Weekending

Have you ever had a dream that's more of a revelation? When you wake up and piece together the night time reel in your head, you are like Damn, I'm good. That's it exactly! Obviously I did last night. I'll spare you all the details. What I need to share is that I expressed through tears to women unidentifiable, faceless but dear to me, that everything is temporal, impermanent, waning. I had this feeling of profound sadness followed by gentle peace and acceptance. It was the feeling that's sticking with me today. I'm hard wired with a years are minutes mentality. Daily, I work hard to remember to be here now. To be present and grateful. It's like I finally got it last night. I had an aha dream.

I fell asleep while watching the news last night. It's the first time I've really watched the news in days. I heard snippets, but resisted any deep diving. The weekend felt like such a respite to me and I selfishly relished in it. The days beautiful and productive...pleasing. The nights lovely and shared with friends on the patio. Sadly, I wasn't shocked to learn of the rioting. Protests are rarely peaceful anymore. We had a curfew in our community. It was a little unnerving, but I felt safe and certainly sad. Sad for so many reasons. Sad for so many people. Things were just starting to feel normal. There was a light at the end of this long tunnel we've been living in and now I'm thinking I may just stay home indefinitely.

Home is not a bad place to be so that's good. I've always been happiest at home with my peeps. I spontaneously invited my frister over on Friday night for patio wine and pizza. I was surprised when she accepted because she's usually so busy, but this is the new normal: availability. This is another positive outcome of quarantine. We had such a lovely evening catching up. Her daughter came to pick her up and Lily joined us. The four of us sat around the kitchen island...mothers and daughters...and it was a highlight of my weekend spending time with these beautiful, inspirational, strong women.

I was up early Saturday and quickly inspired by the Food Network. I decided to make one recipe from each of the three shows I watched. I reached out to Jess because I know she's getting tired of cooking and she accepted my invitation to join us for dinner. She said it was the best meal she's had all year. That is quite a compliment from my frister who is a seasoned critic. It was another feel good night.

We'll take a walk today. Maybe run an errand. Do a little work around the house and meet for Sunday dinner when the day is done. This is Sunday and it's one of my favorites. I plan to be present for all it beholds.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Transitioning to early morning rising. Apparently, going to bed at a more decent hour has everything to do with that. I was up during the 7 o' clock hour one morning and the 8 o'clock hour two mornings. It's better for me.

I'm pretty sure my sore knee is bursitis brought on by a week of weeding and planting on my hands and knees. I'm grateful to know this because it should heal with PRICE...protect, rest, ice, compression and elevation. I'm down with all of it except for the rest.

Today is a a beautiful 70 degree day. No humidity. Windows all open. Perfect for a walk.

Tigger is the new back door beggar.

Lavender infused aloe vera. It smells as good as it feels on my sun rash.

Homeland marathons with my boys. 

My favorite Italian salad.

My favorite Caesar Salad in a wrap.

Cherries.

Lilacs blooming.

Happy hour with Candace last night. We finally enjoyed the Coyle glasses she gifted me before the pandemic.

A nice long chat with my Dad last night followed by a call with my aunt.

Mike decided on a new car. He gets it tonight. We're all excited because when his car was totaled 3 years ago he had to make a quick decision and wasn't thrilled with the car. Thankfully, he leased it. He's buying this one.

I got some body work on my old car. I'm getting it detailed next week and I know it will feel like new once it's deep cleaned. That is good enough for me. 

Pots of soup. I've been making one every week and it's been perfect for quick lunches and snacks. I think I'll continue this even as the warm weather sticks around because a bowl of soup can actually be the perfect light summer meal.

Tigger has been such a snuggle bunny all week and particularly attentive to my whereabouts.

Delivered to my door.

We survived another week at home sweet home.

Good Weekending

I was up during the 9 o'clock hour this morning with Tigger's help. Never mind that I set my alarm for 8. This is progress. It's another beautiful summer-like day and the yard is busy with Orioles and a bluebird who has taken up residence in a house on the edge of the yard. It was a busy holiday weekend too - full of family and friends.

