Am I Overthinking? Day 30

Probably.   Maybe this is a pattern.  Maybe it is progress, because I am trying like heck not to consider myself center of the universe.   Trying to think of others...

Really would like help on this...What do you think?  Have similar experience?  How did you handle?

One of my childhood friends has terminal cancer.  Saturday, in our hometown about 2.5 hours away, there is a fund raiser for him.  My sister and I are going.  I have a couple other friends who are going.  We all live south.  2 of us gals said "Oh, let's ride together...!" Friend 1 says if we take your big SUV, we will chip in for gas.   I thought it would be fun.  Then DH tells me it will be a pain to remove the tarp he has put down for "carpet" and load the rear 3rd row seat, but he will help me.

Then I texted the one friend about a week ago to ask what time we should leave...she did not answer the time question...talked about couple other things...This is partly the problem with texting, I know, I know...

Then Thursday she calls and leaves a message that she and her husband sold a washer/dryer and have to go to storage unit on the way.  This is in the town they just moved from about halfway.  Friend 2 still lives in that town.   Asked if that was ok, or if I prefer to just take 2 vehs...leaves that message.

I think she has to know, I would not care at all.  I have a garage full of her sister's shoes I am trying to sell to help her and sister.  Would I mind such a minor detour?  Then it occurred to me...maybe other friend voiced that they would just prefer to make arrangements...I dont know, it just seemed weird to me.  A month ago these 2 friends went to a concert and only invited me last minute, when her mom had to miss to care for her ailing spouse.  I did not go, because of my dogs.  DH was deer hunting.  Of course, a month before that I mentioned I was going to go deer hunting with DH.  So that could be why I was not invited to concert earlier.

I text and give her an "out".  I tell her to call.  She does not call.  This morning I get a group text all 3 of us.  Friend 3 asking about meeting.  I reply saying friend 1 and I had brief chat, arrangements not finalized, etc.  Send photo of buried SUV 3rd row seat.  Tell friend 1 to call...several hours have gone by.

I asked DH about tomorrow, he suggested I just go with my sister in separate car and not deal with the situation.   Because there is no way for me to know.  I would rather err on the side of saying, no big deal, we will all meet there.  Than wonder if the girl doesn't really want to be around me and feel uncomfortable.

This summer us 3 gals were on group text and friend 2 said she was going to be in my city for a conference.  I was surprisingly hopeful...then as the evening progressed, I texted her and she never answered.  I thought it was rude, but I said nothing to her or friend 1.

These 2 friends were here back in September,  when we went to see pup we adopted week later.  I did mention to friend 3 and friend 4.  They did not really understand how to interpret friend 2 ignoring me either.  But I should not make assumptions.  They both ssid I should have a talk with her about it.  I may.  But it should be done in person.  And this fundraiser weekend is NOT the time.  This friend 2 who ignored my text is the one who took my cat and also the one I gave all my furniture to in the city (couch, love seat, chair ottoman).  They did come pick it up, granted.  But they did it on a weekend we were gone.

Even if I am overthinking.  I just prefer not to work so hard.  I have found true friendship to be not so much work.  That people who want to see you, see you.  I am not wiling to spend precious energy here.

Now, what to do about it.  My work buddy back in the city...he called it the "drift".  He "drifted" away from many family and friends when he moved from West coast city to 200 acres in the Midwest.  I think I will start there...I can always talk later.

Beautiful day again today.  Spend some time outdoors again.  Have a great Friday!

Today I am grateful for my serenity and my tools.  I can pick up my toys and go to another sandbox.  Give it some time before I do anything.  Namaste my friends out there!  I appreciate you!

More Tests, Days 28 and 29

Hematology specialist kept us waiting 1.5 hours after a 4 hour drive.  He did not even acknowledged it.  And DH basically pointed it out.  This was even after asking DH to arrive 30 min early for appointment.  Sheesh.

