And Back To Work

The Husband's two weeks of vacation is over.  He went back to work today.  And I suspect was filled with a couple sparring emotions:  dread and anticipation.  Dread that he had to go to work and couldn't continue to vacation, and anticipation that he had productive work to do and didn't have to be "lazy" (as if that has ever been the case with him) anymore.

And that means we're back to our routine.  I like routine, at least most of the time.  It felt good to get to the grocery and fill the refrigerator with actual food.

Outdoor lights!

The lights arrived today!  When we had the stucco repaired, the outdoor lights had to go.  We found some we liked and ordered them online.  These are not supposed to ever rust and have LED's instead of conventional bulbs.  They'll look great on our house. I know what our post-dinner project is.

Nummers!

Had a call over the weekend from our Nashi supplier.  He had a box for us if we still want the pears (did he even really have to ask?), which I picked up Monday morning. We've shared a few, will share a few more and have had them for breakfast lunch and dinner.  They're just the right size for one person; I feel bad for those who haven't the luxury of Nashi pears every fall, their crunchy pear-ness is a teensy bite of heaven on your tongue.

Farewell, my friend.

And I've sold my lovely guitar.  Too bad I didn't let go of the guilt when I handed over the instrument. It was such a thoughtful generous birthday gift those years ago.  It wasn't doing anyone any good sitting in the corner in its case. And I haven't the aptitude for playing it that I thought I would, I frustrated myself. (Not to mention that I didn't deal well with the callouses that come to the fingertips from guitar playing.)  I was so pleased to find out that the man was buying the guitar for the granddaughters he was going to teach to play.  It'll be a nice home for it.

And that picture of my arm (with the large red rash) in the last post?  I must've deleted the caption - the picture shows my reaction to a bite.  If there's a mosquito anywhere in the state I'll be bit by it and will have a knot under the skin for weeks while it heals.

I came across this quote the other day and was struck by the sentiment.  She was a wise woman.

“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.”

― Mother Teresa, A Simple Path: Mother Teresa

I'm so grateful to be home safe and sound where I'm the most comfortable.  I'm grateful for good books to read, for machines to help with laundering our clothes (as long as they last and I'm eking every single load out of both the washer and the dryer), for plenty of food in our fridge and pantry, for the sun that shines and the breeze that cools.  I'm grateful for heartfelt hugs and for smiles even from strangers. (Read a quote about that, too. "Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. --Mother Teresa)  I'm looking forward to General Conference this weekend, I'm grateful for the words of encouragement, admonishment and hope that I know I'll hear.

Home Again

1st night sunset thru airport window.

1st morning sunrise

And while it's my favorite place to be, we had a grand time being away!  We left last Friday morning and flew into Myrtle Beach, spent the night at a hotel there, puttered around on Saturday until check-in time and then--we were at the beach! It's another of our favorite places.  We're back at home and in some ways it seems we never left, the week just absolutely flew by!

Coldest drink I've ever had.

Turtles in alligator pond.

The weather was iffy.  I say it wasn't that great, but The Husband says it was fine.  It was definitely a mix - the one constant being the clouds.  They were sometimes white and fluffly,more often dark and threatening, sometimes showering (or pelting) us with rain but always always there.  We aren't accustomed to the heavy rains they have back east, but went prepared with our rain slickers just in case.

Sunday p.m. view of the beach

Killing time 'till the beach

As is our tradition we headed off to church on Sunday in the little Shallotte ward and turned into the parking lot with a laugh.  It wasn't the first time we'd ended up at an empty church building.  Yep, Stake Conference, 40 minutes away, we'd never have made it.  So back to the house and the deck and the sunshine / rain and we whiled away the day with our books and beach watching.  The next few days we alternated between the beach, the deck, the inside of the house when it got to hot and then back again to the beach and the deck.  We managed a bit of a sunburn in spite of the beach umbrellas, but at this point, it's mostly a visual reminder of our time in the sun.

Seagulls waiting for the sun

Turtles in the alligator pond.

