Grocery Shopping

This morning is a grocery store run for the week.  I'm doubling on Trader Joe's and the Publix across the street.  Fingers crossed it continues to be a good option with people wearing masks.  I STILL go first thing -- so a rushed morning (and a broken record).  Trader Joe's opens at 9 o'clock and I can go to Publix first.  It takes about 50 minutes to get there and I need to time around schools.

Our windows look great -- it's like everything is in high definition again.  I took the opportunity to switch to our fall wreaths since I had to take the others down anyway.  I'm holding off on my inside fall decor until later in September.

I cleaning all the bathrooms and the basement yesterday.  Big back day.  It's wonky, but holding.  I did the treadmill workout too.  I'll take a rest day today.

Apparently, Peloton released a new model and the old one is on sale.  I wonder if I can get a discount -- I'm going to try.  I don't need the new model.

I have a new recommendation for a Netflix binge -- Away.  Space mission to Mars.  I have no idea if it's good, but I loaded it up for a next watch.  Stay tuned ...

The Storyteller's Secret is so so so good.  The writing draws you in and makes you want to keep reading.  It's storytelling at it's finest.  I'll do some more reading today.

We're going apple picking tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it.  Feels like a little adventure in pandemic times - hah.

I like the stuff I'm doing to pull myself out of this big hole.  I'll write about it once I see if it sticks and I make some progress.  I've been crying wolf so much lately ... but I'm hopeful.

I did online panty shopping yesterday.  I have actual HOLES in my favorite briefs and it's long overdue.  Gap and American Eagle.  Full coverage, no seam lines -- basic, but hopefully comfortable.  I also bought an oversized sweatshirt that looks so comfortable.  Here's hoping COLD weather comes soon.

Best get moving.  No workout days are longer meditation days.  Off to SEE some GOOD and FEEL some HAPPY.  Wishing you the same.  Later gators.

And The Week Begins ...

This is a full week -- probably one of the fullest since the quarantine started.  I'm not complaining ... well, only a little since EVERY SINGLE MORNING is RUSHED.  I need to do some problem solving.  I tried the kind of problem solving that said nothing booked for morning, but that isn't working and isn't realistic. I need to move some of my morning stuff to later -- that god forsaken gap in the afternoon of nothing land.

I listened to a podcast with Jay Shetty (it was Rachel Hollis who interviewed him -- not a fan of hers anymore, but I still subscribe to her podcast and it popped up).  Anyway ... he talked about habits and how TIME is a powerful factor in habit consistency (as well as sight, sound, smell, etc).  I never gave TIME a lot of thought, but he's right.  TIME of DAY is a big force in my routine -- good and bad.  That's why moving my morning routine later is a big deal.  That's why I want to eat/drink wine during the witching hours.  It's interesting knowledge and can help with both good and bad routines.  I knew I LIKED doing certain things at certain times, but never it that much value.  It was a good podcast.  Lots of talk about WHERE you do certain things too -- giving energy to specific spaces can help form routines.  Worth a listen.

What's up early this morning is WINDOW WASHERS.  Outside only, but this will be good.  Our windows are filthy.  

I started The Storyteller's Secret (Sejal Badani) and it's good.  The writing draws you into the story immediately.  Happy about this read and my virtual book club.

I watched Speed Cubers on Netflix.  40 minute documentary about Rubik's Cube speed tournaments, but particularly about a friendship between the top two contenders.  The younger man has autism and it's a great story about how he's overcoming obstacles.  And, wow, these peeps are incredible at solving -- makes me want to learn to do it once LOL.  I could never get more than one side when I was younger.  I wonder if I could do better now ...

I'm trying to get my back and heel fixed enough for some bigger workouts and more consistent workouts, but both are fighting me hard.  I have no idea why my muscle-skeletal system is so wonky.  I'm hoping for a treadmill interval workout today, but I might need a rest day instead.  I'll see how I feel once I get moving around more.

Hope you find some HAPPY in your day -- I'll be looking too.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Dog Hike

Another FUN day -- two in a row is shocking!  

The dog hike was nice.  Lots of loop options, not too hilly, very shaded.  It's also a mountain bike trail so we had to contend with that, but everyone was polite and announced their passing (we ended up seeing our neighbor so had another outdoor chat this weekend).  We took a 2.4 mile loop.  Perfect for our little Monti.  We're going back Saturday with our grand-dogs and kids.  Changing up the BBQ to a lunch so we can do something with the dogs (weather permitting).  We saw a baby snake on the trail -- no spiders though.  If the baby snake is poisonous, it's very dangerous -- more so than a full grown snake.  An adult snake will only give a warning bite, but a baby can't control the release and will inject way more venom.  I was too busy doing my snake avoidance dance to see the details.

