My day | Peaches Prattlings

{April 13, 2024} Gotcha Day

It’s Bee and Ruby’s Gotcha Day! For those of you who might know be in the know, because if you’ve never adopted a human or animal, why would you! So… ‘the gotcha day is the anniversary of the day on which a person or a pet joins a family by adoption.’ Isn’t that great! I gotcha in my family now!

Miss A’s gotcha day, you may remember, is February 14th, how perfect is that! And Ruby and Bee’s gotcha day is April 13th, we officially adopted them in St Louis in 2020, shortly after we moved there. As you know, Mollie didn’t leave Hawai’i with us, we knew she probably wouldn’t be when we moved there, and sadly, we were correct. After we moved to St Louis, we were walking around Creve Coeur Lake thinking, and talking about it, “wouldn’t it be nice to have dogs again, to walk around the park with us”, I told PSM when he was ready, let me know. And shortly thereafter, he said…I’m ready.

So…I went online to see if I could find another American Foxhound, that’s what Mollie was, and let me tell you…not easy to find. As I was looking at different shelters, I found Five Acres Shelter and I saw Bee, who had similar features to Mollie. I only say this because everyone always asked me if she was a Beagle when they saw her, honestly, if you didn’t know the foxhound, she looked like a beagle that had exploded, meaning, much larger!

I said…ooh! And when I clicked on her link, she came up with a friend…Ruby. The site said they were so bonded they hoped the two would be adopted together. I showed PSM the pictures and although he was only thinking about one dog, he said go for it. I filled out the application, put down his brother SM as a reference and we got a call from someone at the shelter to interview us. About 30 minutes later, we got a call from his brother “So…you’re thinking about adopting a dog, huh?” Wow, they move fast.

Even faster, a few minutes later we were setting up a meet-n-greet with the foster mom. She wasn’t available on Saturday or Sunday, did I mention this was Friday? What about Monday, sounds good. Since we were both working from home, remember, this is when everyone was at home working because the Covid stuff just started happening about this time.

Monday, we went to the shelter and met both dogs, what doll babies they were! And all of a sudden, maybe 15/20 minutes later, PSM said yes and I was signing paperwork and we were dog parents again…. Um…with no provisions at home, oops. On the way home we stopped at Petco to get dog beds, the foster mom gave us one bed, we call it the burrito, it’s actually sitting under my desk right now! It’s a brown oval bed they both love sleeping in! She also gave us one blue bear, we bought a few toys, food, a crate for both of them, treats, and a bed that fit in the crate, yup, we’re good to go.

We got home and brought them into the house, they sniffed every corner, oh yeah, we closed the master bedroom door, there was a giant oriental rug in there, the foster mom told us Bee has a tendency to sometimes go inside…and normally only on rugs/carpets, so we’d have to keep an eye on that. They settled in pretty well, found the beds to snuggle on and we laid down with them at different times, and we took them out back to their new yard, lots of room to run around.

I’d say they got used to us and their new home pretty quickly…they spent most of their time laying out in the sun out back. They also decided they needed to protect the yard, which I was finally able to cure them of that, ‘you’re ok, no one is invading your backyard! If anyone walked by…oh brother! So…I decided no barking before 8am, some people like to sleep! We would get up and take them for walks between 6-7a, then back home and they’re free to roam the house and back yard. And Ruby has finally realized the fire brigade didn’t need her help alerting the neighborhood!

We didn’t know what breed Ruby was, we just called her an attention hound because she’s so very needy and clingy, it fit perfectly! Then someone walked into the house to do some work and said “That’s a Redbone Coon Hound!” And boy howdy, is she! And they are needy, clingy dogs, that’s all there is to it! It has nothing to do with separation anxiety, that’s just the breed!

We’ve been lucky, there have only been a few instances when they tried to run away, a few in St Louis, and only once here in PA, I’d say that’s pretty good. I think the time here was because Bee was following her nose…they eat everything! Oh brother, a new smell here, no wait, a new smell there, no wait, a new smell…oh boy howdy!

Overall, we have gotten so lucky with these two, they are pretty well behaved, that’s what people keep telling us! They do great at doggie daycare once a week, they love meeting new people, they are not barkers, except occasionally, and they’re pretty good about meeting other dogs, it’s hit or miss, as with anything, and they do listen, for the most part. And…great snugglers, as you know I let them stay with me on the bed on occasion, and they love it! They get on the bed, circle a few times and then they’re out for the night, they snuggle up next to me, and into me, little hot boxes, and they keep me company all night. It’s a nice feeling.

There are so many more stories I have, but we’d never get out of here!

