Positive
I'm fairly positive that in my growing up years I was rarely the recipient of "positive reinforcement." Back then, it didn't seem to be the thing to worry about a child's self esteem, and in my family it just wasn't done. You did your work / assignment / chores / whatever with generally no feedback unless it wasn't up-to-snuff. (In which case, the feedback was never positive.) In those days the phrases "good job" or "way to go" or "great effort" hadn't been invented yet.
So, imagine my bemusement to discover I really like the positive feedback from my electric toothbrush at the end of the prescribed 2 minutes of brushing. It nearly always makes me smile and feel worthwhile. Who knew it would work that way on me?
Stylish
Received a bit of gentle ribbing regarding my attire. Decided impromptu to help with snow removal immediately after my hour on the treadmill. Thus...nylon mesh shorts, boots, coat and no gloves. The benefit of doing this immediately after exercising: I wasn't even cold, in spite of the wind and snow.Snow
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| Still snowing! |
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| Snow makes things look so peaceful. |
We headed off to Hale Theatre tonight. We had to change from our previous usual Thursday nights to Tuesday nights for this season. It felt distinctly odd to be there on a Tuesday. The Husband was astonished at the difference in the attendees from our usual night. Tuesday's crowd seemed to be old and young with not much in the middle age range. (The sweet old lady in front of us kept repeating the dialogue from the play - or would talk back to the actors. That'll be me in a few short years!)
I think its kind of funny how I'm always noticing what the older folks are about. Can't decide if I'm taking lessons or learning the cautionary tale of what not to do.
Whatever....it seems that old people are fascinated with two subjects: their health (or lack thereof, ailments, etc.) and the weather. Since tonight's post seems to cover half of those subjects, I must be halfway to old age. That must mean I have a lot of time left to acquire more of those ailments that I can then talk about. :^)
Glass
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| Love that youngest child's hat! |
The Husband decided to bake some cake-mix cookies with them. They all pitched in to help not only with the preparation, but also with the consumption. The Husband got out all the equipment, including this bowl.
I had to mentally laugh at myself. Every time he gets out a glass bowl to mix something in I have an imaginary argument with myself.
You see, I grew up in a family that was very poor. In all aspects of the word. We barely had enough to get by on. Too little income for too many people. Everything we had was cheap. And the cheaper the better. No china, no high end furniture or cars. Just cheap everything.
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| We've had this bowl - unbroken - for over 20 years. |
Now, there's nothing wrong with The Husband using this glass bowl for mixing. But just the thought of those electric mixer beaters hitting the glass gives me the shudders. I always picture it shattering. Horrors!
And the thing that gives me pause? That this relic emotion/response from my childhood still prompts that kind of reaction from me after all these years. It's a puzzlement to me that it does.
Really Randomness
The Husband and I were both up at three this morning - getting our first glimpse of the stars and the sky in many a day/night. Even though it has been blizzarding this afternoon, we'll take that over the bleak inversion we've had.
Love this "Urkel-ized" fashion statement - plaid shirt, different plaid flannel pants, Miss-Matched socks in stripes for men....we all enjoyed the look.
Had a young family over to practice some music. One of the young twins pointed out a picture of The Husband and me (our engagement picture from lo, those many years ago) and announced: "You look so young there!" I was impressed - I've had people tell me that it doesn't even look like me.
One of the most memorable spots of the day: singing this hymn in church, thinking how much I love the words and music only to hear The Husband whisper a few seconds later that this is one of his new favorite hymns. What an entreaty to us to call on the Lord, and to realize that we can't really accomplish anything without Him, and that He delights to bless us.
Be thou humble in thy weakness, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee,
Shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.
Be thou humble in thy pleading, and the Lord thy God shall bless thee,
Shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that He cares.
Be thou humble in thy calling, and the Lord thy God shall teach thee
To serve His children gladly with a pure and gentle love.
Be thou humble in thy longing, and the Lord thy God shall take thee,
Shall take thee home at last to ever dwell with Him above.
Had a young family over to practice some music. One of the young twins pointed out a picture of The Husband and me (our engagement picture from lo, those many years ago) and announced: "You look so young there!" I was impressed - I've had people tell me that it doesn't even look like me.
