A Nugget of Information

Here we are, a week into the new year...and how is it going for you?

Keeping up with those resolutions? I know I'm trying! I did make it into the studio five different days this past week, and happy to say that each time it was longer than thirty minutes. Of course, I am one of those people who would much rather be arting...or reading...or making music...than just about anything else in the world! 

Then, there is the 'C' word...nasty thing that it is. That also tends to keep us in a little more than we might be used to. Saw a funny thing on Youtube - I like to watch a comedian, Trey Kennedy - he does a lot of little skits, usually by himself, although someone is filming. He did one "If the Variants were People." Funny, for sure, and totally sums up what we're all thinking and feeling these days.

We started taking Christmas down today. We like to leave everything up through Epiphany (when we celebrate the Magi making it to see the Christ child). That's another thing - we always smoosh everything together in a week or less - we know they didn't make it to Bethlehem until he was a toddler. That's why Herod sanctioned the death of all male children two years and under. In any event, they arrive on 'The Twelfth Day of Christmas" which is AFTER the 25th, not before! 

Anyway, the holidays were fun. Little Nugget was a hoot and a holler! Last year, I bought a snowman at Big Lots. It takes batteries, and when you talk to it, the snowman repeats what you say. So, I excitedly got it out to show Little Nugget, and he was less than impressed. In fact, he was downright horrified. When I got the snowman out this year, I figured twelve months might have made a difference - and, I was right! Nugget thought this was the greatest thing since sliced bread! We also learned a little something about Nugget this year.

You know that old saying, "What's mine is yours; what's yours is mine?"

Nugget's is, "What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine." He wanted to take it home, and we said, "No, leave it here. It will be here the next time you visit." This, of course, brought on a barrage of tears, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Eventually, he calmed, and continued playing. We should have seen the wheels turning.

When he thought we weren't looking, he picked it up, walked over to the bag Didi uses for diapers and overflow toys, and into the bag it went. Without missing a beat, he kept on walking. I immediately took it out, and boy, did I get a look - but no argument. He knew he'd been caught. We're not sure, but one of the indoor snowballs also might have gone the same route. Didi recently gave me the horses that go to the Fisher Price farm that had been Morticia's from when she was a child. He loves playing with it, and has a newer version of his own at home. However, he nipped the little horses without us knowing! Fortunately, they've found their way back home. I expect he'll be slipping them into his backpack the next time he visits.

Another funny thing he did was snitch pieces of candy. We like to get little foil wrapped chocolate candies at a local candy store and set those out during the holidays. Didn't he just discover them? And, he's learned to work the crowd. First, he asked his mom if he could have one, then he asked Big Brother for the second one. The next one, he went straight to Moink to have him take the foil off - Moink, who really can't even touch milk chocolate because of an allergy! After that, he didn't ask anymore - just took what he wanted. One of those times he came to where I was standing, and had the foil off in seconds flat! Then, he threw the foil on the floor. "Pick that up!" I said. He gave me this little grin, bent down to pick it up, then handed me the foil. We had to put them up high for obvious reasons!

So, the nativity set will be put away for another year (maybe next year we can get out the camels and the elephant!), and the snowmen will come out to play. We have a large set of resin snowmen participating in several winter activities - we all know they start playing when we're not looking, right? It's been ages since we were able to put them out, and they'll be happy to be out of storage for January and February! I'm sure Nugget will be excited to see them, too. As long as he doesn't try to stick one in his backpack!

He's a lot of fun, for sure! It's going to be interesting watching him grow up. I'm looking forward to being able to spend more time with him, especially this summer. Until then, work will keep me busy. What keeps you busy these days, especially the long winter days of January and February? Knitting? Reading? Sleeping? (I've always maintained that, as mammals, we should also be hibernating for the winter!) We can always swim in the Stress Pool! It's never too cold to hang out there. Peace.

