Cloudy With A Chance of Love

Just some random stuff to throw down here today.

As opposed to other days when I think oh so carefully about content, ahem.

I'm tired. Hubs might laugh at that because while I have been on the go, he has been on the go-go-go, plus he's working but still...

In the past six weeks I've flown across the country and back, made a long weekend trip to Atlanta, took an 1100+ mile road (work/fun) trip with hubs that involved stops in four cities in various states, was home for one! day before flying to Philadelphia for a week with my mom (in NJ) which included a weekend trip with a friend to a summer camp staff reunion in Maryland-

...then back to NJ, a Sunday cookout in the city (Philadelphia) at my sister and brother-in-laws house where the hydrangeas are ridiculously gorgeous-

I mean, come on!! Have you ever seen prettier hydrangeas???

After one cancelled flight and one re-booked flight, I finally made it home Monday night. Five hours later than anticipated, but nonetheless home. 

Has there ever been a sweeter word?

For some reason (actually the reason was ROOTS) I'd scheduled a hair appointment first thing Tuesday morning so was up and out Tuesday a.m., home for a quick lunch, then made the drive to the lake with hubs so we could meet the boat delivery-

...followed by a boat ride (of course!), which meant dinner at something ridiculous like 9 PM, and then on Wednesday I waved the white flag.

I was cooked, and did something I absolutely never do which is lounge in bed until 10:30 finishing a book (the Daughter by Jane Shemlit -really good!). The idea of having nowhere to be on a Wednesday morning was heavenly. Eventually I did laundry and bought groceries, then Daughter2 said she was free and we said do you want a boat ride? so when hubs finished working it was back out to the lake for dinner and a cruise.

The afternoon started off a little threatening with some dark clouds, but by the time hubs had wrestled the bimini on and off the boat the skies had turned gorgeous. And HOT. Very very HOT. A boat breeze can fix all that though, and as we headed back into our dock around 8 pm I snapped this picture of my Daughter2-

Something about this picture makes me sigh. She's all grown up now, but it's the pony tail down her back and the barefeet and the casual way she's sitting that help me see the little girl she once was.

Back when summer meant leisurely mornings at home, trips to the library to get a stack of books and whatever treat the summer reading program offered as incentive (usually a free Slurpee), an afternoon at the pool, dinners filled with something on the grill served alongside fresh corn and tomatoes and nowhere to go besides our own backyard for quiet talks and fireflies.

The weather was stirring as we made the drive home and the sky was a thousand shades of childhood summer. I thought about the words to a Psalm I love and about God's goodness in all the seasons of my life. How He sets a sky on fire with magnificent drama.

How sometimes I need to see bold beautiful brushstrokes across the heavens to remind me I am small, yet He knows my name, my longings, my heart's desire. How there is nowhere His love can't find me, including the middle of a mid-life summer.

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds." 

Psalm 36:5

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Swimming Into The Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. It's 10:12 PM and I'm just now sitting down to answer this week's questions. We shall see how it goes. If you've played along today be sure to add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Everybody loves summertime visitors! 

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why? 

Not what I would have said as a kid, but I'm going with September. I know summer wraps up before the end of the month, but still it's that last gasp of the season I think is especially sweet. I love the light in September, the weather is lovely, and it's a great month for a holiday as places are less crowded but the beaches are still warm. It's also my birthday month, and September always feels like the end of something, yet the start of something too. 

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own? 

Yes I can swim and I love it. I'm not sure precisely how I learned, but I know I took swimming lessons at our local pool as a young child. Later, I think it was the summer before middle school, a friend and I both wanted to learn to dive and we paid a lifeguard to teach us. I love the water and think everyone should know how to swim.  

Currently I own two pair of sunglasses. One pair is prescription and I wear them all the time. The other is backup in case I lose this pair. My track record for keeping up with sunglasses is not the best, but I've done much better with that since I had my prescription put into the lenses. 

3.What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others? 

In myself? Impatience. In others? Self-centeredness. 