One of the most memorable spots of the day: singing this hymn in church, thinking how much I love the words and music only to hear The Husband whisper a few seconds later that this is one of his new favorite hymns. What an entreaty to us to call on the Lord, and to realize that we can't really accomplish anything without Him, and that He delights to bless us.
Be thou humble in thy weakness, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee,
Shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.
Be thou humble in thy pleading, and the Lord thy God shall bless thee,
Shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that He cares.
Be thou humble in thy calling, and the Lord thy God shall teach thee
To serve His children gladly with a pure and gentle love.
Be thou humble in thy longing, and the Lord thy God shall take thee,
Shall take thee home at last to ever dwell with Him above.
Hey You!
Yes, you, lady in the car...I think you must have forgotten: That red octagonal shaped sign with the black word across the center means STOP!! And when there are four, one on every corner, it means everyone must stop, proceeding through the intersection when it is their turn. It wasn't your turn. You didn't even slow, much less stop, at your stop sign. Good thing we were watching. And that we have good brakes.
Find a penny pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck. Well, found a penny. Picked it up.
Waiting, hoping and waiting for that good luck.
Maybe we used it up before I found the penny - when we narrowly avoided hitting that lady who chose to disregard the stop sign. I would say that accident avoidance is definitely a good thing.
Waiting, hoping and waiting for that good luck.
Maybe we used it up before I found the penny - when we narrowly avoided hitting that lady who chose to disregard the stop sign. I would say that accident avoidance is definitely a good thing.
January
Perhaps because our air has been so hideous looking I've longed for some eye-candy. (Hopefully, the storm predicted for Sunday will sweep the valley clean!) I've caught myself snapping pictures more frequently, trying to find some spots of color to brighten my outlook.
Walked out of Scheel's last night and stopped in my tracks. Hadn't noticed this friendly critter before (he's about 10 feet tall), thought for the briefest of minutes I was looking in the mirror - he so closely displayed the way I was feeling.
For my birthday last year, I was given some fun decals. I love the tulips that line the bottom of the windows by my kitchen sink.
The powder room seems to have a bird theme going, making it the perfect spot for these decals.
And...the orchids are at it again. This beauty popped open while we were in CA. There are bloom stems growing on three other orchids. I so love seeing blooming things in the middle of winter!
And today's gratitude: for kind souls that shovel walkways and driveways unbidden and unrecognized. I know the angels are watching!
The powder room seems to have a bird theme going, making it the perfect spot for these decals.
And...the orchids are at it again. This beauty popped open while we were in CA. There are bloom stems growing on three other orchids. I so love seeing blooming things in the middle of winter!And today's gratitude: for kind souls that shovel walkways and driveways unbidden and unrecognized. I know the angels are watching!
Cold
You know it's been cold when you're thrilled to see the outside thermometer reach 31 degrees for the high of the day. And that it only got down to 20 degrees overnight.
I'm anxious to be able to breathe air that isn't opaque.
As wonderful as it was to see the sunshine and the flowers last week, it almost made it a teensy more difficult to come home to the murk and hoar frost.
Scheel's needs to take better care of their fudge; it should be fresh and malleable. Not hockey-puck hard/solid.
And I think I'd better go to bed, and wake up with a better attitude, or go back to bed until I do.
Wednesday
I've been out and about a bit the last couple days - in addition to washing and drying umpteen million loads of laundry, ironing eleventy thousand shirts and the usual vacuuming and bathroom cleaning. I'm so enjoying being home again!
What a treat today to go to lunch with a dear friend. The last 22 years since I met her have flown by in such a flash! It is with great fondness I remember the time we lived in the same neighborhood/ward and served in the same R. S. presidency. We don't see each other near enough these days. Anyway, today we tried a new-to-the-area restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings. Clearly I'm not the target demographic. I don't think it was possible to sit in any spot in the place without being in clear view of 8 - 10 tv's - all tuned to different stations. (Think ADD.) I do think the restaurant is setting itself up for some medical claims for hearing damage. Even leaning across the table it was hard to hear each other speak. My head is still ringing from the loud music. (It was great music, just uber-loud!)
