"Not so much"

Art?
My furry friends!
This morning's sunrise

I do not know what to write about.  For the last couple days, I have thought about this and said to myself, "surely, there is something exciting here to share?"  Well, guess what?  Not so much!, (as my dear friend Tom would say!)  I guess this is what happens at our age, "not so much!"  Wow, I am amazed with myself!  I must admit I really like, "not so much!"  LOL!  A luxury I have really not made time for; "not so much!"  Relax and enjoy the surroundings! 

Steve is on the mainland; he had a trade show in DC and was able to see our son while in that area.  He is back in our hometown now, working on a project, seeing his high school buddies and family.  The children are busy in school.  Both being seniors, (Lauren in college and Colin in high school),  there is plenty for them to do!  I am on the island, "holding down the fort".  Not so much "holding down" to do.  We have had some interesting weather, but "not so much"!  The dogs have been great; another bout of ticks, but the groomer has taken care of that, for now, anyway.  So, that leaves me with looking around for a project to occupy my time.

I have thought about a business to start, art projects to complete, decorating that could be done.  This "semi-retirement" is not what I thought it would be.  I like to stay busy and have plenty to do.  Getting paid for this is also nice!  I look around our house and I see plenty of things I would like to change, but all it would take is money, proper materials and the right contractor!  Now reality sets in and all that's easier said than done!  Buying paint to repaint a bedroom is one thing, (I have a great source for that and enjoy the hardware store employees at this establishment!).  But what I would really love to tackle is the downstairs kitchen/familyroom area!  I want to demolish the whole space; move 2 walls, remove the existing cupboards, replace the countertops, appliances, windows and doors!  (Wouldn't Steve love to come home to this!  Not so much!)  Since this is a major project, I am looking around for something that would not take as much time, money and planning.

So, maybe I will look at some paint swatches or tackle a sewing project?  Maybe, I will head over to the library, volunteer my time and find some inspiration outside.  A bottle of glue, some paint, shells and driftwood!  I am feeling the need to create and get outside!  What I really should do is complete that book I am trying to write!  Uh huh!  The reality has sprung up and I am stalling and finding a reason not to do it and coming up with "not so much" is my scapegoat!  

Today:  writing and being artsy later!  "Not so much" will have to take place another day!

Cheers and enjoy this day!  :)

Busy, busy!

I have not posted lately, been incredibly busy!  My trip to the mainland was amazing and I knew I had a lot to say about it, but as soon as I returned, the re-entry into life has been a whirlwind!  The house needed attention, as well as the dogs. As soon as I took care of them, there was our "wine group" meeting!  Then the "wine group" dinner the following day :) and the next day we had unexpected guests.  All of these are "Good Things", as Martha would say.  Staying busy, meeting new people, making new friends and seeing the world around us, are what make life interesting!  I enjoy all these activities, yet finding a balance is key!

I would love to sleep in for a day or two, but not possible!  The dogs are up with sunrise and I would miss our beach walk!  The sea air and breeze create enough dust to choke anyone with allergies and I have a long list of these and seem to acquire more everyday!   So, housework is a daily activity.  Guests usually enjoy conversation, food and drink, and suggested activities; this takes time too!  Sleeping in would mean I would miss my beloved "wine group" meeting later today!  No, no, no!  There is a limit to being too exhausted!  This group re-energizes me and makes me feel wanted and informed!  (I believe this is the whole purpose of group therapy?!)  Of course, I would really enjoy relaxing over errands!  Just the thought of hot, dusty roads and a list a mile long of "to-do's" leaves me tired.  But, that too needs to be done; we like to eat and the dogs look forward to that all day!  I could never disappoint them!  Those adorable furry faces continue to make me smile through any thoughts of giving in to a nap or hiding from the world!

My company is now awake, I have had 3 cups of coffee, the electrician is here and this day is well on it's way!  Cheers and enjoy this gift of life and look around you; you may be surprised at what you are missing!  

d  :)

The dock, again!

This morning's calm seas.
Mr. Barracuda!
Yesterday, west,
south,
north,
and east.
I have taken my own advice and have taken my camera with me as much as I can! (Still forgetful at times!) Back on the island, I still love sitting out on the dock! It is always a good time to be out there. It is cooler, the bugs are fewer and there is always something new and exciting to see. Yesterday, a storm began rolling in, so, I took pictures from the east, south, west and north. Amazing, that storm blew on by!

Today, the seas were so calm, it was eerie! No wind and crystal clear water. I was able to see my friendly barracudas and sardines, and the pictures actually came out! Wow! Glad I had my glasses adjusted while in the states, I am sure they would have fallen in and there was no way I would have jumped in for them today. Too much wild life for a dip. But, that is the good news! The wild life is abundant and my little mangrove crop is growing! (Do not tell the greedy developers this; I am also staging a protest against those guys as soon as there is someone else going with me!)

Enjoy and enjoy some more! There is always something to see and love outside!
d :)

Back on the island

Okay, ready to get busy again and post! Back on the island Sunday and hit the ground running! Unpacking, reorganizing, cleaning and list making!! My usual. My trip to the states was hectic and packed with seeing family, friends and old neighbors. As hard as I try, I never seem to have enough time to visit with everyone! Between the drive to Virginia and back, seeing only some family, the drive back to Chicago suburbs, doctor appointments and the shopping, I cannot believe I made it back without an event! Two days later, it feels like weeks ago. Only a few days ago, I was shivering with cold! My dear friends had a wonderful dinner party for me and we drank wine around the campfire like the good old days! But it was cold, easily 50 degrees! I had on jeans, a sweater and was wrapped in a blanket next to that fire! It's August, (well, now September)! What's going on?

This morning, back to the routine I have with the dogs, (they are very happy to have me back!), we had our usual walk out to the pier. It was 6:30 am., and it was so dang hot, the sun was beating down like it was noon and no breeze! I thought, once more, what's going on? From one extreme to another, here I am! I still love it here and am happy to be home. It is an adjustment, but one I will happily make. The humidity, bugs and heat will soon pass and the hurricane season is looking like the one they predicted; quiet! And boy, is it quiet! The tourists have left, my flights were almost empty! Driving into town for errands is a breeze and the parking issues are none. No lines in the stores and time to catch up with my friends! Time to relax, enjoy these moments and plan for the next influx of tourists and busy season!