Final Fireworks

Finding happiness in little things as the year ends.

Addicted

I worked on plays and sang in the choir during high school but only in my dreams could I move like this...so fun!

Stealth

Feet on top of drifts
Prints barely visible
Snow squeaking
Styrofoam-like
Creatures scatter

Crisp

This morning's walk left me with frosty nose, toes and tips. The bright sun fooled me again.

Glass Half Full

New Year's tipple came early...Prosecco with pomegranate seeds.

Can't Keep A Good Man Down

After two days of plowing snow, Glenn and Patience are heading out to see if they can find a place to hunt. We have had only 7" compared to the surrounding towns and both are unwilling to give up on the season just yet. Could be an interesting adventure.

Stuck In The Middle

Ho, Ho, we are stuck at home. All the heavy snow is going around us, much like the rain this summer. Yet, the past two mornings, I have spent alone while Glenn plows two driveways and all the trails. Sigh.

Hype or Hoax

So far, the BIG storm that was supposed to dump 2 feet of snow has yielded 3". Plans were cancelled which made my heart heavier with each shovelful.

Patience and The Christmas Miracle

This morning, coming back from our walk, Patience rousted a pheasant from the road ditch just feet from our front door. Had I not switched days with Deb, I would not have been out at the hour and we would have missed all the excitement.

Not Afraid To Fly

To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity

Give Me Just A Little More Thyme

Or rosemary, chives, Italian flat-leaf parsley. All my indoor herbs didn't wilt this year, they rotted. Next year, the pots will not be plastic.

Electronically Fit

We are finding that with the colder winter weather, no matter how active we are during the day, come evening, we eat and sit. Today, we discussed the possibility of getting a Wii Fit or Fit Plus. Wish we had a chance to play before we purchased.

My Grown-up Christmas Wish

For the second year in a row, all I want for Christmas (and I hope my wish comes true this year) is a dance under the lights on the gazebo.

It's The Time Of The Season For

Memories
Blessings
Forgiving
Forgetting
Moving On
Starting Over

Give yourself a gift, pick one.

Oh Really?

Really? You thought it was fun to pollute the pool with your toxic mood. Really? You didn't think it would have an effect on the other participants or your instructor. No, really? It didn't occur to you to stay home if you were feeling foul and didn't want to exercise. Really? You made a mess of things and you should be the one to clean it up. Yes, really!

Eat The Rainbow

How colorful is every meal you make? Put some color on your plate.

Daily Grind

It's hard not to want a cuppa first thing in the morning. Especially when it's cold and you need that extra boost for class.

And The Winner Is....

What is the best bang for my buck? Chiropractic adjustment or massage. Both are not covered by my insurance but one comes with hot stones.

Pitch In

After the weekend of hunting, Glenn and I are left with all the pheasants to clean and grind. Not to mention the folks' house to clean. We went over before the Vikings game to strip beds, do a couple loads of laundry and vacuum. It's already a long day with more chores yet to do.

Nostalgia

I miss the holidays when we all gathered at Auntie Jo's. It was noisy, family spilling out of rooms and off the furniture. Granted, the gender segregation was prevalent with the women in the kitchen while the men told tales in the living room. Selective memories maybe best remembered and not relived.

Draw Your Own Conclusion

Doing what I do best.

Surprise Gift

Today, I received a book on Virginia wine written by the son of one of my "snow bird" water fitness ladies. How nice to have her think of me.

It's A Great Day For MN

Yes, it is....Winter driving is better with snow tires. Bring on the blizzards, I own Blizzaks

Northern Exposure

Brrr. From flakes to freezing overnight. Face masks, boots, mittens and heavy jackets make for extra time added to our outdoor activities.

Once we're walking and the blood starts pumping... it's all good.

Squeeky

As long as I started the day "cleaned out", Glenn and I decided to do a cleanse for a few days. We usually do this once a year and feel better for it.

Early To Bed, Early To Rise

Nasty hotel bed.

Late Night Nosh

We ordered our food at 6:30p.m. for Glenn's Christmas gathering and it started arriving at 9:00 p.m. By 10:30 I was in bed with a stomach bug. Someone's in the kitchen with dirty hands...someone's in the kitchen I know....

Sick Spouse Seeks Solace

Sounds like a line pulled from the personal classifieds. But no. This is the second day that Glenn has stayed home with a bad bug. Since it has been nearly 6 years since we have had even a sniffle, all of our OTC meds had expired.

