So Annoyed

So last month I got a total of 4 emails from Duke energy regarding my bill. First they told me that I owed $0. Then they sent another email saying the same thing. Then another that  I owed a different amount (my regular amount for the even billing I'm on) and there had been a screw up with the reading. Well, it all seemed a little weird so I called to ensure A) that my bill was supposed to be what it usually is and B) to ensure that I was still on auto pay and it would be taken directly from my account by the due date. She assured me that it would and that payment would be made in the regular way. Okay great!

I get an email today from Duke showing I owe double what I normally would. I go onto my account and see that the f*&ing bill wasn't paid. I have AUTO PAY! I even specifically asked that of girl I talked to. So now I'm sitting here on hold getting more and more annoyed and wondering why this company is suddenly giving me such trouble. And this after I recently filled out a survey for them giving them pretty good marks for customer service and few issues. Somebody is about to get the wrath of Muir.

So yeah, just talked to some annoying lady, Annette. I explained everything and told her how annoyed I was. She then explained that there was an issue last month with the automatic meter reading and so they had to do it manually which is why I had the 4 emails and when that happens it can't go through auto pay. I then said, that's all fine and good but knowing it seemed screwy I called and asked if there was anything extra I needed to do! I told her I was assured that I was all good...everything would be taken care of as usual. The lady on the phone just now asked me (in a pretty rude way), "What is it you want me to do Mrs. Hanke?" I said, "Well, I'm guessing by your attitude that you really can't do anything for me and I'm just going to now have to pay in a lump sum the amount due!" I'm now on hold because she's doing a little "research" to try and figure out who knows what. I think I should be credited for some amount due to their error and the hassle I've had to now deal with as a result of what this stupid woman called "human error". I mean, human error is one thing but I had computer error, then human error and now a rude bitch who is yanking my chain...and patience. And can I just tell you the music I'm having to listen to is annoying too?!

Thank the baby Jesus it's Friday and I can drink some wine tonight! Always look at the bright side, right?

Okay well, as I sit here on hold, I can tell you that I will be relaxing for the rest of my day. Originally I had thought about going to Trader Joe's but I just don't feel like it. I've walked the boys, done the elliptical and eaten. After I get off the phone here, I'll do a little reading and then maybe lay out.

I leave Monday for PIB so I won't post until next week. Happy weekend! Later!

Early Morning Ride

I got up early today with the pups and decided to take advantage of the cool weather and beautiful day and so I headed out to the trail for a nice bike ride. I managed just under 13 miles and let me tell you, that last 4 were TOUGH! I'm tired today which may be part of it. I stayed up late reading. Plus, I didn't eat breakfast before riding so wasn't properly fueled. Oh well...regardless, it was a lovely ride. I headed down past Indian Hill and Milford and toward Newtown. I didn't go all the way into Newtown, which is 15 miles because I knew I wouldn't make it.

My day in Columbus was lovely. Quick trips are nice...and easy. We just lazed by the pool and hung out. On my way back home, I stopped at the Outlets to get some votives at Yankee Candle. They had a special: 12 fo $8 so I got 24. I should be set for a while.

I watched/listened to most of the Mueller testimony. I started watching at Maggie's and then tuned into MSNBC on my way home. Once getting home I watched again minus some time I took to mow the lawn. I will say this for all those who criticized what he said or rather didn't say: There was never a question of what he was planning on saying. He stated from JUMP that his testimony was the report and he didn't have anything to add. He didn't want to testify and only did so because he was subpoenaed and had a duty. Realistically, the only part of the whole day that was worth anything was Nadler's first 3 questions and Schiff's questions. Everything else, for the most part was stupid. I liked how he handled himself and thought he seemed professional, thoughtful and yes, maybe tired. I would be too after everything he's put into his career, especially these last two years. Screw you all who commented on his not seeming to be "well". That's his business and not for you to judge and make comments about. Now let's move on and beat that fucker Trump in 2020!

Sorry, not sorry.

K - gotta get my flowers watered and take a shower so I can pretty up my toes. Later. Happy Thursday!

A Chill In The Air

When I got up this morning, as I was getting my coffee ready and feeding the dogs, I had to run back upstairs to get a pullover, it was that chilly. Not complaining...celebrating. It's going to be a lovely day! A lovely week, really. After all the rain yesterday (totally welcome) the cool temps moved in, the windows were opened and Jim and I enjoyed a lovely evening.

I'll be headed to Columbus here in a few for a quick 24 hour visit. I've already exercised, showered and eaten and after I finish this, I'll pack my bag, cuddle the pups a bit and then head out. Plans for today are just to hang by the pool. Don't need much more than that!

I do need to mow the yard but I'll probably do that tomorrow or Thursday. I might just stop on the way home tomorrow and get a pedicure. If there's no wait that is.

