Updates

Man-oh-man, this is a packed couple of weeks (by my standards).  Here are some updates.

(1)  Monthly came with a furry yesterday.  Glad to FINALLY have it and maybe get some hormone flat road for a bit.

(2)  Kid's townhome is awesome.  It's big and bright, great location, beautiful neighborhood.  I couldn't be happier for them.  It's moving super duper fast -- they'll close in 5 weeks.

(3)  Lunch was fun yesterday.  The restaurant we originally chose was too crowded in the shade seating area so we went next-door and had an entire shade patio to ourselves.  It's a plant-forward, counter-service place and that was a double win. Tweaking decisions for the safest options.

(4)  Heading downtown today for the dress fitting for my original mother-of-the-groom dress.  It was stuck in China in early 2020, lost in NYC for about 6 months, finally made it but I didn't want to go for the fitting before I was vaccinated last winter.  Since the wedding ended up being a small, garden wedding that dress would've been too formal anyway.  They don't have an option for re-stocking or return.  Wearing a mask in a very anti-mask store.  I wonder if I still like the dress?!?!

(5)  Heading to Asheville tomorrow.  I debated waiting until Saturday because I have a lot to get ready today.  I feel crappy (hello, monthly), but I'm leaning toward going.  Hubby is going up Friday night.  Two cars so we can start bringing home the sectional.  Although, given the lousy delivery lately, we might be smarter to wait.  

(6)  Asheville trip is a working weekend.  Clean the house, work on the yard, go through the paint and start prepping for the HUGE furniture delivery at the end of the month.

(7)  Next week is our trip to Buffalo for a family wedding.  Lots and lots to do before we leave.  I'm trying not to feel overwhelmed.  One thing at a time.  It all gets done.  STILL working on that balance -- it's not easy for me lately.

Have a great day and stay well.  Later gators.

Post in Pictures

 

We've lived in this neighborhood for 2 years.
First time at the pool (had it to myself).
New 2 piece swimsuit on a hot day.
I need to do this more often.  The water felt good.
30 minutes in the shade.

3 month tea club gift from my youngest.
2nd box came yesterday -- super good.

Vintage store.
Hubby will be excited when I surprise him and
wear it for the Steelers game in September.

Looks really nice on.  Perfect summer dress.
All the new stuff (unless noted) was from one particular store.
The owner/buyer "styled" me and it was
SO MUCH FUN (!!)  So many
things I would've never tried on.

Wear with leggings.  It's out-of-my-box,
but it's cute on.  Can't wait to wear it.
It's actually fitted along the chest so
it doesn't give a cheap vibe.

Vintage store again.
Fun jumpsuit.

This is a dress and it's so comfortable
and cute on -- never would have picked it.
Hits right at my knee.

Amazon -- vintage style
to wear with a black pleated skirt
I got last year.

My "usual" style.  It has
nice seaming that makes it drape well.
Color was a question, but it doesn't
wash me out.

New plant.

Poppy and Dot dress.
Anthropology belt.

Cucumbers went crazy.
Attached to cherry tomato plant - hah.
Still having issue with the fruit growing
but looks like I have 2 cucumbers
that didn't shrivel up.

New plant #2.

There you have it.  Bunch of new things and my rule is I have to WEAR everything I bought.  (Hence the new swimsuit even though I felt self-conscious -- cute suit, but not super flattering on my bottom.)

In other news ...

The ottoman came WITHOUT LEGS (!!)  Can't make this shit up.  They have no idea where the legs are and will call within 7-10 days with the plan.  This might be a return -- good lord.

Eldest and DIL had an offer accepted on a townhouse.  That's no small feat in the current housing market. I'm joining my son for the home inspection this afternoon because my DIL is working.  I'm super duper happy for them :) and can't wait to see it.

Lunch got switched up with a friend today.  This will make for a tight day because I need to go home and let my dogs out before I head to the home inspection, but overall a fun time.  I don't want to cancel lunch plans on her (one friend already backed out, hence the switch up).

And, I'm summer-dressing today.  Either a sundress or the new vintage pantsuit.  Probably a dress because I think it's going to be really hot today.  Future me is styling up.

Have a great hump day -- this week is flying.  Stay well.  Later gators.

MIA

I've been MIA for a couple of days.  Morning time has been a bit jumbled and I didn't get to journalling.  

I added Spanish workbook time to "The Morning Routine."  Why?  I was starting down a procrastination road every afternoon.  I'll do it in an hour.  I'll do it after I read.  I'll skip it and do double tomorrow.  Then I was starting to "dread" it.  Ut oh.  Time to do it first thing and add it to an existing habit.  I enjoy doing it, but my brain kept making it into something dreadful come afternoon.

STILL no monthly.  Guess this is one of the late/skip months.  Ugh.  