Dr was otherwise ok I guess.  Said there are 3 ways to be anemic,  1)  not enough iron, 2) blood factory otherwise not producing red blood cells or 3)  blood is going somewhere (as in bleeding ulcer or a tumor).  Sometimes the lab numbers make inferences...he sees none now.  Did indicate DH is not severely anemic.  Ordered blood test and more tests after that, depending on what he analyzes from yesterday's results.

I was irritated at DH because his GP suggested upper gi and colonoscopy.  not this.  DH opted to go to blood specialist first.   Did DH not think this would be important to tell me?  Then again, maybe he did and I forgot.

We do really need to find a GP down here in retirement state.   The drive yesterday in one day was the pits.  Plus we brought pup so she would not tear house up.

Day 28, I am grateful for our health care system in the US.  It is not the best maybe, but pretty good.  Day 29, I am happy for a day with little to do.

Hope you are finding a little time for yourselves.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting,  especially those of you who offered prayers and encouragement.

Day 28, 2 months retired!

Today we got DH first SS check.  Thank you universe!

We are leaving in 15 min for our drive to city.

I just want to thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement.  Crazy how this internet gives people this outlet and I am so grateful for it.

Thank you!  Will update tomorrow.

Being Scared, Days 26 & 27

We slept in late Monday after a windy cold 4 hour golf game on Sunday, followed by an evening Dexter binge session on NF.  Monday we just puttered around the house and checked in with family that had to drive back to blizzard Sunday in the city.  Temps in the 20's and about 6 inches of snow.  Stayed in the 30's here yesterday.

Today when I got up 27 but sunny.  I slept really good thanks to my 90 min power yoga last night, but as soon as I woke up my mind started...

Tomorrow we have to drive to the city.  DH has an appointment with an oncologist.  He told his mother the doctor was a hematologist.  Well, he is...but his specialty is oncology.

It is weird to have a worry like this and no work to escape to, distract me.  I do well to focus on a goal (getting through an 8-10 hour workday).  But just sitting here with it...well that is new to me.  Ironic that tomorrow we drive 4 hours to oncologist appt and it marks the exact 60th day of our retirement.  The 2 months have been amazing.  We have finished some projects, tweaked our house and set it up to serve our day to day life, continued to organize and purge, get ready for winter, enjoyed settling in to a daily routine, done some nice hikes and walks.  But we have relaxed a lot and we like it.  Perfect time to retire...fall.  Get our house situated, streamline and get ready to enjoy a long, slow, calm and quiet winter.  Now this.

DH is not letting on at all that he is worried.  He is actually like a little boy when he is hurting or sick usually, but he is very quiet on this.  He says he is not worried since it has been going on several years (red blood cell anemia).  That does not worry me by itself, but he is also having some kidney function tests that are abnormal (hyponatremia and creatinine) and that combined with the anemia scares me.

More later.  Please send positive energy if you don't pray, prayers if you do.  I am grateful for other's prayers and I am grateful for our 60 days.

Day 25, Grateful for Perspective

Maybe you’re experiencing a season of life right now where you feel...rejected, abandoned, disappointed, unwanted, alone...We all experience these feelings at one time or another. Maybe as a little girl or even a grown woman who desperately wishes her daddy would love her, an employee who longs for the approval of her boss, a woman who would give anything if her husband would pay attention to her, or one whose husband has walked away. Maybe you feel forgotten by friends or family during the busy holiday season, and loneliness and painful emotions threaten to steal your joy...When we find ourselves feeling this way, we’re faced with two choices. We can turn away from God in anger and frustration and develop a sour attitude. Or we can allow the words of the psalmist to motivate us to step up in our faith...Psalm 43:3, “Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live...If you’re feeling forgotten, by others or by God, let your hope swell and your joy return by intentionally believing that God will never leave you and is always by your side. Make a commitment to focus on God’s presence and the blessings He’s given you, and let God be the source of your joy...Dear Lord, I’ve been feeling...alone in this world...Forgive me for doubting, and fill my heart with the joy of Your presence. I commit today to seek after You, put my hope in You and praise You even when I’m struggling. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."
   -Tracie Miles

This really resonated with me today.   If have felt lonely and lost in my life...I developed bad coping strategies.  I persevered at my poor choices...I learned I can also make better choices...and preserver in the those.  Today, I try to remain hopeful, grateful and help others.  My feelings change like the weather in the midwest.