They were so fun to watch having fun

Horseshoe crab.

The picture of those 7 chairs lined up and the ladies standing there?  I'd watched them all week, don't know if those women are all related or just friends or what, but wherever there was one there was at least three, they were together all the time, and seemed to just be having a delightful time being there. You could tell they were just all wonderful together.  This shot was taken because I heard some oohs and aahs from them.  I looked up from my book and out in the ocean was a pod of dolphins. Jumping up to leave perfect arcs in the air before hitting the ocean again.  There must have been 25 or more of them strung out all along the beach.  Yes, it was breathtaking.

Me and the seagulls

Fishing off the sandbar

Found them!

Under Sunset Pier

Sand Sculpture, never did find out what it ended up being.

Morning walk in the rain.

The Husband rousting the seagulls

We ate great food - fish, fish and more fish.  Peaches and more peaches.  BBQ and more BBQ.  And of course ice cream at the Calabash Creamery, and more of the same.  I never got my fill of hushpuppies, but that means we'll have to go back.  We dozed and napped, on the couch and on the beach.

The moon set at sunrise.

And we walked.  In the past I've done my morning walks solo.  This year, The Husband walked the sunrise with me most mornings.  Sometimes for a couple hours.  One morning we even set the alarm for a bit before lowest tide (still mostly dark) and headed for the west end of the island - on our ongoing quest for unbroken sand dollars.  And we found them!  5 in one morning, though one of them perished before it even made it to the bag - I knew it was very fragile and thin when I plucked it off the sand.

We texted and kept in touch with the kids at home.  What a luxury to have this little vacation knowing that everything at home was being taken care of:  plants watered, garden tended, mail retrieved.

Myrtle Beach airport

And we're home, I've piles of laundry that'll wait until it isn't the Sabbath, we've been to church, I've got a roast in the slow cooker and I'm almost ready to face our life's routine again.  I know it's true what they say:  home is where your heart is.  And my heart is always with The Husband.  But it always feels the bestest to me when The Husband, my heart and our house are all in close proximity.

Last Sunset

I'm so grateful for the abundance and generosity that allows us to take an occasional vacation from the regular, to renew and rejuvenate our spirits.  I'm so grateful for cellphones that keep us in touch, that take pictures for memories.  For airplanes that transport us to other beautiful spots in the world. For unbroken sand dollars as mementos.  For sunrise and sunset meanders along the beach, fresh fish and ice cream.  And for my own comfy bed.  And for hug greetings from friends and loved ones.

Life feels good for the moment, and I like that feeling, am grateful for it.

Weather Watching

It's almost become an obsession to check the weather at the beach.  It's storming:  rain and flood watches, hurricanes out in the Atlantic. Hmmm.

Steps gone, ready for the deck.

And the stucco repair is complete.  He did such a great job, and his crew are such hard workers. How grateful we are for a once again snug, weather-tight home.  And those steps have disappeared!  I thought it would take forever for them to haul off the remnants, but again - they are hard workers. Touch ups have been done and all that's left is to have the deck built, and re-paint the frame around the door.  (Maybe I'll remember the mistakes I did last time and do a better job this time around.) And one of the best parts?  That it's quiet again.  There's no one wandering around that back yard that isn't related to me, I can run out and water the garden in my robe (though I actually did that when the workers were here, just tried to be a little inconspicuous), there's no hammering, pounding, scraping. The quiet is just lovely, my soul responds to that.

I came across this quote the other day and loved it.  The book was "The More Of Less" and I read it in a day. And while I don't necessarily agree with everything the author says, there was enough merit in the book that I was glad to have spent the time reading it.  Since we're already on a "getting-rid-of-stuff" kick, it was a great mental boost.  It doesn't have to be extreme paring down to have a positive effect.  I like how things feel a little more on the bare side anyway, I always have - don't care for too much clutter-stuff.  Anyway, here's the quote:

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. Rabindranath Tagore

I'm so grateful for the ability to fix our house that I hope is always a home.  For those who care for my heart enough to reach out.  For the hope of a safe return to that place where I'm most comfortable.

