Keeping the adventure alive

Well, fun and games in wine county has become a bit serious, now with both Nancy and I adjusting to being single moms…my kids just happen to be furry. I know, they are just dogs…however they are the closest thing to kids I have and I worry about their emotional and physical well being, particularly the seizures. I struggle with a Catch-22 on my part-time wine gig…making extra money to cover additional vet bills & stuff but it takes more time away from them. Probably the same struggle all working moms have, huh? However, I am still lucky to work from home so we can do walks at lunch on sunny days and all cuddle up at night on the couch to watch tv.

Last Sunday I drove down to check out the winery I’m working for and was very pleased. The winery sits right by the Willamette River. It’s a bit of a drive since the ferry is closed for inspection for a couple weeks…I had to go the long way which took roughly an hour. Helluva commute for a gal who has gone from driving a mile to work for years to walking into the next room. But I guess that’s even more reason not to bitch.

The tasting room is casual and the counter is a series of wine barrels…much more room that my 10×10 space at the market. I met Jeff, one of the owners, and he let me taste the extended selection of wines they create at the winery. A couple of their friends from down the road showed up, then my manager/trainer Kelly came by with a bunch of her friends on a wine tasting tour…and it turned into a party. But I had to behave with the long drive back so stuck with just a splash of wine and lots of water. I picked up my supplies for Saturday and Jeff also gave me fresh eggs from the chickens they had on the vineyard. I’m now set on my wine and egg connections.

It was odd switching back to advertising mode after doing the wine thing all weekend, but I was ready to roll Monday morn. Most of the time, I’ll have Sundays off unless there is a special event at the winery and I’m willing to give up my one day off to make some more moola. The rains came back on Monday so it put me in the mood to hunker down in front of my computer. On Wednesday, I ran into the neighbors across the street who had sold their place and were just heading out for their big move to Washington. They told me a single woman bought the place but didn’t know much more than that. Hopefully she likes wine and dogs. And if she’s a vet, I’ll know that Grandma and Dad pulled a big favor for me up in heaven! I’m keeping an eye out for the moving van and will give her a big neighborhood welcome.

Thursday night I got an invite from Nancy to come over for some vino and watch TV. I gladly accepted because I can only handle so many days hibernating at home before I need a change of scenery. A supposed thunderstorm rolled through but I didn’t hear any thunder. It just got dark and poured. They don’t know what REAL thunderstorms are around here. Nancy gave me good advice over a bottle of pinot noir…to not just look at this wine gig as a way to make extra money but as another true adventure in Pinotland. Very wise advice and a way to keep it fun.

So here I am on a Friday night, preparing for the big three day weekend…actually four since I took Tuesday off to use up some vacation time. I’ll be working tomorrow at the Farmer’s Market until 2ish. I just finished loading the Xterra and it wasn’t as hard as I thought although those wine boxes are kind of heavy. Nancy and Natalie are coming tomorrow to help test out an exit strategy to pack up and escape the market in a timely manner. Sunday, we are taking advantage of one of two weekends where all the wineries open up to the public for tastings (were talking around 150). The other weekend is Thanksgiving weekend…which I am going to turn into my birthday wine tour since my birthday is that week also. Screw a party at one place…we’re going to take the party on the road! This weekend will be our dry run…well, maybe not so dry.

Monday, I agreed to work at the winery to help them out during this big wine weekend. I’ll have more wines to learn that I don’t have at the market like the semillion and pinot blanc. And they put out cheeses and munchies so it’s more of a party atmosphere there. Sure beats the hell out of working at the mall to make a little extra moola! And I’m learning so much about wines…and can’t complain about the employee discount!

For my winos back in AZ, check out their website at www.arcanecellars.com. If you buy a case, you get 20 percent off plus free shipping if the order is over $100. And if you join the wine club, which gets you even more discounts, mention my name and I get a bonus!

I had taken Tuesday off for the hell of it since we have to put in for vacation days way in advance and I had to start using some up so they aren’t clumped at the end of the year. It worked out great because I can recuperate from the weekend. I think Nancy might play hooky from work and we’ll hit a movie or go downtown…I haven’t been in the city lately and due for a trip.

