the calm before the storm...

 ...I did pack my suitcase.  It will weigh over 45 pounds, because one more bag of ground coffee has to go into it.  The limit is 50, and Char has some things she wants to stuff into it.  To be fair, I am bringing chocolate chip cookie mix and brownie mix, and three bags of coffee, plus a huge-0 jar of Nescafe Gold espresso powder.  I also have a little fan in there, as there is no A.C. in the apartments there, and shh, some of us princesses like to have a fan blowing on us while we sleep.  

Remember, I am the princess and the pea about my bed.  It has double foam mattress padding on it, because Paul likes the bed to be more firm, so we folded the whole thing to my half.  It's kind of hilarious, but oh so comfy.  For this vacation, I'll be sleeping on a bottom bunk, and I'm pretty sure there will be suffering involved, as I'm not about to check another bag and stuff a foam mattress in it, although if money were no object....hmmmm.

When you get older, there is always suffering involved.  When you're young, you just sit in a chair.  When you're me, you size up that chair, make sure you won't break it, then if you decide it's sturdy, you wonder the whole time if you'll be able to get up out of it.  

Anyway.  I am packed.  My backpack is full of snacks:  pistachios, nuts, protein bars, a few hydration packets, candy, peanut butter Monster Mix from Target.  I hope this doesn't happen again, although it was quite funny:  When we went to Norway last year, the young TSA agent kid said only take out food items from your carry-ons/backpacks.  So, I started pulling out food items.  Easter candy (several bags) (was bringing for my niece), popcorn, protein bars...there was a big pile, and I was telling the agent that this was my worst nightmare, so embarrassing, and he said okay, you can stop now.  Wait, I said, don't you want to see the giant bag of beef jerky?  How giant?  he asked...it was too funny.  

Anyway.  There are 27 from our family going, 8 of my kids, five spouses, and 12 of the grandkids, and Paul and I.  So it won't hurt to have some good snacks in the backpack.  

I didn't sleep so well last night, the travel anxiety is beginning.  I am not really worried, but my body is.  I need to write another list of last minute things, like the phone cord.  I have smartened up through the years, a second toothbrush and hairbrush are worth their weight in gold, you don't have to remember to pack last minute.  I am wearing the thinnest gauze fabric sleeveless dress, and bringing my sweatshirt for the flight.  I walk better in sneakers, but packing them and wearing the Birkenstocks seems like what's going to happen.  

I just cleaned out the refrigerator.  No matter how hard I try, it's easy to waste food, mostly fresh produce.  A bunch of celery, some cucumbers, the last of some salad mix.  Right now of course, here in the USA, you want to avoid eating those things, even if you wash them thoroughly, there is a parasite going around which causes explosive diarrhea.  Of all the diarrhea types, this sounds the most menacing.  Add this to the list of things I can worry about happening on the plane:)

It is very hot out today, going up to 97, and very humid.  I have not ventured outside.  I love sitting in the sun, but the deck will be roasting.  

Little Miss Sunshine got a new pink collar...she's excited that Sam and Grace are going to move in here and watch her.  She gets so excited when the kids come over, she has to get one lick in for each child.  I think that's how she keeps track of them.

Miss Charlotte Claire, can you tell we've been watching House of the Dragon?  

I forgot to post this the other day, our pedicure...Miss Char and I.  

So the day goes on, and I've puttered and kept busy, and here I am again...dinner tonight was just for me.  The girls brought home food when they got out of work early and had errands to do.  Paul had a big lunch, so I decided on eggs...blah, sometimes eggs are blah.  Chaffles!  They were SO good!

Okay, I can't claim these are totally Keto, but...they are mostly low carb.  As you can see, I added some raspberry puree, from the Mennonite store, freshly picked blueberries, and some whipped cream.

The recipe I used:  1/4 cup almond flour with 1/2 tsp. baking powder, a teaspoon of coconut sugar, and a sprinkle of nutmeg,  whisked in a bowl.  In a 4 cup measure, I beat 3 eggs, added a splash of vanilla.  Into the egg, one cup of finely shredded mozzarella cheese (trust me, you don't taste this!).  Add it all together, it makes three nice sized waffles that are really filling.  You don't have to add the coconut sugar, or the jam or whipped cream, they can be made savory with salt and pepper, to eat with burgers, ect.  But.  They totally hit the spot this afternoon, so yummy.  I used the bowl waffle maker, which was a thrift store find.