A Year of Endless Possibilities

Greetings, and Happy New Year! Have you made any resolutions? I did this year. My plan is to spend at least 30 minutes, five times a week, in my studio. This should be able to be accomplished, and will hopefully become a habit. A 'new normal' instead of falling asleep in the recliner after dinner most evenings. And, maybe even get a few paintings out of it! After all, I want to be an artist when I grow up (a.k.a. retire), and there is no time like the present to begin that journey!

I hope you've enjoyed swimming with us. Ms. Business walked in while I was folding my laundry today and said,  "A new year, same old crap."

Well, yes, and yet...

We've dealt with a whole lot of stuff in the last two years, and while things seem to be evening out (sort of), if you're like me, you're tired of the excuse "But, there's a pandemic!"

Yes, there is, and has been, and it will take a long time to sort out a 'new normal'. Seems that is the protocol for most events in life. You grow up - adulting is a new normal. You might be in a relationship, or get a roommate - and getting used to living with another person, whether for life or for the interim - becomes a new normal. You might lose a loved one - a new normal. We are surviving a pandemic - a new normal.

It is now 'normal' to go to the grocery store and find shelves empty. A favorite restaurant has to close a few days a week because they're short- staffed, or a menu has changed because certain food items can no longer be procured. Did you know that Dioxazine Purple paint is hard to come by? Who knew? I'm sure many of you don't even know what that is - but is necessary for an artist's palette! Moink has given up soda pop, and he replaced it with Propel Mandarin Orange flavored water. It has currently become 'unavailable', and he doesn't like the other flavors. Can't say I blame him. 

Students are in and out of school - it's like someone put in a revolving door and they get lost in the turning. It is causing me to rethink my lesson planning for next semester. I'm going to try out some of my new ideas in the next couple of weeks to see how it works, so that students who aren't able to be in school don't miss out on too much.

Thinking of all these things has led me to dub 2022 as 'A Year of Endless Possibilities." In the end, it's how we adapt to the changes in our lives. We can sit in our self-made corners and twiddle our thumbs while waiting for things to 'go back to normal', or we can make our 'new normal.' I, for one, and headed in that direction. With all the purging, packing, and moving we've done this year, there have been many valuable lessons learned in formulating a 'new normal':

    1. Get rid of what doesn't give you joy. You've heard that one before, I'm sure! We often cling to things that don't have meaning, or that we don't particularly like. Ask my colleague who said she'd moved, and after two years put out a few boxes, still taped, to donate to a local charity. She told them she had no idea what was in them, but they were welcome to them. We still have some things to go through. There are many boxes lining the garage walls that still haven't been emptied. One box at a time. At least I finally found the gravy boat, not in time for Thanksgiving, but we had it for Christmas. I'm still going through clothes! Things that I've never worn, and items I haven't worn in a few years that somebody else may truly enjoy wearing. Time to let them go.

    2. Family/Friends are important. Family might drive you crazy now and again, but in the end, they're the ones who truly love you for who you are. Friends, too. I have a pocketful of wonderful people who I wouldn't know what to do without. Our entire family - Morticia and the Doctor, Big Brother, Didi and Little Nugget, Ms. Business, Moink, and BFF were all here for Christmas day. First time in long time, and it was wonderful. I wouldn't have traded it for the world - although DH was a little concerned: he's just not happy with a lot of noise, and said it was all for me. That's love right there, and the best present I could have ever received!

     3. Time is precious. It's something we can never get back, so choose how you spend those minutes wisely. Today, January 1, was the first day through the entire Christmas break that I didn't have somewhere to be; didn't have someone coming to the house; didn't have to go to a doctor; didn't have to get anybody else anywhere. Wow - what a great day! Did I spend it in the studio? No, but I organized our family recipes so they're easier to find! And boy, did we get rid of a lot! How many granola recipes does one need? (Zero, in my estimation!) It's also important to kick back and relax now and again. Our minds need a good book, or a funny show, in order to heal, to grow, to stay healthy.

