Hotel…

 Okay… who goes to gorgeous San Diego for a week and gets sick?  Me.  That’s who.

Randy had a work function that encouraged spouses to join, and I after much deliberation, I decided to come.   My Mom is recovering from a fall, the flights too long, and I have no clothes are just a few of the reasons that could keep homeslice (me!) home.   But…a hotel with a harbor view, a party at the San Diego Zoo,  a cafe with kitties, are some of the reasons I decided to suck it up and get on that flight.  

As we landed, my ears plugged up and never truly opened.  My throat feels like it’s been sliced with razor blades and my cough originates from the bowels of hell.  Medicated,  I had fun with some of our ‘work kids’ at an amazing dinner on Friday.  But then it hit me.  With a foggier than usual head I navigated a couple of events and spent whole days in bed, sleeping and enjoying? the view.  All my plans for exploring shops and petting kittens went out the window as I coughed my head off.  

I’ve heard of people getting sick on vacation before and shuddered-all that anticipation, packing, shuttling, etc. just to cough in a different environment?  No way.  

But here I am, frocks unworn, cruises not sailed, kitties not petted.  Tonight is the last night with a dinner planned with Randy’s new board appointment comrades.  Here’s hoping I can haul it up, pretty it up and keep my foggy head up,  to support him.  

Wish me luck, Dollfriends as I soldier on.  XO

Something in the Orange…

 I get asked all the time, ‘Why don’t you move to the Keys?’  As much as I love the Keys, I have no interest in living there on a full time basis.  The winter escape is perfect for me but I love our seasons here in Michigan more.  Our spectacular fall is unmatched.   As I drove back to Ossineke on Sunday, the fall leaf colors were amazing.  In all my years, I never tire of natures paintbrush creating a varying landscape.  It makes an otherwise dull drive totally breathtaking.  

At a recent wedding,  the roaring fireplace and the sun shining thru the colorful foliage made a setting that was natural, warm, and simply gorgeous.  Congrats to Savanna and Aaron- wishes for a marriage that is as warm, colorful and unique as a fall day.

And if those palm trees and mangroves ever change color from green to orange, gold, and red; I will reconsider my stance!  Wouldn’t that be amazing?  XO

Jolene…

 Hey Doll(s)!  Thoughts, prayers and big, big energy tonight for my Mom who is recovering from surgery following a fall that left her with a snapped humerus and three cracked ribs.  An eight inch plate and 6 screws are in place by her wonderful surgeon and the prognosis is excellent.  The newly remodeled and added to, Mid Michigan Hospital in Alpena is gorgeous and the staff have been wonderful.  In fact, so wonderful that she’s probably nervous about coming home tomorrow under Nurse Ratchett’s (Me!) care.  But we will get ‘er done with all the family and friends nearby.  

So don’t be alarmed if you pass Nancy’s house and don't see her mowing the lawn, raking leaves or washing her car, know that she’s taking a few weeks off.  She should be fully back in action by ‘shoveling season.’  Ya can’t keep that good woman down!  

P.S.  Can I get some commotion for the back of my Nashville jean jacket?  Thanks to Cheryl for help me with my Dolly homage!  🫶🏼

Scarecrow in the Garden...

 Aaaaand, we’re back!   After a fabulous long weekend in Nashville we are back to reality and totally exhausted.  I just cannot hang like I used to-girlfriend is gettin' old.

The main event on Saturday night was a fundraiser benefitting battered and abused children in Tennessee.  We feel like it's a very important cause and I love that we are fortunate enough to be able to help.  Donating is very important to us and I hope we are making a small difference.  

Last week at Tim Horton's, the person in front of me paid for my iced coffee!  I never had that happen before and I happily bought the order for the person behind me.  If you haven't experienced either side of that, you should-it's amazing!

Thanks to our dear friends Don and Tami who have hosted us for the second year.  New puppy, Paci (that's peace in Italian and pronounced Pach-ay!) provided much comic relief, as well as alleviating a little of the loneliness for our Hazel kitty.