And that's all I've got. Not much to talk about so I might as well head out. Happy Tuesday! Later!

Monday Plans

I woke up today with a raging headache. It's been a common theme these last few mornings and I don't have the excuse of having had too much to drink the night before as an excuse. I think it's just normal "female" stuff but good God it's annoying! I was waiting and waiting for Jim to get up with the dogs (feed them and what not) but he never did so I had to take care of that as well. It's okay though...Jimmy normally gets them on the weekdays. Thankfully my headache is gone.

You know what else is almost gone? The humidity and nasty temps. Thank the baby Jesus. That was brutal. We should be getting some rain here in a bit and with it is a cool front. The next several days are supposed to be BEAUTIFUL. So...I decided I might head north for the day tomorrow (come back Wednesday) since I only have a couple more chances to do that. WAH!!!! Jim's cool with it and since he's working kind of near home, it's a good day for me to go.

My plans today: I walked the boys earlier and just finished the elliptical and breakfast. I'll finish this up and make a menu and grocery list and head out. When I get home, I'll clean a bit and then settle in to read my book (I'm reading Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner. I like it a LOT). Dinner tonight are pork chops on the grill with some sort of marinade, tempura cauliflower and maybe potatoes of some sort.

What else? The season finale of Big Little Lies was on last night (I watched it on the elliptical). When did a "season" mean only 7 episodes? Stupid. And the only reason I'm complaining is that I like the series so much I want it to continue. I'm HOPING they'll do a 3rd season! Meryl Streep was amazing in it! She was so terrible! Her character I mean. If you haven't watched...do!

For a while I thought the chipmunk population around my house had sort of gone away. I was mistaken, however. They are getting more and more bold. They will just stand on the front porch with both dogs staring at them and sometimes barking and they, bold as brass, just much away on helicopters and what not. They better mind themselves because one of these days, Scout is going to find away to get them.

Okay well, I'd best get my list going and finish up my "jobs". Later...happy Monday!

Gearing Up

I'm gearing up to call the company that I have my house insured under. Every year the price goes up drastically and it's bullshit! Last year I switched companies because of the price increase and I get my bill the other day for renewal and it's $200 more than last year. HIGHWAY ROBBERY! I'll investigate the reasoning for this and then see if I can get it lowered or switch AGAIN!

In other news: It's FRIDAY! Woot! In one way I'm happy because cocktails! But with every Friday I have, I get closer to school starting back up...which I'm NOT going to think about right now! Anyway - I don't have any real plans this weekend. I'm thinking about going to see a movie tomorrow or something indoors considering the temperature we're supposed to have. Certainly won't be doing any yard work or outdoor shit. Already I've walked the dogs, done my abs and arms and done a quick stint on the elliptical. I thought about mowing part of the front yard but decided to wait on that until after the weekend when A) it's cooler and B) we get some much needed rain.

When I walked the dogs earlier (or rather took the dogs for a swim in the humidity) I was literally dripping by the time I got to the end of my driveway. It is NASTY out there. But the boys were thrilled and now they're snoozing.

Boo has recently decided that his favorite thing is paper! And he just LOVES going into the recycling bin and taking out tossed mail or magazines and shredding them under the dining room table. What is it with dogs and paper? Maybe I should try it...see what all the hubbub is about.

I made a REALLY yummy dinner last night: Spicy shrimp tacos with Aioli Sriracha slaw. The slaw was my favorite part and I'm psyched because I have leftover slaw that I can use for the pulled pork we're having tonight! Woot!

And that's all I've got. Think I'll go watch a show and then read a bit and see how I feel after that. If it's sunny, I may try and lay out (with fan and water cobra) for a bit. We'll see...this heat is stupid!

K - happy Friday! Later! Safe travels to Trip, Susan and JJ who go to PIB for their week on Sunday!

Add It To My List!

I came home yesterday from Columbus and the pups were, of course, so happy to see me. Boo, as usual stuck his tongue in my mouth. He does this every time I come home and you'd think I'd learn and clamp my mouth shut but it never works out that way. Anyway, I was making up for lost time and giving him a nice scratch all over when I noticed he had a lump on his head. It felt like a mole but it had never been there before. Hmm...later Lauren stopped over and I mentioned it and she said it felt like a skin tag and I said, "That just showed up over night?!" And she said, maybe it's a tick. And shit don't you know it was!? In all my life with pups (Zeke, Bubba, Sami and these boys) they've never gotten a tick before. Good thing was it was removed easily and it must not have been on there very long because it wasn't bloody or engorged. Gross.

