Memories

Observed some very thoughtful kindness yesterday.  One of our ward sisters has a hereditary progressive degenerative hearing issue.  She manages to make it in to R. S. only about once every 6 weeks, because of her calling.  Yesterday saw the appearance of a microphone to pass around amongst the sisters and a wearable mic for the teacher.  Reception from the mic was limited to the headphones this sweet sister wore.  Everyone was careful to use the mic, we all wanted to make sure this sister could hear what was going on. That will remain a sweet memory for me.

Oatmeal
Then along came this morning.  I remembered to take along carrots for the horses.  Even the horse-ladies received some.  I recall saying something to a horse that this was a great way to start a Monday - with a treat.  Whatever was I thinking?  I must have tempted the fates, it's been a tad downhill since then.

• I annoyed The Husband - misinterpreted his comment.

• Dropped my container of oatmeal, which exploded on contact with the floor.

• Shortly thereafter, tried to use some fingernail clippers.  They also exploded.


I'm thinking I ought to just head for a chair and stay there the rest of the day.  I'm reminded of a conversation we had last week.  I had mentioned that we rarely do things the easy way, that over the course of our marriage things have often been "complicated".  He said, oh, you're making lots of memories.  And proceeded to tell us a story from his past when a camping trip nearly de-railed because of a truck engine break-down.  His friend/rescuer encouraged him:  "You're making memories.  If everything on this trip went well, you wouldn't remember it.  It's because of the problems you'll remember this.  So, buck up, bud, you're making memories!"  He sounds like someone I'd like to know.

We received the bids this morning for a few things we really need to do around here.  Necessary things.  I'm just cringing at the thought of spending that much money. One of my least favorite things to do: spend money. I'll just have to face the music and get it done. (Hopefully it won't be very memorable.)
lilacs

My walk did yield some lovely flowers.  Our lilacs shouldn't be this ready to bloom - we usually see them right around Mother's Day, and here it is still March.  The white flowers are from a small weeping tree of some kind down the street - they're really lovely.

So, here we are, not even noon and I think I've made enough memories for the day.  Hopefully the ones for the rest of the day will be more of the sweet, pleasant kind.

I'm grateful for thoughtful people.  For good memories in the making.  And for the chance to start anew each day.

Update:  4 p.m.  and I just returned from the grocery.  Was engaged in a conversation regarding the pros and cons of organic.  The whole encounter was so strange it just left me nonplussed.  Not only did she talk to me, question me and let my answer sway her purchase, then she continued to chat (holler?) at me long after I had wandered away.  The black cloud over my head must not be as visible as I thought. (Or maybe she was doing her best to dispel it?)

I'm Loving This Spring

Though I remain concerned about our water situation.  I hope we'll have enough.

Friday was a bit of a laid-back day.  We went over to the accountants to sign the taxes and received a bit of good news.  We only had to pay the state a small amount (it seems everyone always has to pay to our lovely state) and are getting some back from the fed.  I went in braced for a huge dollar amount we'd have to pay, since we've had to pay the last several years. So the news was unexpectedly good. (Try as we might we just can't quite make it to zero-sum.) Maybe we'll use it toward a little vacation?

In a bit of pseudo-celebration I was treated to a chocolate shake I've been craving from Leatherby's.  I can almost taste it still.  It was simply perfect! (And I felt like we were having a "playing-hooky-middle-of-the-day-micro-date" which only enhanced the experience!)

Started off the day this morning with an hour long phone conversation with our out-of-town daughter. Delightful.  Then brunch at The Egg and I with friends, followed by a movie.  We're in for the day, now and I'm looking forward to the LDS General Women's meeting tonight.  It has become one of my favorite meetings.

Pretty green for March!
Was invited to play a song or two for our upcoming Stake Conference.  Of course I said yes, even though my mind was saying "wait just a darn minute!"  After the intensity of the 8 weeks previous to the Ten Virgins I thought I'd get a bit of a time out.  It's apparently not in me to say no to anyone.

The Husband just couldn't wait to get outside this morning.  He was anxious to mow the lawn.  I think this is the earliest in the year he's ever mowed.  And what do you know?!  There was green grass under the tips.  Looks good, doesn't it?  Particularly since we haven't watered yet.  I love how he takes such good care of us.

