I've decided I'm at an awkward age. Too young to be old and too old to be young.
Went shopping today. (Which I rarely do.) Looked at some clothes. Now, I understand that it's summer and people want to be cool. But seriously....doesn't anyone make anything to wear that covers these getting-saggy-upper arms without making me look completely old-fashioned and out of touch?
I may be 60 but I'm still young at heart. I don't want to dress like an old-old lady. Nor do I want to dress like a 20 something. Isn't there a happy medium out there somewhere? For a short person that's more round than she'd like to be?
Dyslexic
At least I'm hoping it was something like that when I read this headline:
"Are parents a waste of your time and money?"
Of course, the actual headline was:
"Are patents a waste of your time and money?" For about half a second I actually worried what the article was going to say.
And on a side note: I'm not often here at the house alone. I've discovered there are strange noises abounding. Investigation reveals nothing. Going to find some earplugs.
"Are parents a waste of your time and money?"
Of course, the actual headline was:
"Are patents a waste of your time and money?" For about half a second I actually worried what the article was going to say.
And on a side note: I'm not often here at the house alone. I've discovered there are strange noises abounding. Investigation reveals nothing. Going to find some earplugs.
One Day Down
And four days to go.
Today's thoughts:
I still like sparkly things - including earrings, license plate holders and toes.
When The Husband is out of town I have to carry around my cellphone (fits in my pocket) and the cordless phone - never know which one he'll call on, don't want to miss a call. Need more (or bigger) pockets to carry all the phones.
Meals out at restaurants taste better when you're with someone.
Listening is an under-utilized skill.
Check-ups on air conditioners and furnaces that result in everything a-ok = terrific.
The couch isn't near as comfy to sleep on as the bed. Sometimes the bed isn't comfy either.
Kindness matters. Always.
Today's thoughts:
I still like sparkly things - including earrings, license plate holders and toes.
When The Husband is out of town I have to carry around my cellphone (fits in my pocket) and the cordless phone - never know which one he'll call on, don't want to miss a call. Need more (or bigger) pockets to carry all the phones.
Meals out at restaurants taste better when you're with someone.
Listening is an under-utilized skill.
Check-ups on air conditioners and furnaces that result in everything a-ok = terrific.
The couch isn't near as comfy to sleep on as the bed. Sometimes the bed isn't comfy either.
Kindness matters. Always.
Help
Been thinking a lot about this word (and lots of its various meanings) today.
The Husband dismantled the heavy wooden swing set / slide / fort in preparation for transport over to our son's place. Today was the moving day. He pulled out the old trailer, loaded (and unloaded and re-loaded, dismantled and re-loaded) it up with all the pieces-parts. Our friend came over with his truck, after having made umpteen phone calls to borrow a receiver for the hitch, since his was missing. The ball on the borrowed hitch was the wrong size and was un-removable.
After further umpteen calls, our former-son-in-law drove up to loan us his receiver. It didn't work. So they played musical pick-up trucks and the former-son-in-law pulled the trailer while the friend loaded the slide in the bed of his truck and they trekked across the valley to the son's house.
(4 year old grandson is super-excited to not only have the swing/slide/fort at his place, but also to help his Dad assemble all of the pieces-parts.) Overall it took about 4 1/2 hours (in the 95 degree weather) to accomplish this little task.
Hours cheerfully donated by friend and former-son-in-law. Happy to help, they said. Glad to do it, they said.
It's hard for me to let people help. I feel like I owe them something for their assistance. When I mention this to The Husband (as I have in the past) he's reminded me how often I jump to help someone else. And how often I refuse remuneration - because I truly am happy to help. As were our friend and former-son-in-law.
How grateful I am for the opportunities we have to help each other. To help and to accept help. It helps the circle of fellowship/friendship/love to continue unbroken. Whether we return the favor to the same people or just pass it on....it's all good. Thanks, Friend and Former-Son-in-law. Your help today helped feed our souls.
The Husband dismantled the heavy wooden swing set / slide / fort in preparation for transport over to our son's place. Today was the moving day. He pulled out the old trailer, loaded (and unloaded and re-loaded, dismantled and re-loaded) it up with all the pieces-parts. Our friend came over with his truck, after having made umpteen phone calls to borrow a receiver for the hitch, since his was missing. The ball on the borrowed hitch was the wrong size and was un-removable.