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

Well literally I'd like to see Alaska, Australia, and about a hundred tiny little towns dotted across Europe. Also, the pieces of America I haven't seen and probably an African safari and then some of South America too. It's a big planet. 

Figuratively, I'd like to put the stories in my head somewhere besides my blog and see where that path leads. 

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

I used to love them, but I don't enjoy the super cold foods anymore. If I eat a water ice or popsicle I often get a headache. My favorite flavor is lime. 

6.Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form? 

I'm going to say 2 because I think it's a bit complicated and I'm sure I don't understand it completely. It's news I'll follow because for one thing I think you know I have a soft spot in my heart for England, and also because we live in a world where the economy is global. What happens in one part of the world tends to affect us in other parts of the world in ways we can't necessarily foresee. 

7.Share a favorite song on your summer play list. 

Lots of songs, old and new but one I love currently is Think Of You by Chris Young and Cassadee Pope.  

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

When you're building a house it feels like every thing is a process and each process requires 1000 steps to completion. Our dock went in (mostly) way back in October, the lift was installed a few weeks ago, the boat purchased a month ago, and finally we've got the lift working and the boat on our lake. Whoohoo!

Picture perfect weather Tuesday evening for her maiden voyage!

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 271

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?

3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form?

7. Share a favorite song on your summer play list.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Post Weekend Ramblings Post

First things first. I'm not going to have a Hodgepodge this week because I literally cannot squeeze one more thing into a day/week/month. I've been out of town since last week's Hodgepodge with stops in three states, and will be traveling again this week, so something's gotta give. The Hodgepodge will return next Wednesday (June 29). 

Wait, wasn't it just May 29th? 

Anyhoo, hubs will be here managing the homefront and I'll be galavanting with my mama and also spending time with some

oldlong time friends.

The weekend. Let's discuss. Hubs and I celebrated our anniversary in one of our favorite cities in the whole wide world. A place that makes us sigh and smile and say remember when. 

Annapolis. 

Let's back the truck up for a minute to last Wednesday. Hubs had a business dinner in Washington D.C. on Thursday evening so I trekked to Raleigh (NC) with him Wednesday, hung out downtown while he worked in the office there, then we got back in the car and drove on to Richmond (Virginia).  

We stayed downtown and had dinner with his brother, sister-in-law, and another good friend who also lives in Richmond. We love Richmond, and there's so many new restaurants and shops I'd like to check out that we might have to go back soon and spend a full weekend there. 

On Thursday (our actual anniversary) we headed to Maryland so hubs could drop me at a friends house and then go back into D.C. to check into his hotel and get ready for his dinner engagement. Too bad you can't earn frequent driving miles because if you could we'd be knocking it out of the park. 

Before he dropped me at a friend's house we managed to grab lunch in downtown Annapolis at one of our favorite spots-McGarveys. 

Of all the crab dips in the world theirs is the crab dippiest of them all. 

While hubs was doing his work thing in D.C. my friend and I had lunch with my former across the street neighbor. We raised our children together and I loved catching up in person.

Hubs drove back to Annapolis after work on Friday and we spent the rest of the weekend right here.

Also here. Our friends took us out on their beautiful boat and we cruised to the Eastern Shore for a long leisurely lunch beside the water...crab cakes of course! When in Rome...

The weather was spectacular with low humidity, a light breeze, and sunny skies.

Ahh, the bridge and the boat spray and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

It's always so hard to peel ourselves away from the water here. It's such good medicine, and we're so thankful for good friends who always say come on over and let's pick up right where we left off.

We headed out early Sunday morning to make the all day drive home so hubs could have Father's Day dinner with one of his girls. Technically he might say two of his girls because he's pretty crazy about Daughter2's sweet pup too.

A perfect ending to a wonderful weekend.

What A Difference A Day Makes

Let's look back shall we? Because today hubs and I celebrate 32 years of married life and a lot happens in a day year. 

This time last year we were mid-move. 