All right, you all have a nice few weeks, I'm sure I'll have some adventures!  

oh. my. goodness. the lake!

 

Little Miss Ophelia (Molly and Josh's) went on an adventure with Aunt Emily and Grandma Della today.

Em put sunscreen on her!

I love the sun!

Seneca Lake...the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, 618 feet, 38 miles long.  Underground springs constantly churning 328,000 gallons of water per minute into this glacier formed lake.

This is a state park, and the water was wonderful for swimming!  Emily picked me up at 10:30, we picked up Ophelia, and off we went.  In and out of the water, having some snacks on the beach, then heading home with an ice cream stop on the way.  ahhh.  It was so much fun and so peaceful.  

And, now it's Monday, beautiful Monday.  I just got back from swim class, and a quick stop into the Dollar General for coffee filters.  Can I just take a minute to say, and I'm not getting a penny to say it, the business model of the DG is brilliant?  Small stores in small towns everywhere, with all the things you simply need, but don't want to go to Walmart to get!  Birthday party?  No problem, they have the candles and the plates, snacks, gifts, especially for little kids.  A graduation card?  Bag of ice?  Toothpaste?  It's all there, and it's all reasonable.  They even have nice home dec things, I like their summery dish towels, although shh, I do think I might have a "nice" dish cloth addiction.  (once they get shabby, they're drawer towels, and they don't get to hang on my stove any more!)

Anyway.  I'm home now, have a load of laundry in, have to pack soon.  I have lists and piles, but my suitcase is still empty.  I'm not exactly scared of my limitations, but I'm a bit apprehensive, but also curious, as to how I'll end up managing, walking through the airport, ect.  I can't seem to stand for very long without my "old" knee getting all stiff and sore and locking up.  I can't seem to walk too very far without having issues, even the "new" knee seems wonky-ish.  Everyone has their trials though, and although I wish for a body that just works seamlessly, and I work hard to get that, well, it is what it is.  

You all have a good day, I'll probably check in tomorrow, but this laptop is staying home this trip, so you all will get a good break from my nonsense.  Have a good day!

awww, so nice to have all these kids!!!

 

Paul took me for ice cream on Friday night, for my birthday.  Sunny got to go too!

This was as yummy as it looked, and yes, I saved the bottom for Sunny.  

This fine morning, Sonja K. took me for a pedicure!  Char and Cam came along too.  We stopped in Target while we were out and got some things for our trip, some meds and snacks.  Then a coffee, then home...but not for long!  The kids had a party planned for me!

Sonja with her baby Kaia, and Uncle Jonathan

Molly and Josh's little Denzel...he had chocolate cake!

Cousins Jamie and Blythe

Sisters Kathryn and Evelyn...having their fifth baby, and first baby!

From Joseph and Bethany!

I got flowers!

With Jonny...Mariel in the background...and Rosi

Char, Sonja, me, Cam....Elise, Anya holding baby Samantha

That forecast!  Ahh, beautiful summertime!

I didn't have to do anything for my birthday party, just show up.  They grilled hot dogs, sausages, chicken, there was pasta salad, garden salad, chips and guac, brushetta, chocolate chip cookies, cakes, and an apple pie.  Emily, Benjamin (Ashley +3 grandkids), Mariel, Joseph, Molly, (Josh +3 grandkids)  Samuel (Grace and 3 grandkids)(they have 4 but Grant is visiting his grandparents in W. Virginia) , Margaret (3 grandkids, Adrian was working) , Kathryn( Darius +4 grandkids), Evelyn (Nate), Sonja (Oscar and Kaia), Jonathan (Rosi + Emilia), Charlotte Claire, and Camille were there, and Paul.  My niece was there with two of her kids, and a few of Oscars friends from Norway.  

They brought out a huge T.V. to watch the soccer match from the pool.  

Home again, and tired enough!  Sunshine and swimming and visiting with everyone, what a blessing of a day.  I love seeing them all.  :). Good night!

see ya later, 60!

