every day, normal...

Well, Let's see how this goes. We've been outside enjoying the beautiful coolness of the morning beside our little solo stove.  I guess Hubs and I are making up for the fact that right now we can't get away to go camping. Watching the sun rise, enjoying the early birds coming and having breakfast, laughing at our pups who have discovered they absolutely love cut raw carrots or just enjoying the silence.  Altogether a beautiful start.  

Little Beau bumped the side of the stove and singed his fur, he's perfectly okay, just freaked him out a bit.  Although now he is insisting that he stay right beside momma.  And is currently fully draped across my lap napping.  I'm guessing he needs comfort.  Belle even helped momma check on him, he is definitely my big baby. I hate that just like children they have to learn some hard lessons sometimes. 

I am not so sure he is going to be happy when I dash up to the fruit and veggie stand shortly.  I want some strawberries and peaches to combine with some of those yummy jalapeno's to make jellies.  Not only are they beautiful, but they will taste incredible.  And my girl loves them. I also want to see if they have any cases of tomatoes in yet.  I am out of diced tomatoes in the cantry and want to get that restocked as it is something I use all of the time. 

I've taken this week slowly, I only made up a couple jars of jelly yesterday and called it quits.  I was a bit weary and making mistakes.  So after tidying up I sat down and watched some YouTube videos and did some knitting.  

At least until the gutter repair guy showed up a full week early, unannounced to do the needed warranty work. Interesting fellow. Made me a nervous wreck having him on my roof, people should not dance around on the edge of roofs and make jokes regarding woohoo maybe this will be my ticket to an all expense paid trip to Alaska.  Goodness. I have to appreciate his thought process.  When he arrived and I pointed out that he was a full week early, he replied that he knew that, but was working 5 minutes away and with gas being $5 per gallon, he was trying to make the best use of his driving time.  I can fully respect that. 

The sweet lady that I agreed to quilt for also showed up at the same time.  It was a bit crazy for a little while.  Longing to be outside monitoring the interesting giant elf dancing on my roof and needing to be inside with the meeting I had set up.  I don't people a lot anymore, and honestly, I am way out of practice. By the time I finished with both of them, I felt an overwhelming need for solitude.  Both super nice, it was entirely me.  I needed to recenter and calm. 

my heart...

Hubs was at an event so I had a few hours of me time to unpack how the day had ended up affecting me.  I spend a lot of time on my own.  It's not a bad thing, I've never been someone highly dependent on others to fill my time.  I'm comfortable with the life I lead.  Although yesterday made me question if I am not spending enough time engaged with other people.  I decided it wasn't that at all.  I was still feeling a tad under the weather to start off with and just needed to rest, I wasn't prepared to people. I also don't always answer my phone when I am having those kind of days so it was nothing to worry about. 

I'll be honest, if I wasn't afraid my beautiful jalapeno's would go bad I am fairly certain today would be another pull up the welcome mat and lock the door kind of day.  I'm tired. But I am not ready to risk it, they are simply too beautiful to waste.  So I will head out to the store here shortly. My sweet lap puppy will have to adjust. I need to spend a good deal of the weekend quilting, so I need to do the stuff today. 

Well, Hubs coaxed the lap puppy off my lap.  So it is definitely time to dash.  Stuff to do... life to live. 

love and peace...

it's so still...

It's quiet out here this morning.  I'm sitting on the deck in the treetop garden, enjoying the bird songs and watching the sky get ever lighter.  I don't think we will have a breathtaking sunrise today, it's far too overcast. 

I've been awake for a couple of hours now, Hubs woke up Belle when he got up and she was crushed that he hadn't let her come downstairs with him.  Being the nice mom, I let her follow him, unfortunately he didn't realize she had so she didn't get her morning loves that she wanted.  I had a feeling that was the case when I didn't hear him talk to her, so Beau and I decided we would join her downstairs.  

They are definitely my puppies, but she loves her daddy and is always trying to get his attention.  Beau on the other hand is pretty much 100% mine, unless it involves food.  He is always near me and very much aware of where I am.  He is also the one that gets his feelings hurt the easiest.  