I feel so grateful today for a comfortable home.  For the wherewithal to maintain it.  For the sunshine that brightens our spirits.  For chats with those I love, and for those I love that reach out to me. For friends to share some food, fun and laughter with.  For pineapple/vanilla ice cream treats, good books to read, and hope.  Heavenly Father is good to His children.

Daffodils

These are in front of The Husband's office window.  They have the most luscious scent.  And they make me smile.

Shopping

I try to not spend money, dislike doing so.  But every once in a while I have to go against my nature and actually go and buy stuff.  Sometimes it means a trip to Target, or the mall (which I avoid).  Today it was Wal Mart.  It feels like I should call my trips to Wal Mart adventures rather than errands - it often includes something strange.

Today found me covering the store from one end to the other and back again in my quest for one specific thing.  I hope I didn't annoy other people the way I found myself being annoyed.  (Reminder to self:  we are all just stumbling along, doing our best.  I have to believe that.)

Arriving home I discovered at the bottom of the bag containing my apples some lady's insurance card.  No wonder she was anxiously pacing back and forth asking for help and being frustrated.  I'd be upset if I'd lost something that important, too.  It'll be in the mail to the insurance company tomorrow, hopefully finding its way back to her quickly.

No need to cross the road.
This morning's walk was delightfully peaceful, though I had to come back for earmuffs and gloves (around here we affectionately call them earmupps and glubs - remnants of our children's toddler years) to protect my tender appendages from the cold.  I absolutely had to stop and take a picture of this chicken - it was in a spot I've never seen it before.  I looked over and there she was, calmly surveying her kingdom; I even imagined she actually posed for her picture.

Today I'm grateful for choices. Sometimes I make the wrong ones, but every so often I choose correctly. I'm grateful for furnaces that don't mind that the weather can't decide what to do (that's the definition of spring in Utah) and continue to keep us comfy.  I'm grateful for garbage men that - just this once - gave us a two-fer.  He emptied our cans on the way up the street, then again back down the other side after we'd refilled and wheeled them across the way. One of those teensy little blessings that help enhance life.

Sunday, Monday and Now It's Tuesday

Sunday was spent at church, playing those piano keys for a couple extra things, and chatting with a couple people. Sort of a quietly involved day.  Which is fine.

Yesterday I managed a walk, fed carrots to the horse on the corner.  He's becoming quite familiar with me, when he sees me he trots over to the fence hoping for a treat.  I cleaned some, grocery shopped some, visited some and cross-stitched some.  All in all another fine day.

The Husband has come down with a dizzy head.  Much like I had a week ago.  He's taking a (very rare) sick day.  At least so far.  It's nice to have him just kicking around, though I know he wouldn't be happy doing that on a daily basis.  I'm hoping he'll get in a nice long nap -he does love his nap. And I so dislike when he's ailing.  It doesn't happen often, but I get a little clutch at my heart - hoping it's nothing serious.

Broken stem = sad.
Watered my orchids this morning.  Whined a little to myself when I accidentally broke off this bloom stem.  I'm not much of a green thumb (my Dad could - and did - grow pretty much anything.  I think everything responded to that gentle part of him) but somehow have managed to find a spot in my house where some plants are happy.  One of the things I love about the orchids is that once they bloom (and pretty regularly once a year) the flowers stay delightfully on the stems for several months. I so love flowers in the house. Now, due to my natural clumsiness I've denied myself that beauty.  Sigh.

There's lots I could do today.  Lots I should do today.  And perhaps lots I will do today.  But I won't be straying far from The Husband's side.  What a luxury to spend a few hours together without many demands (except for the free sandwich we'll get from Corner Bakery for dinner).

I'm so grateful for good health.  I'm ever aware of that magnificent blessing.  For the rain that replenishes life.  And for hope.

Finally The Finale

It's been a crazy couple of days - and mostly crazy because of my emotions.

