Hello Tuesday

Who else gets completely thrown off with their calendar by these Monday holidays? I don't know why it should affect me because technically everyday is Saturday when you're retired, but still it does. Here's how our long weekend looked-

Daughter2 wasn't heading back to her Tennessee home until late morning so Daughter1 came over with her kids and we broke in the griddle ala breakfast style. 

We've cooked on the griddle before, but this was our first time trying breakfast and it was a big hit. I made pancake batter and hubs added chocolate chips and cooked them on the griddle along with the usual couple pounds of bacon (these kids can eat), and eggs two different ways. 

We were going to have fried eggs, but the first two stuck so hubs regrouped and scrambled those. Then he figured out how much butter or oil he needed for frying, and those were good too. I absolutely love a big family breakfast and it was so much fun having it all outside. 

After the TN crew got on the road back home daughter1 took her crew back to their house, and hubs and I collapsed on the couch. 

Not exactly, but more or less that's what we did. We cleaned up breakfast and put a few things away but mostly we chilled on the sofa outside. I read and had a tiny nap and then we eventually got dressed to go out for dinner because I declared my kitchen closed. 

We went for sushi at a local place we enjoy and it was pretty and tasty. We decided we needed a small scoop of ice cream afterwards so we headed to the sweet shop where I had the most delicious raspberry and white chocolate bite and hubs had salted caramel. He said mine was better and he was right. 

It was still early so we drove by a lot hubs recently sold in a new neighborhood. He wanted to snag a picture with the sold sign up for the buyer who lives out of town. The sales manager was on site so we chatted a while and I got a tour of the model which I always enjoy. When I was growing up my mom would sometimes take me to see model homes in new neighborhoods and I always thought that was fun. I love to see how they're decorated.

Saturday we started the day at Lowes. Does every Saturday start at Lowes? Perhaps. 

Hubs has been working on adding some lighting to the waterfall and needed three more. It is looking so pretty! We also checked out their grills because we wanted to buy Daughter1 and her family a grill as a housewarming gift. They all seemed huge and since we didn't know the width of their grilling space we decided we'd come back later in the weekend to actually buy. 

Hubs never says no to a trip to Lowes.   

We left there and went to what was billed as Farm Fest, mostly because it was held on a farm and not because any farming was happening. I mean there probably was farming happening somewhere,  just not where we were. There was also a rodeo Friday night, but we missed that. There were some antique tractors on display, plus a running cotton gin which was kind of interesting to see, but truth be told we were there for the BBQ.  

It was a contest and we are all about great BBQ. Hubs makes a really good pulled pork so our standards are high. We bought tickets to get samples and each chef gave you a very small cup of pulled pork. The first guy gave us a rib and kind of won me over with that, but we made the rounds and then cast our vote. 

You don't think you're eating that much because the cups are really small but we were so full. There were a couple of other food trucks there too, but the only one we tried was the one selling lemonade. We had a limeade and it was also really good. 

There was a a big jeep show happening too, and loads of people brought their jeeps for everyone to see. They had an obstacle course set up for any jeep owners who wanted to try it and that was really fun to watch. We only saw one get stuck and have to be pulled out. 

On the way home hubs asked (since we were in the area) if we could go by the truck dealer and look at trucks because that's what he's considering for his next vehicle. I halfheartedly said yes. Y'all. This is one of my least favorite activities and one of his most favorite so someone's gotta give. Since we will need to buy something this year it had to be me. 

41 years in June and it's mostly the little things that get you there. 

It's funny because he loves talking about this model or that one, and pointing them out as we drive around town, asking if I noticed the wheels (huh?) or can I see how this one has running boards that retract but that one doesn't, and I guess these things matter?  I'm not a truck girl. I'm a fast car girl lol. 

We came home and watched a movie (Nonnas) which was super cute! I wish we'd known about this one when we lived near the city. Dinner was leftovers because my kitchen was still mostly closed. 

Sunday we went to church then out to breakfast right after. Once we were back home I read for a while and hubs watched some golf, and then we headed out to see the new Mission Impossible-The Final Reckoning, at the theatre. We rarely see movies in the theater anymore,  but we like this series and enjoy seeing them on the big screen. 

