See you Later!

Leaving in a few hours. I'll text from Chicago to let you know if I'm on time.

XOXO

Tired, Content

Hey,

Just in from a great day at H&D's - a few other friends/family were there, which was fun. The kids were in the pool from 1:30 until 8:15, getting out only to pee (thank God) and eat. Usually they're out and wandering around doing other stuff too, but not today. Just too hot to get out of the water. If JJ's head hits the pillow before he passes out, I'll be surprised. I can't believe he made the hour + drive home and stayed awake.

Me too...I'm off to my comfy bed. But first, let me just say,

See you tonight!
Love, A

As Good As There

I'm so glad you decided to go for sun, fun and friends...I, too, had a good day today with sun and fun involved.


It's 7 pm and I'm just out of the shower after a nice dinner with my family that followed a few hours in my pool with A, S, and C. I was up early and started my day with some organizing and packing, then laundry--during which time I could not get into the pool soon enough. (No one will want to know me when I'm in the throes of menopause.) I ended up having a few hours there by myself first, mostly submerged in water to keep cool. When the kids got here it was more of the same, but a little more fun, of course.


And now I'm sitting here getting my lists--things to take care of here before I leave (like pay my rent), books to buy at Powell's, things to double check I've packed--together. I've checked in, printed my boarding passes, and paid in advance on line to check a bag. I'm enjoying a cocktail and as good as there in my head...

PS Love that there's a laxative ad today! lol

Housework vs. Real Pool, Sun, Fun, Friends

Dang! I always forget that a) there's a time difference and you get a head start and 2) you write more often than I do, so you got the "see you tomorrow". :-)

Thought I'd scribble a note this morning before taking on at least one major list item. S&T invited JJ and me up to H&D's house in Snohomish (where we go quadding in the summer) for the day. I haven't decided yet if we're going...I made the mistake of telling JJ last night while drinking, not thinking, so it'll be hard to get out of now. Not that I don't want to go, mind you. I totally do. They have a real pool, in the ground, and it's supposed to be in the 90's today. H&D are very fun. It entails no housework. JJ loves it there. The pool has a slide. My dilemma? I'm feeling that Pre-Guest (Special Guest, no less!) Stress about having everything done. Ready. Perfect, of course. I know you won't be here until evening and I technically have all day tomorrow, but...we would leave at noon and not get home until late, late tonight...

I know what you're thinking...I'm not coming to see your baseboards, I'm coming to see you! Go swim! Go have fun! I know. I just thought maybe you'd want to use a bathroom that an 11 year old boy hasn't been using for weeks on end with minimal cleaning. Thought you'd like to have fresh pillow cases, that the cat hasn't slept on. A kitchen floor you won't stick to. That sort of thing. I'm so over the cute hand soap and having to buy new everything, but the basic stuff, I feel is necessary.

J left again this morning back to Colville, although that wasn't the orginial plan. He should be home by Wednesday, which is kind of nice; we'll have a little girl time first. He was home for the weekend and that was nice, but I do like my space, so I'm not complaining.

K is on her way over to enjoy a cup o joe in my new French press. (Ok, I bought one thing. Mine broke.) So I'll make this short but wanted to call you later on to discuss details about our City Day, dinner out, etc. just for planning purposes.

Enjoy the sun, as I probably will give in and do too. Who in their right mind would pass that up to clean the house?

Love, A

See You Tomorrow!

Wanted to be the first to say it...

xo, Barb

So Close...

Can I say one more day? Cuz today doesn't count anymore, right? And neither does Tuesday. So, yeah, then, one more day for me here and then I'm off to visit with you. Wow. yay. Can't wait to see you, to celebrate all sorts of things we miss celebrating with these 3000 miles between us...including the one year anniversary of this blog. I mentioned it when it was coming up, but we didn't mention it again, and I definitely think that is worth celebrating. Don't you?

I have my AC on and I'm still sticky. It's hot and humid and gross here, so it's the kind of pool day spent in the pool, not by it, as I intend to in just a few minutes.

Hope you had a good night's sleep on your new mattress...Have a great day!
Barb

Happiness

Why I get credit for (inspiring) your steak dinner, I don't know, but I'll take it! And cheers to you for what sounds like a celebration of yourself. Go, you!

Today at the pool I moved beyond black linen tunic, white linen pants, black capris, cotton cardigan, battery charger, camera, to oh, sh*t, I hope I don't get constipated for three days again!...AND have cankles the whole time! Tomorrow, therefore, when I pick up my scripts, I plan to buy Correctol and some sort of diuretic, just in case...

And what a great day by the pool it was...perfect weather, people with whom I have become friendly these past couple of years to have conversation when I felt like it (and with whom I shared my excitement to see you...Tuesday!), and a good book. I definitely [heart] summer.

Now my tan-ness is in search of something for dinner, but I wanted to say hi first.

xo,
Barb

WWBD?

Good morning, B.

Sounds like you had a great time last night. Don't you just love those spontaneous events that make such wonderful memories?!