Our Ten Virgins play went off last night - with a few hitches.  But it was fine.  I sat at the piano mentally berating myself for my mistakes in playing (in spite of the 50+ hours practicing on the piano).  Finally decided that it didn't matter.  The overall message was being conveyed and that was the important thing.  (And considering we had only our ward members, little money, and only 8 weeks to pull this together, it was actually a good accomplishment.)

I had family there to mentally cheer me on.  How grateful I was for their presence.  The other pianist (who has only lived here for 4 months) had no one, not even her husband (I hope he isn't sick again).  I felt sad for her.  I need to cultivate more empathy and kindness.

At the end of the evening, the participants were presented this little box with a lamp tucked inside. Our Relief Society president made them all.  It is a lovely remembrance.

I shared a teary moment last night with my sweet visiting teacher / friend. Earlier in the day when I was feeling quite low she texted me.  With expressions of encouragement and love regarding the evening's performance. When I mentioned how much I needed it, she related how she'd been doing housework and got the strong, repeated impression to text me.  Not later, but now. What a treasure she is.

I received this cute little bird plant stake - also as an expression of concern and support.  It will be a constant visual that someone cares.

We missed a drop-by visit from our Utah county kids.  It would have been great to see them.  They left a thank-you note for a Christmas gift.  We're so pleased they're enjoying the gift, it's even better that they took the time to say thank you.

Today I'm grateful for more than a few things.  Mostly that I think Heavenly Father was accepting of the play and that none of us disappointed Him.  (I never ever want to disappoint Him, although I know at times I do.) I'm grateful for sweet friends who heed the call to reach out to others.  For family members who made it a priority to be there for me.  For the gift of music and my small ability there to contribute.  For the beautiful spring.  And for a good night's rest.

Wreath



I promised myself I'd wait until the first day of spring to hang the lovely spring / summer wreaths The Husband bought for me.  (All those little flowers are made from birch wood - I love them!) Decided I couldn't wait.  What a luxury it is to have something seasonal for the front door!  It makes me smile.

Spring


I can't help but notice the budding of spring when I'm out and about.  It's a bit weird, things seem to be about 4 - 6 weeks ahead of schedule.  And because of a couple nights of below freezing some plants seem to have lost some of their blooms / progress. These are a couple of the more densely blossomed trees - most of them are sparse. Still, though, my eyes are delighting in the beauty of the spring.

Last fall The Husband took a deep breath and dove into the dividing of the peonies.  They're a fairly finicky plant, and it took years to get blooms from the ones I planted.  We knew it was risky.  Our fears have been put to rest as we witness the shoots of peonies that are coming up.  I am looking forward to seeing their pretty pinkness - wonder if they'll be blooming early, too?
Yay!  Peonies!

Today I'm grateful for the songs of the birds that serenade me when I walk in the morning.  They sound so happy to greet another day.  I should take a lesson from them.  I'm grateful for texts from grandchildren.  And for hugs on the trail.

Laughing Is Good

I've decided that the best and most beneficial part of cell phones / texting / autocorrect is the hilarity that ensues when things go awry.  I've been known to laugh out loud - not only at the texts I receive, but the ones I've sent.  (One of which inadvertently resulted in a new nickname for a friend of ours.)

When someone else laughs at one of the awful (without meaning to be awful) texts I send, I consider it a successful conversation.

I'm grateful today for the luxury of my cellphone.  I love being able to embarrass myself with my ineptitude (not really).  I'm grateful that today I was astute enough to hold my tongue when I wanted to do otherwise.  I won't regret keeping those thoughts to myself.  I'm grateful for an understanding husband.

Pressure

Yep, that's the moon behind those clouds
Only a few days left till the Ten Virgins play and I'm feeling a teensy stressed about it. Because of building scheduling conflicts, our real dress rehearsal will be 3 hours before the presentation.  EEEKKK!  I'm sending lots of prayers heavenward (and practicing like crazy!)

It was lovely to be out on the trail this morning.  Dark though it was, I thoroughly enjoyed being out in the 60 degree sunrise - rather moonset.  A fair amount of clouds made the colors really pop.

Official

My newest calling is official:  I'm the Ward Music Chair.  Again.

The upside:  having done it before, I think I can figure it out again.

