Cold Blast

Not a lot to report this morning.  Nail appointment was long overdue and it feels good to have nice cuticles again.  I chose a light blue for my fingers and toes -- matching for the couple days it lasts on my fingers.

Tried on new glasses -- not readers, but full progressives with a little distance correction too.  Mostly for driving.  A little different from what I have, but I needed backups for day and night driving.  

It's COLD for the hike this morning.  Probably hovering around freezing when it starts (it's only 28 now).  Too cold for my toes, but, dang, I'm going!  If my toes react it won't be for long since spring is around the corner.  I don't want to miss this hike -- checks a lot of fun boxes.  I'll recap tomorrow.

As far as physical stuff -- no monthly as of this morning, back is still wonky but I'm soldiering on :)  

I got influenced to try this hand lotion.  It's nice, but expensive.  Working Hands is still my go-to.

Inch worm is my latest rock painting.  I like the little worm, but my handwriting (especially on "natural" rocks) isn't good.  Something to work on.

That's all from here.  Early start for a 90 minute drive this morning.  Have a good Saturday -- later gators.

End of the Week

Hello, Friday.  

My back is STILL off so another "rest" day ahead of the hike tomorrow and Asheville for 4 days.  I want to be able to be active outside and a Peloton ride isn't worth the risk -- so I wait (attempting patience).

I'm ditching the library kindle book.  I listened to a podcast months ago with the author and I remember enough now that I'm not interested in actually reading it (I forgot until I started reading it).  Yea for another library option because it would've been an unnecessary purchase.  BTW, the subject is interesting so I'd recommend a podcast or the book.

Moving onto this one (no pun intended).  

The matcha order from Andrew Weil's company came and I'm enjoying the ritual, color (kelly green is my current favorite color), health happy and taste.  Lots of favorite things wrapped up in one little drink.  

Drum roll ... I have a nail appointment this morning after a couple (few) of months of toe issues.  Toes are better although a cold start to the hike tomorrow might be a problem again.  Getting fingers done too because my cuticles are large and in charge.  I enjoy NOT doing dip anymore, but I need a professional every couple of months to keep my cuticles neat and tidy.  I'm excited for some "pamper" fun today.

My mood feels a little lighter this morning so I'm wondering if this is monthly day.  Not great timing for the hike, but there are bathrooms so I'm making it work.  I've been looking forward to this hike -- 6 miles with a 45 minute break at a local artisan fair.  Yes and yes!!  And I'm finally seeing Helen, GA in a way that is fun to me.

I'm also really, really, really in the mood for Asheville this week.  Decent weather and a professional yard cleanup so I'll finally "get to know" the plants in the yard and how to keep them up.  Feels like a private garden lesson.  I'm ready for a change of scenery and some family time.  

Hope you're set for a good weekend too.  Later gators.

Nothing on a Thursday

Good morning.  My back feels a bit better, but still is sore in the injured area so I'm resting it again today.  What is going on?

That leaves pretty much nothing on a gloomy, misty, overcast day.  This'll be interesting filling the day. 

I borrowed a book from the library on kindle -- Oprah's new bookclub pick.  I'm not sure I'll enjoy reading it on a kindle because I tend to like to flip around a bit for a self-help book.  But, why not.  I'll start it today.  The physical book has a waitlist.  

I also started the March book for my bookclub.  It feels like a heavy book -- memoir of cancer fight and a travel journey post treatment, but I hope the overall message is upbeat.

Broken record, but hormones are keeping me in the blahs in a big way and not being able to workout or hike (be outside) isn't helping things.  Last thing I want is a heavy story.

I glued rocks onto a wood box I use for paints.  Cheerful :)

The round flower came in an
Etsy order -- it's a "dot" rock.
The rest are mine.

There's very little else going on.  I'm FORCING myself to do things this week.  Keep going and fighting through the FALSE mood of hormones.  I'll figure out a few things today.  My mind wants to spin everything into something dramatic and upsetting -- as usual.  I hope I get my monthly today.

Looking far and wide for a good day ... hope you find it too.  Later gators.

Changing Plans

Yesterday was a good day -- last night was rough.

First the good.  2 long catch up conversations with friends.  That always makes me feel good.  Live Peloton ride (happened to time that so I did it), 3 miles walk in the sunshine with Duke, bunch of chores finished, book finished and Extraordinary (Hulu) finished.  I made the air frier cauliflower bites -- delicious.

Sauced them after, but I
like them better without.

My back felt wonky during the afternoon and when I got in bed it was a problem.  I took an RX anti-inflammatory and sat on the heating pad until it felt better.  It's okay this morning, but not great.

So changing up some plans.  I removed myself from the fitness hike tomorrow.  Rain all day today and on-and-off in the morning.  Too wet and I need to listen to my back.  I also am ditching a free plant lecture tonight because sitting upright aggravates my back too.  I want to feel good for the hike on Saturday.

I woke up with a doozer of a headache so I think my monthly is coming.  I have a full morning today and a regroup is in order this evening.  

This was the sky last night -- it was the prettiest blue-gray color even behind the clouds.  The picture comes close.  You could tell the sky was different by the light outside. 

Making some "medical" rounds today.  Dermatology appointment, picking up eye glasses and vet visit for Monti's meds.  A couple of quick errands after and that rounds out the day.  I'm not feeling well and I think a little chill is okay.  New book pick and some TV too.

Have a good day.  Later gators.

Valentine's Day

This is the anniversary of my back injury last year -- I only remember the exact day because it was Valentine's Day.  I've come a long way, but still dealing with some lingering issues and a little bit of memory stress over it.

Anyway ...

I went to the garden farm craft event yesterday -- got the lay of the land too.  Flower hammering until the residue leaves marks on watercolor paper.  Glued to make cards.