I’m happy to say that despite a few more bumps tossed my way, I choose to roll with the flow and rise above. I came up here to find out what I’m made of and I’m definitely being tested but my moments of sheer panic are less and less. I’ve received sage advice from many friends who have already dealt with these things tossed my way. I’m feeling better physically too (my throat is normal size again and no more issues with the damp cold winter stiffness…well, not until next year anyway) and it’s time to start prepping for that anti-inflammatory diet. But first…it’s a Winey Weekend!!!

Everyone have a safe Memorial Day weekend and make sure to make a toast to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Cheers from Pinotland!

Kicking butt after getting my butt kicked

When I last signed off, I was a walking mess trying to still function enough to fulfill my commitments, the last being movie night at the winery to see Mama Mia. Thankfully, Nancy drove since my car, along with myself, needed serious help. We had fun as we always do on movie night…but I just wanted to sleep and that’s exactly what I did the rest of the weekend. I spent Mother’s Day crashed in my trusty chair by the window and watched the SyFy Channel marathon. I hardly noticed what was on…it was just background noise as I snoozed. By Sunday night, my temp was up to 102. I wanted to croak.

Thankfully, the fever came down Monday morning so I was able to function for work. But my throat was killing me and I started to wonder if I was dealing with strep and need antibiotics. So back to the doc I went after work and it wasn’t strep. The doc explained to me that it was viral and stress induced…like how chickenpox turns into shingles when you’re older and totally stressed out. However, if the original doc had given me antiviral meds on my first visit (I had no clue they existed) then my throat wouldn’t have become so swollen and raw and my lymph nodes about ready to burst out of my neck. So I was in viral hell and hibernated for a week.

Wednesday I took my car in to get fixed. It was squealing to the point of embarrassment and I knew I’d need it this weekend. Turns out it was my breaks…the one thing I didn’t think it was because it squealed when I drove…NOT when I braked. And I probably paid through the nose for waiting too long…$800 to get it fixed. Ouch. But I had my new weekend gig to help offset these emergency expenses…no clue yet how many months I’ll have to work to pay that bill off though. Thursday night, I took an online class and test for my OLCC alcohol server’s permit. And I passed 100 percent so ready to roll on Saturday!

I took the girls to the dog park at lunch Friday. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we all needed to escape the house for a bit. Pinot isn’t a big fan of dog parks because she keeps getting sideswiped by rude, bigger dogs so she kept crawling between my legs. I didn’t want to deal with yet another vet bill in case more rough housing ensued, so we went for a long walk around the lake. We passed through a section they called the garden and I had no idea why until now. It was a big area filled with rhododendrons (like the ones in front of my place) but they came in every shade between light pink and purple. I felt like I was in Tim Burton’s Wonderland…the colors were insane! Up until now, it’s just been an area with green bushes. They just blew up like every other plant in the area. Even the grass has little white flowers all over the fields!

Luckily, Saturday morning I was running at 95 percent capacity when I woke up at 5:30 am. I showered, fed the girls and myself, then went over to the Farmer’s Market at 7am. It was still a bit chilly but the sun was up. I was being trained along with JJ, who will be working another market. Kelly was our trainer and she was still going to be around to fill in as needed. I had a lot of fun and my years vending at motorcycle rallies came in handy. I poured wine, sold bottles, urged people to visit the winery and sign up for the wine club. We worked until 1:30 and then crammed the whole set up into the back of my Xterra…tent, 2 tables, 5 cases of wine, 2 racks of glasses, ice chests, signage…snug but we did it. However I have no clue how I am going to pull this off all by myself next weekend. Kelly didn’t have to haul the stuff home…this is a new addition to avoid having the guy from the winery drive back and forth from Salem twice on Saturdays. I think I’ll hire someone to help get my car during the breakdown otherwise I’ll be there forever. Plus I don’t want the wine snatched while I’m getting my car.

I took the girls for another walk after I got home and I am absolutely exhausted. Going to be a couch potato tonight…maybe catch Jagger on SNL if I can stay up that late (11:30). Tomorrow, I need to drive to Salem to meet the winery owner and learn about the winery. I’ll be working their member’s pickup party in 2 weeks on Sunday. It’s keeping me busy, which is a good thing. But I want to make sure I give the girls good quality time too. I’m also keeping tabs on all those deductions I can use next year for tax time since I’m using my car and storing stuff in my garage…not gonna get screwed again!

