I'm just trying to get myself back to whatever is normal around here. Too much travel, too much going on, too much away from home.
Normal is a good thing.
Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.
-Mary Jean Iron
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better [wo]man. Ben Franklin
Glad to have you safe and sound and normally keeping us straight, Twins'! (smile)
Ds has expressed some concern over dd27's sudden summons to the other work office. He thinks she shouldn't be pulled hither and yon like that on the spur of the moment. He questions whether she's being paid enough for this. I don't know.
This is dd27's 4th or 5th? trip to NYC for her design firm, so there's no reason for me to worry. I guess. Sigh. Nancy is right that dsonil's family will greatly benefit from his time, especially while his folks have been under the weather - time to let his mother fuss over him and appreciate time with him. Dd27 is a really good with designing and with marketing, so she will fill in well, I'm sure, but I think they are requesting her for her negotiating skills, frankly. The head of the office needs a buffer from another person for a while, to calm things, and dd has gotten a reputation as a calming presence.
I've already gotten a prompt callback from nurse this a.m. answering a question about the bloodwork this a.m.
Somewhat prepared for the week last evening by using aRED pen this time to make additions to my Round Robin clipboard form. Dated in red at the top right corner, so I'll have no confusion about the last straggling items from last week and what's new and OMM now. Is it becoming messy? Yes! Somehow, that seems cheerful.
It's heavy on the sewing room/studio.
Taking a page from Nancy, I think I'll try for Sewing Retreat time this week.
lucylee, you have an interesting week ahead that you can make into nearly anything you'd like it to be. How cool.
You might be like a novelist who is working backward from a marvelous finish. What would be amusing to you, if you thought of it in terms of the family's surprise when they return? What would raise an eyebrow or two? Or, what could you get up to and never particularly plan to let them know at all? Hmmm... .. We could be either a sounding board, or you could keep us curious about what you don't bother to tell us either.
One by one I am getting things done. Since I do small things it doesn't seem to be much effort but the results eventually show.
DS17 and GF are making plans for their first trip together on 4th of July weekend. They will be driving 11 hours (one way) to spend a few days with GF grandparents. GF grandparents are offering land and house if they are willing to move there and they want DS17 and GF to come look at what they are offering. I'm staying out of this decision. This is something the "kids" need to consider all options so they will be confident & comfortable with that decision. Do the "kids" want to live a few miles from Mexico that is an hour drive to shop? Do the "kids" want to leave their friends & family and start in a new place?
I have been parenting, teaching, mentoring DS17 for all of his life. Now it is time to set him free. Those apron strings are breaking. It is a joy to see all those life skills put into use, but it is also EXTREMELY difficult for me to step back and let him adult.
smiling at myself as I pretend to have this hands-off mastered. HA! I just ordered DS17 five pairs of jeans. I'm still buying his clothes instead of him doing it. It is a process of letting go and I'm not there yet.
DD15 has an appointment with her trusted counselor this afternoon. We will make a trip to the city to take DD15 to that appointment. It was a joy to see DD15 yesterday. She was glowing, lighthearted and obviously doing well with DD50. How long will it last is the question. I can only hope but I see signs of it fraying. DD50 quit her job last week so DD15 also quit. DD15 did get 2 weeks of experience in working so I'm counting it a success.
Stay curious. Challenge assumptions. Success loves persistence.
When life gets difficult, learn to sing & dance in the rain.
Ddoggo is on the deck. She wanted to Walk but was gingerly stepping on the one paw and holding it up. So we went slowly to the corner & back
She really wanted to do more. I will soak is when the sun comes up on the deck over the trees in a while.
I saw 2 dead bull snakes on the loop that is normal one was rather large made me wonder if it was the one I saw
yesterday alive and got a vid. on on my y. t.
Yesterday finished up one journal I've got a comp. note book to finish up and will be adding to it another page if needed.
Sewing CI / got a hem on a pocket and it's pinned tried on and in place. Ready to attach with seams. That felt good.
Got one mosquito bite put more used coffee grounds around the deck.
I have my am steps in for the day.
Trying to round up energy for normal Mon. tasks.
Waving to all.
