Optimistic October

[Lavande]

Re: Optimistic October

Greetings friends,

Still blessed to be in this nice weather pattern. Rain arrives Tuesday followed by colder air, so they say. Maybe we can burn a few pieces of firewood since we have SO much stacked on our porches, ha ha!

SK, I have found with the grandkids that their moods are a lot like ours - changeable. Just wait a week or two & I bet Vivian's mood will find you in favor once again
I think they get bombarded with school & other activities & stuff going on at home as well.
Husband behavior can really make you or break you. I dealt with a bit of that myself & it sure changed our trajectory
At this point what I am most interested in is ME. Sounds selfish but it seems I am the only one who can take care of ME so that's the way it is I guess.
I have never been to Texas but sure have heard a lot about it from others. You seem to be better suited to the quieter, woodsy areas I think

Star, didn't see the boys today either, it's now going on a month I believe. Not much I can do about it so I'm not going to go crazy.
Sometimes I feel a little used & insulted considering all the time I spent with them so their parents could go do what they needed to do. Oh well.
Did I mention the lentil meatballs with the creamy cashew gravy? OH MY, these were good! I served them over smashed homegrown red potatoes & a side of sautéed spinach, yum Lentil Meatballs (Vegan, Gluten-Free) | Healthier Steps

Hello to Pauly, hope you are drama free today.

Hello to Cyn!

Have a nice night everyone!

Lav

[Snoopy56]

Re: Optimistic October

Good morning...

Lav, thanks for the link, I love the recipes. The rain and cooler weather have arrived, so perfect for new recipes. Yesterday was a beautiful weather day, walked outside, yoga, and enjoyed the day. Not much else to report. Sorry you did not see your grandsons, it is so mean I don't have words. Yes, I am saying that, it is not right. I understand your need for no drama, but validate your experience of being treated poorly, and I hope things change.

Hello to Cyn, Pauly and Skendall. Have a good one.

[Lavande]

Re: Optimistic October

Good evening friends,

Light turnout here today, ha ha!!
Our streak of nice weather is ending - clouds moving in & rain to begin soon. We actually need some rain so I won't complain.

Star, I keep flipping between feeling hurt & feeling plain old pissed off with my son & his wife right now.
I am absolutely sure that it would be a big mistake to start making noise in trying to get a response from them. I don't want the boys picking up on any more of this dysfunctional sh*t than they already have. I'm not out of hope yet but am also not holding my breath if you know what I mean.
About those lentil meatballs - they make excellent leftovers too
I am still missing Curves & I swear I don't know what to do. There are a few regular gym type places not too far but they always seem to be closed in the middle of the day when I pass by. What's up with that? I guess I'll start doing laps around the property, ha ha!

Hello to Cyn, Pauly, SK & anyone else looking in on us.
Have a nice night!

Lav

[Snoopy56]

Re: Optimistic October

Good morning...

Hello to Pauly and Cyn and Skendall.

Lav, I think I lucked out with the gym situation, found a group who come pretty regularly and enjoy exercising with them. Still raining here, colder too, 40s for a large part of the day. Cleaned out a coat closet and now know what I have, I'll have to wear a winter coat today. Brrrrrr. I had a come to Jesus meeting with the contractor, so hope he keeps his word, the work should be done by Friday. I want to believe he will follow through. Have a good one.

[treegirl]

Re: Optimistic October

Morning all - so sorry to be away from the thread. This traveling and being a (virtually) single landowner, dog mom, and solo-preneur is wearing me out. I got home yesterday around 2 pm, but spent the rest of the day on business (except for clearing out the gutters and blowing the leaves out in anticipation of the rain) and just finished sending emails at 10:30 pm, when I dropped into bed. At 7 pm I realized I didn't have any food in the house and thank goodness our wonderful little grocery with a terrific deli had a little turkey, green beans and mashed turnips dinner all ready - a life-saver! No overnight to NYC coming up this weekend, thank goodness, though I will drive the dog down with me and we will meet HB somewhere south of NYC and have lunch and a walk. There is the old Rockefeller estate there which has all the riding trails open for walking now - very pretty.

SK - what a fascinating story! I was so touched by your recounting of gathering mushrooms with the paintbrush so you could put the spores back in the earth. And the fairy bell! You sound like a sensitive soul, take care of yourself.

Star , so glad that you had a serious discussion with the contractor - good for you - hold his feet to the fire! I hope that they get going and finish up when they say they will. I personally don't do well with workmen in my house, I just hate the disruption. Glad that you are forming relationships through your exercise place, that is just great. Sorry about your worries about your son - I hope he gets stabilized again real soon.