Wish me luck as we play golf in the wind today.  Cold front is coming in and all day temps will be dropping.

Have a wonderful Sunday.  Spoil yourself just a little today.  Start with a thought.

Day 25, I am grateful for perspective.

Beaver Moon

First full moon on Thanksgiving in 98 years, since 1920.

Worked on Thanksgiving prep today, did few errands and visited with family from out of town.

Got new TV, got it all set up and moved 2 others.  We just have this last one to do wiring on in attic. 

Winding down and enjoying the new one now.  Have much lounging and food...will have to work this off next week.

Thankful today for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving, Thank YOU

Happy thanksgiving!

I made a post on social media that we had finished the difficult side of our house, getting trim painted and lived to see another Thanksgiving.  I sort of was only half way kidding.  It was dangerous and stressful and this is the very last time we will ever attempt this.  At least without scaffolding or a cherry picker!

DH was trying out some new sunglasses and got really dizzy.  Plus, he was up at the very peak on the extension ladder and had to reach way up and lean back.  I know from painting ceilings, leaning back is very hard on the back.  And I do yoga and have a strong back.  The really dangerous part is the tight squeeze between the house and the carport, so the ladder is very steep here and in danger of tipping back to dump one of us off!

I know he will be relaxing a lot today and I will treat him like a king.  After we finished the trim paint, we got up in the attic and finished the wiring with new cables so we can attach master bedroom and guest room/sitting room/office to antenna and watch 14 channels.

Then, I took down the old tattered lace curtains and put privacy film on the dormer windows into the attic.  It look really good now.  Then we had leftovers and fresh biscuits for dinner and I cooked up the meat for our lasagna today.

Here is attic windows before and after.  The difference is not clear in photos.  In person, it looks much nicer, cleaner and updated.

Today will be just quiet Thanksgiving.  Just us, DH family celebrates Saturday.

I have a lot of heaviness on my heart from some family and friends battling sickness and loneliness.  I just pray for all of you out there to have some light in your heart today and remember that whatever we feel heaviness about is only temporary.  Reach out and you will receive.

Today I am grateful for you.  The couple of people who read and comment.  Have a great day.

Thanksgiving Week, Day 20 and 21

https://newsroom.statefarm.com/dont-let-cooking-fires-ruin-the-holidays/?cmpid=SOC:Newsroom:PA:Facebook&utm_source=m.facebook.com&utm_medium=referral

Yesterday we played golf again at the public course closest to our house, that is fairly affordable.  The free round the manager comp'd us a month ago, we had to start on back 9 and we got lost few times, rushed because it was on a Wednesday and they have seniors scramble on Wednesdays.  So, yesterday while cool (40s), it was sunny and very few playing.  So we took our time and played 1 through 18.  We really enjoyed it.  We are going to see if we really do want to play once a week in Dec then decide if it fits in our budget to join, or just pay as we go.

Yesterday I also sold a few things, so I have earned almost $200 for my friend's sister.  I will take 10% for my efforts...it's a lot of work.

Today we are going to paint one last part of trim on house we have dreaded and put off.  Wish us luck!

We discussed Thanksgiving with SIL Monday.   She and MIL decided to do prep together at MIL house.  DH was ready to speak up since SIL still working and I have never hosted/prep'd large gathering meal...MIL may have though better and may have been persuaded by SIL.  I am just glad I stayed out of that!

Happy Wednesday.   Thankful today for our house we love, to keep us warm and safe,  even if the maintenance is nearly killing us, lol.  Just kidding, we could have hired painting help...this will be last time I paint exterior anything.  Just trim even...

I am also thankful for sunny days to be able to get outside!