The kicker, though, was the young face-painted woman who knelt by our table and introduced herself as our "lunchtime entertainment coordinator." Seriously?
It was fun today to wear my new shoes. Well, sort of new. I've had them for a couple months, but haven't worn them till today. Took the entire amount I got paid for working the elections as a table judge. Money I cheerfully plunked down for these great shoes. The leather is so soft and supple, the arch support incredible and besides: they're cute! (Those Europeans really know how to make a great shoe!)
And I'm surprised that I'm still feeling happy over being complimented yesterday by the sweet young lady working at the Credit Union. She recognized my Betsy Johnson, said she has one just like it (in a different color) and loves it. It is rare for me to have something noticed like that. And very fun!
So tonight's gratitude: for blessings in the form of friends who accept me (warts and all), for the resources to go out to lunch with said friends, for cute, comfy shoes (and enough to choose from depending on my mood) and for a Husband who never hesitates to treat me to fun possessions (like watches). And...for hot chocolate on a cold day.
Today's favorite line: "A pure heart is the greatest weapon." Working on acquiring one of those weapons.
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| Buffalo Wild Wings |
The kicker, though, was the young face-painted woman who knelt by our table and introduced herself as our "lunchtime entertainment coordinator." Seriously?
It was fun today to wear my new shoes. Well, sort of new. I've had them for a couple months, but haven't worn them till today. Took the entire amount I got paid for working the elections as a table judge. Money I cheerfully plunked down for these great shoes. The leather is so soft and supple, the arch support incredible and besides: they're cute! (Those Europeans really know how to make a great shoe!)
And I'm surprised that I'm still feeling happy over being complimented yesterday by the sweet young lady working at the Credit Union. She recognized my Betsy Johnson, said she has one just like it (in a different color) and loves it. It is rare for me to have something noticed like that. And very fun!
So tonight's gratitude: for blessings in the form of friends who accept me (warts and all), for the resources to go out to lunch with said friends, for cute, comfy shoes (and enough to choose from depending on my mood) and for a Husband who never hesitates to treat me to fun possessions (like watches). And...for hot chocolate on a cold day.
Today's favorite line: "A pure heart is the greatest weapon." Working on acquiring one of those weapons.
Men and Women
I've been thinking a lot lately about the differences between men and women. The ones beyond the obvious physical ones.
When The Husband and his former company parted ways he was keenly aware of the need to find new employment - of his responsibility to provide for our little family. He's always been good that way. And, generally, most men that I'm aware of accept that as part of their charge through this life - to provide for / protect / care for the women around them.
Women get frustrated when things don't work or break or have issues. Men as a matter-of-course just handle things and go forward.
I've just been wondering if guys ever get tired of being the "go-to" person. The snow remover / tv fixer / flat-tire changer / retriever of all things too high / the work-for-money-so-we-can-eat-nose-to-the-grindstone worker / general handyman / frozen pipe thaw-er / run to my rescue person - and so on. (This is by no means a comprehensive list.)
I know I sometimes feel weary of figuring out what to fix for meals / dusting (yeah, like I do very much of that) / laundry / vacuuming / child transporting / schedule keeping - and so on. (Again, not intended to be a comprehensive list.)
I came to terms with my responsibilities a long time ago. And, in fact, am predominately happy to do them. The family and what they mean to me are s-o-o very worth any puny efforts on my part to make their lives richer, more fun or meaningful.
Still, though, I wonder. Do the guys get to the point where it isn't worth it anymore? I guess I might know the answer if the usual cheerful response to a "crisis" is missing and the smile somewhat dim. I guess it is up to me to make sure I don't abuse the always-anxious-to-help temperament of those males around me. (I try to not be a helpless, witless female. Sometimes it is unavoidable.) And I need to work on my positive reinforcement.
I am grateful for those differences in the genders - life is more fun with some contrast, or even some rough edges that make us think /act with more consideration. How dull it would be if we all excelled at the same things. No one would need anything and independence would take place of interaction. And how delightful that interaction can be.
Now: about that thing that needs fixing.....
When The Husband and his former company parted ways he was keenly aware of the need to find new employment - of his responsibility to provide for our little family. He's always been good that way. And, generally, most men that I'm aware of accept that as part of their charge through this life - to provide for / protect / care for the women around them.