Pauly, also sorry about Michelle - it must be so frustrating to have to watch all of that from afar. Take care of yourself in the midst of all this worry!

Lav, I will follow that link, yum that sounds good. I am now expanding my food choices again... I either didn't have SIBO, or my 6 weeks of the specific diet cured it, as the test came back negative, I think the diet did it, as I am able to eat more now with little consequence, yay. So sorry you have lost Curves, I knew that was going to be a tough one. Maybe those gyms need you to bring all your Curves friends to a new place? I hope you find a solution! So sorry too about the grandboys... anger seems to be the rational response, but of course no good for your psyche... if anyone can figure out a way forward, it is you!

I haven't shared here yet that I am in a book writing/publishing group, and hard at work on a book that I hope to either shop around or self-publish within the next 6 months. So, that has added a layer of time and work to this already-crazy life, but it is a long-put-off project, and it is time that it gets out into the world. So again, sorry when I am away from the thread - sometimes it's just a lot to juggle. I am always so comforted when I'm here though, and appreciate all of you. Thanks for hanging in there!

Wishing all a safe and good AF Tuesday...

[SKendall]

Re: Optimistic October

Cyn, thank you. I'm excited about the book, can you share the title? I'm glad you have the deli. Cleaning the gutters? Maybe I'm unaware of your marital status. I'm not being a female chauvinist, but men look good atop of a ladder, haha.

Lav, these are my emotions too. I prefer being p.o.'d about it because the anger is a motivator. Self-pity for myself means withdrawing, can't be bothered feeling. My DD has never used Vivian like that, it's just tragic and heart-breaking for you. I think DIL needs a good smack! Son too. He probably is afraid to upset her, even tho she is upsetting you. I think you mentioned she has her issues, and this treatment is so vindictive. Do you even have a hint of what is bugging her.

Pauly don't drink anymore. Get well and you also Det.

Hello to everyone else. I have to lay on the heating pad for a while. I'm looking for a surgeon who can fix this if possible.

G'night y'all from TX.

[SKendall]

Re: Optimistic October

p.s. This time next week it will be approaching nightfall.:sad:

There is one province (Newfoundland) in Canada who is a bit of a holdout on DST. They compromised and jump forward and fall back is 1/2 hr.The jokes about it are funny and I'm guessing some stubborn people live there:happy2:

[Lavande]

Re: Optimistic October

Good evening folks,

No pressing work to do so I've just been putzing around & enjoying myself, even went & got my hair cut. Now that's excitement, ha ha!
Will be leaving the house fairly early tomorrow morning, YB has an appointment to get his sore wrist injected again. The doctor who does this is on the outskirts of Philly, at least an hour & a half drive from here. She does a great job though, she's young & I like her

Star, staying up in the face of a contractor is not fun but sometimes necessary. I sure hope the job is finished soon.
I am going to stop being an idiot & just use some of the exercise equipment YB has gathered over the years & never touched himself. I think I am missing the company of other women more than missing the actual exercise. That's what living in cow country does for you.

Cyn, I am happy to hear you are feeling better! You sure have worked hard to repair whatever was going on in your gut.
Your book project sounds very exciting, good for you Since you are so extremely busy we will forgive you for not checking in with us daily - ha ha!!!
Your weekend plan sounds nice.

SK, I have to avoid self pity at all costs. I firmly believe that is what drove me into my crazy wine consumption many, many years ago. I am PO'd about my DIL & her selfish behavior but I am also aware that she is likely dealing with bipolar like her birth mother. That woman goes 'underground' for years at a time
I am starting to fantasize about kicking my almost 37 year old son's butt though. I know he is doing his best to keep peace in their house so I probably will keep my foot to myself.
Are you having back pain again? What's going on? Don't use dry heat, makes everything absolutely worse. Warm, moist heat is best, promise!

Pauly, where are you & what's going on?

Have a nice night everyone!
Lav

[Snoopy56]

Re: Optimistic October

Good morning....

Up way to early, my little grandson did not sleep well last night, woke up crying, then up at 4:30 am, not a good scenario. His tired out mother will have to deal with him later I guess. I feel badly, don't know what is going on with him, we had a fun night, lots of playing and laughing, a good little bath, then bed. His nose is a little stuffy, maybe that is what woke him up. I am tired already, but after they leave will take a nap.