Also Tom Cruise is insane. The stunts! My palms were sweaty when we left the theatre. We loved it! We had popcorn at the movies and called it dinner. I was three for three on the kitchen closure. 

Monday we headed back to Lowes to purchase the grill and the cover and arrange to have it delivered assembled to daughter1's house later this week. Then we did a big grocery shop, and it was back outside to read and relax beside the waterfall. It was sublime. 

The weather was not the best Sunday or Monday and I always feel for people who come to the lake for the holiday weekend and miss seeing the sun. Still the rain held off until later Monday, so there was plenty of fun to be had. Hubs grilled us a steak and I made baked potatoes and a caprese salad with my home grown basil which is already thriving. 

If you have a dish you love that calls for pesto send it my way, because I'm going to have plenty. 

Hope your weekend was filled with the things and people you love. I will leave this very quick little video here, a poignant reminder of what it's all about. 

Omaha Beach Sand

Linking today with Holly and Sarah for their Hello Monday weekend recap party. Hop over and see what everyone's been up to...

Happy TuesdayMonday everyone! 

The Friday Five

It seems everyone is blogging about that end of the school year kind of crazy busy-ness that happens every May and what I want to know is why is my May the same kind of crazy busy? No school aged children at home and we're retired. Here's my friendly psa to anyone who isn't retired and is telling themselves life will 'settle down' once they are-

It won't. 

Retired does not mean bored, a calendar full of blank space, or nowhere to go-nothing to do. 

At least it doesn't for us. We still have so much going on and are always in search of 'a quick nap' to recharge which will not be happening this week. 

This week is still pretty grand though. My son-in-law has a work conference and spouses were invited to tag along. We're in charge of their littles while they're away, and we are absolutely loving every happy exhausting minute of it. 

 It's only Day1 but so far so good lol. 

While baby is napping and the boys are lego-ing I'm going to do a quick five favorites from the week that was....linking with Erika and Andrea and their Friday Favorites hop-

1. My parents. My in-laws. I've been thinking about them a lot this week. My hubs traveled extensively for work back in the day and I was able to accompany him on a number of really fun trips. Before leaving I remember always feeling a little bit anxious about how my girls would do while we were away (they were always completely fine), and not giving a a whole lot of thought as to how my parents would do. 

Now that I'm the parent watching the grands I realize my worries were misplaced-ha! The littles are living their best lives with grandparents in the house. 

Grandparents on the other hand are used to sipping their leisurely two cups of coffee in the morning without anyone ever asking a single question. They have  to relearn how to buckle a car seat and unbuckle a stroller every.single.time they visit, and they've forgotten what it's like to watch kids and cook dinner at the same time. They work hard to bite their tongue and not say, 'be careful!!' every few seconds when the six year old is on top of the jungle gym. 

Seriously. I'm married to a literal dare devil who gave his own mother gray hairs (and possibly still does), but when it comes to his grands he can't help but say 'be careful' when they're doing kid type things. We're working on it, but I'm also pretty sure this is just how grandparents are wired the world over. 

I do know my girls appreciate our efforts, and that of their in-laws too. I will have to assume some decades after the fact, that my own parents and in-laws also knew how much I appreciated the excellent care they provided whenever we asked. 

2. In person time with our grands. I haven't seen this set in person since January so we were overdue. And we're having the best time doing all the things, keeping them busy, them keeping us busy (truth!) stacking blocks, reading books, climbing, building, running, swinging, sliding, looking, and laughing, all with laps full-hearts full. 

We arrived a day early so we would also be able to spend some time with Daughter1 before they left on their trip, and that always does a momma's heart good. 

3. When my girls were small and hubs and I went out of town I'd wrap little gifts, one for each day we would be away, for the girls to open. It was something to look forward to and also helped them mark the time. My daughter has done the same for hers and I love that. 

4. I started a subscription to Lovevery when my third grandson was born. My daughter2 knew about it and thought it looked good, so I signed him up and sent boxes the first year of his life. Then when Little Miss arrived on the scene I sent her boxes too. 

