Thursday March 30, 2023

Today is packing day and I lied about last weekend being our last trip to Key West. We are going there mid-day to get DD a t-shirt I think she will like and for lunch at a cute little bistro. A Justice walk and laundry this morning, Key West for lunch, packing this afternoon, and one last meal out at the great restaurant at the end of our street this evening.

On to St. Augustine tomorrow (and Hilton Head on Saturday). Have a terrific Thursday!

Cold again today! I think we're getting a high of 48.

I ordered an outdoor sectional for my screen porch (previous owners called it the "catio" as they built it for their cats). I think it'll be a nice place to sit when it's warmer and you want to be outside, but don't want biting bugs eating you... It was delivered this morning and is sitting in a whole lot of boxes outside. That's my project for today.

My other project is to turn some different levers on the water lines and test for losses over a few hours. The only gross part is the box with the landscaping water line is full of beetles. Like something out of Raiders of the Lost Ark. I will need to wear gloves. Blech.

Ooh, third project is some office organizing. I need to set up a filing system here. If I were more organized, things like taxes wouldn't be so challenging.

I am back to weighing daily to banish the ostriching. 4 days of way less carbs and 2 days of 2.25 mile walking and the scale moved down 4 pounds. Water weight, but as usual it's still motivating.

Anywho. That's what's up in my little world. Hope you all have a great day.

4 pounds! Yeah you!

Screen porches (aka lanais in Florida) are the best! So nice to sit out when the temperature is right, sometimes with a fan if needed.

Your posts (everybody) warm my heart !! 60's and nice here today. I had a Board meeting this morning and a haircut at noon. Sadie looks and smells wonderful after her grooming yesterday. You can bet she hasn't been near a pond ! (Just until NY brother and SIL lay eyes on her, for a week staycation, while I am in CA.)

Don't they feel and smell great after a bath/grooming? Justice had his bath today too (and laid out in the sun afterwards to dry).

Midday updates: the boxes are emptied, I LOVE the sectional, but one cushion has yellow stains on it. They can't just replace the cushion, they have to send the freight people here with a giant box with 4 cushions from that section of the sectional in it, I pull out the one I need, replace the stained one in the box, and they take the box back. Seems like such a waste of diesel and time for the drivers coming from Phoenix, when all I need is one unstained cushion cover. But for that much money it should be right to start with. This is where my aversion to being a bother and making waves makes it hard for me. The woman at customer service was really nice about it.

Second update, I reached into the water line box and turned the handle. There were at least 6 beetles, a giant cricket hopping around, and a cold-paralyzed lizard in there that was on the valve I needed to turn and fell off stiffly when I nudged him. Gah!! I think I hate the crickets the most. So fleshy.

Lunch today was Egg Bites from Costco and half an avocado with tabasco. Super yummy.

Liz, I love St. Augustine! It is one place I would like to live if I could. CC, congrats on facing the scale. It takes courage to tackle that after a long break. Ocean Diane, its nice to know Sadie will be in good hands while you travel.

Today's training was intense. We had a student panel of really exceptional kids who belong to different minority groups. They spoke bravely and honestly about what life is like in our high school if you are an immigrant, Black, Gay, Asian, Muslim... It was searing. They need us so much to interrupt the racism/prejudice when we hear it, and they need us to listen for it. And do something, they need us to do something, to keep them safe. I am fully committed to that, but this steels my resolve even more. One thing that made me feel I have done some good, one girl said the kids of color have a list of teachers that they can count on. I often have random kids stopping by my room, or I've had former students bring someone to me for big and small problems. I hope that means I am someone they can trust. If it is, it's a privilege.

Going out to dinner with some of the college roomies shortly. One roomie and her wife had to cancel because they have the spring crud. Will miss them, but we'll still have fun.

One more day of work, then spring break!

What an excellent and necessary program! I am sure you are one of the safe people to count on.

Peps, I am happy to see your post yesterday. And sorry you are struggling right now. You have a lot going on. May better days be on their way.

Greetings all

A very slow day at the gallery today but I amused myself with crosswords and phone games. I also did my walking round and round the displays. It's a very old wood floor and though it squeaks it has that forgiving quality that concrete does not have.

I was reading a local article about a book written by a woman athlete called "Good for a Girl" which apparently pertains a lot to body image. The take away is don't talk or think trash about your body. A good point. Even though I am fat and have other physical issues I must remember to be grateful for my steadily beating heart, functional arms and legs and a brain that works reasonably well.

Talked to my brother and I will try to go see him in April. He has two houses and I have never been to either.

DD it's so good that you listen to kids present about prejudices. Good that there is even such a thing. Lordy being in high school, or any school, must be so difficult these days. Glad you are one of the good ones, (something I never could doubt).

Peps take care.

CC Oh yuck on the water valve box. I hate bugs! Worst nightmare is a box of bugs. Lizards are ok. Hope the sectional stuff works out. It will be great when you can laze about. And nice going on the 4 lbs. Every bit is worth it. By the time you get your house all in order you are going to be an expert! And yeah records. Many years ago I spend a whole weekend (raining) organizing mine. Needs a redo now. Still paper and files. Very old school.

Liz enjoy St. Augustine. My mom grew up there and always had good stories about it.

What? Do I see the sun peeking out? Must investigate. Diane S