The New Water Cooler
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wow, 19 miles!
I haven’t been tracking my food for about two months and it didn’t go well. I am up a solid four pounds. I just cannot be trusted to not lie to myself. I really didn’t think I was doing too bad. Argh. It’s going to take me so long to take it off (if I can).
Ang, your VBS sounds fun!0 -
Yesterday they closed all trails in woods to the public as it's so dry out.
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Angela, it sounds really dry where you live. August is starting out dry for us so we will see how it goes. At least we had two months of consistent rain.
I volunteered today at Power Book Bags then went to visit Sarah in the nursing home. She said some crazy stuff which is her reality. She is beginning to realize she isn't going home. Today she mentioned depression, wanting to go home, but "they" won't let her. I feel so bad for her situation. Her cognitive skills are really regressing too.
Russ and I are going kayaking in the morning. I'm hoping for no wind so the water is calm on the bay. I love how clear the water is and seeing all the way to the bottom in 12+ feet of water.
I really need to give up sugar for awhile and stick with it. I think I gained 3 pounds over the weekend when our friends were here. Too much ice cream and fudge!
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Overheard today when getting my breakfast "Cash is so old school" Um. I paid for my breakfast in cash. Thanks for making me feel older then I already feel! I'm so overtired my body is starting to ache. The joys of aging. 😂😜
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Angela, I use both cash and cards. I have Venmo but only use when I have to pay someone I owe. I have yet to set up Google Pay. I can only hope I can function in society the rest of my life.
Russ and I kayaked on the bay this morning. It was a beautiful morning, calm and clear water, sunny and hot. I watered the cemetery flowers and put plant food in my own flower pots at home.
Getting together with old friends tomorrow night. People I hung out with when we were teens.
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I’m definitely old, I actually use cash more now than I used to (because I have more 😉) and credit card for convenience. I don’t want to use my phone to pay. Feels too dangerous.
Back on the tracking train. I have been trying to eat well this week. Lots of protein and fiber. So, now my problem is I am freaking bloated! Bleh
The heat is back. Next week is Bernie’s birthday. I guess I have to figure out if I am holding onto my hurt or doing something. It’s a toss up
Waves
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Marla, what do you typically do for B's birthday?
Hot here today. Will be 90 later afternoon. That is hot for here. I went on a morning bike ride, 15 miles, and the air was thick and humid. The trail was crowded because other cyclists all had the same idea to go early before temps rise.
I fed my sourdough starter again this morning and hope to make bread dough this afternoon to bake tomorrow. I haven't made a loaf in awhile. I have a lot of discard to use too so I need to make more crackers and maybe some Naan bread or dinner rolls.
Russ has been working to remove the boards from the posts on the front porch. The heat makes it difficult to work too long. Hopefully by Sunday or Monday he will be putting up the new cedar boards.
Tonight my friends and I will be on a deck by the river but the sun will be intense from the west. I'm not sure what to wear to be cool but look nice.
My grandson Miles starts his prekindergarten year on Monday. Karah sent a photo of him and he looks so tall at age 4.
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Oh my gosh - pre-K already? What the heck?
I think Bernie gave up on our starter. I didn't bake for a while and I think he got tired of messing with it. It was cool to do, but dang baking a loaf of sourdough took so long. Maybe we'll try again sometime, but baking regular really takes less time if I want fresh bread.
Generally for his birthday I plan a favorite meal and dessert for him. When the kids were home I made them participate in cooking and presenting it and getting some sort of gift for them to get him. I guess that's why it continues to bother me that I feel 'not seen' on my birthday. I just want a little time. I cooked a bunch yesterday and am considering that 'his dinner' internally. I roasted a couple of little turkey tenderloins and got fresh potatoes and corn from the farmers market (oh the humidity) and made a creamed turkey and mashed potatoes and a corn salad. I have never made anything like it before, but I think it turned out amazing. Also meal prepped more beans, chicken and some other stuff.
oh and the a/c was out of work thursday and Friday - right after they lectured us on making sure we are 'influencing' all the things we can control to lower all costs (ie, turn off fans, lights, don't go to the tool crib) stupid stuff like that. LIke that's going to get us out of the whole leadership has gotten us in. I figured they turned it off. It was 100 degrees on Friday. So I don't know what MOnday will bring. Likely another miserable, unbearable day.