Dad scolded him for an accident in the basement a few weeks ago, now it is brutally difficult to get him to come downstairs.  Even though he wants to be with us and wants the treats, he will sit on the stairs.  It's a bit of a curse, but also makes training him much easier.  It was what led him to be leash broke so quickly, daddy scolded him for pulling and that was that. 

Did mom really leave chicken
out for us to smell?

Our sweet Belle couldn't care less.  You might hurt her feelings for a hot moment, but she bounces back more defiant than ever as soon as she's over it. There is absolutely no calming the spirit in that little one, she is full of sass and fire.  All bundled up in limitless love. 

enjoying some lounging time

Yep, I love my sweet little babies very much.  I am fairly positive that Beau is my Gator reincarnated.  There are simply way too many similarities in mannerisms and personality.  Even Hubs is noticing, in fact more than once he's called him Gator.  Belle has so many of Neeko's traits it is unreal.  I often feel like the boys are here with us still, the same, but different. 

I am so blessed. 

Since Belle got us all up so early, I've put the time to good use.  Not even finished with my first cup of coffee, but I have the broth in the pressure canner already, the chili is warming back up from a night in the fridge and I have two batches of jerky in the dehydrator.  It's hard to believe that there was a time I couldn't function before at least 9 am.  Now, I feel like the old army commercial from AFN - "we do more before 8 am than most people do all day"... somethings you never forget.  Although the time might be different, it's been a couple of decades since I heard it.  

I doubt I do more before 8 am than most folks do all day, but I am definitely most productive in the early hours.  It's when my energy is the highest and I am the most focused.  I don't do bad in the evening and early night time hours either, but the middle of the day is pure drudgery for me.  Maybe I simply have my sleep schedule mixed up?  I mean is that a thing?  Can your resting hours be that messed up for basically your entire life?  I really feel if I could sleep everyday from like noon to 6 pm, and live my life in the rest of the hours I would be a very high functioning individual. 

Then I feel like I would be missing out on so much of life.  Time with family and friends doesn't tend to happen around those hours.  My pups are afraid of the dark so they wouldn't enjoy it overly much.  But I feel like I would and could completely thrive. 

In a few minutes the timer will let me know the first batch from the canner is ready to have the heat turned off so that it can start depressurizing.  At that time I will get ready to start warming the jars to put the chili in so that they can finish processing before my friends come over to spend the day canning.  

Hubs put in a new set of shelves for me in my personal grocery store.  He felt I needed more, he's not wrong, so in addition he ordered another set that will be here this morning.  I love having my own tasty food at our disposal whenever we want and need it.  We've determined we enjoy it far more than the grocery store stuff.  Next weekend while we are in Arkansas I might see if I can find a couple of nice little farmers markets, it's warmer down there so their markets are a bit fuller.  

Do you have any idea how wonderful it is to be married to someone that understands and encourages your crazy? It's off the chain amazing, He understands what makes me tick.  He encourages me to explore new ideas and ways of doing things and then celebrates the end result. He never shies away from tasting a new creation - although I also have never tried to feed him chitlins (these are beyond horrible - don't ask how I know) or liver and onions.  He won't eat either and he's not fond of avocado, but occasionally I manage to feed him that one - as long as it is cleverly disguised.  

My kiddo's aren't always so willing.  Although yesterday I did get an incredible text message and evidently the girls, the dragon in particular, loved the jalapeno jelly.   It was "fire".  If that isn't enough encouragement to make sure it's always on the shelf I don't know what is.  I can't wait to get the jar of Cowboy Candy over to them.  I might not be able to keep enough of that made once the dragon discovers it. I'll also make sure to take them a batch of jerky, I know for a fact they love that. 

We are hoping to assemble my newest raised bed today so I can get it planted, but we'll see. There is rain moving in and I am fairly sure neither of us is excited to plant or assemble in the rain.  Although these mild temperatures are a blessing.  I need to plant my marigold seeds to encourage the pollinators to spend time in the garden and fill the bird feeders too. I cherish these moments and the goodness that comes with each day.  

The deer are starting to arrive to forage just beyond the fence.  The pups enjoy seeing them, but they are back asleep in the living room.  I guess I get to enjoy them in peace this morning. 