This got me motivated to change things up, find something to do.  I googled and googled.  Lots of things closed or feel unsafe.  Our plans are apple picking up in the mountains on Thursday.  Dog friendly, shouldn't be crowded with school back and during the week.  Outside and we'll wear masks.  If it's too crowded, we'll leave.  I have a new recipe for apple quick bread and I'll make it for lunch on Saturday with our haul.

My local winery is doing it's harvest and lunch again.  I'm so tempted, but I can't bring myself to do this in a pandemic -- even though we're outside.  It's too long a day with the same people and I bet awfully hot with a mask (not required, but I'd wear one) and my back is still wonky.  Also, not so fun without a friend and I don't feel comfortable bringing anyone in the car.  Next year ... patience isn't easy or fun.

That said, I would be up for an afternoon at our local winery.  They are open during the week and it's usually empty.  You bring your own food, buy a bottle of wine and sit outside.  I think I'll ask a friend (or my aunt) in October when the afternoons are cooler.  Also dog friendly which is fun.

I'm on the hunt for more things to do.  This week hubby is on vacation, but usually he's working during the week.  That puts things on the weekend with possible crowds.  Maybe go do something with a friend if we can be outside, social distance and ride in separate cars.  Hmmmm.  Possibility.  I'll see how the logistics of apple picking turn out with people and bathrooms!!  (I swear finding "safe" BATHROOMS are my biggest hiccup.)

I'm caught up with Outlander.  I had to stream through STARZ for the 5th season.  I managed to get in under the 7 day free trial.  It was hard to figure out how to cancel (big pet peeve of mine), but eventually I found the correct google answer.  That was a fun binge series for quarantine.  I don't have any series waiting in the wings -- just a couple of documentaries.  More on those when I watch them.  Maybe I can get some more traction on my book pile.

Today doesn't have anything on the calendar.  We're taking a break from hiking to rest our old bodies.  I can't push my heel too much, too soon.  Some house chores and that's all.  Way too crowded to head out for anything today.

Have a happy holiday.  I love our country and its service women and men, but it feels hard to cheer on America right now.  We have a lot of broken parts that need immediate attention.  Also, locally, this day has become Trump rallies and boat parades on the lakes.  This day is NOT about Trump -- he's far from a "laborer".  I'll take him out of my mind and have a HAPPY day instead thinking about America when she is healed and whole.

Stay well.  Later gators.

More Like Yesterday

Yesterday was a good day.  It felt "normal."

We long walked the dogs in the neighborhood and had a good conversation with one of our neighbors when our walk intersected.  Social distanced and outside, but it felt nice.

The hike was great -- a bit populated given you rarely see anyone.  Holiday weekend at a lake -- duh.  But we masked when we passed people and it was a quick hello.  The weather was perfect and the lake is pretty this time of year.  Only downside -- MASSIVE spiders in MASSIVE webs.  No one would want to walk through those.  It slowed me down a little because I had to keep looking up just to be sure since I was leading the way.  It's that time of year.

Then kids over and it was a fun afternoon.  Dinner was just the thing.  I also made a lemon dressing on arugula for a quick, tart salad.  Turns out my family likes the bitter and sour.  Zucchini with toasted almonds -- tastes like popcorn -- was also a hit.  Everyone loved the cookies -- it's a keeper recipe.

Went out front to fly hubby's drone for some more fun.  Chatted with neighbors on both sides of us.  Also very distanced, but it felt like a normal time. 

Finished One to Watch (Kate Stayman-London).  This was a green light from the Podcast podcast.  Fun read.  Super fluff and a little cliche ... perfect beach or plane read.  The ending was surprisingly better than I expected.  

Starting The Storyteller's Secret (Sejal Badoni) for Jen Hatmaker's bookclub.  This is a little deep and heartbreaking -- so there's that, but I want to try the bookclub out for something fun.  Bit ironic -- sad book, fun club.

I have TOO MANY books on my need-to-read shelf.  I'm working on getting some endurance with reading again.  Feels like I can only go about 15 minutes before I want a break -- thanks to my scrolling social media for that problem LOL.

Today is a dog walk in a local park.  Easy trails and shaded (according to my hairdresser).  We'll check it out.  Then some office stuff (bills and such).  Kind of an easy paced day and I'm all for it.  Hubby is on his week vacation and we need to figure out some things to do.  I think a couple more hikes, maybe a picnic.  He's golfing a few times -- yea for him.  

Trader Joe's meditating skeleton.  How cute is he?  Fall IS around the corner even if we don't see the weather change for another 4 or 5 weeks.  Spiders are proof -- ugh, the only downside to fall.

Hope you are finding some HAPPY in your weekend too.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Cookies

 

S'mores Cookies.  Lots of steps.  Interesting bake (FREEZE dough and then bake at a 400).  Hubby says one of the best cookies he's ever had -- crunchy, chewy, lots of chocolate, hint of cinnamon.  Kids will test them today.  Baked cookies with chocolate is not my thing (I ate some dough off the paddle though -- yum).  It sure is a LOOKER -- in all it's decadent glory.