So now, I’m going to feed the girls, make me an omelette for dinner, and pass out. Cheers from Pinotland!

A lot of sunshine headed our way

…in more ways than one. As the temps are hitting 100 in Phoenix, we are finally hitting the 80s! And more sunny days than rainy ones…although I’m told we’re not out of the woods until after 4th of July. I keep turning my heater off and on, turning it off again today and hopefully it stays off.

After a fun Cinco de Mayo soire, Nancy and I had our own Ocho de Mayo al fresco dinner. I love spending time in her backyard when the weather cooperates. We had margs, chips & dip, stuffed peppers, tamales and my fave, her chile relleno. I’ve been whining for the relleno recipe ever since.

It was kind of slow at work this week so I spent time doing research on e-cards. It’s an ever-evolving medium and now that I discovered half the stuff I learned in class I can’t use for ecards…I’ve got even more to learn. Oh well…never stand in one place too long or the moss will grow over your feet.

Wednesday brought more stress. I took the girls for a walk on my lunch hour and Zeph acted strange. She grabbed at anything green to eat, leading me to believe she was nauseous. Which means she needs to throw up…which means we may have another seizure coming. So far, her seizures have been early in the morning. I immediately filled the butt syringe with her valium gel and kept a close eye on her while I worked…once again, soooooo grateful I can work from home. Around 4pm, I came downstairs for a drink of water and the girls followed me. Zeph walked outside and barfed. I went into action, brought Zeph in, locked Pinot out, and by the time Zeph made it to the living room, the seizure had started. I gave her the butt med and rubbed her side while she spasmed. Kills me every time I have to watch it but there is nothing I can do but time it. After it slowed, she laid there for a minute with her tongue hanging out and I called Nancy in a panic thinking she was dying…but then she popped right back up and started licking my face. I wish I recovered as fast…I was stressed out for the rest of the night. But at least I didn’t panic when it counted which is what really matters.

I made a point to cuddle with the girls more on the couch, even though it’s not the most comfortable. I have to make sure I have a blankie on each side of me, otherwise Pinot will sit on top of Zephyr. I had a doggie sammich going that night while I imbibed in some much needed vinotherapy. Unfortunately, the stress took its toll again and I woke up with some sort of viral thing. I rode it out Thursday, but had a raging sore throat Friday morning and went to the doc…just to be told to rest and drink plenty of fluids. So I took Friday off and just chilled. Never been so tired before. I faded in and out of watching Silence of the Lambs, took an Advil PM and then was out for the count for 9 hours.

I really wanted to hit the Beaverton Farmer’s Market on opening day to see if I could land a weekend gig to supplement my income and get the vet bills paid off. Was still tired so downed a pot of coffee. We headed over at 10am but Nancy had to be back by noon, which is about as long as I could last anyway. We had our traditional crepe, and then looked for a few key items on my list (local honey & cheese). I was dying walking around for an hour and not in the mood to hunt for people looking for extra help. We decided to wrap things up with the traditional stop at a wine booth that we both like (Holly, this is where I found your riesling). We recognized the woman who had worked it last year. As we caught up on the past 8 months, I asked her if she knew anyone looking for extra help. Right away, she asked if I wanted her job because she got a new job that requires travel…keep in mind HER EXACT JOB was what I considered the perfect part-time gig and I was striving to find something close. I’d work early Saturday morning until early afternoon…pouring wine for people at chatting. And it doesn’t interfere with my real job! I don’t even have to haul the boxes…someone else would do all that for me. This was so perfect that it was eerie…my signs are coming back. So I need to start keeping my eyes open for the signs again. Maybe they never left and I just stopped looking. Anyway, she is going to call me this afternoon with the info and I need to get my pouring license…I should ace that. I have a PhD in vinotherapy.

I came home and now going to take a loooooong nap. We have tickets to movie night at the winery tonight and I’ll be there even if I sleep through most of it. Looking to rest all day tomorrow and hoping to have my energy back for Monday. Got a lot to do next week.