Enjoying my a/c while I can.
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Marla, if they are intentionally turning it off to save money, you and your coworkers could make a report to OSHA. That is harmful working conditions. Years ago when my program moved into office space in a school building with no AC, the temps were in the high 90's to 100 for quite awhile in MN. We took the room temperature for days so we could report the data to OSHA since our administrator would not take it higher up to get AC in our rooms. Before we went to OSHA, someone told the teacher's union about our working conditions. They took it on with admin and we got AC by the end of August. Didn't help much for that summer but the next few years were much better. Use to make us so angry because admin and office staff had AC in their area. It was possible but they didn't want to spend the money even though my program was year round. Thank God we had a strong union.
Was Bernie appreciative of his meal?
Still hot here and Russ is going very slowly on the porch demo. He came in after an hour or so in the heat this morning and his shirt was soaked with sweat. I was going to ride my bike but decided to do some cleaning and organizing in the house instead. I may make Naan Bread or Cinnamon rolls with my sourdough discard. I made crackers yesterday so a little got used. My bread loaf is very good and I cut some pieces for morning toast and froze half the loaf. The recipe I used made a large loaf so I didn't want to eat it all.
Our wild flower meadow seems to be dried up from no rain and an invasive flowering weed that choked out any other perennials that may have grown. They probably never got any sun. Russ may mow it down this week so the seeds from the weedy flowers can't get too dry and hopefully won't reseed for next year. Short of pulling them out by hand which would be very difficult to do, we are not sure how to remove or minimize the plants. He is going to mow and plant more wildflower seeds. Maybe we can choke them out with an abundance of other plants.
Enjoy your Sunday and I hope work AC is on tomorrow.
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Ready for VBS tomorrow. I love it when an idea I have in my head comes together.
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Have fun with the kids!
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A forest fire has broken out about 20 kilometers from me. In the last hour we have gotten an air quality warning and an emergency alert. I am far enough from it I am not in danger, but you can smell it.
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The planes came in (Nova Scotia has none of our own) and made a quick work of it!!! The grounds crew cane take care of the rest. Hopefully before dark
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That is scary, Angela. I'm glad they put it out so quickly. We still have smoke in our skies. My husband read that due to climate change this will be our reality as long as there are forest fires in Canada. It can't be helped. Many places need rain and that is the way of nature.
I went to visit Sarah at the nursing home this morning. I decided to go before her lunch time hoping she would be alert. Not so…She was sound asleep in her recliner. I tried to wake her and she did not wake. I checked to see if she was breathing and she was, whew! I managed to get her awake but she had slurred speech, was groggy, asked if I saw her mother (she passed away early 1990's) and kept falling back to sleep. I stayed 30 minutes, tried to wake her to say good-bye but couldn't and then left. I am afraid she is slowly fading and won't live another 2 years.
Russ and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant in Traverse City for a mid day meal. I've been reading since we got home. This morning I dead headed my flowers and picked some of the tomatoes and strawberries in my pots and garden.
Tomorrow I am going to aqua fit and water yoga right after. We will kayak on Friday and I plan to get in a bike ride this weekend.
What are you all up to?
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that sounds like it was very scary Ang. I’m glad it was resolved. Your VBS set up looks very fun! Nice work.
I’m sorry your friend is fading.
Another hot week. It is August of course. The a/c is working some. It’s not great and very humid, but better than nothing. If they had been doing it on purpose, I’m not sure we’d have much recourse. While OSHA regulates the safety of manufacturing I’m not sure it would cover the office, and we aren’t union. All “at-will” all the time.
I was hoping after tracking and being pretty on track last week I would start moving in the right direction. Nope. Actually up another pound. This does happen to me all the time. When I finally get back on track my body is still in its climb. I have to hold on and hope that I can stick another week and then see some progress.0 -
I am still struggling with my new glasses. I like that they are better when using my computer. I don’t like the way they look. I also think they aren’t as clear for distance as my old pair. I have been wearing the new pair at work and the old pair at home. I should go in again and ask about the distance being fuzzy. But it makes me fussy
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It's not fully out yet, but is contained and under control. However, there is one about an hour an half from me that is burning out of control and there is mandatory evacuations. There has been several small ones in the last couple of days. It makes how dry we more realistic. Of course the bigger ones are in the provinces nearby.