Jess called on Friday to suggest a walk. I haven't seen her since March. I'm used to seeing her once a week. To say I was excited is an understatement. Lily joined us. She's been missing her too. I really wanted to take her on the river trails, but I knew they'd be swampy after the recent rain and I had on some new kicks. After our walk, we continued our conversation on the patio. I left the back door open and Tigger worked up the courage to join us. Then he spent the rest of the weekend begging to get outside. Mike picked up dinner two ways. Our favorite pizza for most and a burrito for Lily. She's always the outlier.

Saturday felt like a normal day of errands and chores. I spent time in the kitchen getting ready for a dinner that night at my brother and sil's. I made a family favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip and my Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes. I weeded the front beds and planted more annuals for color. Mike finally was able to put down the cocoa bean mulch. The yard smells edible. Teddy went to the club for the first time in forever and said it was weird. Lily and her girls long boarded all around the neighborhood and something about watching them disappear down the hill fills me with such nostalgia.

Sunday morning was making crust for Triple Berry Pie to bring to another bbq that night. I made time for a workout. Teddy and I did some online shopping for work attire. He starts his internship at an investment firm in June. He will be looking smart. Lily's job as a camp counselor has been cancelled until next summer. She's in search of employment now. She did some online shopping yesterday too. Jean shorts and bikinis. Sounds about right. I cut up a watermelon and washed some cherries for the girls who took them to the park on their boards. They came back to Casa Wags and painted canvases at the patio table. That is one of the good things of quarantine: kids being kids. Family time too. The four of us went to the Weslow's for dinner. Pedro purchased some new arcade games and seeing my guys lined up playing away that night also brought me back in time. We ladies made conversation until I finally put my foot down and said we had to go home. It was 2:30. It was time. 

Yesterday was a chill day at Casa Wags. I found myself at the nursery for one more plant. That seemed silly so I bought two and another planter. The fam went for a bike ride. I declined. I have a sore knee and my Polymorphous Light Eruption has already erupted. I have had too much sun in the last week. I iced my knee, lathered on aloe and enjoyed having the house to myself for an hour. We played a competitive game of Catan before dinner. Ted won, but we were all close behind employing our own strategery. It's what I love about this game: all the angles. Mike grilled bbq chicken and ribs. I served green beans and baked potatoes as sides. It was a feast that will last all week. After dinner Lily had homework to do. I forget she's still in school. Teddy had his squad over for a poker night. Mike and I were in bed early for quarantine, but still late for a school night.

This week I want to cross a few more things off my list. I talked with Alan this morning and we're shooting for June 8th to officially open the office. That inspires me to use these last couple weeks wisely, purposefully, fully.

Scenes from the wonderful holiday weekend.

Weekending

I'm sitting here enjoying my coffee and the view of my busy back yard just before lunch time. My goal this week is to get up 15 minutes earlier each day so that by the end of the week I'm having coffee for breakfast. A bluebird just flew to a perch on a low hanging branch. That's a first in our yard that is home to jays and cardinals. I'll take that as a nod...as permission to be kind to myself and my new habit to sleep the morning away.

Saturday's walk was spectacular. We went to our other favorite park and did a giant loop shedding layers as we pressed on. We paused by the lagoon to listen to it humming with the calls of hundreds of frogs and toads. It's mating season. I was on the lookout for the crane that flew over us headed in the direction of the lagoon. We found her on the island camouflaged in a nest of bramble and branches. The pond was teeming with giant tangerine colored koi. There was a pair of ducks with just two ducklings. I hate to think what happened to the rest of the family. The park was busy with bikers, walkers, dogs and puppies, people picnicking, golfers, kids climbing trees. It made me feel happy.

When we got home, we washed all the windows on the second floor. It was long overdue. Years overdue. It's big payoff for little work. Of course, it rained like a sieve all day yesterday and now they have water spots, but they are clean. I'm motivated to clean everything before we are busy going and doing again.

