Well, I have no idea why I had this written late Friday night and did not post it until late Saturday night. TheHub worked until about 9 am and then we headed out to get a lot of things done, plus a little indulgence, But that is for next weeks joy list. This is a small snippet of the joys for week 35. Can you believe how fast 2022 has flown?
Saturday: We had our annual family reunion at my cousins house. He and his wife have a lovely home with some acreage a bit out of town. They are so generous to host it every year, and honestly it is the perfect place for a large crowd. The rains had stopped and the day was sunny and warm, perfect for an inside/outside event.
Everyone brings several dishes and it is set out as a buffet style potluck meal, so the burden of feeding a crowd is a shared responsibility. As usual for our group, there was enough food to feed a small army, and at the end of the day everyone waddled walked away full and happy.
I grew up with a large extended family (lots of cousins) and now their kids are married and most have kids of their own so the numbers have grown and grown.
Only one uncle is still living and he made the trek with his daughter and son-in -law, but that means with the exception of UB I am one of the older generation. How did that happen?
Sunday: TheHub had to go into the office until about noon so I had the house to myself. I would love to say I did something more exciting than reading, but I didn't. After he came home we watched (I read but did sit in the den with him) the Fedex golf championship (congrats to Rory), cooked a burger on the grill, then watched an episode of Better Call Saul. We are really enjoying it, even though we did start it late.
I guess we are just tragically unhip.
Monday: The day was a pretty boring, though beautiful, Monday. It was fine weather for swimming with blue skies and huge fluffy clouds.
I would like to say I got all sorts of things done, but I would pretty much be lying. I did take note of what all I needed to do, but I am pretty sure that counts for very little.
TheHub came home late__again, and after a quick dinner we drove to the post office to stick some mail in the official post box. On our way there we notice how beautiful the night sky was, so we drove to our usual sunset watching spot on the crest. Though the sun was past setting, there was still a tinge of orange right at the horizon framed by the deep purple sky and a tiny sliver of a waxing crescent moon. We only sat there about 10 minutes but it was long enough to see the last vestige of gorgeous colors disappear.
Tuesday: Well at least Monday was beautiful. Tuesday the rains returned, with a bit of lightning and thunder thrown in just to make sure I was paying attention and taking advantage of beautiful days.
Wednesday: The day was hot but lovely. My Beloved Sister and I went out shopping a bit, then came back to my house for Diet Coke and conversation.
I had been having trouble sleeping at night and actually took about a 30 minute nap after she left. Wow! It was great.
TheHub called on his way home to see if we could go to The Electric to eat. It was fine with me. I mean who can say no when it means no cooking? The grill is very near the crest so afterward we drove to it, parked and watched the last tiny bit of color disappear. I think what I like most (other than the view) is that every clear day there are several cars parked to see the sun set. Wednesday night there was a group of teenagers, a couple of dudes on Harleys, young couples, and of course us, the old birds!
Thursday: I have mentioned before how unhappy I am with the hours TheHub has been working, but not how this is affecting him. I have known all this work is taxing, but by Thursday he was wearing the stress visibly . He looked worn out.
When he called before leaving work, I could tell just in his voice how fried he was. When he is under extreme stress, he likes a temporary break from the norm. I did not want to go out to eat again (I had been working in the house all day and was not dressed for dinner ) but he wanted to at least pick up something from a little mom and pop restaurant directly on the crest. So, he got his needed deviation, we got to see a bit of another sunset, and I did not have to cook.
After we ate, he turned on the West Virginia/Pitt game (the Tennessee game was already a blowout), got on the sofa and promptly fell asleep, but not the deep sleep you get in a bed. My job, while he was cat napping, was to keep the game on so I could tell him what was happening each time he stirred. I read until the last three minutes and I must confess it was a very exciting ending.
Friday: I have been attacking the Master Bedroom, and am horrified at all the things I have accumulated that I not only don't need, but really don't want. I am going through the bookshelves, every drawer, every container, literally every single thing in the bedroom, closet, and adjoining bath. It is time to wear it, use it up, or get rid of it.
In the midst of cleaning I got a call from Sluggy who was taking a break from her packing, pitching, and donating. Talking with her is always fun, but I do not envy what she is going through. Reading about her move is what inspired me to get cracking dealing with my own mess. Vapor Thrift Store, get ready for me!
TheHub called while he was on his way home and suggested I take my dust covered self, clean up right quickly and get read to go out to eat. So I did and we had restaurant food for the third time in one week. Now I wonder if he continues to work just to pay for meals out? I had rather he retire. Cooking every night would be better than seeing him so stressed from his job.
Have a great week looking for your joys. Hidden or not they are always out there.
May all your weeds be wildflowers,
Anne