Then of course I forgot to cancel the subscription so surprise! they both got boxes this month. It worked out well as we're doling out the items here this week while Mom and Dad are away and the toys in the box are a happy distraction. 

Distraction is king in terms of managing the toddler kingdom. 

Anyway, if you're not familiar with Lovevery they are stage-based play kits and the quality is top notch. I'm not a rep for them, we've just been so pleased with the product I thought I'd share. They are not inexpensive but like I said the quality is phenomenal. 

Each kit contains 7-10 playthings, a book, and a developmental play guide. I will add that both of my grands have absolutely loved the kits they've received and the toys are made to last. 

If you're interested message me and I'll give you a friend referral which will save you $20 on your first kit.  You can also skip boxes or cancel if you decide you don't want the full year.  

5. Lastly, I never want the Memorial Day weekend to go by without mentioning the men and women who have served this land I love, as well as those currently in some branch of our nation's military. In particular I want to honor those who've given their very lives...'who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life...'  

I grew up in a 'military family' and while my dad did not die in battle, he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery beside so very many who did. I pray on this holiday weekend, between trips to the pool, backyard barbecues, and the thrill of summer rolling in, that we can all pause for a moment and acknowledge the sacrifices made, by those soldiers and by their families too. 

Let's hush the national bickering on this day, and remember with pride and gratitude how America became and remains the land of the free. 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone and may God bless America! 

It's Tuesday, Right?

Good morning. If you're here looking for the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge there aren't any. Apologies for the late notice, but I'm always a day behind when these long weekends roll around and I need a day or two to get back in gear. The Hodgepodge will resume next Wednesday, June 8. 

Now back to the weekend, and of course I'm going to start by mentioning the weather because it was fabulous. 

Sunny skies, low humidity, and warm temps. We've had a busy few weeks here so we very much enjoyed three solid days at home (in the neighborhood anyway) with lots of relaxing on the porch, a little dock diving-

...a bit of gardening-

A fun barbecue and float party with some neighbors, which included dunking our whole selves in the lake for the first time this season (you only shivered a little with that initial dip, then it was all good)-

A boat ride-

and the first Orange Crush of the season-

Nothing says summer here like a boat ride with friends to the local cabana for an Orange Crush. 

Hubs and I went to see Top Gun Maverick on Sunday afternoon, and we loved it. Sequels are usually a disappointment but this one is so well done. Tom Cruise  is aging very well. Just sayin'. This was our first time in an actual movie theater since pre-Covid days so whoohoo!

On the whole I feel like lake people are patriotic people. Flags fly from decks and docks and the backs of boats and there's a lot of red, white, and blue to be found around town. As the sun set on the weekend I found myself feeling so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy. Grateful for the ones who make it so.  

I know our country isn't perfect, but we are so very lucky to call this place home. 

Here's To The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, the last one in the month of May. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Comments make the maypole go round! 

1. It's National Wine Day (May 25)...do you like wine? Red or white? Dry or sweet? Do you have a favorite? Have you ever been to California wine country? Or any other wine region? What's a dish you make that calls for wine? 

I do like wine, both red and white (rose too) and especially champagne. I like dry wine, never sweet. Champagne is my favorite but if I'm having white I'll opt for a sauvignon blanc and a red zin if we're having red. I have been to Napa, visited some of Portugal's wine area, and the champagne region of France. That was one of my favorite trips ever...the food, the countryside, the history, the friends we traveled with, and of course the champagne. I wrote about it way back when and you can read those posts here and here. 

I make a chicken dish that calls for wine, capers, artichokes and roasted red peppers and it's yummy.

2. What's something you've whined about lately? 

I know I sound like a broken record but the pollen has taken on a life of its own this year. 

3. Last time you were 'wined and dined'? Tell us about it. 

I feel like I'm wined and dined fairly often as that's something we both enjoy. Hubs and I went with some neighbors a few weeks ago to a lovely seven course dinner and wine pairing in a nearby restaurant. Every single course was delicious and the whole event made for a wonderful fun night out.  

4. Three cheers for_____________________.

Grandboys! 

The ones we know and the one we cannot wait to meet soon!