I had a productive day yesterday.  Unpacked all the goodies from the boutique store -- which is reminding me RIGHT NOW to take pictures.  Doing it today -- stay tuned tomorrow.  Did a quick clean out of clothes I NEVER wear.  Big box of some nice stuff for donation.

I visited our local nursery and got 2 HUGE pots for the yard for an extended garden (I typed pot garden, but that gives the wrong impression lol).  Still holding veggies to planters until I decide if it's worth the time, money and effort to do a raised garden.  Bought some organic fertilizer for veggies and the flowering plants in Asheville.  Potting soil too.  Way too big and heavy to ship those things.

I had 2 indoor plants (same kind) with little itty bitty leaves that were dropping them into a mess everyday.  I tried fertilizer and transplanting them with no success.  Time to say goodbye.  I got 2 new plants from the nursery yesterday.  Pictures tomorrow.

Polly had her lab follow up at vet closer to my house yesterday.  Renal function slightly improved.  I'll find out today if she's ready to be available for adoption.

Exterminator is coming back today.  Wasps never completely left.  I feel bad for the little guys, but they are taking over the entire yard.

The ottoman for my office is scheduled to be delivered today.  That was a super long order time.  Fingers crossed it goes smoothly.  It didn't the last delivery.  Once it arrives, I can finish up the office.  I might rearrange things and then it's picture time.

Have a good day.  Pictures tomorrow which might be marginally more interesting than rambles.  Later gators. 

I Needed That -- Who Knew?

I had the BEST few days and had no idea how much I need it.  My aunt is so much fun, great conversationalist, easy-going, never any drama.  We laughed and talked non-stop, shopped, ate outside, walked everywhere.  Not to be a cliché, but I needed that connection and lightness -- had no idea how much I missed it.

Weather was great too.  Trip "work" was easy.  I left all the cleaning for next weekend and took home the sheets and towels to wash here.  We brought stuff for a charcuterie board and ate that both nights for dinner.  Lunch was outside and nothing was crowded during the week. 

Shopping was fantastic.  Vintage clothing stores, friendly boutiques, fun girlfriend gifts (got my bff's b-day box finished).  We did a hard cider tasting (horribly sour fyi -- I just sipped to try), stopped at a favorite chocolatier for a few options (incredible).

My aunt is an early riser and early to bed gal too.  We were in bed reading by 7:30 every night.  It was quiet and easy without the dogs there too.  

I dressed in my "new" way (you know, future me) and felt good.  Summer dresses all weekend.  Easy and comfortable.  I still don't know why I'm so self-conscious wearing a casual dress.  Changing, slowly but surely.

Bad news is NO PICTURES.  Not even one.  I totally didn't think to take any and with masks, etc.  I do have a big shopping load I'll share this week.  Everything is still in the bags and I'll unpack (conveniently lol) when hubby leaves for the week.  So much it'll be over a couple of posts.  Fun stuff and I'll tell you all about it.

I have this weekend to recoup from all the social energy.  Even though is was FANTASTIC, I need a balance after a such a lively time.  Next week has a lot of fun things too, but I need to get mentally ready lol and get back into my routine.

One thing I'm learning is speaking up about my comfort level with COVID precautions hasn't been a problem.  "My" people are happy to comply and I'm happy to back away or not go to something if that messes up others want to do (eat inside, etc).  It's becoming easier to speak up and I'm surprised at how much that's respected.

P.S.  No monthly yet.  Hormones are a wild ride.  Fingers crossed for sooner rather than later.

Asheville Bound

Leaving today for Asheville with my aunt.  I'm determined to have a good time and take WORRY off my plate.  

Adding to this week is, you guessed it, probably my monthly.  Signs all point to any day now.  Better this week than the wedding weekend though.

I don't have much to say this early, early morning.  A sign of my monthly coming is sleeplessness for a few hours in the middle of the night and then falling back into a deep sleep around 3 o'clock.  My alarm went off an hour later today.  My aunt is coming over at 8 o'clock and I want to get a full morning routine (including dog duty) so it's up early.

Cicada killing wasps are no longer.  Exterminator came and took care of the hive.  It's all underground so they used pressurized powder in some gadget to spray all the way into the nest.  We would've left a small hive since they are relatively harmless and helpful to rid cidadas, but this was growing everyday and taking over our yard.  Even the exterminator gave a "wow" at the extent of it.

Polly is feeling better and is definitely coming out of her shell.  She follows me around, likes to get pet and will even snuggle on the sofa.  I think she's seeing and hearing better with all the infection glop cleaned out of her mouth and sinuses.  It was putting pressure on the eye she has some vision so she kept squinting it closed.  

I'll be back to check in after my trip (possibly during since no dog duties in the morning).  Hard to say.  My aunt is a super early riser too.

Have a great rest of the week.  Later gators.

Hive Update

Mission aborted (!!)

The hive is bigger than we thought.  Hubby gave up at my urging because neither of us thinks he can actually eliminate the hive with a couple of cans of hornet spray.