Women get frustrated when things don't work or break or have issues. Men as a matter-of-course just handle things and go forward.
I've just been wondering if guys ever get tired of being the "go-to" person. The snow remover / tv fixer / flat-tire changer / retriever of all things too high / the work-for-money-so-we-can-eat-nose-to-the-grindstone worker / general handyman / frozen pipe thaw-er / run to my rescue person - and so on. (This is by no means a comprehensive list.)
I know I sometimes feel weary of figuring out what to fix for meals / dusting (yeah, like I do very much of that) / laundry / vacuuming / child transporting / schedule keeping - and so on. (Again, not intended to be a comprehensive list.)
I came to terms with my responsibilities a long time ago. And, in fact, am predominately happy to do them. The family and what they mean to me are s-o-o very worth any puny efforts on my part to make their lives richer, more fun or meaningful.
Still, though, I wonder. Do the guys get to the point where it isn't worth it anymore? I guess I might know the answer if the usual cheerful response to a "crisis" is missing and the smile somewhat dim. I guess it is up to me to make sure I don't abuse the always-anxious-to-help temperament of those males around me. (I try to not be a helpless, witless female. Sometimes it is unavoidable.) And I need to work on my positive reinforcement.
I am grateful for those differences in the genders - life is more fun with some contrast, or even some rough edges that make us think /act with more consideration. How dull it would be if we all excelled at the same things. No one would need anything and independence would take place of interaction. And how delightful that interaction can be.
Now: about that thing that needs fixing.....
Another Adventure
Thursday it was off to CA to meet up with The Husband and begin our journey home. These two weeks in the office at the new job have been fairly important for him. Good thing: he is thoroughly enjoying the people and his association with them and the work. I'm so very pleased for him.
Was a tad dismayed to see how long the line was at the airport to get through security. It wound through the twisty Disneyland-like cordons, past the moving walkways and out the doors into the parking garage. Good thing: I not only made it through in good time, but because of some old guy and his issues with the body scanner, they routed me (and about 4 others) through the metal detector. YAY!
Dinner again with our favorite Ginger at a favorite restaurant - Roy's Hawaiian. The service was impeccable, food delightful and company so very wonderful. Good thing: it was all good.
Got to ride CalTrain - the really-real train that services the peninsula of the Bay Area, about 77 miles. I love riding trains. Good thing: the train runs till quite late at night.
Leaving San Fran for the drive home we weren't far across the bay when traffic came to a literal screeching halt - trucks' brakes were sending clouds of blue smoke into the sky. Some poor soul had sent their car onto the verge landing upside down. Gave me the shakes for a couple miles. Good thing: none of the looky-loos caused more accidents (at least as far as we know.)
I concluded, once again, that not all restroom blow-dryers for the removing of moisture from hands are created equal. The best ones have tornado like speeds. Good ones: at the San Francisco CalTrain restroom and the restroom at the top of Donner Pass.
Fun to see the family in Nevada - loved the new sofas (still chuckle at the fact that to recline requires electricity) loved the chicken soup and loved the hugs. Again: all good.
Loved the clear skies and blooming flowers, among them these fun primroses lining the walkway into The Husband's building.
We are home, breathing the awful inversion. Were greeted warmly by fellow church-goers, hugs from the Grandson and Daughter. Are grateful for still non-leaking/non-frozen pipes. The Husband is enjoying his nap and the pork roast smells enticing. Good thing: There is no place like home.
Was a tad dismayed to see how long the line was at the airport to get through security. It wound through the twisty Disneyland-like cordons, past the moving walkways and out the doors into the parking garage. Good thing: I not only made it through in good time, but because of some old guy and his issues with the body scanner, they routed me (and about 4 others) through the metal detector. YAY!
Dinner again with our favorite Ginger at a favorite restaurant - Roy's Hawaiian. The service was impeccable, food delightful and company so very wonderful. Good thing: it was all good.
Got to ride CalTrain - the really-real train that services the peninsula of the Bay Area, about 77 miles. I love riding trains. Good thing: the train runs till quite late at night.
