Quiet Weekend

B worked this weekend and I never left the house.  It has been a wonderful, peaceful, restful weekend.  I've cleaned a little bit, decorated for fall, pulled up some flowers and put away some of our outdoor decorations.  And I've played Candy Crush and cruised Facebook.  I made a lasagna and an apple pie and I'm already dreading getting up in the morning and going back to work.

The good news - 5 days of work and then we are on vacation for a week.  The bad news - 5 days of work!!

I've been such a house hermit this weekend, that I didn't even go out and get the mail yesterday!  I couldn't do this every weekend, but it sure was needed for these two days. 

The week ahead is going to be busy, not even counting work.  Hair appointment, mani and a pedi, tanning, packing, anticipating our vacation!  It's nice to be rested before all this starts.

The September Post

It's September, so that means a few different things to me.  It's my birthday month, harvest is starting, and I have been a slacker about posting on here.

We celebrated my birthday last night with my family.  It was a wonderful time around the table, getting caught up on what everyone has been doing and enjoying my sister and sister-in-law's wonderful cooking.

I was able to get out to the field and take some pictures of the harvest and spent some time with the kids working at the potato harvest and enjoy some home made donuts during their break.  So many of my best memories growing up are from this time of year - when we all worked together out in the field. All kinds of inside jokes that are really only funny with my sister, brother and I.  Good times - no, Great Times.

My nephew was home from college this weekend, and B and I brought him back to school today.  What a wonderful treat, to spend 2 hours in a vehicle with him.  Getting to hear about his first few weeks away from home, his hopes and dreams for the future, what he is learning.  What can I say, but that I just love that kid.

B helped my brother-in-law do some roofing work before the winter sets in.  Hard work, but a job that needed to be done, so we were happy to be able to help out.

Oh, and Dad won most of the cribbage games.  Memories were made this weekend, that's for sure!

You Can't Be Everywhere

This is one of B's non-work weekends.  We have enjoyed each other's company, gone out to eat, done a little shopping, went to church this morning, visited with our family this afternoon and celebrated one of our cousin's 16th birthday.  It's been a wonderful weekend.

This weekend, my family up north celebrated the baptism of my niece and nephew.  And thankfully, with today's social media, I have been able to see photos of this blessed event.   Even though I would love to have been there to see it in person, it is not possible for me to be everywhere.  Thankfully, I think my family know how much I love them and support them in all ways.

No matter where we live, or what we do, we are never going to be able to attend every event.  It's just not physically possible.  We have tremendous families and friends on both ends of this state, that we love so much.   So we do our best to get to as much as we can and still carve out time for ourselves. 

It's a balancing act and so far, I think we have done a pretty good job at it!

My Night in the Airport

Last night we tried to fly home from Virginia Beach.  We had spent a long weekend with my BFF from high school and her husband and family.  Her oldest son got married and we had a ton of fun.  Then we headed home.  All fun was left at the entrance to the airport!

Our flight out of Norfolk was delayed, meaning we would probably miss our connection in Baltimore to Portland.  But we remained hopeful.  We shouldn't have.  We finally got on the plane in Norfolk, an hour and a half late, and then sat on the tarmac for 10 minutes due to weather at our destination.

When we finally landed in Baltimore, we had missed our plane to Portland by 10 minutes (it was delayed due to mechanical).  I had a very unhappy husband.  Very.  We ended up staying at the airport overnight.  He slept.  I kept one eye open and watched the crazy cleaning people race their vacuums and enjoy each other's company. 

This morning we thought we were golden, an 8:45 flight home.  Then they changed our gate 4 times and when we finally were getting loaded onto the plane, our boarding passes didn't work, so we had to get out of line and go get new ones!! 

When we finally got home, I showered and worked a half day.  I have had about 90 minutes of sleep in the past 36 hours.  I'm ready for bed that's for sure!

I've learned I'd rather not spend the night in the airport...ever again!! 

Three months

My last post was 3 months ago!  It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, but a sweet little birdie told me she missed me today, so I thought I'd check how long it had been.  It's been awhile.

What a busy 3 months!  We had our annual long weekend in North Conway the first of May.  We shopped and hung out in the outside hot tub and just enjoyed each other's company.  In June, our nephew graduated from high school.  We were blessed to be able to be there for his class night and see him receive some great scholarships and then watch him lead his classmates into graduation.  We also celebrated his graduation a couple of week's later with a fun backyard party.

We had the Cirque du Soleil in June and celebrated our 10th anniversary!!!  It seems like just yesterday that we were walking down the aisle.  Hard to believe I found someone that would put up with me for a week, let alone 10 years!!