Well... it's time to get back to doing the things.  The timer went off meaning in about 20 minutes I can unload and reload the canner. I hope you are doing things that fill you with fire and passion, it changes everything when you have those things in your life. 

love and peace....

into focus...

Ugghhh... I hate when my plans go awry before 6 am.  It is not a good signal to a productive day. In fact it is downright frustrating.  I went to be super early last night, for some reason I was beyond exhausted.  So... of course I woke up super early and full of energy. 

Bonus round right?  Before 5 am I had completed the custom order Hubs needed placed and taken the big guy out front.  I was feeling in control of life, so I decided I might as well get a batch of soap whipped up and curing.  Since I didn't get one made yesterday I figured I would make up for it today.

I was crazy excited too, because I have been wanting to give this Raspberry Ale a go.  I wasn't a huge fan of the scent, but figured it couldn't hurt to give it a true test.  Besides, I was eager to try a beer based soap. I've made one with coffee, one with coconut milk, but never beer.  I prepped the beer about a month ago, it's been down in the freezer ready to go... or so I thought.

Needless to say, I am now prepping more beer.  Because boiled down and frozen did not yield half the amount I needed.

I guess I will be making soap tonight instead.

That little hiccup totally derailed me.  I have other recipes I could have started on, but frankly, I absolutely did not have the desire.  All my ingredients are prepped.  Lined up nicely on the counter where I needed them to be, I didn't want to mess up my plan.

It's not the end of the world, I will just be ready for tonight.  Sometimes it's hard to find the rose colored glasses that I often wear.

I guess it was just a sign for me to focus on something less time consuming this morning.  I do have to be in early, we are preparing for a major renovation starting this weekend and it's time to start getting organized and planning.  Equipment is leaving on Friday, and while 14 pieces doesn't sound like much, it will leave some serious holes and we need to be careful about managing our members experience.  This weekend starts a very long month.  It will be almost non-stop.  But it will be the perfect face lift for our almost 20 year old building when it's finished.

The house smells of warm beer now, Hubs was saying how he's now craving a German Pretzel and a nice beer... brat... although our house definitely has a faint Bier Garden smell. Hmmm... maybe I should take that as an omen.

Actually, I think I will steal these few extra moments of time that I have been gifted with and head up to the sewing room.  I have linen dishtowels that I have been wanting to work on.  My creative soul needs feeding.  It's autumn, I start to feel an overwhelming need to create, to nest as the temperature drops. It doesn't matter it if is sewing, soaping, fibers, wood, cooking, crystals.  I just need to create. 

I know I have said it before, I truly could have been a pioneer woman.  I long for a garden or greenhouse.  I love taking care of my home and family.  Maybe I just needed this extra time this morning to reflect on who I am.  I often get caught up in being who I need to be, that I forget who I am at my very soul.  I neglect the innate nurturer, the creative woman that lives at the very heart of who I am. I get wrapped up in checking off boxes and taking care of life.

Yep, I guess the universe knew what I was needing.  I am feeling calmer in my heart since sitting down to write, to focus on the who and not the what.  I'm still bummed that I am behind on my soaps, yet, I feel refreshed and focused.  Pausing and thinking has allowed me that moment I needed.  While writing I have paused several times to jot down notes, things that have been running free range in my mind that I have been unable to capture. 

I feel focused, I feel calm, I feel ready for this beautiful day!

 

treasure the moments...

I'm snuggled up in one of my favorite chairs, it's dreary and drizzly outside (perfect fall weather!) and all that remains of last nights fire are the wood scraps that hubs dropped on the floor and a few ashes.

All in all, it's a perfect Sunday morning.  We bought some cranberry orange scones for breakfast yesterday.  That flavor combination might very well be one of my all time favorites.  Hubs is already finished with his breakfast and is down in the man cave listening to music. I'm a bit slower this morning, I feel like I might be fighting the cold that everyone and their brother had a week ago.  I don't intend to let it win, I never do.

This morning walking the boys was such a delight for the senses.  Our neighborhood is always slow to rise on Sunday, so it's a very peaceful time.  In fact it always reminds me of Christmas mornings.  It's quiet, there are very few lights on, no cars (excluding that darn paper delivery woman that flies through here), there are no other dogs to navigate, no walkers or runners either.