Papers were signed and we were packed and loaded, nearly everything we owned headed to storage. We lived with my mom for six weeks between here and there. There and here?   

We house sat for my sister and brother-in-law and took advantage of our weekend in the city of brotherly love. It was hot. 

We fed our sweet pup her favorite ice cream not knowing then she'd only be with us for one more short month. 

Oh yeah, and hubs was retired.

To recap, since our anniversary last year we have changed cities (twice), moved from a house to my mom's to an apartment while managing a home build in still another city, we said goodbye to the dog we'd loved for thirteen years, the sweetest dog we've ever known, hubs un-retired and went to work in another city, and we're still married. Did I mention we're building a house? 

Happy anniversary hubs! You make me strong, you make me brave, you make me laugh and only sometimes make me a little bit crazy. You're still the mischevious, fun-loving, hard-working, hilarious, big-hearted boy I married. 

32 years ago today I peeked around the door at the back of a warm sanctuary to catch a glimpse of you at the altar. 

You still make my heart go pitter-patter. xo

Go Jump In The Hodgepodge

It's been a hot hot week here in the Palmetto State. Let's sit in the air conditioning and answer random questions about everything under the sun, k?  If you've played along today add your link at the end of my post. Be sure you leave a comment for the blogger linking before you because that's what good neighbors do. Here we go-

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

Something Italian. Lago Maggiore is one of my favorites, but I'm not too picky. Plunk me down beside a lake in Italy and I'm good. 

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink?

Probably lemonade. Or Pimms. I do love a Pimms cup on a warm summer day, and we make ours with fresh strawberries, sliced citrus fruits, and a sprig of mint so it's fruity. 

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month? 

I do or have done most of the items on this list. The one thing I could do this month that would be most helpful around here would be cleaning up my computer, photos in particular. I still don't have a handle on the photo system since iPhoto became My Photos. 

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school?

I worked as a camp counselor at a girls camp in Maryland. 

c.1978

It was and always will be one of my life's 'happy places'. 

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite?

I'm just now jumping on the Podcast bandwagon. I've been listening to some while I walk, and am hoping to find some good recommendations here today. I listen to pastors mostly, but I do have season one of Serial downloaded for hubs and I to listen to, maybe on an upcoming road trip. 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

Not harder or easier, just different. Every generation has it's challenges, expectations, and disappointments when it comes to parenting and I don't think that's any less true for today's fathers. 

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

Well I've got his eyes for one. I'm a lot like my mother and not sure I've thought much until today about how I'm like my dad. He was determined, a hard worker, he loved Jesus, and had a tender heart. In those ways I think I'm like my dad. My mom has a lot of those same characteristics too, so let's just say I had good examples to follow on both sides of the parental DNA. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubs and I celebrate 32 years of married life tomorrow. I made a little Smilebox video for our 30th and am posting it here again today because 32! Whoohoo! And still true believers! 

Customize your own free slideshow

Happy Anniversary hubs!

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 270

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow and add your link to the party. 

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? 

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Weekends That Last

We had what felt like a very long weekend. I think it was only the usual Friday-Sunday but when we got home Sunday night I told hubs it felt like we'd been gone for a week. Hubs and I had planned to go out to the lake and measure the covered deck space to see if the furniture we bought last weekend will fit the way we envision, and my daughter's in-laws also had plans to be out at their lake house so they suggested we meet them for dinner, spend the night, then go for a boat ride on Saturday.

While on their boat we swung by our lot to see what sort of progress had taken place on the build and were pleasantly surprised to find someone there working on the insulation. Whoohoo! Once the insulation is in the drywall can go up and that's what I'm most excited for.

Well actually a finished house is what I'm most excited for but right now I'll settle for walls.

It was a true scorcher on Saturday so after the boat ride we went back to the in-laws and spent most of the afternoon in the water. Their next door neighbor was barbecuing a Boston Butt on his green egg and invited us all to dinner. Trust me, if you'd smelled this pork roast smoking all afternoon you'd understand why we couldn't say no. We ended the evening skywatching beside the fire and as long as we're still hanging around might as well spend the night too.