Cyn, you are awfully busy, it scares me to hear that you are cleaning out gutters, I would hire that out myself, I am afraid of falling. Your book project sounds fascinating, what a wonderful goal to work towards and reach. Creativity in all forms is so fulfilling. I have been practicing the piano again and although in the beginners stage, it is coming together and feels wonderful to be able to pull it together. Your weekend plans sound fun, the fall colors here are just at their height, very beautiful. Enjoy and I hope the weather is good.

Lav, I agree with you that the community built with fellow exercisers makes it so worth it. The contractors are a bunch of idiots, the painter is coming out today and I realized they had not replaced the light fixture, so have to call them and tell them to come out today so the painter can complete his job. This is a nightmare and really stressing me out. I hate them in my house, I am trapped waiting for them, and they are not doing a good job on top of everything else. It is Wednesday and they have not worked here at all. All because my husband wanted a walk-in shower. After this is done, I am done with projects for a long time. I wonder why contractors are so unprofessional. I don't get it. Again, I feel so badly about your DIL and not seeing your grandsons, I wish your son was able to bring them over more, but I understand being married to a difficult person makes it hard for him. You are generous in your attitude.

Skendall, hope you are feeling better, what a tough time having back pain.

Pauly, you have had a tough year, please come back and try again. We miss you.

Have a great AF Hump Day.

[treegirl]

Re: Optimistic October

Morning all - just a quick one this morning, as I have some early work today.

Lav, so interesting that you know the birth-mother of your DIL, that adds a interesting twist. Does your son just not come over himself? That seems a little strange. But kids these days in general think in a different way than we did... I swear that 'screen time' has changed how our brains function. I am trying to keeep it to a minimum for myself. Good luck driving today, I hope all goes smoothly and YB is pain free for awhile... I know people can be difficult to live with when they are in pain.

Star, so sorry about that project, uuugh, I feel your pain. I just hate having people here. Luckily we live in a asmall area that has lots of tradesmen... if anybody complains about them, everybody hears about it! So that keeps behavior on the up and up. It's much harder in a big city. Sorry you didn't get good sleep - hope you get that nap!

Pauly, whatever is going on with you, please come and share - it's the way forward! Miss your voice ---

SK, sure hope you can resolve your pain, that's no fun. I do a lot of the house stuff because a) I always have, I came from a DIY family, b) my husband is away most of the time. I am used to doing this, In my young adulthood I worked with paint contractors, so I know my way around a ladder. Also I live in a 1965 split level house, so the gutters I clear are very reachable with a 12 foot ladder. The far ones that are way up high I leave to the professionals. But if I don't clean the ones I can get to before a rain we have water problems in the house, so it must be done.

OK, must dash now. Inexplicably, I have gotten 2 new clients this week - crazy! I guess being busy generates that energy or something. I just have to concentrate on my book (which is actually a Guidebook/practical workbook). I'm protective of the concept and title , but will share that at some point.

Sending lots of light to all --

[Lavande]

Re: Optimistic October

Greetings friends,

Long day on the road but everything worked out OK.
The steroid injections don't really get to work relieving YB's wrist pain for a week or more, he should have done this a few weeks ago in my opinion. Does he ever listen to me? Of course not! He also decided he wanted to go eat dinner up in Lancaster county after all that driving today so we got back in the car & went out, haha! I scanned the menu for daiy free options & they were few but I did get a tasty chicken salad wrap, yum! These type of eateries use of fashioned Amish recipes which call for tons of butter, milk & cream SO I know I have to tread carefully, ha ha.

Star, sorry the contractors are so crappy, that makes things very hard. I hope it all gets sorted out quickly. We were very lucky to have many friends in the trades that helped us out with our first three houses.
It's rough when the little ones stay over & don't sleep well. That's why god made Granny naps, I swear.
I've put together trick or treat bags for the kids, like I do every year. Last year I drove them over & just left them on the front porch of my son's house. I saw my DIL's car in the driveway & wasn't going to attempt to go inside. This year I will text my son this weekend 7 just tell him to get the heck over here so I can see the boys & give them their bags.
I think my daughter & her family are coming here on Sunday. Maybe the world wouldn't end if they actually ran into each other! I am so annoyed that they haven't spoken in well over a year & I blame that on my DIL as well.

Cyn, looks like the universe is smiling down on you
Very nice getting two new clients! Your book has us all feeling excited, yay!
I don't think my son has 5 minutes to himself these days. He is working a few jobs in addition to playing mother & father to the boys. He does the food shopping, cooking & laundry (always has). I don't know what she does in a day's time, honestly.
About YB, he's always difficult to live with, pain or no pain, LOL I'm just used to it I guess!