I am enjoying my "alone" time quite a bit. I had actually sent out a BLU dinner invite text from Walmart yesterday, but everyone had other plans. When I got home, JJ informed me that he'd been invited to JK's grandma's house for dinner, so even my little culinary treat for him - bacon cheeseburgers - was out of the question. I sat down on the couch at around 3:00 and thought to myself, Hmmm. What do I do with myself? This doesn't happen very often. Do I worry about dinner at all? Take a nap? Get productive and do laundry?

I hopped in my car, went to Sleep Country and bought myself a new mattress. Just like that. I am soooo excited to have it delivered today! Then I dinked around town, literally just driving and stopping nowhere, until I had to pee. This was in painful defiance of a strong urge to go to Marshalls and buy an entirely new bed linen set. Yeah! I did it!

I came home and decided to indulge myself with a movie, even though I'm quite enjoying my book. I rented Gran Torino and absolutely f*ng LOVED IT. Best movie I've seen in a long time. And then I was hungry, so I thought, Wow! I could have anything I want! I could go out! I could eat in! I could have a hot fudge sundae with a side of chips and guac! What would Barb do?

Driving clear over to Outback for a steak wasn't an option; I couldn't have a glass or two of wine with my meal since I'd have to drive all the way home. Nothing here in town sounded appealing, even Mexican, for which I am normally jonesin' 24/7. I did the whole stand-in-front-of-the-fridge-with-the-door-open thing for awhile until I figured it out.

A glass of wine later, my New York steak, spread liberally with blue cheese crumbles, was grilling beautifully next to my foiled ear of corn, wrapped tightly with lots of butter, salt and fresh Parmesan. I wandered around my garden, wine in hand, touching up plants and flowers, until my dinner was done. I set a place for myself at the deck table and sat down. Alone. And I loved it! As I started to cut my first bite of steak, I stopped, put my fork down and lifted my glass. To you. Thanks for a terrific dinner!

Anyway, I treated myself to another movie - Taken - after that, and then sat out on the front porch finishing my bottle of wine until CK and the kids got home at 10:30. One of my neighbors, G, coming home from another house, stopped and said hello. She has a 9 month old baby so I had a few moments of bliss while we chatted, his fat little arms splayed across my chest, his sweaty little head, heavy on my shoulder, as he fought to stay awake. Why do babies always smell so good? I started to have a moment, then it passed. G knows all about M and what we've been through, and I could have gone ahead with my little breakdown, but I wasn't in the mood. I just inhaled deeply and said a little prayer for S, the pudgy bundle of innocence and hope in my arms, and his older brother I. Hold him like this, I asked God. Since I can't.

Today I am up and going, on a mission to do the bedroom makeover, even though nothing will really be visibly new. J will be home tonight for the Memorial Service tomorrow (one-year anniversary of Chief's death - big dedication of a pond/fountain/brick path at the fire station) and it looks like, he says, he may not have to go back to this fire. That doesn't mean he won't be sent out on another one, but for now, he should be home for your visit!

Enjoy your day in the sun and remember, by the pool today, when you feel your heart breaking, it's because you are a good person and you are full of love.

Love, A

Sunshine-y Day

Whoa. Did I ever have a "headache" at five this morning...But boy did I have fun last night. My server friend E got out early and sat down next to me, and another regular sat on the other side of her, and the three of us had a blast. I made them laugh with a silly observation (comment about a couple at the bar) and we didn't stop laughing until I left. Really, a good time.

I'm getting ready to head out for the day by the pool. It's a beautiful day here and it may be the last dose of sun I get for a while. Which, of course, is perfectly fine, since after a couple rainy days here (tomorrow and Monday) I'll be heading to see you!! Woo hoo!

Hope J is safe, and that you are having a good weekend, resisting urges to buy little hand soaps and things you really don't need...

Love you!
Barb

In a Minute

Hi, Amanda.

Thought I'd write early today (well, not that early) as I'm headed out for a nail appointment and then have an appointment with my endocrinologist. I'm hoping that I can get back from my appointment in time to enjoy a little afternoon sun, after which I will probably go out for an inexpensive steak. And there goes my day.

W and I started a bottle of champagne last weekend and didn't finish it (it was a magnum) so I was actually looking forward to a morning with mimosas and a nice egg breakfast... until I looked in my calendar yesterday and saw the appointment written there. I had totally forgotten about it (it's an appointment I've been rescheduling for months) and really couldn't postpone it any longer. And since something tells me that going to the doctor's office in the middle of the afternoon with booze breath is not a great idea, there goes my plan. I'll make up for it with Cabernet over dinner.

L is coming up with the kids on Monday, and I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'll be in pack-and-go mode, not hang-out-with-the-kids mode, so I should probably get my packing done on Sunday. Tomorrow plan on taking advantage of the weather forecast Pick of the Week by the pool, so I know I'll be boarding before I know it.

Have a good day!
Barb

Counting...

Hi there.