July has been a flurry of camping trips with his family over the 4th of July and this weekend with good friends.  We also enjoyed a pageant, bonfires, camp and family fun with my family and this week we are heading to Virginia to celebrate the wedding of my BFF's son.  One thing I can say, is that life hasn't been and probably won't be boring!

I love my life and our family and friends.  They are the reason I get up in the morning and keep on going all day long. 

I will do my best to keep this blog updated a bit better!  Thanks for hanging with me!!

Sisters

This weekend my sweet sister and her kids visited.  We talked and ate and went to the movies and watched movies and ate some more.  B loves my sister and loves having her here.  She occupies me and that allows him to watch his Red Sox uninterrupted.  It's a win/win for him and me!

My 14 year old niece is somewhat fascinated by the "sister" bond.  She has a brother, and we heard several times this weekend about how much she wanted a sister.  That isn't going to happen, but it gave me food for thought on the sister bond. 

We tried on clothes and ate candy and chips and discussed how much we need to NOT eat candy and chips and get our butts moving.   We don't mind sharing a bathroom, we did it all our growing up lives.  We have weird sayings that only the two of us get, and we can sit for hours not talking, but just being content that the other is in the same room.   We can be brutally honest with each other and it's ok.  I love having her around and am so blessed that she shares her children with me.  

B recognized this bond early on in our relationship and knows that it is something special.  I am not sure if all sisters have it, but I am so glad that we do.  

Company is Coming!

I got a wonderful phone call from my sister this afternoon.  She and her two kiddos are headed our way at the end of the week for a few days. Her husband has to work on Saturday so he won't be able to come down.   It's spring break at school and they picked our house to visit!  Yes!  She hasn't been here since November and that's just way too long.

She wants to sleep in every day, no problem!  Friday I have to work and B will just be coming home from his night shift, so it will be nice and quiet.  She is planning to visit her BFF from college and see her new baby.  New being the relative word, since I think he was born last fall!

Her other request is to have a low key weekend.  Um ok, but try not to be too tough on us!  If it rains we will go to the movies, of it doesn't we might play a little mini golf.  No matter what the weather, we will all hang out and enjoy each other's company.  B and my sister get along great.  Sometimes I think they get along better than he and I do!

I'm excited for the visit and the quality time with my sissy and the kids.  And a quiet weekend of them destroying the house sounds fabulous!

I had no idea

This morning I attended a memorial service for a work friend's husband. He was a quiet, unassuming man and I hadn't really known him that well.  A hello in the hallway at the office, a little chat about the weather.  And then my friend asked me to help proof his obituary and I discovered that this was no ordinary man.  He had been in the service, worked in education at some of the highest levels, and then ended his career as a director of a nonprofit agency.  He had been a police officer and a bartender.  He loved his family, fishing, and to help people.  He had served in the boards of numerous nonprofit agencies and even at the state and federal level.   At this mornings service, which was a breakfast - his favorite meal and he wanted everyone to be able to enjoy the rest of their day, hence a morning memorial - he was honored by those who spoke as a calm, caring and thoughtful person.  Someone who put the needs of others above himself.  Someone who listened, thought about it, and then spoke.

I wish I had done more than just said hi in the hallway.  I wish I had taken the time to know him better.  I'm glad that I can be here to help my friend through this time, and I'm hoping I can learn more about her husband as we talk.  

This has been a huge reminder to me that we should never judge a book by its cover.  I thought he was a nice man, but truth be told, he was a great man.

I am hoping to take this morning's lessons to heart.  Take the time to get to know those around you and do something for somebody every day.  Thank you, Gil for those lessons!

Bye Bye Snow!

I think the snow is finally going.  I can see brown grass, my faded out Santa garden flag is visible again and needs to be removed promptly!  Don't get me wrong, the pile of snow at the bottom of our driveway is still as tall as the car, but it used to be as tall as our SUV, so there has been progress!

The melting snow is revealing the ugly truth of what happened this winter during the ice storm.  We have a ton of branches on the ground and two trees that are going to be chopped up and hauled away hopefully soon.  It's going to be a lot of work to get it all cleaned up, but I'm ready to take it on.   Of course we have to wait for the ground to harden up just a little bit.  I would probably sink to my ankles if I stepped out on the lawn.

One of the other casualties of the winter is our mailbox.  It took a big hit from the plow and has bravely done it's duty for the last few months.  The door closes, if you put a little muscle into it.  But we have come home to very soggy mail a couple of times.  I guess we have a weak mail person!

We put away our winter boots and snowshoes and jackets last night.  I'm ready for hiking and walks and maybe even a little bit of biking this spring!