After a trip to the drugstore, some homemade chicken noodle soup and rest, I am hoping he is feeling better for tomorrow's Christmas party at Thumper Pond.

Private Practice

Only three ladies showed up for our second class today and they were the newest/most afraid of the water. Pro- I had a second class and therefore, was able to get paid for that hour. Con- the participants were very afraid of the water.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Sounds like a Scandinavian mantra.

Back In The Saddle

My lung capacity was compromised by my bout with the bug. Bother.

Mojo

Tomorrow, it's back to teaching water fitness. Can't say I'm feeling very fit after battling a upper respiratory bug and over eating during the holiday break.

So, I have been researching some new moves that I hope will motivate us all.

Stir Crazy

I need to get away from this same old routine. There is a big work break over Christmas and I so want to hit the road.

Well I never been to Spain
But I kinda like the music
Say the ladies are insane there
And they sure know how to use it
They don't abuse it
Never gonna lose it
I can't refuse it

Pass It On

Since I enjoyed my cold SO MUCH, I thought it would be fun to pass it along to Glenn. He is not amused.

Whatever Works

When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do
Is take a look at you, then I'm not so blue

Or I could do some Christmas baking/eating... hurry home honey.

Gobble, Gobble

Wish you all were here.

Friend or Fowl

Lots of turkeys out and about today but I'm not steamed enough to cook their goose.

Wives' Tales

The feed-a-cold idea arose out of folk lore concerning the disease process, namely that there were two kinds of illnesses, those caused by low temperatures (colds and chills) and those caused by high temperatures (fever). If you had a chill, you wanted to stoke the interior fires, so you pigged out. If you had a fever, you didn't want things to overheat, so you fasted.

Time to get back to working off all those extra calories.

Chicken Soup For The Soul

Gloomy day and lingering cold symptoms made better by a warm bowl of homemade goodness.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

We went to wine club last night and although I was not feeling back to my old self, the visit with friends was therapeutic. However, today I am paying the price as my cold symptoms are resurging. Stupid stuff.

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty

A small long haired black cat showed up at our door last night. It did not seem feral but after a few friendly advances, it lashed out with teeth and claws.

Hunger, loneliness and fear can turn any creature (even man) from approachable to reproachable. Keeping an open heart and mind can help compassion flow.

On The Mend

It is not often that I give in when I'm not feeling well. Maybe women keep plugging because they need to feel in control and to keep order. Yesterday, although I did clean up the kitchen after Glenn's cooking and change the sheet/towels to stop the transfer of germs, I let myself be nursed. It was nice to be nurtured.

Bitten

Having Glenn working from home, one to two days a week is great. Especially when you're not feeling 100%.

Eat This, Not That

We have adopted Meatless Mondays and are pretty faithful with our observance. If we stray, we make it up some other day. Last night was a Provencal Lentil Ragout and baked squash.

Some vegetarian dishes are hits and other are a miss but it is better for our health, pocketbook and planet.

Always Be Prepared

This morning, the opportunity to present my ideas didn't materialize. But like a good (boy) scout, when it does, I will be prepared.

All They Can Say Is "No"

Fear can be disabling. I remember my mother saying that it never hurts to ask for what you want.

I want to ask my classes to push out of their comfort zones, both literally and figuratively. I'm hoping for their affirmative action.

Everyday's A Revolution

Fresh start, new day, brand new (wo)man... Ready, set....go!

The Early Bird

One of the participants in my early class mentioned that she roasts her Thanksgiving turkey early, cleans it off the bone and freezes the meat to reheat. So today, to spare the food anxiety that my mother-in-law suffers from, I am roasting an early bird and making the stuffing.

Giving thanks on the 27th is what is important, not food drama.

Freudian

If I have a dream where I am yelling at my mother-in-law and it makes me feel awful, should I be glad it happened in my sleep?

On The Road Again

Welcome to my longest day. From 6 a.m.-6 p.m. it will be non-stop running and then home for my second "job." But, it's all good. I'm alive, well, free, 50 and fit. Bring it!

Harvest

Due to deer hunting, today's road walk was down Moe Hall Road to roust pheasants and watch the farmers harvesting corn.

The little rain we did get this year came right as they were trying to get into their fields. Many will either leave their crops standing or plow them under as it is too expensive to pick and pay to have it dried.

The deer have also not been as plentiful according to the reports I have heard. Drought has hit everything hard.

