Month: December 2021

Animals, anxiety, Books, Creativity, Dogs, dreams, Emotions, family, Food, Guitar, Holiday, Learning, Life, Love, Music, Nature, Photography, Reading, retail, the World, Thinking, Travel, Writing

Quality Fun With My Man

1972italy

Everything feels off this morning. I am worried about Essie as her tummy is upset again. We may be going to the vet to start the new year. Yay. All she wants is to be loved on by me. I can hear her tummy across the room even over the furnace. If I lose her now… I can’t even cope.

Yesterday was an amazing afternoon with my Hubby! We ended up downtown Traverse (after several frustrating loops to find parking) and wandered a bit. It was a bit more wandering than we had intended. L’Amical was closed. So was the next restaurant. The one after that was short staffed so there was not one bussing the tables when they became empty. After a bit of waiting and no one asking if we needed to be seated we left. There were a few other choices along the way but none sounded good. So we ended up a Mackinaw Brewing for brunch. As always the food was excellent. The server even more so. Sadly I could not taste the flavors of either of our beers (I know it was me because Chris was able to pick out flavors used in the brewing process). To me they both tasted like water. Instead I decided (much to my happiness and giggles) to have a glass of “Sex”. That I could taste. (“Sex” is the name of a locally made champagne. Their other products have equally fun names.) The server and laughed together about me having “Sex” in public while Chris looked on wishing the moment would end, lol.

After brunch we made our way to the blessed bookstore. Sigh… I love our local bookstore! I got us both some much needed caffeine (double cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso for me and a large chai for Chris) (I had a good chat with a guy who worked on the local tall ship Madeline) and made my way through the store. The first thing I grab when I walk in the door is a copy of Michael J. Fox’s No Time Like The Future. This has been on my wish list for a bit. All three of his books. This happens to be the latest release. By the time we leave I have two books and a magazine (annoyingly I think I may already have a copy of the magazine). Chris got to motorcycle magazines (I will thumb through those when he is finished 😁).

From the bookstore we head to the local music shop. Chris needs a strap for his acoustic guitar and I figure I might as well get new strings for mine. We look through the strap selection and gasp a bit at the prices of the ones we like. Chris meanders a bit through the store ooing and ahhing over all the toys. While he is distracted I grab the strap that we both kinda liked and get that and my strings. When he comes back to pick out one of the cheapy straps I tell him to put it back and take his bag. He reaches for the cheapy strap again and I again tell him to put it down and take his bag. Then the penny drops (the guy that waited on me is behind the counter grinning the whole time). He looks in the bag and I get a big hug and thank you.

The next stop (this time we are on the road home) is Meijer’s. I end up leaving with the cutest little succulent! His name is George. After the quick run in that store we get a little closer to home and stop at Tractor Supply to get more canned food for the girls. While there I try on jeans (I can’t find a good fit even in mens sizes) and boots (I just want a plain basic cowboy boot… nothing fancy, no pointed toes or short boots). Nothing I want. A gal suggests that I try online and get it delivered to the store (I am thinking why not get it delivered to my house and save me the trip?) since they have a larger selection online. I agree and we depart with the canned dog food (Momma got a toy for each of the girls at Meijers so I was able to not go down the toy aisles there).

When we finally made it home I fed the girls (after we played for awhile with our new toys) and hunkered in bed for some serious reading. I am still reading two other books (one of which is a loaner from a friend and I need to really give it back soon) buuuuut I had to start the one by Michael J. Fox. As of right now I only have 78 more pages to go. Out of 238 pages. Ahem. Did I mention that I really wanted this book?

So we’ll hopefully all get some rest today. I will probably finish the one book and maaaaybe start another. I will write a review on the book when I am finished reading it. I am hoping to share some of the photos I took while we were out and about. I’m not sure how many I will be able to do as I took them with my phone which means they will take up more space in my media on here than my Nikon (I can download those as a smaller size). So we’ll see. I hope all of you have the best 2022 that you deserve! Thanks for all the love and support this year! Thanks for reading and stay safe! See you next year!