Yesterday we put on our masks and went to Menards to buy supplies for other projects. Lots of people were there with the same idea. DIY is definitely a trend that I think will continue as a result of all this time at home. Lily and I went to the grocery store to buy Ted more fruit and more chicken for her. My frig looks like a fruit stand. We scarcely go in the middle aisles and that actually is good not just for the body, but also the wallet. I came home and made a brimming pot of Mexican Chicken Soup. It was perfect for the rainy night and so delicious. I'll never be able to replicate it though because I just kept adding and doctoring and spicing, but that always makes the best soup...everything but the kitchen sink.

Before dinner, Mike and I played cards. He skinned me. Lily was excited for a family game of Catan after dinner, but we all lost steam. Maybe tonight.

Quarantine Life

The sun is out, but it feels like a fall day. Especially after yesterday, which was definitely summer. I slept with the window cracked last night. The fresh breeze was intoxicating. It was a fitful night owing to evening water consumption and Mike's snoring. I tried to shake him out of it a couple times, but he's sleeping the least here at Casa Wags so I didn't have the heart to disturb him. I squished a pair of ear plugs in my canals in defeat. That caused another set of  sounds that kept me awake and annoyed. It was my first time wearing them. Do you know you can hear your heart beating? That you can hear your lungs compressing and expanding? You can even hear yourself blink. Eventually I fell asleep only to dream of being under water. Go figure. I was trapped in a fugue state. Floating then sinking. Holding my breath. Literally, forgetting to breath. I think I'll forgo ear plugs in the future.

I spent the bulk of the beautiful day yesterday in the office. I went in to take care of a few matters and then I kept going. It was good productive time, but after just a few hours I came home and crashed. I'm thinking I need to negotiate an afternoon nap when I'm back to putting in a full day, a full week. I put on a random Netflix thriller and watched the whole thing prone on the couch. I felt the pneumonia front come through at dusk. It's uncanny how definitive a wind shift can be.

I picked Ted up at the club house just after dark. He played an extra nine than his buds so he was stranded and cold. I had an ulterior motive for being so accommodating. I wanted ice cream. I tried to coax him with a stop at Culvers for his dinner, my treat, but he said he really only wanted ice cream. Thank you custard gods. The line was ridiculously long so we made a pit stop at the grocery for pizzas and pints. I came home and put on another thriller. He made our pizza and spared me two slices of Home Run. He ate the rest. All of it. Then he left to hang out with his squad. I thought maybe he'd stay home and work on his Survivor Season 41 tape. My son who hates being dirty, has to sleep with a fan every night and needs to eat three square meals a day, thinks it's a good idea to audition for this show. I'm humoring him.

Mike and Pedro were having a guy's night. They were playing cards in the kitchen. I think they should try out for The Amazing Race together. Lily and I had plans for a movie night. That girl's schedule is even more whacked than mine. She wasn't ready to join me until 10 o'clock. Then she made me pick. I went with Fantasy Island for nostalgia's sake. Don't. Just don't.

I went to bed feeling like I had put in a good week. Some things were accomplished. Others are still on the list, and that's okay. There's always a list. Today's is long, but I know that what we fail to accomplish will just be moved to tomorrow's and eventually things will get done.

As soon as I finish this cup of coffee, I'm taking a walk. That's a must. Everything else is just gravy.

Who's Counting

I think this is week eight of staying at home. It's been a good week. It's true what they say about habits: six weeks. While this is not normal, it will be hard to go back to bedtimes, alarm clocks, dinner before dark, seven days a week. Every day is Saturday in my world. It's something I always dreamed of, but if every day is Saturday, Saturday isn't special. But so far this week of Saturdays delivers zero complaints.

It's been...

Two long walks on the river trails moving fast and feeling good. Seven or so miles. Today we saw two pairs of orioles. The lemon yellow female is just as showy as bright orange male and that is rare. Mike spotted one huge nest in an ancient tree that was filled with hundreds of downy feathers. We saw our first frog. We found four of our painted rocks and we moved them to new nooks and crannies. The air was that perfect temperature just like baby bear's porridge. This is spring. Spring for like 46 more days. Tomorrow will rain so we took advantage of the beautiful pair of days.

