Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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I had purchased this set, plus table at an auction for around $100, 17 years ago. Time for face lift....... My set is not done yet, just in the beginning stages. But, I would like to glam up my back deck, which is okay, nothing special at this point. I am thinking of using tiny mirrors on something made from a pallet. Maybe a side table??? What do you girls think?
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Definitely a side table or 2. Also, I see the need for plants. (Which you may have moved to get the painting done.) So you can sit out with a drink once the sun isn't too bright. Or coffee in the AM. Love the color.
Attaching a couple of pictures from yesterday's ride. I have done ~90 miles over the 3 days, and feel well-prepared for the Big Ride next weekend. Legs are tired today, but I feel great! - Claire
Looking south towards Mount Rainier in the most gorgeous farmland with a bevy of heifers in the foreground.
Looking east towards Mount Index in Sultan. Very unusual to have any snow left on the peaks in July.
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That is my driveway, but I do need plants and some fun type of sideboard. I have a wood deck, these four chairs and a round table. There is also a grill on the deck. I would love to have a chase lounge, but my deck is too small. I am going to find some finials for the deck posts. Even though we are builders, my husband will get to a point and just stop. I have to see further into the future and design elements. He asked me, "why are you painting those chairs?" My thought was, they are old, worn paint, why not? I actually want to spend time on my deck. I have never had the pleasure because of my hectic schedule with the two kids and sports.
Claire, your mountains are so gorgeous. Lucky you to live in such a lush environment. How long have you lived out there?
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Michelle - Chairs look great! Need an umbrella or some type of shade from the sun? Maybe you are lucky to have "natural" shade during the times you may want to be out.
Claire - Gorgeous photos - What a great area you live in for bike-riding. Thanks for sharing.
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Hey, girls.... well, it is back out to the spray painting of the outdoor furniture today. It rained yesterday and it was too windy. I did stop off at my little house project and worked on the floors for a bit. I am trying to get them ready to stain, but it is so much work. Mostly, the handyman has been working on them, but he is not very detail oriented. I worked on them and now am having my nephew work on them as well.
Still decluttering and ready to run out for my covfefe at our local covfefe java place. Here's to getting my hands dirty!!!
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Michelle, your chandelier looks wonderful! Praying your ankle continues to heal.
Claire, WOW! I'm tried just thinking about all the training your doing! Sounds like a lot of fun. I pulled the bike that's been hanging in the back of our garage out but it puts to much pressure on my pec muscles to actually go for a ride. I love the Van Gogh!
Gentle healing hugs to All 🤗
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My foot/ankle are doing much better now. Today I continued the painting of my chairs and table, hopefully can finish tomorrow. Yesterday, we had high winds, so there was no way of spray painting. I worked on the floor at my niece's house tonight and made some progress. I used 220 sandpaper to try to remove any stain residue. Ugh, it was a tedious job. I am enjoying some peace and quiet now and I hope it stays that way!!!
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I am going to hang my 21 year old up by his toenails. He went out with my daughter's friend, behind her back, while she was visiting her college roommate. I am so angry that I cannot see straight. Recommendations? So frustrated.
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Ugh, kids and their friends. We had ground rules established, but my son wanted to change the rules of no dating each others friends. We let him know we were not happy with his actions and his sister is giving him the silent treatment.
In other news, I have been working on the wood floor at my niece's house and purchased a small palm sander today to fix any blemishes before staining. It is so much work. I inspected my outdoor table and chairs and will re-spray tomorrow evening. It is much too hot during the day. I need to water my plants too. Tomorrow will be a walking day, as I need to get my steps back up. They had fallen a bit since I twisted my ankle last week. But, I am ready to get back on track and get moving again.
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Michelle, I also made sure I never dated any of my siblings friends. It just seemed to weird to me, it'd be like dating a family member. UGH
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Today, I worked on the floor of my niece's house and am deciding on which way is the best way to finish the floor. The floor is made from pine, and is in "ok" shape. There are water marks that I have tried to remove with vinegar. Tomorrow, I am staining the floor a dark walnut/jacobean color by minwax. The darker, the better. It needs to cover alot of "sins."
I let my chair projects harden for the last couple of days, because it has been humid here. I made a meatloaf, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, for dinner. I ended up taking a nap and headed back to my niece's house for further inspection of the floor.
I walked several miles today, but did not hit the 10,000 mark. I also spent a couple of hours sanding a floor. I plan to walk more tomorrow.