This Is Me! Day 19

This was from my Proverbs 31 Ministry devotional Friday...
"I lay in bed, eyes wide open. Everything around me at rest, except my mind. It's racing once more, reminding me that the darkness that is night, is not the only darkness that can rise. There's another that can fill our hearts and minds. Anxiety. Guilt. Regret. Those are my bedtime companions. The foes of a soul not at rest."
  -Katrina V. Wylie

The phrase that caught my eye:  "boundaries are not burdens" they are gifts.

Especially helpful after my trip back to family in the city this past weekend.

Just ran to the store and stocked up.  I may have to go again to help with DH family dinner Sat.  But I got my shopping done and got what I was planning to fix and bring.  Sat night SIL told me that her mom told her she is not doing the majority of the holiday meals this year.  And SIL said she and I are doing, and that Christmas dinner might be at my house.  Sure would have been nice to have been privy to this discussion.  I told DH and he just shook his head.  Seems like a bad year to change everything, why not wait until SIL is retired next year.  Oh, well.  I will just roll with it.

I will talk more about my anxiety later.  Not ready yet.  I am still dealing with adjusting to my new life in retirement and the huge money adjustment that goes with that.  I know everything will work itself out.

Just one foot in front of the other.  I will send some of that energy out in yoga tonight. 
Have a great Monday!  Day 19 and I am grateful for yoga.

Mindfulness Meditation

Do not hide your light under a bushel. Arise and shine, for the light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen in thee." The glory of the Lord shines in the beauty of your character. It is risen in you, even though you can realize it only in part. "Now you see as in a glass darkly, but later you will see face to face." The glory of the Lord is too dazzling for mortals to see fully on earth. But some of this glory is risen in you when you try to reflect that light in your life.
   -Hazelden Foundation 

Cold and rainy today.  Perfect day to stay in and have leftovers.  My SIL library had fundraiser dinner last night.  It was nice.  However, I learned 1 week prior to DH family dinner, SIL and I have to do whole thing. 

I asked MIL, should she and I at least do the shopping?  SIL works all week (well, prob not Friday, but I myself no NOT shop on black Friday).

So, while I am resting today.  I will be making list if what I will be doing before Sat and where to buy it.

Have a wonderful Sunday Sabbath.

I am thankful for Thanksgiving.

Day 17

I'm home.  Had tea with my Aunts.  Drove to my cousin to see her, say hi, give her a hug.  She looks great!  Says she is cancer free, short hair now...looks great on her.

Went on and detoured to town where DH got his venison processed and picked that up.

Got home, unpacked.  Cleared room in freezer for venison.   Said hello to DH and doggies.

Then we had to get ready for fundraiser for our little town library.  It was nice.  Then home 9pm.  Couldn't wait to get into my jammies and lounge.

Thankful for home.

What Day Is It?

It feels like Saturday.   But it is Friday.  Drove to city Thursday.   Ran bunch of errands for Granny.  Waited till after rush hour to drive across town to aunts.   Had sandwich with my Granny (free).  Went to visit my aunt, walked in...learned her MIL passed away within an hour.  So that's sad.

Slept ok.  Got up, went to see other aunt.  Visited...tried to offer perspective about some heavy family stuff...

Left, lunch with my former colleague.   Great 2 hour lunch, talk.  It was fun.  Cool, but beautiful sunny day. 

Tonight dinner with my best friend and my aunts. Then coffee with friends.

Ready to go home.  On my way, picking up deer that was processed last week.  Stopping to say hi to my cousin...ready to go home.

Sometimes, I feel nostalgic and this is one of those times...lots of feelings.  Miss my mom.  Worried about DH (more later).

" Let’s fuel our hearts with faith instead of fear.
Father, I want my words to show my confidence is built on You. Help me fuel my heart with faith instead of fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."
   -Lynn Cowell

Day 16, thankful for my faith.

Not Much to Talk About, Day 14

I did not do 2nd power yoga, on one week.  I was antsy enough from barely leaving my house in 2 days, I was ready for a walk.   It was cold, 31, but no wind.  The pup loved it.

I also listed bunch more stuff on PM, but no sales after I mentioned on here things were finally moving...false alarm!

