06/22/19, Saturday

Marshmallow is one of the few things that I want to like, but generally don't! It took me decades to stop trying to like them.

Those PEs are the pits, Shel. I'm sorry about Rainier, but so impressed by all your training and what you accomplished on that front. Good luck on the adulting. It's my least favorite thing to do...

Greetings Summer People

157.5 on this day after the solstice. My younger brother's birthday. He is 65! Looks 35. He is a health nut. Guess that stuff works.

Sorry for the rocky road DianeO. Hope it passes. Being outside on a nice day cures a lot. And its great here and not so windy so I may get out and about more. First I have to take bananas to the homeless outreach.

Cecily, I love your garden set up. I might garden If I had that. DH spent all kinds of money buying little tables and plastic planters when he should have made raised beds. DH had to go buy tools with which to take apart his auger which he has used to dig exactly two post holes in the 3 years he has owned it. Now it will be disassembled and put away in its storage tub where it will lie in state in the garage for no telling how long.

Shel I am kind of relieved you are not doing Ranier. The thought was scary. Plenty of less scary walks and hikes to do. Glad you had a good time with the parent-figures (as my college friend used to call hers).

Patrick the painter will be over today to work on the deck. He power washed and scrubbed off the moss yesterday. I gave him a beer and he proceeded to be very entertaining. Our own stand up comic.

Messaged with my niece last night who acknowledged that her dad (my older brother) has lived much longer with his brain cancer than anyone expected. I think I'd better make a trip back to the heartland (typed heat-land) which it is.

I actually attacked a big pile of papers yesterday and tossed 85% of it. Even got a little bit filed. Wells Fargo should get a "tree killer of the year" award - their statements are ginormous and ridiculous. Glad to be rid of them. They sent me a check for 13 cents the other day. 13 cents! I tore it up and tossed it. My mother had some investments with them but I want nothing to do with them. Rant over.

Well, a bit more coffee and then its banana delivery time. Also string cheese and mini servings of chili. Cheers all. Diane S

I do hope you get a visit with your brother soon. Life continually teaches us, if not now, when.

Hello everyone, having a great time here in Mexico City. My bff has lived here since 1982, as she she is a good Minnesota Swede, she does stand out, a Blondie speaking fluent Spanish. When waiters etc ask about her story, (she married a Mexican citizen and they made their home here), she often tells them I've lived in Mexico longer than you. It's a whole nother kind of trip when you can stay in someone's home in a foreign country. Mexico City is crazy big, and chaotic, and dirty, but also magical, mystical, cultured, beautiful, enchanting. I've always loved it, and now dh does too. It's super cool to have our own local guide.

There's a party here tonight, and dear husband is running errands with bff so he can go to the shops etc the locals frequent, and the housekeeper is downstairs setting up. Wouldn't that just be the best when you're entertaining?

An interesting observation, the food here is very fresh, whole foods. My sleeve constriction is incredible again. I feel like a novice sleeve. Two bites, and I'm full. Note to self, much less processed foods when I get home.

Ocean Diane, I fervently wish for you that the good days with your partner outweigh the trying days. Above all, be true to yourself.

DianeO, The worst part of it is the first couple of weeks. Sometimes brushing all over with a hairbrush helps.

Just got back from getting another 10 foot walnut log that the loggers left. And found another in a brush pile that the dozer made. I will need a larger tractor and cooler part of the day. When I pulled up Adalyn was just a waving at me and ran across the yard to let me scoop her up. She makes me smile.

I have been eating bacon tomato sandwiches lately. I am going to quit buying the bread. It is too good. Maybe that is the answer. Just don t buy anything.

More later, David

So sorry about DC, Diane. Shel, I'm sure Mt. Rainer would have been thrilling, but you did recently do Mount St. Helens and as you said, it is okay not to do everything. Cecily and Dave, gorgeous raised flower beds. Even I might be inclined to garden with those. I am so bad - I already killed off two tomato plants by not getting them into the pots I bought for them before I left in my trip. Enjoy México City DD! Diane S, life is definitely short. Time to go see your brother.

I got home at 10 last night. I got to bed relatively early but didn't sleep great so am very tired and my intestines are quite grumbly today. I'm trying to eat my normal foods with no detours today to get back on plan and to calm down my insides. I've mostly put away my stuff from the trip and straightened up what needed it after being away. I needed the inside of the house in order so I could think about new needs. Once I get some energy going I have to start the deck power washing (2 small front porches, the deck, the outdoor shower and the screen porch). Once that is done the outside furniture can be put out and flowers planted in the deck pots. Then I have some front garden modifications I want to make. How did I ever work?

DH seemed very happy to see me this morning but said that being with the boys was good. They did do a good job of coordinating and probably were more thorough on personal care than me. I still try to have DH do as much as possible - pros and cons to that. We took a long walk next to the ocean this morning with Justice, then came home to put on bathing suits and pack lunch and went back to the beach for an hour and a half until it started pouring. So DH had some good activities today.

Have a super rest of the day!