    4. Adapt. Situations change; people come and go; s**t happens. Learn to let go and move on. A hard lesson, but so necessary. 

    5. Be Kind. Not just to a chosen few, but everyone. We're all carrying baggage - be nice. We teach that in school - be kind to each other. However, I sometimes witness colleagues being unkind to another - what sort of lesson is that giving? Nobody is more important than somebody else, and if you think you are, think again. People make mistakes. People are people. Get over it and just be a decent human. And grudges? Get rid of them. Wasted energy.

Endless Possibilities. Think of it - what would you do? Are you ready to get rid of stuff, of grudges, of things that make you 'angry'? Who, in your life, supports you? Who would walk that extra mile with you? Love them. Spend time with them. Make time to do those things that make you happy, that make you feel good, whether it be a hobby or a lifetime passion or career. And, most importantly, adapt, but adapt gladly. Embrace the here and now. If you're reading this, you haven't moved on to your eternal reward quite yet, so there is still time!

The water at the Stress Pool often feels as if it is teaming with sharks, but we've adapted pretty well over the years. You just have to be careful at feeding time. So, hug your loved ones close, stay happy and healthy, make those resolutions (and try to stick with them!), and remember, only you can make those endless possibilities happen! Come by anytime to swim with us in the Stress Pool, and let's compare notes!

Has the Dust Settled?

 Season's Greetings from the Stress Pool! I'm so glad to say that we've all survived the move, although both walls of the garage are still lined with unpacked boxes. Even Simon adjusted well. We wondered how our favorite kitty would take to the new house, and he reacted just like the rest of us - like we've been here forever. One of his favorite things is the kitty opening in the basement door. Why? Because of Little Nugget, that's why!

"Nana! Where's Simon?" Nugget's announcement at the front door is just like the angel Gabriel heralding their arrival. Of course, that really works out for Simon. He makes a mad dash for the kitty door. That doesn't stop Little Nugget - he sticks his entire head through the door and yells for Simon to come upstairs. Which, of course, he doesn't. 

The other thing Simon really likes is the screened-in porch. He's spent his entire time with us trying to get out the door to see the outside world, and did make it out a couple times when we lived on Grouse. Now, we can open the back door and Simon leaps out and onto the table to look at the wide world, and boy, do we have a view from our porch. He also gives us an inviting look as if to say, "Aren't you coming with me? Don't you want to sit out here and look at the view?" DH often accompanies him out to the porch. I don't know, though, how well that will go once the temps dip down a bit lower.

So yes, the dust is settling. It feels like we've been home forever. DH and I have been pulling Christmas decorations out of storage and going through them, finding a place for this, and a place for that, and looking at some and asking, "What about this?"

Often, the answer is, "I'm not married to that. I'm married to you."

We got brave and put out the Nativity set this year. It's Lenox, bone china, all white. Gorgeous, delicate...and, we have a cat. It's out of Little Nugget's reach, but Simon...well, he does like to jump! We're hopeful. 

While we love our new home, the biggest point of contention appears to be the kitchen. Our little kitchen (it is little, with very little counter space) served us well for Thanksgiving. But, nobody was more surprised than my Darling Husband. He worried over it for several weeks before Thanksgiving.

DH said, "We can order pies."

"Didi is coming over the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to learn how to make pies."

I could hear it before he opened his mouth. Then, "That kitchen is too small."

"It will be fine."

He didn't agree.

"So, you don't want me to bake until we remodel the kitchen in a few years? Really, it will be fine"

He gritted his teeth, but didn't argue.

I was sent to order the turkey breast. Every year for probably the past fifteen years I've gotten a turkey breast. Nobody would eat the dark meat, and there was always so much left, we felt it was in our best interests to get a turkey breast. Well, in a moment of insanity, I ordered a boneless turkey breast - for seven people, but realized it before I got home. "I ordered the wrong thing."