The downside:  I dislike asking people to do stuff.  This is one of those things that cannot possibly be done by myself.  I'll have to buck up and just ask.  I'm hoping my next calling will be fun.

Yesterday morning's flower spotting:  pretty crocus!
Spent a couple hours yesterday morning rehearsing for the Ten Virgins play for this coming Friday. It's pretty ragged.  I have yet to attend a rehearsal where everyone was there (and I think I've been to all of them.)  Our end-of-practice pep talk included the expression of confidence that it will be "enough" for Heavenly Father.  We will make mistakes (I audibly accepted the responsibility for the mistakes - after all most of them will be mine.) but we will do our best and it will be enough.  I'm counting on it.  (This particular play is generally done on a Stake level.  It's pretty ambitious with the limited resources and time that we have had.)

Then, today in R. S., the president announced that since there is so much interest in it, that the R.S. has opened it up for anyone in the ward 8 years of age and older to attend if they want.  I have a mental picture of myself with my mouth wide open thinking w-h-a-t??? (Have to do all this mentally, I must maintain at least some teensy semblance of decorum.)  I was nervous enough playing yesterday for only about 12 people.  Haven't prepared to do it for everyone!  My stomach is in knots.

Then I remind myself that the person whose opinion really matters is Heavenly Father.  And I have entreated Him for help multiple times daily since this whole thing started.  If I can keep from disappointing Him, then I will be satisfied.  I think He knows my desire is to please Him, He will help me. Therefore, it will be just fine.

Saw the newest Cinderella movie yesterday.  I liked it.  It does have its flaws, but overall I enjoyed that couple hours.  Makes me want to go back and see Ever After (the one with Drew Barrymore) again.  Deep in the recesses of every female heart is a desire to be a princess.  (At least that's my take.)

My heart has gratitude today for an awareness of the natural goodness of the people that surround me. Some of them might be a challenge for me, but I try to remember that they are as much a work in progress as I am.  None of us is perfect.  I want to believe all of us are good.

5:00 P.M.






69 degrees outside.  The furnace is off, the sun is shining, calm winds.  And it feels like only good things here on Friday the 13th.  A lovely day to have the doors open.  Doesn't even remotely feel like March.

It must be time to break out the spring wreaths.  What a luxury:  to have seasonal wreaths for my front door.

Happy

So last night as we're climbing into bed, kissing goodnight, The Husband says:  you were happy today.  That gave me a bit of a pause.  On reflection I decided he was right.  And independently, but simultaneously we both voiced what we thought was the reason.  I had some interaction with a friend, was able to chat with her while in the car, helping her drop her car off for service (and picking it up when the service was done).   The best part was that of all the people she could have called for a ride, she chose me.  What a lift to my soul.

Several other things during the day caused me some pleasure.

• I managed to time my visit to Joann's just right for help from the framer.  My cross-stitch will look great!  Now I just have to make sure I give it to the right person.

• My (rare treat) cruller was scrumptious! (I'm not especially big on doughnuts, but am quite fond of crullers. And they're getting harder and harder to find.)

• Spent a couple hours in rehearsal for the Ten Virgins program.  I've struggled with this whole thing; knowing that my attitude was what needed to change but not quite being able to figure out how to effect that change.  This rehearsal was just the answer - I felt less marginalized and realized that I needed to give credit to a couple women who deserved my credit.  My repentance of my unkind attitude continues.

• Wandered around Joann's for a minute and discovered a whole wall of different signs that I so loved.  Especially this one.  How I would love to be responsible for bringing a smile to others.  I must work on that.

• Bringing in a package from the porch, The Husband asked who ordered something from Amazon. Neither of us.  Turned out to be a book from an acquaintance who wanted to share his love of healthy eating.  How thoughtful!

• After rehearsal, both The Husband and I needed some time.  So off we went for a bit of a walk. The cloud cover reflected enough light that we could clearly see what we needed (9-10 p.m. isn't our usual walking time), it was warm enough for just a sweater, rather than the usual full-force gale we had just a breeze.  It was perfect!

And the small joys continue today.  My morning walk couldn't have been nicer.  The skies were dropping a bare drizzle of rain which kept most people inside.  That meant the trail was peaceful.