A trip to my favorite nursery today with Lily at the wheel cruising along country roads with open windows. I scored three strepto carpella. They were tucked away, but I had faith I'd find them. A fellow shopper shared with me that she has always known them as dancing ladies. Every time I fill my cart with these perse violets, people admire them. It makes me feel like a proud mom. We came home with eight other plants. The extended forecast shows safe overnight temperatures for these beauts, but I'll resist planting for another week.

One competitive family game of Catan. It's Ted's favorite and now we are all hooked. Mike and I played one game of Gin. I lost. By 100 points. The boys played two games of horse. Mike and I watched the last episode of Homeland and then I started it again with Ted the next night. We watched five episodes last night before falling asleep on separate couches.

One full pot of Italian Chicken Soup and one pan of extra cheesy lasagna. Tonight we'll grill three tenderloin filets and one chicken breast. I'll saute 72 ounces of spinach. This week Ted's eaten twelve eggs, one cantaloupe, one pineapple and two pounds of strawberries. Lily's eaten one rotisserie chicken. She's been tearing a tortilla into a dozen pieces and making her own chips. We have two bags of chips in the pantry, but she cooks for herself so I keep my mouth shut.

The purchase of one new water heater. I'm pretty sure the old 75 galloner was 50 years old. It had two leaks. I got two new tires. Twelve bottles of wine will be delivered tomorrow. That's a purchase I can be excited about. I'm trying to find 20 pound weights for Ted since the gym is closed indefinitely. I found a set that could be delivered before July for $60, but the freight was $139.99.

The purging of three closets. It took me about six hours. I have one closet to go: mine. That will likely take me at least ten hours. I put away the 1000 piece puzzle today. We'd lost interest. We still have like 100 words to find on our giant word search.

And there are four more Saturdays in this week.

But who's counting.

Scenes From The Weekend

Friday. Decanting and decompressing. Happy hour with a friend from appropriate distance.

Hour turned into all night. We had much to talk about.

Family style. Chicken Piccata for Saturday night supper.

Fresh air and sunshine on my favorite paths.

Now up.

My new favorite lunch.

My old favorite cat.

His favorite perch for bird and dog watching.

 This beaut is from my dad and Judy.

My family makes the best cards.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a little tricky for me since I'm unmothered. It's not surprising those feelings are heightened during this period of isolation. I won't be invited onto the altar by Father Tim. We won't stand with the entire congregation and simultaneously shout out our mother's names. Every year he starts his sermon by acknowledging that we all have mothers whether or not they are present. His mom is more recently not present. There is something that makes the day lighter when he acknowledges I am not motherless. There's no need to hurry home from church to put the finishing touches on brunch before family arrives. I still spent some time in the kitchen yesterday cooking and baking. Mike delivered Mother's Day goodies to his mom yesterday. They were very grateful for the Quiche Lorraine and the loaf of Blueberry Almond Bread. The thoughts. My dad is stopping by today. I assume that he's bring my annual perennial pot. They always give me the most beautiful begonia for Mother's Day. I'll send him home with a gift for Judy and a Chicken Pot Pie. A batch of Lily's Peanut Butter Cookies for dessert. I hesitated on the comfort food because the weather has been so unpredictable, but today it is dreary, windy and 40 degrees. Something homemade and hearty will be perfect.

My brother and sil stopped by spontaneously after golf yesterday. I was still in my jammies and a dirty apron. We caught up on the week and only talked a little about Covid 19. Teddy came home from a bike ride, Lily came up from the basement after her workout, Mike returned from his parents and it felt like normal. I tried to get them to stay for dinner, but they were tired so I sent them home with a pan of Chicken Enchiladas and a container of my homemade black beans. Some masks too. They were happy, but I think they would have been happier to stay for Chicken Piccata. It was delicious especially served over buccatini, sans the capers and with a side of sauteed zucchini.

My dad is famous for his Chicken Piccata. When we moved in with him in high school, he decided to learn how to really cook. He got a copy of the Frugal Gourmet's cookbook and was on his way. I'll never forget finding him in the kitchen working the chicken with a 2x4 that first time. He didn't have a meat tenderizer. My dad is an excellent cook now and he still uses the 2x4 for old times sake. 

