Weekend Coffee Share, on the Upswing

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer at Natalie…Blog Home where she shares about many travels and visits. I’m drinking chai tea with honey, on the end of a sinus afflicted week full of popular culture fodder to stave off boredom.

Yes, I had a banner week of doing nothing, allowing myself to rest and get over this bug. It ran it’s course, but my head was hurting most days. I had very sensitive eyes one day, and the next they were watering constantly with runny nose. Yuck! Temperatures were between 99 and 100.7, so I can’t complain too much there. I also had a cough, but it got better with each day.

On Tuesday, my boyfriend had this floral arrangement delivered on a day I felt horrible. As we both love dogs, it’s adorable and perfect! Can you see that bandaid on the flower in front that would ostensibly be his leg? Yes, so cute. It really brightened my day. ☺️ He’s a keeper!

The window in my bedroom really lets light in, so I didn’t sleep enough during the day. I slept alright at night, since my energy was so low. I tried to read, but that didn’t last long due to my tired and pressured eyes. So, I started a book on Audible titled Verity, and it captured my attention. It’s definitely an adult book, but the plot swept me up with deceit, murder, psychosis, and a plot twist. I highly recommend for adults only.

Needing to alternate between phone time and other activities, I subscribed to HBO MAX and watched Curb Your Enthusiasm with Larry David, creator of Seinfeld. Sometimes I got tired of his bad attitude and sorry luck, other times I found it hilarious. Then, there was the Twitter news of our president and FL governor, pop culture news of which celebrities are miserable in their marriage or were abusers or had addiction troubles. Yeah, I could’ve done without that.

Through all this, I re-discovered a taste for audiobooks; I can close my eyes and picture the story while someone else reads it. It’s great for when my eyes are tired. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still enjoy reading through Kindle while on a bike at the gym.

My son has been kind and ordered dinner in for us one night. He seems to be sick now that I am getting better. It’s hard to stops these things, as he frequently would walk in the kitchen while I was there. He’s a young, hearty twenty -something, so I think he’ll be better soon.

Bixby wants me to throw the ball!

Today, I am welcoming the sunlight through the blinds and feeling much better. I have a pretty dry cough that just sounds like a response to springtime allergens. No problem. I’ve got this!

Have a great weekend, everyone, and a Happy Mother’s day!

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Breakfast Thoughts: Learning Self-expression

What a life I live! Those were words I started writing in my diary when I was thirteen. Sometimes it seemed sarcastic: other times, very hopeful.

Recently, I looked back in some old diaries I kept at age 13 and 14. I was quite innocent then, but man, did I ever write a lot about crushes I had on boys! Even in church and in the private church school. These diaries covered looking back at 1979 when Dad told me he and Mom had to work some things out, then skipped to me writing about the divorce happening, but NOTHING about my feelings. It covered the closing of my private school, starting at a public high school, the sale of my childhood house, moving to an apartment where I had to make new friends, and navigating the public school arena and seeing my dad maybe once yearly, yet my posts seemed mostly hopeful.

I didn’t express my feelings or opinions much, as if I feared someone would peek at my diary. Through all the changes, I never mentioned crying, except when Beth, a character in Little Women, died of a long term illness. My dad had given me the book, and I’d started reading it over that Christmas break when my brother and I went to visit him.

Never did I mention crying when my dad said they’d divorce if they couldn’t work it out, never when they divorced. I didn’t even write that day . My posts seemed like simple recountings of my days overall. I wrote a lot about boys when I was 14 too, as if I thought they would make my life better. I wrote funny stories about my friends and sounded like I responded to many things with the attitude of, “Oh well,” which seemed different than before. I mentioned getting ignored by a boy and feeling glum, then being cheered up by a friend or some other boy.

Man, was I shallow, or what? Even then, I was pondering being a writer…you have to start somewhere, I guess. Honestly, I think I didn’t express my feelings well until they hit me over the head. It seems I avoided my feelings a lot. Maybe I was afraid of them. Funny, I didn’t write much about my beliefs, just about my activities with church and youth group.

Well, I guess things have changed! I was disappointed with myself, though, because I can look back and remember the feelings I had. Maybe it just took me a little while to learn how to express them, even to my diary. Guess what? I lived through it all, every growth experience. What a life I live!

Midweek Musings, The Drive

I used to drive to work every morning with a list of things in my head that I must do when I get there, since nothing is ever completely done. The “list” would stress me out before I even got to work!

Now, I lose myself in a song. Somehow, I’ve grown into the ability to do that. Needless to say, my job as a teacher is stressful. Sometimes in my life, my family life has been stressful. Perhaps it has all worn on my nerves like a repetitive stress type of condition. I am making headway, I think. Why stress about work before I even get there? I enjoy my music, and keep my mind clear. Stress can wait!