So what all this means is that with everything that I needed to do today: exercise, mow the lawn, clean the house and bathe the dogs, now I need to spray the backyard for stupid bugs. Dammit! And spray for weeds! Annoying! And it's going to be a SCORCHER today! So this will be short so I can get a move on. Although I've already done the ole elliptical and had breakfast. I'll just do a quick vacuum around the house and then head outside. I think I'll bathe the boys last. That should be fun.

What else? Oh, my time in Columbus was good...relaxing. Just hung out, swam, enjoyed each other's company. Nothing major. I'll see them again at PIB in a couple weeks. Actually a week from this Monday I'll head up for a few days. Woot.

I started a couple new shows that are really good. Killing Eve (A BBC show which is on Hulu) and then "River" on Netflix. Both are really good.

I've not been able to watch Big Brother. I started watching and just can't stand these people. I wish they'd stop casting people whose biggest and best quality is that they're "beautiful" because I'm telling you, these people may be beautiful on the outside but they are heinous, rotten scumbags on the inside and giving then a platform is just wrong.

Okay well, time to get a move on before it gets too hot. Happy Thursday! Later!

Carpets Part 2

Yesterday I managed to get the family room carpet, kitchen rug and stairs cleaned and that took about 2 hours so I put off the upstairs until today. I've done my elliptical and eaten breakfast and will get the upstairs complete here in a few. It shouldn't take as long as yesterday but who knows.

Once I'm done with that, I'll probably just hang here - lay out - and wait for Jimmy to get home. He thinks he'll be done early today so wants to go to Shooters for a couple cocktails and some Megatouch. I'm fine with that. Last two times we've been, our spots been taken. Jerks!

In other news - I'm proud of myself! I've hung out with the neighbors twice of late (once to play cards and once to just chill before dinner) and both times I just drank my sparkling water. Good job Muir! I just don't want to fall back into bad habits and in the summer, it's so easy to do that. Plus, I'm trying to be good since I'm going to Columbus for a couple days next week and then heading back to PIB in a couple weeks.

I had a crazy dream last night that Jim and I went to this high falutin restaurant where the chef cooks an 8 course meal for the patrons; no menus he just cooks whatever he wants. Oh, and it cost $800 a plate. So I'm there with Jim and we get the first course and eat it and it's delicious but after finishing it I was STUFFED! And I said to Jim, "What were we thinking spending this kind of money for a meal where we'll only be able to eat 1 course!?" And then I woke up! Phew!

What else? Oh, I made fish tacos yesterday and they were yummy. Actually the best part was the slaw I made. It had red cabbage, corn, a jalapeno and I added some shredded carrot to it. The dressing was just lime juice, mayo, honey, salt/pepper and a bit of cilantro. Normally I don't use cilantro but I put just a touch in and the salad was terrific.

And that's all I've got. Time to get my carpets done so I can lay on my ass the rest of the day. Which is a gorgeous one...humidity is GONE! Happy Friday! Wish me luck with Sunday and splitting wood...hopefully this year I won't get a log to the face. Later!

The Strength Of Some

Last night was awful and really tough! It's so wrong that I went to a visitation for a 14-year old much less one who died so unexpectedly and tragically. I can't even imagine the amount of strength it takes for his family to get through what they're going through. And my colleague, Heidi, was truly a pillar of strength. I saw her break down a couple times but each time, she managed to rein it in and give support to those of us there to give her support! Amazing. I worry especially, however, for the next few weeks and months when others start to move on and continue with their lives. How long can that strength last? Ugh!

So, yeah, I got to the funeral home right at 5:00 and already there was a line out the door. I would say there were a couple hundred people in front of me, winding their way through the funeral home to get to the family. It took an hour and a half to reach Heidi and this was going to go on for 3 hours. Exhausting. Funny enough, I'd say there were probably 50 teachers from around our district there that I saw and of course, we all showed up at about the same time, right when things started. I'm sure there were more that I didn't see. Afterward, I went to a nearby brewery (Little Miami) with a few of my fellow teachers and had a couple of beers. From there, it was too late to go home and cook so Jim met me at Shooters. I'm glad I went...I'm glad it's over...I hope and pray that the family is able to continue there strength and heal and that the support for them continues to be there.

So I've done my abs and arms and I've eaten breakfast. When I finish this, I'll go for a bike ride and then it's time to clean the carpets. Jim did it a few months back but I like to do them a few times per year and what else do I have to do? Plus, it's going to be a scorcher with pop up thunderstorms.

Trip sent me a text last night saying they're going to go to Raeburn and swim Saturday so I'm excited about that. Haven't done that yet this year. Jim and I will thus put the log-splitting on hold until Sunday if we can A) borrow our neighbors truck and B) get a log splitter. I'll be happy when that's done. Considering how long Jim and I have been doing this and how efficient we are, it shouldn't take us but a couple hours to split. Stacking is another matter but I'm happy to do that while Jim's at work.