But I'm home now and needing a nap.  So.. see y'all next week.  XO

Kitty Kat Dance Party…

Yesterday just happened to be National Taco Day and I happened to be able to stuff my face with tacos at the Ossineke Eagles club.  I was up north at my family’s for a quick visit and also to settle in Hazel at Granny Nanny’s Kitty Kat Daycare.  Spoiled brat that she is, Hazel has never been left home alone and usually travels with us but she loves her vacations at Gramma’s.  

Randy and I have two trips coming up so I will be without my little buddy for about a month.  It sort of feels like when the kids are back in school and you get that little breathing room.  And like when Randy goes hunting: I am happy to see her go and happy to have her home.  Be a good girl for Gramma, Hazel.

Strong wishes for friends Don and Shannon as they make their way to Florida.  The most selfless people I know, are headed down with a truckload of relief items to help in any way they can.  How wonderful is that?

Have a great week!   XO

Black Dog...

 

I am pleased to introduce the newest member of my extended family. 

 Meet Reba!  Also known as Ms. Reba, Reba Mcentire, Reebs, Reba the Love Sponge, RebaSaurus and Rebaderci.  She is a seven-year-old black Labrador that lived without much human contact for her whole life.  Our niece Nicole changed all that by taking her into her home and loving her hard.  Once a wild, unmannered dog, she now is learning basic commands and no longer jumps on people she meets. (Other than me, cuz I love it.) 

 Reba is easily the most loving dog I have ever met and that says a lot!  She loves to cuddle and gives nice kisses in an effort to make up for lost time.  Nicole has spoiled her within an inch, with monogramed bowls, special toys, and numerous bandanas.  Her days start out with an over easy egg, then retrieving the ball and maybe some hammock or porch time and her nights are spent snuggling on a California king size bed. 

 She, like our old Mickey, has scratched the winning lottery ticket with her new life!  Reba loves to visit us at the beach and enjoys swimming, long beach walks, bonfires and lots of treattreats.  With her glossy black fur, snow white toofies and brown expressive eyes, she is irresistible and has won over all of our hearts.  

This weekend She will be visiting Auntie Day Care where the spoiling will continue.  I hope Reba has as much fun as I will! ❤️🐶

Good Vibrations....

This week when I got my oil changed on Lux, I left with a very satisfied feeling.  I was responsible and did the right thing for her engine.  They put the little sticker my windshield reminding me to do it all again in 5,000 miles.  I get the very same feeling when I get my teeth cleaned.  Responsible.  These are necessary tasks and a part of life, and I am always sort of relieved when I've accomplished them.  Even going to get groceries and hauling them in and putting them away.  Satisfaction knowing that I am stocked with what we need.  Same goes for putting away the last of the clean laundry.

But now, the responsible, satisfied feeling has a name-'adulting.'  Huh?  You mean just slogging thru the day doing what has to be done?  As opposed to what?  Childing-where you wear diapers and drink from a bottle?  Or teening-where you stare at your phone and constantly take pictures of yourself?  Sheesh...I think it's ridiculous.  

And I understand 'good vibes' or 'good vibes only' and I think I rode that slang train back in the 70's.  Positive energy and thoughts can manifest good things and Lord knows we need all the help we can get.  But now, everything is a vibe.   My outfit-it's a vibe.  That paint color-truly a vibe.  My clean closet-a major vibe.  It's a thing maybe, but a vibe?  Not so sure.  I fear that the vibes good intentions have fallen into a sort of all-encompassing word for anything you may have to describe or comment on.  How about, 'your outfit looks great, the paint color is appropriate for this space and that closet is killer organized?'  Or you could just say that it's a vibe.  Good, bad, or ugly-the shit is vibeing.  

So, what's my rant about?  Am I just crabby due to adulting all day with very little vibe?  Not sure, but I know that as I consider my days accomplishments with Hazel purring loudly on my lap,  all is good.

And that my friend, IS a vibe!  XO