Walk A Mile

Everyone's journey is different. Give hope and empathy more often.

(Wo) Man In The Mirror

If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself
And Then Make A Change

It's A Sign

Is happiness a choice or a chemical?

Roll 'Em

If there was a way to have movies made from my dreams, they would be varied and quite fascinating. Now to develop the technology so I can reap some royalties.

Deficient

I feel lacking in energy and am still losing hair. My TSH levels haven't changed enough to increase my thyroid medication so the next step might be supplements.

But what?

Battle The Bugs

If sleep helps to boost your immune system against colds or flu, Glenn should be protected. Although he gets up before 5 a.m. most mornings, he has been turning in earlier than most young children the last couple of nights.

I can help him eat healthy and get rest but have no control over his stress level. That might be the weak link in his defenses.

Hey There Lonely Girl

Living in the boondocks is either peaceful or lonely. You choose.

Comfort Food Coma

If the sun would shine, I would be less likely to crave/make those starchy comfort foods.

Last night was meatloaf, veg and roasted garlic mashed spuds followed by a gooey pumpkin cake. OMG, I could hardly move. With winter coming, that's not a good thing.

Haiku

Summer sun
Dry, wilting
Rain clouds
Falling weekly
Timing

That's A Wrap

Yesterday afternoon, we put on the boat cover, power washed the underside and the trailer and then tried to wrap it all in a tarp. The thermometer said 50 degrees but with the melted snow and cloudy day, it was bone chilling work.

We should have taken a video of last year as we ended up doing a half-hearted job. If we get a warm day yet this fall, a re-do might be in the plan.

White Whipped Topping

Wet snow fell and lingered overnight. This morning, everything is still frosted.

It's making me think about snowshoe season.

Remote

Sometimes, the remote blogging tool works and sometimes it doesn't. It was probably a good thing that it scrambled my post as it was not a very positive one.

We ended up having a later and larger lunch so I wasn't planning on much for supper. I asked Glenn to make mac and cheese from a box but then wished I hadn't.

Not that long ago, he used to plan meals, shop and cook frequently. Those skills had been getting quite rusty. But the messiness and the grumbling skills have improved.

Expletive Deleted

&^%$#@*!

Ladies Who Lunch

This morning, after our Joint Action water fitness class, the ladies held their Christmas lunch. Most of them start heading south before the holidays and this is their opportunity to nosh and natter.

They invited both Deb and myself and during the course of the lunch, presented everyone with little gag gifts. We were given a little dog toy in the shape of dumbbells.

The food at the restaurant was nearly inedible but the company was a sweet treat.

Sting

Sometimes it's the words that sting and sometimes it's the tone. All it takes is a couple of words to ease the pain. If you don't remember them, I'm sorry.

Now What

Sunshine deprived and stinging from our cancelled trip, I had a hard time getting out of bed.

If walking and exercise are unable to lift my mood, it maybe time for drugs.

Sad

Can't turn my frown upside down today. So depressed about Spain that I'm going to bed.

No gain..much pain..no Spain. :(

Fuzzy Feet

It's that time of the year where Glenn and I struggle with temperatures. I want to crank up the heat, put on flannel sheets or even a heavier quilt but his internal furnace objects.

Solution? A cheap pair of fuzzy slipper socks. I am comfortable with less covers by just keeping my tootsies toasty.

Marital mayhem managed.

All The Single Ladies

Beyonce sings about them but it's been ages since I've done anything in a social setting solo. This morning after class, I went into Dunn Brothers to buy some beans, get a coffee and sit with my free magazine from the library.

Hoping to make conversation with fellow caffeine dependent people I was reminded how plugged in our society has become. iPods, laptops and cellphones separated me from people in the next chair.

I am tired of pretending I enjoy being alone everyday. Barbara is famous for singing about people who need people. That's me to a "t".

Switching Sides

Yesterday, during my first class, I wanted to do a 180 and head for home. Not only were the participants noisy and unfocused, but my feelings became bruised.

Sink or Swim

After a week away from the pool, I need more than a cup of coffee to gear up for teaching today.

Last night I tried to organize some new exercise/motivational ideas that I've taken from fitness magazines on the library's free table. Most of these will probably be for my own inspiration as this group tends to like their same old routines but hey... what ever floats their boat.

From 3-D to HD

Glasses have come a long way since I was a baby, not to mention my eyes.

