Catching up after a vacation

So, another week ends. This one was kind of nice tho. For the last 9 days, hubby has been on an actual paid vacation. Not that we had funds to really go away, but it was nice to have the time together even at home. We totally did not do several things we talked about doing. Figures. We did go back to a place we had not been since 2008. That was nice. We visited Deception Falls which is located just on the west side of Stevens Pass, in the North Cascade Mountains.

The first Saturday we went & bit the bullet of getting new tires put on our Escape. This alone would have not been bad. But, as it often goes once you begin to have something done, more things make themselves known. That was the case with the car. Wasn’t bad enough we had to spend just over $800 on 4 new tires. Nope. Now we have to spend another over $900 on tie rods, struts, brakes & ball joints. Tho we can’t really complain too much since the car is paid off & we have not done much to it in the years we have had it … it just hurts when it all comes at once. At least we’re safe again when we drive.

clear coated & stenciled. big hit!

We also took a trip down to visit with my dad & his wife. They live down in the Tri Cities, as its known. It’s about 2.5 hours south of us, along the Columbia. There are 3 cities that all kind of run into each other. Was a nice visit. It’s really strange too … for the first time, there was no feeling of anxiety or stress or anything. It was calm & fun. We talked about it on the way home. How if it had felt that way a couple years ago, we probably would have more eagerly looked to move there. Will we now? I don’t think so… not right now anyways. Aside from the freaky landlady we like it here, and the way things are. But anyway … I shared my new venture of making wrap pants with them & Neva now wants me to make her a pair. Nice. We got to go fabric shopping too! And, hubby brought the wine box we made for my dad. He loved it. And, asked us to make one for his brother in law. Cool. Nice visit & not one but 2 paid orders for stuff. We both have a deadline of the 25^th for these.

gotta love peanut butter in a kong bone!

We got back from the visit Friday afternoon. Left the dog at the local Club Pet … its affiliated with & connected to the local Humane Society, which is where we got her to begin with. Anyway… it was her first time being away from us since we got her. When we dropped her off on Wednesday afternoon, the one gal was pretty nice & understanding. The one at the desk tho, left much to be desired. Not sure if she was new or what … but her people skills, need serious work. Then when hubby went to pick her up, the same girl was at the desk & another gal was the one to bring Caeli back out. No notes on how she did or anything. Again, no people skills from the front desk gal either. Very disappointing. In the past we have had nothing but good service & communication with them. It makes me sad to think we might want to find elsewhere to board her when we need to. I think I’ll email someone in charge tho & voice my concerns …

Sometime earlier in the week I did something to my left knee. Not sure what but it hurts. It’s not really swollen tho. First night in the hot tub at dads was alright ... second night tho, kinda made it hurt more. Then Saturday while chatting with our upstairs neighbor, I put my right foot down to get from the upper drive to our main driveway & messed up my ankle. Lovely huh? So here I am with a bum right knee & left ankle. The ankle is a bit swollen but not bad. Walking with a normal gait hurts, but if I walk on the ball & toe of that foot I can hobble along nicely. LOL It’ll get better & meanwhile I’ll work to not be on it so much if possible.

I’m hearing again of my stepfather’s father being in the hospital. Not cool. He’s always been Papa to me. The only grandfather I’ve had. He had gone in several weeks ago for something & came out with knowledge that he not only has several medical issues, but a bone cancer. Funny how you never think of a man who has always been such a strong family leader as being able to be sick. He is old too, born in 1928. I always just thought they both would die of old age. I guess we all just hope that for our elders.

I am really not liking this whole phase of life where a woman goes thru menopause. Nope, not at all. And of course I can’t be one of those women who just have their cycle come to an abrupt halt. Nope … mine has to become a bit erratic & give me even more of an emotional roller coaster. And I’ve read that this whole process can take over 10 years to completely pass… that, is way too long. I am so very thankful to have such an understanding husband. Tho I think he’d be more understanding if I could be in the mood a bit more often … I do not like this decrease in the libido thing. Not that it’s gone, just more erratic.

So here I sit, on another Monday, trying to figure out what to do first. I should be hearing from the landlady sometime today. I need a shower, to do a load of laundry, wash a few dishes, vacuum, plan at least dinner for tonight & I’m sure several other things involving the computer. Oh yeah … & I need to figure out how to get the slick fabric to cooperate so I can get another pair of wrap pants sewn for one of the girls who works with my hairdresser… then I can start on my step mom’s pair.

I know I need to get my business back into high gear too. The holidays are coming & I want to get some stuff made & lots of stuff sold. Gotta make time to get a few new calendars designed for next year too. Wow. Lots to do & what am I doing? Sitting here farting around with my thoughts. LOL Guess I should get this posted & get a move on….