After further umpteen calls, our former-son-in-law drove up to loan us his receiver. It didn't work. So they played musical pick-up trucks and the former-son-in-law pulled the trailer while the friend loaded the slide in the bed of his truck and they trekked across the valley to the son's house.
(4 year old grandson is super-excited to not only have the swing/slide/fort at his place, but also to help his Dad assemble all of the pieces-parts.) Overall it took about 4 1/2 hours (in the 95 degree weather) to accomplish this little task.
Hours cheerfully donated by friend and former-son-in-law. Happy to help, they said. Glad to do it, they said.
It's hard for me to let people help. I feel like I owe them something for their assistance. When I mention this to The Husband (as I have in the past) he's reminded me how often I jump to help someone else. And how often I refuse remuneration - because I truly am happy to help. As were our friend and former-son-in-law.
How grateful I am for the opportunities we have to help each other. To help and to accept help. It helps the circle of fellowship/friendship/love to continue unbroken. Whether we return the favor to the same people or just pass it on....it's all good. Thanks, Friend and Former-Son-in-law. Your help today helped feed our souls.
Thank Goodness It's Friday!
Had dinner with a couple friends. We so enjoy their company. Had the lobster pizza at Red Lobster. Topped dinner off with gelato. I'm so full I barely can move, much less bend over - in spite of my repeated determination to "eat light."
Saw a kid - about 11 or 12 riding his bike down the street. Wearing shorts and t-shirt and (get this) pink fuzzy scuffs. Hope his Mama doesn't give him grief for stealing her favorite slippers.
Heard someone say this earlier: "If we keep the focus on Heavenly Father, then we're good." Liked it.
And I'm ready to put paid to this week. It's been a difficult, emotional, tense, stressful week. Next week, I'll be alone again. Have to find something unusual and fun to do.
Grandma
I was born on my Grandmother's 60th birthday. And I've spent most of my life being told by Mom that I'm very much like her.
Some similarities:
• We're both on the short side, Grandma shorter than I am.
• We both have hands that are useful, not pretty to look at. (Or so I'm told.)
• We both love to sew, although she was a much superior seamstress.
• We both love music, and both sing alto, although again, she had such a lovely voice. I remember how I loved to hear her sing.
Some differences:
• Grandma never owned a pair of pants, at least as far as I know. She always wore dresses. I, on the other hand, own jeans, slacks and capris as well as dresses.
• I never saw Grandma in anything but those black clunky shoes, laced up the top. I love all the varied shoes I have and enjoy picking out just the right pair for my mood.
• I never knew her to drive anywhere. I'd be lost in this suburban area without my car!
• I can't remember ever seeing Grandma do anything fun-physical. I've been known to jump on the tramp with the grandchilluns, love to ride my bike in the morning, love the wild rides at amusement parks, love ziplines and lots of "dare-devily" types of things.
Some of the differences derive from the times we live in - so disparate.
I'm not sure why I've been thinking so much about my Grandma lately. I've been wondering if the grandchilluns will remember me when I'm long gone. If there will be any happy memories. (My most vivid one of Grandma was being "lectured" to be quiet when I woke the entire house on my way out to the outhouse early one a.m. and stepped on a small garden snake (snakes were all the same to this city girl: bad.) with the resulting squeal of terror.)
Grandma passed away on the morning of her 88th birthday. She was a good woman who lived a good life. I'm grateful to share not only a birthday with her, but hopefully other worthy traits. I still have a lot to learn.
Some similarities:
• We're both on the short side, Grandma shorter than I am.
• We both have hands that are useful, not pretty to look at. (Or so I'm told.)
• We both love to sew, although she was a much superior seamstress.
• We both love music, and both sing alto, although again, she had such a lovely voice. I remember how I loved to hear her sing.
Some differences:
• Grandma never owned a pair of pants, at least as far as I know. She always wore dresses. I, on the other hand, own jeans, slacks and capris as well as dresses.
• I never saw Grandma in anything but those black clunky shoes, laced up the top. I love all the varied shoes I have and enjoy picking out just the right pair for my mood.
• I never knew her to drive anywhere. I'd be lost in this suburban area without my car!