Do you count Tuesday? If you don't, it's only 4 more days! I'm making lists, too. I am trying to refrain from ridiculous purchases that seem to call to me whenever I have company - cute handsoap for the bathroom (although the stuff in there is perfectly good and more than half full) or new silverware (which I've been wanting for months but really, techically, don't need) - having a houseguest always presents itself as the perfect excuse to buy things.

So I've been trying to stay close to home, just hanging out in my yard, or, as I did yesterday, by CK's pool. She was gone most of the day but the kids wanted to swim, so I parked myself in their backyard and read Food Network magazine, drank lemonade and listened to the kids laugh and splash. It was, well, heaven. Then they coerced me into going to Coldstone (yeah, twisted my arm!) so we did that...came back and hung out some more. Finally, in the evening, J and I had dinner and went for a long walk,while JJ and JK made themselves dinner and swam until they were frozen blue.

Today I had lunch with my friend TM (her husband is one of J's ACs) and went for a 90 minute massage afterwards. My shoulders and back are so messed up, between my bed, the mysterious nerve damage and general mental stress that works its way straight from my heart to my head to my right shoulder. She worked it pretty hard today but I will need to go back in a couple of weeks and start a weekly routine for a bit. Hopefully the doc will approve insurance-covered PT...we'll see.

J was, as we expected, dispatched out to northern Washington this afternoon. Fortunately, he has a commitment on Sunday here so he'll be back at least for a couple of days. He will probably be gone when you get here but likely home before you leave, so that's good. We got him packed up and out of here about 8 tonight - it will take him about six hours to get to camp. I had C and T this evening so S&T could hang with friends, so it's not too quiet around here...yet. :-)

Tomorrow I'm having breakfast with KB...then mattress shopping, then...who knows? Maybe some sun time. Today was cloudy and cool, but in a really nice, break-from-the-heat sort of way. We were supposed to have gone to the ball game tonight, but since that fell through, maybe JJ and will do that tomorrow night instead. Beer, hot dog, baseball. Hello!

Anyway, had another night of absolutely no quality sleep and am exhausted. I just started The Third Angel (Alice Hoffman) and, as always with her, am hooked from the start. Think I'll get the kids settled, crawl in bed, kick back an Ambien and read until I drop the book.

More tomorrow - can't wait to see you!!!

Love, A

Sweats in Summer

Hey, Amanda.

I am in the middle of a me week, it seems...I hardly know what day it is if not for keeping next Tuesday fresh in my mind.

In the absence of sun I went out for a swim this afternoon, because it was muggy and I still wanted to spend some time outside. I dove right in and swam with the pool to myself, then got out and read. I was cool from my swim so I really enjoyed the quiet, cool time as the breeze picked up. When it got ominous I decided to come in. Now I'm inside, in my sweats, getting ready to get back to my book, waiting for the thunder and rain, planning to make some Asian dumpling soup for dinner when I get hungry. If the hunger never comes, I'll just have wine. I've been drinking white lately, but today seems meant for red.

Hope you're having a good week...5 more days.

xo,
Barb

Making Lists

Hey, A

I have begun writing my lists for my trip--what clothes to pack, what recipes to bring (even though I don't care if we eat Subway every day), discussion topics (long stories we've tabled to have in person), what I need to do between now and then--and I'm more excited every day.

I really don't have any plans between now and Tuesday, although I may try to get to the beach one more time to see S and C before I leave. (They'll be in Newport when I get back and it's still up in the air if I will be joining them.) Otherwise, while I'm counting the days, I'm content to be doing little else besides making those lists, being low key, sitting by the pool (even in the clouds as I did this morning) and reading. I finished The Pilot's Wife last night and started Elizabeth Berg's newest, Home Safe, today by the pool. I'm 100 pages into it (I stayed out until after 5 today...) and will continue to read later tonight after I write for a bit. Tomorrow I imagine I'll do it all over again. Oh how I love vacation.

Hope you're happy with your nails and that you're having a good day.

Talk to you soon.
xo, Barb

Rain, rain, go away

Hello there, A.

I am beyond excited! ...

I'm also in a good mood, despite my verbally eviscerating a Chase account representative just a few moments ago, getting ready to finish the last 30 pages of The Pilot's Wife. (Which reminds me to note that I could not--for the life of me!!--get into the The Weight of Water but liked The Pilot's Wife instantly. Love it. Can't wait to finish. Interesting.... )

It rained here today so I took the opportunity, after sleeping in (not intentional, just tired, and I had been on the phone with J until after midnight last night), to dink around today, as you would say. I wrote, I visited my mom, went out for a coupon lunch then looking for a new suitcase in vain. Which is a good thing, I guess, but another long story. Another one I can tell in person. :) tee hee

One week from today...Oh, and please do not offer me iced tea, unless there is a shot of citrus vodka going in...

XO,
Barb

PS By the way, I thought I should mention, in case you haven't noticed, that instead of writing in the morning, I decided that posts from me are more interesting (or have the potential to be) when I write in the evening. I have been writing elsewhere in the morning, but in general felt like my morning posts were of two boring varieties: 1) I'm going to sit by the pool today or 2) it's going to be crappy so I'm going to run errands. (Not that this entry was much better)

PPS "Contrary to the number of log ins on [your] blog"? I don't get it...