Some would say I’m just letting the music hypnotize me, but we often give ourselves over to worry, anxiety. So now, I see I can give my mind to a good lyric, an inspiring melody–one that I’ve chosen. It doesn’t stop me from getting ready once I get to work, and my mind is more at ease when I’m preparing to let kids into class and make them feel welcome. Heck, I can make notes that will be there waiting when I get there. No need to stress myself to remember!

Weekend Coffee Share, Sloth-like Saturday: Smiles and Sleep

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. Today’s morning beverage is green Tazo tea served warm with a hint of honey. The morning weather is in the high 40s now. The sun is shining, which suits my lazy-late-sleeper attitude today!

Don’t be jealous, though. I certainly don’t usually sleep late enough! The warmth of my bed and my dog, Bixby at my feet helped the cozy atmosphere. I woke once to put the electric heating pad on my bum shoulder; it gets more uncomfortable with cool/ cold weather.

This past week on Thursday afternoon, I had my appointment with my new chiropractor, which is closer to work for me and also offers acupuncture. The office is airy and friendly, and there is lovely music in the reception area which is manned by a long-haired male receptionist. The chiropractor, who also does acupuncture, spoke with me about my needs, goals, and experience with chiropractic medicine. His adjustments are hands-on. There’s a window up high in the consultation room, again, nice and airy

I must say, the thought of someone ‘cracking my back’ was unnerving at first, but I feel the results are positive. The chiropractor seems pretty holistic in his beliefs, which I think is quite a good thing. The office is closer for me , too. He said I should wait and see how my body reacts to the adjustment. I have set another appointment for the acupuncture and will certainly share my experience!

When I got home, I was greeted by a newly shorn Bixby. He is cute as ever! His eyes are kind of squinted here in this morning’s photo because he has his eyes on a treat in my hand!

Friday was a non work day for me, a weather day. I got up and met some of my teacher friends for breakfast. I had a scrumptious egg platter with spinach and goat cheese on it, as well as real coffee! It was nice to catch up and share some gossip!

Last night I was able to catch up with my son a little bit. He wanted to watch Family Guy, then he was in bed early to prepare for a workday. At this point, we have have to be glad for the little moments we get. He likes the absurd humor of that show. It’s not my first choice. 🙂

Here’s to a great weekend with good food, friends, and loved ones!

A Day in My Life, Day 19 #blogchallenge

Jan. 20th, Day 19. #ADayinMyLife

Today I took the day off for appointments. I slept in, getting back to sleep after the bathroom wakeup call. Man, I really needed that sleep! We had a good dinner with my dad and Patsy again last night, with my son and Chris also. Everyone had fun! They’ll be leaving early Saturday morning.

The first appointment today was at JOI for physical therapy for my shoulder. I hadn’t gone in several weeks but decided to go back for a few appointments to see if that would help me get over the hurdle, since being at home over Winter Break had me feeling like I had plateaued. My physical therapist pushes me further than I push myself, but if I still feel I’m not improving, I want to try for another MRI.

Afterward,I got to go home for lunch, see my mom, and feed Bixby some of my apple. It’s a relaxing thing for me! You can see he needs his toenails trimmed, but I’ve been waiting since a spot on his paw has been aggravated and still healing.

Bixby loves apples!

The second appointment was to get checked for breast cancer and get a mammogram. I can’t stress how important it is to get those tests regularly. I’ve had aunts on both sides who had breast cancer, so I’m trying to be cognizant and careful. At least the clinic was in an interesting part of town that is sprouting several murals now!

The outside of Sherwood’s bar.

The drive home was scenic and enjoyable. I’m planning to stay in and sleep well again tonight! Have a good Friday evening, everyone.

A Day in My Life, day 7 #MyLife

Day 7, Jan. 8th

I went to church this morning. It is a Presbyterian Church and such a nice place. The windows let in a lot of sunlight, and today Florida is not disappointing! I’m trying to figure out where I can help with one of their many community missions. Time will tell.

After church, I got my grocery shopping done, had lunch, and left to pick up my mom at the airport. She was on a cruise with our friend and neighbor whose dogs she took care of. Her friend was taking off on a second cruise the next day, so she got Mom a plane ticket. It was a short flight from Ft. Lauderdale! I was glad to see her get home safe. Bixby was really glad to see her too!

The ride to the airport was uneventful. I got there and went to the “cellphone lot” where I parked and waited. They had a big sign showing which flights were arriving or had arrived that hour, which was a nice addition. She was tired, but glad to be home.

My evening consisted of a nap, reading, talking to my boyfriend, and watching some more of The Inside Man on Netflix. This episode was pretty haunting. It’s pretty dark. Something I recently saw and really liked on Netflix was White Noise. I read the book years ago.

Maybe I’ll get in a little more reading. Have a good night, everyone!

Weekend Coffee Share, Tough as Nails?

Good morning, and welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie at https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2022/11/11/bay-of-fundy-5-historic-sites/ My beverage of choice today was a blend of chocolate -flavored mushroom coffee called Mojo. I got a free sample pack online.