The cicadas are back and I love the sound!! I thought they usually came in August in Illinois, but the internet says July. I hope everyone is doing well and making the most of every day!!!
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I am ready to roll. Cycling bottoms came today and they FIT!!!! One more day to go until the Big Ride. Major adventures ahead. - Claire
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Exciting things are happening! Chairs, floors and big bike rides! I have been my usual busy self. Delivering Meals on Wheels and playing with grandchildren. The pool is warm enough to get it!! So I have taken a few late night swims after I put my girl to bed. Until the deck is complete I can't get her in and out by myself. DH can toss her over the side no problem lol. Getting her in isn't an issue really. She loves the pool so she is willing to help. Getting out....no help what so ever! I have racked up 115,000+ steps for the work week. The days isn't over I should have another 6,000 or so to add to it.
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One floor stained, two more to be worked on. My bff painted my niece's bathroom and it is beautiful. I am trying to move this project forward, so that my niece starts moving faster on getting this done. I had to re-order my Tamoxifen today, and the clerk repeated the name back to me - TAMO FOXIN. I thought, yeah, we are all "foxin" with these meds.
I am so excited to hear about Claire's big ride! The pool sounds great, Varga. Lori, what are you up to these days? And, thanks girls for all the compliments on my chandy. I am really enjoying the beauty of it. Here's to a great weekend for all!!!
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Well, I have walked several miles today, with more to go before night fall. I might go to a movie with husband, but storms are rolling in. This afternoon, I worked on tracking down the sale of Teva to Mayne, and "scoring" some meds that, hopefully, will get me through until November. I did not think I would have to worry about Teva selling their generic Tamoxifen to another company. But, apparently, these generics are sold back and forth between manufacturers all the time. The patients that take the generics, are being treated like commodities, because we will need these drugs for several years at a time. I plan to keep tracking down supplies and have even looked to getting some from Canada. I am doing so well on this medicine, and don't want to switch manufacturers.
I checked my niece's floor today, and it is still tacky. It is going to take several days to dry with the high humidity. My chairs are 99% painted, with a few more coats needed on the underside.
Update: We did not make it to the movies today. Instead, we lost our power during the storm and had to wait it out. We opted to have a nice salad bar meal at a great grocery store, which is uber popular here. Everyone lost power, including the movie theatre. Afterwards, I watched the Game of Thrones, which was okay. There are just so many pieces to the puzzle on that show, that it is hard to keep track of who is doing what. I did finish off my 5 miles of walking today and plan to do another 5 tomorrow.
Hugs to everyone!!!
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So far at 3.6 miles, trying to get in 1.4 more by midnight. Today was a medical bill review day, and fighting with providers on charges I don't owe. I really hope people read their medical bills and compare to insurance statement. Today I found $700 mistake. This happens too often. Girls, read your bills.
Update: I hit my 5 mile mark. Yeah!!! And, hopefully, our healthcare coverage will remain stable for the coming years.
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Yikes! Michelle- you know I had honestly not even thought about that! Time to drag out my very large bag full of papers! I get 11 and half miles in yesterday. Today I told 4 of the grands to the movies so more sitting than normal.
Have a great evening ladies -♡
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Yikes! Michelle- you know I had honestly not even thought about that! Time to drag out my very large bag full of papers! I got 11 and half miles in yesterday. Today I told 4 of the grands to the movies so more sitting than normal.
Have a great evening ladies -♡
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I received a call today from the billing department of one of those hospital Priority/Urgent/Prompt care places. I complained about my daughter having to go twice, a couple days apart, for help with an upper respiratory infection. The nurse practitioner did not want to give an antibiotic, that was a $207 visit, plus labs. My daughter, a few days later, saw a doctor at the same clinic, that was $298 trip. She was finally given an antibiotic on her way out of town for a trip. I think that kids, she is 18, get pushed around by these places and when mom/dad intervenes, something gets done. Needless to say, the first fee was waived. Girls, you "gotta" read those bills and call the medical professionals on problems, such as overpaying for services. Our medical services are already expensive enough, without having to run back numerous times for medication. Two weeks ago, my son went to one of these fast doctor's places for severe poison ivy. They gave him a steroid creme. I went immediately back with him and explained that he is highly allergic and that in the time from their clinic to home, his poison ivy had blistered and was leaking. The doctor immediately gave him the steroid shot and pills to counteract the reaction. From now on, I am going to give my kids a script of what to say when they go to the doctor. I am tired of paying over and over for the same services, a few days apart.