Sunset at Tractor Supply
Sunset at Meijers
Since we are a big part of the Coast Guard we get to see a lot of cool ships!
My glass of “Sex”.
Aging, Animals, anxiety, Books, Creativity, Dogs, Emotions, family, Food, Friends, History, Life, Love, Nature, Photography, retail, Thinking, Travel, Writing

Meals and Memories

1972italy

This is so much later than I had intended. Essie was a jewel and let me sleep late. Then I needed to get the laundry started and trash out to the curb. I am grateful that she let me sleep as I don’t hurt as much as I did last night. I could barely walk or move really. They were concerned at work. I was grateful.

Today’s plans include possibly going to dinner within walking distance of a bookstore. If my body feels like this I should be able to make a go of it. I need to decide where we will go. I have it narrowed down to two restaurants, “FireFly” and “L’Amical”. “L’Amical” has special sentimental reasons. We were all there when they first opened all those years ago. All of us, John, Frank, Chris, Richie, me and whoever decided to hang with us for a few hours would get a big table at the far back and get coffee (maybe something to eat if we had enough money) and just talk. Other times two of us (me and John specifically) would write while the others talked. It has changed a lot since then (not necessarily for the better) but I have taken Mom there for her birthday on several occasions (they have a cool little patio set up out front that is in use year-round complete with a little fire pit) and we have had a good time. Sometimes I miss those days. We did a lot and were pretty much fearless.

The other place is “FireFly” and it is relatively new. It has an amazing food selection, and their adult beverage selection is nothing to sneeze at either. Mom, Chris and I have been there on several occasions. It has been a go to since we found it. I have also introduced several friends to it. But I think that I will suggest “L’Amical” for tonight. It has been many years since I have been there (Mom and I were supposed to go for her birthday the last time but COVID hit and we all know how that went). And I am feeling a bit sentimental. It is also closer to the bookstore (which I have also watched grow and blossom to the local treasure it has become). I hope the body is able because the mind has already decided that there will be a bit of walking today.

Well thank you for helping me decide where to eat today! Another post not being what I intended but oh well. It was hard not writing down all the memories that were playing back in my head. I think I will spend a bit of time staring off into space remembering. Funnily enough we are still in touch with the core group that hung out together all those years ago. I hope you all have an amazing day! Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Animals, anxiety, Creativity, Dogs, Emotions, family, Friends, Learning, Life, Love, Nature, Photography, retail, Thinking, Writing

Warm Smiles

1972italy

Well the snow is back. Everyone is off their game because Chris is awake and working in his office. He got up because his mind is trying to figure out how to get the monitor working correctly. His replacement monitor arrived yesterday courtesy of two guys in a small semi-truck. I was able to leave work for about 45 minutes to come home and take delivery. The girls were on their best behavior too. I was very proud of them. The guys were impressed at how much the girls listened (I had Essie go back and get the frisbee she left outside). Even Stella did not jump up on them as she is want to do with new friends. I was very surprised at that. I don’t look at the girls as “trained” so much as that is how they are.

I woke up this morning to a soft, warm line of dogs beside me. I wasn’t crowded but it was just like when Moosie was alive and stretched out the length of me while we slept. It was a comfort.

I don’t really want to go to work today. I will be in the deli and be closing by myself. Not a fan as I will work back there once a month and I know just enough to make me dangerous. The new manager has changed so much back there that I have no idea where things are let alone what needs to be done. So we’ll see how later I end up staying.

I feel like I don’t know what I am doing this morning. I think this needs to be done and that needs to be done but wait, what about this… Then there are the moments I just stare into space. Stella is asleep on the couch on her back. Since Chris is up I am pretty sure that Essie is back in the bed although she might be in with Chris. I have tried to keep the girls busy when I can. They got a good playtime when the guys dropped the monitor off. I think we will try to play quietly once I get this posted. And on that note I think I will wrap this up. Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Aging, Animals, anxiety, Dogs, Emotions, Exercise, family, Friends, History, Learning, Life, Love, Medical, Nature, Photography, Thinking, Writing

Silliness With My Pups

1972italy

Essie has jammed herself up on the love seat with her sister. At first she got on the side where Stella was so she ended up sitting on her. I was able to coax her to get up on the other side (which was interesting because she has problems getting up on things because of her hips and legs). Now both are asleep. Oh I spoke too soon. Essie is sure that because I have Stella behind me on the love seat (mind you I am sitting on the floor at the table) she is missing out on quality love. Nothing will convince her otherwise. Pitbulls can be very silly. But I love mine with all my heart.

