Positively Tuesday-Find Joy

      

Sharing in memory of a blog friend. I hope her
last days were filled with beautiful sunrises.

     A reader let me know our blogger friend Cheap Chick passed away on October 22. For those that read her blog, you already know she was the epitome of grace and courage, living whatever time she had surrounded by and with people and places that bring her joy. Her last post in August was simply beautiful, pictures and words of love and nature. In her memory, I will look closer, think clearer, and appreciate deeper the joys and simple pleasures of my life.

1. I'm grateful my daughters oral surgery for her implant prep went well and she for the most part stayed ahead of the pain. She was tired, but any sort of trauma to a person's body, plus  the drugs given during the procedure will cause that. She's back to work today.
2. Building off that, I'm happy she had oodles of paid time off, and I did as well to  help get her there and back and stay with her. 
3. I got my Swiss Colony  booklet, and am planning to send DS a Thanksgiving treat. It was a simple pleasure for me to know how much he liked getting it last year at Christmas, and that he liked the little cakes so much. He's not much of a sweet eater, so the petit fours did the trick. 
4. Out walking pup, I went past a neighbors house as he was coming home. He just sold his house and he and his son will be moving. I chatted for a few minutes, and shared that they were good neighbors and will be missed. It made me mindful that overall, we have pretty good neighbors, even the ones next door who tend to send there kids outside to  run and yell and cry loudly. You can't pick your neighbors so getting friendly and respectful ones is a joy. 
5. I got through interviews and it looks like I'll be able to hire back the office support staff, who I thought I had hired permanently last year. Through a communication glitch, his position was classified as a one year temporary assignment. I am happy to not have to start someone new, but even happier to now feel like he has stability and can really focus on learning and developing his skills. 
6. Seeing my younger daughter with the dog was a joy every day. She missed him so much, and in return he was at his utmost cute. His fur is at the totally fluffy stage-not overgrown yet, and despite his 10 1/2 years, when he plays with his balls, he's a puppy all over again. No offense, but he truly is the cutest dog. 
7. DH and I had "the talk" Sunday morning about figuring out a budget to live on just my salary in 2022 and 2023. He was surprisingly pleased I raised the idea. I was more pleased that he too was of the mindset that we need to do this, but not with a miserly or cheapskate mentality, just through  good actions. Mostly, it will be a year of looking at where we can cut fat and stop stupid spending-the rest, entertainment, a little travel, eating out in moderation, and gift giving, including charitable donations, stay in tact. It's more than a simple joy to be on the same page as your spouse. 
8. I don't know why I didn't snap a picture, but I loved having my light up pumpkins outside instead of just in the window. They really glowed in the dark. Mom's ceramic pumpkin was too far out of my  reach, and I didnt want to move a bunch of stuff so went with just the plug in guys. 
9. While we had less than 25 trick or treaters this year, we must have had the politest ones in town! I don't recall a single kid not giving a very bold thank you, and I'd say over half, the ones elementary age and older, all said Happy Halloween. DH noticed this too Well done kiddos! 
10. My younger daughter got safely back to college in plenty of time to enjoy her festivities on campus. My older daughter and I  shared pictures we each received from friends and family's kids dressed up in their costumes. It was a nice end to Halloween. 

     I hope your week was one with a lot of smiles, simple pleasures, and joys. The sad and difficult things will find us without looking, and can take away from our happiness if we let then. I owe it to others to look for the things that are good and happy and really lean into the joy, big and small..

Positively Tuesday-Waiting for # 3

      Oh glorious Tuesday. I get through you and the rest of the week is a breeze. I tell myself that. However, each day, I wait to see if lightning, or roofs, or jack hammers, will strike a third time. Last weekend it was electricity from a roof flying off and taking out a power line. Sunday was the workers taking out a gas line Saturday night-thinking it was resolved, and then not, and no gas for most of the day. Of course DH only learned the gas was not back on after trying off and on for over an hour to get the water heater going Sunday morning. swearing and muttering the whole time. The gas company actually had to go house to house and do something both outside and inside. 

     Pup, and apparently every other dog in the neighborhood was having none of this strange vans and men walking around the neighborhood so it was 1/2 a day of a barking fest. The teen at the end of the block who lives with just his dad was very worried how it was going to work as he had to leave and his dad was at work. DH helped make arrangements so that they circled back to their house when his dad would be back home. We don't know if that happened. Something must have still been amiss, as a truck was at the house on the opposite side of the dad and teen as late as 6:00 yesterday when I took pup for his walk. It's life annoyances like this that can make life seem more stressful than it needs to be, but it also motivates me to track the positive things, the simple pleasures, and the small joys in my life. I too easy get in a negative mindset when things go wrong.