{April 11, 2024} A New Lebanon Valley Experience!

Lebanon Valley is back with a new opportunity to explore. You went with us on the Lebanon Valley Java Journey and now…we are starting the Lebanon Valley Libations Trail! Yup, you guessed it, we went from coffee to booze!

And you also know me…two things I love…ha ha! Yeah right! They are both things that PSM loves, but I enjoy going along for the ride and…depending on where we are the libation…the more he drinks, the more stuff I get, a win-win, wouldn’t you say?!

There are 18 bars, breweries, and distilleries on the list. Some we’ve already been to because that is one thing I explore, new places to eat and drink, but this time, we get points for participating, no passport or mug to buy. The way it works is you download the pass, but this one is virtual, you don’t have to remember to bring it with you when you go somewhere, so that’s a plus! “Did you bring the passport?” “Crud, no, we need to go back and get it!” none of that! So.. you download the pass, when you go to one of the establishment you check in and enter the code and collect your points. You can put the points towards free stuff, some of the stuff you get at the bar itself and some you get might be mailed to you. Either way, free stuff, wahoo! Some places have discounts on food and merchandise while you’re there, score!

Some of the places we’ve already been to, and several of them we like, and some of them we don’t. We’re trying to decide if we go to those early and get them over with or leave them towards the end, but I don’t want to end on a negative for us, so…decisions, decisions. There wasn’t anything drastically wrong with them, they just weren’t the places for us, but…being slightly competitive, we’re going to do them all! We met someone last year who told us about the Lebanon Valley Libations Trail just as it was ending and gave us all the codes from the bars they went to, so we were able to get some free stuff, score! This time, we’re starting at the beginning and we’re going all the way!

And, just like last time, I’m going to share our experience with you, because if I didn’t, what type of friend would I be?! A few of the places I’m really excited about because they’ve been on my list of want to try for a while, score!

Tonight, we went to the first place, not the first place on the list, just the first place. PSM called me to ask me out to dinner, it’s been a beautiful day and turning into a beautiful evening. He rode the bike to work and said let’s meet somewhere! He didn’t want to go to one of the places close to the house we go to regularly, so we decided on the Blue Bird Inn. This is a place our realtor took us when we were house hunting and it seemed so much farther away! At the time we were in a hotel about 40/45 minutes from here, so it was. Now…it’s about 15 minutes from us, score!

The Blue Bird Inn was built in 1859 and renovated in 2009. It’s a classic pub, big indoor seating area, actually there are several rooms, a very nice bar, then an outdoor seating area that is actually indoors, if that makes sense, it’s all windows, but it’s not inside the main room. Then you go outside and there is an upper level deck with a bar and a lower level, no bar. The outside decks both have tables for outdoor seating, it’s quite nice.

The atmosphere is great, the staff is great, the ambiance is great, the drinks, from what I’ve been told, are great, and yes, the food is great. I’ve enjoyed all but one trip there, they have great vegan options for me, but this one time, I’m not sure if the chef was mad at my veggie burger, but it came out hockey puck style! Yup, beyond repair, and I wasn’t the only one who thought so! But…my broccoli was great that night, saving grace!

As I mentioned, they have vegan options for me, they make cauliflower wings, tasty, but even better, cauliflower steak! If you’ve never had it, don’t knock it until you try it! A cauliflower steak is when the cut the cauliflower in a thick piece and grill it, fry it, pan sear it, whatever you do with a steak, you do with a big slab of cauliflower, except put gravy on it, that would be weird, for me anyway, but if you want to try it that way, go for it!

It was a loverly evening, we sat, talked, drank, laughed, rounded out the meal with some very good bourbon bread pudding, I recommend it highly. Yeah, we’ll go back! After we ate, and talked, and laughed, and had a great time, it had started to get a little chilly, so back on the bikes we went, stopped for gas, and then, home sweet home.

And that was our first stop on the Lebanon Valley Libations Trail, not to worry, we have until June 15th, and you know us, we’ll do it! Maybe one here and there, another day maybe two or three, or more! Who knows! But you know I’ll tell you all about each one!

And now…I say to you…Buona notte (bwona nohteh) [good night in Italian].

{April 8, 2024} Back in the USA, just in time for the eclipse!

I was so tired last night after I got back to the states, but I’m proud of myself, I stayed up until about 10pm and then it was lights out! I think 10p is pretty good for 17 hours of travel!

Crashed about 10p, up at 4a, what?! Not cool! I refused to get out of bed, so I stayed put…until about 630/7a, it was so good to snuggle deeper into the covers, and to be in my childhood bed, secure and safe in a place I knew so well. I decided it was time to get up, so I took a nice long hot shower, thanks dad!