Work was hard yesterday due to pain. The strained tendons in my heels and legs are getting worse and my back is starting up again. I hate to go back to the doctor. I have racked up enough medical bills that I need to pay. And I am getting tired of throwing pills at it. Atleast I got sleep last night. But that means I am back to no exercising again.

A year ago at this time I only had one more week with Moose. I wouldn’t do anything differently. Other than fix it so he never got sick in the first place but you don’t know about kidney disease until it is there. I am requesting the 4th of January off so I don’t have to be around people. If I end up ugly crying out of the blue I don’t have to explain it to anyone. I might take a treat out to his grave. His ball and the little whirly gig I put on his grave are still there.

Somehow this post ended up being about my babies. I miss my older ones and love the ones I’ve got. With the exception of one I believe all the dogs I have ever had are buried out back. Well two. I have Dante’s ashes here in the house. The other dog, Stranger, went missing when we lived in Cedar. I try to go out and tell them I miss them and still love them but it can be hard. I had better stop before I start crying. I did not intend for the post to go this way. I will share some photos of my fur babies past and present. Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Animals, anxiety, Books, Creativity, Dogs, dreams, Emotions, family, Guitar, Learning, Life, Love, Music, Nature, Photography, Reading, retail, Thinking, Writing

Playing the Blues

1972italy

For whatever reason both girls are out here with me. This early normally they go back to bed after breakfast. The missing snow has found us. The wind is blowing it, often times in a horizontal wall, from East to West. Then the wind will stop abruptly and the snow seems to just hang in midair.

I know I got sleep. I refused to look at the clock so I couldn’t tell you how much. I am just looking forward to coming home at 2pm. Tomorrow we can sleep in because I close. I am closing cashier but there are three of us. I’m not sure why we need so many but it will allow me to come home briefly to take delivery of the replacement monitor for Chris.

I spent a good part of yesterday reading. We did start to learn the song Everlong. Chris got further than I did but I tried a little. I have a bit that I would like to have learned by this weekend. We’ll see how that goes.

I am trying not to poo poo everything. It just feels like I am trying to do too much. Like I am setting myself up to fail.

I had better get this wrapped up so I can get ready to go. Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Animals, Books, Creativity, Dogs, dreams, Emotions, family, Holiday, Learning, Life, Love, Nature, Photography, Reading, the World, Thinking, Travel, Writing

Enjoying the Beauty and Simplicity

1972italy

Essie is upset because she saw me stretch before beginning this and had hoped that meant that I was done. She and her sister are curled up on the couch together. I did get her to finally eat about midday. Oh now she has gotten some love and is curled up behind me on the love seat. Goofball. And now she is going to lay in front of the bedroom door. Busy puppy. 🙄

Not much got done that was planned but that is ok. It was a good day and that is all that matters. I love the books Chris got me. He got me a three-book collection of Coraline, The Graveyard Book and “Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman as well as The Wander’s Guide To Dragon Keeping by an author I found here on WordPress Ashley O’Melia. We got a beautiful small handmade olive oil pot and small but very tasty bottle of espresso liquor (both made in Israel) from Chris Mom and Stepdad. For the occasion I pulled out the hand-blown liquor glasses that my parents brought back from Italy for my Grandma (Dad’s Mom). And I set them out on a little tablecloth that my Grams (Mom’s Mom) embroidered.

Mom and I had a good long chat trying to figure out when was a good time to get together after the first of the year. She has several appointments the first two weeks so we might put it off til the end of January. We’ll see. I have to show her how to get on Amazon and look at the lists. (Yes I sent her a link but she is having some issues with things so it will just be easier if I am there to see what is wrong instead of her trying to explain it over the phone.)