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| The Baby Bullet Limited Stop Train |
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| The Husband Wanted To Be In The Picture |
I concluded, once again, that not all restroom blow-dryers for the removing of moisture from hands are created equal. The best ones have tornado like speeds. Good ones: at the San Francisco CalTrain restroom and the restroom at the top of Donner Pass.
Fun to see the family in Nevada - loved the new sofas (still chuckle at the fact that to recline requires electricity) loved the chicken soup and loved the hugs. Again: all good.
We are home, breathing the awful inversion. Were greeted warmly by fellow church-goers, hugs from the Grandson and Daughter. Are grateful for still non-leaking/non-frozen pipes. The Husband is enjoying his nap and the pork roast smells enticing. Good thing: There is no place like home.
Fingernails
I wasn't blessed with lovely looking hands. My Mom used to tell me my hands looked just like my Grandma's (whose birthday I share). She would say they were meant to be useful, not pretty. Sigh...
But, fine, that's the way it is.
Along with those "useful" (and seriously, I am so grateful for my useful hands) hands is an additional blessing: thin, weak fingernails. Almost as if to say, "don't wish for anything beautiful, it ain't gonna happen, not with these nails." I've grown accustomed to the fragility of my nails.
But this winter has been especially hard on them. I did ok when in CA. But I hadn't even made it home from the airport before I had broken three nails. And have continued to employ the clippers/files incessantly. The extreme cold, the dry air, my natural clumsiness - it all conspires to keep my nails well within the "useful, not pretty" category.
My only complaint: when they keep breaking down to the quick, I have nothing left to scratch with.
But, fine, that's the way it is.
Along with those "useful" (and seriously, I am so grateful for my useful hands) hands is an additional blessing: thin, weak fingernails. Almost as if to say, "don't wish for anything beautiful, it ain't gonna happen, not with these nails." I've grown accustomed to the fragility of my nails.But this winter has been especially hard on them. I did ok when in CA. But I hadn't even made it home from the airport before I had broken three nails. And have continued to employ the clippers/files incessantly. The extreme cold, the dry air, my natural clumsiness - it all conspires to keep my nails well within the "useful, not pretty" category.
My only complaint: when they keep breaking down to the quick, I have nothing left to scratch with.
Weekend
Just returned from a fabulous weekend with The Husband as he completed his first week at the new job. We rarely have days that are not "spoken for" in terms of obligations and time commitments. There are a few highlights that I'd like to remember.
Amici's pizza is the best pizza I think I've ever had. Really gourmet without being icky (i.e. too gourmet). And the leftovers the next day were just as good. I missed getting to eat at the Mongolian BBQ, but perhaps another time. Still remains at the top of my list of favorites.
Had dinner with our favorite "Ginger" on International Kiss A Ginger Day. I hope we only slightly embarrassed him with our rendition of Happy Birthday sung a week late. (Hugs continue to feed my soul, I had so few of them in my tender years.) My new favorite cheesecake: pineapple upside down cake cheesecake. A thoroughly enjoyable evening. (My hat is off for the Mom hosting a birthday daughter for her young teen with only one other adult (that we could see) to help her. Her party was about 35 teens strong! She is brave!)
What a treat to be off in the sunshine and warm (in the 50's) in the middle of January. I've decided this must be an annual thing for me. I really don't mind the winter, but those smoggy inversions we get suck all the fun out of breathing. How lovely to see flowers blooming - even roses - and to see fruit laden trees dotting yards here and there. Was tempted to sample the wares, but that would be stealing so I resisted.
We took a drive to Santa Cruz - walked along the boardwalk and then drove north along the coast. Perfect day for a drive. Loved sticking my shoe-clad toe in the ocean. (Too cold and no towels for barefoot edge walking.) Was amused by this dispenser in the public restroom. I get that they like to not have to fill the dispensers very often, it is after all a public restroom. But padlocking the toilet paper?
Stopped at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, there are even seals lounging at the base of the bluff.
Cheers to the TSA people at Mineta San Jose Airport. The TSA staff at SLC airport could take some lessons on cheerfulness and consideration. Seriously, would it kill them to actually smile at some one? At anyone - even each other?