• I can't remember ever seeing Grandma do anything fun-physical. I've been known to jump on the tramp with the grandchilluns, love to ride my bike in the morning, love the wild rides at amusement parks, love ziplines and lots of "dare-devily" types of things.
Some of the differences derive from the times we live in - so disparate.
I'm not sure why I've been thinking so much about my Grandma lately. I've been wondering if the grandchilluns will remember me when I'm long gone. If there will be any happy memories. (My most vivid one of Grandma was being "lectured" to be quiet when I woke the entire house on my way out to the outhouse early one a.m. and stepped on a small garden snake (snakes were all the same to this city girl: bad.) with the resulting squeal of terror.)
Grandma passed away on the morning of her 88th birthday. She was a good woman who lived a good life. I'm grateful to share not only a birthday with her, but hopefully other worthy traits. I still have a lot to learn.
Tuesday / Pioneer Day
Sometimes I feel like a pioneer - whenever I head out to do something I've not done before. Or whenever we embark on a new phase in our marriage. And sometimes I'd rather not be a pioneer, I guess I'm too lazy. Anyway, we've got some decisions to make, and fairly quickly. I'm not good at that. I'd like someone (i.e. Heavenly Father) to just tell me what to do and that it will be ok.
My parameters: Spend as much time as possible with The Husband. Try to not sell the house. That doesn't sound like too much to ask, does it?
And my "morning trail oddities"? Seeing a guy trudging along the south end of the trail. (Hardly ever see anyone walking out there, that's part of it's charm!) He was quite round, wearing shorts - you know, those long baggy ones guys favor? A heavy hooded sweatshirt (long sleeves - it's July and warm out!) those tan workboots with the dark brown collars at the top - untied so he was mostly shuffling and a heavy bag over his shoulder. He was all in brown, dark brown pony-tailed hair, dark mustache. Never seen him before. Wondered who he is, and what his story is that he looks like he's carrying all his worldly possessions along that trail.
The other oddity: The 50 lb. competitive bicyclist standing straddling her bike across the middle of the trail at the top of a little hill just beyond a blind corner. I nearly crashed trying to avoid her. Thanks, sweetie (and Bless Your Heart), for your consideration and awareness of others.
And I read this earlier - thought it was pretty accurate (especially considering it was written by a male): Men are just little boys with full-time jobs.
My parameters: Spend as much time as possible with The Husband. Try to not sell the house. That doesn't sound like too much to ask, does it?
And my "morning trail oddities"? Seeing a guy trudging along the south end of the trail. (Hardly ever see anyone walking out there, that's part of it's charm!) He was quite round, wearing shorts - you know, those long baggy ones guys favor? A heavy hooded sweatshirt (long sleeves - it's July and warm out!) those tan workboots with the dark brown collars at the top - untied so he was mostly shuffling and a heavy bag over his shoulder. He was all in brown, dark brown pony-tailed hair, dark mustache. Never seen him before. Wondered who he is, and what his story is that he looks like he's carrying all his worldly possessions along that trail.
The other oddity: The 50 lb. competitive bicyclist standing straddling her bike across the middle of the trail at the top of a little hill just beyond a blind corner. I nearly crashed trying to avoid her. Thanks, sweetie (and Bless Your Heart), for your consideration and awareness of others.
And I read this earlier - thought it was pretty accurate (especially considering it was written by a male): Men are just little boys with full-time jobs.
Early Monday
Some of my early morning walking-the-trail thoughts:
Wondered about the guy I saw. We each hit the trail about the same time, I was walking he was running. Later on, our paths crossed again - only this time he was running barefoot! On the paved trail, carrying his shoes, no socks in sight. Ooh, I can just imagine the blisters. But can't figure what he was thinking.
Thinking there are w-a-y too many people I know out on the trail. Took me an extra half hour. I guess they could see through my invisible invisibility cloak.
Felt bad. One of the ladies as she drew closer to me said - oh, I thought you were *....*.... Now I really like *...*..., but she is a good 3 inches (maybe more) taller than I am and at least 15 pounds heavier. I don't mind being mistaken for someone I like, or being mistaken for someone taller. But someone heavier? Sigh....
These things don't bode well for the rest of the day. Especially considering that it's nearly 11 and I'm just barely getting ready to head out. I'll be playing catch-up all day long.
