resting...

It's been a lazy morning for the Hubs and the Pups.  We decided to pop down to Arkansas to surprise Mom.  Couldn't do it on her actual birthday, but a few days late just extends the celebration.  We still think we are in our mid to late twenties evidently, as we opted to squish it all into two days.  With a pup that hasn't done a long trip since being diagnosed with epilepsy. Whew, what a trip!  The journey down was a bit long, Beau hadn't quite figured out how to keep from feeling out of sorts, so we made a TON of stops.  Let him reset his balance and run it all out.  

They loved all the new spots, the runs and especially their aunt's huge fenced backyard.  Beau was excited to meet the Danes and really wanted to play.  Belle, was beyond terrified.  Lil' Miss Toughie isn't so tough when the pups are more than twice her size.  She didn't even want to bark at them, choosing instead to stay close by mom or dad.

In 48 hours we drove a little over 600 miles, saw most of our Arkansas family, loved on the littles, pet the ducks and watched chickens. Visited every state park and rest stop between us and Little Rock and had a blast!

One sister and hubs let us stay in their camper, eliminating the need to find a hotel that will allow my big babies.  It was so much less stressful and allowed for an incredible visit.  We were able to sit around and chat, laugh and commiserate over life in general.  We talked about crocheting and finding patterns and ideas while watching the pups romp and our Hubs visited with each other. We were blessed to be able to spend time with mom to celebrate her and to catch up in person, share a few hugs and I love you's. Then off to the other sister and her hubs. Where we shared time with most of their grands (our great nephews are so fun!), their chicks and hens with more chatting and laughing.  The youngest grand is hysterical and entertained us with his animal impersonations and his incredible three year old knowledge of dinosaurs. It was wonderful. 

Through it all we forgot to take pictures, we were simply wrapped up in living in the moment.  I have to admit, I think I enjoy that a million times more than snapping away.  I cherished the time, the conversations, and the laughter.  The hugs even from the older kiddos were warm and genuine. 

While we were in Arkansas, I shared some seeds with my niece, sister and mom.  It was so nice to share the bounty of my garden with theirs.  They will be able to plant sooner than I will, I truly hope they all grow into something beautiful and/or they produce lots of bounty for their meals. 

It was such a welcome change.  We haven't been doing many spontaneous things lately.  I guess life has just been getting in the way of living.  I was beyond exhausted from the trip and was in bed the moment Beau had his bedtime meds almost 10 hours later, I am full of energy and ready to tackle the world. 

So while Hubs and the pups are snoozing, I got a few things off my to do list.  

Comparatively it is so cold here, yesterday we sat outside with our coffee watching the pups play, today, I slowly opened the door trying to avoid the arctic blast of cold air.  Outside tasks will definitely be waiting.  At least until after lunch.  I believe it should be above freezing by then.  

Instead, I worked on planning out the side yard transition.  I can already smell the lavender I am going to plant and see the brightness and beauty of the zinnias and sunflowers.  I can almost see and smell the herbs.  I started doodling the rock paths and the dry river bed that I imagine wandering down the hill.  Pondering what herbs and useful plants might flourish in that setting.  Ones that do not take over a space, but will enhance it. 

As usual for me, I quickly needed something else to tackle while they napped away and as I abhor waste of any kind I had a project I've been wanting to tackle. I will reuse things as much as possible and I've been collecting shampoo bar scraps for a year or so, in a jar, the same way I do soap.  I wasn't sure I could grate them up and make new bars or not.  But this morning, I finally did.  Those bars of shampoo cost between $13 and $20 depending on the brand.  It took very little time and I now have 4 bars of shampoo drying out.  The kitchen smells heavenly.  An experiment worth trying.  

I do the same thing with my handmade soaps, carefully salvaging the bits and pieces.  The rebatch soap is Hubs' absolute favorite.  It seems like the best of every bar ends up in those odd gray/green colored soaps.  And we don't waste anything.  How can you go wrong.  I don't have enough bits of soap saved up again yet to tackle that, it wouldn't be worth the time, but we will eventually have enough to make another batch. 

I had a huge basket of yarn odds and ends, nothing really useful, or so I thought.  I was pondering if I should donate them somewhere, or what, I just didn't know what to do with them.  They seemed destined to be something to make me crazy.  The other day while mindlessly scrolling, I came across a reel, someone had made baskets out of their scraps.  I'd seen the patterns before, I'd made a mental note to try it one day, but like most things I put in my memory lately, it got lost.  

After watching that reel, I decided I needed to give it a try.  I always need a task to accomplish while Hubs is watching his movies, so why not? Now, I have another addiction. I've already finished three, I'm halfway done with a fourth and I am making a great progress through the left over scraps.  They will probably end up in my booths this fall. 

This space and time suits me perfectly, I feel I am flourishing. 

Well, it's time to wrap up.  It's Hubs' mom's 102nd birthday.  We are going to head over to the cemetery.  I'm gonna wake up my sleepy babies.  They are catching up from two very long days, but I am sure they will wake up for a R*I*D*E...

love and prayers for all...