Took a 4.25 mile walk along this trail. All the more fun because of the name.
I came home to this - thank you kind neighbor for snow removal from the sidewalk. The angels are watching! (And I hope they are also watching the shuttle driver who didn't just drop me off at my car, but actually got out and cleaned 5" of snow off so I could drive. Thanks!)
And The Husband? He seems to be enjoying the work, the people have been very kind, the atmosphere good, and they have been very welcoming. Our hearts still feel overwhelmed at the blessing of this new job at just the right time under just the right circumstances.
Now I'm home-my-very-favorite-place-to-be (especially when The Husband is here, too), the washing machine is running, I've looked at the mail, the pipes are running freely (not frozen) and I'll be content...until time to wing off to The Husband for our return trip.
Amici's pizza is the best pizza I think I've ever had. Really gourmet without being icky (i.e. too gourmet). And the leftovers the next day were just as good. I missed getting to eat at the Mongolian BBQ, but perhaps another time. Still remains at the top of my list of favorites.
Had dinner with our favorite "Ginger" on International Kiss A Ginger Day. I hope we only slightly embarrassed him with our rendition of Happy Birthday sung a week late. (Hugs continue to feed my soul, I had so few of them in my tender years.) My new favorite cheesecake: pineapple upside down cake cheesecake. A thoroughly enjoyable evening. (My hat is off for the Mom hosting a birthday daughter for her young teen with only one other adult (that we could see) to help her. Her party was about 35 teens strong! She is brave!)
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| Roses |
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| Oranges |
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| Lemons |
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| Padlocked TP? |
Stopped at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, there are even seals lounging at the base of the bluff.
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| Pacific Ocean - YAY! |
Cheers to the TSA people at Mineta San Jose Airport. The TSA staff at SLC airport could take some lessons on cheerfulness and consideration. Seriously, would it kill them to actually smile at some one? At anyone - even each other?Took a 4.25 mile walk along this trail. All the more fun because of the name.
I came home to this - thank you kind neighbor for snow removal from the sidewalk. The angels are watching! (And I hope they are also watching the shuttle driver who didn't just drop me off at my car, but actually got out and cleaned 5" of snow off so I could drive. Thanks!)
And The Husband? He seems to be enjoying the work, the people have been very kind, the atmosphere good, and they have been very welcoming. Our hearts still feel overwhelmed at the blessing of this new job at just the right time under just the right circumstances.
Now I'm home-my-very-favorite-place-to-be (especially when The Husband is here, too), the washing machine is running, I've looked at the mail, the pipes are running freely (not frozen) and I'll be content...until time to wing off to The Husband for our return trip.
Never Enough Shoes
Around Christmas, The Husband spent a ridiculous amount of money for a couple pair of shoes for me. I've discovered I'm gonna be one of those old women who values comfort over fashion. (Haven't ever really been a fashion maven anyway.)Since my favorite activity is walking, I need some shoes with great support, what with that arthritis thing I have going on in my feet. I've been wearing these super comfy leather shoes nearly non-stop the last little while - except when it snows, I want them to stay new looking for awhile.
Tonight I'm feeling gratitude not only for a fabulous pair of shoes that I can walk seemingly forever in, but also for a Husband who never fails to make me feel treasured and worth shoes that cost a ridiculous amount of money.
Inversion
One more day of nearly-record-pollution levels in the air and then we are promised some wind and weather that will dispel our bad air. Can hardly wait.
Observations
From the last few days as I traveled away from our home:
Went into a restaurant - two men facing each other but sitting in separate booths, talking across the empty space necessitating loud voices. Caused us to eavesdrop even though we didn't really intend to. Heard one of the guys say,"I'm 84 years old now and when I get old I don't want to be a burden to my daughter. I don't drive at night anymore..." Really? 84 isn't old? And he's still driving during the day? He was a cute old guy that gave us a chuckle.
Then I headed to the restroom (places where I continue to be amused). Walked in and heard an employee chattering away. Thought she was talking to someone else with her in the room. Looked around, no one else, no feet under the stall, she was by herself. Didn't see a phone or an earpiece. She was carrying on quite the conversation (none of which I understood) in spanish. Still wish I knew who she was talking to.