Got dressed, went downstairs, made a cup of tea, I found a cannister of vanilla chai powder, it was quite tasty, left it at dad’s house so I can have some the next time I’m there! I made myself a breakfast sandwich and sat down to get some work done. I was chatting with some co-workers about the eclipse and then about 315p, I went outside to see if I could see anything. Well…if you don’t have the special eclipse glasses, you won’t see much.

I zoomed my camera as close as I could get it, those are the very fuzzy pics, but wow, I found them stunning! The really bright white orb is me zooming in as much as I could…it was blinding! Then I went to the back deck and met some of dad’s neighbors, J&S, their kids, and J’s parents, it was a family affair! They offered me a pair of their glasses and what a difference!

I was able to put my phone behind the glasses, those are the amber pics, but then I got it right and the almost black with a sliver of the eclipse, oh wow! I even impressed myself! I share that with J&S, it was thanks to their glasses!

I was talking to people and we all expected that it might get dark, it didn’t, but it did get quite cloudy and the temperature dropped quite a bit. Some folks even said their animals went a little loopy leading up to the eclipse.

I watched for about twenty minutes, not all at once, I looked for a minute, then I took them off and talked to the neighbors. We continued like that for a bit and then it was done. I also needed to get on the road. I thanked them very much for the use of their glasses, exchanged information and I sent them the pics.

I loaded up the car with my stuff, grabbed my bialys from the freezer, thanks dad! I only forgot two things, as I found out when dad told me after he got home! I got in the car, dropped the top and I was off!

I didn’t hit any traffic on the way, stopped once for gas and I was home by 7pm, attached by the fur babies and the hubby, very happy to be home. Missed SDL and Miss A a bunch already, hard not to when you spend a week in close quarters with someone, but very happy to be home. I will be staying up until at least 10pm, I’m a little tired from driving and I still have this cough, but I’m ready to put on fresh jammies, crawl into bed and sac out!

As a side note, I don’t know if I mentioned how much trouble I had posting while I was in London that I gave up, so you’re going to get our whole trip, it will just be spread out a little, but it’s coming! How could I not share all that we did! And we did it all!

A fine good night to you my friends, a new day is coming tomorrow and I’m going to see if I can sleep past 4am, wish me luck!

Happy to be home and talking with you again! G’night!

{April 1, 2024} London Day 3: Changing of the Guard! Here we come!

It’s a new day, day 3 and we have lots to do! First, I want to take you on a tour of the restaurant in the hotel, it’s fun!

It’s a nice restaurant, wide, open, and inviting, if that makes sense. They have a few walls with animal heads, but just wait…the animal heads are all made of newsprint! Most likely paper mache on the outside, if you look closely, you can see headlines and typeset in the ears and on the face, horns, etc. It is very clever, if you take the time to look at it all!

The food presentation is nice, they have everything you might want or need for breakfast, pre-made scrambled eggs, eggs made to order, potatoes, grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, think full english breakfast, then there are pancakes and waffles made to order, breads, cheeses, yogurts, fruit, breakfast cereals, muffins, coffee, tea, juices, you name it, they probably have it!

It was time to head out and say cherrio to London, and btw…they don’t say that, just in the movies, and if they do, I haven’t heard it!

They do say love at the end of every sentence, and I have to tell you, I like it, it doesn’t bother me, like in the south when someone , who I don’t know, calls me hun, or sweetie, it’s syrupy sweet and I’m not a fan! But call me love, it works, it’s just part of their vernacular. Ooh, I love that word!

We’re off…we got an Uber to Green Park, we were meeting our tour guide by the Constance Fund Fountain of Diana, isn’t she stunning!? I could just imagine, when it’s summer and the water is flowing.

There were so many tour groups meeting there, we finally found our guide, Alan, who was fabulous, by the way! I always thought if I was retired or we were living somewhere for PSM’s job and I couldn’t work for whatever reason, I would get a job as a tour guide, I would love it! One of these days I’ll tell you about a tour business…shhh…

We started walking, and Alan was very knowledgeable, giving us all sorts of tidbits and history and also very conscious of where the steps would be that we would need to get Miss A’s chair over. For the whole tour, everyone in the group was very aware and helpful where we were and if we had to pull the chair over something.

We started off, our first stop was by this amazing statue, across from the guards station on Marlborough Road, at St James Palace. We were waiting for the band to come out, we had such a great vantage point! While we waited, Alan gave us lots of great information, like there were only 2 guards there, that meant the king was not there. Interesting!