In order to take advantage of a 1/2 off frame sale, Glenn and I waited to fill our new prescriptions until the end of September. Then there was the two week wait for the new pairs to arrive.

He loves his new rimless frames (ala Sarah Palin) and although my frames are okay, these progressive lenses were flawed. My first pair of bifocals were a breeze to adjust to and although it has been two years since I have worn new glasses, my contact prescription had been updated. After wearing them all weekend, the only thing I could figure out was that the area of distortion in the new lenses was in the wrong spot or they were made incorrectly. I actually had horrible eye pain and a headache. So for a mere $50 over the $450 I have already spent, I am trading up to high definition lenses.

Think they will come with a converter box or a special antennae?

Burn Baby Burn

Glenn said the pile was too wet to burn. He was wrong.

I might have a new career in pyrotechnics.

Little Blondie Bites

Call me lazy. After spending five hours yesterday at the in-laws making a meal, listening to bickering and cleaning up after wet hunters and dogs, I slept in this morning.

Call me crazy. No one is home this morning and I could drive into town and poke around. But it's not much fun alone or when you are watching your pennies.

So I am spending a foggy Saturday hanging out at home, again. Call me lonely.

Call me on the line
Call me, anytime
Call me when you're ready we can share the wine
Call me

Dreams

The average person has about 3 to 5 dreams per night and they tend to last longer as the night progresses. Last night's dreams were vivid, prophetic and open to much interpretation.

Aristotle claimed that "The most skilled interpreter of dreams is he who has the faculty of observing resemblances."

Jung wrote that in our dreams, we see things, people or events as "as if" rather than "what is".

Now to apply that to waking life.

Stand My Ground

Everyone has their own agenda. Glenn is finishing up a long week of work and can't wait to go hunting. Our friends' schedules won't permit them to come to dinner on Sunday. My mother-in-law wants her windows washed. I just want to escape. "There ain't no easy way out." Sometimes you need to draw the line.

Tom Petty and I won't back down.

Burning Down The House

After nearly a year of looking at the brush pile the blocks the view of our "lake", the local forest service has issued us a burning permit. Years of drought have made it too hazardous but our recent light snowfall has lessened the restrictions.

If you see a big plume of smoke on Sunday, hopefully the pile is history and not the house.

Tiny Tantrum

For the first time in nearly two years of teaching water fitness, I don't want to go to work.

It is my only day this week before the MEA break and on Tuesdays, my talkers and complainers come to class.

Waaaa...

The Big 5-0

Today marks my 50th blog entry. Milestones can feel like pebbles or boulders. Turning fifty in March felt like a pebble as did celebrating our 25th anniversary. I hope that when I see that boulder coming, I can bob and weave or jump really high.

Trapped

Colder temperatures and a lingering light snow made me feel trapped yesterday. After just one day of indoor activities, I felt cabin feverish.

With the upcoming MEA break, my thoughts turned to escaping. But where?

Starting at the top of my family tree, I ruled out flying to Denver to spend the weekend with my brother. (Too expensive) Next, I had a long conversation with my sister Loretta. It is her birthday on Monday and during the visit she informed me that she had to work next weekend.

So, do I keep going down the list of siblings and/or their families or hope a friend is free? Avoiding the chores of feeding and cleaning up after pheasant hunters is proving to be quite motivational.

Unexpected

This is the view out our bedroom window this morning. Today was supposed to our CSA's pumpkin picking party.

Make It Work

Tim Gunn's famous tag line on Project Runway can be applied to obstacles we face daily.

Yesterday, I had a difficult time gearing up for my first class due to one chronically critical participant. The mantra running through my head was if you don't feel it, fake it. There are lots of self talk tools.

Thanks, Tim.

Getting Some Grease

Normally, I don't argue with unfair charges after a company refuses a refund. However, since paying our credit cards online has become a quick and easy habit, I was surprised to see a late fee on one of the statements.

I know that I have slacked in some of my habits since not working full-time but paying bills on time is not one of them.

When I did not receive a confirmation on this month's payment, I revisited my complaint to the credit card company and a refund was issued with guidelines on how to prevent further fees.

Just call me a squeaky wheel.

Shared Experiences

Everyone knows that spending time together as a couple helps maintain a healthy relationship. Finding enjoyment in a shared experience is an added bonus.

Last night, Glenn and I cheered the MN Twins in their 12th inning victory to become Division champions. It was a bonding moment after a long hard day.

What Was Your Favorite Color?