So we have this scurry of squirrels that live in the trees around our backyard that are making Boo and Scout NUTS! Seriously, there are about 10 of them that run around and chase each other up and down the trees, swinging from branches causing mayhem in my pups minds. The squirrels are pretty young too and so seem very unsteady and careless to this human's eye. I worry every time I see them running atop the fence as the dogs run on the ground beneath them that one will fall and Muwee will have to pry a dead or half-dead squirrel out of a puppy's jaw! It's hilarious and nerve wracking at the same time.

And the locusts are starting up. I hate locusts...I hate how loud they are and to me they signal the beginning of the end of summer. Jerks.

Okay well, I've rambled on enough. Time to get my bike out and ride! Later...Happy Thursday?

I Called It

Previously on Muir's blog: Yesterday I mentioned the whole tree saga and ended with, "You know he's just going to show up!" Well, guess what? He just showed up. Although I was annoyed, the guy is so nice, it's hard to be irritated with him. Anyway, he looked at the trees we need taken down - three total, one of which is GINORMOUS. The huge one, he quoted at $1000 (it's really big and close to the house so a difficult job) and then the other two for $500 so total of $1500. Really you can't beat that. So I had them take the two in the front yard down yesterday  (took about 3 hours) and they'll come back for the one in the back on a day they can spend ALL day here because it's going to be tricky. And you know I'm going to freak the whole time they're getting it down. UGH! So now, we have a shit ton of wood that needs splitting. Currently it's all lying in the front yard. I'd like to get it done this weekend but we'll have to see. We'll most likely be able fill our wood holders with the trees from the front and be able to season the back yard tree for a year before splitting. Glad to have all that for the fireplace!

So I've exercised already (recumbent bike) and will head up in a few to get ready and head out for a pedicure. I need to stop at the store as well but other than that, I'm just hanging today. The visitation for the student that was killed last week is today at 5:00 so I think I'll go over and give my condolences to his family (remember his mother is one of our guidance counselors).

Have I mentioned lately how lovey Boo has been? He's so funny. About twice a day, he'll come up to me - usually when I'm in the kitchen cooking - and stretch up to get my attention. He'll then turn around and sit with his back to me because he loves when I squat down with him and cradle him in my lap and scratch his back and rub his cheeks and kiss his head. It's really very sweet. He's really become a love in the last 6 months. I think for him it took a while to get comfortable after having his first few months be sort of unstable (moving from house to house). I love him. And of course I love Scout too but he's just always been a love who lets you do anything to him...except cut his nails the little stinker!

Okay well, I'm a sweaty mess and need to rinse off and head out. Happy Wednesday! Can't wait for Friday for a drinky poo! I've been trying to be so good this week after a week and a half of "BAD" (PIB and Maggie's bad influence). Of course after the visitation today, I may need a little nip. We'll see. Anyway - Later!

Not The Way To Run A Business

In my opinion at least. Here's the story: Jim and I have a tree that needs taking down in the backyard. A while ago, Jim called our guy Ray to see what the cost would be to take the tree down, haul away the brush, cut the trunk into splitable pieces and leave for us to split. Well, he never got back to Jim and we were ready to try another company. Then yesterday Jim tried one last time to call Ray...nothing. This morning, they guy who he hires out to get the work done called Jim and said, "Hey, we're ready to take the trees down." Jim said, "Uh...we haven't gotten an estimate yet." The guy answered with, "You always like our prices!" Yeah, that doesn't work for me because he'll come here, look at the tree, give me some huge price that I'm not willing to spend and then want to take it down right there and then and try to bully me into whatever. First of all...I'm not having guys running around in my backyard today. Second...I need an estimate! This tree is HUGE and near the house and scary! I need to prepare. Ugh...I have this feeling he's just going to show up. If he does we're going to have a problem. And he better not just walk into my backyard without permission...they've done that before too. Arg!

I made a delicious dinner last night if I do say so myself: Shrimp and turkey kielbasa kabobs. With a little red bell pepper and Cajun seasonings...yummy! Tonight I think I'll do a one-pot pepper chicken with a salad.

Other plans for today: Finishing up some laundry, reading and some sunbathing. I already did the elliptical so that's done. Watched some Big Little Lies (I was three behind! How did that happen?!)

And that's all I've got. Ive got a cardinal out on my deck who keeps messing around in my hibiscus trees. Not that I mind...they're fun to watch. Good thing the boys can't see them...they'd want to have bird for breakfast.