1. Made a batch of PB, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I dropped off a plate to  my daughter, and she and her friends were still there so I got to see them. Her friend L is so sweet. I later got reviews that they were delicious. I made just nine for DH and myself and froze the rest in unbaked dough balls.
2. My young nephew got hurt at the end of his game on Saturday (not the joy). Later I had a text from his mom that he was wrapped up. lying down and wearing his sweatshirt we gave him for his birthday because he loved it as it was so soft. 
3. Treated myself to three small mums to replace the long since dead trio of plant for a planter. Now I have a couple places with pops of purple color. 
4. DH and I went out for dinner and had a very pleasant and efficient server. There was also two tables, one of boys and one of girls, with  teens, each celebrating birthdays. It was fun to see some normalcy for young people. I laughed at the difference. The girls sang Happy Birthday, but from the boys table we just heard, "you get a free desert  because it's your birthday." 
5. Had a long call with college kid who needed another copy of her passport, but we chatted about other things. DD1 let me know the Renaissance Fair was a lot of fun.  I also was text chatting with my son during the Vikings game, and then later the Packers as he was making himself dinner. It was nice to hear from all three kids on Sunday. 
6. The Vikings finally won, and I didn't have as crabby of a football watching  spouse. We were both frustrated that San Francisco let Green Bay  move the ball enough to kick a field goal to win. 
7. While the evening football game was on, I scrolled around the local arts council's silent auction site. It closed at 8:00 p.m. and I bid on and won a couple good things for gifts-one for DH for our anniversary and either a Christmas or birthday gift for my older daughter. I need to run at noon to pick them up. I love a good silent auction. I would have gotten a Farmers market gift pack, complete with all the jams and honey and syrup, but someone slipped in right before the bids closed. I was going to give to my brother for his birthday, but now I'll just do an actual FM shop myself. He is a very minimalist kind of guy and treats would be more his style than a piece of clothing or other such stuff.
8. Since I couldn't shower until late Sunday due to no hot water, I did some deep cleaning I neglected on Saturday. I dusted with polish, not just dry dusting, took off cushions, and vacuumed under furniture and truly perspired! I was happy to see that my living room looked presentable enough if someone stopped by. It has been neglected for quite a while. 
9. The new season of the British Baking Show started. I was  pretty tired Sunday night when I remembered, so watched only episode one through the technical challenge. I really enjoy the show compared to US baking and cooking stuff which seems so fabricated and all for money, not joy of baking. I think the winner gets a cake plate.
10. With the sun setting so early and me watching too many episodes of Criminal Minds, I ordered both girls new screeching key chain panic alarms. I hope they never have to press the button, but making sure they have one gives me a touch more peace of mind.

     There's the top of mind things that  brightened my week. Most are mundane, but appreciating the mundane and not feeling like everyday has to be a wow is important to me feeling satisfied and content. I'll keep recapping these week to week for myself. 

Positively Tuesday-Life is Not Always Fair Edition

     

     Warning-heavier  post ahead. It's one of those mornings. My daughter and I saw Dear Evan Hansen last night-fiction, but so much hit me to prompt this post. I've been reminded very frequently in the past several days that life, and good things in life and heart ache, are not doled out equally. On the other hand, some people seem to have lucky horse shoes in their back pockets. I'm well aware what is public might not be reality, and all of us have our own woes and our own joys. Still, I'm tired of hearing about more weddings and more grand children, and more new homes and more vacations, and more promotions-whine, whine, whine. Life events are not equal, some people really do get the short end regularly, and others really do have golden tickets; life is not always fair. 

      At 55, I have days where I pity myself. The battles with depression, anxiety, and general malaise, the feelings of not fitting in are real to so many people in my life, including myself and it weighs on me, some days more than others. I thought I'd be doing more travelling, be making more money or at least have more disposable money, and not feel like I'm just on a hamster wheel at my job. I love the family I have, but hope so much for them that is out of my control. I wish I had a wider circle of close friends that now as empty nesters, we'd be unbeholden to our kids calendars. I thought I'd have plans every weekend, rather than too many boring weekends where DH is too tired to do anything but watch sports on TV. I'm tired of the physical pain in my knee that keeps me from doing as much local exploring as I'd like. I try though to get over the minor disappointments or at least set them aside to not overshadow things that are good. That's part of letting it out by whining on the computer. Sorry you are my unfortunate accomplice to this by reading. With this week's joys and simple pleasures, I'm trying to really think about how fortunate I am. Because, I truly am a lucky person from the perspective of likely 99.95 of women my age. Here's the positively Tuesday moments from the past week. . 

1. I wasn't feeling  like alcohol on Wednesday night at Trivia, but treated myself to take home crowlers (28 ounces in a large can) of the Gooseberry Seltzer. It is so tasty and I'm supporting the business without drinking that particular night. At the risk of sounding like a lush, I do feel at home at the brewery and really enjoy the Trivia nights.
2. After the icky commute to my office on Thursday, I am very appreciative that I'll only be going in one day per week. It affirmed that I will start the day early and end late, to avoid the worst of rush hour. 
3. I am very proud to know my old friend, who just published his book, Shelter in Place, Poems in a Time of Covid-19. Read more about it, and consider ordering here. Stan has been doing sidewalk and on-line concerts on Sundays throughout the pandemic as well, lifting spirits. When I was very sick back in 1997 and ended up with a tricky surgery, more follow up care and was laid up for many weeks while trying to be mom to my then 9 and 7 year old's, he mailed me  uplifting magazine or news stories, poems, and a mix of music CD's such as Dar Williams, throughout my recuperation. 
4. Bought myself the cheery mum at the top of the post. My daughter and I  both thought the purple would be a brightener on dreary fall days and we selected one with lots of budding yet to do. 
5. I also bought this $3 garland. I love how it gives the fireplace mantel a nice fall pop of color. I am putting out my other minimal fall items tonight, but I opened that when I got home to check the length-perfect. 
   