Our favorite show

B and I love the show the Voice.  We plan our Mondays and Tuesdays around it and make sure that it gets DVR'd just in case something makes us miss it and for the nights that B is working.  Of course, when he misses it for work, he has to watch it the next morning before he goes to sleep!

It's probably one of the few shows on TV that we both love.  Baseball season started today and he'll be holed up in his man cave most evenings watching games.  But when the Voice is on, we share the couch and watch together.

I found myself giving singing advice to one of my nieces this weekend.  And I wasn't even sure were the advice had come from.  B piped up from across the room, "you heard that on the Voice."  So, I guess this makes us super fans.  We plan our evenings around the show, quote it, DVR it.  Sad to say, neither of us can really carry a tune in a bucket, but we always have something to say about the contestants!

It's almost time for the tonight;s show and both of us have been rushing around trying to get everything done so we can just relax and enjoy!

Where is Spring?

Last week, on the first day of Spring, we shoveled snow.  Over a month ago, a great friend of mine and I planned a shopping trip to a local outlet mall.  It should have been in the 40's/50's because it normally is this time of year.  It wasn't.  Oh no, we had low 30's and snow and we went anyway, because this is the winter that isn't going to quit.  And I know it's not going to quit, because we are expecting...you guessed it...more snow this week! 

I'm trying everything I know to get myself in a Spring frame of mind.  I've put away every snowman or winter type of decoration.  I wore a mint green sweater today and tried to look springy.  I made my desktop background on my work computer a lovely photo of a warm tropical place.  I'm going to go eat an ice cream in a minute.

I don't think any one of these things is going to make a difference - in the weather  or my state of mind!  So old man winter, keep giving me what you got.  I can take it.  It will just make me appreciate those 2 weeks of summer we'll have in mid-July!

Sitting in the Dark

I'm sitting here in the dark, watching Survivor and listening to the freezing rain hit the windows.  Yes, it is another stormy night and I'm about done with this winter.  B is in Florida visiting with his mom and enjoying the sunshine and a few spring training baseball games.  He's heading back on Friday, just in time for the sleet, freezing rain, and snow to be done. 

We were sent home early today, so I used my time wisely and cleaned a bathroom, ha ha.  We were told to bring work home, so I'm hoping for a day of working in my pjs from the couch.  Whether I have to go in to work or not, at some point I'm going to have to go out and clean off the deck, steps and around my vehicle.  Not really looking forward to that part - but a girl's got to do, what a girl's got to do!

Hoping that this is the last snow of the season, but something tells me old man winter isn't done with us yet.  

Where did that come from?

So, I was just checking my stats for this blog and there were 130 hits yesterday.  What???  The most I've ever had is 20.  Who knows who you are or how you found this, but welcome and thanks for checking this little blog out. 

Writing on here helps me clear my head, it's like a road map of my life for the past few years.  Nothing too exciting, but it's my reality.  I'm a simple gal, not a lot of wants or needs (ok, B may not agree with that statement!).  Love my husband and the life we live.  Moved away from everything I'd known at the age of 40 and miss my mom and family every day.

Gotta go, Criminal Minds is on and I can't seem to stop watching!

What I love about Sundays

Today has been a wonderful, restful day.  We slept in, had breakfast in bed and caught up on the 2 episodes of the Voice that we missed last week. I'm still in my pjs, watching a Hallmark Channel movie. I've eaten chips and an ice cream sandwich and B is taking me to supper when I say the word.  He's been doing laundry and I've been playing Candy Crush.   Yes, it's been a great day so far.

My only regret is not getting to church.  It's one of those things I'm going to add to yesterday's post's list, a better church life.

Other than that, Sunday has been a fun day!

March?

It's March 1st already!  This year is flying by and I'm not sure what I've been doing?  Working, sleeping, eating.  But I've been trying to think if I've done anything else.  I've read 2 books and I'm starting a 3rd.  I've been snowshoeing twice.  I helped friends paint today.  I've visited my family.

I don't want to waste my 50th year.  I need to do stuff and I need to get moving on it. I have less than 7 months left in this big year to accomplish this stuff.  If you have any ideas, please let me know.  In the meantime I'm going to work on a list that's going to include hiking and biking and getting healthier.  Painting a couple rooms, planting flowers in the spring and visiting some new spots in Maine are also going to be must-dos.

Happy Valentines/Snow Day!

It's that day of the year I used to dread, til I met B.  He's made this day special for me for the last 13 years!    He worked last night and is sleeping right now.  No surprises with this man, he's already told me that our Valentine's evening will include a trip to the jewelry store...YES!  And that's just one of the bazillion reasons I love him.