I’ll need to adjust my blogging time…could be Friday night, Saturday night or Sunday morn. Just depends how things go. But I am grateful for this opportunity to make a little extra moola and get paid for being at the market instead of spending! And I still have Saturday afternoon, evening and all day Sunday to have a life (aka wine country tours…got to do research now that I’m in the biz!  he he)

A special Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom, Connie, Aunt Pat, Mary Beth and all you other moms out there! The girls bought me lavender honey for Mom’s Day…I just took it out of their allowance.

Cheers from Pinotland!

What they say about April showers is true!

The May flowers are EVERYWHERE! I think every plant in Oregon pops out a flower before the end of Spring! My tree in the back surprised me with the beautiful white blossoms before dumping them all over my back patio…now transforming once again into a lovely shade tree for the afternoon sun. Now the big bushy green plant in the front area is covered with these gorgeous red flowers. Who knew?? And it’s like that all over the block. Daffodils and tulips everywhere, although I think I mentioned that before. All you folks who talked about coming to visit are really missing the show!

This week was somewhat low key. Nancy was busy dealing with stuff and I’m lying low until I can get some vet bills paid off and get my car fixed. I may take on a second job to keep my head above water. Would have to be just on the weekend as to not interfere with work. I applied to a wine company looking for someone to pour for tastings at farmers markets in the area. Something that would get me out of the house, get to talk to people…beats the hell out of working at the mall! I may be considered overqualified for the gig, but I think it would be the perfect fit! Keep your fingers crossed.

Speaking of wineries, I took the girls to the winery Saturday afternoon. I was getting cabin fever and they said their outdoor patio was dog friendly. I don’t think they were expecting my crew however they were quite well behaved. I nursed a glass or two of wine for a few hours, chatting with folks about the girls and enjoyed the overcast but dry afternoon. I’m becoming more comfortable doing things solo…but more fun when you have a partner in crime. After my afternoon out, I rented three movies and had my own personal movie party. I splurged with a little cheese and chocolate…and don’t feel guilty one bit!!

I went to my second-to-last divorce recovery class at the church Monday night. I’ve been going since the beginning of February. Am I recovered? No. But it gave me tools to help deal with the emotions and feelings. We are having a big potluck this Monday for the last class…I think I’m going to make chocolate cupcakes. Some people have gone through the class a couple times. I have the additional support of a counselor so I think I’ll wait and see how it goes.

Yesterday we had some crazy weather. It rained. It stopped. It rained. It stopped. And when I say it rained, it’s like someone turned on the faucet full blast and turn turned it off just as fast. In Oregon, a hoodie is your best friend…and the preferred method of keeping the rain off your head here. I haven’t used an umbrella once since I got here…oh wait, there was that time at the beach, but I had only been here one month. And I had to keep walking to the restrooms!!

Now the weekend is here again. By the way, Happy Cinco de Mayo everybody. I know it’s practically a national holiday in Arizona. But believe it or not, they celebrate it up here too. And now that it’s May, the festivals are gearing up and the first is a Cinco party at the waterfront all weekend. Nancy is having a shindig at her place tonight, but I’m hoping to go check out the festivities tomorrow afternoon…gonna be a sunny day and can’t waste it!

This month seems to be a transitional month. I’m watching Nancy deal with a lot of life changes that are the same but different than mine. The house in Arizona has now officially sold so another tie to Arizona is gone. If I think too long about it, I can freak myself out about how many changes have happened in the past few years. Not too long ago, I was married, living in Arizona and my Dad was still with us. But some things happen for a reason I guess. Someone in my recovery class once told me not to over analyze it…that I’m right were I should be. I know there was something pulling me to come to Oregon and sometimes after talking to Nancy about stuff, I do believe I was meant to come up here so we could be each other’s support system. But I do miss everybody in Arizona too. Hoping some of you come visit soon so I can show you what a cool place this is!

Well, once again, Happy Cinco de Mayo! I’m fighting the urge to go buy a cheap sombrero at the party store…but not a necessary purchase. Have a marg for me…and a green corn tamale!

Salud from Pinotland!