Nervous, Still

Yesterday's sunrise.

The closer our trip to the beach gets, the more nervous I am.  The Husband has learned to just roll with it - even laugh at me.  I'm such a homebody.  And such a worrywart.  Stuff that I came to earth with, and have coped with to some degree - I'm not nearly as much of a worrywart as I used to be.  At least not worrying so much that people would notice (I try to hide it).

The guys are working hard on the stucco, trying to get it finished before we leave so they can get paid. It's looking so good, they really do beautiful work (as beautiful as stucco gets).  The blasted parts of the steps are finally getting hauled off, I begin to see progress.  Everywhere except for our poor suffering lawn.  But - it'll be fine eventually.

Peaches

I'm off in a bit for lunch with my V. T. partner and the ladies we visit teach.  Am apprehensive about it all - after all, each one of these sisters is an assignment, so they aren't necessarily people I just clicked with, sought out as friends.  Prayers have been abundant.

Yesterday mornings walk netted a couple pictures - the one of the sunrise, I can never get enough of sunrises. They fill my heart with hope.  The peach carpet under the peach tree was just a fun visual. The fence between me and the tree posed some difficulties, so the picture could have been better had I been taller and brave enough to climb the fence (I'd like to think I'd never do that on someone else's property).

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Saturday we just turned our backs on stuff that needing doing and drove up the canyon.  Last time it was Little Cottonwood Canyon.  This time is was Big Cottonwood Canyon.  It's been decades since we made that drive.  We just have a sense of urgency to immerse ourselves in these gorgeous (yet fleeting) days of early fall weather.  When the temperature is just right, it isn't rainy or too windy (the wind pretty much always blows here in the valley) and the colors are starting to blossom on the mountainsides, that beauty pretty much demands our attention.

We stopped at Harmon's for a gelato after our drive and I spotted this sign behind the counter.  How often that phrase applies to me:  Out Of Order!

And I'm trying to sell my lovely guitar. I had wanted to learn to play the guitar so badly.  The Husband bought me the nicest one he could find for a birthday.  We even (yes, both of us) took lessons through the community adult education program and thoroughly enjoyed it. But my fingers just couldn't take the callouses.  I need my fingertips to continue to be sensitive (for the piano, stitching, and all other fun things in life).  So, there the guitar has sat, for years. And I'm feeling such guilt.  Guilt that so much money was spent for really no reward.  Guilt for not being able to do what I really wanted to do (but I guess that experience pretty much falls under the category of tried it, but it didn't work and that's a learning process that we all go through multiple times in life) and guilt because it was a gift and there's something in my heart that makes it hard to part with gifts that have come with such care and love.  We've got an ad on KSL, but so far no calls.  Surely there's someone out there that needs my guitar?

And I'm finding myself a bit restless.  I've been spending so much time preparing the lessons for Sunday School that since I have a whole month without teaching (and I daren't prepare too far in advance for the next one because it is a given that I'll totally forget everything) I have all that extra time that I'm not preparing.  It's weird.

And surely this is one strange journal post. I'm feeling less than adequate in my ability to present my thoughts in a way that someone would enjoy reading.  And it shows.  I so wish I had the talent of wordcraft that is so obvious in blogs and other communications across the internet. Maybe now that I'm "old" whatever small ability I had has vanished - along with my memory, my thin body, my dark hair and my balance.

But, here comes the best part for me - my acknowledgement of the good things in life.  I'm grateful today for the ability we have to have our home maintained, repaired and kept safe and snug.  I'm grateful for vacations (even though they make me all tied in nervous knots), and for those who will keep an eye on things while we're gone.  I'm grateful for lunches out, for food in the pantry and for more choices than I deserve.  And I'm so grateful for hope, for a Heavenly Father who has a benevolent nature for each and every one of us on this earth.  Kind of difficult to truly understand.

