Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
Comments
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Lori, what are those cone shaped things coming out of the wings? It was HOT over here today and I started having some nasty hot flashes. Right now I have a fan and my air on. I tried to work in my son's room because it is a disaster and he is running up to Chicago tomorrow and then to Bonnaroo later this week. So, I have decided to help him out. Just need to figure out how not to get hot in the lower level. Have to have air blowing on me 24/7. Never do I let myself complain about the cold weather, because I just can't take the heat. I do look forward to the days between Dec. 21 and June 21st because they are getting longer. June 21 to Dec 21st, days get shorter. Every day needs to be special this month and I need to find ways to live them to the fullest. I baked a 4 layer, gluten free, chocolate cake for my niece's birthday tomorrow. Everyone loves my cake, and it is the only thing that I make that is good enough to share. My sister in law wanted my recipe. I told her, that cake was going to be my signature "dish" that I can bring to family gatherings. I feel very protective of my recipe, and my husband laughs at me.
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Hi everyone, Sorry about the MIA, but May just flew by with 3 events and I was doing the back end work. Then off for a weekend of cycling and vineyard camping to recover.
I am meeting a friend early tomorrow for a ride, and then a birthday party for a fellow eater/exerciser. She does Savor Seattle tours and hikes to burn it off. I feel honored that she has invited me to attend. I will bail after the food/drinks as need to be back at it on Monday. Considering her line of work, I am expecting both to be stellar.
I was also the recipient of the wrath of the evil Internet gods. At least, I have internet back. Next is getting my email fixed on one computer, and a new wireless card for the other. BLECH!!!
Attaching a fun picture from last weekend's adventure. So much to do including training for the annual 200 mile ride (over 2 days) ride to Portland. - Claire
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Clair, good to see you. I love your picture, it looks so peaceful. Your day tomorrow sounds like a lot of fun!
Michelle, I found it's wings to be very peculiar too. It was just the way it's wings were colored/shaded. Pretty neat tho!
One of my silly raccoons that hangs around the deck at night. He just climbed in my empty planter box and sat there for about 2 hours. Maybe he was trying it out for his new den?
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Hee hee what a cute raccoon!
One of my orchids is putting out a flower stem. I have four plants. This one hasn't bloomed in so long, I've forgotten what color it is.
During chemo three of my orchids bloomed at the same time. I think they felt sorry for me!
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Tess, beautiful orchids, they are my favorite flowers. I agree that your orchids were supporting you through such a difficult time.
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Claire, glad to know you are doing well, as usual and enjoying your life. Vineyard glamping/camping, and preparation for a 200 mile bike ride, wow. I went bike riding with my husband a few weeks ago, not on my Cannondale, but my daughter's Murray, and could barely walk up the stairs. I don't know how you would ride 200 miles. After all my walking, I am wearing the calia brand (carrie underwood) from Dick's Sporting Goods, in a L/XL, as it runs a bit small. Definitely can tell the walking has helped me so much and I could not have done it without your inspiration.
Lori, what a cutie in your flower bed. I would just give it some straw for a bed, and call it a day. A little wildlife with your coffee, or covfefe, however we spell it.
Tessu, your flowers are so pretty. I think both plants and animals have a way of supporting us through challenging times. By the way, is that a painting or wallpaper in the background of your photo? It is pretty.
Well, today another party....dinner out at our club on Thursday, grad party Friday, low key yesterday, today niece's birthday....live every day, because I am going too!!!
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I found that link incredibly interesting! I have worked nights and days most of my life. The past 5.5 years I worked between 40-60 hours a week at night in a very stressful ER and took care of the 3 kids during the day. I was a mess. I feel like that weakened me and I have only myself to blame for getting cancer. No body could stand up to what I was asking mine to do. I am SOOOOO enjoying being off work post-mastectomy right now. My JP drain broke when it got caught in the car door today so I went in to get one from work. The supervisor said, "Do you think you'll be back soon?" I miss the people and the work but NOT THE SCHEDULE!! I could easily stay home if my hubby could pay the bills. I'm just enjoying the summertime with the kids while I can. Hope everyone else is too!
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Hi Lori and Michelle! And thanks for the compliment! The background in my orchid photo is old curtains I made ages ago (and don't yet want to replace, because I love the fabric).
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Tessu, I would love to learn more about your country, culture, style, etc. If you have any photos of street scapes, etc. could you post them?
