Fun Day

I had a super Mother's Day yesterday.

Youngest and I hiked the 4 mile lake loop, up and around the dam.  It's my favorite local hike and it's been over a year.  I forget how much I enjoy it.  Beautiful views, water from lake, river and streams.  Nice balance of big hills and easy paths.

Love this water stream.  It's so loud for a little stream.
Standing on a little bridge over the "falls."

After we stopped at a local coffee shop and I got a peach-ginger iced tea.  Fresh steeped over ice -- my favorite kind.  Youngest got a cold brew (I passed because of the caffeine).  I'm trying to support local business I like after this hard business year.

Home for lunch.  Made a monster egg sammie for my son (all the fixings on a roll).  I had chickpea and lentil salad.  Then we polished off the GF pound cake.  Spoiler -- making it again for this weekend.  

We spray painted the table and it looks good.  You can see the black a little bit through the paint and I like that look.  Between coats, youngest gave his car interior a spit shine using hubbies potions and gadgets.

Youngest came with awesome gifts.  Game for our Asheville house -- wanted some fun stuff for rainy days.  AND ... a hand held steamer for clothes.  Great idea -- knocked it out of the park.

The shade porch plant I ordered arrived overnight.  I repotted it and fingers crossed it's happy in the new environment.  Turns out it's a garden plant.  I hope it likes a pot too.

Today is a hair appointment and the cleaning crew.  The house and I are both getting a spruce up.  I have lots of kitchen cooking and baking this week, a few errands and some house chores to get finished in time for our drive on Thursday.

I didn't sleep well at all last night.  Big thunderstorms (had no idea rain was coming).  Woke me up and then I had hot flash after hot flash.  Finally asleep about an hour before the alarm.  Guess what's due to come this week?!?!  Hope it comes early in the week before our weekend plans.  I feel yucky enough that it might come today -- pretty please!!

I'm looking forward to a good week ahead.  Lots of stuff to do, but stuff that qualifies as alone time.  We're set for a fun weekend of social stuff, so this is a nice balance ahead of family time together.  Have a good Monday.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Happy Mother's Day

Here are some updates on the weekend ...

I finished The Book of Longings (Sue Monk Kidd) -- well written, interesting story.  For some reason it took me a long time to read though.  I'd recommend it.  Bookclub discussion at the end of the month.  

Next up -- trash read.  Woman on the Edge (Samantha Bailey).  It's a fast read and good so far.

I prepped the table for painting.  Heavy duty cleaner that takes off the sheen and such prior to repainting.  According to what I read, this is enough for what I'm doing -- no sanding needed.  We'll see.

Chickpea and lentil salad with some herbs from my "garden."  Delicious.  

I found a reprint of a 100 year old pound cake recipe.  The real deal.  No salt, no leavening agents.  All technique to get a risen cake.  I cut the recipe in half and used GF flour.  It's for MD dessert today.  Yum -- because, yes, I already tried it.  It baked perfectly.  Putting this on rotation -- especially once strawberries come in season.

Youngest is coming over later this morning and we're taking a hike around a lake inlet  It's about 4 miles. I hope I can remember how to go given it's been over a year.  Nature changes and trail paths look different.  It's loosely marked -- we should be okay.  My biggest concern is finding parking.  It's a super small lot and I bet we're not the only ones with this plan.  There are several trails and it will be populated for the first little bit, but then there's rarely many people who go up the mountain.  No dogs allowed and that's fine.  Too long and hard for Monti anyway.

Hubby took a picture of the bookshelf in Asheville after he loaded another 2 shelves.  There's a twin shelf on the other side.  Trying to fill this side with books.  Getting closer.  I love the look of all books.  (Side note ... don't get me started on the color blocking of books on shelves-- big pet peeve.)  Love this random look and every book has been read.  Some will go into the Little Free Library this summer.

Looks like kids are coming up next weekend and a day early too.  This means some food planning.  I won't prep too much here because I can't fit the big cooler in the car with the mirror in the back.  I need to plan though so I can go to the store when I get in and get food ready.  I hate to be in the kitchen when company is here -- much better things to do.  We plan to do exploring in North Asheville with the dogs and downtown without them.  Fingers crossed on the weather.

