My Best Friend...

 So I had another birthday....Here's what (gasp!) 63 looks (and feels) like..

Sorta...

B12 shots have replaced jellybean shots.  What the hell were we even thinking, drinking ouzo that was SET ON FIRE?  The very thought makes me reach for the Tums..

I have missed the endings of any movie that started after 8:00 p.m.  And I barely care.

My spike heels are donated in hopes some other chick can walk in them without fearing a broken hip or being jolted awake with searing leg cramps.  Those kicks have served me well.  Strut your stuff in them fiercely and with pride, Dolls.

My ears are doing weird shit-everything sounds too loud.  Much of the time, Lux D. Lux's bangin' stereo is a waste as I prefer to drive in silence.  And you know what they say, 'turn the music down-I can't think.'  So very true.

I am very excited about cozy throws..you know, those soft lap blankets that you have on your lap more for comfort than warmth.  Comfort is very important to little old ladies!

I need to consistently keep lists and paper calendars.  Not because I'm type A or an organizational freak.  But because I have to.  The stress of 'where's my phone, keys, Lux, etc. is exhausting enough without the strain of trying to remember specific dates.  Brain fog is no joke, kids.

Luckily with my advancing dotage, I just don't care.  It's a bonus, really.. I'm good with it.

Sorta...

Cake by the Ocean...

Did someone order a strawberry shortcake?  Get a load of this ginormous, scrumptious confection brought to dinner by Shannon and Don.  Made with berries from their garden, it was the perfect after dinner treat.  Brother in law, Mark supplied the steaks and my brother, Steve, grilled ‘em up right.  Mom’s pasta salad and Trish’s cookies rounded out our celebration feast.  This crew loves to eat!

Much laughter, family and friends made another fourth that I will cherish and be grateful for.  I count my blessings and hope your holiday included all the ‘sweet’ things.

‘Merica!

Rain...

 Rain, rain-go away, come again another day!

We needed rain-I get that...but this is getting crazy!  Does it all have to come at once?   On Friday I drove to the beach during a deluge that had me in a death grip on Lux!  I know I’m getting old because I now hate to drive at night and almost as bad is driving in the rain.  I feel a total lack of control. We lucked out and missed the tornado that touched down in nearby Port Austin.  Also we escaped any basement flooding in the city.  I feel horrible for all those suffering the damage brought on by the storms as well as inconvenience of the power/internet outages.  Mother Nature need not be so relentless after the year we have endured!

On the bright (and hopefully sunny!) side, the farmers are doing cartwheels!  The corn will definitely be knee high or better by next week, ready for the ‘up north’ recipe which include lots of butter and honey!  And maybe this weather front will be over by the holiday weekend.  Y’all know that the Fourth of July is my favorite holiday, with family joining us to celebrate.  

So if anyone has a hex, anti rain dance, or a good old fashioned prayer, now would be a good time to get busy.  Please, please, please-don’t rain on my parade!

Rock Steady...

 Hi Dolls!  On a recent beach walk I noticed this big black rock warmed by the sun and had to take a seat. 

 With a view of the water, I welcomed the first day of summer.  Y'all know I love warm weather and am ready for all things summer.  Beach reads in the hammock, long walks hunting for shore treasures, clear starry nights, and hot dogs...Yep hot dogs!

I prefer mine to be cooked over the bonfire by my nephew, Matt.  (His dogs are the BEST!) They must be natural casing and browned till the skin cracks.  Hand me the whole grain bun, the stone ground mustard and the dill pickle relish and I'm happily stuffing my face!  

That's my plan.  What are you all up to?  Whatever it is, I'm sure you'll rock it!

Monday Dreamin' Green...

 Are we feeling normal yet?  Are we moving in that direction?  What's the expected fallout of the pandemic? (media made up word!) 

Talk of depression and Covid PTSD..the death of small business due to online shopping...deteriorating social skills...fear...division...distrust...etc.

What a year (plus) it's been.  I cannot think of one good thing that has come due to the virus.  I can only see an overall stifling of our culture, along with the horrible death total.  I understand being 'safe' but it seems to have been forgotten that if you aren't coughing or sneezing, you can't spread the virus.  I mentioned that fact to the manatee but he insisted on it anyway-his choice!

  And thank goodness, by July 01, it will be officially over.   Unless you are coughing and sneezing...

Have a great week, get outside and take a big, deep breath...we made it! 

...

The Sad River...

 I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful Memorial Day Weekend while taking a moment to pause and give thanks, prayer, respect and wonderment to the brave service people and service puppers that gave all so that we could have our freedom.  They gave what I could never have the guts to do.

Our weekend included the perfect mix of food, family and friends.  The kick off to summer has officially began and I just hope it doesn't fly by too fast.  I want it all to slow down so I can remember to stop and smell the bonfire, as well as count my blessings.

Sadly, I read with horror the story describing the discovery of 215 Indigenous children's bodies in British Columbia.  In an attempt to strip the children of their culture and language, they were forced to attend school, where they met their death.  How could this have even happened?  What is wrong with people?  I do not yet understand the details but I am sickened all the same.

So, it was a bittersweet holiday with Veteran's and those children on my mind.   Please remember those poor children and their families in your prayers as well as our Veterans.  

Until next week, my Lovelies.  XO