Mackle'smores

My neighbor baked us an apple pecan pie as another thank you for watching the cats.  What a nice surprise and very yummy.

Joey is adopted.  Lord let me be this amazing at EIGHTY YEARS OLD!  This woman was the bomb and you better believe I took notes.  Nothing "old" about her -- technology savvy, adored by all her family, active, not afraid to get out in the world, kind, agreeable, generous.  Grandkids kept calling to ask about Joey -- so sweet.

Today is a BBQ with the kids.  I made the cookies and loaded potato salad yesterday.  Not much left to do today.  I planned it that way so maybe my back will hold up the entire day.

Hubby and I are heading on the hike I took a couple of weeks ago.  I want some nature time and he wants to come along.  Since my body is still wonky, I don't mind him coming along (and slowing me down).  I did interval runs on the treadmill yesterday and that was enough.  Today is more of a rest kind of day.

I have an update on all the "things" that I'm doing to get out of the funk.  More on this soon.  Have to get moving this morning with the dogs.  The hike trail doesn't allow dogs so I need to walk them ahead.

Stay well.  Happy Long Weekend -- hope you find HAPPY along the way.  Later gators.

Full Couple of Days

Starting in the morning -- of course!!

Heading to Publix and Trader Joe's first thing.  I'm trying a Publix that is across from Trader Joe's to see if they are better about masks than my local one.  I can manage using Costco, Trader Joe's and Amazon for MOST things, but I need a regular grocery store every couple of months.  

Then we have a contractor to the house --- ugh.

Then I need to start prepping for the big BBQ this weekend.  Last big cook up for the summer.  Easy stuff, but lots of steps.  More on this later.

Full day -- I'll take it.

I have book info and bookclub info -- but that needs to wait.  RUSHED morning.  Why, always lately??  Tomorrow is the same.  

Stay well.  Later gators.

(Duke joined me for meditation ... we found our shadow selves LOL)

Lots of Updates

I was MIA because my back was OUT -- dang.  Couldn't sit at a desk, no comfortable way to type in bed. Yesterday it turned the corner, but I had an early hair appointment (it ended up getting changed 2 more times -- total of 5 times) and I was rushed in the morning (that seems to be my theme).

Updates ... lots.

(1)  Joey is meeting an adopter within a few days.  We need to get him more stable with a harness first.  She's 80 years old, with a huge supportive family, lives on 17 acres and has been trying for almost a year to rescue a dog.  Her son is a friend of another foster and I feel very secure that Joe will be taken care of and very happy -- only downside is no fence.  No fence means harness.  A harness shouldn't be a reason to stop an adoption so we are problem solving.  P.S.  I hope to be as active as she is at 80 (!!) 

(2)  I stopped OBE Fitness.  Great company, easy cancel, but the workouts weren't for me and all my "issues."  That strength workout took out my back.  Too much jumping, twisting, coordination, etc.  By the time I modified enough, I wasn't really doing the workout.

(3) Soooooooo, I ordered a Peloton.  Coming October 20.  I need cardio in my life.  I need cross training.  I need connection.  The live classes might be just what can help me -- an Influencer chatted about how fun it was to get the "usual" group together for rides.  Not thrilled with a monthly fee, but I don't do anything else anymore -- thinking differently even about how I spend my "fun" money.  The app includes other workouts too.  You get a free membership while delivery is pending.  Once my back is better, I'll check those out. 

(4) Speaking of FUN money and outside the box and looking for new connections ... I joined Jen Hatmaker's bookclub.  Why?  Fun package every month ($40) and (apparently) and very community driven private Facebook page (still pending for me).  I am sorely missing COMMUNITY and I need to find it somewhere else -- have to look outside my normal box, because that box doesn't exist.  Perhaps even a window into a local bookclub chapter.  Fingers crossed.  You can cancel at anytime. 

(5) Someone must have reported all the Trump signs in neighborhood windows, flags, etc.  They are ALL gone this morning.  Praise be to all that is wonderful.  Somewhere in this neighborhood is a fellow Trump hater.  I might not know who you are, but I love you hah!

(6) Reading a previous JH bookclub selection -- Burnout. The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle (Nagoski).  Also, a fun book (more on this later when I remember the title).

(7) My monthly came, late, but it came.  Late = Perry = heavy hormones.  I feel much better this morning. Perry is a rough be-otch. 

(8)  Sending the sheet music to Framebridge this week.  The mailer came.  Also, the Crate & Barrel replacement picture came.  The picture wall is beginning - yea :)

I'll leave with these nice words that make me feel hopeful and happy.  Stay well.