Have a happy Sunday.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Mother's Day Weekend Updates

I had a 50/50 day yesterday.  Part grizzly and part good.  Let's start with the grizzly.

Part never came in for the ice maker.  Hubby drove in early to meet the contractor who called an hour before he was set to come fix it.  Now we wait.

STILL problems with trash and recycle pickup (sitting curbside since Tuesday).  The contractors we had to the house this week moved our recycle big bin wonky and the wind blew it over.  That was fun.

Baby birds flew out of the nest unknown to me and Duke killed one in the yard.  I chased Duke and tried so hard to save the little guy.  Mama and the other baby are gone.  I feel horrible.  Mama was showing the babies how to fly and this one didn't have a long enough flight time to get over the fence.  I wasn't fast enough to grab Duke when I realized what was happening.  I'm sorry, little mama.

Mother's Day brunch is cancelled.  DIL's mom is in town and told her that her father asked for a divorce.  Not the time to share a MD's celebration.  Of course, I feel sad for everyone involved and completely understand (and know it would feel super awkward).  It's funny to me that whenever her mom is involved, I get a back seat though.  It's like she sucks extra oxygen out of the room.  Every single time our worlds cross.  Celebrations, holidays, visits.  This is one of those themes I'm working on -- I don't count ENOUGH.  My "things" aren't ENOUGH.  Always someone with MORE needs, etc.  (And, yes, I agree her needs take priority right now.  I don't know how to settle those feelings though.)

Her mother also might be staying for an extended time this month.  That will change our Asheville weekend plans.  Nothing is for sure, but her mother changes her mind all the time at the last minute.  So who knows.  I'm going to need to set a little boundaries on this -- if I've gone to trouble, cooked, changed my schedule ... there will need to be a little notice and/or let her mother make some accommodations around our plans.

Now for the good ...

My eldest called and we talked a lot about divorce, etc.  LOVE that we have that kind of relationship.  He also was appreciative that I understood the cancelation and was apologetic.  He's a good man.

My youngest is coming over on Sunday.  We'll firm up plans, but I think a long hike and coffee or takeout would be fun.  It's not my DIL's "famous" pancakes, but it might be even better.

Recycle got picked up this morning.

I walked with my girlfriend -- who mentioned she was asked to cancel the walk to babysit because everyone else wanted to change up their plans.  This is why so many changes all the time.  THIS time, she said 'no.'  I told her how much I appreciated it.  We had a good walk -- too short, but hopefully next month we can start doing things together.  

Volunteering changed its parameters and you get a text the night before to tell you where to report.  They are going into the community businesses now.  Took lots of emails to figure it out.  I canceled my volunteering for next week.  My week is full and that felt too much.  I'll get back to it after that (traveling sounds fun).  Prioritizing me.  When a "yes" becomes wonky, "no" is the answer.  They made a change without communicating it -- didn't find out until my confirmation had no location.  I have no guilt for making an adjustment.  

As for today -- lots of GOOD NOTHING.  This feels good.  Arm workout.  Dog walk (it's beautiful weather).  Making a chickpea and lentil salad again.  Keeps for a few days and is great on top of greens or veggies.  I'll use the herbs from my garden -- woo hoo.  I might start the process of painting a flea market table I chalk painted years ago.  I'm using spray paint this time, but it needs to be prepped first.  I'll take pictures.  This is be a learning curve for me.  

I have a ton of packages arriving today.  Lord forgive me on the cardboard consumption.  I ordered stuff for the kitchen in Asheville.  After entertaining last weekend, I realized I needed more serving options.  I also still need trash cans with lids (dogs!!) and can't find that at the store.  Had to order it.  I need to do a post with some goodies from Anthropology too.  That is hands down my favorite store right now.  There stuff is so nice -- bit pricey, but love it.  I have stuff arriving next week.  Ordering for Asheville is slowing down, but there are still holes to fill to make it comfortable. 

I also started on a book buying spree again.  Stay tuned for those too.

Thanks for the vent and I feel better ending with the good.  Have a happy day.  Later gators.

Another Mood

Well, yesterday was a bit of an annoyance.  