Had a quick visit from our son, the police officer.  While he was here I got a text.  From my sweet neighbor checking to make sure everything was ok here since there was a police car parked out front. How grateful I am for her concern and friendship.

Tonight we're off to a play.  I'm ever grateful we have that luxury.

I'm grateful today for the rain that brings such beauty to our world.  For the ability to walk in the morning and enjoy that beauty.  For kindness.

Early Spring

Apricot blossoms
Most of the plants seem to be about six weeks early this year.  Today it was in the mid-60's outside. And while I'm not complaining, I am a bit concerned about the crops around here.

I quickly snapped this shot of my friend's apricot tree.  It isn't nearly as lovely as it usually is - there are lots of dead brown blossoms from the latest frost.  These blooms have come out since, but there's really no way to know yet if there will be fruit.  Still, it is a lovely, lovely tree.

I can't help but smile when I see this happy color.
Had occasion today to listen to a man on the phone with his wife.  "Love you, bye" he said.  This isn't the first time I've heard that particular ending to a phone conversation.  I've been hearing it a lot and it always resonates with me.  I so love hearing people express their connection and commitment to those that are important to them.  And the fact that it easily trips off the tongue reinforces the opinion that it is verbalized often - it is important to them to share their feelings.  I hope to continue to have my heart warmed by hearing those words - not only between others, but also towards me.

I'm grateful today for the blooming daffodils and fruit trees.  For walks in the sunrise.  For the luxury of my car, for chocolate, and for kind people.  In my view, sincere kindness could never be too abundant.

Another Week Begins

Finally finished my Christmas candy.
And I'm already feeling a bit harried - it seems like there's a lot going on this week.  The weekends are never quite long enough.

We went to a rehearsal, and a meeting on Saturday morning (complete with doughnuts for the guys at the meeting).  A movie (yep, popcorn, too) and a frozen custard in the afternoon.  (I have a "thing" about the plastic spoons that are currently in vogue.  Someone needs to re-think their engineering, my lip barely escapes being cut from the spoon's sharp edge.)

Yesterday included being on time for church - which is iffy on the Daylight Saving Time change (it'd be nice if that particular practice was abandoned for lack of interest) a quick nap and a bit of Ten Virgins practice.  (Our ward is doing Emily Freeman's Parable of The Ten Virgins play for our R. S. birthday celebration.  It's ambitious for a small group with shorter than needed prep time. I've been dragging my attitude about it and need to shape up.)

I love seeing the deer.
This morning I was ready to head out at the usual time for my walk but I just couldn't - it was still too dark for rational humans to be walking outside.  I did see some deer (whenever I have to crop my phone pictures this much they always end up blurry - ahh, the limitations of technology) and wondered if some other walkers I encountered were puzzled at my singing out loud (softly out loud) to my iPod.  There's a song for the Ten Virgins play the sisters are having a bit of difficulty with, I've been enlisted to help so I've got to be a quick study with it since it's a song I surrendered to the other pianist.

Oddly enough, I've had more interaction with people from church today than I generally have in 3 or 4 weeks, let alone one day.  On the trail, at the grocery, on the phone (multiple times).  It's been anomalous.

I was so grateful yesterday to be in R. S.  The teacher was a sister I visit teach whose husband has the (recently discovered) brain cancer.  Title of the lesson:  Finding Joy In Our Trials.  More than one heart was touched.  It was nice to be sitting between a couple of my favorite ladies, made being in R. S. less weird.  I don't know how to behave around adults after spending the last two years in Primary.

I've been thinking lately about tolerance.  I'm nowhere near as tolerant as I ought to be.  And as I expect people to be with me.  And that word is one I always associate with my Dad - he was big on being tolerant with others.  I have a few fond memories of him, he was a good man.

I'm grateful today for friends that call when I can help, for the opportunity to start my day with a welcome from the sun, for plenty of good things to do, and for being greeted with a kiss, a smile and a warm hug.  I feel permanently deficit in the hugs, smiles and kisses department - can't seem to get enough.

Friday Again Already?