It's like everything is in slow motion and it feels fantastic.  No place to rush off to, no pressing work, nothing that needs my attention.  Nothing except the boys and Hubs.  Some mornings we get to see the stars and planets, other's - like today - it's like the world is wrapped in a heavy well worn quilt.  The only sounds breaking through are the rustle of leaves as the boys rush through them.  Both of them seem to love swishing through the leaves just like children.  The cracking of acorns under our feet and in the distance there are small birds chirping back and forth.  I often imagine them telling each other to hurry, there is colder weather coming and they need to prepare.

Can't you just picture the little bird wife telling the little bird husband that they have drafts in their nests and they need to patch them tight?  I know, I'm being silly.

I also love hearing the scampering of the squirrels, I know that they are busy putting away their stash of acorns and seeds, stocking up for the winter ahead. We don't see so many of them on the deck anymore, we loved feeding the birds as we have some beautiful ones here in our little piece of woods. Sadly, we had more squirrels fighting with them for their food.  No matter what we tried, those squirrels are quiet industrious and clever and were constantly emptying the feeders.

Last night while walking the boys we were delighted by a young buck - already shedding the little bit of antler that he has and a doe.  They were so close to us, only a house away at any given time.  I know the city of Manchester was holding a meeting to figure out what to do about the plethora of deer roaming around and causing challenges to cars and landscaping.  I couldn't go, probably a good thing. Because my answer is maybe the drivers should pay attention and drive defensively instead of offensively and don't plant landscapes that they find as addictive as candy.

It bothers me that we humans feel our needs are the only ones.  There is a small herd that live around us, the most I have ever seen is 6 and that was just after the babies were born. I really don't know why we can't work around them.

Today is already shaping up to be a lazy day.  I think I need it.  I am wrapping up two little hats that I started yesterday and then heading up to my sewing room. I don't believe we have plans to go anywhere.  Although that could change.  I had Hubs drive yesterday while we ran errands, I needed time for crocheting and simply didn't feel like dealing with crazy.  Usually I drive, he spends so much time driving during the week, I don't. Seems fair. I almost completed one of the little hats on our journey.

I also need to make our to-do list.  Little things that need to be completed before the boy finally comes home. For 11 wonderful days he will be here next month.  I need nothing else.  I will have both of my children with me for my favorite holiday.  I want the room he will sleep in to be comfortable and cozy. We have some general household repairs that we've been putting off and of course fall cleaning.

And if I am being completely honest, it's killing me to not drag all the holiday decorations upstairs and start now.  It feels like if I do it will bring him home quicker. I'm not going to, but it's going to be difficult.  Transitioning into adult Christmases has been difficult for me.  What traditions do you hold onto and which do you let slide away?

Well, turkey day has not arrived yet, so I believe that I will worry about that later. For now I am going to treasure this fall day.  I have cookies I want to make, we will have homemade tomato soup for dinner, I will crochet, clean (a bit), work on a quilt and who knows I might even squeeze in a batch of soap.  I love the smell of freshly made soaps.

Today, I choose to slow down.  Relax and savor life.  I need it.

coming out of the fog...

Not only did we lose an hour of sleep, yep woke up at the usual time, but dang was it cold this morning. Hard to believe this beautiful fall day is any relation to this morning. 

Deep fog, to the point that you could not see the length of the headlights in front of you.  And so very cold. 39 is a bit cool.  Two sweatshirts, thicker sweat pants (way too big - but that is okay they kept me warm), and a set of gloves, Hubs and I set off to walk.  

We try to go to the river to walk on the weekends, it is a bit flatter, not so hard on the Hubs.  This morning it was downright surreal.  To the point that Hubs made the comment, I wonder if this is what the afterlife looks like.  I didn't disagree.  Moving just 20 feet away meant that you lost sight of the person you were walking with.  The trees and town made ghostly shadows and it was so wet!

Hubs injured his back at work a few weeks back.  And has struggled to walk each day.  We were up to an average of 4 miles a day.  Even topping out at 5 or 6 on the weekends.  Now he barely makes the 2 miles without slowing and being in pain.  So, how is a girl to get in her steps and exercise while still spending quality time with hubs?  Well, she starts putting some slow jogging into the routine.  