5. This will be the last Hodgepodge in the month of May. Somehow next Wednesday the calendar rolls into June. Before we go though, sum up your May in twelve words or less. 

Family fun, baby talk, celebrations, road trippin, and a whole lotta love. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Land of the free, because of the brave...

Thankful this Memorial Day and every day for the men and women who gave their very lives for this land I love. May we honor their memory with our words and actions. 

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Monday Rememberings On A Tuesday

These weeks that 'start' on a Tuesday always throw me off, and I will be a day behind until at least Sunday. 

How was your weekend? Ours was lovely, leisurely, filled with friends, the flag, extended family and lots of yummy food. Saturday I prepared a trifle then had a nice long nap.

That's basically the highlights-ha! 

Hubs and I went out to breakfast which is one of my most favorite things to do on any given weekend, and we stopped in a local produce market to pick up a tub of berries. Daughter1's in-laws invited us for a cookout at their lake house and I was bringing dessert. I love to make a trifle but you need to be feeding a crowd so this was perfect. Plus the patriotic nod made it extra pretty. 

Sunsets from their deck are not too shabby either. 

The weather was gorgeous all weekend long and we spent a lot of time outdoors soaking it in. We didn't take the boat out because holiday weekends can be a little crazy on the water, especially this early in the season with lots of newbies out there. Unless we have company we like to boat on weekdays when things are quieter. We still did a lot of porch sitting and there was almost no humidity so that was wonderful. 

On Sunday afternoon we went over to the nearby university for a very special Memorial Day program. The Star Spangled Banner was sung, an alumni who'd lost his life in service to our nation was honored, a bugler played Taps, and I felt so much pride and gratitude for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for this land I love. 

On Monday we met up with some former neighbors who were in a nearby town to attend a graduation ceremony. We had lunch and caught up and it felt like old times. 

Our current next door neighbors came over for dinner Monday evening and hubs grilled brats and we had our first corn on the cob. We dined al fresco because did I mention the weather??? And please just ignore the ginormous spider bite on my arm. It feels as delightful as it looks. 

In other news, I recently purchased an ice cream freezer because I think it will be a fun thing to have when the grandboys are here. Hubs did not object. 

Somebody was ready to act as taste-tester. 

We thought we'd do a test run and I'm sure there will be a few more "test runs" before they actually arrive, but I had loads of strawberries in the frig so we opted for strawberry first.

It was really really good but I think the base needs a bit of tweaking. If you have a recipe you love for home made ice cream send it my way. 

All in all it was a low key weekend with just the right amount of activity, people, and patriotic happenings to feel pretty perfect. 

We're ever grateful to the men and women who let it be so. 

Ten-hut! It's The Hodgepodge!

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then go say hi to the blogger linking before you. Here we go-

 

1. We're approaching Memorial Day Weekend in the US of A...will you mark this in some way? If so tell us how. According to a list found here some things you might do in honor of Memorial Day would be-shop in a Veteran owned business, learn to play a patriotic song, watch the Memorial Day concert, take a virtual tour of the White House, write a letter to a soldier or a soldier's family, fly a flag, attend a Memorial Day parade, donate flowers for a soldier's grave, put together a care package for a soldier, and take a moment of silence at 3 PM (the National Moment of Remembrance)....of the ideas mentioned are there any you will try? 

We definitely try to mark the day and will for sure be flying the flag.  I don't know of any local parades but we hope to attend a nearby Memorial Day service on Sunday afternoon. 

I've been on an in-person tour of the White House so won't be doing the virtual. I like the idea of the 3 PM moment of silence, and I don't think I knew that was a thing until recently. Now that I do I'm going to respect it. My dad is buried in Arlington National Cemetery and when we lived close by we used to like to visit sometime over the Memorial Day weekend. They do a wonderful job of honoring those who've served their country. 

2. What's something recently that made you 'come to attention'?

The price of gas.

3. In what area of your life do you need to 'soldier on'?

Cleaning out my desk and file cabinets. In terms of desk space I'm downsizing so I need to empty out this great big desk and decide what to keep, what to file in a separate file cabinet, and what absolutely must be within arms reach in the new desk space.  This big desk was overdue for a clean out anyway, but I'm easily distracted. 