So, yeah, I tried something new for my health. Low on caffeine and high on an adaptogenic herbal blend but tasting like chocolate, this is supposed to be the answer. Well, I can’t say much for it’s effects on my energy level. Of course, this is the first time trying it. :)I will admit, it produces less jitters than real coffee.

Need..more.. sunlight!

This past week, we had a level 1 hurricane come through Florida to the west of us. Bixby was not happy with the wind and rain. He did, however, bravely walk out in the rain once to relieve himself. We didn’t really have a rough time, but Bixby didn’t like the loud, howling wind. Nor did I! It kept me up one night as it battered against the back gate, like a monster trying to get in.

Photo by MESSALA CIULLA on Pexels.com

The next night, the wind was much more quiet. However, I woke in the middle of the night to a strange sound. Was it an alien? I saw that Bixby was on the bed. Was he choking? Was he about to throw up? The dog hadn’t moved. He was breathing steadily. I heard it again! He was sleeping so soundly, I thought he might have let out some gas, but there was no smell. (Dogs do that, you know). He kept sleeping unbothered.

I realized it was his stomach grumbling. Poor fellow hadn’t gone outside that day except the one time to pee in the rain. He also had not eaten all day, either because he was so spooked by the wind or he was determined to avoid a potty break in the rain again. That tummy of his was complaining chaotically! Bixby slept through it, unfazed.

That stubborn dog is, at once, tough as nails and frightened by the rain. At least he can sleep through the tummy rumbles! Sadly, though, he probably had to do that often when he was a stray.

Such was the worst the storm held for us here in my house. There was flooding in our downtown area. They had cancelled the Veterans day parade days before for the sake of safety. The storm is now gone. I caught up on my sleep last night, and Bixby heartily enjoyed his dinner last night, even after I’d given him bits of my apple!

I followed the extra day off and the storm watch with a massage yesterday and another night of peaceful sleep! Have a great weekend, everyone!

My newly edited book FIGS,VINES and ROSES (Reposting for a friend)

Good afternoon everybody.My story of love,loss,wealth and poverty at the turn of the ninteenth century is now available as an eread and paperback on Amazon. I would love to hear your thoughts on this beautifully revised version compiled by 4WILLS PUBLISHING

My newly edited book FIGS,VINES and ROSES

Weekend Coffee Share, Remnants of a Happy Start

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. Pull up a chair in your favorite beverage. It’s a green tazo tea day for me, because I am moving at my own pace. Let’s enjoy a little chat.

It’s a 3-day weekend for me, and yesterday was a payday, so I rang in the weekend by going to St Mary’s seafood and having a delicious dinner. My mother and our neighbor Bonnie met me there. There was ’80s music playing in the background, so it really put me in a cheery mood to start this weekend.:)

Remnants of a Happy MEAL.

Grilled Alaskan Pollock, sauteed green beans, rice pilaf and some hush puppies. Scrumptious! I told my boyfriend about it, and he said he really wished he could have been there. He has been fighting sinus troubles and a bad cold.

Work is starting to get a little stressful, but I am going to relax and be lazy with reckless abandon this weekend, because I deserve it. My dog seems to approve of that sentiment.

If you know me, then you know that I feel creatively challenged right now because of my hand arm and shoulder pain/ impingement, which is taking too long to resolve; writing is really hard to do right now. I did get an idea to share a photo of Bixby in a chilled out mood sitting on the stoop. I posted it as a social media story with the Rolling Stones song, Waiting For A Friend. Perfect!

That song to me seems to start out so relaxed and unassuming, just the guy sitting on a stoop watching his surroundings on a weekend evening. Somewhere, somehow, at the end, we get the horn playing and suddenly the song just sounds so magical to me. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always loved it! 🙂

I plan to do more of these with Bixby, maybe with the advent of every weekend and giving him a different caption.

I mean, the look on his face! It could be taken so many different ways. I am having fun with this, I hope other people see the humor that I see. If not, I’m just glad I can see things the way I see them, and y’all are missing out. LOL. At least I can make myself laugh. 🙂

I think we’ll end this conversation on that note. Life is always laughable, right? At times, I have said “Life is a Seinfeld episode.” Or, Seinfeld is life. It gets me through the trying times!

Thanks for listening. I hope all is well with you all and that you find a smile or laugh in your coffee cup this morning. Take care!

Weekend Coffee Share, The Animals Have it

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. My post is not a morning post like usual, since I’m incorporating yoga in my Saturday routine now. It was another green tea day…it seems to go better with namaste and healthy living. Pull up a chair and your beverage of choice, no judgement!

It being afternoon, I’ll share some photos of my afternoon jaunt with my man, Chris, to the local zoo. I’m currently on a cool off break.

Coffee? What’s that? My afternoon mango icie.

85 degree weather didn’t stop us! Look at this cute little ham!

Anteater.

Snack, please!

We got some really nice shots of the animals! My boyfriend got the tiger photo. His enthusiasm for the animals is quite catchy. I feel young again. Such fun!

So, that was my fun stress-reliever in a Saturday afternoon. How is your weekend?