I am so stunned that for two days now I have been able to jog for a total of .5 or more of my three miles. I've never been a runner. Probably never will be.  I have horrible feet and we already know one of my knees feels like it should be 80. I also am fairly certain that I don't truly like jogging.  

But... I love that I am able to do it.  I am beyond pumped.  In January I could barely walk.  As I struggled through therapy and multiple draining and shots in my knee, I was sure that I was never even going to go for a nice long walk again without intense pain.  I was fairly positive I would never see my calf or ankle again. And that toes and not baby sausages were going to be the norm for the rest of my life on the left side.  I limped very painfully and just walking the boys was enough to require a hot Epsom salt bath if I wanted to make it through the day.  

By May when I went to see my son, I had reached a "fake it" point.  I could force it through the day, the swelling was still unbelievable and I jokingly referred to it as my "fat" leg.  I was always worried that it was a sign of some horrid health issue.  I suffered through it, smiling, pretending.  Sucking down anti-inflammatories and praying I could make it until July/August when I could have another shot.  I was completely depressed.

This morning as Hubs moved along at his steady pace, too slow for me to get a good work out where I am now, but fast enough for a brisk walk, I took off jogging again.  I'd run until I could no longer see him through the fog and then turn and head back, going each direction that way for a few times.  Until my legs felt week and my breathing became labored.  

This morning I realized it wasn't a fluke.  It wasn't an accident.  This morning I realized as I was drifting through the early morning fog, My hair drenched from the mist, my glasses fogged up from the cold air against my warm body, I realized that I have reached a turning point.  For the first time in my life, I have intentionally made a change, a difference in who I am and what I want to accomplish. 

One of my friends posted on Facebook about accomplishments.  That really resonated in my head and heart. Am I up to a full mile, oh hecky no!, but I am going a bit further each morning.  Today, my total running was .6 of a mile.  Yesterday it was .5.  Who knows if my legs can take it maybe tomorrow will be .7, or maybe I will slide back to .5.  I am definitely feeling the exertion today.  I am always brutally aware that I have FMS, that I will always struggle to keep it on an even keel.  

Today, running along the top of the levee, through the mist, with a mix of the theme from Rocky and Happy playing courtesy of the Hubs who always loves to make a sound track for life, I felt a bit like a super hero.  I felt invincible and strong.  It didn't bother me that I couldn't run solid for the entire length of either song.  It made me feel empowered that even when my legs and lungs couldn't take it I didn't stop.  I simply slowed down to a more reasonable pace. And my sweet Hubs cheered me on!  Even when his back wouldn't let him walk further, he followed me in the car to make sure nothing happened to me, cheering me on, talking to me on the phone.  

I am reaching for those stars... I am climbing the mountains before me.  Both real and in my mind.  

I was right, 51 has proven to be a powerful year for me!

one foot in front of the other...

I'm taking a minute.  I need to catch my breath and cool down.

Although I am definitely cheering on the inside!  There is no one home to hear me cheer out loud.

I just got back in from my walk.  Half way around the final cul de sac my fitbit cheerfully told me that I had walked 2 miles.  That it took me 37.17 minutes and my average pace was 18.24.  That might not seem great to some.  But given my fibro and the fact that six weeks ago that not only wouldn't have happened, my stats then were 1.11 miles, 34.38 minutes and my pace was 31.20.  And I seriously wanted to die.

Fast forward today.  I am only a bit winded, drenched in sweat and the only thing keeping me from walking a bit further was the fact that I need to get ready for work and fix lunches.  I definitely see another walk in me today.  My faster pace is insuring that I don't hit my step goals doing what I had been doing.

I was feeling so cheerful as I headed out today.  First off the sky is bright and crisp, score one for mental preparation!  The moon was bright and high, the stars glittering against the softer black of early morning.  The short warm up walk with the boys doesn't count for my over all walk, but it definitely makes it easier to walk on my injured foot.

Add to that the fact that it wasn't even 58 out!  Hallelujah! I know it is no secret I hate hot weather, so you can imagine my sheer delight when I doned long yoga pants instead of my capri's and Hubs suggested a sweatshirt!!  What???  My heart was leaping with joy - that is by far my favorite attire and to be comfy in it, not hot... amazing!