Early Spring Willows
Where did the week go?  I think I spent it going for walks, fretting over my missing FitBit (I returned just a bit ago from Best Buy with my new replacement! - YAY!), doing laundry and vacuuming, receiving and dispensing hugs, loving the changeable weather and just generally trying to do my best.

Melodic good morning greetings
Although I haven't quite done my best when it comes to being told what to do.  I still dislike being schooled by others who apparently think I can't function without their constant supervision.  (I wish I knew where my strong reaction to this (constant) interaction with others comes from. Maybe I could figure out how to not let it be so bothersome.)

Yep, that's the blurry setting moon.
I so love willow trees.  And yep, those are green leaves giving color to this little row of willows.  And a beautiful setting moon from this morning.  And a robin calling morning greetings to me and its friends (and anyone who cared to notice).

Tomorrow will find me practicing with the ladies for the Ten Virgins program.  (I'm counting down the days.) Attending a meeting with The Husband. And if I'm lucky, we'll manage to fit in a movie.

I'm grateful for people who can take over our tax prep, for payday, for gift cards and most of all for prayer.

Yesterday

Apricot tree, last Tuesday a.m.
Went out for a walk yesterday morning (oh, how I've missed my morning walks lately).  I knew I was taking a risk, but decided it would be worth it.  It was a perfect morning for a walk - cool but not too cold, beautiful sunrise, no precipitation - in spite of strong predictions otherwise.

Was home for a little less than an hour and we were in the middle of a blizzard! How glad I was to be able to get my walk in before the storm.  It was wet weather all day long.
Yesterday 7:30 a.m.

I have a friend who has a couple apricot trees.  She's kind about bringing me some of the fruit each year, which I so love!  (I'm the only apricot fancier around here.)  Last Tuesday the blossoms of her tree were ready to just pop into bloom, roughly 6 weeks too early.  After yesterday's snow and overnight temperatures in the 20's I think she won't be having any apricots to share this year.

Around 9 a.m. yesterday:  SNOW!
Although there's currently snow on the ground, the sun is brightly beaming down on us and all the paved surfaces are dry.  It's a lovely day for a walk - and I happened upon a sweet soul doing just that as I drove home.  What fun to share a wave!

It's been so lovely to be home I haven't even minded the vacuuming.

I received an email from a dear friend.  How grateful I am that people keep in touch, who reach out in kind friendship.  Reminds me of these few lines we heard the other night.  (I realize it is an old Irish toast (other wise described as an Irish Proverb) used when drinking with pals - I still like the sentiment.)

There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be!

Irish Proverb

Today I'm grateful for friends - whoever and wherever they may be found.  (The Husband had one of his guys insta-lunch today.  I love how he comes home happy from being with the men.) And for the lovely seasons of the earth even when they seem to be mixed up and confused.

Finally Done...and Lost

Finally Finished!!
It's been 10 days that have felt like a month since beginning the replacement antibiotic.  Confusing instructions / requirements and side effects have left me anxiously awaiting the ingestion of the last dose.  YAY!  I made it!  My new (and ever-in-place) goal is to be healthy, without infections or health issues.  I'm much happier when I'm whole.

I don't often lose things.  Yes, really.  But I did it.  Somewhere between the dungeness crab bisque (Fisherman's Wharf) and airport security I lost my FitBit One.  The clip is quite secure.  I'm baffled as to howwhenwhere it happened.  And sad.  This was an upgrade The Husband gifted me.  I use it to track my steps that earns me cash (through The Husband's employer) that buys me lovelies I wouldn't otherwise spend the money for.  Coincidentally I had some earned money that I hadn't yet spent.  As soon as the gift card arrives I'll be off to Best Buy for a replacement.  In the meantime I'm surprised at how much I'm missing tracking all those steps I take.

I'm still thinking about dinner the other night.  We were with co-workers of The Husband.  In the course of the conversation one of them discovered some of the great companies The Husband has worked for.  Another then commented: yes, he's lived a charmed life.   Wow - really?  I could list all the ways that has not even remotely felt the case over the years.  And yet, how grateful I was for that perspective.  In spite of complications and the usual challenges life brings, it has been a good life. How grateful I am he voiced that sentiment.