"Let's see how big it is when I pick it up," he said. It was small. DH asked, "Should I look for a small turkey?"

"Yes."

The next day he calls me during my lunch. "Giant Eagle sells several already cooked slices - we could get those to supplement."

"Get a small turkey."

"We only need a few more slices."

"Do you want me to make gravy?"

He got a small turkey. 

And, we made pies - 2 pumpkin and one pecan. We made turkey, sausage/vegetable stuffing, and mashed potatoes - all in our little kitchen! It ended up a good thing we had the turkey, because Morticia also came for dinner (she was unexpectedly let go from work early) so there were eight of us. And, surprise-surprise, they were happy to see dark meat. Who knew? We were so glad to have all of the kids and our grandson here for the first Thanksgiving in our new home. We felt truly blessed. However, we did miss having The Doctor with us - since Morticia wasn't going to be home, he made arrangements to spend the day with his family on the other side of town. 

When everyone had gone and it was just the two of us cleaning up from the day, DH said, "I'm surprised you managed to pull off the whole dinner in that kitchen."

"The kitchen on Grouse wasn't much bigger, and I managed for 35 years."

"True." He put something else away, then said, "It was nice having all of them here."

"Yes, it was."

He turned off the light as we headed for bed. "But, they're all still so loud."

I smiled, the afterglow of the day still warming my heart. "I know."

As Christmas approaches, we here at the Stress Pool wish you the warmest of holidays - and please, make time to appreciate the loudness, the singing, the laughter. It really helps to alleviate the stress, and nobody knows that better than here at the Stress Pool! Come on in, grab a cookie and a glass of eggnog (or something else if you so choose), and let's share a laugh or two. Maybe we'll even make a mess in the little kitchen. After all, it's being together that matters most. Merry Christmas!

Rainy Days and Saturdays

Greetings from the deep end of the Stress Pool! Ahh, Saturday, at last! Not sure if I ever told you the story of the day DH and I were making the bed, and sighing, I said, "Well, another day closer to Saturday."

He came home from work that day and said, "Everyone thought what you said this morning was funny!"

"What did I say?"

Laughing, he answered, "Another day closer to seventy!"

I laughed, then said, "I said 'Saturday', not 'seventy'!"

We still laugh about that. And here I sit, on my second cup of coffee, looking forward to the next, on a rainy Saturday morning, thinking of what needs to be done, and what I have the energy to do. In a nutshell: lots of things to do, zero energy. 

Why am I swimming in the deep end of the pool? Well, we're three weeks from the moving date, and only half the studio is packed. This is birthday month - Ms. Business celebrated hers last week, and Moink's is this week. At least birthdays are highlights! School - well, that's usually a post in and of itself, isn't it? 

This week's fun came with one class: the homeroom teacher brought them in and told me one of the students had been sent to the restroom, because he came back from lunch wearing his socks on his ears! This, of course, meant he had to have done that in the cafeteria. Then, in the same class, two special needs students, who sometimes come without a paraeducator (and, I'm sorry, but if a child is in a life skills class, wouldn't it just make sense to have someone else with them?!), had a small issue. We're painting, and one of them thought it would be okay if he threw a container of water onto the other one! Clean-up in aisle six...  Children who haven't used paint in at least two years who had no clue of how to use it, even after my demonstrating. They say patience is a virtue, and I find myself feeling around the bottom of the patience bag a lot these days, as are many of my colleagues!

Saturday. Not thinking of the stack of paintings I need to look through for assessments...sixth graders whose social skills are more advanced than what they are mentally ready to understand (thanks, in part, to social media platforms)...packing to move to the new house...window treatments...where to put furniture...the list goes on. Another sip of coffee.