So we have the whole day free and clear. Ideally, we'd take a nice long hike, but the weather makes that a tad undesirable. It's snowing now. The only place we can go is the grocery store and we do need to do that. I could pull the Mother's Day card and send Mike with my list, but the only place we can go is the grocery store so it's kind of a treat now. I think I'll suggest another family movie afternoon. Well splurge on a new release of my choice, of course. And dinner is my choice too. The only request I'm making is steak. I'll leave the rest to them. I may make them all play Qwirkle or Boggle. So it's sounding like a pretty good day even given these unprecedented times and that's why I come here: to talk myself off the ledge, to highlight the bright spots, to remind myself to be here now because it's a good place to be.

Why I Walk

Sometimes I put off my walk. It never makes sense because every time I pound the pavement I feel like a new person. Yesterday was no different, but I finally laced up and headed out. It was a cool, but beautifully sunny day and that sun makes all the difference. There were very few people on my favorite paths. That's the way I like it. I had lots of company though. Birds. I always see robins in the woods. Right now they're all about building nests. Every little beak was busy with twigs. I have such a motherly affinity for them. I saw a flash of yellow...a goldfinch. They are rare sightings on the path. Soon after I noticed a cardinal and then his mate also rare in this stretch. I meandered on my way and they flanked me one on either side of the path, singing and following along. Then leading the way. I smiled. I said Hi. Hi to my mom and I thanked her for the visit. I felt ridiculously jubilant. Cardinals are said to be loved ones returning. My mom comes to me in birds since the day after her death. Not every bird, but there are times I feel it, her and I just know. Then a little further on down the path, an enormous bald eagle flew down the river and I felt awed. I was wonderstruck by the grand creature and also the way that the universe speaks to us. I was thankful for my ability and willingness to listen, to find meaning, to receive comfort. Grateful that the connection is still so strong.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Lily and I stayed up late last night watching Unorthodox. I really have no idea what we'd do without Netflix right now. And I really love when we can enjoy a show together.

Cat nappers.

Three more episodes of Homeland left. I'm grateful we didn't finish it this week. Ted's going to start it soon. I may rewatch it with him.

Ted did a rap song as a final project for his astronomy class. I was impressed. We've listened to it numerous times.

This was how he left for golf last week. Not so impressed.

Cinco de Mayo dinner. The star for me was the big pot of black beans that I simmered all day with onions and peppers, but the chicken enchiladas were good too. And how have I never had a tostada before?

Photo creds to Lily.

Dinner at the Weslows Saturday night. We had a Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby, birthday bash. It was Pedro's b-day. We played Wizard, Miss Pac Man and the boys played crib. The girls hung out with us most of the night. Ted took a break from studying to come over for dinner and there was a time that all 3 kiddos were having engaging conversation on their own. That is a quarantine miracle!

An impromptu happy hour with my aunt and uncle Sunday. We stopped to drop off some furniture for staging and had a nice visit. I'm happy for them that their house is ready to put on the market, but I'll be beyond sad when they move to Arizona. That being said, the house they're building will be a great place to visit.

A visit from my in-laws last weekend. It was a nice surprise to see them and to catch up.

They brought us a bouquet.

We sent them home with some banana bread.

The hallway project is coming along. Although, no progress except procuring more paint, happened this week. I am officially not a painter.

Trim and stairs are next.

We have been discussing a whole foods diet here at Casa Wags for the summer. Ted is actually driving this idea, but we are all on board. There's no better time of year with the farmer's market about to open.

This is Ted's new favorite breakfast.

Another pot pie ready for delivery and then the oven. Care packages this week are for our mothers.

Because I love you.

Noticing berries, buds and blooms on the trees.

Lots of walks on the trails this week.

These fun new cards I got in the mail. Not surprising that I am the Gin champ this week.

Every card has a different author.

This guy is still living his best quarantine life.

I'm a little bit jealous.

New pillows for the family room. In lieu of new furniture right now. I just ordered some new throws yesterday.

Tigger approved.

A text from a friend yesterday asking to get together for some much needed girl talk. She's coming over tonight. Mike's going to hang out with her husband. It really feels like Friday.

And on that note, one more week of quarantine is in the books.