I started out yesterday with the very best of intentions. For various reasons, I have been away from home nearly every day since the middle of last week, so things have started to pile up. My list was long and lofty. First, a Monadnock sized pile of laundry that needed to be folded and put away. The sunroom in need of a major tidying up was next. Annuals to be planted out back, along with the ongoing task of finishing up the spring raking and of course, those sheds still in need of attention. That was my pre- lunch agenda. After lunch I figured I would start the chalk paint project I have been procrastinating about, and then go to Zumba. In addition, there were the obvious daily tasks of doing dishes, cleaning the cat box, etc. WWIT? I apparently thought I would put on my Wonder Woman costume and zoom around the house doing chores with the greatest of ease.

So what actually happened yesterday was quite different. I went outside and planted some annuals, after which, my knees were killing me. Cleaned out the cat box. Had lunch. Cleaned up the kitchen, and tried to stick with my schedule. It wasn’t long before I realized I had been overly  optimistic.  My knees hurt, I ached all over, and felt exhausted. I asked myself for permission to take a furlough for the rest of the day, and permission was granted. Took a long nap under my duck down comforter, and got up in time to slap a coat of chalk paint on to my project before happy hour. Sometimes you’ve just gotta do what you gotta do.

End of May blues

My friend Pam took me on a mystery junk trip on Wednesday in celebration of my birthday. This time out we ended up in Barre Mass and had time to hit a couple of consignment stores before lunch. One in particular was a nice mix of antiques and vintage, and was run by a young dad who was doubling as shopkeeper, dry cleaning proprietor, and caretaker to his adorable 4 month old daughter. I found some very nice pieces at good prices, and went away smiling. One piece was the checkerboard pictured here. The coloring was perfect, and will be a great backdrop for my summer vignettes. After our antique excursion, we enjoyed a long lunch at the Jenkins Inn and Restaurant. The food was Fabulous! Went home happy and full!

Been out in the yard planting. Steve said the black flies wouldn’t bother because it’s windy. This is a myth. Those black flies rode the wind right into my ears, eyes and hair. I got in a half dozen little plants and went running for cover. Will have to go out later to water and do a few more. How can something that small be so intimidating? Next will be the mosquitos. At least you can see those. But then you have to worry about West Nile virus, EEE, and several other nasty diseases. And there are the ticks, offering lyme disease and more. One can hardly venture out into nature anymore without heavy armor and insecticides. I don’t remember all these bug diseases when I was younger. We just went out and slapped mosquitos as they landed; worst case scenario we got some itchy bites. By late August the mosquitos will be dwindling down, and I’ll have yellow jackets swarmimg my chardonnay.
Maybe the black flies aren’t so bad after all.

I am the fairy tale girl today!

Today was my Birthday. When Steve asked me what I wanted to do, the answer was a no brainer – go to Maine! We sat out on Long Sands before it got too hot, and even put our feet in the water! While I was sitting there watching the waves, I decided to take stock of where I am besides another year older.  I made a checklist of things that I have been told go awry when people get to my age.

1) hair. Still good here. I have a thick head of hair, and just tastefully grey.

2) eyes. I can see a fly at 50 feet, but need readers to look at a menu, so good there.

3) teeth. All good except the one I broke on a salt water taffy. 

4) waistline. Gone. Wardrobe has transitioned to loose flowy mumuesque garments reminiscent of Blanche Devereaux and Helen Roper.

5) knees.  Both shot. Some days OK and others, can’t get out of my own way. 

6) feet. Still good and sturdy. Need cosmetics. Nothing a 3 hour pedicure couldn’t fix. 

In conclusion, I am in pretty good shape above the waist, and gone to hell from the waist down. This does not make my life any less rich. The realization comes with age that we are still the same people inside, but have to accept our changes and know our limitations. We still have our day at the beach. Only the bathing suit is different.