 

Life marches on, then starts really speeding up.  How on earth is it my last day of being 60?!  It seems like about last week the kids had a surprise party for me out on the deck!

I hoped I used my year well.  It sure used me, left some lines, some grays...

This is what the hood of the pram looked like yesterday.  I was dubious, didn't think it would clean up.  But, by some miracle, those hideous yellow spots washed right off with a wet washcloth dipped in Tide.  I vacuumed the whole thing, inside and out, and wiped it all down.  I removed the inner lining and mattress and washed those, set them in the sun to dry.

I took off the wheels and gave them a scrub, shined up the spokes.

I brought it to Evelyn's house today.  Isn't it so cute?  There is a full snap on cover too, and also a seat that can go on in place of the bassinet, which can fully recline, and also has a snap on cover.  

I like a vintage-y all terrain carriage/pram, so much nicer than the new ones.  

Evelyn and I visited for a bit, had some coffee, solved the world's problems.  She has such a nice house, has it fixed up and decorated just so.  I got to see the baby's nursery, just five more weeks or so!  

On my way home I stopped at a store that has good prices on steak, and bought a few ribeyes, and some fresh sweet corn.  Then I stopped at a Mennonite store for some vanilla.

I pulled into the driveway and Paul was putting his fishing poles and kayak in his truck.  I guess I won't grill steak with him not here for dinner.  The girls came in the door, made PBJ's for dinner, and left again.  So, I had some cauliflower crust pizza and some cheese popcorn, and a Coke Zero.  I've done some laundry and dishes and puttered around, and sat in my comfy chair.  

I just watered the flowers on the deck, gave Old Kitty some water, let Sunny out for a bit, fed Orange Guy, located a sweatshirt I have been thinking about bringing to Norway, and put clothes in the dryer.  Now I have my after dinner no sugar Greek yogurt in my comfy chair with a purring kitty on the arm.  The sun is setting on a beautiful summer day.  

I know what's for dinner tomorrow night, so that's a plus!  :). 

Ah well.  Paul is back from fishing, and I'm signing off for the night...

sad and happy....

 ...so I went over to Cheryl's house this afternoon.  I had this beautiful Peg Perego baby pram years ago, that I gave to one of my nieces when she had a baby...she passed it back to a cousin who used it for her baby...(one of Cheryl's girls), then Cheryl had it.  She kept telling me I could have it back, it was in storage at her house.  Well, today I went and got it.  It had spots on the hood and didn't look extremely promising...but.  A wet washcloth with Tide, and those spots are gone already!  I wiped down the frame, and washed one of the wheels, a lot of elbow grease and some Bar Keeper's Friend.  The frame is stainless steel, and looks better already.  I am soaking the inside pram piece and mattress pad in a bowl of detergent and water, and can't wait to see how it comes out.  Miss Evelyn Joy is going to love this for her baby.

So happy about the pram, cleaning it up and making it nice and new again is SO much fun!  They seriously don't make them like this anymore.  I'll post some pictures when I get it done and all put together.  Sad:  going to her house and her not being there.  The girls are sorting through her things, and gave me a tank top with a shirt over it, that she had made.  Seeing her clothes, oh my goodness....there was one shirt she always wore, a button down floral that she wore over tank tops...I told Katie to keep that one, drape it over a chair...I started to cry.  I came home with one of her floral canes, not that I want to use it:).   So yes, happy and sad.  I miss her so much it's crazy.

This was a very busy day.  I went to swim,  then to brekky with the people in the class.  There's nothing like a nice hot omelet and cinnamon raisin toast with hot coffee and cream after a good pool session.  Then home...ahh, home.  I sat, I cleaned, did some laundry, then my friend Linda came over and rode to Karen's with me, and we had a glorious time in the warm sunshine.  Clear blue skies, warm pool water, ahhh.  

Ah well.  I'm so tired.  Lots of swimming today, and it's ten o'clock.  Time for bed for old people.  :). 

things I love, and things I just don't let bother me anymore...