Varga, that is alot of miles to walk in one day. Whoo hoo.... I wonder if Claire can walk after her "big weekend" ride. I think she went 200 miles. I would be crawling up my stairs and dragging my limp body onto the coach, emerging only for food and water. I hope to hear from Claire soon, to know that she is still mobile.
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It is over 100 and hot, hot, hot, here in Illinois. I did not accomplish much today, but I did yesterday. For dinner I made parmesan encrusted pork chops, twice baked stuffed potato, and corn. That was for my husband and daughter. I will have a taco salad later because I don't eat pork, prepared potatoes, or veggies high in carbs. I did manage to work in one of my rooms today and pulled out a bunch of shoes that will go to the consignment store. Our upstairs seemed so hot, I could not make it to my closet. Ugh. I am going to kick back tonight, maybe take a nap, and go check on my floor project. I will never complain of the cold in the winter, because over 100 and hot is my least favorite time of year. I will take cold January over hot July, even more so since I take Tamoxifen......
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Hi everyone,
Thought you might want to see what triumph looks like. Crossing the finish of the Seattle-to-Portland. I WON'T be doing any long bike rides this weekend, but will be doing my annual glorious hike (which doesn't put pressure on the "recovering" parts). - Claire
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Congrats on finishing the ride, Claire!!! Glad to know you are still mobile. Today, with the heat index, it was "feels like 113" in Illinois. I did not go out until this evening, and then it was just to my niece's to add a second layer of stain to a floor. My sister helped me, and it went pretty fast. My son is visiting his cousins in California. One of his cousins is a singer and just released a new single. She is going to be the opening act this summer for some big names. I just don't get into all the fascination and hype surrounding celebs and singers. I am more interested in listening to CNN on the radio and keeping up to date on what is going on with our healthcare, than I am with keeping up with the Kardashians. I would rather hear about the adventures of my bc sisters, than anything Kim, Cloe or Courtney have going on. I was very sad to hear about Senator McCain and wish him godspeed treatment and recovery.
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My husband told me that one of my former neighbors died a couple of days ago. A women, who used to live across the street, died of breast cancer. She was in the hospital in March, and I called her to let her know that if she needed anything I was available. She told me she had everything taken care of with her friends. I felt like an intruder and had a feeling that she was terminal. She leaves behind 3 sons, and an ex-husband that divorced her during her first diagnosis and chemo, about 10 years ago. I am not sure what kind she had, although she did tell me that she refused the antihormonal. The other day, I was looking for her on facebook and thinking really strongly about how she was doing. For some reason, I thought she was fine.
So, I feel bad for those left behind, and I feel bad for the fact that breast cancer took her life. The whole situation is sad.
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It is so hot here in Illinois!! On Friday, I did not even go outside. I just stayed in, did some laundry, cleaned the bathroom, got more things together for the consignment store. Today, I did alot of dishes. I always soak my dishes in Dawn before putting them in the dishwasher. I have been cooking alot, and things piled up. Cooking in my house is contagious. As soon as I start making dinner, others want to cook as well.
I felt more accomplished today, getting out of the house and going to the mall. I had to exchange a few things and found a cute casual dress in ink blue at American Eagle. I layer up in the fall with leggings, vest/jacket, dress/tunic, scarf, etc. and love to have some rich colors to work with. My daughter's 19th birthday is coming up soon. Any ideas for a present? I was considering buying her a self tanning spray system for about $100. I also have a gift card for Michael Kors for her, and a really neat trunk organizer with a cooler. She moves into a dorm in less than one month. I just can't believe it. I am enjoying every day with my family this summer, because my son may move after he finishes his senior year in May 2019. We may never be together again, like we are now. I know it is premature, but I am feeling a sense of loss that these may be the last days of our united family. He wants to go to grad school on the west coast, and if so, I probably won't see much of him for awhile.
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I just snagged myself a brand new Saint Laurent sweater for a song on eBay. Just very basic, black merino wool with a V neck, but super-stylish, the sort of thing I will wear out in a few years. (Which is what happens with basics.) Perhaps something like that for your daughter, or whatever her basic is. The idea is to look and feel terrific with minimal effort.
I am very sorry about your friend. She may have wanted to alone at the end. Sometimes there really isn't anything we can do.
I cooked up a storm yesterday and made stuffed patty pan squash, something I hadn't made in decades. Fresh basil from the market, and fresh oregano from my herb garden along with the can of tomatoes, orange pepper, Italian sausage, garlic, onion and bread crumbs. Had with Parmesan cheese on top and fresh green beans. Yum, and there is more!