It was a true test of loyalty. Were you bleeding purple with the Vikings or thinking green by backing the Packers?

Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Just getting away from your normal routine can give you a new perspective. In the end, that is what this past weekend provided me.

As Martha is fond of saying, "That is a good thing."

Home, Sweet Home

Dorothy was right. There is no place like home.

Can't Stop Moving

Even though there was a heavy mist today, I could not stay holed up in the warm cabin. Both morning and afternoon, the outdoors beckoned. My feet slipped into shoes, arms into warm jacket sleeves and away I walked.

Geese flew overhead and the aroma of pine needles filled my nose.

Mobility is marvelous.

Wet Weather

Mixed emotions surround this weekend's forecast. After a few years of drought, the predicted rain is a blessing. But I had hoped to explore around the Pine River cabin I will be staying at with some new friends.

Tomorrow I may be singing, Rain, rain, go away. Come again some other day.

Wine Inventory

As if shot from a cannon, I bolted out of bed this morning at 6:30a.m. to check my Westside receipt. Sure as shootin', I was charged for two bottles of a '03 Chinon. It was at the end of the slip, did not scan and had to be manually entered into the register. Unfortunately, I had only brought home one.

A quick phone call later and a check is in the mail. Good customer service like that makes me want to go back there and buy more wine.

Foreign Exchange

Today a new participant brought her Norwegian exchange student to class. What a joy to hear about a different culture and lifestyle.

Embrace diversity! Isn't it amazing!

That's Right, Charles

I consider myself a survivor. Maybe even Darwin would have noted my resolve when facing adversity.

Glenn and I have embraced the motto, Revise and Compromise. It's our way to roll with life's punches.

So, for today, I say, "Bring it on!" My feet are firmly planted.

Colorful Dots

Today is the start of the Westside Liquor Dot Sale. Time to stock up on wine for the winter. It used to be we chose mostly reds, no matter the season. Lately, producers have listened to those of us in the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) club and started making more un-oaked bottles.

It will be like kindergarten today. Find the yellow or blue dots for the most savings and discover who has learned their ABC's.

Running On Empty

Glenn and I went to town this morning to look for hunting pants for him, more food storage ideas for the freezer and a few groceries. Luckily we picked up a U-bake pizza as there were tomatoes to dehydrate, apples to peel and freeze, not to metion a Vikings football game to watch. Yawn!

I shouldn't have sat down because now all my motivation to do more chores is gone. Can you say nap?

Pioneer Spirit

How did frontier women do it? Brave the unknown to settle in primitive settlements. Raise crops, livestock and chickens to maturity. Suffer loneliness, sickness and birthing with little comfort.

I was beat after canning tomatoes yesterday in a modern kitchen and I had help. Yikes!

Growing up, I read lots of pioneer books and felt that I had once lived in that era. Clearly, that was a fantasy.

Seeing Red

Today's accomplishment.

Fear of Falling

Today is supposed to be the last nice day for awhile. Before they have a chance to change colors, the wind and rain may strip the leaves off the trees.

I hope you hold on tight to your dreams and don't let go until you show your true colors.

Last Gasp

I am taking my Minnesota minute outside so I can enjoy the last sunny warm day before the cold and wet arrive.

Due to the severe drought, the trees are not turning colors or are dropping leaves prematurely. Our woods will look bare before you know it and next year's growth is in doubt. The chainsaw may get a workout in the spring. Such a shame.

Never Satisfied

"The pool is too cold, the pool is too warm, the exercises are too intense or hard on the body, the exercises are not aerobic enough..." OMG.

It wouldn't bother me but the comments are always from the same person who spends most of his time doing little exercising, just visiting.

AARRGH!!!!!

I Feel Free

Unless work requires that I carry a CPR certification card, I am able to take a refresher course for free online. Would someone ask to see my card before or after I helped save their life?

Ch-ch-ch-Changes

David Bowie sang

"I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same"

Today feels a little different. A family member has died, the weather is changing and my hormones are all over the place.

"Just gonna have to be a different (wo)man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time"

Into The Mystic

Tonight at about 6:30 p.m. , Glenn's uncle Leo passed away after 5 years battling Alzheimer's.

Some of my best memories of him involve crisp fall days watching him instruct his nephew run the saw mill and evenings with his family at their home in Evansville.

Goodbye, Uncle Leo.