We did run to town for a prescription.  While there looked for rig to replace the one pup chewed, Walmart lacking decent rugs!

I will get one at At Home when I exchange lamp shades.  We also got virtually indestructible chew for pup.  Cross your fingers!

I am taking 32 inch TV to my friend on my way home to city to visit granny.  The TV hook up broke, but is fairly easily fixed with a new part and some patience and dexterity (DH has little of either).

We are moving larger older TV into bedroom to use on interior antenna...move bedroom TV to my office and get new TV for living room.  The one in there is not working on antenna in attic (but newer small one works fine on same antenna).

I think it us just DH way of getting super sized TV!

I leave for city Thursday.   I may not post till Sunday after this.  Have a great weekend!

I am grateful for not much to talk about .

Breathe

7I have started my 5 week bible study online "Breathe" written by Priscilla Shirer. Perfect timing, snowy and cold so I decided to stay in, if possible.  But then, my online connection was gone.  Could it be the still unburied internet line?  I don't know.  Don't have to let it get me down.  I am practicing the art of not immediately reacting...not just outward, to others...but inside.  Not immediately assigning a feeling to something...

So, I got a D on this.  But it was my first time.  I will work on that muscle memory.

I really loved this:  "But sadly, I’ve often been unable to relish God’s double-portion miracle for me. And I think you probably know the feeling. Because believing that doing less can somehow produce more requires a resilient faith. It takes an unshakable concrete trust in God — the kind that won’t topple even in an earthquake of doubt — to maintain the confidence that allows you to stop, even when everything in you and around you says keep going. Keep pushing. Keep gathering. Keep persisting...Dear Lord, help me not to miss seeing You do what You do best: be God. Empower me to honor the foundation that supports a double-portion miracle — the Sabbath. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Ok, I had another chance not to react...I clicked on YouTube to follow along with the course accompanying videos and my computer had a Microsoft screen come up and say that my computer was blocked due to virus activity and I needed to call Microsoft.  So I tried to call the number and my call was dropped twice.  So, then I just laughed.  Because how ironic.  I am trying to do diff modes of media to take a class about doing less and my computer has meltdown.  So, now the Russian hackers have my IP address and phone number.  Oh well. 

Heck of a way to start a Monday!  Today was better!  Sunny, beautiful day.  Did nothing today and that's OK, I will try to accomplish something tomorrow...I am going to try and do 2nd yoga class (2 power in one week)...we shall see.  Oh, and I am starting an afgan for my cousin too.

Monday Musings, Day 12 and Snow!

First day...DH gone.  I can watch whatever I want on TV, or have music playing and no TV, read a book, get up and make noise in the morning without fear of waking him, wear no makeup, wear no bra...

Day 2...rainy drizzly and dark...miss DH so I will just drink some tea and have the last 2 brownies.

Day 3, cleaning out bunch of stuff to throw out, give to SIL, donate to Goodwill without DH asking what I am doing and want I am getting rid of, alsod donate to animal shelter...plus maybe buy couple frivolous things and bring them inside without DH pointing out the irony there...but it sure is dark...and cold...

Day 4...slept in then enjoyed reading in bed...worked in the yard...but watching NFL game wo DH...well, it's weird...better have a bit more coffee...maybe chocolate later after leftover meatloaf...Oh, well - I am slaying it!  I got the side by side backed back into the shop and even hooked up the trickle charger all by myself without hitting his Harley!  Look at me killing it.  But now I am worried sick about him coming 200 miles home in quite a little weather event...snow up north and rain followed by sleet followed by snow down here...

I know he will come home today anyway.  I don't know who he misses more.  Me or the dogs.

I am so grateful for my family. 

Linen Closet

I wanted to show my linen closet after I cleaned it put and organized. 

Happy Veterans Day and thank you to you and your families for your service.

No yoga Friday, but had nice brisk walk in the sun.  And again Sat after I did some errands with SIL.  We fed cows successfully Fri and Sat.  We just finished for Sunday too.  BIL back from his truck driving job to take over.  While we were feeding Saturday, we realize a new baby just last night...our coldest night so far.  The extra nutrition helps momma feed the new babies.  She was off by herself...we took food over closer to her (not getting out if atv).  Real slow...eased away.