Wondered about the guy I saw. We each hit the trail about the same time, I was walking he was running. Later on, our paths crossed again - only this time he was running barefoot! On the paved trail, carrying his shoes, no socks in sight. Ooh, I can just imagine the blisters. But can't figure what he was thinking.
Thinking there are w-a-y too many people I know out on the trail. Took me an extra half hour. I guess they could see through my invisible invisibility cloak.
Felt bad. One of the ladies as she drew closer to me said - oh, I thought you were *....*.... Now I really like *...*..., but she is a good 3 inches (maybe more) taller than I am and at least 15 pounds heavier. I don't mind being mistaken for someone I like, or being mistaken for someone taller. But someone heavier? Sigh....
These things don't bode well for the rest of the day. Especially considering that it's nearly 11 and I'm just barely getting ready to head out. I'll be playing catch-up all day long.
Drill
Being the area emergency preparedness chair is a daunting position. I was in charge of the drill we had tonight. I've been filled with anxiety and trepidation over the prospect of tonight's drill. I can now emphatically relax. The drill went well, we had more people come than we could use, neighbors were contacted, e-mail addresses obtained. And oh, almost all the cookies (the reward for helping) are gone.
I'd say it was a successful exercise. (And what a relief, I don't think I failed.)
The best part of today: The Husband arrives tomorrow about noon. I don't think I'll manage till then!!
I'd say it was a successful exercise. (And what a relief, I don't think I failed.)
The best part of today: The Husband arrives tomorrow about noon. I don't think I'll manage till then!!
Hey You!
Yes, you, the sweetheart driving the Isuzu SUV that:
1. changed your mind at the last minute to turn right (without signaling) instead of going straight, so you turned your car nearly literally into mine. (I had the right of way. Fortunately, I also have great brakes and a decent horn) and
2. raced down the street, and without even pausing at the RED light, drove right through it...
Well, you better hope your Guardian Angel is paying attention. You're going to need that Angel's help if you drive like that all the time. (And I predict at the very least a ticket in your future, perhaps even an accident in the event someone isn't quite as alert as I happened (at that moment) to be.) I'm still baffled by your actions.
1. changed your mind at the last minute to turn right (without signaling) instead of going straight, so you turned your car nearly literally into mine. (I had the right of way. Fortunately, I also have great brakes and a decent horn) and
2. raced down the street, and without even pausing at the RED light, drove right through it...
Well, you better hope your Guardian Angel is paying attention. You're going to need that Angel's help if you drive like that all the time. (And I predict at the very least a ticket in your future, perhaps even an accident in the event someone isn't quite as alert as I happened (at that moment) to be.) I'm still baffled by your actions.
There Must Be Something About Wednesdays
I find them to be the least interesting days of the week. Today's most thrilling occurrence: on my drive home from breakfast (Jamba Juice, extra banana and whey protein) a deer ambled out from one of our neighbor's yard, across the street and into another neighbor's yard. 10 feet in front of the car. Out for a morning stroll, taking her own sweet time.
And I guess that really is pretty interesting since it isn't that common for me to see.
And, I've done all my reminder calls for tomorrow's drill - only about 4 cancellations. We'll see how it goes.
And I guess that really is pretty interesting since it isn't that common for me to see.
And, I've done all my reminder calls for tomorrow's drill - only about 4 cancellations. We'll see how it goes.
Just a Number
Was introduced to this quote this morning by Felicia Anjani (no idea who she is, and this isn't a new quote, I'm probably the last person to hear it). But still, I like it.
"When you really love someone, age, distance, height, weight...is just a damn number.
And I'm still parking in the middle of the garage. Still haven't mastered the art of sleeping in the middle of the bed, but: baby steps.
"When you really love someone, age, distance, height, weight...is just a damn number.
And I'm still parking in the middle of the garage. Still haven't mastered the art of sleeping in the middle of the bed, but: baby steps.
Today, I:
Managed to buy $38 worth of socks for less than $9. (Really dislike spending money, but really like managing to get a good deal.)
Lunched at Rumbi grill - by myself, with a book and did just fine.
Also managed to park in the middle of the garage. Haven't been very successful at that in that past, but this time I threw out all restraint and parked smack in the middle of the garage with ease.
