Friday, July 9, 2021

Tropical Storm Elsa is here bringing rain and some wind. Not a big deal but it squelches all outside activities. Mike's golf plans are likely cancelled. Instead we may meet his daughter and husband for lunch and exchange cars (she had his SUV for the beach sticker this week).

All my children were under my roof last night. Kind of a nice feeling! Not sure what we will do tonight as DS was going to cook but now is going elsewhere.

No lobster last night (though I did fini**** off for lunch yesterday). Tomorrow May be a swordfish night (by DS), but I am not sure what tonight will be.

Have a safe and healthy Friday!

The weather here is variable, can't tell if it's going to rain or not. We started the morning at our favorite Irish coffee shop (clotted cream!), which is next door to one of my favorite thrift stores in St. Paul. Today's treasure was a hand embroidered linen tablecloth for $9.00. I love finding things like that, but I also feel sad that someone in the family didn't want to keep it. I have every table cloth, napkin, tea towel my Grandmother hand stitched or hemmed with a machine. I use them frequently.

Last night we had a very pleasant bonfire, and a wee bit too much wine. I cannot complain that I'm not losing weight, since I am obviously making decisions that, at the bare minimum, are about maintaining my current weight. Part of me shrugs and says, oh well. That part seems to be winning this week.

Going to the grocery store and struggling with whether I need to buy something to cook tonight, or whether we'll just get pizza.

My war with the beetles continues. I can't tell if when I spray them with soapy water they are dying when I hear them plop off the vines, or if the soap made the leaves too slippery, and they've fallen to the ground, unharmed. I will say it smells really good while I'm spraying. I've returned to knocking them into a bucket of soapy water too. I can maybe get a 100 or so at a time, so I suppose it helps a little.

Not the most scintillating reports lately, except this one: I am feeling peaceful and happy.

Greetings Friends

At last a day where I don't HAVE to do anything. Think I will squander it at the studio soon. DH is at lunch with the guys and he will likely bring home most of an order of taquitos. Hence dinner.

Poppy was on a tear this morning but so was Tesla so they were having a grand time. Poor old Chip does not know what to think. Puppy terrorizes him and so he goes out the dog door and sits on the deck. It will only be a couple of days before Poppy learns to follow him. So far Fort Guantanamo is holding Poppy in but who knows how long that will last.

My only food introspection is that carbs are my true downfall these days. I don't want sweets like I used to but would love to dive head first into a pile of pasta. I did make mac and cheese last night but with a lot of broccoli. DH is really sick of grocery store roast chicken so I need to do some meal planning and grocery shop accordingly. Our shopping habits have really changed and we are at the natural food store almost daily but only for a couple of items.

Did my good deed for the day yesterday. A woman in front of me at the store did not have enough money and her card (I think food stamps) did not cover some items. So I paid the difference for her. I knew that the deli sandwich would just get tossed if she didn't buy it.

Not much else new. I have been asked to calculate whether we can give raises to studio employees - I think we can. Also the galleries might be in a position of owing income tax this year if we are not careful. With some planning, we can avoid that but the time is now. Nice feeling.

DD, I am like you and love days with nothing on the schedule.

Good reports are coming in on the puppies. Walter is probably the most photographed puppy ever.

Cheers all. Diane S

It is late. I am very tired, but happy to report Blitz is a new AKC champion at only 16 months.

For Diane S., who understands these things.... all 3 of his majors were earned on Specialty weekends (one national, one regional) under highly respected terrier judges. He finished the day earning a Best Bred by Exhibitor Group, group 3 and a Owner Handled Group 4 (under an Airedale breeder judge).

Ta da!!!!!

Awesome achievement Peps!! Definitely a really big deal. Congrats. Big treats for Blitz. ds