Back at SIL house, we could see newest momma eating her special food.  So we felt good, cold again tonight, Sunday thru Tues.  Then warm up a little.  Today was beautiful, sunny.  

DH got a nice sized 10 point buck.  We will have a feeezer full of organic game.  

We had burgers at Whataburger Saturday...yawn.  It was very mediocre.  I prefer Wendy's. 

Vitamin D ...do any of you feel S.A.D.?  It gets so dark so early.  I really notice in the evenings at home alone.   I have east wall of windows.   I really think my 45-60 min walks outside help.  Today I did not walk, but was outside enjoying the sunshine working in the yard for a little while.

Does S.A.D. affect you?  What do you do?

Day 9, Today

I slept pretty good last night without DH, but woke up 5am and could not fall back to sleep.  I might just get layered up and walk the pup.

BIL and SIL need help with the cattle while he is working this weekend out of town.  They have a 2nd baby, so nursing cows need extra nutrients,  esp when this cold.  It was low 30s this am, hard freeze tomorrow and Sunday be in the teens.  I assured him, SIL and I can handle it.  It will be after 5, so pretty cool and dark.  I went ahead and put that warm stuff together.  My new hunting jacket and fleece pants are warm!  I will have to drive side by side about a mile, help SIL load bag of pellets and feed them to cows.  Then drive home in the dark.  My side by side has headlights, but it will be pretty cool.  Hopefully not raining.

I put my gear on and walked outside to see if I could hear any owls, but did not hear any.  I got warm quickly just standing there!

I love my daily book devotional today.  From Jeasus Calling by Sarah Young:  "when a future oriented worry assails you, capture it and disarm it by diffusing the light of My Presence into that mental image.  Say to yourself, "Jesus will be with me then and there.  With his help, I can cope.  Then come home to the present moment,  where you can enjoy Peace in my Presence ".

Day 9 and I am grateful for the ability and willingness to improve awareness to be present.

Last Mowing, Day 7

Hopefully our last mowing this season.  Then we are going to winterize the mowers.

I am going to make brownies for DH to take with him for deer hunting/poker.  I haven't decided if I am doing yoga tonight, I am still pretty sore and will get tired from mowing too.

There is a cartoon in the paper this morning of a man who has a voter sticker on and clothespin on his nose.  While I agree choices are what they are,  I know there are good people out there running for office wanting to do their best public service.

"ShrineofStJude: We pray that political leaders may live lives of integrity, seek to protect all citizens, & provide for the needs of their people."

We are supposed to get hard freeze Saturday.   I will be able to cut down my peonies and prep that bed for winter.  I am trying to enjoy the leaves that are still left.

Day 7 and I am grateful for the country I live in and all the sacrifices of those who gave it all.

Selling!

I have 45 pair of shoes and boots of my friend's sister listed...not a single sale yet until this week.  Then I sold one pair of boots and 2 jeans.

It is funny how it sort of cascaded once it gets started.  Can be Amy project.  Clearing out clutter, organizing, rearranging,  selling, even giving away.  Once I get started, it flows.

I also went through box of photos of my neice and nephew.  Kept just few and plan to photo and transfer to electronic storage and otherwise incorporate into my current photos.

Then I divided them all up to give to neice and nephew.  Thus freeing up a large box.  I also went through a big pile of picture frames and prepared for donation.

While DH is away at deer hunt, I will declutter even more.  He did agree to donate 2 huge speakers...so that is great!

This morning, I worked on clearing out some cabinets and I am going to store some glassware in more long term way...if I dont find myself using, I will donate.  Then I dusted and watched birds till DH got up.

We have to drive to other side of the county for his lab and my dr.  My dr appt I set back in May or so, funny how the lab got put on same day, conveniently.  I hope my new specialist is good, I will miss my doctor in the city, but not the huge medical facility challenges that came with her.  But with huge medical facility comes cutting edge knowledge and strategy?  Will I be giving up quality for smaller practice?  We shall see.

