Summer…

Since I sold my house in June, my personal life has been more relaxed.  I’ve been resting in my free time, reading, going for walks with friends, checking out some art fairs and going to the beach to look for agates on occasion.

What I haven’t done is go on vacation, because work has been insanity.  And believe me, it’s a lot of work drama.  I’m pretty bummed, because it directly affects me and my staff, and I am in dire need of some time away.  So until that settles down, I’m just trying to enjoy my time off, and ride out the work drama.  This too shall pass at some point, one way or another.

It’s been 4 years since my big road trip, and the memories popping up on Facebook are really making me want to be back out on another trip.  It’s rough!  We are halfway through the summer, and I’m hoping that I can make a vacation happen before the rest of the summer slips away.

I’m thankful that my health has been stable, and I have not had any more symptoms.  I’m still hoping that I will have answers soon.

Today I took a walk with a friend, and we ended up getting lunch at the harbor, and then finding a new little taproom down near the waterfront.  Beer and Books!  It’s like they know me!  I should clarify that they also serve ciders and wines.  We chatted with the owner and so far the books are just a few titles related to beer, cider and wine.  He is going to see how it goes before expanding the books.  I’m hoping this catches on! 

It was such a beautiful day and my walk stretched out into walking a friend’s dog too, so I certainly got my steps in today!  Wish me luck for my Monday workday!

 

Circus Trip 2018: Alexandria, Virginia

Day 63, Sunday, September 16, 2018
In and around Alexandria, Virginia

My last day in D.C. was a relaxing day with friends.  In the morning, I went horseback riding with a friend of mine in Silver Springs, Maryland.  Alexis rides at a stable there and was able to use two horses for the morning!  Mine was a 16.1 hand mare named Rosie.  She was very sweet and we had a great trail ride. 

Later in the afternoon Alexis, Jason and I went to a place called Vola’s in Alexandria for drinks and appetizers.  The day was warm and the outdoor seating was lovely.  I had a Whiskey drink and it was soooo good!  It was fun just catching up with friends.

On the way home, Jason and I stopped to check out the George Washington Masonic Memorial.  It is such an impressive memorial!  Construction was started in 1922, and it was dedicated in 1932.  However, the interior was not completed until 1970!  It is designed to look like the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt.

It is such a beautiful building!  We were there in the evening, so we didn’t have a chance to go inside, but maybe one day.  The interior is supposed to be pretty interesting, with murals and displays honoring George Washington.  We did get to walk up the stairs, so at least we got some exercise!  It was a nice, relaxing final day in the Washington, D.C. area. 

COVID Diaries: Day 606

I am currently living through an “atmospheric river.”  I swear the weather people are just making it up as they go along, but my mother assures me that this has been a thing before.  So if mom is correct, then clearly I’ve just blocked out my previous traumatic experiences. 

For those of you not living through an atmospheric river, it basically just means that the hard rain continues on and on until you feel that you will surely die of rain.  Inches and inches of rain…  It’s endless.  As in never ending.  UGH…  Some towns in my county are flooding now and the rivers aren’t expected to crest until tomorrow.  I live on a large hill and have no risk of flooding, but it isn’t looking good in some parts of my community.   

I finished my latest puzzle on Friday night. That makes nine this year so far.  And yesterday I booked a weekend getaway to the coast for December. Some sightseeing and agate hunting will be just what the doctor ordered, even though it is possible that we will still be experiencing the “atmospheric river.”  Let’s hope the river is gone by then.

In less rainy news, last weekend I went out for dinner with some girlfriends and had a wonderful time, laughing and catching up.  It was a much needed night out.  I’m constantly remembering that I need to make time for social events and time with friends, even when I might otherwise be tempted to not leave the house.  Girlfriends are good for the soul.  My burger was pretty darned good too.

Thursday I had the day off and my mom and I went out to lunch and checked out an antique shop and a thrift shop.  I picked up a large, awesome glass jar, that I will one day fill with large agates (I dream big)!  I also got a couple of hiking books, including one of local winter hikes.  For when the pouring rain stops, of course. 

And I caught this photo of Yellow and Cora teaming up to check out something outside.  They are getting along!  Yes, Yellow does look a bit skeptical, but he didn’t run away.  They aren’t cuddling up together or anything, but they also aren’t hissing or growling at each other, except on the rare occasions when Cora wants to chase Yellow.

I hope you all are having better weather than we are here in the Northwest!  I leave you with some wisdom – this very thing has been on my mind a lot lately.

COVID Diaries: Day 592

It was a beautiful, sunny weekend, but boy was it cold!

Cora and I snuggled in for some TV watching on Friday night – we watched the 20/20 show on Gabby Petito’s disappearance and murder.  Such a sad story. 

I finished my book for my book club meeting that’s in a couple of weeks, and started the book for next time! 

I went for a couple of hikes in the mornings, just at a local park in town that has a few miles of hiking trails.  It was a good workout, and a nice relaxing time.  I also took a walk down at the waterfront and met some friends for a late lunch.  We even saw a Great Blue Heron relaxing in the sunshine!  Don’t worry, his wing was fine.

I swept all the currently accumulated leaves off my deck, and filled up most of my yard waste toter.  And I did a bit of purging in the closet and drawers, collecting a large shopping bag of shorts and pants to go to Goodwill.  I’ve been having trouble getting motivated to purge stuff, but I was happy that I managed to get some done.  So I feel decently productive.

Time to gear up for the work week, and the arrival of November!  I’m definitely not ready for winter.

COVID Diaries: Day 569

It’s finally the weekend once again!  I can’t tell you how much I LIVE for the weekends.