Just What The Doctor Ordered

An apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away, but not today. A road trip to pick apples, drink cider, eat pie, admire the fall colors and maybe a sip a few during a brewery tour is just the medicine I need.

Can you say road trip?

Get A Grip

Lesson I learned from a tenacious tree:

Find your niche.

Hold on tight.

Leave room for some magic.

Was it just me or did you see an elf scurry by with some cookies?

Excess

There is a Dave Matthew's song called Too Much that include the lyrics:

I eat too much
I drink too much
I want too much
Too much

We had planned to either go out last night to celebrate our "other" anniversary or Glenn was going to bring home a pizza. But, I couldn't justify that after organizing food into the two freezers in the garage and the one in the kitchen.

For just two people, we have an excessively large amount of food.

And Counting

Twenty-nine years ago today, a Greyhound bus delivered me to the man I would end up living with the rest of my life. For the most part, it has been a smooth ride with only a few bumps or detours. My desire is to keep enjoying the rest of the trip.

Beautiful

We went on a walk close to dusk last night. The county road was sandwiched between fields of corn and beans with just a few houses to break the monotony. Just as the sun was setting, two packs of coyotes started "talking" to each other. Eerie and thrilling but definitely not coyote ugly.

Really?

He spends so easily after I have saved so carefully. What gives?

Bye Bye Love

Time to say goodbye to wearing Dr. Scholls sandals. Since junior high they have been my summer footwear choice. Lately, I've noticed that after a long day of walking, the wood base make my soles ache.

Then there are my stinky tennis shoes. Cheap and with little support, but embedded with stories about the walks they have taken.

Sleepless in Garfield

Why did I decide to cook up marinara sauce and chili base after a full day of work, appointments, errands, grocery shopping, dinner, fishing and putting away our CSA for the week? Midnight came and went and I was in bed but internally racing. Unable to fall asleep, I put the dog and cat out and ultimately/alternately let them back in during the wee hours.

Then there were the bathroom trips by Glenn, his 4:30 a.m. alarm and did I mention letting the cat back inside!?!

Everyone's A Critic

The day is almost over and I am just now sitting down for a minute.

It's probably a good thing that it's been a busy day. There was less time to reflect on a critical comment from a retired doctor in one of my classes. He and I seem to rub each other the wrong way. There is usually something he feels that he needs to vocalize in front of the entire class.

Some days, the water is too cold. Other days, the exercises are too challenging. Today, he felt that I was recommending an unsafe muscle movement. Not one to back down and just accept his criticism, I tried explaining my position. What was I thinking? It is the first time I have literally walked away so more words couldn't escape my mouth.

Bee Leave

The name of our boat was meant to be a puny "mantra." Little did we know how serious the ability to produce food would be if all the bees were to leave. It can amount to one in three mouthfuls of food. Prices have gone up 83 percent in three years, according to the World Bank. The most likely candidates for this decline are; a virus, a fungus or a pesticide.

That is why I enjoy seeing neighbors putting out hives each year and tend my organic garden with care to avoid their sting.

Train Wreck

This a photo of how I feel today. Enough said.

Blessing Or Burden

There is a saying that our life's purpose is to be a blessing and not a burden. Somedays, that is easier said than done.

Glenn and his brother have been muskie fishing most of the weekend. It is hard to tell if they are having fun as they cast their rods in the water, workmanlike. My mistake was letting Glenn know that I was feeling lonely. OOPS!

Easy Entertaining

With help from Glenn and most of the cooking done the night before, last night's 55th anniversary dinner for the folks was effortless. Whew!

Most entertaining situations make me doubt my cooking, my housekeeping and even my appearance. Some women thrive on being "The Hostess With The Most-est". I am not one of them.

Fantastic Fall

The acorns have been falling in the woods, bringing lots of deer sightings. We even saw a flock of geese flying south the other night. Soon, the weather will be cool enough to add layers of clothing. My wardrobe will alter slightly from shorts and sandals to jeans and hiking boots.

Meanwhile, today is picture perfect.

Why Ask Why

Getting communication wires crossed is a common occurrence. Yesterday, I had hoped to grab a cup of coffee with our new water fitness instructor after work. After sending her an e-mail last week and talking about it face to face, I was surprised that after the first hour, she dried off and left.

There was an off hand comment from a participant after she had gone that disturbed me. She felt that I had not emphasized the instructor's bonus classes for Wednesday and therefore few attended.

Women tend to play these mind games but that is not my style.