I didn't head out immediately, I fixed a nice healthy, low-fat, protein packed breakfast for Hubs and I.  He had to leave for work early.  I don't usually eat before working out, but... I am stealing those moments with my sweetie!

I didn't head to the park as I usually do.  Didn't have time to waste as I slept in a bit.  That stinker of mine shut off my alarm when he got up, so that I could rest a bit more.  Evidently the bags were starting to show under my eyes.

After kissing my sweetie good-bye, I headed off.  I was going to tackle "the hill"!  Daughter lives at the bottom of the hill by us, that hill is a nightmare.  The angle is just sharp enough that it is not fun at all.  I don't like to bike up or down it for that matter.  And a month ago, it almost killed us to walk up it.  Today, I was almost to the top, lost in thought before I realized that I had even begun to climb it.  It's amazing the difference six weeks can make.

So many times I have felt that doing things for myself was a chore.  Something to check off the list.  Even buying myself nice clothes was never something I would consider.  Hubs often snarls at me as I won't even by myself nice under garments (seriously - who sees them?).  I have always felt that my family came first.

I would give up sleep for my Hubs, the kids, grand kids, heck even the dog.  But the thought of giving up 30 minutes so I could walk or do something for my own mental health. NEVER!

Can you imagine where I would be today if I hadn't been so selfish?  Yep, selfish.  I was generous to others but I've always put myself last.  Dead last.  It didn't matter if I ground my batteries to dead.  As long as I didn't make anyone else do without.

Walking in the early morning silence, listening to the birds chattering and the world slowly waking up, I have to say it slowly dawned on me, that I am a better me now that I am taking care of me.  It isn't selfish to care for yourself.  It isn't selfish to meet your own needs.  It isn't selfish to pamper and spoil yourself.  It actually gives you far more to be able to give others.

As I looked around this morning and saw the first signs of changing leaves, I also saw the first signs of a changing me.  And they are both beautiful, warm and welcome.  I saw the same sparkle start to ignite in the Hubs eyes this morning.  He's further behind me this time, he still has battles and demons chasing him.  But the scale tipped down, and he put on his brand new motorcycle jacket that was too snug when we bought it, and... it's a bit baggy.

Take care of yourself, find the joy and beauty in all around you.  Honestly, life is far too short to be neglecting the most important parts of who you are.  Fill your bucket, so you can continue to bless others...

making plans...

Sitting on the deck, enjoying coffee in the early morning hours with Hubs...  Seems a perfect way to ease into a Sunday morning.  Listening to the chirps and songs of so many different birds.  It's so relaxing. 

We are enjoying our little mini-staycation.  It's a unique mix of to-do's that have been put off, long walks to keep us focused and motorcycle rides.  It was supposed to include a raft trip down one of the lazy rivers, although supposedly it is going to rain.  

I keep looking at the forecast, it's teasing us, I know.  Currently it is 68 and not a single cloud in the sky.  By this afternoon it was supposed to be storming.  Now... not a drop is forecast.  Sadly... There are other plans already made.  Although a leisurely motorcycle ride will happen!

Maybe an extra walk in a park somewhere. A short easy hike.  I completely love being in nature, so something like that very well might happen.

Hubs and I signed up for the Y Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP).  Neither of us are fans of any kind of medications and we are brutally aware that we are aging, maybe none to gracefully.  I will admit when he suggested it, I was... well lets go with less than thrilled.  I do not like to join groups.  And I did not feel like dealing with anything else. Although in the back of my mind, I knew he was right.  Family history of diabetes, too many unhealthy meals due to failures to plan, high stress levels at the time, and no time to work out.  Yep, we were both a walking billboard for developing type 2 diabetes.  Changes needed to happen.  

Besides he owes me another 30 years.  13 is not enough!

Three weeks later... it's becoming a routine and a welcome challenge.  We walked a full hour yesterday, several miles, it felt fantastic! The muscles were a bit offended by the extra challenge, mentally I was stoked. We are getting ready to go walk again today.  Once the heat breaks, we will start riding our bikes again, it's been years since we have seriously ridden.  I am looking forward to it, although I need to get my knee stronger before tackling that again. 

