Saturday, February 5, 2022.

Another somewhat cooler day in Arizona but it is supposed to warm up quite a bit today. Justice gets a rest day after 2 long days of hikes. He was so good, never flagging but yesterday's hike was a bit more exhausting for him I think. It was a mile longer and the paths were much rockier. It takes a lot more effort for his tiny paws to negotiate the rocks vs. a dirt path.

Yesterday was our 18 month dating anniversary and we went out to dinner at a pricey restaurant in Old Scottsdale. Well worth it as the ambiance, service and food were the best. We had a really wonderful time. And Mike seems serious finally about the marriage discussion as he suggested I call the venue we would like to do a party at to see if there are any dates available and started making a list of who he would invite. He also mentioned buying a ring. So we haven't figured out the ceremony part but we did talk about doing it on the beach in Florida (possibly with a friend officiating). We shall see. But I better get my act together and try to lose some weight! One of the dresses I really like would look so much better if I were thinner. Ten would probably be sufficient though twenty down would be better.

Today we are going to a farmers market and will poke around Old Scottsdale. Sort of a low-key day. Oh, and go for the 3rd or 4th day in a row to the Amazon Locker place nearby to get a package. So convenient when traveling!

Have a safe and healthy Saturday!

A quiet Saturday morning and I am in heaven. I have an appointment to check in via phone at 2pm with my Aunt (she gets very busy, I actually had to schedule a time!).

DD started graduate school last weekend. She has classes every Saturday, for pretty much the whole day. Because of Covid and also the crazy weather, classes are virtual, so she is still staying with us. But her university says all classes must be in person from now on, so she's heading to Boston next week. I have a lot of mixed feelings. I think she needs to return to her life. But I worry so much for her. She has a decent job, but $55,000 doesn't go very far in Boston. She lives in Jamaica Plains, on the edge of Roxbury, in a transitional neighborhood. I think its relatively safe, but it's aesthetically not much. The building she lives in is safe, functional, but rundown. She's talked about moving out of the city so she can afford something nicer, but then she has to deal with commuting when her office returns to in person. And now she will have a long commute to Salem for graduate school every Saturday, and very little downtime. When I did my masters I was married and had young kids, which is a different kind of complication. But I had a house, and someone to help with our life (do a grocery run, wash clothes, pay bills) and a part time job. Sigh. And so many issues she is confronting could be fixed with money. I wish I had more to spare.

Anyhow, when DH gets home, the 3 of us are going out to eat, and then to see the movie, Licorice Pizza. I have a lot of friends who don't go to movies, or restaurants yet. I asked DH if we were living carelessly, and he pointed out that both of us are surrounded daily at work by hundreds of people who are not wearing masks or not wearing them properly. A movie theater is probably the safest part of our day :) especially the movies we tend to like, there's usually about 10 other patrons, even before Covid.

Stay safe and warm everyone!

I know a lot of young people who have lived in the same area and coped with the same lack of funds as DD. She will be fine even though as her Mom it is your job to worry. My eldest DD lived in Brighton in a not so wonderful small apartment near the T when she was in school and working in Boston. Not easy but they manage.

Thanks Liz, that does help put it in perspective. Once she's done with her program, she will have a more sustainable income doing a job she is passionate about. And I love her roommates, they are good people to be with. I just wish I could ease her way more ... She already has awesome character, I don't know if there is anyway more character building experiences could improve it :) But as you say, its our job to worry, and I think, their job to get on with it.

Greetings All

Another lovely sunny day here in northern cal. Really beautiful. But I got a call from the rocking chair buddy that their little town is packed with tourists so we have to be careful about parking to get the chair to her this afternoon. And no telling if we will get into the restaurant we want. But we can always get into the restaurant at the casino which is actually quite nice and no one goes there. Great views. Just have to walk through a stinky casino to get there.

Yay for Justice Liz. He is such a little trooper and a lucky dog. Enjoy your party planning. My advice: keep it simple. I planned my whole wedding, other than dress, in one afternoon from the phone in my office. Dress shopping was also fast - after about three really dog ugly dresses we found The One.

Peps thanks for the info on the group 3 border. Peter indeed has nice dogs. Years ago he had a male who was always competing with mine for points. I was so glad when that boy finished and got out of my way. I think I got the major the next day. Sacramento I think. Enjoy little Charlie that I cant help but call "Miss Sunshine".

So the shower stall is all in and looks great. Must finish the paint selection before the sun goes down. Its a speckled beige-ish faux stone and the colors tend to shift. Because the guest bath shower is full of junk from our bath, I went to the health club to use their shower and get my hair washed. So nice to have all those grab bars and space. Cant wait for the new one.

I am planning to order a good cheeseburger tonight. It will be enough for 3 dinners. For lunch today I ate about 1/6 of a chicken burrito DH brought from a restaurant. Its astonishing how huge restaurant food portions are.

Glad you are relaxing this am DD. Enjoy. And your daughter will be a better person for having a few struggles in youth. I lived in a crappy basement apartment which had noisy bugs when I was in law school. It was my little dog and me against the world. It will work out. Glad she has fun roommates.

Amazon Locker!! Who knew!! Good idea.

Thats about it. Off to deal with paint chips.

Diane S

Ugh, my pants are so tight. I need to stop myself!

I had brunch with a friend today. I like her, but she talks SO MUCH. Every time we have lunch it's a 4 hour affair. It makes me want to make excuses not to go. An hour or two would be great.

Otherwise, working on my crochet project and browsing real estate apps. Exciting Saturday!