I love that I got Alan’s audio! He was telling us that when you look at their hats, the higher the hat, the higher the rank. There was an inspection first, I hope they pass!

Sorry it was slightly shaky, I was holding my hand up above my head, harder to keep it steady, everyone was so much taller than me!

Alan was trying to guess what they would play, would it be something serious or something light hearted. These are the Scottish guards, apparently they passed muster, here comes the band. Do you recognize the song?

Did it make you think of Shrek?!

We hated to leave the band, they were so very talented and I love that song! But…if we didn’t leave, we wouldn’t have the fabulous spot we did for the next phase of the tour and changing of the guard! [a lot of really cool background in that link!]

Next stop…right near Clarence House, where King Charles and Queen Camilla reside. We watched and listened as the band marched and played down the road and then the Horse Guards came, cool fact, they have female guards now! Women first joined the regiment in 2018, and for Queen Elizabeth‘s Platinum Jubilee, it was the first time female members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment participated! Go girl power!

As we waited for the guards, we learned a few things. King Charles does not want to live in Buckingham Palace, understandable, with 775 rooms…it’s more of an office, so that’s why he and Queen Camilla are taking up residence at Clarence House, which only has 5 bedrooms, a little more manageable, which, was where William, the Prince of Wales had their residence, but since the King and Queen are there they’ve moved to Kensington Palace.

Since there were only two guards, that meant that the king was not in residence, if he was, there would be more. Also…the reason they walk back and forth, about every 10 minutes, is because it was a rule set down by Queen Victoria, if they are walking back and forth, they are proving they are not drinking or gambling! Oh my!

And from where we were standing, we could have reached out and touched a horse, we didn’t, but we could have! oh wow! such precision! such beauty!

Here are the guards walking back and forth!

Here comes and there goes the band! I don’t know if I said this, they only have the changing of the guard on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, mainly it’s dependent on the weather! Check out the full schedule in the link!

Here’s Alan telling us about the women in the guard! We definitely saw one! And the police officer at the end was a woman, again, girl power!

Next, we walked through the Household Calvary Museum courtyard to get to the entrance of St James and Buckingham Palace to watch the horse guards come in. This is actually the Punishment Parade!

This was so exciting to watch, and this up close. Normally, you might be outside the gate or across the street, we were up close and personal! Turns out this is punishment duty! Oh my, that is quite the punishment!

After the tour was over, we got to stand and take pictures with the horse and guard! It’s definitely allowed, as long as you don’t touch their reigns or bridle, I think that’s what it was. I was ok, I didn’t touch anything! But…it was awesome! The horse we were standing/posing with put his head on my shoulder! He did!!!

After the pictures and me squealing about the royal horse putting his head on my shoulder, you are welcome for the ear worm! We walked to Trafalgar Square, it was right up the street. It wasn’t overly crowded, unusual, but nice. The fountain was doing it’s thing, people were walking around, climbing on things they weren’t supposed to, oh well, and the traffic was going by as if nothing would stop it.

I don’t know about you, but we were hungry! So…we went to The Clarence Pub in Whitehall. Thing thing about The Clarence…I was there with my dad in December 2022, then again with my dad, PSM, and my sister’s family in December 2022, a few days after dad and I discovered it. The food is good, they have a great veggie burger and sticky toffee pudding! I think I first saw it either on Gordan Ramsay or The Great British Bake Off and I first tried it in Glasgow, Scotland and fell in love with it and now, I try it whenever I can!

I just had to introduce it to SDL and Miss A and it did not disappoint! They went out of their way to find us a table, SDL had steak and ale pie and a beer, I had their veggie burger and a pot of tea, and Miss A had, you guessed it, sticky toffee pudding with ice cream, she was happy.

It’s a great atmosphere, warm and inviting, cozy, friendly, great staff, great food, great ambiance, what more could you want!? Would I go back? You bet, it might be my go-to for London trips for a good, affordable, convenient lunch!

It’s time to explore again! No the day isn’t even close to being over! We walked back down Whitehall looking at the architecture, the people, listening to the sounds of every day life in London, all the way down to Big Ben and Parliament. We learned somewhere that Big Ben is actually ‘just’ the clock and the tower itself is called the Elizabeth Tower, imagine that!

As we walked back down Whitehall, we were treated to another changing of the horse guard, but we were on the outside this time.

Let’s keep walking… we walked back to Buckingham Palace in all its glory and then we walked Constitution Hill to the Wellington Arch. It started to rain while we were walking, but did we care, nope, not at all! We were in London, the sun was out, and we were having a grand time! As we came out of Constitution Hill at the Wellington Arch, what did our eyes spy…THE Hard Rock Cafe! London!