SK, I hope you are getting some relief for your pain as well.

Pauly, I don't know what set you off but please get back & get on plan again - we miss you when you do this.
A big part of our recovery program has to be learning NOT to react to the ups & downs of life. We have good days & we have bad days. Most of the stuff that happens is out of our control. There's just no sense in drinking AT things & people, it never helps change anything, right? Come on, let's get back on plan!

Have a peaceful night everyone!

Lav

[treegirl]

Re: Optimistic October

Morning all -

Had trouble with the site again, it keeps me logged in (even when I clearly have logged off) and then I can't access this thread from the Monthy abs link. On the good side, I did have a quick look-see at other threads, which I rarely do. I had to go into my profile to find an old post to get here! Maybe it's an iPad thing...

Not much to share here today, I am getting ready for a morning client, and then will try to use the rest of the day to get outside things done before the cold comes. They say that there may be snow here next week. I still have a vivid memory from 6 years ago this week when there was the 24 in snowfall with all the leaves in the trees and they seemed to all fall down and we lost power for a week... we already had a power outage after the big rain and wind storm a couple of days ago... a good reminder!

I am wishing everybody a stable, centered, gratitude-filled day with lots of self-care.

[Lavande]

Re: Optimistic October

Good evening friends!

Cyn, glad you found your way here, geez!
I hope your day was as productive as possible
We are supposed to get drenching rain here on Sunday. I guess that will mess up the plans for a big bonfire, ha ha!

We went to our granddaughter's school today & really enjoyed the visit. She's so happy & doing wonderfully with her reading & writing already. Makes me wonder where all the years went because it seems like yesterday that my own kids were in first grade

Hello to Star, hope you are well.
LBH is on a trip to Budapest & posting some awesome pictures on Facebook

Pauly, ready to join us again?

SK, how's the pain situation? I hope you have found some relief.

Have a nice night one & all.

Lav

[Snoopy56]

Re: Optimistic October

Good morning...

I thought I posted yesterday, where did it go? I skipped exercise yesterday, I needed to catch up on things around the house and waited for the contractor who finally showed up at 3:30 pm and stayed till at least 8 pm, what weirdos. I had my book club last night, so left the worker at my house. It is almost done, but the paint job looks crummy and I need them to resand and fix it up, plus one more thing to put up. Of course no note, no message, nothing. This is really annoying, and I hope the shower works OK.

Lav, so wonderful, Grandparent's Day. Having grandchildren and watching them grow so quickly makes us really aware of how time passes....let's make the most out of each day. My daughter and family our coming over at 4 and spending the night, then leaving early in the morning, so it will be busy here later today. Looking forward to seeing everyone. I watched a Forks over Knives webinar and it was interesting, the idea is to eat veggies first, like a soup and salad, then the grains, legumes, starch veggies, then a little of anything else. I have to find some good salad recipes, although roasted veggies are always good too. Especially now it is cold. Do you have any good salad recipes, I am searching for those and you always have good ideas.

Cyn, we may get a little snow/rain mix too this weekend, yuck. I cleaned my closet out and have a bunch of things to take to good will, I am purging a bunch of old stuff and it feels good! It is so nice to have time to do all this cleaning, I enjoy having things in order. I need the warmer clothes now too. Next week is Halloween already, it will be chilly here, in the 40s at night. Brrrrr.

Hello to Pauly and Skendall. Have a good AF Friday.

[treegirl]

Re: Optimistic October

Morning!

Star, good to hear from you - Have fun with your family this weekend! It sounds busy, but good. I know, cleaning out and giving away is a great feeling, isn't it? Donating always gives us all a lift. Good luck with the showers, ha! I do hope it works, after all that ---

Lav, sorry about the bonfire - that it won't work! It sounds like a lot of rain coming... 3-5 inches here or more, and windy. Not as bad as Cape Cod, which is supposed to get very high winds. Eeek! I like your idea of having your son bring the boys by... I hope that works. Thanks for the heads-up on LBH, that sounds great. I haven't looked at friend's posts for a long time -- too many work hours in each day, I worked again until 9:30 last night. Also, my book-writing group is a closed FB group, so I go there for info, and then never get over to my own personal feed. Maybe this weekend when we are staying in because of the rain!

SK, hope you are feeling better, sending you healing.

Pauly, come back, sending you healing.

Well, off to get outside things done, and then an afternoon client. Wishing all well for this AF Friday.