We did leave on Sunday morning because we still needed to go by our lot and measure the floor space on the covered deck. Hubs and I had our first official swim off the dock too because have mercy it was close to 100 degrees outside.

Somehow my phone froze on the Siri screen early Friday and I tried every trick in the book to correct it, but nothing worked. It wouldn't shut off, I couldn't trick Siri into turning it off, that whole wavy motion thing some people say works didn't work, and in the end I had to let the battery run down to zero in order to get it to turn off.

I crossed my fingers and toes hoping Siri wouldn't still be there when it restarted, and she wasn't. I don't even use Siri so don't ask me how I ended up frozen there.  And why does my battery barely last when I need it to last, but take three full days to run down when I want it to quit? Grrr...

Anyway, as a result I didn't take any pictures other than a quick couple of snaps with hubs phone because the sunset was too perfect not to.

While we were on our dock Sunday a former co-worker of hubs who lives in GA texted and said he and his wife were spending the weekend on our lake with some friends, and did we want to come by and catch up? They were only a couple of miles from our lot so we drove over there and sat on their dock for a while, then more friends came by with their boat and we ended up taking a little late afternoon cruise before heading home.

Without measuring for the furniture which was the whole reason we went out to the lake in the first place. Bother.

So what did your weekend look like?

Stuff On A Thursday

Hubs and I have been discussing snakes recently because we're building a house in the woods beside water which I'm pretty sure could be like a club med for snakes and also because we spotted a big black rat snake on the trail behind our apartment which is not in the woods or beside the water so apparently snakes are everywhere.

Yes that needed to be one long sentence.

Anyway, hubs knows a lot about snakes and I know very little because I grew up in the land of shopping malls and sidewalks and the green green manicured lawns of home. We have a few rules for the lot and one is don't walk through the construction site en route to the dock wearing flip flops. I've mentioned the nailpalooza happening on site, but we also wear boots in case a snake has made himself at home in the still un-landscaped back yard/mud pit. Hubs likes to tell me if I see a black rat snake don't kill it because they sometimes eat copperheads.

For the record I will not be killing any snakes.
Isn't that why I got married?

I'm something of a snake expert now and here's all you need to know-'red and yellow kill a fellow, nose is black stay back'. You're welcome. Also (in case my mom is reading here) we have not seen a single solitary snake on the lot.

Oh, and I'm not really an expert.

Moving on...I got new glasses today. I ordered them a week ago, and nothing makes you realize how dependent you are on your prescription sunglasses than being without. The roads are safe again. Ha-kidding! Mostly.

This whole tiny house phenomenon. I don't get it. Isn't that another way to say camping? I've never watched the show, but have you seen the ad for the program where the man tries to climb into a bathtub the size of a powder room sink?

I'm not opposed to camping and I'm absolutely in favor of not being house poor, but these houses are soooo tiny. Really really tiny. They're not small houses. They're tiny. Teeny tiny. To each his own, but is that better than living in a small house with normal sized ceilings? And do you buy a lot to put it on or do you move it around? Maybe I need to watch the show.

Google plus. Another thing I still don't get.

For the record I do read those Facebook posts where the poster says they're trying to see who actually reads their posts and to prove it please answer a question, then copy and paste it to your own page. I never copy and paste it to my own page. I'm a rebel like that, but if you're my friend on fb I do read your posts. Promise.

Who watches Ninja Warrior? I'm absolutely amazed at the sheer physical strength of the participants, particularly in their arms. I still sometimes feel like I could break my nose doing my push ups, and a pull up? Forget it. Pull ups remind me of the President's Test on Physical Fitness we had to take back in elementary school. Do kids still have to take that test?

I had to look it up, and apparently in 2012 it was changed to The Universal Youth Fitness Program. A sign of the times I guess that the focus now is more on helping students develop healthy habits. I will say that test we took in the 60's and 70's was 'character building'. And I'm pretty sure successfully completing 2 pull-ups would still be the hardest part for me.