Missed The Husband quite an awful lot. But I've got several days to try out some of my favorite eateries. And be reminded constantly how very grateful I am that The Husband works out of our home. It's too fun with him here and too empty with him gone.
They're Not Going To Let Me Into Heaven
I think I'm going straight to hell. (No passing Go, no collecting $200, just going straight to hell.) The Husband rightly pointed out the scripture from the Book of Mormon where it talks about turning the other cheek. And giving kindness when provoked and being treated ill.
Well, I didn't. I didn't turn the other cheek. I was selfish and weary of her treatment. And responded with a short 7 word sentence - not condemning or faultfinding, merely stating my position (admittedly a position of defense.)
And I so hate confrontation that I sat there and inwardly (and partly outwardly) just trembled for many, many seemingly interminable minutes.
Did I feel better? Actually: no. Was she "put in her place"? Probably not really. Did I accomplish anything? Hmmm, don't think so. Is it going to change anything in the future? NO. So...I succumbed. I succumbed to the evil one. I gave in and behaved "less" than I should.
If I keep this up, when (if) I get to that Heavenly Reward they'll most likely greet me with: Sorry, hon, this place is reserved for those who actually learned something from their earthly sojourn.
Wonder how many more chances I'll get to learn how to "play nice?"
Well, I didn't. I didn't turn the other cheek. I was selfish and weary of her treatment. And responded with a short 7 word sentence - not condemning or faultfinding, merely stating my position (admittedly a position of defense.)
And I so hate confrontation that I sat there and inwardly (and partly outwardly) just trembled for many, many seemingly interminable minutes.
Did I feel better? Actually: no. Was she "put in her place"? Probably not really. Did I accomplish anything? Hmmm, don't think so. Is it going to change anything in the future? NO. So...I succumbed. I succumbed to the evil one. I gave in and behaved "less" than I should.
If I keep this up, when (if) I get to that Heavenly Reward they'll most likely greet me with: Sorry, hon, this place is reserved for those who actually learned something from their earthly sojourn.
Wonder how many more chances I'll get to learn how to "play nice?"
Strange Day
Friday the 13th notwithstanding, it has been kind of weird around here today. Having to use the treadmill instead of walking outside (too smoky from the fires, couldn't breathe), inadvertently causing Daughter to cry, commiserating with Son who didn't get the job he was going after (I know he feels really bad about this), trying to lift the spirits of another Son who took a spill the other day on his motor-scooter and is hurting (don't think I was successful there, either), finding out not only will The Husband and I not be able to celebrate an anniversary next week but he will be out of town (and truly, My Love, it's fine - this is important to us both), and still feeling like I somehow wear a neon sign that says "I'm stupid, you'll have to teach me every single thing I need to know to survive, I can't manage on my own without your tutelage" (even when in my heart I know it isn't true, just seems like it) and I'm thinking it might be an evening for gelato--to he** with the scales. (And if that's not emotional eating, I wonder what is?)
Update: The gelato was wonderful. I had the white mint chocolate chip and The Husband had the german chocolate. Also wonderful: sharing our laughter. Earlier I had teased The Husband about his foot attire when he headed out to the doctor: flip flops with white socks. He didn't care. Besides, we're old now, people don't care how we dress.
But that 30-ish lady we saw come into the grocery tonight? Seriously?!? U of U athletic shorts (those nylon mesh ones) - a couple sizes large, super baggy and down past her knees. And of course, since they're U, they're red. On top, a t-shirt layered under a champagne colored multi-tiered (ruffles around the entire, top to bottom) spaghetti strap chiffon top. And casual flip flops. (Made us giggle. Giggles are better together.) After seeing this, I won't be teasing The Husband about his footwear.
Update: The gelato was wonderful. I had the white mint chocolate chip and The Husband had the german chocolate. Also wonderful: sharing our laughter. Earlier I had teased The Husband about his foot attire when he headed out to the doctor: flip flops with white socks. He didn't care. Besides, we're old now, people don't care how we dress.
But that 30-ish lady we saw come into the grocery tonight? Seriously?!? U of U athletic shorts (those nylon mesh ones) - a couple sizes large, super baggy and down past her knees. And of course, since they're U, they're red. On top, a t-shirt layered under a champagne colored multi-tiered (ruffles around the entire, top to bottom) spaghetti strap chiffon top. And casual flip flops. (Made us giggle. Giggles are better together.) After seeing this, I won't be teasing The Husband about his footwear.