This morning is quiet and dark. We did get some sun yesterday which the girls and I took advantage of. When I opened the door to let them out this morning even the ever-present roosters were silent. It was as if everything had stopped for a moment. I just stood there in the doorway and listened. Then Essie reminded me that I needed to make them breakfast.

I find myself getting lost in the quiet. I kept the door open for a little bit despite the cold outside (still no snow) because I just wanted to feel it. During the summer months that door is wide open as often as I can. The girls can go in and out and I can just sit and stare while sitting on the porch. I miss feeling the breeze on my face during the winter months. And with no snow then it doesn’t feel like it is winter so …..

I got a few photos over the course of the day that I will share. The really cool one was the eagle that flew overhead. I am not sure how good the shot will be as I did not have the right lens on (I was out there to get pictures of the blue sky and clouds). Hopefully I can get it blown up and keep the photo looking clean. We’ll see! I should probably wrap this one up and get my day started. I hope everyone has an amazing day! Thank you for all the well wishes yesterday! Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Animals, Books, Creativity, Dogs, dreams, Emotions, family, Friends, Holiday, Learning, Life, Love, Music, Nature, Photography, Reading, retail, Riding, the World, Thinking, Writing

It Looks A Lot Like… Anything But Christmas

1972italy

Merry Christmas to those that celebrate it! The morning is grey and dark but there is no snow! So we have grey, brown and green as our color palate for today. And I am ok with that. There are no plans other than just hanging out and doing whatever. Chris and I will exchange our books later today. Since he wants digital copies of everything I am just going to have him pick them out and I will buy them right on his device (purchasing digital copies for someone else on your device is a pain in the tush). The girls have a big box of treats to choose from although I don’t think that Essie will eat any. She’s not feeling good again. Stella got sick in the wee hours this morning. I about broke my neck trying to get across the bedroom and get her out the door (gem that she is she was already at the door trying not to get sick in the house). But Stella ate breakfast whereas Essie did not.

Work was either busy or dead no in-between. We closed at 6pm but I have no idea how late they ended up staying open. Sometimes it is difficult to stem the flow of the last-minute shoppers. I got some lovely chocolate treats from one of my regulars and then another yummy chocolate raspberry champagne truffle bar from a coworker. I will be snacking on those later today!

Since I have two days in a row off I will be able to make more of an effort toward various goals I have for myself. I will just divide up the tasks over both days instead of trying to cram it all into one day. Today I will go through my media on here and atleast clear out enough to get a few photos posted on today’s blog. I think I might also watch some of my educational DVDs. Oh yeah, we are going to pull out our acoustic guitars at one point so we can learn “Everlong” by the FooFighters. I LOVE the acoustic version and I asked Chris if he would teach me (I thought he knew it already). Surprise! He doesn’t know it but he wants to learn it together. This will be the first time we have played together. I have to admit that I am a bit intimidated. He is a much better player than I am. He will pick it up quickly whereas I will plod along trying to get the fingering and strumming right. I have forgotten so much from class!

I think I will try to call both of my parents today. It will just be a question of when. I can’t tell you how excited I am over no snow today! I know that a lot of people are disappointed… but I am not one of them. In all honesty we could even go out for a Christmas ride on the bikes…. we’ll see. Maybe we can slate that for tomorrow. Ok, I am going to clean out my media to make room for some photos I want to share with you. I hope you all have an amazing day! Thanks for reading and stay safe!

This is from this morning. No snow to be seen!
This is the new bud on my orchid❤️
This is from a day or so ago.
Animals, Dogs, Emotions, family, Gardening, Learning, Life, Love, Nature, Photography, Thinking, Writing

Add A Little Life

1972italy

This will be a short post since I will need to be out the door in a few minutes. Essie got me up to go potty around 2:30am and I have been awake ever since. I was tired but I didn’t fall asleep til about 10 minutes before my alarm went off.

I did talk with both my parents yesterday. I had a good visit with both of them. Chris and I had a pretty good day together too. The girls just wanted to play play play because we were both home.