Almost Week's End - And I'm Anxious

Received a phone call last night - we're going to lunch.  Actually she said they are taking me to lunch but I dug in my heels and said I'd pay for my own.  There'll be 5 of us - my visiting teaching partner and the three ladies we teach.  Ostensibly for my birthday, but in reality will be our visits for September.  I'm already anxious about it.

The guys have been working on the stucco - s-l-o-w-l-y.  It makes me anxious.  Oh, I know they'll get the stucco done, sooner or later (already heading into the "later" category). It's those blasted apart steps that concern me.  That's a lot of heavy blocks to haul away.  He knows he won't get paid until the job is completed.  Still...

The beach is calling us.  I always get super anxious about leaving home.  Yes, I'm definitely a homebody, except when I'm not. I fuss over what could go wrong here, I fuss over whether we'll be safe, and if the weather will cooperate (watching the hurricane predictions - there's 3 yellow x's on the map, any one of which could turn into a hurricane at just the right time to muck up our beach days).  It'll be fine either way, we've been there when it rained more than it was clear.  Still, I want it all just right.  I fuss over the cost of everything.

I'm still figuring out life without the newspaper.  Not liking it much.  Though I did come across a great article this morning:

http://theweek.com/articles/646154/6-sciencebacked-tips-living-longer

I think I might follow this guy in the future.

And I shouldn't even bring up the other things that cause me concern (the kids, health (of all the kids as well as The Husband and me) finances, the state of our country (elections, the economy) whether to move or try to stick it out here, our neighbors moving away- just to mention (though I said I shouldn't) a few).  (Think I can get any more parentheses in there?)

And yet, still, the world is beautiful.  It is filled with smiles that light up faces (and the atmosphere around them), flowers, babies, kindness, charity and hope.  So I shall cover my anxious concerns with my own smile and hope for better.  And do my very small part to spread the love of our Savior. And count on Him to ease my worries.

This morning on my walk I listened to the geese honk their conversation as they flew overhead, I wore my newest hat, I reveled in the cool quiet of the morning and said my prayer for help and of thanks for the wonder of this life.  How grateful I am.  (And am working on feeling slightly less anxious.)

And The Birthday Celebration Continues

Week old parakeets

Was treated to lunch by a dear friend.  We sat there and talked for 2 solid hours.  How fun it was to know she cares enough to take such time for me.

I've been writing thank you notes.  I'm finally caught up, I think.  How fortunate I am to have people wish me happiness!

Our next door neighbors have some parakeets.  Who just hatched some babies.  Was invited over to see them, these little bird-lets are about a week old.  I inadvertently deleted the picture of one of them on my hand, they're soft and light and warm and so very cute.

I actually got out on the trail again this morning.  47 degrees and dark when I left the house. A flashlight and my phone help me feel brave enough to tackle the trails when I'm so scared of the dark. I love / need my morning walks enough that I'll persist.

And this is what the steps look like now - they're in chunks scattered around the pad waiting for disposal.  I'll be so glad when this project is complete, it's been wearing on me for some reason.  I think I'm anxious because I'd like to see it all done before we hit the beach.  And it won't matter one whit if it isn't so I guess I'm just overly anxious.

Dinner last night with some friends was delightful.  It's nice that they seem to like to go out with us. I was hoping for low-key, low-cost, low-stress and that's just what occurred! I love it when a plan comes together. Tonight we're invited for ice cream.  YUM!

I read a column this morning where the author said she tries really hard to live joyfully.  I love that sentiment.  Life is plenty tough as it is.  Intentionally seeking joy is a wonderful concept.

And I love that National Read A Book Day is on my birthday. :)

I'm so grateful for kind people who act like I matter, like I count for something.  (I've spent much of my life feeling so inadequate.) I'm grateful for new little lives - even bird lives - that spark some hope for the future.  I'm grateful for a decent stash of chocolate, and for gift cards for places to eat, places to get books and places to find something to wear.  I'm grateful for the expectation of at least a few years yet on this earth to find some fun.  And for those who greet me with sincere smiles and hugs.