People
I went visiting teaching this morning. My partner is a bit older than me. She said she had a bit of a busy day: taking her sister to the doctor, helping her kids with something or other. Then later tonight some friends were coming over and they were all going to play pinochle - and what could she serve for refreshments - they had root beer floats last time. Now, I don't even know what kind of card game pinochle is. And I'm not hankering to learn it. But I thought to myself as I dropped her off at her house - I want to be like her. I want to be 78 years old and still getting together with friends. Still having purpose to my life. Still greeting each day with a smile and a hope for some fun. Yes, I do want to be like her.
I read this earlier today, and loved the sentiment, thought I'd share it. And if it really is true, I should be really wise - the way I doubt myself all the time.
I read this earlier today, and loved the sentiment, thought I'd share it. And if it really is true, I should be really wise - the way I doubt myself all the time.
The whole problem with the world is
that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves,
and wiser people so full of doubt.
Bertrand Russell
Slurpee
Sidle on over to your local 7-11 store between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and sip through your straw a free 7.11 oz slurpee to celebrate 7/11. If you can manage to step through the sticky stuff spilled on the site by families of eager siblings salivating to surrender their tongues to the sweet sensation of this summer snack.
Morning Bike Ride Musings
I still find it so funny that I have a blog, and that I actually think about it often through the day and what I'm going to write about. Don't feel like I have much of an aptitude for writing but somehow it is therapeutic to me to put things down in words.
This morning I found myself categorizing the runners that I passed on my morning bike ride. There are (at least in my mind) several distinct types. There are:
This morning I found myself categorizing the runners that I passed on my morning bike ride. There are (at least in my mind) several distinct types. There are:
- The "Steadies." They're the ones that just run along at a steady pace, absorbed in their own heads, oblivious to the world around them.
- The "Bounders." These are the ones who run as though they have springs on the bottom of their feet, just bounding along.
- The "Gaspers." They're the ones who sound like they're fighting for their last breath of life, no matter how fast or slow they're going.
- The "Shufflers." These runners never really pick up their feet - they must go through a lot of shoes.
- The "Flee-ers." Who run as though the devil himself is after them. Can't slow down, can't stop, can't greet you, just have to run.
- The "Gliders." Those whose upper body is completely level and seemingly stationary, whose legs do all the work in a smooth even stride.
- And finally, the "No-Shows". Those who don't run, who choose to just walk, or ride their bikes. That would be me. I'd love to run (yes, there is a small element of envy there) - I'd love to be lean like so many runners. But this body just doesn't care for running; it rebels against the knee (as well as other body parts) pain. Doesn't enjoy the bouncing.
Sadness / Kindness
I'm feeling sad tonight: we're at the end of our fun 5 days of no-work-mostly-all-play. I had it in my head to do as much as I could to keep The Husband from working / doing chores. I found out last night he had it in his head to keep me from cooking. I think the two of us were admirably successful in our efforts. What a treasure to be married to your best friend.
Heard this earlier today: "Kindness is to allow the heart to govern what we do." I so love that sentiment. And re-commit to be more kind to whoever, wherever, whenever. (And hope that my heart is good enough to govern kind actions.)
Heard this earlier today: "Kindness is to allow the heart to govern what we do." I so love that sentiment. And re-commit to be more kind to whoever, wherever, whenever. (And hope that my heart is good enough to govern kind actions.)
Happy Things from a Saturday
I-Hop breakfast of egg-filled crepes.
The Husband discovering a nest in one of our maple trees with 3 baby robins in it.
Having enough money to pay all the bills.
The root beer float I made myself at the new-to-Draper Dickey's BBQ we tried today.
Not being able to find some cute new earrings that I've been looking for but coming home and having The Husband give me a new watch he'd bought and was saving for just the right occasion. This was the perfect occasion! (Thanks, My Love!)
The reduction (though marginal) of the swelling from the bite I received yesterday on our stroll through Albion Basin.
Buying steaks at Costco for our dinner tomorrow. (We think about food a lot around here.)
Coming home to air conditioning that makes life bearable in the 95 degree heat.
