Beachin'

 The first annual (we hope!) Dale/Adams Beach Bash happened on this past Saturday.  Three car and truck loads of Adams' came rollin' down the hill to set up for the day.  And what a day it was!  Out came the coolers and lawn chairs, the beach games and the Maui Mat.  The wave runners were launched and ready to play.  The stereo was set up. Beer and snacks found their way to coozies and bowls. 

And what a bash it was!  The waves settled down and the sky was a gorgeous blue.  Lake Huron has never been warmer-thank goodness or you wouldn't have found galpal Shannon and I floating on the Maui Mat!  After a long, sun drenched day, we feasted on pulled pork sliders with coleslaw, cowboy beans and cheesy potatoes.  And hot, gooey double chocolate brownies.

The day ended with sunkissed skin and the bonds of friendship being even further strengthened.  Such a sweet way to de-stress, decompress and enjoy simple things like sun, water, sand, food and drink, and good company.  

The beach is and will always be my medicine, my meditation as well as my happy place.  Thanks to the Adams family for bringing the party.  Y'all are the BEST!  XO

You Sad...

 Often, here at the jspot, I try to keep thinks frivolous and fun....BUT lately, I am finding it very difficult to stay positive while the negativity is rampant!

I am complying with the mask thing-but I honestly hate it.  I also hate how every day more doubts about the effectiveness comes to light.   Can I just hear some simple truth?  The numbers are just too subjective for me to believe.  It's a virus that will never go away.  Period.

I hate that our children will not be able to have a 'normal' educational experience.  We have created a culture of fear and robbed them of their carefree childhoods.  It's so sad.  It's awful that some of our favorite stores and restaurants will not survive.  Family businesses that will just be gone.  Depression, suicide, domestic violence, human trafficking, drug abuse-all by products of this situation.

I hate the rioting and looting and I don't care what the reason is for it.  Lives and people's livelihoods are ruined for no good reason.  Violence never solves anything and I can't believe this behavior that even an animal wouldn't do!  

I am sick to death of the political scene.  I believe the actual 'scene' is as it ever was but I hate that we cannot handle differences in opinions.  Name calling and ridiculing candidates is just bullying in it's basic form.  We all have different lives and different circumstances that make us choose our political affiliations.  And that's okay, but an we please just be respectful?  Golden rule applies once again!

Generally speaking, it seems that respect is an old fashioned notion.  No respect for anyone or anyone's property.  Judgement for everyone!  Division and entitlement!  Self-righteousness and indignation!  

And I HATE it.  Please, if you do not have anything constructive to say-please shut up.  You know what they say about opinions!  Be kind during these trying times.  XOXO

Freestyle...

As a high school student, I specialized in Art and Physical Education.  Shock, right!  I took every available class in both subjects from pottery to square dancing.  And I loved it.  I once did a mixed media piece that hung in the art department for years-one of my crowning life achievements.  I was passable in all artistic endeavors but not really outstanding in any of them.  I still have and art and craft supply cache with everything from oils and canvas to mosaics and clay.  I love to create-even if it's mediocre.  It provides a mindless escape.  That said, it's not too much of a stretch that I also love to paint walls and change mine up often.  On vacation, I haunt the galleries and admire all the fabulous and varied art and am always inspired by the vision and talent. 

  Sooo...this giant lead up and bit of history brings me to this past weekend when brother-in-law extraordinaire Mark needed his hunting blind painted. I was all in.  What else would I be doing on a hot August day?  The above pic shows me about to detail what I hope looks like an autumn sky in a heavily wooded area.  It was so satisfying and I loved it!  Most importantly, Mark was satisfied!

Lately I've been interested in taking an art appreciation course.  (Online of course-I have serious commitment issues!)  And I wish I could make what I see in my mind translate better to my canvas, but until then I'll just be happy painting walls and the random hunting blind.  

Happy August, Dollfriends and remember Earth without 'art' is just eh!   XOXO

Exile...

Hello my Darlings!

 Greeting from an on-the-mend (finally!) jspot!  As the 3 week time period approaches, I am at last feeling better.  It was total insult to injury to be sick during this gorgeous July weather.  But, I tried to do my best to make the best of the situation.  Above pic shows me on my birthday where I struggled to drink ONE glass of sangria.  Shudder!!!

While being sick, I caught the Jeffrey Epstein documentary as well as the Aaron Hernandez and the docu of Athlete A.  I heartily recommend all three.  The psychology of the people involved are fascinating to me and if I wasn't such an unmotivated bubblehead, I would have studied Psych in college.  Until then, I'll read, watch the telly and educate myself.

And since I'm usually late (fashionably, of course!) to the party, I have finally got into watching 'Orange is the New Black'.  Yes, the series of which came out in 2013 is now my 'party.'  I read the book when it first came out, but stubbornly refused to catch the series.  The book is ALWAYS better-right?  It's the perfect escapism, when you can't escape your house!

Consequently, July has been a blur for me.  As August approaches, I plan to catch up on the list of things I made while convalescing.  Or not...

One thing for sure; I will get back to Angelina's to enjoy a glass of that delicious sangria.  Or two!

P.S.  This virus is very contagious,  superniece Nicole, is still struggling after 9 days and Randy came down with it on Saturday.  EWWWWWwwwwwww.........

Gaslighter...

So how is July finding everyone?  Mask on and mask off!  I have complied and washed my hands incessantly, so after having stomach pains for a week, I landed in the hospital for numerous tests to determine the origin of the pain.  And to just check to make sure no unnecessary organs haven't blown up. 

So from 4 p.m. till 12.30 a.m. I was held hostage in a chilly room with a paper robe and sheet.  I was wheeled off 3 separate times for tests and was made to drink two glasses of some weird stuff.  I was pumped full of liquids for my dehydration.

The findings-no faulty organs and no corona virus; but one that is just as uncomfortable.  It was finally determined that I have a bacterial food poisoning issue.  I was given a script to help with the cramps and sent out into the night.  There is no meds that will 'cure' it and lots of water is all I can do.  Follow a boring, bland diet when you have to eat.  But you won't feel like it.  In 10-14 days I should be fine.

And....it's contagious!  My poor niece Nicole is currently going thru the same symptoms.  So, even with caution, I have contracted a random virus and passed it along.  So much for all the hype regarding 'safety.'  Take it for what it's worth.

Stay healthy and avoid all nasty viruses! 
   

Baby Love...

In a Saturday snugglefest with baby extraordinaire, Sebastien I had a few relevations...
How great is it to be a baby!  They soooooo have it made. 

Pot bellies and thighs rolls are adorable and worshiped as the cutest things ever.  The smell of bath and peanut butter is perfection.  A smile coaxed from a baby is something worth cheering about. His head on your shoulder or foot on your leg is heart melting. 

He is not judged for anything nor does he judge.  His opinions are simple and necessary for basic survival.  He naps at will.  His world is filled with comfort and love with no expectations other to grow and be healthy and happy. 

Nice gig if you can get it.
Thank you Sebastien for the snuggles, smiles and hugs.  We love you.  XO

Three Lock Box...

Enjoying an extendo July 04 weekend at the beach house where the chicks are smiling and the Internet is spotty.

Tres amigos and our boys had an amazing day on the water, enjoying this perfect summer weather.

Life is good-that's all.  See you all next week while my internet struggles will br resolved.  Hopefully.    Have a wonderful week.  XO