A Week From Now...

...I will be wandering around, touching up all the last-minute show-off-the-house stuff; making sure the toilets are all clean and my guest bedroom is ready for you! Yahoo!

Contrary to the number of logins on my blog, I have not spent the entire day on the computer. In fact, I spent quite a bit of time on the couch, too, catching up on The Cleaner episodes. Then S came over and we sat on the deck for a bit. Other than that, I haven't left the house.

It's hot, hot, hot and supposed to stay that way at least until you get here. I don't mind at all; it does make one a little sluggish, but so what. That's why we have iced tea.

And Cape Cods, which is what I'll be drinking this evening in the cool AC of K's house, minus the boys. We'll pair that with chilled shrimp, asparagus, good bread and watermelon. Hmmm...wish you were already here!

Hope your day has been as lazy as mine,

Love, A

BLU Orientation

Yay, A!

At this time next week, I will be packing my bags for my trip the next morning, or deciding I can wait until morning...not because I'm not excited, but because it is how I live. Like last Friday morning when W was due and I had still had things to do, none major, but all that could have been done the night before. ( I swear, correcting lab reports and the procrastination that precedes that has infiltrated all areas of my life.)

Please, let's talk about meals; you know I want to do some cooking when I am there and I also don't want you in general to over shop (as I did before D's visit) because I'm around. Certainly, I want to help with groceries, and think it would be best to shop for things we want and know we will eat or cook. And that of course will be easier to figure out once I'm there.

Indeed, I have done my white water rafting adventure and hiking in the gorges (thanks to the loaner car you and J were generous to share with me) and my drive up Mt. Rainier with you and the boys, and this vacation will be about hanging out. BLU Orientation Week....Of course I'm glad downtown Seattle is included in our agenda because I love it and would hate to be so close and not spend time there, even though I have done Pike Place Market before. I actually hope to go to the soap place around the corner with creaky floors for more Lemon Verbena lotion that they make for you as you wait. (OMG! I think that's where my love of it came from, buying soaps and perfume in Florence were only a continuation of a love found in Seattle, not the origin!) Anyway, sticking close to home sounds good, other than Seattle. I'm willing to let go of thoughts of a pilgrimage to Powell's, but downtown Seattle I cannot let go. If that's okay with you...

Keep in mind, of course, that I'd be happy to drink coffee for a week if that's what you want to do...

Love,
Barb

8 Days!

Oh, please. As if I would partake in such strajava activity! Of course I'm not competing with your tan. Anyway, if I were, it would be like competing with Heidi Klum for leg length.

The Pilot's Wife - yes, just read it not long ago. Took me forever to get into it, read it almost to the end, put it down and couldn't pick it up again for a month. I finally finished it and thought there are other things I'd like much better to have spent so much effort on. Wasn't my favorite. The Time Traveler's Wife, however, was worth all the math I had to do to keep up with the characters moving in and out of different time periods. That one, I loved. Right now I'm kind of on a reading hiatus, as I have several books from which to choose and none are calling to me loudly enough. Also, I'm not a sun reader - I can't read without my cheaters and can't be outside without my sunglasses, so there you have it.

Today was a great day (so far). I got a bunch of stupid little stuff done, including a short run to Costco and a leisurely stroll through Pier One's sale, where I bought nothing. My gardening is done, my house is clean, I even took a little nap while half-watching CSI. No plans for this evening, although if it gets any hotter I may hit up CK (JK's mom) for a dip in the pool later. She had left me a message yesterday asking if I wanted to come over and float around, but I didn't check the phone until after we got home from dinner. I was bummed; we don't spend very much time together at all these days and it's good to get caught up now and then. Plus I have to get the lowdown on the latest breakup from the boyfriend everyone hated.

I am so excited for your visit in a week, I'm already thinking of menu ideas. I bought some half and half today, at Costco, and JJ says,

"Geez, Mom, you don't need that much!"

I responded, "Oh, yes I do. Auntie Barb is coming and you know how much coffee we're going to drink."

He nodded, as if to say, Oh, yeah. Duh. I didn't bother to mention the amount we'll need for various cocktails, figured he could just go with the coffee excuse. I will wait until the weekend to pick up fresher items like mozarella and some veggies; otherwise I'm going to take you to TB (J calls it Trader Joe's on steroids) for grocery shopping when you get here and we've had a chance to plan our food week. You did say you wanted to just come and live my life for awhile, so the grocery store will be about the highlight of your trip. K thought it was funny you said that and wanted to know if you really wanted to come hang out with a foul-mouthed delinquent teenager and go to court a couple of times. Or if you want the edited version of "my life". :-)

I'm just trying not to over-plan your short visit. Like you said about the weekend with W, sometimes it's nice just to be together; since you've already been here and done your white-water rafting adventure, I don't feel I need to expose you to the great Pacific Northwest on that level. Nor do we need to have lunch at the Space Needle. A day in the city would be awesome, since I always love that; we also have a pretty decent Saturday Market locally, so we could check out that too. Anyway, we'll play it all by ear, I suspect.

