. 

Best get moving this morning. All day court and meetings regarding this family in crisis. I'm not looking forward to today, but I hope this will be a step in the right direction for the family. I think it's going to get worse before it gets better though. Heartbreaking for everyone. 

Hope you are well. Later gators.