   
   
6. My children are each doing well right now in their school or  work life. All are busy, perhaps too busy, but considering the impact of so many people's livelihood and education experiences, I need to appreciate this for them. The youngest though is on pins and needles to see if she will be able to do her study abroad this spring.
7. Had a lovely morning with my daughter at the Veg Fest. My thoughtful daughter, when my knee was acting up after a few hours, went and got the car and picked me up, despite, me taking us on a weird way back towards the car. 
8. Knowing I wanted to see it, she also picked up complimentary tickets for us for last nights movie. I had not seen the play, though knew the premise and several of the songs in some way shape or form in  the years my other daughter was in show choir! (You will be found-the go to ballad in particular.)
9. Pup was funny about being walked in the rain yesterday so he did a quick piddle and wanted back in, but I knew when I got home he would really need his walk. Flashlight in hand, we had a good nighttime walk and I just listened to the late summer sounds around the pond. 
10. The rain we had off and on most of yesterday has been followed by blue sky's and sun this morning. I have a hole in my schedule between 10:00 and 12:30 and plan to get outside. The world seems OK when I look out the window. 

     I'll leave off here. I hope you have a tremendously positive Tuesday, and if like me, you're having a down day, that's OK too. Thanks for reading. 

Positively Tuesday-More Summer

      Here's a good photo to usher in what I consider the change of the season, the first day after Labor Day. This was from our solo week at the cabin last October, and as case rates  are growing, this may be where we spend our time off this year as well. There's still may weeks until then and the weather man says it is still summer with glorious sun and temperatures in the 70's-creeping towards 80 by Friday. I wouldn't be a Minnesotan if I didn't talk about the weather. Tuesday's, especially after a long weekend and mine was extra long, are my "just get through it" day of the week. I've tried to turn it into my  glass half full day and recap my joys, smile worthy things, and simple pleasures of the last week. There were a lot and I should be starting the week with a hop in my step, figuratively speaking. 

1. I got a smile out of my 14 year old nephew, with help from his mom, buying lottery tickets for his brother for his 18th birthday. Apparently no big wins, but both were pretty pleased about the possibility as he scratched off the football helmets on the  cards.
2. I had a stomached bug for several days starting Wednesday morning.  While I didn't take any sick time, I did lay down mid-day to let some Pepto kick in, and pup was right there to curl up with me. Pet's know when they might be needed, whether you'd like it or not. 
3. We had a few mornings of rain, but it made for nice coolish weather to get pup out before starting work. I feel like I have clearer head when I get a walk in before starting. And yet, I don't make time to do this enough. 
4. I felt like I was playing hooky from work on Friday afternoon, even though it was my flex day off, going to a movie with DD1. The 15 year old inside me thought this might not be a bad thing to do for real some afternoon for a mental health break. This is actually allowed and even called out as a need under our sick time provisions. 
5. I didn't buy flowers at the Farmers market on Saturday since we were splitting our weekend time between home and the lake. I spent a few minutes just appreciating the beauty and will get some next weekend. The people I saw buy them, had smiles on their faces and that gave me joy.
6. I bought a lovely butternut squash at the market and when I went grocery shopping, I purchased nutritional yeast. I couldn't really find a recipe for he Trader Joe's vegan mac and cheese, but Big Box Vegan had some hacks to help improve part of the flavor that some find  might be off-putting. I think I can  come up with my own sauce using the squash, nutritional yeast,  milk beverage, and perhaps some white beans like I used for a pizza sauce last fall.  I found this version from the Veganista that doesn't use any milk product, but cashews. I get excited to experiment, and I love squash so even if not quite the same, I can't imagine that it won't be tasty. 
7.  Saturday night could not have been better way to spend an evening. My sister  sent out a group text to see if anyone wanted to join her for dinner outside at a restaurant overlooking the river. DH and I, the texting sister, another widowed sister, my single brother, and my oldest brother and his wife joined. Service is slow at this place in normal times, but they were very short staffed and busy, which worked to our favor as we could spend nearly 2 1/2 hours without feeling guilty occupying the table.
8. Should I shut up about the weather? Sunday was even better than Saturday! DH and I took the boat for a final summer ride before his BIL helped him get it on the trailer to take to a place for winterizing. It would have been nice to keep out for a few more weeks, but the guys had one day only ample enough help to get the large dock in, and there would no longer be a good place to secure the boat. The pontoon will stay through next weekend, moved temporarily to the smaller dock at the other cabin. That other dock is much easier to take in. DH has someone come get the pontoon and winterize, and then they'll bring back in the spring. DH will get his boat and park at the cabin once it is winterized. As we decided to keep it, he will invest in a few things to make next summer easier such as a fitted cover and cleats for the dock for securing it instead of the gerryrigged process he used this summer. 
9. Yesterday I wanted to use up some bananas that were taking over my freezer and yet more of the plain yogurt lingering in the fridge. I made three small bread pan loaves, using  baking mix, yogurt, assorted spices, and the bananas. I realized when I ate my first piece that while it was tasty, it wasn't very sweet, but the banana, cinnamon, all-spice, and nutmeg flavors really came pleasantly through. I had forgotten to add additional sugar! Well, I guess I invented a new bread- sort of a cross between a biscuit, a scone, and a quick bread. 
10. While I was working mid day (and I got one major task off my plate), DH and DD1 met up for a walk by the river. After I finished what I intended to complete, I cleaned the porch while pup kept me company, watered my flowers which are trying to hang on, and then pup and I played a bit before relaxing until they got home. It was a satisfying end of my last day of calendar summer. 