Today was a continuation of the last three weeks, sorting, bagging, tagging, etc. getting ready for a donation run tomorrow. I gave my son some Ralph Lauren Polo pants, that I was saving for sailing. He has a sail boat now, and he looks the part..... now equipped with white cotton baggy pants. He really liked them. I had picked them up at a thrift store probably 10 years ago, with no one in particular in mind except that they would go to someone who sails. It is amazing how much stuff I accumulated over 23 years of marriage. I am feeling really good about donating the bulk of my thrift "stash."
Does anyone get nostalgic when they hear a train whistle, or think of tv programs they watched as a child? The train whistle reminds of my many trips to and from Chicago, which I do miss. I am just completing the 4th Jaws movie. I know it sounds completely ridiculous, but I can't start my summer without watching Jaws. It was the first movie that I watched at a theatre and I remember those first exciting moments when I re-watch it. The simple things take me back to my childhood......aahhhh nostalgia......
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Today was a sort and deliver day. I went five places, donated most items with a few going to a consignment store. It is so freeing to get rid of so much "stuff." When I went to grad school, I gave away almost everything that I owned to my sisters. I had my clothes, a computer, a trunk, a small tv and that was it. I loved living with the fewest possessions possible. Oh, yes, I had my bike. I loved to go biking and running, and kept my life very simple. I kind of equate my "stuff" dilemma to this....my niece is picking colors for her house, she went to the paint store and got 1,000 paint color swatches in a book. She brought the book to my house and she was frazzled. She said, "do you know how hard it is to pick paint colors?" My answer was, "yes, I pick them all the time." The next day I went to the paint store and picked up some pre selected color leaflets, with her color scheme in them and took them to her house and left my color choices. The moral of the story was, you don't give someone with ADD 1,000 paint colors and I don't need more stuff than I can use. I want to live an essential life, with essential people and essential things. Too much, is just too much. What do you girls think?
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I discovered ten years ago that "paring down" led to greater happiness. This when I divorced and my ex got the house. There are few items that I miss, although one of these is my stove with its nice convection oven. So I am on the "fewer, but higher quality" possessions track now. I use the good china.
I need to do the same with my clothes as have far too many items that I am unlikely to wear again. My life is very different now. I am still trying to figure out my "look" and need a couple of suits for conferences and meetings. But not many, many items left over from my corporate days. And I probably could use a couple more statement pieces to make it all work. My favorite outfit is well-tailored black trousers with a black cashmere sweater paired with good jewelry or a scarf (or both). Simple, comfortable, and requires little thought.
Cycling clothes are a constant battle because I wear them out, and comfortable bottoms for long distances are soooooooo expensive.
I think too that paring down is a trend we will see more of. My friend Carla downsized to a micro apartment, and to just the essentials. I also know that don't sell "stuff" at charity auctions; sell "experiences".
BTW - the same applies to traveling. Normally, I travel with just a carry-on. Wear black and switch out the accessories. Simplifies packing, and means that you can run for flights. Did I mention that I try for things that don't wrinkle?
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. I do need some fab colors for summer. But just a couple of items will go a long way. - Claire
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I did laundry today for my trip tomorrow, and cooked my husband a pork tenderloin. I don't eat meat, so I never know if my cooking is very good. My oven does not heat too well, at 60 minutes the 2 pound tenderloin was not even 100 degrees inside. My handy dandy iron skillet finished everything off on the stove top. All packed and ready for my adventure. Just a quick trip, but ready to take a break.
I hear you Claire about having nicer things. I have very nice thing, and some not so nice things. I am getting rid of alot and trying not to duplicate what I have. If something looks good on me, I tend to get a couple of shirts/pants/jackets/etc. I recently got some great deals on Calia at Dick's sporting good and think I will base my activewear around that!!!
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Hey everyone, left Milwaukee and in Chicago area now. Walking my feet off and just stopped for a bite. Having fun with my bff, Deb. I found some great platform sandals by Cole haan. Found some cute shirts at Macys last act. Def considering my less is more vibe. Carefully, curating my wardrobe. By the way, listening to radio and every time we hear "leak" we take a drink of coffee, covfefe or water
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Well, all the walking that i have been doing bode me well for a jam-packed three days of hustle. We finished off our trip with a final stop to a Whole Foods. I wish we had one here. I am happy to be home and am looking forward to enjoying my summer.