The happy hour I wanted to be simple (but was talked into MORE), got a cancelation TEXT an hour before.  I spent the morning prepping, cooking.  I did a fast clean, rushed home after my physical appointment.  Her husband had an issue at work and would need to be available for phone calls that evening.  Seriously??  They live two doors down the street.  Why can't you come over and hang out and he can join us if he can.  She's mentioned before that he hates doing anything on a work night -- I bet he had a busy day and simply didn't feel like coming over while he was still dealing with a work problem.  I didn't hold a boundary (keeping things simple) and I got burned.  Hubby and I sat out and watched the mama bird feed her big fuzzy babies -- that was fun.  But it was disappointing that I went to a lot of work and rushed around.  Not sure where this leaves us going forward -- I'm not exactly excited to re-invite them over and do that work again.  She's a regular last minute cancel person.  Super nice, very generous person, but this is a pet peeve of mine (right there with being chronically late).

I had my physical yesterday too.  Doc gave me a hard time about getting a pap smear, but I held firm (why don't you go to Gyn -- COVID, duh).  She gave me a hard time about being late for a mammogram too (COVID, duh).  I'm here now that I'm vaccinated.  This was the FIRST appointment available after being vaccinated.  Geez.  Then she wanted me to get Tetanus and Shingles vaccine.  I told her I was waiting until decisions are made about COVID boosters.  She didn't agree -- I don't care.  Turns out she JUST came back from maternity leave -- hormones from both of us.  

I did have a good run with Duke in the morning.  The rest of the day was me trying to manage annoyances with a better attitude.  Not easy.

I have a walk with a friend this morning.  She's another cancel/change person (when it comes to walking or pandemic phone calls).  She asked me to move up the walk time, but I can't this morning (because boundaries, morning routine and her regular canceling).  I offered a couple of other options, but we stuck with the first time (that she set according to her schedule).  I'm about 50/50 that the walk will happen.  I'm trying not to let the other cancelation cloud my mood about this today.  She's a terrific person (one of my favorite people), but the changing times/days over and over has gotten old during the pandemic.

Worth remembering again.

Now for something upbeat ...

I have this week to myself.  Hubby left for NC for the weekend and then VA.  We're meeting in NC next week. Woo hoo!  I need some centering time and time to fully embrace ROUTINE again.  When I'm out of sorts AND can't have my time -- watch out, it's not pretty.  Planning to report a better mood tomorrow -- calm is on the horizon lol.

Let's find some happy and peace today (!!)  Stay well.

Treat Yourself

I bought flowers from Trader Joe's yesterday.  I knew they'd be well stocked for Mother's Day.  Tulips -- enough for 2 mason jars and I love them.  Simple and pretty.  A treat from me to me.

My veggie "garden" is chugging along.  The cucumber plants are adding leaves.  I don't see anything happening with the tomatoes yet.  Herbs are filling in -- so much that I've used some basil and chives.  That's exciting.  Also, the replant of lettuce is coming up, but it might be stunted again since I haven't seen anymore growth.  One day I'll figure it out -- thankfully, seeds are plentiful and cheap.

I watered my neighbor's porch plants yesterday while she's away.  She loves to garden, but I have to say, her porch plants are a hot mess.  I was hoping for some tips or ideas, but it was kind of a bust.  All but a couple of the plants have seen better days.  It surprised me a lot.  

I got a text yesterday morning that contractors were on their way to replace a damaged window (still builder's warranty) and fix a cracked board on the deck.  What?!?!  I was able to leave a door unlocked to the unfinished area so I could still grocery shop (hubby was on a conference call).  This has taken almost 2 years to get resolved and I got 30 minutes notice.  Lordy.  Siding had to be redone too so painters need to come for the final step.  I'm glad it's almost finished.  We've had a huge window leaning on our house for 3 months.

Today is full.  I'll run Duke at the park this morning -- that boy needs some energy release.  Then I need to cook the ham-n-cheese pinwheels for happy hour tonight.  Maybe some cheese tray prep too.  I have an afternoon physical appointment that's an hour away.  I won't be home with much time to spare ahead of our friends coming over.

Once again, I need to remember this is fun stuff -- enjoy each step.  I wish I felt more energy.  Dang, hormones.  They are kicking my butt (and my mood).