     I'm in no hurry for true fall. My days don't change with the start of the school year, other than what my work day consists of. I'm happy to hold onto summer for many weeks. I'll be avoiding pumpkin spice in my baking and will slip out later for a walk and my lunch outside. How about you? What simple pleasures, joys, and smiles have you had this past week? Are you ready for fall or wanting to hold on to summer  a bit longer like me?

Positively Summer-Rolling With It

     

I've decided I like this photo too much  to
 not use for positively Tuesday posts. 

      Today will be one of those scripted weather days. A high of 78, sunny, light breeze as described on my morning National Weather Center alert. Seems fitting for the last day of meteorological summer. Yesterday was a bit of a doozy with work-a bombshell transition was announced, and I'm back to figuring out ball juggling again. This should be a bit better than all of last year as I have my new team member starting on September 15th to take some things off my plate. I think she will be able to  hit the ground running. Life is always moving and changing and we roll along with it along with it right. On Tuesdays I've been pausing in my stress to at least capture 10 things that give me joy, make me smile, make me appreciative, or just a simple pleasure. Here's my recap for this last day of August, the last day I think of as summer.  

1. Our first week back to empty nesting, but I got to Facetime with our youngest and she gave  us an apartment tour. It's a no frills apartment-two bedrooms, each girl sharing with another, so four total roommates. The room itself is set up like a small dorm room with two twin beds, two desks and book shelf hutch,  but only one dresser. They have a large walk in closet though  that seems to have ample space. My daughter put her bed on risers so she ca fit her bins underneath. The other girls room has an en suite bathroom, but otherwise is the same. Then they have a functional kitchen and between them they have dishes, cookware, Keurig, and a toaster. There is a nice big table-made bigger with a leaf. The living room has a couch, and two chairs, and a small stand that is assumed for a television. She seems very happy with it so far. She did say it was very dirty and they spent a lot of time cleaning, and have ordered a cheap slip cover for the couch. 
2. Trivia was fun last week. My teacher friends wife joined and I love when she is able to as I really enjoy her company. Their oldest is going to be a senior so it was fun hearing about some recent college its, and  him getting ready for his last year. As for Trivia, we had a respectable participation even with not placing. Hard questions this week. 
3. Social me joined my mom friends for a short walk-due to rain starting, and drinks and food downtown. We went to a big restaurant with spacious room, and few customers. We talked and talked and even though the had 9:00 closing  on the door (most places close early on weeknights it seems now), as there were people at the bar, they let us sit and talk even longer. One friend was missing, last minute, as they had double confirmed Covid tests that afternoon in her house! Both her husband and daughter. Fortunately, both mostly just felt cold like symptoms, and the daughter had no taste or smell, but so far, neither has gotten sicker. Both are vaccinated, so I am happy for that. Update is both are feeling well again, but staying put, and the other three in the house have tested negative.
4. And on this front, and may not feel like a positive point, my daughter too was exposed through a close contact at work. She has not seen him since last Wednesday, and on Sunday, when she learned, she took a test and it came back negative. My caring daughter will be extra precautious now though and likely test again before she resumes any activity around people. I'm very relived that she is not sick and  appreciative of her caring about others. 
5. Having no plans on Friday and Saturday night was good! I was feeling drained after a full week of work having been off for two week sin a row, followed by a busy week. We just enjoyed quiet time and I took the dog for extra long walks both nights. 
6. Sweet corn! We picked up 13 ears, though only peeled eight, of perfectly ripe and sweet corn on route to the lake. I'll drop off a couple ears for my daughter, and cook the remaining three for us tomorrow. 
7. The lake day was very peaceful. DH's sister an brother in law were the only others there. I brought the newspaper along and we read it on the pontoon, took a long and leisurely ride, and then had a delicious lunch. The others left by 3;30, so we stayed longer and I had a nice long swim before we headed home. 
8. Feeling refreshed, I took pup for another long walk when we got home. It was still quite hot in the sun, but we lingered by the pond under the trees. He loves the smells and watching the ducks. I don't know if he's plotting how he can have a duck dinner but most are his size or bigger, so good luck there pup. 
9. We made it work-a Facebook messenger call with all three of our kids last night. I know we could do Zoom, but then you have to set up an appointment and this we could just call via the messenger group. Due to the time zone difference and DS's work schedule, we didn't get on until 9:30 Minnesota time. DD2 had homework still and DD1 had been up since the wee morning hours, so we only talked an hour, but it was wonderful to see all three of them despite one quarantining, one, four hours away, and one four hours away by plane. Love or hate Facebook, but I love the messenger video and group feature. 
10. And I'll end with how I started-the perfect weather. I had pup outside and I just sat and enjoyed the calm for a bit. The next door neighbor kids weren't up and fighting yet, and the house next door was suddenly vacant about three weeks ago, and no workers yet doing the decluttering. After finally getting rain, the grass is greener, and the air a bit cleaner. A pleasure indeed. 

