Happy Monday Friends ☀️
I hope you're having a great start to the week already. The weekend flew by and I can't believe how fast summer is going already. It was a wonderful weekend in that we got time up at the lake again. Matt's Mom has helped put on a show (along with a local arts council there) for 8 years now. And this was the last one for this particular show. Her former student leads a band (Josh Duffee and his Big Band) and they're absolutely amazing!! This was my 3rd year getting to see them and they were incredible as always. He is such a cool guy and we got extra time to hang out and visit with him as he also did a little clinic sharing his memorabilia of famous drummers from the era, particularly Louis Bellson. He was personally a friend of Louis Bellson and was even gifted drums of his that Josh played at the concert. We got to check everything out, ask Josh question, and Matt even got up behind the drum kit! :)
We also had a wonderful time at the lake swimming, pontooning, going out in Matt's fishing boat, playing cards and we had a big fish fry with more of the fish Matt & his Dad caught in Canada. Just one of those perfect summer weekends and I tried to soak up every minute! 💗
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:
ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE THIS MORNING:
sugar free iced coffee with a little protein creamer (fasted)
ON MY TO DO LIST THIS WEEK:
Run errands & groceries, running errands with Annie too, meeting with our wedding officiant (my cousin) to discuss things, other wedding things, help out my Mom, appointments, hospice work
THINKING ABOUT:
I was saddened to hear about former president Trump. Even if our politics don't always agree, violence is never the answer!! I'm grateful that he was ok and my prayers go out to the victims and their familes. It's absolutely tragic and awful how divided we have become as a nation. And that guns and mental illness are still such an issue! I am a daughter of the King and I always put my faith in Him above anything. But there is so much that I think needs fixing in this country and number one is that we need to start being united as a people again. We need to listen to and be kind to one another and work together to make this world a better place. It all breaks my heart how far we are from that in so many ways 😢
I don't share much of this stuff here as this blog is for me to share my life, recipes, memories, family etc. And I don't consider myself a political person - but I'm a spiritual one who values all life and who has always loved my country and would really like to stop being disappointed in it. Thanks for letting me vent a bit. 🙏🏻
AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
It's nice and sunny out and I just put another load of laundry in - catching up from the weekend. I can hear it thumping and the hum of the a/c going. Listening to Celtic music and it feels like a nice peaceful start to the week.
CURRENTLY READING
Nora Roberts trilogy starting with Awakening
ON THE TV TODAY:
AGT, House of Dragons, Grantchester, Bachelorette, HGTV shows, movies taped, Matt & I started watching Your Honor
ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
MONDAY - blueberry pancakes with fresh picked blueberries from my step Mom, eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, fruit
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY -
THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
* not sure about the rest of the week yet - going to do a deep dive into the fridge and freezer tonight with Matt and clean things out a bit and figure out our plan for the week
TO RELAX THIS WEEK I WILL:
walks & fun workouts, read, craft
TIPS OR SOMETHING TO SHARE:
this caught my eye so I had to look it up and when you go there number 7 is Justin Beiber. Lol No idea where that comes from but it gave me a giggle so I thought I'd share
FROM THE CAMERA:
We were able to go to both of Josh's shows and they were so great!
Loved learning more of the history and Josh was such a font of knowledge! Pearl Bailey was married to Louis Bellson until her death in 1990, and Josh had this neat photo. It was a taboo of the time because she was black and Louis was white. Josh had so many amazing stories that Louis had shared with him about the different drummers (Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa) and other celebrities of the times. We told him he needs to write a book!
The local area was having their "sweetheart days" with different events, so after one of the performances Matt & I caught a fun fireworks show to end the night. :)
Lake life, relaxation, and amazing fish one night from Matt & his Dad's fishing trip in Canada (we had lots still frozen) - it was SO good!
Back at home my little garden is blooming better late than never. It was a rough start from being gone on the big trip and web worms or something had been decimating it....but I've been diligent now and it's slowly coming back! 💚