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Welcome home, Michelle!
I got in my training rides, and notice major progress in my fitness level. 85 miles for the weekend, 60 yesterday and 25 today. Part of the training is getting back in the saddle the day after a long ride
My email problem turned out to be a wonky hard drive, so my new computer comes Tuesday. I got the smaller, more lightweight model this time, even if it means buying an external CD drive and perhaps a larger keyboard. I am using my work computer right now.
I should be really fit after next weekend's Tour de Blast. This one should count as another Claire adventure, as includes camping. I need one more long ride prior to the Seattle-to-Portland. Still looking for the right one. Perhaps back to the Skagit Valley and cycling all of Samish Point this time.
I should do work right now, but more inclined for a nap. - Claire
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Gee, Claire, it would be great to put a web cam on your helmet. You must see such pretty aspects of nature on your bike rides. Your bike rides sound so amazing!!! I agree with the nap idea, I took one earlier today. Fitness is so important and you are a great role model!! By the way, I went "Goodwilling" and found some nice items. A Lilla P jacket // casual, a Michael Kors jacket // like Chanel, a Doran shirt // just cool, some pretty scarves, and a brand new $295 Kooba white convertible clutch that had retail tags....for $20. My grand total was about $50.
Tomorrow, I meet a candidate for governor of our state. I plan to use the opportunity to lobby for women's health issues and breast cancer education. Today, someone that I have been mentoring through surgery, radiation, etc. said to me that her friend, a doctor, said she did not need an anti hormonal. Her cancer grade was a 3. I told her that discussions of anti hormonal usage should be with the oncologist, not her friend/doctor. I also explained that I do not utilize my friends that are doctors because of conflicts of interests. Your friends can tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear. I was just taken back by the dismissive nature towards anti hormonals.
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Today was a good day. My BS had a baby and I was supposed to see her this afternoon. I will see her in a couple of weeks. I met the future governor of the State of Illinois at a small gathering. I liked his approach and liked what he has done already for this state in an unofficial capacity. When morning breakfasts were going to be cut for the kids in the Chicago Public Schools, this man went to bat and lined up federal funding. He has done many things like that for others.
It was hot as hell, 95 degrees, where I live. Ugghhh... I had to change clothes within a 1/2 hour of leaving my house. Thank God I had extra stuff in my car that I was donating. I was able to get out of a snug top and into a loose tank with a silk blouse. From now on, I am going to "Tamoxify" my summer wardrobe and will carry extra clothes with me in case of a melt down. I am also going to stay out of extreme hot air, wait, I went to a political event.....hmmmmm......
I also walked about 4 miles earlier in the day!!! Got to keep moving!!!
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When I lived in the East, I would do my weekend rides in the early AM to beat the heat. The only way to go. I also found that exercise would help my body regulate its temperature in the heat. Not sure why.
I lived through decades of taking the NYC subway in the heat.
Right now, it's delightfully cool here in the NW. I wore fleece for my run last night as high 50s. Low 50s now. Sometimes, it gets hot here, but very few days, and you don't really need AC. Eastern Washington is a different story. That is why I went under the irrigation jets when I did my ride about 3 weeks ago. I was cooking in the sun.
I am looking forward to my Tour de Blast ride on Saturday. The great news is that training is having the hoped-for effect on my weight as headed in the right direction once again. Think though that tonight's exercise will be limited to a walk, as my legs are protesting and I think I will be setting up my new computer. - Claire
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Working on Tamoxifying my wardrobe. After Monday night's fiasco, I am eyeing my wardrobe a little more carefully. I keep thinking about the commercial for free credit reports where the guy is singing......."sticking to my seat and my possee is getting laughed at." Well, I lived that over the last several days in 90 plus degree heat, icky, icky, icky. Dresses from now on, with or without leggings for business/political events, will be my go to look. I went to Sam's Club today and found organizers for the back of my suv. Yeah....I have been looking for those for awhile. I think they could be nice go-to gifts for the hard to find person. Father's Day is coming up, and I need ideas for the hubby....any thoughts? He has everything......maybe I will name a star after him????