With any luck, J will not be dispatched to any wild fires this week, but it's not looking good so far. It's highly likely that he will be gone part or all of the time you're here, unfortunately. If he doesn't go far, we could go visit him; we'll see what happens.

Off to catch up on reading my favorite writer...sorry to have been neglectful!

Love,
A

Rebelling, still

Hey, A,

So I was sitting by the pool earlier, under a cloudy sky, relaxing and reading The Pilot's Wife, which I just love...and I thought of you. I thought, hmmm, is this a book Amanda just recently read too? I should ask. I think she did read it, but if she hasn't it, I'll bring it along. And then I remembered how you closed your most recent post...

Are you seriously engaged in some sort of tan competition with me of which I was heretofore unaware and trying to power boost your tan before I come out?!?! Stop it!!!

a) We're in our forties, 2) we have different skin tones (and lifestyles) and c) we're in our forties!!! Silly, silly, silly.

Anyway, it's 6 and other than a couple of handfuls of cashews I ate this morning while writing, I haven't eaten, and it occurs to me I should. I sent W home with leftovers so I don't have anything ready to go in the fridge, and am not motivated to cook. I'd rather, quite honestly, put my book in my purse and finish reading it over dinner somewhere. Nowhere or nothing fancy, maybe just a sub at a pizza place down the street.

Before I head out I should probably check in with my mother and sister M, both of whom called on Friday and whose calls I ignored, but I'm feeling kind of anti-family at the moment for no particular reason and for a slew of things. Mainly I don't want to call because I'd like to remind them in actions that I am not obligated, at 44, to give them my whereabouts/ask permission to be away/check in daily. Even though I am on vacation. Even though I live 5 miles away. Even though I have no children or husband and therefore couldn't possibly have anything better to do than pick up the phone--my house phone no less-- when they happen to call.

So with that, I guess I'll change purses (my newest fave doesn't match my outfit) and head out in search of food and a good reading nook.

Hope you're having a good day.
Love,
Barb

Quiet End to The Week

Hey, Barb.

How nice to hear the tone in your writing of contentment and love, talking about your weekend. Yay for you! My thoughts will be with W tomorrow for the job fair. Lucky you, the weekend just kind of spills on over into the week!

I had a good weekend, too. Poor J was crazy busy on call; too many fires to mention and he was hardly home most of the time. This cut into his yardwork and his sleep, not to mention the work on the deck. Tonight we went out for dinner instead of staying in, which was much needed all around. We spent Friday night at K&R's for R's birthday, then Saturday night we ate at S&T's and were joined by the rest of the gang later in the evening. S and I were drinking chocolate martinis and I almost fell asleep on the deck couch at midnight...we had a great time, just the two of us, after everyone else kind of cut out. She doesn't drink much or often, so she's pretty fun when she does.

Mostly I'm tired, not in a bad way. Just not sleeping well, with J up and down all night, it's still hot, I hate my bed (going shopping for a new one STAT -- I just can't put it off anymore), that sort of thing. I'm ready to crash right now - 9:00pm, and I'm sure the humongous shrimp salad I had for dinner is prompting that. Not to mention the plate of fries that JJ received as a little gift from our favorite waiter (who's also a FD volunteer), which I pretty much ate by myself. Oink.

Anyway, not much in the mood to write although the funk is gone and I'm feeling good, emotionally. I got so much sun today - not that I'll ever catch up with your tan, even if you stayed in your closet from now until the day you get here. But God knows, I'm going to try. :-)

Love you,
A

Recap...with a night cap

Hey there, A.

Sunday night, sipping amaretto, after a great weekend with W. We often have so much planned and just go, go, go, but this weekend was different--beginning with starting the weekend on Friday morning (vs Friday evening during the school year, or sometimes Saturday morning). It would have been even better if we could have had one more night, but he has a job fair tomorrow so the end point was the same. But it was more about what was in the middle...

I guess I can describe it best by saying it was less like a mini vacation and more like...living together. Yes, I know that every time we spend a weekend together we live together, but as I mentioned, it's always scheduled to the minute--including our time to hang out, it seems. This time we were a little more spontaneous. We let our plans slide a little, and for me it felt more like having him around and share my life for a weekend. We spent time by the pool both Friday and Saturday and I got a chance to write while he was napping. In the end yesterday, we didn't go out at all. When he woke up we decided to stay in. We ate and watched TV and went to bed around 11. I can't remember the last time we didn't have at least one drink, one meal or appetizer out. It was nice, therefore, after a good breakfast and a little late morning shopping, to be content to stay home. We hung out by the pool, I made us a late lunch, he had his late afternoon (into evening) nap, and we had dinner and drinks here. Bonus? He didn't really snore (that I know of) or have nightmares last night, which means I got a good night's sleep...and which made it even harder to say goodbye today...

But I'm good. I have this week to do nothing but count the days until I leave for Seattle (Yay!)and hang out in the sun. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there is going to be much of it this week. (Waah! I'm going to lose my tan!) But I have some writing to do, pieces I started and need to finish, so with or without sun I'll be happy.

