Friday Free for All- Am I Making the Most of Summer Edition

      Work was still overwhelming, but I decided to not let it be my problem alone. I must do better at delegating, without just passing the buck. I may have found a balance this week. Unless I'm texted, I'm staying off line today. It's Friday Free for All, nothing in particular to write about, and it appears to be a grand day ahead.

     There's still plenty of summer, but I feel like I'm letting it slip by without fully embracing all there is to do. Normally, the heat and humidity aren't a huge bother, but this year, it's zapping my energy and DH's more than usual. He pretty much stayed in bed most of yesterday, but drank and ate. His cough is horrible, deep and barking. Maybe it is just a cold, but I'm keeping alert. I was so saddened to read Martha's post at Seaside Simplicity, and her unexpected loss of her DH this spring. My DH will be hauled in to the doctor if he doesn't improve by Monday. His health might change the weekend, but hot and muggy that it might be, I'd still like to enjoy this weekend, now not sure what we'll do. 

Noise and NOISE 

     A few comments on why I don't wear ear plugs when I sleep at the cabin. The main reason is I hate the feeling of something in my ear, almost to the point I get dizzy. If I could sleep better with noise cancelling headphones, I would but I'm a tosser, back and forth, side to side. It's not steady noise that keeps me awake. It's staying asleep after repeated loud unexpected bolts of noise. This is how things are if you are on the lowest level at the lake house. The outdoor sounds come in, and the open/ close door slams, constant in and out of the lowered refrigerator for more beer ( right next to our bedroom) come in. Then there's the dining chairs on rollers above our bed that sounds like thunder. Lastly, the air conditioner is in the utility room, and you guessed it, next to our bed wall. We can't move the bed to another spot. My MIL likes a constant temperature, so turning it off isn't an option and when it kicks on, it's like a rocket taking off. 

     I just manage myself to keep the peace. I limit overnights to a single night or when few others are there and it's calmer. Last weekend, DH decided to join them late at the fire both Saturday and Sunday, disrupting his home sleep schedule, thus mine. I'm nipping that. Maybe that's where this cough started from, dampness and fire smoke inhalation.

Festival Crowds 

     I like the idea of community festivals and live music, carnivals and food vendors. That is, the Hallmark movie versions, where it's not dripping sweat hot, dirty, greasy food smelling, and walking practically shoulder to shoulder with an extra thousand people. In reality, I try and avoid our local one which is next weekend. I pick the events, if any, carefully. I like the craft fair, but they moved it down to the crowded space. I love, but don't need the food truck fare, but a bag of mini donuts or cheese curds to share won't derail all my good hopes. What's your take on local festivals in your community? I sound like an ogre when I say I dislike our town festival- the looks I get from the die hard festival goers. Now I like the summer movie and music by the river events, but couldn't lure anyone out with me last night.

Water Play 

     My true water play days are done. No battle of the raft, no tubing behind a boat, and even water volleyball may be limited. But I love a good float while the action goes on around me. I like a good swim still as well, burning calories, stretching my arms and legs muscles without pain. 

     DH has to take some time to do work at the little cabin. I'm going to test out ( connectivity) working from there this weekend on Sunday and I'll maybe tag along working the day, but ending with a good swim. One of my team members does this several weeks a summer and you'd never know she's on a 1/2 day vacation after work. 

Birthdays 

     I have three siblings with summer birthdays. We still haven't properly celebrated. You all know I love a good happy hour especially on a fine weather day. Nudge me to make this happen! As my siblings and friends get older, I think celebrating their life is perhaps more important than when we're young. No days are promised, but definitely not after a certain age. 

     I can't comment on Word Press Blogs by phone and it's been ages since using a computer. It's dying a painful death. But, I wanted to shout out Happy Birthday to one of my faves, Urspo on his birthday. He's a calm voice in the storms of the US. Even his lamenting blogs are still with reason. I truly hope his day was phenomenal, prizes or no prizes. I hope he ate cake. Here's one he can enjoy with no sugary guilt. 

     I did a slight bit better logging off work at a proper time this week. If it wasn't so sticky and buggy, we'd eat outside more. Minimally I'm trying to enjoy both early coffee, and a quiet sit as the sun goes down either on my porch or deck. It's simple, but I like simple. What's on your Friday mind?