Y'all if you're a pray-er will you please pray in earnest for our nation? I honestly look at the choice we're going to have in November and it makes me want to cry. This is what we've come to? I know some people out there are fully on board one band wagon or another, but I also know so many people like me who don't want to choose between horrible and awful. Please don't rant in the comments about how your candidate is not awful or somehow not as awful as his/her opponent.

When my girls were growing up if they tried to wriggle out of something by telling me someone else had done something worse, well that just never flew with me. Let's not hold ourselves up to the lowest standard out there. I believe that's true for teenagers making questionable decisions and true for each one of us in this very ugly and volatile election season.

It's America and everyone's entitled to their opinion and their private vote via the ballot box (I'm talking to you Miss America judge!), but what do you do when you're a conscientious person who wants to vote but cannot find your way out of the murky messy muddy waters we're all forced to swim in right now?

You pray that's what you do. And you remind yourself there are many months until the election (it only feels like it's been happening for about two years now) and much can happen in a day.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Phillipians 4:6-7 

Warning: Hodgepodge Ahead

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger linking before you.  Here are my answers-

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list? 

Of the activities listed I probably most want to visit a new city because I love exploring new places. Will that happen in June? There's nothing scheduled as of now, but never say never. Which one holds the least appeal? Making a swing for my home. 

How many on the list will I attempt in June? A road trip, a morning run, a flower bouquet, all day hiking maybe?, ice cream maybe? definitely a trip to the Farmer's Market and I'll for sure read a new book or four. 

What would I add to the list? Dining al fresco is always on my summer to-do list so let's add that. 

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Pray, take a walk or go for a swim, count my blessings...these are all things that help me put a day in perspective. 

3.June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure?

Rocky road ranks in my top three favorite ice cream flavors, so yes I'd say I'm a fan. Of course I've got my favorites ranked. Doesn't everyone? 

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

Caution: Excessive Talker 

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week?

I haven't visited anything new or at least not worth mentioning in the past week so I'm going to say Pinterest. I can always find something interesting there-ha! 

6.Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why?

I'm going with autumn for a couple of reasons. I'm more than 40 50 so like the season, it's also third quarter here. Also there's something about the sky and the light and the natural world in autumn that is suited to thinking deep thoughts, reflecting on the past, goal setting for the future, and a general contentment with life that I think fits my personality. 

7."You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.

Yes I mostly agree. Traveling (for pleasure) helps me remember the world is big, that I have much to be grateful for and much still to learn. When I travel I think less about myself and more about the world and my place in it. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My daughter2 and I are celebrating the official start of summer today with lunch and a movie. Yes I know it's not officially official summer for another 12 days, but she's a teacher so summer starts here today. Yesterday actually. We're going to see Love and Friendship which got good reviews and looks cute. Has anyone seen it yet?

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 269

First things first...my Daughter1 is celebrating a birthday today and I'd love for you to hop over and flood her blog (Sincerely Shannon) with happy wishes if you have a minute or two to spare. Thanks for that!

And now time for the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the universe. See you there!

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list?

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful? 

3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure? 

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week? 

6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why? 

7. "You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.  

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Rainy Days and Mondays

Good Monday morning. I haven't checked in here on a Monday in a while because life and all, but today I've got time and words so here we go.

The home build is making me a little bit crazy. I alternate between sleeping fitfully and wanting to sleep all the time. Someone wake me up when it's closer to completion please. An inspection has to happen before we proceed with insulation and dry wall so here we sit. Hopefully those things will occur in a timely manner, which I think in builder's terms means more than a day but less than a month. Something like that.

A friend from NJ who worked with hubs in his previous job was in town on Saturday, so we trekked out to the lot to show her 'the house'. Still feels more like a frame than a house, although I know all kinds of things have gone on behind the scenes. Important things like wiring and plumbing and heating and cooling, but not pretty things like cabinets and granite and hard wood floors.