-----
Round #2
did dishes
pocket is on pj's & I am wearing them now. =D
ddoggo got foot soak
I did non motorized weed whacking and knocked off weeds in the yard not tall enough to mow.
I'm feeling aimless this a.m. Closer to normal, but without much motivation other than puttering a bit. I have my workout this afternoon, and an evening out for a bourbon dinner. I'm happy to take it easier today. At least I have the full week to make things happen this week. Just now finishing my breakfast/brunch. I've purged the refrigerator.
And much later. I'm considering not working out today. I know I should but I'm so tired and wanting to be home to myself.
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better [wo]man. Ben Franklin
Doing one small thing at a time as I'm working my way through the TD's today
TaDa -
** tag agency with DS17 to get his real ID replaced. The state requires a parent to be with him and to sign documents.
** went to bank to get DS17 debit card replaced.
** went to tire shop to get quote to replace 2 tires on the 6 month old vehicle. *sigh*
** updated CC on website for our phones. It had expired and they were threatening to not let auto pay happen anymore.
** Prepared meal for DH and ate my planned food.
TaDo -
** Pick DD15 up at 1:30 and take her to 2pm counselor appt. Wait an hour, after appt take DD15 out to eat then return her to DD50 home.
** pharmacy to get DH prescription
** shop for fresh, cold and frozen food staples
** drop off large bag of decluttered donations at charity store.
** 4pm appt with CPA to FINALLY FINISH 2025 TAXES.
Stay curious. Challenge assumptions. Success loves persistence.
When life gets difficult, learn to sing & dance in the rain.
LadyM, you are getting so much done. Good job on declutter and donation, especially.
Nancy, I hope ddoggo's paw-pain eases.
Twins', you may need some down time to feel refreshed.
We waited a good while because they were understaffed. Then I had to advocate for myself and insist on having Vit D tested at this draw, as Gen Prac requested to be added months ago, and as another doctor recently put in request in my presence. The nurse says she believes she can amend the order from her end, and it wouldn't have required another vial anyway, so lab should comply. So, we shall see. I gave her the name of the most recent dr who requested it. I don't know why it's so hard to add one more test, at least by computer, when something is already scheduled. It's like a foreign language is being spoken.
A lady in the hallway went on and on about how HRH needs to portray Santa at Christmas. He said to me afterward, "I'm glad you're with me." But I doubt people would be so confident chatting with him if he were alone - I am his credibility.
We thought about a grocery store on the way home but needed so few things - later.
Disturbed a red-tailed hawk perched on a fence beside our driveway. yipes. Wouldn't want that guy eyeing me. Big one.
Ds called not long after we got home and wants to install a new battery, terminals and possibly cables on the tractor, so I authorized that. Gotta have a battery, and just glad he is confident to do all this himself.
Turned on part of the irrigation - it's a scorcher out there.
I had pulled the "bangs" part of my hair back in a barrette this time. Struggling to find a hairstyle that works as my hair is growing out. Someday, just a same-length cut. But right now, I look awkward between barrette-taming, hairband-taming, and Phylis Diller. (gratitude)
Next Up, attention to
Focus Cleaning week of office/other (sewing for me) room
Declutter ahead of closets (sewing closet?)
Had to rest.
Fixed myself a lunch / my current fav. this week
1 slice bacon eggs & toast.
Listening to weather forecast maybe rain this week hopeful.
Processed mail.
Changed to lounge pant and complentary colored top to go with.
-----
I need to consider the laundry a load of denim to do. That's in the dryer now.
One more load of whites & liter colors going in the wash now.
Maybe sheets or not time will tell.
1st load is out of the dryer and folded.
Next load is in the dryer.
My arm is better to yea!
Ddoggo seems to be a bit more mobile but doing her normal afternoon nap.
----
Later...
I put the sprinkler in place to turn on when it cooler out later like after dinner.
I have a neighbor coming to pick up donations for a yard sale this afternoon or in the morning for a church done yea!
Last edited by Nancy on Mon Jun 22, 2026 8:52 pm, edited 5 times in total.
who is working backward from a marvelous finish. What would be amusing to you, if you thought of it in terms of the family's surprise when they return? What would raise an eyebrow or two? 
Or, what could you get up to 