Oh, so Boo's a bad boy! Yesterday I was getting ready to head out to run a bunch of errands and I had just written the check for the mortgage, addressed the envelope, stamped it and put it on the kitchen table with my wallet to put in the mailbox when I drove out. First, however, I ran across the way to let Jane the Great Dane out for my neighbors. When I came back I found the envelope gone and upon further investigating, I found it in tiny little pieces all over my living room. He is a turkey! When I came in and said to him, "What did you do!?" He took off running to the backyard. I had to laugh. So then I had to rewrite the check but didn't have the payment slip so I had to write a note saying my dog ate my last one! And the funnier thing about this is this is the 2nd time I've had to do this.

And that's all I've got. Best mosey. Happy Tuesday! Later!

Back To...Summer Vacation

Yes, I'm back from PIB but I'm still on vacation so that's a good thing. Our week at the Bay was amazing - minus a few snafus with the golf cart and wave runner (two flats, a battery charging issue with the cart and once again, the starter on the wave runner is on the fritz...it never ends). Jim and I had Saturday - Tuesday to ourselves which was quite lovely. We spent a lot of time at the pool and just enjoyed a little down time. The weather couldn't have been more perfect as well. Every day was sunnier than the one before and we still got a nice couple of storms at night. The water level at the Bay, however, is ridiculous. The dock is consistently under water and the roads in some areas are impassable for golf carts, at least. I got my exercise on every day and I'm hoping that I didn't pack on too many pounds. (I'll weigh myself on Friday or Saturday to see where we are...after I've been back at it for at least a few days.)

One terrible part of my week away was how much I missed my boys. I'm telling you, I miss them so much it's stupid. The good part, however, was that Diane sent me lots of photos and a video showing how content they were so it eased my heart a LOT. Knowing that they are happy and getting love and attention makes it bearable. Since coming home, they've gotten LOTS of love, hugs and attention as well as walks.

When I was on the ferry coming home, I checked my email from school and saw some terrible news that breaks my heart. One of our guidance counselor's sons was killed while biking near his home. He was going to be a sophomore at Kings this year. I can't stop thinking about her and the pain she must be going through...I can't even imagine. She and I had just been talking about him on the last day of school too. The year she was hired, she was pregnant with him...ugh...just terrible.

My plans today: Well, Jim originally didn't have a job to go to today so I decided we would walk the dogs. I took Scout on his 4 mile walk and when I got back, I saw that Jim was dressed for work...which is good and Scout and Boo are all worn out. I'll get ready here in a minute and head out for errands at Aldi, Kroger and Costco. After that, I'll just come home and lay out! Gotta keep my tan going! Dinner tonight I think will be shrimp and kielbasa kabobs, a summer salad and maybe some cauliflower rice...or corn.

And that's all I've got. Happy Monday! Write at you tomorrow.

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

Happy birthday Mom!!! I hope you have a wonderful day! 81 never looked so good! (I love this pic, by the way! It's one of my faves! I can hear your laughter every time I look at it. We were playing Apples to Apples I believe. I think we should recreate this photo but with Cards of Humanity...Mom will fall out of her chair with that.)

And don't bite my head off but that's all I've got. Well, correction - I have lots to say but I'm in a huge hurry to get things done today before leaving again tomorrow for PIB. I need to grocery shop, go to the ATM, come home and clean, then mow the lawn, do some laundry and pack.

My plan is to be on the road tomorrow by 8:00 AM. I'd like to exercise before heading out so that I can get to the Bay and just relax. That will give the boys some time to get their energy out too.

Okay - I'm out. Gotta tweak my grocery list and head out for errands. I'll be back here on Monday the 8th but will be sure to post on Instagram and FB. Happy Friday! Happy Birthday Mom! Later!

Busy Beautiful Day

That's a change, huh? Yep, it's actually going to be NICE today! Can you believe that?! And yesterday really wasn't that bad. We did have a tiny bit of rain at my house in the morning but after that, it was just cloudy and wonderfully breezy.

My day today - before noon - will be a busy one. I've already done my ab work and eaten breakfast. I'm going for a mildly short bike ride after I finish this and then I'll cut the grass. I'm hoping to cut the front yard and do some spot mowing in the back. Much of the back is too soupy to do anything but I'll get what I can. I'll have to put my waders on...not kidding. After that, I'll lay out with the hope that it will be as beautiful then as the weather reports say it will. Oh, and I need to bathe the dogs too...they are FILTHY! You pet them and can just feel the dirt in their coats.

Tonight Jim and I are going to dinner with Fritz. Fritz wants to go somewhere for either steak or seafood (or Italian but I nixed that idea) so I found a place we've not been, Matt the Miller's Tavern in Kenwood. It's a chain...we'll see...menu looks pretty good.

The dogs were little pills yesterday! I had to go out about a dozen times to the side yard to squirt the bejesus out of them for chasing chipmunks and trying to dig to China finding them. By the time Jim got home, I felt like a mother of twins who'd been home all day with ornery little tykes and was ready to tag OUT! Of course, after they'd had their dinner, they as usual, chilled out and were ready for lounging on the couch.