Had occasion yesterday to borrow a personal book.  I felt privileged to be using something important to someone, with their individual stamp on its pages.  There's a real sense of connection when you're allowed a peek into the private expressions of someone's personality.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm grateful today to be home, my favorite place to be.  With the one(s) I love.  I'm grateful for the diminishing piles of laundry that attest to our comfortable life style. Which life-style is a direct result of The Husband's work ethic.  I'm grateful for grocery stores that are filled with such variety of choice and abundance.  And today I'm grateful for the much needed rain blessing our environs.

And for the end of the antibiotics (and the infection they treated).

It's Been

A whole week since I wrote here.  I shall make an attempt to be succinct in my re-cap of the last 6 days.

Last monday morning we were up early, I took The Husband to the airport for his trip in to the office in CA.  On my way home I stopped at WalMart.  This was noteworthy because I'm thinking 7:30 a.m. might be the very best time (least shoppers) to be at WalMart.

Wish I could have gotten the sailboats.
Wednesday morning, early, I headed out to the airport for my (delayed by a bit over an hour) flight to CA to meet up with The Husband.  'Twas fabulous to be met and greeted the way I was.  After stopping by the office to do the requisite introductions (and re-acquainting) and grab some lunch we wandered to the nearby Shoreline Trail.  Our time on the trail walking, bench-sitting, conversing, holding hands: just lovely.

Thursday was my day to hang out while The Husband worked.  I walked to the nearest public library (one of my comfort places) and wandered through a local produce market on my way back.

Friday we spent driving down the Pacific Coast Highway (stunning vistas) to Carmel where we goggled at the houses and more spectacular scenery and then made our way back to Pacific Catch for dinner and ice cream.

Saturday we drove in to the City-By-The-Bay which included a visit to Pier 39, the Embarcadero for the huge Farmer's Market, and Fisherman's wharf for food.

The week concluded with an uneventful flight home and heavenly sleep in our own bed.

I have just a few observations from the last week.

This place had the best pain au chocolat I've ever had.
• I think I will remain perpetually befuddled by my inability to trigger the motion-sensitive water in sinks for hand-washing.  I generally end up sampling every sink in the restroom and still have soapy hands.

• Anyone who forgets to check their boarding pass for TSA Precheck status deserves to be embarrassed.

• I won't feel so bad about the accumulation of dust on some of my furniture.  I strive to be generally clean and tidy here in our house.  And that's pretty good.

• I've learned that if the instructions on the antibiotic say to stay out of the sun I should heed the warning.  As it was we ended up trekking through Target to find a hat to shield my face from further sun damage.  (Wow, does it ever sting!)

• We discovered a two-story Target with an escalator for shopping carts.  What a logical way to get your goods from one floor to the next.

• We've never driven down to Carmel along the coast before.  Couldn't have picked a better day for the drive, the weather was perfect.

• $10 for admittance to 17-mile drive still seems excessive.  Now that we've done that particular drive (admittedly super beautiful) we won't need to spend $10 for that again.

• The beach / ocean continues to be food for our souls.  The Husband wasn't content until he'd put his hand in the ocean.  (I wasn't getting sand in my shoes.) I'm thinking we might have to have a regular beach trip soon.

Taken through the window at 65 MPH, it was breathtaking.
• Lou's down on Fisherman's Wharf still has great food (although our service could have been better.) Next time I'm hoping to have the time and patience for the cioppino - a very favorite of mine.

• The Husband works with some mighty kind people.

• I might tease The Husband for his attention to the car windows (rental car windows are always too dirty / smeary for him) but I am always grateful to be able to see clearly all the beauty around.

• Someone needing to be around a lot of people would do well in San Fran's Chinatown on a Saturday.  Busy wouldn't even begin to describe the hoards of people out and about.  I was in the car and still got overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people.

• Returning home to find all well, being greeted with hugs and smiles and waking up to a skiff of snow remind me how lovely it is to be here.

I'm so grateful for the chance to get away from it all every once in a while.  It's a good reminder that it feels good (and right) to be happy where we are, content with our lives and aware of the beauty that fills them.  I'm especially grateful to be home again, safe.