 True confession:  I hate my upper arms.   We can use a slew of adjectives here:  flabby, bat-wing-ish, jiggly...those are true descriptions.  So I used to make sure to cover them up, elbow sleeves are still favorites of mine.  But somewhere along the way I decided who cares?!!!!  I made a decision to be comfortable, wear the sleeveless dresses or tank tops, and let those arms flop in the breeze.  I hope this will actually be a help to other women, they can look at me and sigh and thank their lucky stars that at least their arms don't look like that ha.

But, I LOVE summertime and the chance to wear comfy sleeveless clothes.

I dislike my body, but love all the things like a soft ice cream cone on a hot evening.  A toasted marshmallow over a campfire.  A few squares of Norwegian chocolate.  For health reasons, I try to eat low carb, fast intermittently, limit the sweets, but oh dear it's not easy.  Also, I've learned it's really taboo to talk about these things In Real Life, it can be damaging to daughters.  Either eat it or don't, but don't comment on it.  Let others enjoy their choices without constantly bringing up sugar levels, ect.  I'm still a work in progress about this, but I try to keep my battles to myself.

(There is a nice lady in the swim class who has been eating a Keto diet and has lost 120 pounds, she has a doctor/coach, and is very encouraging to talk about these things, I'm not saying not to talk about it.  But there is a time and a place!)

One thing I love is having what I call sisterhood.   It is SO special when women can be friends without backbiting or cattiness.  I HATE all of that, and it's something God hates too.  There is something so blessed and amazing about lifting each other up and being kind.

Hugs.  Our family is not a hugging family.   Yet, a heartfelt hug from someone you love and care about is beyond precious.  

Traveling:  I love love love/hate hate hate it.  I do love an adventure, and to see different things and meet people and experience other places.  But.  I hate sitting in the confined place on the plane, having no control of how long we might stand in line, and the airplane bathroom is beyond disgusting.  I hate when my feet swell, and they will. (I think it's too hot for compression socks...). I try to travel in comfortable clothes, and then I see these ladies with dress pants and heels, and wonder what the heck is wrong with me, ha.  

Packing for a trip:  I've done both things, under packed and over packed.  I think under is worse.  The place we're staying in Norway does have a washing machine, so for a ten day trip, I should really pack five days worth of clothes and wash them.  Sweatpants for around the apartment, a bathing suit so I can swim in the fjord with the jelly fish!  A long jean skirt, a short one, a pair of jeans, five tops, five dresses, two sweaters, a sweatshirt, a rain jacket, undies and bras, socks.  I will travel in my comfy sneakers, then bring Birkenstocks.  (if it rains, the sneakers will work better!).   Coffee, the portable pour-overs, filters, instant coffee, some protein bars, liquid I.V., helps with the plane ride.  Detergent pods, shampoo, ect.  Hairbrush!  Phone Charger!  Plug converters!  

We're leaving next Wednesday so I have plenty of time!

This fine morning, I have to get up and get moving, as I'm bringing Anya and Elise shopping.  :). I might go swimming with Kathryn afterwards.

Tomorrow, after the pool there's swim class brekky at the place in town, then I'm going to visit my friend Karen.  She has a very nice pool, and it's supposed to be a hot sunny day.  

Thursday I plan to accompany Kathryn to a dr. appointment, then to the store.  

Friday is my birthday, I am turning 61.  I am so old, I had to stop and think how old I am.  I was born in 1965, so that does make me 60.  Yah, I'm not so old, but forgetfulness is real!

Believe it or not, but I love my new knee.  The rest of the leg is not totally in tune with it, which is weird, but the knee itself does not hurt anymore.  The other knee gives me more and more trouble, but I am not at the point where I am ready to have it replaced.  yet.  

Anyway.  Last night I had the most awful nightmare.  I was in a house with all of my kids and grandkids, and when I looked up at the woodturning stove pipe, the ceiling was on fire.  I started to yell and scream for everyone to get out of the house.  There were so many grandkids upstairs!  I went out and climbed up on a roof and leaned in the window and yelled that the house was on fire, and to come to me and get out the window.  Darius was sitting there with the baby, teasing me about my anxiety, and I was trying to scream that flames were coming up through the floor, the window I was leaning on was burning hot, and the whole house was going towards a flashpoint, but I lost my voice.  I yelled but nothing came out.   Wulf and Tenny were prancing around and I was absolutely beside myself.  

