Saturday, May 31, 2008

Dang

I just realized that even with my recent birthday I'm too young to retire. Guess I'll have to keep working for a few years. That means little time to quilt, little time to hike.

Fortunately, I have plenty of time to read. I listen to books when I'm working. When I'm really busy with work, I get through nearly a book a day.

The most recent read was The Chase by Clive Cussler. I am a rabid Dirk Pitt fan, and this wasn't a book featuring that most lovely man. This was about bank robbery, antique cars, steam locomotives, and turn-of-the-century detective work. It was kind of predictable, but enjoyable anyway. If you get to listen to the book, Scott Brick is the narrator. That man is amazing and I'd listen to him read his grocery list. Seriously.

Now for a few personal notes.....

Being a native Pittsburgh-er, I have to root for the Pens in the Stanley Cup. Sorry S and A. We can be friends again next week.

Welcome to my new book buddy, L. Just in case you were wondering, this book isn't anywhere near as good as Twilight. Even if Edward is too young for me.

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Happy weekend, everyone. Do something fun and think of me while I'm working, ok?

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Places on Mother's Day

Where I was supposed to hike to:




Where I actually hiked to:



I had a truly ah-ma-zing hike today. Since I'm breaking in a new pair of boots, I was only going to go out for a short hike; once I was out there, however, I couldn't NOT go to the lake. I encountered two very cute little dogs taking their humans for a Sunday stroll. I also met a college-aged young man on his way to Vermont. He's got quite a few days ahead of him. I hope he's somewhere warm -- it's pretty cold tonight yet.

When I returned home, my family treated me to takeout Pad Thai. We're about a 1/2 hour from the restaurant, but the food was yummy enough to justify all that driving. I will admit to ordering spring rolls just so we could eat them on the drive home.

I'm now sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop while my daughter is icing a cake she made for me. She's an incredible baker and wants to learn to make her cakes look as yummy as they taste. I bought her some cake decorating stuff for her birthday and she's breaking all the bags and tips out for this cake. There may be pictures later. After that, there may be only crumbs.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and moms-to-be (especially S and A). I hope that your day was as relaxing and special as mine was.

Happy Mother's Day!


Monday, May 05, 2008

Q: When is it OK to look down on your husband?

A: When you hike above his workplace!



Also, the trail today was RIDICULOUSLY crowded. OK, so not Rockefeller Center at Christmas crowded, but quite crowded for the woods. I was out for 2 hours and met:

1. the same 50ish hiker dude as the other day
2. 2 really loud Fran Drescher wannabes who were behind me on the trail cackling loudly until I sat down and let them pass so I could unclench my teeth
3. a woman with 2 gorgeous and energetic black labs
4. a family -- mom with baby in a sling, dad who screamed a lot with a voice that carried for miles, and 3 rambunctious little boys
5. the woman with her 2 dogs again
6. the same 50ish hiker dude again
So basically, my time alone in the woods was spent listening to other people's loud conversations.
My relaxing hike was anything but relaxing. I think I got as upset as I did because I consider the trail to be holy ground. Listening to them all felt like someone swearing in church.
I met someone else on the trail today, and he didn't bother me one little bit:
Update: I showed this photo to the family and we got into a long discussion of frog versus toad. After some research, this is definitely a toad.
Update, part deux: To answer the emails that I know are coming, yes, I do actually have a job. I work weekends so I get to pick which day of the week to take off. I usually choose the ones that are sunny.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

File under 'Things that make me happy'

Diamonds? Nope.

New cars? Nope.

Designer clothes? Closer.

Clothespins.



This is the second day in a row that I've been able to hang laundry outside to dry. It's gonna be a great day!