And that's about all I've got. Nothing else is really going on here. The weekend will just be me getting ready for PIB and hanging with Jimmy.

Happy Friday! Ooh...wine tonight! Later!

David Letterman

I don't know if you've checked it out but if you have Netflix, I highly recommend watching David Letterman's show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. There are two seasons you can "binge" so far. I've only watched a few of the guests but each one is really good. I find David Letterman to be a really good interviewer. He talks to people in a way that it's a conversation more than an interview; you get snippets into his own life as well so that there's take on his part but also give. I think he's very wise to realize that people going to these interviews as audience members or watching them on Netflix are doing so not just to see the interviewee but also to see Dave. So far I've watched Obama (cried a little when he walked out...I miss that man!), Ellen Degeneres, Tina Fey, Kanye West (I didn't get through that whole interview because he's tough to "get". I felt a bit uncomfortable watching him because he's just odd and doesn't have a way with explanation...maybe it's the bipolar...I don't know) and today I watched Howard Stern. If you have Netflix, watch...good.

If you're wondering...yep still raining. Well, not currently but it will be. Supposedly we'll have a dry day tomorrow. I'll believe it when I see it. It still won't be dry enough to mow the lawn. Although I might, MIGHT be able to do some of the front yard. We'll see...that's tomorrow.

Guess what two puppies have dirt caked in their fur? Hard not to since they're constantly running in a saturated muddy backyard. And I'd love to bathe them but what's the point when it's just going to be nasty Saturday and Sunday!? UGH!

Sorry...as I'm sick of this weather, I'm sure you're sick of my complaining. I'll try to stop.

I finished a book yesterday: Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok. It's the Jenna Bush Hager Today Show book. It was meh. I'd give it 3 stars (out of 5). Here are my issues with the book: The story line was only okay. The characters weren't likable. The ending was predictable. There was too much unrelated stupid detail that was thrown in just to have it in there and I guess show that the writer had actually been to the Netherlands (which is where most of it takes place). Anyway - read it if you want...or don't waste your time. I'm on to my next book - a Jennifer Weiner. She's got lots of books out and they are always easy, fun reads. She wrote In Her Shoes, by the way which was made into a movie with Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, and Shirley Maclaine. Anyway - I've read a few of hers and always enjoy them.

Plans today: elliptical is done as is breakfast. I think I'll drink another cup of coffee here in a bit and read for a few then I'll buckle down and start my list making for my PIB trips. I just need to figure out which meals on which days and then the grocery lists. I'll need to make a grocery list for this first trip and then a separate one for when I come back for the day between. Other than that, I'll just chill here at home.

Dinner tonight will be copycat KFC chicken fingers. They're supposed to be low carb. I hope they're good cause the recipe made a LOT of the spice mix. Tomorrow, I think we'll go out to dinner with Fritz and then Sunday is our anniversary so I'm hoping we'll go somewhere then as well. It's Jim's call.

And that's all I've got. Happy Thursday. Later!

Whiners

I was sitting here trying to eat a relaxing breakfast and Scout was whining like crazy at the front windows. I figured it was a person walking there dog or something. I kept shouting to him to stop and warning him that the squirt bottle was coming! And then I looked up and almost right on my front porch was a deer. Literally 2 feet from the windows. Not to mention there was also a rabbit camped out in the front yard. Oops, sorry Scout...I didn't realize you were being tested so badly. Considering, he did really well not losing his mind.

I know I've been bitching and moaning about the rain of late but last night topped it all. If you saw the video I posted on FB of the river that was my backyard, it seriously didn't do it justice. My neighbors were all texting too. Doug and Lauren's shed was half way under water and their next door neighbors who live quite close to the creek had their cars partially submerged. UGH! I can't imagine the stress they must have felt last night. I went outside with the umbrella to the back yard to check things out in the middle of it all and good thing I did. I found that the downspout which empties into a drainage pipe that carries the water away from the house was detached and just emptying right into the foundation. Jim got up lickity split and fixed it. The basement was fine, however. Phew! And of course, we're expecting more of the same throughout the day and tonight. I'd say I look forward to getting out of dodge Monday when we go to PIB but I'm not sure the weather there is any better.

Yesterday was a pretty boring day with the exception of my pedicure. I love the place I go. The woman literally spent an hour on my feet and she told me I had nice toes! Take that Maggie! Needless to say, she got a nice sizable tip!

Today I'll go get a haircut...just a couple inches off...no big deal.

Jim's brother Fritz came to town yesterday and they had planned on going to the Reds game today (businessman's special) but with the possible weather forecasted, that may have to be pushed...or maybe they'll just do lunch.

And that's about all I've got. I'm going to go for a nice bike ride around the neighborhood now...change it up a little...try and get some outdoor time in. I'm hoping for 10 miles, but we'll see. Happy Wednesday! Later!