VBS has been going great! We have been averaging 25 kids every day! More then I planned for crafts! There had to be an emergency run to Michaels for more (and better then what I had already bought) treasure chests for Tuesday's craft. The only other day I had I less then 24 was today and that was an easy one to photocopy. Yes, it wasn't as nice, but the kids don't notice the difference!
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That's great attendance Angela. A successful VBS!
Marla, I hope your hot weather settles down soon. Does it stay hot through September in NE? We are having mid 80's to 90 here with humidity. That is warmer than typical but that will probably be the norm now with climate change. I've noticed my current glasses aren't as clear either. They help but I expect to see more clearly further away. I know it isn't cataracts but i get frustrated when glasses cost a fortune.
I went to aquafit and water yoga yesterday. Today Russ and I kayaked for a bit on an inland lake. It was a nice way to spend the morning. It was hot on the lake even at 11am.
Tomorrow I'm going on a bike ride with my sister Becky. We are going to explore the roads on Stony Point (peninsula that is part of our bay here in Suttons Bay).
Rory and Hannah will arrive one week from tomorrow!
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My sister and I rode 19-20 hard miles today. She rides very fast and doesn't stop for water. It is very hot here and it was all I could do to keep up. I don't think Becky and I are compatible bike riders. She is in such a hurry and rides so fast that she is over 1/4 mile ahead of me. I work so hard to keep up and don't enjoy the ride. I like to pedal and look around, watch for birds, bears, etc. Becky smokes so I haven't figured out how she endures riding so fast and far. She does everything in her life in a hurry. When we were back at my house she stated how much fun that ride was. I was so thirsty and tired I couldn't answer. I tend to ride alone most of the time so I can enjoy my ride. I figure I got my cardio today. I napped this afternoon after my shower. We had a hard rain for quite a bit and now the sun is out. I wish we could send some rain your way, Angela.
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Glad your VBS is so successful. Yeah!
I went in to eye place to see if the distance was different that my last pair. It is. It is slightly weaker than what he 'prescribed.' I'm starting to not enjoy this eye doctor. I had this happen a couple of years ago, had to go back in for a re-check and a tweak. While if they adjust the strength they will redo the lenses at their cost. It is frustrating. It is taking so many trips back and forth. I wasn't super thrilled with anything this time b/c first of all he barely spent like 90 seconds doing to check and obviously maybe we should have spent a bit more time letting me go through 'this or that'. And I'm not thrilled with the frames either. Sigh. Unfortunately the place I had gone for like 15 years guy retired a few years so finding a new one has been not easy. Still hot. We can have hot patches through September, but it shouldn't be consistent. Hopefully we will get a break soon.
Caleb texted he is coming tonight after his shift and wants to have dinner. (His 21st birthday is tomorrow). I took him at his word (with skepticism) and yesterday we picked up some 'good' steaks and I made a cake and homemade dinner rolls. I hope he makes it, it would be nice to give him a hug.
My mom texted me that they had to have an ambulance take dad to the local er (which is literally right across the street) a week or so ago because he was having back spasms. I tried talking about this with Michele as you remember, but this is what they will have to do if everyone wants to pretend they can be on their own.
Sunday saddies
Trying to do some filing of crud off my desk - I hate dealing with my papers at home and put it off for way too long all the time.
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I hope Caleb does comes and you are able to have a nice dinner together.
Sadly it's back to work tomorrow. I wonder how many emails I will have to go through. I realized as I was walking to church tonight that I forgot to do the one thing I needed to do last week. My ID card expires in a month and I needed to take advantage of the time to go and get it renewed. oops! Won't be to big of a deal. I can't count the number of times one one hand I have had to show in the last 5 years.