Clean sheets, clean towels, clean house (ignore the dust).
The Husband discovering a nest in one of our maple trees with 3 baby robins in it.
Having enough money to pay all the bills.
The root beer float I made myself at the new-to-Draper Dickey's BBQ we tried today.
Not being able to find some cute new earrings that I've been looking for but coming home and having The Husband give me a new watch he'd bought and was saving for just the right occasion. This was the perfect occasion! (Thanks, My Love!)
The reduction (though marginal) of the swelling from the bite I received yesterday on our stroll through Albion Basin.
Buying steaks at Costco for our dinner tomorrow. (We think about food a lot around here.)
Coming home to air conditioning that makes life bearable in the 95 degree heat.
Clean sheets, clean towels, clean house (ignore the dust).
Work Holiday
Today was the third and final paid holiday for The Husband. I've tried to keep him from working - tried to make sure he relaxed and enjoyed his time away from work even though we didn't manage the getaway. He's read a fairly lengthy book, we've been on a walk and an 11 mile bike ride, eaten out a few times and even had a treat or two.
This afternoon we took a drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the very end and walked up through Albion Basin to enjoy the flowers and lovely day. The temps were in the 60's with a slight breeze. We took some less-traveled trails, saw some Clark's Nutcrackers (they're birds-we haven't seen them before), lots of hummingbirds, and quite a few pretty recent moose tracks. The other wildlife was the human variety - quite large numbers of them. I think this little side-trip did wonders for the spirits of The Husband, although they haven't really been flagging.
Two more days of togethernesswithoutwork. What fun.
This afternoon we took a drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the very end and walked up through Albion Basin to enjoy the flowers and lovely day. The temps were in the 60's with a slight breeze. We took some less-traveled trails, saw some Clark's Nutcrackers (they're birds-we haven't seen them before), lots of hummingbirds, and quite a few pretty recent moose tracks. The other wildlife was the human variety - quite large numbers of them. I think this little side-trip did wonders for the spirits of The Husband, although they haven't really been flagging.
Two more days of togethernesswithoutwork. What fun.
Observations
Nothing cohesive here, just a few random thoughts rattling around my brain....
• Today's rain and reduced temperature certainly was a literal breath of fresh air.
• Thermal-activated setting spray for my hair is worse than useless in humidity, more like counter-productive.
• The line most remembered from yesterday's movie: "Secrets cost. Secrets are not free."
• Having to cancel our little getaway trip was a painful decision, but ultimately I think was the right decision. Still need a getaway. Hoping to get one.
•Having lots of books to read is a pressure, although a delightful one. Working on them....
• Culver's frozen custard and today's molten chocolate lava cake (Chile's) are not helping me with that weight-loss thing I need. Still, though, loved them.
• And that said, I'm more comfortable in my "fat" clothes than in my snug clothes.
• And the best one of all: another day of paid holiday for The Husband. Been so fun knowing that we can just do whatever, whenever. I've loved it.
• Today's rain and reduced temperature certainly was a literal breath of fresh air.
• Thermal-activated setting spray for my hair is worse than useless in humidity, more like counter-productive.
• The line most remembered from yesterday's movie: "Secrets cost. Secrets are not free."
• Having to cancel our little getaway trip was a painful decision, but ultimately I think was the right decision. Still need a getaway. Hoping to get one.
•Having lots of books to read is a pressure, although a delightful one. Working on them....
• Culver's frozen custard and today's molten chocolate lava cake (Chile's) are not helping me with that weight-loss thing I need. Still, though, loved them.
• And that said, I'm more comfortable in my "fat" clothes than in my snug clothes.
• And the best one of all: another day of paid holiday for The Husband. Been so fun knowing that we can just do whatever, whenever. I've loved it.
Change
It seems like I just get used to something, get it just the way I like it.....and they go and change it!!
And just sayin': I'm really disliking all the fires going on this summer. The latest one is just over the ridge to the south of us. Scary.
And just sayin': I'm really disliking all the fires going on this summer. The latest one is just over the ridge to the south of us. Scary.
Trax
With the spectre of Trax trains running behind our house every 2 1/2 minutes (from before dawn until nearly dawn again) looming large in our minds we've been looking for lots. And looking at lots. Actually found a lot we thought we could live with. Quite liked it actually.