Guess What?

It's raining. It's ridiculous! I'm not one to get the weather blues but even I am going to start crying soon if this weather doesn't let up. I mean, my grass is beyond needing cut but even if it started raining right now, I would have to give it 2 days to dry out in the back because it's so soupy. UGH!

Plans for the day: I'm going to try to get a manicure when they open at 10:00. My toes deserve it and are looking rough...I think because I'm in tennis shoes so much. The tops of my toes are getting calloused.

I think the chipmunks are taking over my yard. It's driving the dogs CRAZY. They were just outside for about 1/2 hour in the pouring rain running back and forth from the doors that go into the Florida room to the bottom of the deck steps because the little rodents are camped out under there and Boo and Scout (especially Scout) wants to literally sink his teeth into one. Yesterday I caught him at the front door, standing in front of the long window that looks out onto the porch staring at a little chipmunk who was just sitting on the stoop chomping on some nut or something. Scout was twitching but not making a sound which was surprising.

Currently, my boys are chasing each other around the house. Scout is screeching at his brother who keeps hiding behind the couch. I keep seeing them fly by and all I see is a blur of black and teeth. This can't be good for Boo's elbow considering he keeps flying up and down the stairs. They are going to be so tired in about 10 minutes. Perfect time for me to go get a pedicure.

What else? Nothing really. Other than my pedicure, I'll just hang here today. Read my book, I guess. Maybe find a show to binge.

Happy Tuesday! Later!

Feels Like We're Drowning

I can't remember a time when we've had so much rain and it's really starting to piss me off. According one of our local channels, only 10% of our weekends so far this year have been completely dry! That's stupid! And of course this week is supposed to be crazy rainy again with 70% chance of thunderstorms and showers all week. UGH! Sick of it. On the up side, the temps haven't been bad enough to have to turn on the AC so that's something. Oh well, what's a girl to do?

So other than the rain, the weekend was pretty good. Jim actually worked on Saturday but we managed to go out to dinner at Pacific Kitchen...I finally got my ramen and it was YUMMY! Jim had their pad Thai (neither one of us had had it yet in the time we'd gone there). It was so good, I'll be getting that next time we go.

Sunday was lovely. Anne spearheaded our dinner over at Raeburn for Father's Day and regardless that the weather wasn't great, the company and dinner was. Anne made a really good zucchini/squash stir fry as well as marinated chicken. Trip and Susan brought the salad and corn and I did dessert. I made my soon-to-be-famous Better than Sex (or as I told JJ - Whoopee) cake. It was a hit.

Today and this week: Well, I don't really have plans for the week. I'll just be getting things ready for PIB next Monday. Today I'll be cleaning and grocery shopping. I've already done my exercising (abs, arms and recumbent bike). I need to get a hair cut so I'll call and see if I can fit that in this week as well as a pedicure. My toes are looking rough!

Did I mention that I had to take Boo to the vet on Friday? He was limping really badly and I couldn't stand it. I dropped him off around 1:00 and they sedated him, took an x-ray (clipped his nails) and then I picked him up a few hours later. His elbow and the joint is looking tweaked but the doc wasn't sure if it is a chronic problem or something he did flying off the deck. I'm betting on a tweak. He's on painkillers and an anti-inflammatory and doing much better. Friday night, however, he was a wreck. He could barely stand up and his tongue was just hanging out of his mouth. Way too much sedation, I think. I'll let them know that when they call to check on him later (they always do after an appointment).

Okay - time to get going so I can sit on my ass and read my book. Jim wants homemade pizza tonight so I'll do that with a nice salad. Happy Monday! Later!

Jim's Mind

If I were a mind reader, being married to Jim, I would be much better off; much less confused that's for sure!  Or maybe not. Maybe being in his mind would be just as jumbled and confusing as it is to have no idea what he's talking about minute to minute.

So yesterday I got a text from Jim telling me that his friend Dan sent him a text saying he and his girlfriend are going to the Reds game tonight and did we want to go as well. My answer: Not really. I told Jim, well,  I reminded him that Fridays...going out after working all week is tough for him. He is usually wiped and in bed by 8:00. Plus, with everything coming up I don't want to spend the money ($8 or more for a beer plus dinner plus the ticket, plus parking with PIB coming up...nope). We had this conversation when he got home and he said, "Do you care if I still go?" I told him he could do whatever he wants but for me, I didn't want to go. (Although he seemed to miss my point but whatever.)