3 Day Weekends Confuse Me

Saturday's stunning sunset.

It seems like I've already completely forgotten the weekend!  We were offered a couple tickets on Saturday for a storytelling festival that we had to decline.  We were grateful for the offer, though and hope the summer colds leave our loved ones really soon!

"Color" up the canyon

The stucco work is progressing, albeit slowly because of those blasted steps.  But those blasted steps have finally been blasted to smithereens.  The mess will be carted off soon and the stucco repair will progress.  As often happens, one thing leads to another:  we have to buy new outdoor lights.  They've been ordered (twice because we apparently don't really know how to count) and I'm really hoping they'll be great.  They're not metal, a newer material that is supposed to stand up to the weather really well and won't be sending drips of rust down the side of the house.

Fun birthday gift.

Just the right size.

Decided rather impromptu to drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to see the early fall colors.  It was lovely - in the 60's with just a bit of a breeze and was a delightful day for a drive.  (The one picture of "color" I'll post was taken through the window as the car was hurtling down the road - it turned out ok in spite of that.) Had a (rare) hankering on the way home for a root beer, so we stopped by Hires Big H. Enjoyed our drinks and were ready to go when the server brought us over three to-go cups of root beer on the house. I'm still puzzling over the reason, but I didn't question her, just thankfully received her gift and enjoyed my soda.  (I like their soda because it's light on the carbonation - I'm not big on bubbles in my drink.)

Free drink!

And I've been celebrating my age for more than a day already. I've received such thoughtful gifts: a just-right-size backpack to replace the one that I've about worn out, and a hat to replace the one that got eaten by the ocean. A couple new insulated glasses (my favorites) so I have enough to last between dishwasher cycles. Boxes of notecards and a TIVO for my sewing room and a re-stock of my chocolate supply.  I have a lunch invitation for tomorrow, and after dinner an invitation to ice cream with some new friends from the new ward.

I've been working on this post for several hours - I keep answering the door to a hug from a sweet soul who wanted me to feel important. I feel fortunate.

I'm grateful today for those who are so very kind to me - I surely don't deserve all that goodness.  I'm grateful for the hope of ice cream in my very near future.  I'm grateful that I don't have to cook tonight.  I'm grateful for texts from daughters and granddaughters.  And for hugs.

Yay! for September

It was beautiful!

My favorite month of the year.  It signals the end of the worst of the heat for the year, the beginning of sweater/soup/storm weather.  As long as I can be safe and protected and the storms aren't too violent, I love the change of weather.  And we've had a long really dry summer, so change is welcome.

Raindrops on pavement--proof of rain.

It's been such a pretty morning.  The trail is more enjoyable when I have it to myself like I did today (and pretty much all this week, since school has begun again and most of the moms are at home getting the chilluns ready for their day).  We've got a bit of weather coming in - when it's windy the morning clouds are so fun.  Then when the sun rises the colors are stunning - no camera can do justice to them.

Just before dawn.

The Husband walked out to greet me as I got closer to home - I love when he does that, makes me feel cared for.  We ran into a friend from church and stood for a bit chatting.  That sense of community is so valued.

Love all the bikes.

The stucco guys were here working last evening, but haven't made much progress on the steps.  It's a mess.  And I'm nervous about the whole thing - I don't want to be left with a bigger mess that costs bigger bucks to fix. This guy has received rave word-of-mouth reviews, that's why we hired him.  My fingers are crossed.

We have a play tonight that's fun to anticipate.  A long weekend to savor. A cold front that will drop the temps and after Sunday I'll have several weeks without having to teach Sunday School. Definitely things to enjoy.

I'm grateful that kids still ride their bikes to school.  That clouds are infinitely changeable and lovely. That as long as I didn't get drenched, it was fun to have a bit of rain sprinkle on me on my walk and for a camera in my pocket.  I'm grateful that I don't have to cook dinner tonight.  And I'm so thankful for a heart that still feels strongly about life, love and good things.