Then our friend/agent ran some comps on our house. Considering that in the 11 years we've lived here we've done all the landscaping (including 18 trees), replaced the patio, added 24 solar panels, finished the basement, and other sundry improvements, we figure we've put an extra $100,000 into our house. In addition to the original lot price and the cost of building.
The comps: depressing. Doesn't make a whit of financial sense to move. Not sure it makes sense to stay. Thus....we're in that familiar state of limbo.
This seems to be a cyclical thing with us. Don't enjoy it. Wish we could figure out where we're supposed to be. Wish I could understand what we're supposed to do. Wish I could break this cycle.
Perhaps I could wish (on a star) that Trax would just go away, or the funding wouldn't be there, or some other obstacle would be in it's way. Then, magically: no Trax.
I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight....
Then our friend/agent ran some comps on our house. Considering that in the 11 years we've lived here we've done all the landscaping (including 18 trees), replaced the patio, added 24 solar panels, finished the basement, and other sundry improvements, we figure we've put an extra $100,000 into our house. In addition to the original lot price and the cost of building.
The comps: depressing. Doesn't make a whit of financial sense to move. Not sure it makes sense to stay. Thus....we're in that familiar state of limbo.
This seems to be a cyclical thing with us. Don't enjoy it. Wish we could figure out where we're supposed to be. Wish I could understand what we're supposed to do. Wish I could break this cycle.
Perhaps I could wish (on a star) that Trax would just go away, or the funding wouldn't be there, or some other obstacle would be in it's way. Then, magically: no Trax.
I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight....
Monday Morning Musing
Take home lesson from yesterday: a good accompanist is invaluable. (Lesson 2: little kids are still cute. And lesson 3: absolutely nothing happened when I went to church without socks/hose.)
Had a restless night last night.: 3:30 a.m. - the wind woke me up, 87 degrees outside. 4:00 a.m. - still awake. Still hot. 4:30 a.m. - still awake, still hot. 5:00 a.m. - still awake, still hot. 5:30 a.m. - still awake. Now I'm not only hot, I'm irritated. (If that happens again tonight, I'm heading for the chair with a book. Not going to waste that time again.)
7:00 a.m. - woke up after a short nap. 60 degrees outside. No wind. WOW - I'm heading out for a bike ride. (Along with everyone else that lives in my community.) Loved the temp. Loved the lack of wind - we've had such heavy winds & hot temps the last little while. And all the fires have made the air smell so awful. Didn't even smell too bad outside. (Grateful as I am for my treadmill and elliptical, it felt so very good to be outside in the morning air again. Thanks, My Love, for air in my bike tires.)
Saw a few meadowlarks this morning, but didn't hear them. I guess they didn't feel like singing. Watched a couple sparrows and finches have a drink and a bath in the rivulets of water in a garden bordering the trail. Saw my 80-something-year-old friend out weeding. She's amazing.
Decided that even after a rough night, and it being a Monday with a long list of things to accomplish, it was a great way to start the day.
Had a restless night last night.: 3:30 a.m. - the wind woke me up, 87 degrees outside. 4:00 a.m. - still awake. Still hot. 4:30 a.m. - still awake, still hot. 5:00 a.m. - still awake, still hot. 5:30 a.m. - still awake. Now I'm not only hot, I'm irritated. (If that happens again tonight, I'm heading for the chair with a book. Not going to waste that time again.)
7:00 a.m. - woke up after a short nap. 60 degrees outside. No wind. WOW - I'm heading out for a bike ride. (Along with everyone else that lives in my community.) Loved the temp. Loved the lack of wind - we've had such heavy winds & hot temps the last little while. And all the fires have made the air smell so awful. Didn't even smell too bad outside. (Grateful as I am for my treadmill and elliptical, it felt so very good to be outside in the morning air again. Thanks, My Love, for air in my bike tires.)
Saw a few meadowlarks this morning, but didn't hear them. I guess they didn't feel like singing. Watched a couple sparrows and finches have a drink and a bath in the rivulets of water in a garden bordering the trail. Saw my 80-something-year-old friend out weeding. She's amazing.
Decided that even after a rough night, and it being a Monday with a long list of things to accomplish, it was a great way to start the day.
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