Fast forward to this morning...he calls about another matter and at the end of the convo, I say, "Are you going to the game tonight?" And he says, "Not if you're not going." I said, "You asked me last night if I minded if you went even though I didn't want to go." He said, "I thought we were talking about the Businessman's special game on Wednesday." What!? When was that ever discussed. I was so confused. I said, "I'm so confused. What are you talking about? When did we talk about the Businessman's special game?" And he goes on to say that about 2 weeks ago or so, he had discussed that when Fritz comes to town (he's coming Monday) it might be fun to go to a businessman's special game together. So then I was all, "Ah...I gotcha...we're continuing a conversation from over two weeks ago that was just mentioned in passing. Got it...I'm caught up now." And then he gets annoyed with me because I'm so confused and don't understand where his mind is. So then of course I get annoyed. So annoying. I mean, why would he think I would be talking about next Wednesday's game when that hadn't been a topic...when we had been talking about the text from Dan!? ARG!!! Am I being gaslighted?! WTF is going on!? He drives me nuts.

On another note: Madonna is weird. Just want to put that out there. And really, I think she acts the way she acts and talks the way she talks so that people will say, "That Madonna is weird." She's just trying to stay relevant...I get it...but why does she try to be so avant garde? Just be you weirdo. Stop always trying to reinvent yourself.

I was going to take a bike ride this morning but it's literally 45 degrees! It's freaking freezing! I may take a ride later...before I lay out and before lunch. We'll see...probably just around the neighborhood. I've done my abs and arms so that's good. I also may mow the backyard but I'll have to see how wet it is out there. If I don't do it today, I won't be able to do it until next week because we're looking at rain after today for the rest of the weekend.

I started watching Fleabag yesterday (Amazon Prime series). Hilarious.

Yesterday was quite productive for me. I prepped several meals for PIB and froze them. I got chicken burgers made, pork tenderloin marinated as well as a big old bag of chicken. I also made pulled pork and got some chicken cooked and shredded for chicken salad. That should take care of most meals while I'm up there since we'll probably go out a couple times and then have dogs, burgers etc. too (nothing to prep there). I'm also going to take a bag of mandarin chicken from Trader Joe's for Jim and I (we'll have several days up there on our own). Can't wait.

And that's all I've got. Guess I'll go try and warm up with a cup of joe and read a little. Or maybe I"ll just go out and mow the lawn. Who knows. Happy Friday! Later!

Fall Like

It is downright chilly today. Not that I'm complaining. Every day without the AC turned on is a good day! I wish it were sunny but at least I don't have to water the flowers! Silver lining and all that. Plus, I have inside work I need to do today so I can at least get that done.

Yesterday was quite productive! Not only did I get back on the trail (rode 12.8 miles! Woot!) but I went to Trader Joe's and Aldi and made a new wonderful discovery: Cold Brew coffee! It is unbelievable and like heroine, after my first "hit", I was addicted! And they had it at Trader Joe's and Aldi (Maggie reminded me they are the same owners). If you like coffee and haven't tried, I highly suggest! I take one part coffee, one part 1/2 and 1/2 (fat free) and 1 part water, add a little Splenda over ice and VOILA! Happiness in a glass!

When I got home from all my errands yesterday, it was still beautiful and so I laid out for a bit. I read some too (Jenna Hager Bush's book of the month came through from my library! It's called Searching For Sylvie Lee...so far so good) until Jimmy got home. We had a guy come to look at the bathroom (he was supposed to be here at 4:00...didn't get here until 5:09...strike one). I'll get the estimate today...supposedly...we'll see. I liked the guy okay but, well, he was way late and wouldn't have called (Jim had to call him) plus there's always that feeling of distrust with these guys.

Today, I'll head to Meijer to get a few things and then make some of my meals for the Bay trips I've got coming up. I've exercised (abs, arms and elliptical today) and eaten breakfast. Guess I'll go make a cup of cold brew and hit the showers. Happy Thursday! Later!

Back On The Trail

This will be a short one because I want to get my tail in gear and hit the bike trail for a ride. It will be the first ride of the year for me on the trail and I'm excited. I'll try to go about 13 miles which is doable for me...yesterday I went 8.5 in the neighborhood and have gone 10 so 13 isn't much longer. Plus I'll rest at the turn around point so my buttocks should be okay. I've eaten breakfast and the boys have been chasing each other all over the house and yard so we're all ready.

After I get back, I'll shower and head out to Trader Joe's and Aldi. I just need to restock on some stuff and get food for PIB prep.

Yesterday was BEAUTIFUL!!! I laid out and enjoyed every minute of soaking in the sun.

Today a guy is coming to look at the bathroom upstairs for an estimate on a redo. All we really need from this guy is plumbing, tiling and setting up fixtures. I plan on doing the tear out and Jim can paint. We'll see what he says. My big thing is I want to move the toilet and I don't know how easy that will be. I'll keep you updated.

Okay...like I said, a short one today. Need to get a move on. Happy Wednesday! Later!