I hope your Tuesday is full of positive vibes. If you had any  new joys or simple pleasures please share.

Positively Tuesday-Need Fresh Air

         

I took this last summer with DD1 at a sunflower farm. 

     The air quality warnings are getting a bit old-you can feel it when outside. I can't imagine what those north of us are feeling. My brother who camps every week, then heads back to base camp (AKA my sisters) cut short his trip last week and is heading south this week to try and avoid. While there are hints that vaccination rates are going up in places with scary low rates, it's not as fast as I think we need. I read comments on a new link and man, are there still people who are bound and determined to make vaccinations part of a one world order conspiracy, and Dr Fauci is Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin rolled into one. I need to stop doing that-reading comments is nothing but anxiety inducing! Personally, a couple crap things have happened this week that have me frustrated, and it's easy to start a negative spiral. In my quest to not turn into a crabby old lady and look for the things that make me smile, give me joy, or are a simple pleasure, here's my weekly post of  10 things of any of those. 

1. The  office space is coming along despite there being more work than I thought it would be. I am so grateful for my daughters help.
2. I found  a book, the last Elisabeth Ogilvie Book, The Day Before Winter, her last in the Bennet's Island series, when we were sorting books for donation. It made me really pleased as I thought I had left it somewhere. 
3. The purging continued, and thanks to my daughter, I got rid of things that on my own, for no good reason, I would have held onto. This included both a Home Interior book and a holiday craft book-huge books that I doubt I have even opened in 10+ years, let alone used. Also in that last donation were another 1/2 dozen "coffee table" books, again, ones no one has opened in a decade. 
4. DD1 and I treated ourselves to Dunn Brothers coffee on Saturday morning. Nothing like real cream. We also sat outside at least for a little while before the  heat and humidity increased and before diving into more work. 
5. Two delicious dinners out over the weekend. Friday DH and I went out and were a touch after the diner crowd, making it a more relaxed  meal.  Sunday was delicious as well at what was my parents favorite restaurant, and we went there to honor what would be their  74th anniversary.  
6. Sunday's adds had all the school supplies promoted. What brings me a smile is knowing I don't have to go school supply shopping! DD2 is set with a  5 Star notebook, pens, and mechanical pencils. 
7. the air seemed a bit better Sunday night and it had cooled down so I took pup for a long walk when we got home from our mela out. A family in the neighborhood was out biking-mom with a baby in a bike basket, dad pulling a little guy in a trailer, and two little guys on their own bikes. These little guys love pup and of course, wanted to pet them. Pup was very good letting them give him all the love. We make sure to tell kids they have to put their hands out first, and let him initiate smell and contact so he is calm. It was cute that the older of the two boys on bikes-maybe six at the oldest, remembered and told his younger brother the rule, and showed his brothers how he puts his hand out. 
8. Yesterday I had a very productive day at work and knocked of quite a few things ahead of schedule. That's a very good thing as there is a massive issue that just surfaced this morning and will take more time to resolve than I  have free on my calendar. 
9. I actually made a sort of meal plan for the week, potentially buying me time until Saturday to have to go grocery shopping. While may not be a simple pleasure, it is avoidance of something I don't like to do. 
10. I had a fall last night. My knee just gave out when I took a step and I went splat, across the floor. A grateful thing that despite a hard fall, I didn't get injured. I missed hitting my desk with my head by what was probably inches. I'm not even particularly sore this morning.
11. ....and a quick edit to add, my REader List has now come back for Blogger!!!

     Next week I'll be off work and hoping I can  ease through the rest of the week with drama subsided, and work issues contained. Ihope you have more pleasure's than pain, more smiles than frowns, and have a perfectly positive Tuesday. 