  

My cards

Got mine "featured" on the page.
That's me in the black mask.

I wore a mask because the friend from the other gardening group who sat next to me said she was sick -- COVID negative, but still feeling a cold.  I don't want to get sick ahead of Saturday's hike.  

Speaking of gardens -- look who's sprouting after some sun.  I hope they gets enough light to grow radishes.

I feel a bit better this morning.  Still recovering from the slush cake.  There was a piece leftover and I tossed it -- good decision.

I also realized I'm on a bit of a struggle bus because, guess what?  Yep, hormone time again.  Since it doesn't seem to be my time to go into full menopause, I need to just deal with the rollercoaster.  Not my favorite thing, but not a big deal by a long shot. 

Future self showed up in a conversation last weekend with my longest friend.  She's decided she doesn't drive on trips.  Period.  This has gone on for about a decade -- used to be she would sneak around the issue, now she just refuses.  Pick her up from an airport, drop her off, ride together, drive her to everything she wants to do.  It makes every trip with her WORK for me.  We've begun talking about a trip this year so it came up.  I told her -- we're each responsible for getting ourselves to a destination.  Period.  I'm not entertaining all sort of shenanigans.  She won't take public transportation, hates Uber, won't hire a car service. And, she's not very accommodating with her needs either.  She can drive; she does drive.  It's my vacation too.  This is FIRM and if we can't find somewhere she can go without me providing the bulk of her transportation, then we don't go.  

She's already trying to talk me into another position and I said no -- not compromising anymore because I've gotten burned too many times.  She gives me a 'yes' and then changes up last minute so I'm stuck accommodating her.  

I'm glad I'm speaking up.  This trip dynamic has put a dent in our friendship on my end.  Best to speak up and show up as myself.  I had been avoiding trips with her because I feel like her assistant on the vacation.  Not anymore.  I'm happy to get myself somewhere, happy to share responsibilities, happy to spend time with her, but I'm not her personal sherpa.  

It's hard to do this, but it feels good.  I've said it before -- being myself wins in the end.  Faking agreement, faking myself leaves a lingering ugly feeling that I'm ready to let go.

Well, after that soap box, I'll say Happy Valentine's Day and hope it's a sweet day.  I'm my valentine this year (and most years) and it's my favorite way to spend this day.  Later gators.

Thank the Lord for Mondays

I need a fresh start after falling face first into SLUSH CAKE and all its glory.  It was worth EVERY SINGLE BITE.  The fam loved it too and even after all the food, drinks, etc -- everyone had 2 servings.  It goes down so easily ... very dangerous lol.  

The menu was a hit.  I need a break from the usual charcuterie boards and this hit the spot.  We ate the munchies before the game, took a break for pingpong and I cleaned up.  2 hours later I served the chicken sammies and mashed potato bites ... and the slush cake.  Perfect.

We made the decision to can the buffalo cauliflower bites.  I have everything ready to go and that's what's for dinner for me tonight.

The downside to that much sugar is I slept horribly, recovery numbers were the lowest ever (just when I think it can't go lower).  I went easy on all other things and no alcohol, but enough sugar for a month and that did me in :) Time for veggies and moderation today.

Today is a first event at the farm program I joined.  Flower pressing for cards.  It was only $10 but I'm interested in checking out the farm -- although not energetic yet this morning.  Slush cake hangover.

Lots of good stuff on the calendar this week, but possibly hike(s) cancelation from rain and storms.  Dang.  Still too early to say for sure.

I need this Monday to regroup.  Happy for a fresh start to the week.  Hope you're up for a good week too.  Later gators.

P.S.  I loved the pre-Super Bowl singers and the halftime show.  One of the best for me.

Super Bowl Menu

Menu set ...

Beer

Moscow mules

Roasted shrimp with dip

Mexican layered dip

Chicken Wings

Dinner:

Pioneer Woman cowboy chicken sliders

Pioneer Woman twice baked baby potatoes 

Nomnom Paleo buffalo cauliflower bites

Dessert:

Slush cake

Made the chicken and twice baked potatoes (they are like a better potato skins).  Prepped what I could but still a lot of kitchen time today.

Everything is GF and dairy lite (except cheese).

I've never made the buffalo cauliflower bites -- air frier option.  I have plenty of food, so if it flops, no worries.  This have been on my radar for some time.  I decided to make them for dinner since I have to be in the kitchen heating up the meal anyway.

The Pioneer dishes are my go-to for casual dinner guests -- I just make the potatoes regular sized instead of bite sized.  It's pleasing to most (if you like chicken) and the entire thing can be made ahead and heated in the oven.  I add a salad and dinner is ready.  Both have really surprisingly good flavor.

The dip is a new plant-based recipe, but I'm using regular cheese.  Chicken wings are from a local restaurant.  I'm doing a simple wild caught shrimp roasted in the oven, but sometimes the shrimp is mushy.  I read that it was caught at the wrong time in the life cycle.  Not sure if that's true.  I make it the same every time and sometimes it's garbage.  Fingers crossed for today because it's what I'm having with dinner.

Slush cake is an old Kraft recipe that I think anyone my age had at their grandma's house.  It's a classic and I love it.  I use GF flour and almond milk.  Some dairy from the cream cheese and cool whip (has a little dairy now), but lite enough I can handle it.  It's the perfect dessert when you've eaten a lot because it goes down so easily -- too easily, lol.

I finished Kaleidoscope -- it was good, but I didn't love how it ended.

I also finished this book.  Second from the author and not as good -- the ending was a bit of a disappointment.  

Back to the library.

We went to an open house too -- beautiful townhome, but wrong location.  Bummer because it checked so many boxes.

Off to make the Slush Cake -- so yummy.  Enjoy the Super Bowl.  Go KC (although I don't really care).  Later gators.