Treading water til Monday

Still recovering from the tax man, so it’s been a week of finding free stuff to do. Luckily, there is plenty of that to do in Portland.

Saturday, I ventured into the city to see what it had to offer on a gorgeous sunny day. There are tons of art galleries and I wandered into one that was exhibiting a few original Dali paintings. I’m not a huge fan of his, but I always get excited seeing real paintings by historic artists. I saw a Rembrandt once in Vegas and could have stared at that painting for hours.

Afterwards, I went to Saturday Market, which has opened up again for the year. If you don’t remember me mentioning this before, it’s a weekly event that rivals Mill Avenue Fair with artists selling their goods, tons of musicians playing and food to snack on. It’s right next to the river and every one was out enjoying some sunshine. Lots of people watching there!

Then Sunday, I wandered to Ardiri with Nancy and Susan to share some wine and sit in the sun all afternoon. This pic does not do the view of Mt. Hood justice. It is an awesome view on a bright, sunny day. And seeing tulips actually growing in live soil is a treat too. Tulips, daffodils, roses…they’ve got it all growing in this area. No greenhouses needed.

We’ve got another movie night coming up at Ardiri and Nancy and I snagged the last 2 tickets. It’s Mama Mia this month, and even though I’ve seen it a few times, the thought of hanging out on a May evening at a winery, drinking wine and singing to Abba tunes…sounds like a good time to me.

My work week was kinda busy. I helped out on a presentation and a few of projects that had been on hold were now alive and kicking.  But I was able to escape one evening to use a Groupon certificate I bought months ago for Cinetopia. We’ve been waiting for a good movie to come out that we both have wanted to see, but all the good stuff is coming out after it expires. So we decided to see Mirror Mirror in the movie parlor section…which was NOT serving wine, but that’s OK. Not EVERYTHING has to include wine.

Thursday, I finally broke down and got the cortisone shots in my thumb to hopefully resolve the trigger thumb issue. My thumb has been permanently bent for the past month and is starting to become a hinderence in using my dominant hand…could not thumb through a book, buttoning my shirt was getting difficult and was starting to have pain whenever I grasped anything. I had a massive knot at the base of my thumb where the doc shot the steroids into. Wasn’t fun, but hoping it works. Surgery is not an option and I don’t want to have to learn to be a lefty. I have to wear the splint again for a few weeks, making working on the computer tough, but I’m willing to give it the time to heal and pray it works.

Last night I was introduced to a new section of town known as NW 23rd Street. It’s a long street full of trendy bars, restaurants and shops. The trees lining the street are all lit up and people are walking up and down it like Mill Avenue. There are so many new places to discover that it’s crazy! It would have been even more fun if I’d had mad money to do a little shopping, but people watching is entertaining enough.

Now I have the weekend ahead of me with no clue what to do yet. There is a strange event on Mt. Hood going on today here people ski over water in costumes, which would be a hoot to watch, but need some work on my car before heading up the mountain. I do have some work to do and the girls need a good, long walk so maybe I’ll just lay low this weekend. Last weekend was jam packed so maybe staying in for a movie marathon tonight is just what the doctor and accountant ordered.

Cheers from Pinotland!!

Taxes and tiki time

Taxes suck. Especially when you get screwed over for filing single after being married for most of the year. And lose your house deductions. And have to file in two states. This and the vet bills have totally wiped me out and now I’m on a shoestring budget. But have avoided bankruptcy and going to work my way out of this hole back into black. One step at a time…and more backyard vinotherapy.

It was another busy week at work. We had a few fires that had everyone pulling their hair out…but that’s the glamorous life of advertising. It’s a wonder I’m not a chain smoking alcoholic. Instead, I’m a stress eating wino. I’ve got the stress eating under control…but still a card carrying wino. And proud of it.

Speaking of hair coming out, I went to see an endocrinologist this week. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago by my GP and put on meds, but still having issues with losing lots of hair. It could be stress, but they are testing me for Hashimotos disease, which means your immune system is attacking your thyroid. I have a few of the symptoms, and would explain the horrible body aches that I have been having for awhile, but it could be stress related too. I probably don’t have it, but never hurts to rule things out.