Positively Tuesday- Need this Pick Me Up

      I know no one really cares if I have 1, 5, 10 or even 15 tings to stay a positive about. I try and capture  my simple pleasures, the things that make me smile, and other pleasantries for myself on Tuesday's as I can get sort of down in the dumps this day of the week. Today, I need this as a pick me up. Maybe I am just really ready for a vacation-two more weeks and counting. I'm a little down that neither of our friends have committed to join us for any part of the week-but they haven't declined either. Maybe I'm burnt out thinking about new variants and that Covid seems to not be giving up its grip. I'm fearful life will just be forced to go back to "normal", and anyone  who catches the illness, vaccinated or not, just needs to hope they don't get very, very sick. And if they do, well, let's just chalk it up to collateral  damage to protect our "freedums". (This is sarcasm, if you didn't deduce.) Apparently mask wearing is too much of a sign of a dictatorship. Maybe I'm just in a bit of  melancholy funk. These feelings will pass, but all the more reason to make note of the good things in life, even if seemingly small.  

1. We were victorious at Trivia-likely due to the lower turnout and having a highschool senior join us. While we play for fun, I can't say I don't get a kick out of doing well. 
2. Olympic opening ceremonies still make me smile. There's the big sports, but then the, to most of us, more obscure sport athletes, get their opportunity on a worldwide stage. We root for everyone in our house. Of course we want Americans to do well, but really, I just love the joy of seeing all of the athletes compete. 
3. Chocolate chip pan cookies, bars, or blondies-whatever you call them are a simple pleasure. I use the Nestle tollhouse recipe, nothing fancy but  always a win. These were made for my great niece's graduation party.
4. The party itself was fun to see nieces and nephews and their families, plus friends in common. My great niece is a beautiful young girl and was so happy with her party and thanked everyone for coming and helping. It was a sweltering day, but they had plenty of shade and plenty of cold beverages. 
5. Sunday was the start of my feeling a bit of lurgy or whatever I should call it. I think it was a caffeine and sugar hangover, having indulged in both the day before in likely excess. I gave myself permission to sleep as late as my body needed.
6. I made another humongous batch of lo mein and have lunch today for DD2 and myself-and used another quarter of the cabbage, plus an assortment of veggies from a veggie and dip container. Using up produce makes me happy.
7. Another happy produce dish was my favorite onion and cucumber salad. I didn't have any tomatoes which would have been better, but the tangy blend of the sugar, vinegar, and mayo dressing, marinating for hours with sliced cukes and onions is a summer treat. 
8. It cooled down after 6:00 yesterday, or at least felt better in the shade. Pup and I got out for his walk and just lingered by the pond to see the duck families. Having a lackluster day? Go watch ducks enjoying life on a pond. 
9. Did I share the Keurig is working again? I'm enjoying  brewing two cups worth and putting in my insulated cup. Coffee is more than a simple pleasure, but need to remember to stop by noon and switch to water.
10. And ...I've had some better knee days. I haven't had the non-active pain I had been experiencing earlier in the summer. I'm not sure it is glucosamine. I've still another 8-10 days on the 30 day trial, but even if mental only, there might be promise. 

     I like everyone else have my off times. I've been  more upbeat in recent weeks, so this is just a blip. I've the rest of this week and next, and then I have two weeks away from work. There's lots to smile about and I just need to take advantage when simple pleasures present themselves. 

Positively Tuesday and Managing the Heat

      This summer is the oven that just keeps firing up! We're back in another  streak of 90 degree plus with it being stifling-but yet no rain to speak of by the forecasters. I'll water my flowers, but I just can't justify running sprinklers on the grass when there might be water shortages for things like drinking and crop production. Still, even with managing the heat, there are things that are giving me jo, making me smile, or just a simple pleasure. Here's my top 10 for the week.

1. I've been enjoying using up the veggie bounty DD2 brought home last Wednesday. We've had garlic and parmesan roasted potatoes, curry, and low mein.  I've got so many leftovers so think I'll skip any cooking on Wednesday. The cabbage was massive and I still have 3/4ths left so need to figure out what else to make with it. Other than coleslaw and stir fry, not a clue what to do with it. 
2. I've been trying to stay more focused on not snacking/eating after 7:00 and trying to get a bit more strength  exercising in. Dare I say, I actually lost two pounds this week without it backfiring? 
3. My Keurig has decided it will work again-we'll see how long. It's been nice using it the last couple days and not doing my  make due pour over. 
4. I think these are zinnias? The seed packet faded that I used for a marker. These are what  survived the squirrels. They are not the prettiest of flowers being just two that bloomed, but I smile that they won the battle with the critters.
   
   
   
   

   

   Two bloomed-not sure if the other "growth" will give nay flowers.