I still enjoy walking across the Golden Gate bridge. More so since they now have the bicyclists on one side of the bridge and the pedestrians on the other. Don't have to dodge the bikes anymore. (Although I did wonder about a couple of privies on the bridge that were padlocked. Hope no one was in dire need.) Even driving across the bridge was fun - although it left us $6 poorer.
One thing I like about CA is the law requiring hands-free if you're going to talk on a cellphone in your car. Not quite so much of this distracted driving.
Feel bad about the bird whose remains show up on the front bumper of the car. It should've flown faster.
The Mongolian BBQ is still as good as it was a few months ago. Worth the trip out there.
It was strange to leave The Husband there and fly off by myself - totally backwards from the way it usually is.
And finally: There's No Place Like Home! (Where I'll be until I fly out to spend the weekend with The Husband.)
Went into a restaurant - two men facing each other but sitting in separate booths, talking across the empty space necessitating loud voices. Caused us to eavesdrop even though we didn't really intend to. Heard one of the guys say,"I'm 84 years old now and when I get old I don't want to be a burden to my daughter. I don't drive at night anymore..." Really? 84 isn't old? And he's still driving during the day? He was a cute old guy that gave us a chuckle.
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| Through the windshield. |
I still enjoy walking across the Golden Gate bridge. More so since they now have the bicyclists on one side of the bridge and the pedestrians on the other. Don't have to dodge the bikes anymore. (Although I did wonder about a couple of privies on the bridge that were padlocked. Hope no one was in dire need.) Even driving across the bridge was fun - although it left us $6 poorer.
One thing I like about CA is the law requiring hands-free if you're going to talk on a cellphone in your car. Not quite so much of this distracted driving.
The Mongolian BBQ is still as good as it was a few months ago. Worth the trip out there.
It was strange to leave The Husband there and fly off by myself - totally backwards from the way it usually is.
And finally: There's No Place Like Home! (Where I'll be until I fly out to spend the weekend with The Husband.)
Rethinking...
So, we stopped overnight to visit our kids/grandchilluns on the way to CA for The Husband to start his new job. We went out for a burger for lunch. Heading back to their truck, I'm just walking along, lost in my thoughts. Open the door of the truck, (sort of wondering in the back of my head why the rest of the group is walking on ahead) look into the truck...and then come to, to hear the grandson calling out, "no, Nana, no, no!!" Only to realize I nearly climbed into some strangers truck!!
Of course I nearly fell on the ground laughing in deep embarrassment while the rest of the crew enjoyed themselves immensely at my predicament.
I looked up to see the truck's owner heading over to climb into it,with this huge grin on his face, which got even bigger when I attempted to apologize. I think even he enjoyed my discomfort.
So, I'm re-thinking that New Years resolution: to try to embarrass myself less. I really thought it meant something more along the lines of thinking before I speak, being more kind, more aware of others, etc. Instead it looks like I should have made a goal to embarrass myself more often since perhaps that might have been a resolve I could keep.
The bright spot of the day (beyond getting to see the family): stopping at this cute little bakery called The Flour Garden bakery and being treated to one of my very-favorite-luxury cookies. A fabulous coconut macaroon. Be sure to stop in if you're ever in Auburn CA.
Of course I nearly fell on the ground laughing in deep embarrassment while the rest of the crew enjoyed themselves immensely at my predicament.
I looked up to see the truck's owner heading over to climb into it,with this huge grin on his face, which got even bigger when I attempted to apologize. I think even he enjoyed my discomfort.
So, I'm re-thinking that New Years resolution: to try to embarrass myself less. I really thought it meant something more along the lines of thinking before I speak, being more kind, more aware of others, etc. Instead it looks like I should have made a goal to embarrass myself more often since perhaps that might have been a resolve I could keep.
The bright spot of the day (beyond getting to see the family): stopping at this cute little bakery called The Flour Garden bakery and being treated to one of my very-favorite-luxury cookies. A fabulous coconut macaroon. Be sure to stop in if you're ever in Auburn CA.
Not Even 8:30 A.M...
and we already had a huge Tender Mercy.