Off in a few for a hike as this is the weekend to do the Naches Peak Loop. Just glorious, and an alternative to "seat time". I got new pedals for my bicycle to try yesterday as really can't do clipped in. We shall see. Otherwise, I will put my old pedals back on and get new cycling shoes. Not sure how this will go. I was lucky to make it to Portland as I didn't have good transfer of energy from legs to bicycle.
The mountains await...... - Claire
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Yeah, Claire. Love YSL, so classic and cute. Congrats on surviving such a long ride!!! I am so proud of you. Yummy food is wonderful as well. I am celebrating every single day, just like your tag line says.
Today was just errands to Lowes, Sam's Club, a farmer's house for fresh watermelon, a consignment store to drop off more stuff. It has been so hot here that my plants did not make it and withered away. I gave them plenty of water, but I am thinking the potting soil that I used has the consistency of dust. I decided not to get any more plants at this point of the summer, but maybe get some mums in the fall. I am going to try to nurture my remaining plants and see how they do. My plants in the ground seem to be doing well, but the potted ones fell short.
Tonight I am having a chicken caesar salad, with avocodo, onion and tomato. I am taking a break right now, regaining my mojo to get going again!!
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Just pulled out a bunch of Lilly Pulitzer vintage shift dresses and kids clothes. Deciding whether to sell on Ebay or take to consignment store. Probably Ebay, I will make more money that way, which I can plow back into things that I want - essential, minimal lifestyle items. Still going strong, even stronger, on paring down to the bare essentials. Less is less, and I am liking the idea.
What are you girls up to? The kiddos will leave for college in a few weeks, but it is a local top school, so they will be in and out. I will be able to ramp up my paring down phase. Maybe that will help block some of the empty nest syndrome?
I went to my pharmacy today, because they shorted me 60 Teva brand, 10mg Tamoxifen pills. I had to pay for them. I thought, well, it is another month without major side effects, and is Teva. My meds are free because they are generic. I had to pay $24 for 60 tabs. Not happy, but I am stock piling those.
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Oh, no. Is there a stomach virus going around? Nausea, fatigue, overall icky? I looked on Germtrax website and saw that we do have something in this area. Anyone else?
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Please keep the stomach virus. Not what I need as will be spending the rest of the summer glued to the grindstone, as think I have a research project on top of my nonprofit work. YIKES!!! I still want to do the Tour de Lavender which is 9 days away. My fave ride ever. Just glorious scenery, not to mention the scent of the lavender fields and sweeping views of the coastline and Olympic mountains.
I just sprang for new cycling shoes to replace my worn out ones. Seem to be spending more these days on cycling gear than on my designer duds. They should be arriving just in time for the Tour de Lavender.
Hoping to get in another cycle and swim today as it's (relatively) hot here. People in the PNW wilt when the thermometer hits 80.
On things you love: I am fine having fewer, and much nicer possessions that give me pleasure every single day.
Tomorrow, I will be going to the Nordstrom beauty event which is always fun. I make sure that I take the time to do these things as well. Fun, and they keep my look updated. I will follow that with a trip to the wine bar and perhaps some live music.
Then cycling and work this weekend. Life is good. - Claire
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Claire, the lavender tour sounds wonderful and fragrant! I would say that I spend more on athleisure wear vs. dress clothes. I have enough dress clothes and don't really wear them consistently. My daily uniform is black leggings, birkenstocks or Puma hightops, duck boots in the winter, tunic top/trench coat/winter coat etc. I am in and out of properties, and never know when I am going to be on a floor teaching someone how to properly take care of wood.
Today, while taking in some more consignment items, I found a 3 piece Joseph Ribkoff outfit for a relative. It was $2.99 on sale. I nearly freaked out when I saw the price. Those are easily $250 for a 3 piece outfit. I took it over to my relative's house and she looked fantastic in it and was thrilled too!!! I found a Chetta B. black lace dress by Noveilla and Bloom, and the lace was amazing - more like what you would find on Chanel pieces or Dolce and Gabanna. It was also $2.99. I am so happy to be getting rid of so much stuff, it makes me feel lighter already.
I am feeling better than I was the other day. Still a little tired, but no nausea. Thank God.
I am so proud of Senator McCain for putting the kabash on the skinny repeal. Way too much drama for the American people who want the healthcare system that they have.
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