4. As a long weekend approaches and summer draws near, what's a favorite food from your childhood you think about adding to the menu?

Home made ice cream. We don't have an ice cream freezer, but I'm going to get one before my grandsons visit so we can make ice cream with them.  

5. Your favorite patriotic movie? 

Apollo 13 and Saving Private Ryan would be my top two. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time 
that men have died to win them." Franklin D. Roosevelt

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 421

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

 

1. We're approaching Memorial Day Weekend in the US of A...will you mark this in some way? If so tell us how. According to a list found here some things you might do in honor of Memorial Day would be-shop in a Veteran owned business, learn to play a patriotic song, watch the Memorial Day concert, take a virtual tour of the White House, write a letter to a soldier or a soldier's family, fly a flag, attend a Memorial Day parade, donate flowers for a soldier's grave, put together a care package for a soldier, and take a moment of silence at 3 PM (the National Moment of Remembrance)....of the ideas mentioned are there any you will try? 

2. What's something recently that made you 'come to attention'? 

3. In what area of your life do you need to 'soldier on'? 

4. As a long weekend approaches and summer draws near, what's a favorite food from your childhood you think about adding to the menu? 

5. Your favorite patriotic movie? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We're All In This Hodgepodge Together

Welcome to the middle of the week and your friendly neighborhood 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. That's what good neighbors do.

1. The US of A celebrated Memorial Day this past Monday. Does your family have any military ties? If so, tell us about them.

Yes I do. My dad was a career Marine and my son-in-law is a surgeon in the Army. In addition we spent nine years living in Annapolis so we also hold the Navy in high regard. My dad is buried in Arlington National Cemetery and if you've never been I highly recommend a visit there. A beautiful peaceful place full of meaning, history, beauty, and the remains of so many of our nation's brave and beloved soldiers. 

2. Cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, mac and cheese, macaroni salad...your favorite BBQ side? How many of these do you make from scratch vs. buying from the deli?

This is a toughie. Why are food questions always the hardest for me to answer? I like all of those sides, but my two favorites are baked beans and cole slaw. If we're grilling burgers I want baked beans, and if it's BBQ I need a side of cole slaw. 

I don't make my own potato chips, but everything else on the list I prefer from scratch. I rarely if ever buy a salad or side dish from the deli.

3.  I enjoyed asking this question back when the Hodgepodge was a regular thing...Lake Superior State University posts a list each year of words they think should be banished from the Queen's English for misuse, overuse, and/or general uselessness. The 2020 list includes-quid pro quo, artisanal, curated, influencer, literally, I mean, living my best life, mouthfeel (word used by foodies to describe texture of food in their mouth), chirp (basically an insult, you can read more on the website), jelly (short for jealous), totes (short for totally), vibe, and OK Boomer (internet response from millenial to older generation).

Of the words/phrases listed which would you most like to see 'banned'?

I have never heard the word chirp used in this way so don't think I'd notice if it were banned. Same goes for OK Boomer and mouthful. I totes use jelly, I mean, and vibe so not going to vote those out either. I guess I'll say influencer because it sounds pretentious and who declares someone an influencer anyway?  

Somebody reading here is probably saying OK Boomer right about now-ha! 

4. I'm sure next year's list will be filled with words springing out of this weird season we're all in currently. What word or phrase associated with the Corona would you be happy to hear less often?

Unprecedented. Because is it? Wasn't there a pandemic about a hundred years ago we keep comparing with this current pandemic? Also it seems when someone behind a microphone tosses this one out if feels like they're doing it strictly for effect. 

I read a thread on Twitter asking this question and most answers were the predictable phrases we all think of...unprecedented, uncertain, we're all in this together, social distancing, flatten the curve, etc but my favorite was the mom who answered with 'What's for dinner?'  Ha! That's some truth right there! 

5.  The month of May wraps up in just a few days. Bid her adieu in ten words or less.

Life is rarely just one thing and May was no exception. 

Tornadoes struck, roses bloomed, a virus lingered, moms were loved. 
More than ten words but whatev. 