I am grateful for my health.   It us generally very good, at least I seems to be something I can engage in and affect holistically.   My body allowed me to complete a pretty challenging class last night.   Today I feel it!

Rain Idea, Day 5

Yesterday we put up couple bird feeders.  I have an Ace Hardware coupon, I will get some bird feed today.  We try to get big project stuff at larger town big stores, but try to give day to day grocery and small project needs to local Ace Hardware and Grocery stores.  This morning I had to take the pup to get her last booster shot.  Appt was at 8:30.  I woke up at 8am and realized suddently.  It took me 10 min to get ready and dressed, out the door.  I was still there in 5 min.  Our vet is literally 4 miles tops.  In the city we drove 35 - 45 min.  This is such a treat.  In 7 weeks or pup has gained 10 pounds!

Sat night,  rain falling ..gave me an idea...for a rain chime.  I quickly googled whether something like that existed.  Our bedroom windows are on north and east sides, in NE corner of house.  Our bed is between 2 windows on north side.  The north side of our house is a tall pitch with no gutter, so the water drips down and is loud.  I like it.  I also like that our bedroom is the coldest part of the house.  At City House, bedroom was hottest corner of house and we had vaulted ceilings which magnified the temperature disparity.

There are such things as rain chimes.  You can google.  I am not sure how to attach a picture of a google image search.  I will try.  They are basically a line of metal objects (small bowls or baskets/chain that gathers the rain and channels it downward, amplifying the sound of water.  I am going to be on the lookout for old brass candle holders at the thrift store.  I found a tutorial on You Tube.  I am going to have it/them empty into a rain barrel.

Coming this spring!  Have a great day.  Today I am gong to relax and fix us something healthy to eat.  We are both feeling like kids the day after Halloween binge.  We will still have cake for breakfast once in a while.  But that needs to be the occasional treat, not the norm.  Then I think I am going to plant my other 2 mums and gradually begin my shift to Christmas décor.  Help DH get his hunting trip packing/prep finished.  Walk the dog, if the weather allows.

I am having a little stomach nausea going on 3 days now after my flu shot.  Figuring this is normal.  I have only had the flu shot once or twice before.  Don't remember.

I was on the phone with a family member for an hour this morning, catching up.  I have a few family members that are struggling with physical, mental burdens right now.  It is heavy and I pray for them.
I am grateful that I have a day to day walk with God and I can go to him for support.

Our First...And Second Hikes!

Yesterday started out not going my way...I got up and drove to yoga, happy to be making up a session since I missed Halloween.  I get there - class cancelled.  Darn.  So, what do I do?  I buy donuts.  You know, makes sense!

My day turned around fast!

Then had coffee with DH and we decided to take a day drive and look at the leaves before they are all blown off the trees.  We were going to do more trim painting and it was not hard to change our minds!

We picked a general direction and started driving.  We saw a park at a lake and stopped and found a trail that was showing on an app I have and we were glad we stopped!  It was beautiful area.  It is a state park, but it is within a national forest.  DH said he would love to come back and try out our kayaks.  I added that I want to stay in one of the cabins.  I added it might be a little creepy because they close the gates at the main road.  DH laughed.  Obviously I watch too much 48 Hours and Dateline.

We did about a 2 mile hike in a fairly steep area, skirting the lake.  We just enjoyed being out and I told DH that this was why I wanted to move to this state.  He agreed.  The leaves are past the prime color season, but there all still lots of yellows and oranges.  I took some pretty pictures.  When I did the search on the app for trails, there are like 250 in my corner of the state.

After the steepish hike, we drove some more.  I stopped at a restaurant for catfish.  It was wonderful.  They even served green tomato relish.  We are close to another town that I had gone to graduate school 20 years ago.  But the area is so much more grown up it is unrecognizable!