On other fronts, it's a Snow Day at  my work which means I can work from home in my pjs.   I have a tote bag full of things to do, and basically 4 days to do them since Monday is a holiday.  So, thank you mother nature and all the presidents for giving me this 4 day weekend!

The only downer is that I've been up since I got the "no school" phone call at 5:30 a.m.  I could have slept in...but my brain wouldn't let me!

So to recap my day so far....the love of my life is getting me a gift at a jewelry store later and I don't have to go back to my office til Tuesday and I'm in my pjs!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We're Going on a Road Trip

This weekend we are heading out to see my family.  Tonight I am preparing for the trip - mentally and physically.  It's a 4 hour drive each way and most of that is on the boring interstate.  Plus, it's always at least 10 degrees colder there, so even though we are going to be there less than 48 hours, I have to pack a ton of stuff.  Snowmobiling clothes for B, shopping and visiting clothes for me!  My dad's house is usually about 80 degrees, so I need short sleeves for inside and sweaters and warm clothes for everywhere else.

The last time we visited was at Christmas, so we have missed 2 birthdays and there is one coming up that we will celebrate.  Those gifts are in the entryway, ready to head out.  We are taking a tote full of stuff we borrowed from my sister 7 years ago, back to her and out of our hoarder room.  I'm not even sure what else I need to pack - at least 2 pair of boots (brown and black, of course), scarves and gloves.  It gets to the point where I just put everything I own in the back of our vehicle and take it.  B rolls his eyes and packs everything he needs in a Walmart bag. 

It is easier to pack in the warmer part of the year - but if you asked B, he'd tell you that I still take way too much even then!

No My Fingers Aren't Broken...

So, what's the excuse this time?  Why haven't I written in forever?  I don't know.  My fingers aren't broken.  Our computer is working.  I have had time to go on Facebook and all the other websites I surf on a daily basis.  I'm a slacker.  Make me stop!

Today was a snow day for the schools, so I got to work from home and I loved it!  Nothing like doing laundry while you are making a PreK survey online.  Running the dishwasher and entering assessment data is fabulous!  Can I have one of these days every week, please? 

The downside, B has to go to work regardless of the weather and today was a work day for him.  He just got home after his 12 hour shift and is now out moving snow and trying to find my vehicle.  Mind you it is still snowing, but if he doesn't do some of this now, it's going to take him twice as long in the morning to get going in the morning. 

It's really a beautiful, light, fluffy snow.  The kind you see in Christmas cards and movies.  The reality is shoveling, paying a plow driver, and slippery roads.  The good news, is it ends tonight and tomorrow it will just be a memory.  Until the weekend and the next promise of the snow!

Chat with you soon...I promise, for real this time!

Gotta Get Moving

So, a long time ago, in a far away place, I used to love to do crafts.  I learned how to crochet, did cross stitch and tried my hand at various other crafty things that included glue guns and burnt fingers.  I even sewed a quilt with my mom and made a few pillows.   It seems that in the past 7 or 8 years, my crafty projects have taken a back seat to Facebook and the internet and reality TV.  I want to change that (she types on her blog on the Internet, ha ha).  I've got lots of yarn to to crochet and several projects started.  So, this week I am declaring an all out war on my time.  I'm not going to spend it all online, I'm going to spend some time with a hook and some yarn. 

I've pinned so many fun crafty ideas on my Pinterest boards.  Have I done any of them?  That would be a negative answer.  Do I want to do a few of them, yes!  I have photos that I want to put up on my walls, a stairwell to decorate. 

So, I'm going to start this plan tonight.  I promise.  I'm going to go get some yarn right now....

The first post of the new year, finally!

Well, posting in the new year certainly hasn't been something I've excelled at, now has it?  It's been a strange start to this year.  We've had rain and snow and a leaky roof.  I've worked from home as much as the office during all the storms.  Today it is in the 40s and I wish this would stay like this.  But the calendar tells me there are at least a couple more months of winter.  Thankfully the leak only lasted a day and today's temperatures and B's shoveling has given us a clean roof.

I finally put my nativity away yesterday.  I still have a few snowmen out, they hate to go back in their box til at least February!  Today I've been watching the US National ice skating competition.  I was so bummed to learn this was going on in Boston!  We could have hopped the train and been there!  Darn ice storm.

So, what else can I tell you about 2014 in this very random post.  I'm walking on the treadmill, counting calories and doing a 30 day squat push up challenge.  My resolution was to floss everyday again this year.  I blew it last year, so I thought I'd try it again.  So far, so good!

2014 holds three trips for us that we know of.  We sat down a couple of nights ago and wrote down some things we want to get done this year.  New doors, new fans and lights in a couple of rooms.  It's going to be a busy year, but it promises to be a fun one!