The powder room "pops out" from the rest of the house - kind of like a "slide out" on a motor home. That means the floor of the powder room is partly hanging out over a basement window well and partly just hanging over the driveway. We've insulated that floor - even have 4" of foam insulation we've wedged between the bottom of the powder room and the driveway. It works well most of the time.
I dusted the trusty weather station so it is easier to read: at 7:10 this morning it was 1.9 degrees outside.
Trying to avert any crisis when it is very cold out we leave the toilet and the tap "leaking" in the powder room. Have had those pipes freeze once before.
Alas, we neglected to keep the hot tap dripping. And, yes, the hot water line running to that sink froze. The Husband hustled out of bed and off to plug in a small space heater aimed at that section of the wall.(Wish I'd taken a pic of The Husband in his watch cap - it is a rare occurrence.)
Sure enough, about 45 minutes later the pipe was running freely and there (so far) are no leaks that we can detect. I know those pipes can only take a couple hits like that before they are compromised.
My quick prayer for help was immediately answered. Another of those Tender Mercies that some might think are small or inconsequential, but which I am ever grateful for. Home repairs seem to never be convenient - timing wise. This would have been problematic at the very least with The Husband starting his new job on Monday in CA.
Already today, my heart is overfilled with gratitude. I'm beginning to wonder if there can be enough gratitude - not only in my heart, but in the world.
The powder room "pops out" from the rest of the house - kind of like a "slide out" on a motor home. That means the floor of the powder room is partly hanging out over a basement window well and partly just hanging over the driveway. We've insulated that floor - even have 4" of foam insulation we've wedged between the bottom of the powder room and the driveway. It works well most of the time.
Trying to avert any crisis when it is very cold out we leave the toilet and the tap "leaking" in the powder room. Have had those pipes freeze once before.
Alas, we neglected to keep the hot tap dripping. And, yes, the hot water line running to that sink froze. The Husband hustled out of bed and off to plug in a small space heater aimed at that section of the wall.(Wish I'd taken a pic of The Husband in his watch cap - it is a rare occurrence.)
Sure enough, about 45 minutes later the pipe was running freely and there (so far) are no leaks that we can detect. I know those pipes can only take a couple hits like that before they are compromised.
My quick prayer for help was immediately answered. Another of those Tender Mercies that some might think are small or inconsequential, but which I am ever grateful for. Home repairs seem to never be convenient - timing wise. This would have been problematic at the very least with The Husband starting his new job on Monday in CA.
Already today, my heart is overfilled with gratitude. I'm beginning to wonder if there can be enough gratitude - not only in my heart, but in the world.
Resolve
Not a big fan of New Year's Resolutions. (Never been one to follow the crowd, it somehow seems like pressure to me. Rather do things my way, in my time frame. I guess that makes me somewhat of a rebel. Never really considered myself a rebel, but I guess I am. Maybe a better term would be rebelette - a rebel in small ways.)
Anyway, I've been heading to the dictionary a bit lately to find the exact definitions of certain words that I might consider exploring. One of them was resolution. This is what I found:
With that in mind, I decided to make just one resolution this year: To embarrass myself less. That ought to keep me busy for quite awhile.
Ignoring the dust on the front of our little weather station, the outside temperature at 7 this morning was a balmy 3.7 degrees. I was thus prompted to head to our treadmill inside. I'd prefer to keep my ears and fingers - was afraid they'd freeze and snap off in spite of gloves.
Anyway, I've been heading to the dictionary a bit lately to find the exact definitions of certain words that I might consider exploring. One of them was resolution. This is what I found:
res·o·lu·tion
[rez-uh-loo-shuh n] Show IPA
noun
1.
a formal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting, by a formal organization, alegislature, a club, or other group. Compare concurrent resolution, joint resolution.
2.
a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
3.
the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
4.
the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.
5.
the act or process of resolving or separating into constituent or elementary parts.
With that in mind, I decided to make just one resolution this year: To embarrass myself less. That ought to keep me busy for quite awhile.Ignoring the dust on the front of our little weather station, the outside temperature at 7 this morning was a balmy 3.7 degrees. I was thus prompted to head to our treadmill inside. I'd prefer to keep my ears and fingers - was afraid they'd freeze and snap off in spite of gloves.
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