Hope you had a great weekend, too.

xo,
Barb

Nap Time

Hey, A.

W is napping...and I have been taking advantage of the quiet time. I wrote a little and then decided to go ahead and make dinner while he's sleeping so it'll be ready when he wakes up. This was not in our plans, mind you (it's been 3 hours), but he has been exhausted since Wednesday night when he was up with his mother in the emergency room until 4 in the morning, and I can't really begrudge him the sleep. (Especially since I'm taking advantage of the time.) Instead of a couple of happy hour drinks followed by a later dinner at home, looks like we'll have a late-ish dinner and then maybe a nightcap out. Or not. I have plenty of nightcaps here. I'll see what he feels like once he wakes up. We have had a good weekend so far and I'll be happy doing anything.

Anyway, thought I'd check in while I had the time. I hope you're having a good weekend....

10 days?...

xo, Barb

Better with Time

Good morning and welcome to your weekend!

I'm excited for you and W to spend some time together, especially the part where you don't have to go back to work on Monday. :-)

Today was better than the last couple of days. Like I mentioned in my email, I was knocked out by an allergy attack yesterday and didn't get rid of the congestion until I woke up this morning. I wore my mask almost all day today and that worked - I didn't sneeze once.

I also woke up with a bunch of energy; maybe it was because I was supposed to be in court but withdrew the AYR Petition at the last minute and didn't have to go. And the fact that M &K thought that did have to go, so too bad for them. I hope he took the day off work and went completely out of his way to get there. At any rate, I got a head start on cleaning my house by 9:00 this morning and the entire thing was done by 1:00. JJ and I took B home, then ran a few errands at a leisurely pace...Target, gas, dry cleaners, that sort of thing. When we got home, we hung out and watched the game for a bit, then K texted to come over and relax in her air conditioning for awhile. (It was in the 80's today-our houses are burning up.)

I hung out there then T and I came back here to get him some beer; J was home by then and we sat out on the deck for dinner. Yay! I love eating outside! I'm ready to hit the sack now...it's super hot in here and I know it's going to be one of those toss-and-turn nights so I'm not looking forward to not being rested in the morning. K and I are going up to the big city for wax day, lunch, Nordstrom and the market for fresh seafood. Perfect day! This weekend is dedicated to yardwork and working on the deck (steps, rails, etc.) and maybe a BLU brunch on Sunday for R's birthday.

Enjoy your weekend!

12 more days to vacation!
Love, A

Ready for the Weekend

Hey, Amanda.

How are you? I'm tired and my back hurts but I thought I'd write a bit before I call it a night as I'll probably not write again until after W leaves on Sunday. He'll be here by lunch time tomorrow and I can't wait.

I spent the day running errands, doing laundry, picking up, and generally getting ready for the weekend. We're on a low budget this weekend, so we'll be dining at Barb's Bistro...I made meatballs, prepped salad stuff, and have my fridge stocked to make penne with chicken and broccoli (his request). The only thing I really have left to do is get a good night's sleep since I won't for the next couple of nights. I think that's definitely a drawback to our relationship--not spending lengths of time together during which time I could get used to the snoring and nightmares. Anyway, at least I don't have to be fresh on Monday...I can catch up on me sleep then.

I'm very excited about my trip and am already packing in my head. One thing at a time, I suppose...

Hope you are feeling better.

xo,
Barb

A Grown Up Lunch

Hey, Amanda.

It was so great to hear your voice and get to talk a little bit last night. Sorry you've been a little blue, but I think it's important for you to allow yourself those moments, even if they last a couple of days. You ARE doing okay. And you can call anytime you need that reminder.

Of course in two weeks I'll be there, up close and personal, and can remind you daily and do my best to keep you distracted. I can't wait. After the last couple of days I've had here, I know I am ready for a real vacation! (Thanks for getting that check in the mail, and no worries that you haven't done it already.)

It's another gorgeous day here. I have lunch plans today then will probably catch some late afternoon sun by the pool. Tonight I should probably take stock in my fridge, throw away experiments, and make a list of things I'll need for the weekend. (I don't think I've gone shopping for more than milk since D was here; nor have I thrown away leftovers from her visit!) I'm looking forward to a few days with W; we haven't seen each other in a few weeks and we're due.

I hope you have a good day!

Love you,
Barb

Morning

Hey, Amanda.

I sent you an email about yesterday's goings-on so that here I can focus on the positive...it's another gorgeous day and I'm enjoying the morning. In fact, lately I've been finding I enjoy most mornings. I like getting up around 7 when the sun is bright and the birds are chirping and not being drowned out by lawn mowers or construction that is going on in my complex.

My cell phone seems to be coming around, so I hate to go get a battery for my old phone, but I really can't be without a phone for a day or two--especially since I plan to be away from home. I guess 30 dollars isn't too bad, and definitely better than 200 for a new phone, but if only I could flash forward a couple of days to see if I really need it before I spend the money. Oh well. I suppose I should just get it out of the way, and then I can park myself by the pool without my cell phone woes over my head.