Then we drove about 20 more miles to another really nice state park.  This park includes a museum and battlefield.  This battlefield was key in the civil war.  We visited all the stations and watched a video, looked at the displays.  Then we walked the 1.5 mile circuit.  Just beautiful.  And the history really made us grateful.  That we live in such a wonderful, complicated country.

Then we drove home and DH told me he would think twice next time I want him to look at leaves with me...he was worn out!  I think I wore our or big dog too.

Hope you are enjoying fall.  Happy end of Daylight Savings!

P.S.  By way of update on our antenna...we have personally run new cable to the living room and kitchen from our existing antenna and we get all the major local stations and several public TV stations.  We actually think we had a bad cable.  We are also enjoying the ease of watching Amazon Prime and Netflix.  I am so grateful for the beauty of nature outside, but also my warm cozy house and a bit of TV for entertainment on a cold rainy fall evening. I am happy we have cut that cord and saved that expense.

Queen

We never see movies on the day they are released.   But today I noticed that even the new releases are shown early in the day, so we went and voted early, got our flu shots and went to a 1:30pm show.

From Wikipedia:  "
Farrokh Bulsara, known professionally as Freddie Mercury, was a British singer, songwriter and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen...Mercury was born of Parsi descent on Zanzibar, and grew up there and in India before moving with his family to Middlesex, England, in his late teens."

We saw Bohemian Rhapsody yesterday and I truly enjoyed it.  Then we watched TV and had chili from the crockpot.

Today we hiked, TWICE!  We are tired.   I will write about it tomorrow.   Gave a great Saturday night!

I am thankful for my DH, my best friend.

Day 2, Friends

Alicia Bruxvoort in my Proverbs 31 Ministry email today wrote about friends...

"...He goes before us, and He stands behind us. (Psalm 139:5)
He walks beside us, (Isaiah 41:10) and He dwells within us. (John 14:17)

And, according to Joshua 1:9, when we’re short on courage, it’s in His presence that we find our pluck!
“… be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

So next time we’re overwhelmed by the challenges that stretch before us, let’s remember the Faithful Friend who stands beside us."

I had several texts yesterday and this morning from friends checking in.  Saying hi.

We decided yesterday that with our dogs acting out a bit over so much change and our old boy sleeping so hard...we are wondering if he is soon leaving us, or if this is just a new stage...

Anyway, we will stagger our November visit back to city and not hire pet sitter and still be money ahead.

DH goes next week to play golf with his one brother and deer hunt with the other.  I automatically wished I had scheduled a girls weekend like we used to do...but very soon decided I would relish my solitude.

I can still text my girlfriends...

Have a wonderful Friday!  We are feeling so much lighter...we got 2 of our 3 new income streams going...AND DH received his earned time off monetary pay out.  Whew.

I am grateful for friends.

30 Day Gratitude Challenge, Day 1

Now that we are retired, I have time to do some challenges...I am going to do the 30 day gratitude challenge on my blog, not on social media.

I read a great post by Karl Staib on Becoming Minimalist.  He is also considering mental clutter, which I want to consider now that everything about my life has changed due to retirement. Old, unhelpful,  negative thoughts...

Karl wrote:  "...I admit I have a long way to go, but each day I work on clearing clutter from my mind and my home. I’m getting better at noticing these thoughts and not letting them dictate my actions. I’m also noticing the recurring negative thoughts and combating them with the most powerful mental habit known to man.  Gratitude.  Choosing to be grateful for what I have and not feeling like I need more has provided a big improvement in my outlook and overall happiness."

DH and I did absolutely nothing yesterday.  I did some laundry and fixed a couple shelves on my side of the closet, but that's all.  I did not even get dressed properly (sweats) and no make up. 

We watched TV and movies.  It was great.  It rained all day.  When it got dark, I lit a candle and we turned out the lights. I had left overs for lunch and DH had left overs for dinner.   

Today we are going to get our haircut and get some coffee at Sam's.  I finally sold my velvet blackout drapes. 

I am grateful for this opportunity to explore doing, having, thinking less.  Helping me to get to know myself.  Have a wonderful first day of November. 

Trim before (medium brown)

                                                  

Trim after (white)