Now…when I say THE Hard Rock Cafe, I mean THE Hard Rock Cafe, the very first, established in 1971, a very good year, if I do say so myself! The cafe was established June 14, 1971 and it was just that, a cafe. We decided we had to go in! [We really needed a looooo!] We maneuvered in, got a table, SDL ordered cheesecake for herself and a piece for Miss A and I had a pot of tea, there honestly wasn’t anything there for me, and we were just looking for dessert, I was happy with my pot of tea. Let’s just say the cheesecake was a big hit!

After we relaxed a bit and Miss A enjoyed the music, it was cool, they were playing classic videos on the TVs, things I haven’t seen in years! Next, you know we had to, we went across the street to the shop. I don’t know if I told you, but…wherever we go, we always look for the Hard Rock, SDL likes to collect their t-shirts, if it’s cool and the price is right, for me, I have a friend that I always get a pin for! I got him one when I was here the last time, at the store on Piccadilly, and I wasn’t originally going to get one this time, but it’s the original cafe/store! Shhh…don’t tell him!

As we were walking around, this guy who works there offered to take me on a tour of the museum downstairs, SDL wasn’t interested, so I went and it was cool! They had the corset Madonna wore in the Express Yourself video, Slash’s guitar, John Lennon‘s lyrics to Instant Karma (We All Shine On), a chair from Freddy Mercury and more! It was quite the treat!

When I came back upstairs, I found them waiting and Miss A was nodding off in her chair, it was time to go! I got us an Uber back to the hotel, there was no way we were walking! It was 3.2 miles and we had just walked how many miles, no thanks! 15 minutes by car or 60 by foot, hmmm…

We got back to the hotel, ordered some takeout and chilled out, it was a great day, but we were tired! I might fall asleep as I’m writing this to you, could you blame me?! What does tomorrow hold?! It’s only day 3, we have so much more to see!

Have a fabulous evening!

{March 27, 2024} Planning mode

Tomorrow I head to dad’s and on Friday, he takes me to the airport for my next grand adventure.

Brain is in planning and packing mode, work? Yeah, I’m still working, but is my head there? Well, it is, actually, I’m impressed with myself on that one! ha ha. I had two deliverables due, yesterday and today…got them in and now I have other work, but I feel free and clear to travel on Friday.

So…I’m traveling with SDL and Miss A, another one of our epic trips and I cannot wait, it’s going to be so much fun! We both came up with lists of places we want to go, since I was there 2 years ago, I know we haven’t talked about that trip yet, we will…since I was there 2 years ago, there’s a few things on her list that I’m happy to do again and I have some new stuff to add, weehoo!

There are a few things that are time sensitive, that we should book before they sell out, most things we can get tickets for last minute or they don’t cost anything. So…last night and today, I took our list and found some more comparable pricing on some things and then I added the hours and prices for others, we have options! Next, we need to get on the phone and map out what days we want to do the things that are filling up, for example…there is a Jack the Ripper tour, well, there are several of them, but it looks like the only day we can go is Saturday, April 6th, let’s book it! Other than that, we’ll try to schedule some stuff and play the rest by ear.

That is done, pretty much packed. I pulled out my clothes the other day, after doing laundry on Sunday and Monday, then I found the packing cubes, then today, I packed the cubes and put everything in one of my new eBags rolling backpack. It’s smaller than the travel backpack we usually travel with and as much as I like it, I have a feeling I’m going to have to go to my travel backpack, it’s just a wee bit bigger. What if I want to bring something back for PSM, or you my friends! I’m hoping to not buy too much on this trip, I was there two years ago, I brought back some good stuff! But you know me, I like to spoil!

My bag is packed, sort of, re-thinking at the moment, media/entertainment downloaded to my tablet, what’s left? Oh yeah, today I received the new toiletries I ordered, shampoo and conditioner bars so I don’t have liquids, let’s see how they do, I love my bar shampoo that I am currently using.

Yeah, I think I’m good to go, and yes, I have my converter for the electronics! I put it in the bag first, which i’m really happy about, because…almost every time I go to Europe, I forget to bring it and have to buy one, not gonna do it this time!

Ok, going to get some sleep because I still have to work tomorrow! But…getting very excited to share all our adventures with you! Ok, rambled on enough!

G’night!

{March 25, 2024} I did not stop writing again and I did not forget about you!

I promise! I have been under the weather, then sick as a dog since we last spoke and I am sorry! There was a big event to tell you about and I could not even bring myself close enough to the pc to tell you about it! But I will…in another post!