I lost my little orchid. I think I accidentally over watered her. However my big orchid has a bud! I am so excited! When I clear more space in my media I will post a photo.

I see that I need to get myself together and out the door. Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Animals, anxiety, Books, Creativity, Dogs, dreams, Emotions, family, Friends, Guitar, Learning, Life, Love, Movies, Nature, Photography, Reading, retail, the World, Thinking, Travel, Writing

Giving Until You Can’t, Then Finding A Balance

1972italy

Dealing with the public can be/is exhausting. The past few days I have been buzzing around work giving 110%. Fixing problems with a smile, listening to customers and coworkers alike while giving hugs and drying tears. About 5pm last night my everything was done and wanted desperately to go home.

Living in a small town makes my workplace a central fixture for the community. I love being a part of that. I love being able to make a difference in people’s lives. Writing for the local paper also helps me do that. Even the simple task of listening to a meeting and writing a little summary can help someone who cannot make it to said meeting. (A lot of our meetings went on Zoom last year but a good portion of them have opted out of continuing that. I don’t think everyone- both the government officials and the public- realized how much it was needed. Many older or sick people were able to learn about what was going on in the local government firsthand. People became interested in what was going on.)

I feel bad not wanting to go anywhere in my off time. People want to go out and meet but I usually just want to stay home. I spend so much time “on” that I need some time to be “off”. Even at home I want to be left alone sometimes. I just enjoy the quiet and solitude (which is why I love having the 5 acres that we live on). I am grateful that Chris works nights sometimes because he will sleep in later and the girls will go back to sleep until he gets up. The house is silent. No one needs or wants anything from me. I can just enjoy being.

Spring and Summer are best for me because I can go outside and enjoy Nature for extended periods. I will sit and read for hours. Or conversely take photos and just enjoy the out of doors. I don’t like being cooped up in the house for extended periods despite being a homebody. But if I am I tend to either lose myself in books or go through my memories by looking through various treasure troves I have around the house. That can be a good or a bad thing depending on my mindset.

Something I have (that I forget about) are various tools to learn new things. I have various DVDs on yoga (I am not quite at an advanced level), photography, writing (I figure looking at things from another’s perspective may help me), guitar (I am an extreme novice in this despite various classes over the years) and various languages (mostly Italian since that is my current love… but I would like to brush up on my French as it has been many years since I have had to use it consistently). Most of the time though I make excuses not to do anything. Sometimes that is good but other times… I say that because I know that once I get involved in something I will get interested and follow through. Atleast for a little while.

I see that I have gone on here for quite a bit. I will wrap this up and get it posted. Thanks for reading and commenting! Stay safe!

Animals, Creativity, Dogs, Emotions, family, Learning, Life, Love, Nature, Photography, Thinking, Writing

Winter Whipped

1972italy

Aaaaand now we have several inches of snow with howling winds. Oof. It’s a good thing I decided to wear my Supernatural sweatshirt today! That will keep me warm beneath my hoodie. To cheer up another coworker on Friday I will wear my Cthulhu tee shirt. And both are Christmas themed so no one can say anything! Lol. (Side note: it will be in the 40s on Friday so all the snow will probably be gone. Again.)

It is a very bitterly cold wind that has been blowing since yesterday. Stella usually knocks on the door to be let in but this morning I thought she would break the glass with her paw she knocked so hard! She came flying in, got some love and zipped right back into bed. Essie is out here with me on the couch.

I decided to write this on my phone since I tried to sleep in a little. I feel like I got no sleep but I tried. Tomorrow’s goal is to try to come up with topics to write about for the new year. I might also do writing prompts sprinkled in there too. If anyone has suggestions or something they would like to read about on here please let me know!

I also want to go through my photos so I can add more. It will take a while but I want to get to my earlier posts from years past and delete some photos to make room. In the beginning I only had one photo so it will be maybe my second year that I started adding photos.

I am going to wrap this up so I can try to read atleast a few of your blogs before work. As always thank you for reading and stay safe!