I hope to finish a book by the pool today, and then have dinner with C in Hartford. And last I knew I'm supposed to go to L's tonight so I can help her out with the kids tomorrow...I'll keep you posted on that.

Hope all is well.
Barb

Vacation Rocks

Good morning, Amanda.

Yay! Now that you are home from your vacations I feel like I can get excited about my trip to see you. In fact, I 'd love to start talking details...not that there will be a lot, since I'd like this to be a low maintenance vacation for both of us. Still, will we be going to Seattle? Pike Place Market? Is one dress-up outfit enough? And does it really need to be dressy-dressy? You know: that kind of thing. In fact, now that you are back from your vacations I would love to talk to you. Maybe we can catch up live sometime soon. (It feels like forever!) I'll be by the pool today for a few hours if that works out for you.

Yesterday was a perfect day at the beach. I was tempted to stay over at L's again but headed home after eight instead. While I was stuck in traffic because of road work I cursed the decision, but this morning, as I sit and enjoy this coffee--my own favorite brew--and make plans to walk after I finish here and then sit by the pool, I am happy. I will see everyone again tomorrow at my parents' for a party for M and V anyway, and next week I will probably go down again (it becomes a weekly thing, if you recall, that I go down for an overnight and day at the beach), so it's all good.

I'm glad to hear you had a great vacation, and would love to hear more in person if I can pull you away from your garden and you can manage a phone call.

Love you,
Barb

Love it!

Be there soon!

Score!

Anxiously awaiting your arrival....

Already Ready to Go Back

Hey, you.

Yeah! The sun is out today and it's supposed to be gorgeous. J and I both are suffering terribly from sun & heat withdrawal; he's ready to retire early and move to California. I worked in the garden a bit yesterday but am looking forward to an entire day in my scrubbies, pulling weeds and reconnecting with my mid-life favorite hobby.

Didn't make it for the run with K yesterday, although I was dressed in all my workout gear and ready to go. She's been sick, so we blew that off and went to coffee instead. When I got home I abandoned JJ (God, I love this part where he's old enough to stay home!!) and went dinking around at Home Depot, looking for deck furniture. My dear friend, Barb, is coming to visit and I don't have lounge chairs!! Still looking; I'm not willing to spend a fortune on the cushy ones and I can't stand the hard plastic ones...something in between should present itself to me before your arrival. Otherwise, we're resigned to towels on the grass, or some other form of suntanning modification.

I got caught up shopping there, dreaming my way through all the home improvement sections, until I made my way home to feed the boys. C and JJ have literally been together since we got home Tuesday night, save for sleeping. C spent the night here last night and they are upstairs now building an Air Force Base in the playroom. I will take this for as long as it lasts...we should be good for the rest of the day before a major I-hate-you-I'm-not-going-to-be-your-friend-ever-again-get-off-my-property blowout. C's leaving tonight for a weekend of family activity so that will be a perfect break. JK's been here, in and out of the mix too, for the past couple of days. Poor thing, she's been waiting 17 days for JJ to get home, and he ditches her five minutes after he arrives. Boys.

I would love to tell you about our trip but I think it might actually be a more suitable entry elsewhere. All in all, it was fabulous. Perfect amount of parent time, amazing weather, good friends and fun times, didn't actually drink myself into oblivion. JJ is the absolute *funnest* travel companion, we discovered, when not overshadowed by his brother's brooding darkness of depression and gloom. We had so much fun with him, just the three of us.

Plus, I have real tan now. So there.

Ok, I'm off to start my day...dinner with K&R tonight on the deck and then a weekend packed with baseball camp, a funeral, a FD barbecue and Casey coming home - Saturday - then Sunday a graduation party for a neighbor's daughter and working on the deck. God, this agenda is killing me. I need a vacation.

Love,
A

Back to Reality

Good morning!

Wow, thanks for writing so much while we were of touch; I feel awful in that I had complete access to a computer and could have blogged all day, every day, or even checked in, for that matter. But having read your comment that sunbathing is your summer job, (hilarious!) I think you'll understand that I was in a place where the temp was over 85 and the sun was out all the time. Going into the house for anything more time-consuming than refilling a beverage or peeing was just out of the question.

We got home Tuesday night around dinner time and yesterday I felt like a deflated balloon all day. I did get a few necessary errands done (grocery shopping) and some laundry, but apart from that, I was in total VRM (Vacation Recovery Mode). I even had to take a nap; all that running around doing things about killed me.

Today I am up and running, literally. After a moment here to say hello, I'm meeting K for a run and coffee. More errands later, then my garden needs serious attention. Unlike southern California, it is not 85 degrees here, nor is the sun anywhere to be seen. Unfortunately, I have no excuse to lounge around on the deck.

Glad to hear you've had such a good couple of weeks. You asked if three weeks was enough down time...hello! If it's not, I'm in trouble! I can't wait for your visit - I've been so looking forward to it. Hopefully the sun will be back by then and we can enjoy some more summer work :-)

More later,
Love, A

P.S. We had an awesome trip, start to finish.