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Marla, I'm glad C plans to come home. I hope he does and has a great birthday. It may take something big for Michele to see your concerns and validate that they shouldn't be alone or should live in senior living. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for siblings to view things the same. There were 5 of us and two always saw the situation differently. My ex-husband and his siblings had a major falling out with one another over both their parents care. They hold long grudges so don't know if any of them speak to one another or not. His father did the same with his siblings over the care of their mother. Crazy! I have learned that our brains perceive info differently and levels of concern, solutions, etc are all individual from person to person. What seems obvious to us is not to others, even if in the same family. I can only hope my sons will be on the same page when it comes to me if Russ has already passed. I will make my wishes clear in writing and have tried to talk to them about my wishes too.
We will see Alison Krause and Union Station in concert tonight at Interlochen School for the Arts. I love the covered outdoor venue with a view of the lake while we listen to music.
Russ is still working on the front porch and wrapping the posts in natural cedar. It is looking so nice and when we can stain the cedar in a month, it will be great. When the house finally gets painted, all will come together.
Cooler here this week and next, 60s to 70s. The mornings are in the 50s and smell like Fall is coming.
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I love Alison Krause. And so jealous of your cooler weather coming. Still blazing hot here, with an overnight break for a storm that dumped nearly 4 inches of water in less than two hours. So Monday morning started with some flooding and power issues from blown transformers. But, the heat remains.
Caleb came home! He made it home Sunday night about 6:30 pm. We grilled, ate, and sat around and talked some. I stayed up until nearly 11 pm (which is about 3 hours past my 'bedtime') and then was awakened by the storm about 2:30 a.m. So Monday was tough for me lack of sleep. Caleb spent the night, but was long gone by the time I got home. I am glad I got to put my arms around him. It's still so bittersweet. Listening to his work stories (working at a Valvoline, getting yelled at by people) but he is still wishy-washy on going back to school. Back around Easter he claimed he was going to start taking accounting type classes at SCC this fall, so when I asked about that Sunday he said he changed his mind because now it doesn't really feel like it's him. Mmm-hmm. Now he thinks EMT. Ok. Great. But he hasn't actually enrolled, so it will be at least another semester. He is so smart! Has so much ceiling. UNL just destroyed his self-esteem and desire. But I just don't get it. How he still thinks that education doesn't matter. Nothing will be perfect, and choosing the 'wrong' classes just means you broadened yourself. My grandma and grandpa (maternal) were done with school before what today would call middle school. And they made sure my mom and uncle both went to college. Can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to be an adult. I know I have to move past it, but I just can't. I guess part of it is, I feel like when he says there's no point to college that it diminishes that we went to college. Just because we, I don't know, find work life stressful? It's work. It sounds like Valvoline is stressful. So was the other place he was at. It's work. Education is not to make adulting not stressful, but open better opportunities. It sounds like he may also have started a new relationship (which I know he has been thinking he is missing out on with no g/f) but how is he going to provide benefits if in a few years he wants to 'get serious'. And going the school route later will be harder. ARGH! I love these boys, but I just feel like I failed in how I raised them ultimately. I was basically on my own financially late high school, definitely college. I didn't want that for the boys so provided more/longer. And now here we are. Caleb (he is paying his way except benefits/insurance) saying the school thing isn't useful thing and Zach through school, struggled to find a job and seems to have no interest in launching. I mean he goes and does his job each day (and I think/pray it is going well), but has no other activities and doesn't seem inclined for more than that. Sigh.
Hump day.
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Marla, I hear you and understand your frustrations. Caleb has some maturing to do and needs to figure out what his skills/passion/etc are for his future. Rory's path was varied too. I did read recently and saw on the news that students going through college and coming out with debt are frustrated the jobs aren't there for them. They would have been better off in trade school getting a specific skill that is hugely needed right now. Trades make good money, can be union, may get pensions, benefits, etc. depending on the job. Maybe discuss that path with him? I think the world is swinging around from college degrees to trades or training on the job for those jobs that are greatly needed and there is a shortage. Hang in there and hopefully he will eventually figure out his path.
I made dough to make Naan Bread tonight. We shall see if it works. I volunteered at Power Book Bags today and tomorrow will make beds, begin cleaning, etc. for Rory and Hannah's visit.
Definitely cooler weather here. Low 70's and will not get out of the 60's and low 70's next week. I hope you get a break soon, Marla. I remember that weather in MN. So frustrating when a person is ready for cooler temps, change of ward robe, etc.
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Glad to hear Caleb made it home!