Hmmm...should whatev have made the list in question #3?

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Some of you follow my daughter's blog and/or her Youtube channel, but for those who don't she shares fun videos and insight into life in and around S. Korea. Been on a bit of a hiatus for the past three months (I don't need to explain why, right?) but she's back with a new post and video up this week.  It's fun to travel vicariously through her-

Her blog can be found here-Sincerely Shannon

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 370

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then pop back here tomorrow to share answers with the universe. See you there!

1. The US of A celebrated Memorial Day this past Monday. Does your family have any military ties? If so, tell us about them.

2. Cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, mac and cheese, macaroni salad...your favorite BBQ side? How many of these do you make from scratch vs. buying from the deli?

3.  I enjoyed asking this question back when the Hodgepodge was a regular thing...Lake Superior State University posts a list each year of words they think should be banished from the Queen's English for misuse, overuse, and/or general uselessness. The 2020 list includes-quid pro quo, artisanal, curated, influencer, literally, I mean, living my best life, mouthful (word used by foodies to describe texture of food in their mouth), chirp (basically an insult, you can read more on the website), jelly (short for jealous), totes (short for totally), vibe, and OK Boomer (internet response from millenial to older generation).

Of the words/phrases listed which would you most like to see 'banned'?

4. I'm sure next year's list will be filled with words springing out of this weird season we're all in currently. What word or phrase associated with the Corona would you be happy to hear less often?

5.  The month of May wraps up in just a few days. Bid her adieu in ten words or less.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Blogging In The Age Of Corona

It's Monday and in the old days, aka before the you know what, Mondays on my blog meant a weekend recap. I think I'm gonna need someone to define weekend, because isn't every day the weekend now? This particular Monday is also a holiday, but there's no parade, no backyard barbecue where everybody brings a dish, no music played a little too loud or team cornhole happening on the driveway.

Weekends used to mean a dock full of our best pals, dinner at the neighbor's house, a boat ride to the local hangout where we were sure to meet up with friends and likely make a few new ones along the way. Now it's me and the hubs, porch sitting, dog walking, coffee drinking, talking about all manner of everything under the sun but quite often circling back around to how strange everything feels and what to do about that.

How does one blog in the age of Corona? How do you write about static?

My blog has always been what I affectionately describe as a 'slice of life'. That's my niche. My wheelhouse. The extraordinary ordinary of everyday life. Observations about the people I live with and those who cross my path. My role as mother-daughter-wife-sister-friend. The times we're living in, the wider world, and my place in it.

Right now it feels like we all have tunnel vision and are staring down this one big thing that we can't seem to get through or go around or climb over, and how do you keep writing about that? Do I want to keep writing about that? I can't not write about that, can I?

I don't know that I'll need this blog to help me remember this weird season, but ten years of blogging has taught me that reading something written in real time weeks, months, or even years later brings perspective and validity to the memory.

So here's what I've observed lately...

For all our pining about how we don't like change, turns out we kinda do. We may fear it a little and wobble some before finding our new footing, but change propels us in new directions and that's a good thing. Or at least a different thing and we want different. All of this stay at home all day every day business has shown us we don't want same old same old. We don't want every day to look like the one before.

Yes we wanted a less busy calendar, but not a blank one. Yes we wanted a break from all the going and doing, but it's not a break if it lasts forever. Yes we wanted time to step back from the crazy and re-evaluate priorities, figure out what's truly important, but then we need to step back in and act on what we've learned. And yes we might love to make dinner for our family but not absolutely positively every single night, plus every breakfast, lunch and snack too, am I right?

Yes I'm right.

It's hard right now to see how we ever get back to where we once were in terms of activity, interaction, and community but I suppose like most things it will be a process. One day I'll read back on this blog post and remember a long season of being at home.

I'll remember slow starts to the morning.

Books read on the porch without an ounce of guilt.

So much meal planning and intentional shopping.

Using what's in the frig.

Substituting this for that because that was nowhere to be found.

All the cooking. Have mercy there was a lot of cooking.

Church on the computer.

Zoom calls with family and friends.

Missing people being close enough to touch.

Completing projects we finally found time for.