Last night while Hubs napped in his recliner I was focused on creating a menu for the next month.  I am hoping that having a prepared menu with everything planned out and prepped in advance will help this become a lifestyle instead of a task.  They say it takes 30 days to create a habit.  

The goal is to really focus on creating those habits in August.  Menu is almost made, grocery list is complete. Walks are semi-planned and I am seriously thinking of adding in some water aerobics or a bit of strength training. Not sure if I am ready for that, we'll see.  Definitely walking.

He and I both need to improve our health, stamina and energy to be able to soar through what this next year will bring. 

Well... the coffee has been drank, Hubs has finished both his cigar and episode of Fraiser, the boys have had their walk.  Now it is time for ours... we are off to the park.

Enjoy this blessed day...

filling my bucket...

Sitting in "sunny" LA shivering.  Hubs is in the Lou and it's so warm he can't be out on the back deck. He told me it's already 90 on our deck.  How strange, kind of the exact opposite of what you would expect.  Actually, it's been very mild since I've been here and  I am totally not complaining.  I don't like to be hot.

Each morning I have watched the sun chase away the heavy morning clouds, I am not so sure that is going to happen today.  Today's seem heavier, almost like they are considering dropping some rain.  Although the forecast is not calling for any.

I think today is going to be about resting.  We've been really busy each day, out and about and doing things. And my boy is even more of an introvert than I am.  Although he's gone out of his way to humor me.

Yesterday we were in Long Beach.  So much fun!  I love Aquarium of the Pacific, and despite the incredible number of people and kids there, there was still much to enjoy!  I only slightly touched one of the sharks, simply couldn't make my hand stay there.  I tried.  The sting ray's don't bother me so much.  I was bummed to not be able to touch the moon jelly fish again, but did get to touch the horseshoe crabs.

They have the most amazing displays of jellies.  I am fascinated by them, not really sure why, but I am.  The fluidity and motion can mesmerize me for hours.

I truly enjoy touching the starfish, urchins and anemones. Those darn anemones can definitely freak you out a bit.  Some of them are soft as silk, you almost can feel them.  And others "grab" your fingers.  Not strongly and definitely something that you can pull back from.  But it's startling.  The young lady working there explained that the more people that touch them the smoother they get, but in September - when it slows - they are very sticky and grab on to everything.

We didn't make it to the docks in time to go whale watching, but we did manage to take an awesome cruise through the harbor.  Sea Lions were resting on buoys and docks. The islands that carefully conceal they are really oil platforms drilling away. The Queen Mary and the Soviet Sub resting silently for tourists and residents alike to tour.  My favorite part... being with my west coast kiddos enjoying the sweet, fresh, salty sea air.  It was relaxing and enjoyable.

We also spent a bit of time at Knotts Berry Farm.  America's oldest theme park.  As we are not on rides or crowds we probably didn't do as much as we could have.  Although we did ride Bigfoot, a water ride.  We waited in line for well over an hour, but it was definitely fun.  Other than the fact that neither of those kiddo's got wet and I got soaked.  It only took a few hours to completely dry off.

The evening concluded with some quiet television watching while munching on some of the most fabulous tacos I have ever had.

As today slowly wakes up, I feel we will probably celebrate those incredible men and women who wrote a blank check to this country, up to and including their lives and who have gone on to glory, by simply staying around the house and enjoying those freedoms.  The boy will probably play some video games, his girl... I don't know... I hope we will see her, but I completely understand that hanging out with the boyfriends mom could be pretty darn boring. And the mom... well she's going to go with the flow.  Eventually we will go and eat some lunch or maybe we can all go out for a great dinner.  My boy is the truest definition of a man that lives alone.  He has water and monster in his fridge.  That is all.  Thank goodness for instant coffee.

Hubs is heading off on a ride up the river road today, I am so blessed that he understands not only my need to see my boy, but my need to not worry about my boys at home.  The day will come when these visits aren't solo, the boys will have crossed the rainbow bridge, and he will join me.  I miss him when we aren't together. And at the same time, I cherish the time I get to focus on my boy.  I love that I can spend quality time with each of my men, and just spoil them both.  Hubs gets far more time than my young man, but that role is for his girl, not me.

Just having time with him fills my bucket.  His girl... added bonus!