There is a nip in the air indicating fall is on the way. The trees have already started to change colours. I was reading something the other day that said the trees are doing into early hibernation to protect themselves as it's so dry with so little rain this summer.
I am again struggling with dooms day scrolling videos on Facebook and not doing anything when I am home. Things like making meals, running, preparing for JOY Club, running, preparing for Sunday School, running ……………………….
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mmm - I think I would like Naan bread. I like bread-y things
At least it's Friday.
I think I am going to take a couple of extra days off around Labor Day. It's always so anxiety-ridden just working myself up to say I want to take off.
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The Naan bread turned out great. I seasoned some with brushed on melted butter, garlic or onion powder. I plan to make another large batch, not season it, but freeze so we can use what we want each time. It is great dipped in hummus or as a side with a light meal.
Guest bathroom is clean and tomorrow I will dust and make beds. Rory and Hannah should arrive late afternoon if travel goes well.
Russ finished wrapping the posts and other trim with cedar boards on the front porch. It looks so nice. I can't wait until we can stain it. Now I am on the search for door hardware/knobs for entry doors and inside doors, and outside lights.
I fed my flowers more food today. I guess I need to do that consistently during the summer months. I always forget but it does make a difference in how they grow and stay looking healthy. A little critter attacked my tomato plant on my deck last night or this morning. They pooped all over the railing and deck boards, then took bites out of my small cherry tomatoes. Ugh! I had to clean it up and pick the ones that were half eaten. I moved the plant to the middle of the deck away from the railing for now. My broccolini is finally developing florets. Maybe we will get to eat some after all, hopefully.
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With the lack of rain (and my lack of watering them) most of my flowers are dead. I have a couple that are some sturdy as they look great still! It's suppose rain on Monday and I sure hope it does and that it's not a heavy rain. We need a light rain steady rain - for a couple days at least. A hard rain will just wash things away and not soak into the ground like we need it to.
Today I blocked Facebook on my computer. I don't have it or Messenger on my phone. I am trying to stay off it for a week. It's been 8ish hours and I am already craving the scrolling of posts and videos. That's the reason I am trying to stay off it.
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Waves for Rory and Hannah - hope they have smooth travels.
I kept my flower pots alive longer than normal this summer, they are looking a bit rough now. I don't think it's lack of water, probably fertilizer. This weekend the temps dropped beautifully to the upper 70's. It felt like heaven. It will be short lived as there is more heat on the horizon. But running errands yesterday felt like heaven instead of he….
Volleyball officially started Friday. Woo! My Huskers started off the season playing #3 Pitt and showing some real promise and some real struggles. They won in four, and play again today against Stanford which could be another ugly show based on their struggles from Friday. Or it could be glorious. We'll see. Hopefully it will get done in plenty of time for me to get to the 5 pm service. I missed the last couple because I wasn't interested in doing the back to school services.
I worked myself up to requesting a couple extra days off this coming week. I always feel so anxious doing it. I'm such a weirdo. But, now I am looking forward to a short week. Bernie has plenty of days to burn and is taking off too. Costco run for sure. I also really could use to do some clothes shopping, but would need to be a separate trip as I don't like to do food and not come right pretty quick. Even with coolers I'm too paranoid to risk food poisoning. I would also like to find a new sideboard or credenza for a spot in the kitchen under the window. I need more storage so bad. I often just leave a card table up for ages using it. Growing up not being encouraged to ever shop, I have a hard time committing to something for fear of it being the wrong thing and wasting money. Still letting old b.s. rule my life.
The weeks going to be fast and brutal. Here we go.
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Rory and Hannah arrived yesterday afternoon. We talked until bedtime and then went to my cousin Polly's beach house on Lake Michigan this afternoon. Weird weather day. Fall temps, very windy and torrential rain falling while the sun was shining. This happened several times during the day and is still going on. Sorry Angela…
Marla you earn those days off, don't feel guilty. I saw something about Husker Vball. Should be a good season.
Tomorrow night we are having family over for dinner so they can see Rory and Hannah. Russ is going to smoke baby back ribs, make his mac 'n cheese with cauliflower in it, and baked beans. My sisters are bringing dessert.
Hope it warms up this week for Rory and Hannah's visit and activities.
Have a good week.
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