Summer's End

After just a handful of warm days, Labor Day weekend looks promising. Sunny and insect free fun awaits.

Hip, hip hurray!

Letting Go

Everyday, there is a reason to practice the art of letting go but actually doing it is hard.

For me, accepting the outcome of my expectations is a challenge. Take for instance last night's letdown. Having agreed to fill in for a friend at a social gathering, I knew going in that feeling like an outsider would be a strong possibility. Some of the people were acquaintances and by outward appearances, I was included in the activity. Yet, no fulfilling connections were made.

From birth, growth, aging and death, our lives are full of ups and downs. How we handle them and what they teach us is the real key.

Got A Minute?

This morning, Glenn forgot to set the alarm early enough so he had barely enough time to walk the dog, eat breakfast, grab his lunch and slather on the sunscreen for another outdoor workday.

We can both end up rushing around right before guests come, scrambling to get in the shower and change before going out to an event or doing that one last stop before an appointment. I have concluded that we are not placing enough importance on what we have scheduled. So, as with any new habit, I will try for 21 days to give myself an extra minute, because being fully present in your own life is important.

The Simple Life

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I was restless. My husband is content with spending his down time fishing, watching sports, eating or sleeping. His weeks are extremely long and filled with interaction. Mine are much quieter.

Economics and location play a major factor in our leisure activities. We lived 20 miles from town and have one income. Most of the time, I enjoy this simple life.

Sunday, my social butterfly wanted to flit.

Abundance

We plant tomatoes in the spring and dream of enjoying the first ripe fruit. Some gardeners even think that if one plant is good, 20 would be better. Next thing you know, there isn't time to enjoy that red juicy beauty or tiny zucchini because they are spilling over your counter tops.

Life can be that way sometimes. Invitations to gatherings and vacations plans seem to collide while other months can go by without any activities. Even during times of abundance, taking time to savor each moment will fill you with gratitude.

Live Life Large

Always one to conserve my pennies, I had requested Molly Wizenberg's book A Homemade Life through our MN library network instead of ordering from Amazon.

From her blog Orangette to the publication of a book to the opening of a restaurant, Molly and her husband Brandon are fearless and funny.

Life lesson for today. Keep your sense of humor and be fearless in pursuit of your passions.

Narcissism

Blogging has been called the highest form of narcissism. I tend to agree. Where once we had a private diary or journal, we now have a plethora of social media tools.

For today's entry I am reminded of another blogger named Julie. Portrayed by Amy Adams in the movie Julie and Julia, Julie Powell has been labeled by some critics as whiny and self absorbed. Yet aspiring writers are told to write what they know. But what we know as an individual can also be universal.

My hope is that you can identify with some of my experiences and emotions. I'll try not to whine.

Sleep

Just one more minute of restful sleep. That is all I am thinking about this morning.

For the third time this summer, poison ivy is raging war between me and sleep. During the day, I can medicate and keep my mind occupied. But under the covers, the gloves come off. The warm, moist air drives "Ivy" wild and sleep suffers.

Can't wait to see how she likes chlorine!

Ready, Set...Write

Set the timer, check. Limbered up my fingers, check. Organized my thoughts... hmmm.

Organized. I remember that word. Back before I had so much free time, there were a lot more anal activities scheduled into my days. As I age, enjoying life seems more like really living than pristine rooms. It's not that we live in squalor but there are usually projects left on flat surfaces and plenty of pet hair that escapes the vacuum.

Sometimes, seeing an decorating article in a magazine will re-ignite my dormant domestic fire. Or a visit to a friend's well appointed and spotless home. Then I remember that a place for everything and everything in it's place takes time away from my other interests, like going for a walk. My minute's up. Now where is that leash?

Ego

Today, Deb led the fitness classes solo. She did very well and received compliments from some members.

I am glad she is getting a warm reception and have tried to make the transition smooth. When we first talked about her interest in teaching, I joked that it wouldn't bother me if the participants ended up liking her better, but I forgot about my ego.

Guess it's time to go back to school. First class, Psychology 101. Hey Sigmund, got a minute?

Why Write

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way encourages the exercise of writing morning pages. A basic tool consisting of three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness done upon waking. They are intended for the writer's eyes only whereas this blog will give you a brief glimpse into my life.

I've experienced the frenetic pace of a New York minute and have laid back in Mexico, while minutes crawled. My Minnesota minutes will be whatever thoughts I can write in just one minute.

Welcome to my ramblings.