The aftermath was that I didn't know who got out and who didn't.  I was out in the yard, I saw Benjamin walking through the smoke and I was sobbing, I had thought he was stuck in there.  I didn't know who was safe and who wasn't, then someone said, the sad part is that Sam and Grace bought this house for so much money, and now it's only worth $5,000.  THAT is the SAD part?  I know it was only a bad dream, but oh dear, my shattered heart and torn apart soul.  I shall give my grandchildren some extra hugs and spoiling when I see them.  

On to better, happier things:  Miss Char is going to her CPR class tomorrow, as she is starting nursing school next month!  I think they're excited to be going back to school.  Also, Evelyn and Nate are having a baby girl next month, how sweet is that?  We are going camping a few times next month too.  

All right, time to get moving...you have a good summer day!

what is better than July?

All of it:  bare feet, sundresses, swimming, those late sunsets, grilled chicken!  It goes by fast, so let's slow down and enjoy the heck out of it!

Yesterday, Paul and I, Char and Cam, got into the new truck and went to clean the apartment we still have to rent out.  I took out all the shelves and drawers and cleaned the refrigerator, Cam and Paul did the stove and oven, Cam scrubbed the sink and helped in the bathroom, Char did the tub, they cleaned windows and ceiling fan blades.  The floors still need sweeping and mopping, and new cabinet hardware installed.  These were clean tenants, so it's a relatively easy job.

We were hot and sweaty, so when Paul stopped to get gas, he got us fountain drinks from the gas station:  a Diet Coke on tap, mmmm.  

Home.  The girls went to one of the Finger Lakes for a swim with Emily, and I sat and put my feet up before going to visit my niece for a few minutes.   My sister had a Silver Cross doll pram, and Evelyn is going to keep it for her baby girl when she grows up, so I picked that up.  

When Emily and the girls got back from their hike/swim, Paul made smash burgers on the Blackstone grill.  I cut up cucumber and carrots, and made salt potatoes, as well as a few pieces of chicken in the air fryer for Miss Cam, who does not like burgers.  

Eating out on the deck, yup.  

This fine morning, I went to my swim class, then came home, and Kathryn was wondering if I would like to Aldi with her, of course I would!  I got to see Achilles, Rhys, Jamison, and Ellis.  I didn't need much, since I was just there a few days ago, but I did get a cauliflower crust pizza, some raisins for my salads, some red, yellow, orange peppers, and two packages of 85% beef that were priced at three dollars a pound, which is practically unheard of these days.  I also got three solar globe lights for the yard, $1.69 each, and a rug for in front of the sink:  89 cents.  (The sign on the shelf said $1.69, but it rang up 89 cents)

Home...ahh, home.  I put the solar lights in the yard, picked up the old rug from in front of the sink and put it in the wash with a few towels, swept the floor there, put down the new rug, put away the cold things, and dang, here I am in the comfy chair.  It's a warm enough day, humid, but bearable.  

My new Birkenstocks came.  They need to be broken in.  They fit, but are not comfortable yet.  I didn't dare wear them to Aldi today, need to walk around the house in fits and starts first.  They ARE lovely though...:).

Slate blue, leather, 3 buckles, what's not to love?

Speaking of "fits and starts", that's how I'm writing this post today.  I just finished vacuuming, and it was warm in here!  80 on the wall thermometer.  We turned on the mini split and closed the door, it'll cool down a bit soon.  Hot summer days are nice, but nicer from the beach or by the pool, not so nice when you're vacuuming.

Tomorrow I'm taking Anya and Elise shopping. We'll go to a few stores, then get lunch somewhere.  :).  Char and Cam are working, and I love going out and about with girls, I hope my granddaughters will enjoy the time with me too.  

This was ten years ago, not sure where Jonathan was, but Suzanne, Sonja, Kathryn, Evelyn, Camille, then me, and Miss Charlotte Claire in the back.  (Suze, Sonja, Kathryn, Ev are all married now...two are mamas, and Ev is due next month) (we know time flies!)

Dinner tonight is supposed to be grilled chicken, I flattened it with the meat mallet, and it's in Cornell sauce.  It does look like rain though. I can always cook it in the iron frying pan or air fryer.  

Ah well.  You all have a really good summer afternoon!