I started to feel woogie on Wednesay, I taught a class, did a few things and decided I needed some Dayquil, then to sit down and rest. Now, normally, when I start to feel woogie, and yes, that is a technical term, when I start to feel woogie, I take a Dayquill or two, meaning two doses, the directed 4 hours apart, I know, I know, you’re shocked I actually follow directions! Well, usually, that works. Nope, not this time.

Thursday came, I started feeling woogier and taught my last class, oh and the cough decided to join me for class, gee thanks. There were a few ‘please hold, I have to turn off my camera and mic and choke for a moment’ moments, fun! But we made it through class, but by the time it was over, I was not doing so hot. I did what I needed to do to wrap up the day, but it was time to lay down, I don’t think I was even able to walk the dogs.

Now, as I said, I usually can take the Dayquil in a day or two, I’m right as rain, PSM says I have a really strong immune system, well, Mother Nature‘s storm front, the hot/cold/hot/cold days, Spring, and allergies all rolled up into one, did nothing for me! So…I got in bed by 9p, yes, you heard me, 9pm and I was done for!

I only got up a few times in the middle of the night, oh joy! Friday came and I was a zombie…I do not know how I made it through work. I finished everything I needed to for the classes I taught for the week, took a nap, went back to work and prepped for the next week, which started today, prepped for some classes I have scheduled in the future and at 430p, I was 100000% done. I took a scalding hot shower, because that sometimes helps, put on my jammies, fed the dogs, and I was under the covers by 6pm.

PSM came home with some soup, it wasn’t the best soup, but it was hot and it hit the spot, he even tasted it and agreed, but I love that he brought me soup and he took charge of me! Thank you! He then said we are switching to Nyquil, because you need sleep! Yes sir! I am down with that!

I took the Nyquil and then there was a new type of woogie feeling, but that faded into the back of my eyelids! I woke up at some point, took more Nyquil, oh, and did I mention the hot cups of tea with honey that kept coming? I am one lucky broad! There were several scalding hot showers, because they open my chest up, the steam clears my nose up and I feel warm and wonderful…for about an hour, but I will take it!

I also woke up sweating several times, so those showers were wonderful and refreshing. Back to bed, more Nyquil. Saturday was a blur! The last does of Nyquil came about 11pm, I fell asleep about 12am, woke up at 1am and I did not fall asleep again until about midnight Sunday. Oh, about 4am Saturday night/Sunday morning, I decided I was laying there long enough, I’m going on a trip Friday, I’m going to do my hair.

I didn’t do the best job this time, in terms of…if you saw the back of my neck, you might notice the giant blue and purple blobs! o m g! ha ha ha. There has been a great deal of exfoliating going on as we speak! I may be wearing a scarf on my flight if I can’t get the color off my neck! I am sitting here laughing hysterically as I write this! I am also reading this out loud as I write it and I almost never do that! I might still be delirious!

Yesterday, PSM was very wise to not let me do anything, even getting up to brush my teeth took a lot out of me! He was great, he’s taken the pressure off me to do things, he’s walked the dogs, fed them, put them up, all the things we share duties on, but he’s done them all, and I so appreciate him for that.

Today, still taking it easy, glad I work from home, I sat at my pc, worked, took breaks when I needed to, but didn’t move much. I did a little laundry, so I have what I need for my trip, but taking it very easy. I’m still not 100% and I don’t have much of an appetite, but I’m getting there, as my grandma would say ‘yiddle by yiddle’. I still have this cough, but my throat isn’t as sore and I have about 10 minutes worth of talking time before I start choking or get tired, so…

That being said, I’ve talked to you now for about 30 minutes and I’m feeling it! So…g’night!

{March 21, 2024} There is a 17 year old in the family! What?!

When did this happen? Yup, it’s true! March 21, 2024 EJS turned 17! Wow!

I’m sitting here trying to wrap my head around that! My baby sister, yes, she’s still my baby sister, not far behind me in age, but I still think she’s 9, I know, I know, she’s not, but I once wrote a poem/story, My baby sister is getting married, but she’s 9! Well… my baby sister is the mother of a seventeen year old!

I remember when my kids turned 17, so I have an inkling of what’s happening in hear head and heart, and as for me…I remember the day she was born. I didn’t get to meet her that day, she was about 7 days old when I finally got to meet her, hold her, hug her, nuzzle nose to nose, tell her all sorts of things, what I was going to teach her, what she was going to teach me, all the fun we would have.

She smelled so good, so tiny, this little thing with a head of black hair and a scrunched yup face, pure perfection! I teased my sister when she was born, one day, when she’s 16, I’m going to get a call “I hate her come get me!” it would either be my niece or my sister, and I’m happy to report, that never happened! When I asked my sister, ooh, can I buy the Halloween costume, she said you better, if you don’t there probably won’t be one! And so began my saga of being the one to get EJS, MGS, and all my grands their Halloween costumer.