And today is my mom’s birthday.  We went out for lunch to Mexican food.  She didn’t want anything big to celebrate, so we kept it low key.  I’m so grateful that I have a wonderful mom; someone who raised me well and continues to support me everyday.  She is truly a blessing.

Work is, well work.  In strange and wonderful news, one of my direct reports, who resigned about a month ago, decided that the grass isn’t always greener and is coming back next week.  It’s great to not have to train up someone new.  Some things really do work out for the best! 

The news on Yellow is good too!  FINALLY his wound is staying closed!  It has been three weeks since he had his last suture and staple procedure, and the wound is still holding.  A few of the staples have fallen out, but there are five or six that remain.  I sent pictures to his vet yesterday and we are going to give it a few more weeks.  I’m so happy about this! 

Last weekend I did a lot of yardwork and purging inside.  I’m planning to continue that this weekend, in addition to having a Sunday Funday with a girlfriend. 

I continue with my future planning.  I met with my financial advisor a few weeks ago and things are really looking up!  It makes me happy and feel like I have more flexibility with things.  It really is a relief. 

I hope you all are doing well!

Oh What Fun!, Day 6

Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t my favorite grape.  Or maybe the grape is fine, but it’s what most winemakers do with the grape.  I’ve found that so many Cabernet Sauvignons are aged in heavy oak, and the wine leaves you feeling like you just chewed on a 2×4…

So I wasn’t that excited to find this little bottle, but I was pleasantly surprised!  This Cabernet wasn’t over-oaked, and had nice flavors of black cherry and tobacco.

At 13% ABV it was a fairly light Cab, and one I would certainly drink again.

COVID Diaries: Day 157

It’s the weekend! And the weekend is very much needed.

It also poured down rain last night and part of today.  I have to admit, that was much needed too.

My aunt and uncle were in town this week, so I got to spend three evenings with them.  That was fun – I always enjoy my time with them and I know my mom does too.

Last night my girlfriend Tiffany came over and we had dinner and went for a walk.  She is my oldest friend – we’ve been friends since she was 5 and I was 7! I don’t even want to say how long ago that was…

Tomorrow I’m going hiking with two other girlfriends.  It is going to be back to sunshine, and I’m so excited!

Happy Friday!

COVID Diaries: Day 152

It’s been a mellow weekend, and also quite a hot one!

I was off Friday, so I have had plenty of time to relax, as well as get in some major yard work.  I’m still working on pruning some large shrubs and trees in my front yard – who landscapes a small front yard with several 30 foot shrubs and trees!?  There really ought to be better education on this topic…

I got my hair cut on Friday – getting rid of the split ends that have been building up since my last haircut in January!  It looks and feels so nice again!  I have my layers back and my curls are so bouncy again!  Except in that picture, because it’s been straightened…  Not that there’s really anyone around to see my hair, but oh well, it’s the little things…

On Wednesday Lelani and I tried out a new trail area in town, and enjoyed a short after-work walk.  Afterwards we got beer and ciders, and walked down to see the sunset over the water.  It was so peaceful!

 

I finished another book last night, so now I’m up to 26 books for the year.  Not bad so far!  Cora has been enjoying some TV binge watching too.

My aunt and uncle are in town visiting my mom, so I’ll get to hang out with them some later today.  I haven’t seen them since January!

Yesterday some creepy middle-aged guy (more middle-aged than me, btw…) decided to park his car on my grass, get out of his car and proceed to urinate in my yard.  All while I was watching him.  So of course I ran over and yelled at him to leave – I had to channel my inner little crazy girl with a number of choice expletives – so hopefully he thinks better of it next time.  Gross!  I live less than a mile away from at least a dozen places one could go to the bathroom – two grocery stores, a Walgreens, a Rite-Aid, a number of fast food joints, so I’m not sure why he thought pissing in someone’s yard in a well-populated neighborhood in the middle of the city was a great idea.  I don’t understand what’s wrong with some people.

Last Sunday Lelani, Audrey and I went up to the mountain and hiked part of the Chain Lakes Trail.  We got a late start so we didn’t do the entire trail, but it was still nice to get up into the mountains and have a peaceful respite!

At work we’ve decided to have our administrative/office staff continue to work from home through the end of the year.  Another 4.5 months at least of saving on my commute!  I’m trying to stay thinking of the positives, and not the fact that I’ve barely seen any of my coworkers since mid-March.  And… we hired my new boss!  He doesn’t start until September, but that’s one big project off my plate!

Well I need to go get some more housework done, as it’s back to “work” from home tomorrow!

 

 

 

COVID Diaries: Day 94

Hard to believe it’s been over 3 months of being mostly locked down.

I continue doing my long walks, sometimes with a friend and sometimes alone, and I hiked last Sunday.

Me on Stewart Mountain

Ingrid and Me (photo cred: Lelani)

WWU sky

I have been venturing out more into the world of indoor spaces – I went for cocktails with friends last weekend, and a late lunch after the Sunday hike.  Restaurants – what a concept!

Besides that, I have just been working – the pace has been a bit grueling as I have one less-than-pleasant project that seems to just be getting bigger by the day.  I am still enjoying my schedule of having every other Friday off – it is nice to have that extra day even if I’m not really going anywhere on those long weekends.  Hopefully that will change soon!

Gardeners of our Souls

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

Last weekend I spent the weekend camping with friends old and new in Westport, a small town along the Washington coast.

We walked on the beach, climbed to the top of the lighthouse, drank beer and wine, grilled food, listened to a local guitarist, and let our cares fly away on the wind.  The weather was mostly cold, and a little bit rainy, and the summer solstice sunset did not make an appearance.

I am blessed.