Positively Tuesday-Sauntering Through My Days

      After the last 14 months, the pieces of my life are slowly moving forward in public. A few weeks back I had a post about that New York Times article that described this pandemic life as "languishing." Now with my family's all vaccinated (though Minnesota and I think all the US is only at 38%),  more social opportunities being scheduled, and  businesses opening up, I think I'd describe myself not running forward, but more of a slow, relaxed pace, eager, but not rushing or hurrying. I'm sauntering through my days now. Sure, the nice weather, even though it has been chilly, helps with that. If we can be outside when getting together with people, that's what we'll do. May is a beautiful month in Minnesota. It is a month meant for sauntering. I've been using Tuesdays as a day to capture simple pleasures and joys in life. I shouldn't find it hard to find 10 this week.

1. My younger daughter requested that we keep almond milk as dairy has been bothering her a bit so trying to cut back. Dang, I know this from having coffee at my daughters, but almond milk is so good in a cup of coffee!  When she goes back to school, I might just need to   get enough each week form my older daughters supply as I wouldn't use 1/2 gallon fast enough. 
2. The squirrels didn't get all my flower seeds. There are quite a few zinnias popping up in the planter on the deck. I'm not saying they will make it, but there's hope. 
3. Last Friday our Executive team hosted a donut drive through, then my team, or those that wanted and felt comfortable, met up in a park for an hour or so. About 1/3rd of us made it, and I got to meet in person one of the seven people hired after  we started working from home. I have really terrific colleagues so it was more than a simple pleasure people in person. 
4. We also held out book club Friday night in person  on my friends deck!  Her husband, the ultimate host, put out a spread and made cocktails for us. I had a pretty tasty mojito, compete with crushed mint. Funny story about our kids becoming us. We were having such a good time around the fire chatting, and pretty soon over two 1/2 hours went by. I didn't notice I had any texts, but my daughter called me on my way home wondering when I'd be home. When I got home and saw the texts, one said "How long is book club anyway?" Mnd you, I left at 6:45 and was home by 10:00. 
5. We had a nice gathering with family for my nephews confirmation. My youngest kept her mask on since she was only recently second vaccinated. It was a bit  alarming to hear no vax intent from my SIL and BIL, and her parents. (Sorry veered into a rant-but this is why we kept our distance and I defended that decision to my mother-in-law.)
6. Later that same day we met up with friends to hear the wife of one of DH's friends, perform live music! The venue was awful though-a place on the most dismal of all marina's on the Mississippi. It looked like a boat graveyard. 
7. Joining my daughter for another house tour was a nice kick off to Mother's Day. She brought me coffee (with almond milk) for the drive. It was nice to see her get excited again about looking since no real options in our town. We drove around a bit so she could see the  city a bit more, and declared it a good fit. And-its still only about 25 minutes from me, and right on my way home from work on days I go to the office.
8. DH went to see his mom over lunch, but since the college kid was feeling zapped after her 2nd shot, the girls and I made a  healthy lunch of roasted vegetables and couscous and ate outside. I love it for my Mother's Day! 
9. As the veggies were such a hit on Sunday, I roasted all the odds and ends last night too-different mix of options, but now DD2 and I have them for a couple days of lunches. Easy and tasty. Win-win. 
10. DH took it easy on Sunday, and I puttered a bit, but my knee was flaring after walking the dog so we did not do a river walk as originally planned. Still, just walking in my neighborhood and seeing all the outdoor gatherings of families made me happy to see. 

     That's my collection of simple pleasures and joys. I hope you are all starting to see light , more light I should say, in your life. I'm hopeful all countries will have access, and in ours, we can get to the point where it's safe for all of us.