For the longest time, I would buy something just plum adorable when I found it, oh, the monkey costume! Then as she got a little older I started asking what she wanted to be, and whatever she said, she got. Sometimes it was something she didn’t even know what it was, like the year she wanted to be a Power Ranger, she never saw the show, but she saw the costume, ok, so she was a Power Ranger. Then one year, she put the costume together herself, uh, sigh…ok… but…Auntie J, you can get me this for the costume, DONE!

I used to love finding creative gifts on my travels, doing creative things for her birthdays, now, I’m happy to send whatever it is she wants, as long as she tells me what she wants! When she was little I was there for either her birthday or birthday party, a promise I made when she was born. And until Covid hit in 2020, I was there, for every single event,. When I lived it Boston, it was great, I could pick her up from school, be a ‘class auntie’, put her to bed at night, take her to the movies, and be around.

She was so much fun to travel with as a wee tot, we’d play hide-and-go-seek, which was very creative in a hotel room! We’d run on the beach, play in the pool, take walks, take naps. As she got older, different types of activities, excursions, and experiences.

Now…she’s grown up and the conversations are different, she continues to amaze, and astound me every day. Very smart, amazing futbol player, good grades, driving! omg on that one! she has a job, and now she’s looking at colleges. I know whatever she does, she’ll succeed. And will make me an even prouder auntie. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for EJS.

Happy 17th birthday EJS, can’t wait to celebrate so many more experiences and happy moments with you. I love you.

{March 19, 2024} I’ve learned something about myself. And Happy Spring!

Ok, I sort of knew this, and it’s not always applicable, but…I do better blogging sitting up at a desk or a table than in bed with my laptop propped on my knees. I’ve said it, it’s out there.

When I’m sitting in a chair, I’m more focused, when I am laying or lounging in bed, I don’t seem to focus as well and let my mind wander, which is a good thing for me, that’s where I get my inspirations sometimes, but other times, my mind is wandering when I should be talking to you! And wouldn’t you rather me talk to you than stare off into space?!

Then sometimes I stare off into space for so long, or scroll on my phone that I run out of steam and I start to doze off, great…I used to blog on my phone, I love having a phablet, tablet/phone, it’s big enough, I could use the s-pen that came with it, to feel like a pen, but I really like using a keyboard, I like hearing the tick, tack, tick, tack, typing on the keys, there is something satisfying about that!

Now… I do have a tablet and I have a keyboard for it, so I use that sometimes too, but even then, I feel like I need to be sitting up when I do it, in a chair, at a table, I know, I already said that! But I do, I feel more productive, what is wrong with me?! I love writing, I should be able to do it from wherever, whenever!

I do actually enjoy writing with a pen and paper as well, but, and do you find this…since we are in the computer age, it’s harder to write, your hand cramps and gets tired! I’ve thought about getting a reMarkable ‘paper tablet’, you write on the tablet with a special pen and it converts your written word into text. I think they might be coming down in price, not sure. But it’s a thought.

Anyway, I’m sitting here, cross-legged, writing to you, at my desk, on my laptop. Yeah, I’m happy, and I’m writing, and it’s 1132pm, I’m watching my fingers fly over the keyboard, sometimes amazed that I can type that fast without looking at what I’m typing, but I know, I just said I’m watching my fingers fly, I can see them as I’m looking at the screen. I’m not that tired, who knows what’s going to happen when I step away from the pc and the desk, I might go get in my jammies and sit in bed and… watch tv, read a book, practice my Duolingo, the possibilities are endless!

But I do know that I have to stop rambling or you might fall asleep while you’re reading that! So, to you, I will say Good Night, parting is such sweet sorrow, until we meet upon the morrow. And…

Happy Spring! [officially!]

{March 18, 2024} Mother Nature…seriously?!

It’s Spring, right? Well, technically tomorrow is Spring, I know, but we’ve been having Spring weather for a bit, some chillier days thrown in here and there, maybe a colder morning, warmer afternoon, but it’s Spring, right?

Another way I know it’s Spring, I’m sneezing my head off, allergies are in full effect, I’m taking my flonase, but I can’t stop sneezing and saying “I hate Spring”, “I hate Spring”…I know, I know…I always say hate is a strong word and it is and I’m sorry, but in the moment I can’t stop sneezing, I hate Spring, that’s all there is to it.

