Happiest of Halloweens

Finally went to get our carving pumpkin at the store and all they had were gourds. So this gem would have to do for my youngest darling and me to carved. She picked the design. She did most of the carving. I cleaned the seeds for roasting.

BOO TO YOU!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Birthday My Love

My Spartan.
So proud always,

Love,
Mom

Are we ever too old to try new things?

Yesterday ate my first oyster. Enjoyed more than one...

This summer / fall learning a lot about home construction. Looking forward to a birthday weekend on the job site.

This year I have rode over 2200 miles on my bike.

Yesterday

After a two ride weekend, yesterday was a day for saying no to a ride. But at the end of a long day, and still a lot on my mind, the best friend bike won. Do bikes have mental telepathy? For mine knew best.

Windows on the world.

Windows are for looking out and for looking in. Much like the heart.

Sawzall

Months ago when we started the home projects with our friends I was a gopher. No worries. It's their projects, their house. I was just happy to help.

Yesterday I was give the task of cutting out the window openings with this sawzall. My first sawzall experience. My first window installation. Even as 54 closes in I'm learning so much.

This Morning's Quick Outing.

Check out my activity on Strava

https://www.strava.com/activities/211368859

What a difference a bike ride makes.

Best Night Of My Life

At least in the top ten. Watching my daughter getting inducted into the National Honors Society. I could not be more proud. The frosting on the cake, knowing many of the other inductees and being able to congratulate them and tell them I am so very proud of them as well.

To my own girl: You. Rock.

I don't do a ton of selfies

But after tonight's garage session I thought I would capture the sweaty exhausted moment.

There are three ladies in this picture. The two others staged this way to promote their influence in my life: my oldest daughter and a black Madonna. Love.

Life is full of changes

Imagine being born as a nymph in a pond, and growing into a dragonfly. A swimmer. Then a flyer. Huge changes.

Yesterday

I'm always amazed by how God works His way into life.

This has been our first year belonging to a CSA, community supported agriculture, farm. We have worked in the fields and reaped its rewards physically, emotionally and spiritually. We have truly eaten our share. And as the year closes I wanted to show our appreciation to the farmers who have tirelessly worked the season.

And as I contemplated a gift for each of them, I knew it would have to be balanced against my daughter's college expenses. For I couldn't pay what I didn't have. So after weeks of thought, yesterday a value was settled upon, and the thank you cards written. Today, we pick up our last share of the year and we will say thank you.

But the story gets better. Last night when I was picking up my youngest from religious education I was handed a check. "What's this?"

"It's your refund for the mission trip to Oklahoma. Your part of the fundraising."

And the amount not only covers the gifts, but there is a little but extra.

As Saint Pius X said, "I give away one million dollars in the morning and two million walks through the door in the afternoon."

Be Amazed.

Something crazy...

Created closure on my 100 mile ride. Returned to mile 92, had a coffee and pedaled home.

Riding 45 miles offers plenty of time to think and ponder. Thought of today: I'm very strong for my size. Very strong.

I need to remember that.

The Road Goes On

Rise Up! And Ride!

Even in the rain

Beautiful. Peaceful. Lovely

Sometimes we have to remember to hug ourselves.

We should be our own best friend rather than our own best enemy.

Ain't It The Truth

Would you say no?

My boss texted the other night saying he was giving me the following day off. That I had been working hard for the company.

I thanked him, but declined his offer. Stating I had a lot on my work plate and I would feel better getting things done rather than fretting the end of the week.

Crazy? Probably.

Happy Birthday!

Second Cake

Three times the fun!

We are partying all weekend

It's Raining. No Riding.

Put my energy elsewhere. A little progress goes a long way.

Tools of the Trade

Two nights ago my bestie dropped this off. Last night we went out for a ride. We could have ridden all night long. No work to rush to. No children to shuttle to school. No errands to run. Just two ladies on two bikes with two awesome headlights. One or two or three of these nights we should ride all night. Imagine where we could go.

Always...

Go for the snort. Or at least have them running for the bathroom.

Have a great day.

Don't be afraid to face your fears.

Truly, you got this.

Parenting Toughie

One of the most difficult aspects of parenting is allowing a child to make a bad choice. Then having the consequences fall where they may. It breaks my heart twice. But sometimes it takes those experiences for the child to grow.

So... Grow quickly and let's move on.

My Friend Cooper

Cooper is an elderly dog in our neighborhood. Introduced to me by my youngest who got to know him and his owner while walking home from school these past three years.

When I see them walking by our house I always yell out, "Hi Cooper!" His owner drops his lead and he trots over to me for a pat. He is a love. A gem. A sweetie.

This morning, racing out of the house, we spied the Coop and owner. The greeting went out, his head lifted with bright recognition and he trotted to us. A pat in the head, and a tussle on the back. Dear Cooper.

As his owner and I chatted she mentioned that a few days ago he spied me walking around in our kitchen very early one morning. And he wouldn't budge. Perhaps waiting for me to see him, open the door and call his name.

My first interjection was: Feel free to knock anytime. You guys are always welcome.

My first fear was: Jimminy I hope I was sufficiently dressed....

Have a great day. And may you too find out you are important in some one's life when you least expect it.

Do you plan ahead? Way ahead...

These joists are 2 by 10. If this space were pure attic then 2 by 8 would have been fine. But in 6 years the plan is to take the roof, that's not even installed, off, and make this second floor space into a bedroom. Planning. Planning. Planning.

That's the nail gun we shared yesterday. I even learned how to load the nails.

This Morning

Ruby and Ruby Roo Rocking a Ride.

Two quotes

I heard two quotes this week. One from a sixteen year old. It was her response when an old boyfriend said he would love her forever. She said, "I'm sixteen. There is no such thing as forever."

So Smart.

The next from a friend when asked if she ever thought of having an affair. Her reply, "Never. Why would I give anyone else the opportunity to break my heart?"

Worth the Repeat

At any time in her childhood did Mother Teresa ever think she would change the world? We all have that potential when we trust in God.

The Games We Play

Question: What is the one ring that rules us all?

Answer: Love

Life's Little Steps

Life's lessons and little steps are everywhere. Two weeks ago we were installing the sills. Two days ago the joists. Yesterday the floor went down which means the walls will be going up this week. Progress.

Like life. Slow steps and improvements. Hardly noticeable day to day. Changed diet. Exercise. Better mental outlook. Stronger. Healthier. 40 pounds lighter a year later.