   
   
5. I actually dressed for work today. (Really-I' wear clothes, but have been shorts and Tee's). I decided I better start at least on Tuesdays and Thursdays  getting in the habit of office appropriate wear. I'm still bare footed though!
6. I really had fun meeting up with my sisters on Saturday for happy hour and ten  our game night. It's nice to be born into a family and born into instant friends. Of course we've had our moments of sibling stuff, but  I love hanging out with them. 
7. Shhh-don't tell my other nieces and nephews, but my sister who was the birthday girls, gave me loads of positives on my kids, telling me, "You sure did something right.". She was referring to their kind souls and adventurous natures, of which I can't really take credit as they are their own people, but still nice to hear. She may have even let it slip that  wile she loves them all, they might be her favorites. She does not have children of her own, but her husband that passed away last year has two sons, but he was estranged form them so she (we) didn't see much of them, though are in touch via Christmas cards and Facebook.
8. We all slept in on Sunday and it felt good!  I mentioned to my daughter that I couldn't believe how late it was and she said, "Well, it is Sunday!" 
9. I mentioned how much help my older daughter has been giving me-so thankful. Well, she turned it up a notch and brought home baked zucchini bread with her on Sunday and gave me a few more hours of her time. She got multiple boxes donated after work yesterday. 
10. Knowing the office  is now going to really happen is a simple joy. DH thinks I'll feel closed in, but I think I'll like that feeling to  be focused when working, and shut the door at the end of the day when I am not. I'm looking at the miscellaneous stuff that came out to see what I'll reuse in the office-avoiding buying stuff. 

     Those were some of the niceties of my life this week. When I logged in there was an irritating email that I will have to deal with in a bit-typical of my Tuesdays. People hold off the crap on Monday and let it fly n Tuesday. At least I can bask in the list of  simple pleasures for the week. 

Positively Tuesday10 Things to Smile About

     

     Past Monday and right into Tuesday with endless possibilities. Life is just sort of humming along right now, but I'll take it over stress and crisis. I'm so sorry for those impacted by  fire, fraught, hurricanes, flash floods and other natural (or unnatural due to human foot print) and just the heat in general when not prepared for it. Where ever you are, I hope you and yours are safe and well. Because a L-O-V-E Tuesdays so much, I use it as my day to think of all the positive things that brought me joy, simple pleasures, and smiles in the past week. In no particular order...

1. Only one other was available for trivia last week, so I took a pass, and took an extra long walk with pup, plus a relaxing night on the porch. I could hear the live music that drifts across the pond from the bar opposite. After the heat of June and the first week of July, the evenings have been cooling off to a comfortable temperature.
2. Three others plus myself hosted a virtual wedding shower for one of the crew in the division on Thursday. It was fun and silly, and a bit emotional. She is a gem and has had to postpone her wedding twice but is a go now for the 23rd. It was a kitchen gadget them, but as we all pooled funds and one person shopped, she got a couple pricey items like a le Creuset Dutch oven and her Calphalon baking set, plus so many useful items we all need. 
3. Blueberry picking was both fun and productive. It was not cheap though, at $5 per pound and I picked a bit over 7 pounds. I have enough froze for a batch of jam and a pie for DH, plus two cups for a massive blueberry muffin bake for when my son is here, fingers crossed, over Christmas. We have a couple portions just for eating ready as well and DH and DD2 have put in their lunches. What aren't eaten by Friday will be baked into bread I think. 
4. I baked a dozen Sunday morning and had one in solitary morning quiet with a cup of coffee. That is the stuff a good life is made of. 
5. I was happy to have already cooked chicken ready for easy meals this week. We brought some to the cabin, along  with bacon and DH just seasoned, and reheated on the grill. Topped with the bacon and cheddar on bakery rolls-delicious. 
6. DD2's friend joined us at the cabin on Sunday. Listening to the girls in the back was a trip down memory lane.
7. We also stopped on the way back from the cabin at a small town ice cream  shop. I don't eat a lot of ice cream, but if I do, this is how I like it-hand scooped in a sugar cone, eaten outside on a perfect summer night.
8. I missed the big soccer match, but watched the highlights on YouTube. What a match. I obviously have no vested interest in either team so just appreciated how close the finals were-as championships should be. 
9. When DD2 got home from work yesterday, we watched the new Disney Pixar animated film Luka. It was very cute and now, we want a Vespa. 
10. Just this morning, watching pup outside, loving the coolish morning, made me smile. How do you not smile when our pup is having the time of his life-well, I could do without the dirty paws when he comes in. 

     I hope your week was filled with  things that made you smile. It's easy to watch or listen to the news and get discouraged about the state of the world and the mess people can make of it with their own issues and lack of satisfaction in their own lives. Tuesdays, I try and leave that behind and  put my rose colored glasses on. I hope however your day has started, it becomes a positively Tuesday.

Affirmative Tuesday

To combat my Tuesday blues, I reflect on the positive and inspiring things in my life and people, events, and wonders around me. In no particular order, here goes.





1. I love a good spring rain to clean up the remnants of winter. We had a doozy Sunday afternoon, and I took a nice long nap in the middle of the afternoon, hearing the rain and occasional bouts of thunder.

2. Friends we hadn't seen in months called out of the blue and DH and I were able to meet up with them for a few hours. DH's friend since a teen, has been having a medical issue and was a long wait list for the Mayo clinic. He ended up getting seen a month ahead of when he was told, and seems to be now on a course  of the right treatment.

