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!

A Berry Nice Hodgepodge

We're kicking off this first day of June with another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered this week's questions be sure to add your link at the end of my post. Then go say something nice to the blogger linking before you because today is National Say Something Nice Day.

Here we go-

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar.

We celebrate 32 years of married life this June, so there's that. Course it lands on a Thursday so hubs will be dining at a work event, and I'll be dining with friends on the other side of town. They tell me we can Skype him in-ha! 

2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year?

Ah the sun. Why must it be so bad for you??? I used to only tan, but now I'll burn if I'm not covered in sunscreen so I wear the lotion and a hat, spend time in the shade, and yes I do visit the dermatologist once a year. 

3.  Describe a time when you wanted to 'throw in the towel'.

Not often because I'm quite stubborn, but in all likelihood it had something to do with a computer problem I couldn't solve on my own. Thankfully I birthed my very own I.T. department so the frustration doesn't ever last for long.  

4.  What's a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics? 

Again with the pick one? My favorite is probably Easy (Like Sunday Morning) by the Commodores with Saturday in the Park by Chicago coming in a close second. 

5.  Are you a fan of berries? Which one's your favorite? What's the most recent berry dish you've eaten? Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin? 

I love berries. Blueberries are my favorite, but when it comes to berries I'm really not picky. We had mixed berries for breakfast on Monday morning and they were delish. Of the breakfast foods listed blueberry pancakes appeal to me, but I almost never eat pancakes. I like hubs to order blueberry pancakes when we go out to breakfast and then I can have one bite which is enough. I'd choose the yogurt. 

6.  What's something you want to do before your next birthday?

Move into the new house! And on the off chance Bob the Builder is reading here, my birthday's mid-September. Maybe I should tell him it's in mid-July? 

7.  June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let's all say something nice here. 

I was grocery shopping Tuesday morning and a man shopping near me gave me a coupon for $10 off a $50 order. Whoohoo! It was expiring that day and he said he wasn't going to have $50 worth of groceries so would be happy for me to use it. Small unexpected kindnesses make life so much sweeter, don't you think? 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My nephew turns 10 today, and if you're related to me and your birthday falls on the Wednesday Hodgepodge you get a birthday shoutout. 

I thought it would be fun to see what else turns ten this year, and that list includes-Taylor Swift's first album, Twitter, High School Musical, and Nintendo Wii (anyone besides us still have one?). 

Oh, and also Facebook although it had been available to college students before then, but 2006 was the year your mama could finally see what you were up to online. Not this mama because I did not jump on the FB bandwagon until a few years later.  

Happy birthday A! I wish I were there to hold up two hands on your big day!