Have a happy day.  Stay well :)

Adjustment

Here I go again with this same topic.  

How to be "busy" and not feel overwhelmed or get in cross-off-a-list mentality.  This is a super big challenge for me coming out of quarantine.  I'm not overwhelmed by seeing people -- I'm still taking precautions and making smart choices (we declined a graduation party next week, but are seeing another couple for a porch happy hour), but I am overwhelmed about having a calendar again.

This week and next have a bigger-than-normal feel -- all FUN things and I'm feeling less fun and more bothered by having stuff on my calendar.  What is the deal??  Some of this is hormones.  I feel it, I know it, I can't help it.  But I know a lot is my mindset.  I need to continue to remind myself this belief isn't true anymore.  I can have a full day without feeling tired and bothered and focused on a "day off.'  

Where hormones make the biggest impact is my energy gets zapped.  So far, no difference with this menopause supplement I'm taking.  It takes a couple of months -- or so they scam say.  Katie Couric recommended it, so I'll stick it out for a couple of months (I'm in it for about 2 weeks at this point).  It's not harmful (from what I researched) so the only risk is $$.  

Yesterday I ordered a clearance Pottery Barn mirror for the Asheville house -- curbside pickup in the city.  Unfortunately, when I got there I was asked to come in because the mirror was a display, out-of-box and might need "further discounting."  Everyone was masked, but being in a huge mall was a shock to my system.  The mirror has wear on the corners and some paint on the top -- none of that matters (won't see paint when hung and wear gives it a distressed look).  $800 mirror for $200 -- and it's beautiful.  Pictures after we hang it.  

That took most of my day yesterday.  Long drive, long pick up.  I never made it to the grocery stores.  Huge afternoon storms again so I stayed home after the mirror.

I have to regroup my schedule for this week.  Hosting another couple for happy hour tomorrow -- I wanted simple and casual, but it's become a bit more.  I have an afternoon physical appointment in the city so I need to figure things out today to be ready for tomorrow.  I feel uninspired and that needs to change.

Next week is shifting too.  Some add-ons and now the kids are coming for the weekend.  Super happy about it, but I need to do planning and prep.  

Remember -- this is ALL GOOD.  I wish my energy would cooperate.  

Can't believe it's Wednesday.  Coming home on a Monday confused my week.  Have a happy day and stay well.  Later gators.

Trip Recap

We had a great weekend -- finally good weather and some firsts in the house.  First overnight guests (finagling the bathrooms worked okay).  First entertaining (I need a lot more serving dishes lol).  First outdoor fireplace fire with s'mores (yum).  First walk to a coffee shop with an outside table rest (no one else at the tables).  

The 100 year old Flaming Azaleas are in bloom.  

Dogs hung out -- tired after a few long walks.

We ended up eating at the house.  We had margaritas (mine was non-alcoholic), guacamole, salsa, s'mores and cake -- too full to get tacos.  The patio is perfect and relaxing to hang out.  It's funny how an old house can be good for modern entertaining.  We're planning a family Memorial Day weekend in Asheville.

The only pisser of the weekend was a chat with a neighbor and his wife.  We walked by their yard with our dogs and their dog came out to see us.  Dogs got along, lots of sniffing and we chatted with them from across their yard.  When we tried to walk on, their dog followed us so the neighbor came out and grabbed the dog back.  We had a quick "close-ish" moment as he grabbed the dog.  Later I got a text from another neighbor.  THEY ARE COVID POSITIVE (and symptomatic) and knew it when we saw them.  Trump supporters, anti-vax peeps, COVID isn't an issue peeps.  Ugh.  None of us think we had a close enough or long enough contact and we're all vaccinated.  None of us touched the dog (because we were controlling our dogs).  It's a reminder to STILL be vigilant.  This isn't over.

I'm hanging back in GA until late next week.  Dogs and I need a little time here.  Hubby leaves Friday for Asheville and then to VA for the week.  Kids are making a brunch at their place for Mother's Day -- DIL's mom is going to be in town too.  That's going to be fun.

Let's get at this week.  Lots of catch up to do and back to my routines (I need my routines in a big way).  It'll feel good this week.  Stay well.  Later gators.