Another couple who live on the lake, but who also worked with hubs in NJ jetted over to our dock so they could say hi to our mutual friend too.

When I say jetted I mean they literally jetted over. And even though the weather forecast said no rain, it rained. Hubs had taken the jet ski friends up to the 'house' for a tour, and I was sitting on the dock with our friend P when the rains came a-pouring. As the rain became heavier it occurred to me that sitting under a metal roof perched atop the water is not where you want to be in an electrical storm, but thankfully this turned out to be just a really hard fast rainstorm.

I have to say it was actually quite beautiful. I took a little video which you may or may not see here because I don't have very good luck attaching video to my blog. Or maybe it's skill I'm lacking? Anyway, you may or may not see rain, but either way know it was pretty.

I can't wait to live here.

Not right here because this is a restaurant, but on the lake here. In our house. With walls and all the pretty parts in place.

Saturday night Daughter2 and her boyfriend met us for dinner at a restaurant downtown. Aren't they the cutest?

Hubs and I spent the rest of the weekend discussing why things aren't moving faster and when they might move faster, and what can we do to make them move faster and then I napped. Because in the words of Mason Cooley...'When you can't figure out what to do, take a nap.' 

Write that down and put it in your when-I-build-a-house file. You're welcome.

Various and Sundry

I like that idiom and feel like its a good fit here on this side of the pond. Experts say you shouldn't use it, but phsst.

Two weekends ago hubs and I met friends at the Sierra Nevada Brewery near Asheville NC. It's gorgeous, which seems like a funny word to use in describing a brewery but it really is a beautiful venue. The entrance is grand and they've spared no expense in the design. The brewery is tucked back off the highway and you come in by way of a long winding drive lined with copper landscape lighting (I think they were lights) and a big stone wall.

We opted not to take the tour this time, because we were there mostly to catch up with friends, but I think I'd like to take the tour next time. You do need to book that ahead as it's popular. There's a couple of huge indoor dining spaces along with a covered patio and then more seating outside.  We got a table on the covered patio and ordered several plates to share. The food was delicious. I'm not a beer drinker so can't really comment about that, but the place was hoppin' if that tells you anything.

The space out back is the best part. They have an enormous garden the chef picks from in creating the menu and it makes a really pretty landscape too. We did wonder what their secret is for keeping the rabbits at bay, because everything looked so healthy and not nibbled on at all.

The garlic and strawberries were especially impressive, and they even had a row of curry plants which is something I'd never seen before.

There's a big amphitheatre where they'll eventually have live music, a walking trail through the woods, a gorgeous firepit,and plenty of cornhole and bocce courts for visitors to enjoy. In a funny turn of events, as we were driving over to NC I had a text from Daugther2 asking me a question and we texted a bit before I mentioned we were on our way to Sierra Nevada. Turns out she and her boyfriend were guess where? At Sierra Nevada, also with friends-ha!

Last weekend (Memorial Day) hubs and I went to Georgia for a long lake weekend with more friends. One couple has a Pontoon boat on Lake Allatoona and we spent all day Saturday on the water.

In the water too because it was hot. The air not the water. The water was actually cool, but once you took the plunge it felt good. We listened to a lot of music and solved all manner of the world's problems. Time on the water is good for that.

Also, sunsets. My oh my.

We had a cookout Sunday and headed back home Monday with a quick stop at our lake to check on the house progress.

Hubs and I had stopped Friday on the way to Georgia since you practically go right by, and in a happy coincidence found the stone delivery happening and stone masons on site to get started. There will be some stone on the exterior of our home, plus all the fireplaces.

We've almostlearned to keep our expectations low when it comes to measuring progress week to week, and it was already noon on Friday when they made the delivery leading into a long holiday weekend. Plus there's a lot of prep work and such before the stone can be attached to the house, plus stuff just moves crazy slow, so yeah. Low expectations.

When we swung by Monday we were pleasantly surprised to see this-

No mud yet, or filler or grout or whatever they call the in-between stuff, but-

...it's a start!