3. I did officially apply for the position in another agency, just in case things change greatly with my job. Since the position, and those hiring work so closely, I felt I should give my boss the head sup in the event she i part of any hiring. She was overwhelmingly supportive of me, though expressed repeatedly, she did not want to lose me, and how could she make things better. Her boss as well stopped by with the same message. I was very clear with both it was more a defensive application in case of potential changes. however, I did take advantage of having both their ears to talk about some of the frustration the stagnation on decision making and the lack sometimes of cohesiveness that is challenging. again, both stated they had nothing but respect and appreciation for me and my work, knowing they hired me away form a much higher position, and that they could utilize my skills and expertise better. I probably did all things wrong when you are considering career options, but for my situation, transparency was the right course.

4. I'm overwhelmed with getting my office put back together. Some calming words of advice from blog readers, mellowed my anxiety. I looked at calendars and believe the entire last week of April can be dedicated to making this happen. 

5. My allergies are in full force right now. While I have sneezing fits, and persistent watery eyes, it means spring might really be here!

Affirmative Tuesday

In an effort to find the special and good in my life, I'm going to stick with my Affirmative Tuesday posts. Last week I introduced this as a way to try and combat my dislike of this day of the week and use it to cast a positive light, Stuart Smiley version. I'm leaving him in last weeks post, but here's five new things to feel positive about as I start my second weekday.

• DS initiated a call on Saturday and we talked for over an hour, still talking when DH came home. I handed the phone to him and they talked another 30 minutes. Our son is a talker once we start in a conversation, but often we hear from him first only when he has specific questions, or perhaps needs something. To call us just because, is rare. He sounded healthy and happy, hoping to get to the Malibu beach on Sunday.
• DD1 had an interview for a possible new job, or rather a series of three interviews with multiple people over the course of three hours. It sounds like it went brilliant.  However, it took her little more than the first set of questions to realize the job would be nothing she wanted, all the boring parts of her current job, rolled int a typical 8-5 desk job. She left the interview, called me, and reported that she is more invigorated into doing more of her own projects and work on the side, while keeping her current, while grossly underpaid, interesting job that includes travel, flexibility, and a five minute commute. I was so happy to hear she will continue to follow her passion, and not a money trail. 
• While sad, it was lovely to see my extended family at my aunts service. More wonderful was hearing the beautiful tributes to this sweet, soft spoken, and remarkable women by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I owe her a whole post, but for now, I am so appreciative that she was part of my life and I will strive to follow her as a role model for inner and outer peace. 
• I am thankful for living in a supportive community. I had an opportunity for a long catch-up with a woman I knew over 35 years from school as we were cleaning up, then waiting for the concert Friday night. We shared reflections on the recent tragedy's in the community,  our shared desire to keep our community and schools a place where children and teens (and out neighbors) know people care about them. 
• I had another Sunday of calm with my small nuclear home family. While not every weekend seems to be one to refuel, I treasure the last few that have a given me the mental energy to make the most of the following week.

 I let my body wake me up instead of the alarm, sleeping a well needed extra 40 minutes today. Now though, I need to get into the shower and get to work. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday, and we'll catch up soon.

Things I probably Took for Granted Today

I am so glad my ornery spell has passed and I am hopefully on to a more sunny disposition.  The weather can't hurt as summer has found it's way to  Minnesota again-the perfect kind of summer heat and not a lot of humidity so everyone is just a bit more pleasant. Well, except for perhaps Minnesota Vikings football fans.  My husband hadn't said anything at all this morning as he was waking up but his first words, and I quote, "The Vikings really stunk it up last night."  They started the season with a 20-3 loss. Ouch! However, that is a good place to start my list of things I probably took for granted today.

1. The biggest item of discontent in DH's life, causing a sleepless night, is that his football team lost the season opener.

2. I needed a stretch break mid day and wandered into Target and found a 3 pound container of organic grapes for $6.00.  These were big and juicy, and created a welcome treat in the department. Mint Milano cookies were on sale for $2.59. I have a readily accessible and affordable abundance of both healthy, and special treats  a short walk away.

3. A longer day than usual plus a cross country meet  and a violin lesson later left both DD#2 and I hungry and tired. Meatballs, jarred pasta sauce, and a loaf of french bread in the freezer meant a nutritious meal was ready in fifteen minutes.If I had restrictions, I probably could go without entering a grocery store for a month and my family would still have access to more food than half the world's population already in my home. .

4. DD#2 has a jam packed schedule today plus  has homework in Language Arts, math, and Spanish. She also attends one of the best high schools in the state, public and free with endless opportunities for low cost extra curricular activities.

5. Road construction continues every where, making a long commute longer. However, my crossing bodies of water a minimum of six times today was done on safe bridges, in a safe vehicle, and not in an overcrowded unsafe boat driven by a shameless smuggler. 

6. It is late and I am feeling my eyelids incredibly droopy as I type this post. I'm tired from a full day of gainful employment, at a job and with people I like, and the opportunity to take care of my families needs and many of our wants.  I get to do the same thing tomorrow.

This was my day today.  No detail was extraordinary. But perhaps because my day was so routine, makes it extraordinary.