DH looked at me recently and asked if I'd considered something about the new house. I don't remember about what, it was something simple, like where to put the dishes. I just looked at him. "You are retired. While you keep busy during the day, you have the luxury of thinking about whatever you want, when you want. I'm grading artwork, loading and unloading the kiln, pulling out supplies for future projects...no, I think it's safe to say there are a lot of things I haven't considered!" I suppose I can now add making sure students don't throw water at each other, or wear their socks on their ears.

Saturday. Floating in the pool instead of treading water. Things I have considered: the Christmas cards have arrived, so I'll be able to prepare them in the next few weeks, ready to send out early so friends and family have the new address. Even the annual Christmas letter is written, ready to be printed out! I know where the furniture for the studio is going, and I've given a lot of thought to how to place furniture in other rooms - but DH will have a lot to say about that, anyway. He's had way more time to think about that than I. The painting is done, but the crown moulding still isn't up - windows have been washed. I need some curtain rods - maybe a trip this week to get those - and get them up before we move the furniture. We're having the bedroom closet enlarged, and electrical work will be done just before we move in. A bathroom remodel is starting in January. It's been busy.

Saturday. Coffee. Our friend Tommy is in town - flew in from Canada just ahead of the storms the other day- and we are so looking forward to catching up with him! It has been almost two years since we've seen him, between Covid and borders closing and all.

Saturday. I hope you are enjoying the weekend, and didn't mind me rambling too much! But, when your arms are tired from swimming and treading...well, you know. Many of you are out there, swimming right along side. So, grab a floatie, a cup of coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate), and let's compare notes from the week. See you all again soon, and keep your head above water!

A Most Precious Commodity

Excuse me while I come up for air...whew! Swimming at the Stress Pool these days has been grueling. I can barely stay awake through the evenings anymore - and the evenings have been just as busy as the days!

Not being a social media guru, there are things that I just don't get - how do these people set up algorithms? Key words, I suppose, that if you happen to click on something, you will become bombarded with things you never would have looked for, let alone wanted to read. But, like any other 'seasoned' person, curiosity forces me to do just that. Something I think is interesting is what my fellow colleagues (by that I mean in the broader sense of the education community, not necessarily coworkers I see daily) are saying about their careers, and the comments others are making. It may be surprising to you how many are leaving the profession - one in our building, for example. The comments from veteran teachers surprises me, though. They don't seem to understand the reasoning. They don't understand phrases like 'in the trenches'.  I'd like to clarify this for you, from my perspective.

We sent children home in March of 2020 with computers and told them to 'log in'. There had been no training for any of us, although some of the younger set were way more savvy then the older set! If the kids did any of the work, we pretty much accepted what they did, no matter the quality. After all THERE WAS A PANDEMIC! When we returned to 'in person' learning in September of last year, many didn't come back - their families were much more comfortable keeping their children home. Not just because of the pandemic, mind you, but because it was less stressful on the children, who would be well-rested for their evening activities. (That was in a small number, but none-the-less, it happened). Many came back for the hybrid model, where they came in two days a week. In January, they all came back, except for about 25% of the population, who still opted for learning from home. So, you had twenty students in front of you, and at least five on-line, and you had to attend to everyone all at the same time. Then, there was collecting the work from those at home - several of whom were not interested in turning in work. It was a mess, but we all made it through.

Fast forward to this past September. You are now looking at children who might not have stepped into a classroom for a year and a half. Add to that the third of a year students lose during the summer months, and you've now got kids who are two years behind, some socially, some mentally, some educationally. Now, add in the mask thing - there are educators and families on both sides of the fence. Then, there are the calls from the office: "Who sits next to this student?" Contact tracing. We might have seventy kids quarantining at home. We still have to post things for them for what we're doing - and usually, they come back saying they never looked at art, which means reteaching to them, and carrying along the rest of the class. The days are long.