So…Mother Nature, as wonderful as you are, bringer of all things nature and make me marvel at the world and what nature has to offer, you have made the crocuses push through the ground, the daffodils are in full bloom, trees are sprouting new growth, the sound of lawnmowers are in the air, the robin redbreast is hanging out with the blue jay, and the snow geese have gone.

Why…oh why…was it flurrying on my morning walk and why…oh why…is snow predicted this Friday?! Seriously? Mother Nature, do your meds need to be changed?! I’m happy to help, what is it?!

Happy Spring to all! It’s coming, I promise! At least I think so…

{March 17, 2024} A walk, a ride, breakfast, a block shoot, and clean bikes

That was our Sunday, what was your Sunday like?

I decided the pups could sleep with me last night, it was great, until…Well, Ruby fell asleep next to me, Bee started in the crook of my left side, we were all good and then I woke up in the middle of the night had my beagle turned into a cat and was sleeping inbetween my legs! I felt like I was held hostage, I couldn’t move! ha ha. I moved her over to my left side, fell back asleep and woke up to her in the exact same place! No wonder I couldn’t pull the blanket over my legs, really?!

We stayed happy, cuddling, and content, until Ruby decided it was time to wake up, and by that I mean lick my face, and hand, and arm, and…until I gave up and got out of bed. I love the dogs, I do not love getting licked into oblivion! Ok, ok, I’m up! Got dressed and got them ready to go for a walk.

Came back from the walk, fed them breakfast and soon it was time for us to get some breakfast. On the bikes and off to Heisy’s Diner. We really like this place! I think I told you about it, it’s a train car that they just added and added to, it goes on forever! We sat at the counter, which we love to do, ate, drank coffee and tea, talked, laughed, planned, you know, the usual.

Back home we didn’t go into the house to get the dog’s hopes up, we just switched from bikes to truck and headed out towards Bethel, PA. In Bethel, we went to the Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club‘s Bethel Grounds for a Block Shoot. It’s a cool property, they have a building big enough to hold several picnic tables with benches, riding lawnmowers and garden tools, there is a kitchen, and around back there are port-o-potties. They have a firepit and a lot of space. In the summer, if you want, you can camp for $10 per night. I’m not sure what other events they have there, but the block shoot happens twice a year.

So…if, like me, you were wondering what a block shoot is…at the core, you are shooting at a block of wood with an index card on it. Ok, more details…Everyone signs up, if you want to shoot, you can, if you don’t want to shoot, you can have sponsor someone to shoot for you, yes, you guessed it, that’s what we did. It’s $2 per shot, we each put in $10 for 5 shots each and someone was assigned to shoot for us, there’s a prize at the end!

When it’s time for the shooting to start, there is a target, it’s a wooden block with a white index card on it and you shoot from 50 feet away from the target. There is someone in the big metal box-type thing who puts the block with the index card on the pole, there is a red slider up in between each round, when the person who is setting up the blocks is ready switches the red slider to green and the person knows they can shoot. This goes back and forth until everyone who has put in money has either shot or had someone shot for them.

At the end of the round, or first shoot, they bring in all the blocks and the index cards are examined and the card, which has a number assigned to it/you, with the pellet closest to the center of the X is hit, that is declared the winner! Guess who won $25 for the first round? PSM! Go PSM! And he didn’t have to do anything for it except sponsor someone to shoot for him!

The next thing they do is called a Spinner Round. There is a giant circle with boxes in them with everyone’s number assigned and the winner of the block shoot round gets to shoot the spinner, which is spinning, as the name suggests and the number with the closest X is the winner, not us, sadly!

The clubhouse, as it were, opens at 11 for food, they had hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, drinks, cupcakes, all sorts of goodies. There was a firepit outside and everyone socializes until the block shoot starts. They continue to socialize, but it’s harder to hear if you’re in the back, but it doesn’t stop anyone.

There were other raffles, a 50/50 for our club, a gun raffle and a cash prize raffle for another club. There are all these opportunities to fundraise and help each other out, it’s nice. After the first round block shoot and the 50/50 raffle, it was time to head out and head home.

At the house, we let the dogs out, PSM pulled all the bikes out and we got to work cleaning them. They were in desperate need of baths. Please don’t tell too many people but…we hadn’t given them proper baths since we went on our 3-week trip out west over the summer. We are embarrassed! We’ve wiped them down, but not the given them the detail they really need. And the bugs on the windshield… O M G! We cannot do this to them again! Don’t they look all shiny and pretty?!

Next…into the house, sit down and breath! Oh, and practice my Duolingo, more on that another time!

Who ever heard of sitting still on a Sunday!? Dogs are in the crate, writing to you…g’night!

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