Keeping the bee suit though.  Never know when it comes in handy -- even if it's for a costume party ;)

Calling in the professionals today.  Hopefully, they have appointment availability ASAP.  The hornets are starting to buzz us when we go outside.  Looks like we'll be harnessing the dogs and taking them out front this week.

My hormones are full swing -- monthly probably within a week.  Crappy timing for the trip to Asheville with my aunt.  My energy is tanked.  Good news is after picking up Polly today (4 hours plus), I'll be able to do NOTHING should I feel like it.  Tomorrow isn't a big day either.  Packing and a couple of errands.

Weather looks good for Asheville though -- much cooler with highs in the 70s.  I'm nervous about traveling with my aunt and I shouldn't be.  Delta has me "fearing" even vaccinated people -- including my kids.  Anyone who is going out in Joe Public and not masking.  That's almost everyone. 

I'm going to take all the precautions I need to take, regardless of being afraid so there's no point in being afraid.  Fear is an emotion I can do without -- it doesn't change anything for me.  It's hard to let it go though.

I'm going to Asheville and I'm taking precautions.  I can be afraid and damper the fun OR I can choose to trust what I'm doing and enjoy myself.  Neither effects my ACTUAL safety.  The choice is mine.

I have this trip to Asheville and the family wedding in Buffalo and that's all I'm committed to and I have no plans to add anything else right now (except Asheville weekends with hubby).  I'm back to QuaranTina.  And don't get me started on the wedding -- good lord, I'm a nervous wreck.  I'm ready to hit isolation for a bit again.  Maslow's Law -- SAFETY and SECURITY needs first.

I made the 7 day cookie dough after a catastrophic failure that required me to dump everything (thankfully, I hadn't added the chips).  I poured the wrong bowl and initially mixed the flour rather than the sugar mixture.  Good lord.  Steak dinner was good too.  Pesto, steak, roasted potatoes with onions and arugula salad with farmer stand veggies and homemade dressing. 

I'm going to go work on my thinking.  This should be a fun week and all I can think is I can't wait until it's over.   Let's have a good one.  Later gators.

Better Updates

I've been lazy about journalling here lately.  Guess I'm in an ebb phase right now, but I thought I'd give a random mix of updates today.

(1)  We have a HUGE hornet nest in our stone wall.  Hubby ordered a bee suit and plans to kill them tonight.  What could go wrong with this plan?!?!  Why not an exterminator, you ask (as did I) ... $400 and he's going to his grave CHEAP AS F*$K.  Updates if the bee suit arrives on time today.  (Also, follow up questions -- how much for a bee suit on Amazon?  $35) 

The dirt piles are the "doors" of the nest.
These suckers are ENORMOUS (!!)

(2)  Flowers from Trader Joe's.  Took the orange and yellow arrangement to my friend last night.  The leftover greens are in a pitcher from Pottery Barn that I got free with my points.

(3)  Fun night at our friend's house.  Beautiful job on their house renovation.  We sat and munched all night.  Favorite was the German Beer Cheese Spread.  Couldn't be easier and it's a crowd pleaser (stores up to a week too).  I made it before, but hubby never tried it.  Goodness, but last night he loved it.  BTW, getting easier and easier to CHOOSE not to drink in social settings.

Beer Cheese Spread

(4)  I reviewed the 21 for 2021 list and have knocked a few off (plant something to eat, get colonoscopy, get new eye glasses, bake with the yeast I bought in 2020).  Some I'm behind on (wear the green dress, sub 24 min 3 mile run).  Some might not happen because of the pandemic (visit friends, indoor pottery class).  Some are in the works (21 hours of Spanish study, put up Christmas lights on porch, take a 5 mile run).

(5)  I FINALLY putting the tiramisu recipe on the calendar.  This was leftover from 2020.  I bought the dang special cookies and I'm going to try to remake the recipe from Italy.  It's happening in August (!!)  I've been waiting for a night with the kids -- that's not happening this month, so I'm doing it solo.  

(6)  Looked up my furniture delivery and WOW -- it's all ready for scheduling.  The ottoman is coming for my office after I get back from Asheville and the Asheville furniture is scheduled for the end of the month (since they only delivery an order that big T,W,TH we had to wait a month).  

(7)  Polly is recovering and I'm picking her up on Monday.  Sweet girl has a broken jaw too.  

(8)  New TV is up and running.  That's hubby's superpower -- electronics.  Glad he's on top of those things.

(9)  Life is morphing again.  What feels safe, what doesn't.  Not as bad as before, but definitely isolating more again.  We have some things in August that I wouldn't have scheduled knowing what we know now. I'll wear a mask and modify.  No other plans going forward again though.

(10)  Making the 7 day chocolate chip cookies again.  I brought the Guittard semi-sweet double chips from Whole Foods.  BEST chocolate chip cookie -- crazy perfect.

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Have a Fun-Day Sunday.  Later gators.