None of us were trained or prepared for what the pandemic brought, and just like recovering from grief, everything we face is a 'new normal', and sometimes even an extra challenge. Some younger, less-experienced teachers are having difficulty adapting to the stresses and nuances; seasoned veterans are usually able to sit back, assess, and figure out how to survive. You simply have to realize your role in the grand scheme and kick out what isn't necessary.

That brings me to the title of this post: precious commodity. It's different for everyone. Yours, I'm sure, is different from mine, which is time. I learned that lesson hard when Eggbert died. I would never have time with him again, and I couldn't retrieve it. All the times I didn't take off - we have a strong work ethic at our house - but now, I don't hesitate as much if time is needed with one of my kids, or DH. If I have an evening activity, but a family or friend's birthday or event conflicts, family or friend comes first. We recently had a Camp Rolling Hills reunion - we're all getting older, you know - and that went on my calendar first thing. It is important to me to keep those fellow staff members close, to relive the 'glory days' that helped shape the people we became. I treasure those friends and acquaintances, and can listen to the stories over and over. It would be nice to get together with them more often, but we're pretty scattered across the country.

So, how am I surviving my chosen profession? Better, since I did something this week. I circled a future date in my planner, with the thought that would be a great day to retire. That has now become a goal, and a plan is set in motion, listing what I need to do in order to make that day happen. If it has to change, so be it, but at least I know I can do this for a while longer. I love working with the kids, seeing what creative ideas they come up with - but I'm tired, like all the rest of my colleagues. We put in at least 110% during the school day. Evenings and weekends, however, are mine, because that's time I'll never get back. Family and friends are important. Time with them, making art, making music, reading - and someday, traveling - this is what I am made of, what makes me the person I am, and what revitalizes me to go back to work on Monday morning. I hope that if any of my younger colleagues are reading this, they will also find a way to survive, or find something else they can do that they are passionate about.

Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by the Stress Pool - or, once we're in the new house (one more month!) come and enjoy some time by the fire, and we'll spend some precious time together, talking about some ways we've spent our time. Until then, stay well, and enjoy your free time!

There is Peace in Silence

 Greetings! Welcome to another day at the Stress Pool, where the water is fine all the time. Unless you've been subject to a lot of rain, which we have been courtesy of Ida. Thank you, Ida, for making sure we didn't have to water the tomatoes this past week, but seriously, it was a bit too much!

Ah, September. The month where I look at most of my friends and say, "See you in June." However, this school year, I don't want to do that. I also don't want to look lovingly at my art supplies and wistfully sigh at the thought of them collecting dust over the next eight months. And, of course, there will be more packing and moving before all is said and done. What it comes down to, my friends, is finding balance amidst the chaos. I am reminded of a poster that hung in my teenage bedroom, which I'm copying here. I'm sure some of you are familiar with this:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.
 

--- Translated by Max Ehrmann, 1927

--- Author unknown

This is my mantra for the rest of 2021. I hope it is helpful to you as well. Stop by the pool any time: even though the Non-stress pool will soon be closing for the season, the Stress Pool is open all the time!  

A Summer Like No Other

Greetings to all of you!

We at the Stress Pool have been having a very busy summer! Not that we've been doing anything out of the ordinary, or even planning a fun get-away - just living is sometimes enough. The printer isn't working, so I'm not able to print out the change of address letters I hope to get out in the next month - heaven only knows I'll never get Christmas cards out in time to share the new address! (Maybe I should just order Christmas cards and write them out now...) The first few weeks after surgery in early June (Yup - school was out on the 4th, surgery was the 8th - do I know how to have fun, or what?!) I mostly slept, so getting in touch with people, while on my priority list, succumbed to the entreating call of the bed. And, of course, going back a little further, finishing up the crazy school year was enough to send me into a small tizzy. I practically skipped out of the building! (There is your 'you'll never get that image out of your head' moment for those of you who know me!)