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michelle - I got my DH a bottle of locally made Gin and made a gin and tonic kit for him. DD got him a YETI cooler that fits on his paddleboard, not sure what DS has planned. He lives in Washington, D.C. and recently took some night photos of the monuments with a long exposure and then printed them on glass for a friend. I am thinking of suggesting he do some for his dad - we were stationed at the Pentagon for 9 years and he would love those for his office. DH also pretty much has what he needs, and seems to enjoy sentimental gifts these days.
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My hubby has everything too. When I ask what he'd like to get for FD or his BD he says if he wants anything he'll buy it himself. Okay then! lol
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wench - that is sort of my approach with myself - DH suffers from "gift anxiety" when shopping for me, although along with some interesting choices he has also given me a number of very cherished things!
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SpecialK, his favorite gift is actually craft beers, the stranger the better. I let any that asks to get him beer, they always say "what?!" lol
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Well, I purchased matching Ralph Lauren boxer briefs and t's for him. Also, picked up a new pair of swim trunks for him. I have wrapped his gift, my twin older sisters' birthday gifts, and have three more gifts to go for July. I think I am going to get the birthday peeps gift cards. My son has a birthday on July 4 and my daughter Aug 3rd. That is five people that I have to shop for in the next few weeks. My daughter likes American Eagle and so does my son. So, I guess I will be spending some time either online or in the store. My son would probably like craft beers, but since he is only 20, he gets none. I will miss him this year on his birthday, which he will be spending in Vegas with a couple of buddies. We always do a big 4th of July party for him.
It is so hard to buy for people that have everything or access to whatever they want.....ugg.... When I was a poor student, I would give people a card....lol life was simple.
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Gosh, I am wiped out!!! Yesterday, I transplanted some flowers and grasses into my containers. It was sooo hot.... Today, I went back to Lowes and picked up more of the same for other pots. I also picked out some spindles for my niece's porch railing as samples. I stopped over to her house to check her handyman's work on her wood floors. Either, they are going to be rustic looking or need more work taking off all of the old stain. I am voting for rustic, she is voting for a very dark stain. I think some strategic hand sanding could be just the ticket. Everything is covered in wood dust and needs cleaned. Personally, I would clean everything before going one step further, including the walls.
I am making my gluten free chocolate cake for Father's Day, which will take a while. It is a four layered process. The good news is that I found a Martha Stewart round cake carrier at Macy's for about $16. I really needed one of those and Macy's just had one of those - meant to be.
I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend!!! My father, who has been gone since 2006 had me late in life. He would be 100 years old this year. I really miss him, but was fortunate to have him for a very long time.
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Michelle, my Dad passed in 1997, I still can't believe it's been 20 years! I love and miss him dearly. We are all blessed to have had our Dad's love for a long life. To continue to love and cherish them for so long after they've passed and our love continues to grow. It truely breaks my heart for those who don't get the chance to grow up to know and love their dads as we have... thank goodness God made stepdads to step in and take the lead.
Happy Fathers Day to all Dads out there that are present and to those who have passed 💜❤️
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On a happier note, I'm laying in bed listening to the storm raging outside my balcony doors. My garden is laughing and dancing but it's to dark for me to take a picture!
😍💜
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Well, I spent time outdoors today with the hedge clippers. I trimmed 8 shrubs and I was so happy with the results. I have 2 flowering type shrubs, 5 chicago boxwoods, and a burning bush. Tomorrow is the weeds. Last night we had a storm that gave us some much needed rain. I finished planting in my pots and will take pics tomorrow. I am planting some blue rush grasses tomorrow and hopefully they will come back again next year!!!
I may volunteer to paint some cabinets for my niece. She seems to have a hard time getting started. Sometimes, I think if we just go through the motions of starting to do something, we can kick ourselves in gear to really get the job done. Maybe that psychology will work on her!!! Here is hoping!!!
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Michelle, we got 2 or 3 really good storms come through over the weekend. I think we got almost 4" in the past 3 days. My garden is loving it and the bees are loving all of the clover growing in the yard. My hubby wanted to mow but I told him no, the bees are working to hard, let them finish. I'm enjoying the cooler temperatures the past few days, now if it'll last just a few more days I'll be very happy.
Until next time 🤗
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Our weather in the middle of Illinois, is going to be low humidity >50%, with temps in the mid 80's for a few days. I went over this with my niece last night because of painting cabinets and varnishing floors that need to happen this week. There should be several days of great weather for my weeding and ornamental grass plantings.
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