Summer Job

Hi, Amanda.

Back yet?

After an eye appointment yesterday I spent most of yesterday inside hiding from the sun. My pupils stayed dilated for six hours, and I didn't want to risk a migraine, so I played it safe inside. I have today to spend in the sun, but there isn't much out there. Because the weather isn't great, I may have another day off. (As if sitting by the pool and suntanning is my summer job! lol)

Tonight I head to L's overnight--to check out S at basketball camp tonight, and then take both kids to day camp tomorrow morning at the beach club. I'll stay at the beach until L joins me later and eventually J will come down too and we will all enjoy their Friday happy hour. Since I'll have a bag packed I may stay another night, but right now I'm leaning against it. I love the kids and my overnights with them, but I never sleep well there, so one night may be my max.

For now I will try to write a little elsewhere (I've been writing quite a bit since the end of the school year) instead of just sitting here waiting for the sun to come out). I also have some dry cleaning to pick up --but I hate to part with 50 dollars for clothes I won't wear until fall! (Ugh. I definitely waited too long to bring them in the first place.)

If you don't get right into writing when you get home, which I imagine you won't, will you send me a text and let me know you're home? Thanks.

Love you,
Barb

Following Up...

W and I talked and decided to postpone until next weekend's visit here...

It's all good.

Conflicted

Good morning!

Looks like today will be an errand day for me. It's going to be a stormy day, I won't be missing any pool time, so I'm happy to be on my way. I need to go to the high school to fax a form for reimbursement and then stop by to see J who leaves for France today for a summer camp/mission and then to see my parents.

What's more important than my plans for today is that I'm conflicted about going to Boston later in the week for the day. I miss W and want to spend some time with him, but he plans to be here next weekend and I wonder if maybe we shouldn't just wait. Because I've made a commitment to go see S play basketball Thursday night and help L out on Friday (getting the kids to camp), I could only manage going for a day, and given both of our finances, I think maybe it's better to wait. It's not like I haven't done dozens of day trips to Boston, but maybe this time it's not the best idea. But I should be having this conversation with W, though, hu?...

Hope your trip home is going swimmingly.

xo, Barb

In the Groove

Hi, Amanda.

According to our text messages, you are on your way home today after what sounds like a good time...I'm not sure how long the trip back will take, but I thought I'd write a little today so that you have something to read upon returning, and because I haven't done very well trying to get back here daily. Of course I had D here for a few days and you've been away, both excellent excuses I'd say, but...

I'm just coming in out of the sun after three gorgeous days spent mostly by my pool. Finally, it looks like our weather has turned around after weeks of mainly rain, followed by weeks of only partly sunny days with scattered thunderstorms. It was great to sit by the pool this weekend and read and really settle into vacation mode. I had invitations to the beach and to a fourth of July party but I just needed a little time with me and politely declined. The reclusive Gemini twin needed some time to herself...

Honestly, not that I regret or would give back the time I had with D, but I would definitely rethink the timing next time she visits. I barely had time to take a deep breath and sleep in after the school year ended and suddenly I was sharing my vacation/cleaning and shopping and entertaining a house guest. What I understand about myself now is that I need to start my vacation by myself, that the first few days need to be about physical recuperation and really doing nothing.

That being said I'm all the sudden scared that the timing for my visit won't be perfect for you, that you won't have enough down time between your vacation and my visit. I leave 3 weeks from tomorrow, so I have my fingers crossed that you'll be back to life as normal by the time I get there.

Can't wait to hear from you when you get back!

Love and miss you,
Barb

One Down...

Hey, Amanda,

I am certainly not wishing away my vacation, rather noting that the first week flew by. This is my attempt at recounting that week.

My day at the beach with the kids was great. C loved his presents--an old-school wooden tool box full of wooden tools and screws and bolts, as well a stuffed monkey that he decided to name Tool Box (how cute is that?)--and we had a great day together. I loved the few hours I had with him and my Sunshine before L and J joined us at the beach. Afterward, we had dinner at their house after our day at the beach, and I finally felt on vacation. There I was eating dinner after 8, when I'm normally thinking about going to bed, on the deck, on a weeknight. How liberating that was!

Then Friday I ran some errands and finished getting ready for D's visit. The weather wasn't great for pool time, but my day at the beach was enough to stave off the depression that had set in with all our rainy weather.

Saturday she arrived and yesterday she left. We had decent weather while she was here and planned according to the forecast. We had a seafood lunch the afternoon she arrived and spent the day catching up. L came up Sunday to join us by the pool and for dinner in Hartford. Monday we did some shopping and went out to lunch, then later in the day went out again for a little more shopping and a couple of appetizers that served as our dinner. Tuesday was the best weather day, and the day we spent mostly by the pool. Yesterday we had lunch at my parents' before she flew home. You know the drill: we read, and chatted and laughed and ate and shopped and did all those things girlfriends do, as you had in Arizona, and as I will again when I visit at the end of this month.

Looking forward to your return from your parents', hoping all is well.

Love,
Barb