Getting everyone up to speed about the house situation: we closed on the new house! Once the former owners were out, we were able to get in and finally see it for what it truly is. While there is a lot of work to do, I am not disappointed! No buyers regret here. Yes, the usual painting, scrubbing (DH has contracted a cleaning company to come in and do an initial clean - yay!), and of course, there are the little quirky things. The lantern in the front yard is on - we can't find a switch to turn it off! There is a window in the coat closet - nice for airing it out a couple times a year, but I need to cover it or all our coats will end up a faded color on one side - unless we continually turn the coats. Not happening, I assure you.

Ms. Business has already painted her room - she did a fantastic job on two walls that have large triangular patterns, sticking with blues and a pretty blue-green. She also bought her first car (also blue) and we'll be moving her in over the weekend. She's quite excited to be on her own for a few months, although we'll be in and out a lot with all that has to be done, especially this summer, because...

WE HAVE A NO-STRESS POOL!

I actually considered making a sign to hang on the fence that says "Welcome to the Stress Pool", but when you're floating around in your own crystal clear oasis, watching the clouds, feeling the sun on your face, what stress can you possibly feel? It has been heavenly! We even cooked dinner over there the other night so we could enjoy some time in the water. I had hoped DH would get in, but he was happy to sit on the screened-in porch. We also had to get a couple more outdoor chairs, because we don't have any furniture over there yet! We'll still be in the rental for a few more months while work is done, and we're still under lease here. But let me tell you, I look forward to the day we move in - the street the rental is on is noisy with traffic from early morning until late night (like after 11 p.m.), which we didn't take into consideration when we rented it. Single pane windows are the pits!

We had to buy a few appliances - a new washer and dryer, because the former owners had made it clear they were taking theirs. No problem - we found a nice set that doesn't require me to use my smart phone to run them! Things are getting too high tech for me. I just want to throw the clothes in and choose a setting. Now, if they come up with washers and driers that actually fold the clothes when they're done, or sew on missing buttons, I might consider it! It's nice to shop for appliances when you have that little bit of leisure - when you don't need it yesterday because the old ones broke down! We also ordered a refrigerator for the basement - a nice place to put extra drinks, especially for those great pool days when we'll be looking for something cool. No trekking up to the kitchen - just grab something from the downstairs! We'll put the microwave down there, too, as one already exists in the kitchen. Makes it a little easier for entertaining, right?

All the while, I've been recuperating from surgery, and while I'm feeling a lot better, we all know what happens - you start doing too much. So far this week I've gone swimming twice, and there were two days of shopping - one for the appliances, and one for food (which DH has been doing, but he's much happier if I'm along to share in the fun!) So, today, I'm sitting with my feet up, making lists for what needs to be done in the new house, making appointments that can't be put off any longer, and just relaxing in general. 

And, reading - my usual goal is one book a week for summer vacation, which equals 10. Any more than that is a bonus. This year, I'm already up to 7! Two were book club summer reads, one of which I really liked, and one that I committed to, but wouldn't recommend. The one I really liked - The Lost Apothecary. I tend to like books that go back and forth between the past and present, and the author wove the story together very well. The one I wouldn't recommend is The Push. It was okay, but quite predictable. There was no surprise at the end, nor was there a feeling of closure. I'm reading the Bridgerton series - we watched the Netflix version of book one (a little different than the book), but who doesn't like a period romance now and again? "The Book of Two Ways" by Jodi Picoult was also good, and "Dial A for Aunties" (which is going to be made into a Netflix movie) was a fun read, full of comedic adventure involving a lost love and a corpse! 

Not the most exciting of posts, but hopefully this will have caught you up on our craziness. I still have some catching up of my own to do. I've only seen little Tukapoo a couple times, and I'm itching to get back to doing some painting and playing around in the studio. I've also only seen Morticia once, and it would be nice to meet up with some friends.

Hoping you are all well, and staying healthy and safe. I'll see you again in the Stress Pool, or, if you bring your own towel and chair, stop in at the No-Stress Pool! Always room for one more. See you soon!