Disappointment.

Kindness.

Wearing a mask.

Not going anywhere and not really minding too much except when we did.

Blogging in the age of Corona is not so different than blogging in the time before. Like all the seasons I've written my way through I know this one too will look a bit different when viewed through the lens of hindsight.

Looking forward to getting there.
I think?

A part of me wonders if it's possible not to go all the way back to where we were? To just go some of the way back?  To retain some of the low key-quiet-just us sitting on the porch because we feel like it- way of living?

Guess we'll find out.

It's Tuesday

I felt that needed to be said, because when a weekend lasts three days it's easy to forget what day it is. That also explains why there are no Hodgepodge questions on my blog today. I normally write them on a Monday so they'll post on Tuesday, but I spent all day yesterday thinking it was Sunday so no Hodgepodge this week.

Let's talk about other interesting things. Like the weather! Ugh! Memorial Day weekend feels like the official start of the summer season which I guess is why we expect the weather to be lovely and summer-like. We're almost always disappointed. I keep reminding myself it's May and it's still spring so rain is the norm, but it feels like warm sunny skies should be the norm.

I remember when my girls were young we always went to a friend's parents house on Memorial Day weekend because we lived in Annapolis and the Blue Angels would fly right over her parent's pool. The water would be freezing and the skies were most often gray and cloudy but the kids would try to convince us it was perfect swimming weather and we'd let them swim because it really does feel like the kick off to summer.

In spite of the dreary weather, or maybe because of it, we had a really enjoyable, low-key, restful weekend here at the lake. Daughter2 drove out after work on Friday and made it in time for dinner. Hubs grilled chicken and made yummy margaritas, and we set up a taco bar of sorts. It was perfect.

We ate almost all our meals this weekend on the screened in porch which is my favorite thing to do. The lake is never not pretty, and honestly watching rain fall from the comfy coziness of the porch is good for the soul.

We've had a houseful of company all month long so a quiet weekend was definitely in order. Hubs likes the idea in theory, but in reality not so much. He can create a project where none exists. At one point this weekend I actually uttered these words, which I know some of you won't understand, but if you're married to a do-er like I am you'll get it..."Hon, I really need you to do less this weekend." 

Seriously, how can I stretch out for a nap with a book on the back deck when he's killing weeds, rearranging hoses, and moving rock??? Turns out I can, but 1% of me feels like I should also be 'toting that barge and lifting that bale' right along with him.

Daughter2's fiance arrived from out of town late Friday evening and the four of us had a great time lounging. I actually got the kayak out early Saturday, they're new so this was my first time in ours and it was nice. We're still waiting on the other one to get here because somehow the place we ordered from 'lost' the other one. Not sure how you lose a lime green kayak, but apparently it can happen.

Hubs took my advice mid-morning Saturday and joined us on the porch. There were a few pockets of sunshine late in the day and some neighbors popped over for cornhole on the back drive. We had steaks for dinner and taught the fiance how to play Hearts which was fun. Daughter2 and I both LOVE to play games, the fiance likes to play games, and hubs (once he's talked into the fun) tolerates playing games.

He did grill some awesome ribs on Sunday which is basically an all day kind of process, so while he did that Daughter2 and I played dress up. We pulled out my wedding gown, circa 1984, and I took pictures of her and marveled at my once tiny waistline. I was so in love with those Cinderella sleeves and seeing them again makes me secretly happy.

There's nothing quite like seeing your baby girl in a wedding gown, yours or the very elegant and beautiful gown she'll wear on her actual day. I'm so looking forward to that!

Sunday evening the weather perked up long enough for a boat ride which we all enjoyed. The clouds were impressive!

Monday the monsoon rains were back again. Daughter2 and I spent the morning looking at all things wedding related while the fiance took care of some work stuff on his computer, and hubs...wait for it... napped! in the porch rocker.

Porches make life sweeter y'all.

Before 'the kids' headed back to the small big city Monday we had an afternoon of bowling and burgers at a nearby place. I'm a terrible bowler but it was really fun and we will definitely do that again before summer's end.

Which isn't for a long long while because summer hasn't even started yet.
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