Last night, Nancy and I met up with her brother John at a tiki karaoke bar. Being on a budget, I opted for the foo foo tiki drinks on special. I knew there was a reason I made wine my drink of choice when I got up here…got a slight vodka fog this morning but nothing horrible. We drank our umbrella drinks and soaked in the tiki ambiance before Nancy got an invite to meet up with more of her friends. But before leaving, her bro got up and belted out a Billy Idol tune while we cheered on. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone I know do it. I did not have nearly enough vodka in me to get me to try it…and never will!

Next, we met up with a group of gals at a wine tasting room that was tucked away in some side street that I will never be able to find again. Turns out they had a band playing that night with lots of dancing. If I had to categorize the music…I’d guess rockabilly but it wasn’t just that. They played all sorts of stuff including a few Johnny Cash tunes. But it definitely wasn’t a pop cover band. One of the benefits of being a girl is we can all get up and dance together and no one gives it a second thought. I got a couple dances in before my body decided it was time to crash and go into snooze mode. Nancy was on a roll so I gave her neighbor Maria a ride home while she stayed a little longer with the other party animals. I hear there is a hysterical Burger King story to tell so I’m curious what the ladies were up to after I bailed.

After a busy week, I actually caught a break this weekend. Got a few projects to work on, but still will have time to enjoy the sunny weekend, assuming the weatherman got it right for once. It’s suppose to be the warmest weekend so far this year…70 degrees!!  I think I’m going to putz around the city some more today. I haven’t taken to tram up the hill or seen Niketown yet. Still got lots of exploring to do.

Tomorrow I need to get back into running mode and then hopefully Nancy and I can go hit my winery for a nice afternoon in the sun and enjoy the view. When the sun comes out in Portland, you don’t waste it! But I do appreciate all the beauty the rain brings. I took the girls for a long walk at lunch yesterday and couldn’t help snapping pics of all the colorful flowers and berries in the neighborhood. It explains the terminal runny nose I have, but I would have had it in AZ too. I still miss the smell of orange blossoms but my nose it so stuffy that I wouldn’t be able to smell it anyway.

Well I’m off to Portlandia with camera and Allegra in hand. Until next week, cheers from Pinotland!

Strength in numbers

This hasn’t been one of my better weeks.  It started out with a delightful Easter at Nancy’s…fun people, great food. But that night I had probably the worst sinus headache in my life. My face felt like it was on fire. Didn’t sleep much and woke up to blurry vision in one eye.

Since I could barely read anything on my computer, I took it as a sick day and went to the doc. I’m happy to report it was nothing serious. Just sinuses running wild and he gave me drugs to get it under control. He said I’ll probably have new allergies to get used to up here. I can’t help wonder if my beautiful blossoming tree in the back might be a culprit. I have no idea what kind of tree it is but was pleasantly surprised when it started blooming a week ago. It is quite beautiful and I had no idea after all these months that I was going to have such a treat outside my back door. And I seem to be the only one with a blossoming tree in my townhouse section so it’s my own special gift from Mother Nature. However, it’s sure gonna leave a mess for the girls so I need to find out what kind of blossoms they are and if they are harmful to dogs. If anyone recognizes what kind of tree this is, please clue me in! Thanks!

I had a lot of fires at work, keeping me pretty busy…which makes me happy. I have actually been requested to whip out a few illustrations on projects, which I think is cool and fun. I still want to play around with a few different styles. And maybe jump back into watercolors. I know a few people who are unbelievable artists and they’ve inspired me to get back into illustrating. It’s fun and one of my bosses has been encouraging me to pursue it so I guess I don’t totally suck at it.

I did sneak out one night for dinner in the city. There are so many cool neighborhood restaurants in the South East part of the city…aka the other side of the river. I’ve been to a Vietnamese place that has actually  been mentioned by the Portlandia folks, a Mexican restaurant that has tasty tapas that you can eat out on tables on the street, a specialty ice cream shop that had honey lavender ice cream, and now…a place that I would describe as southern cooking. I think the collard greens and the fact that everything was fried was the giveaway. But I tried fried oysters, that were surprisingly tasty, and probably the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. I can’t stand chicken on the bone but these folks do it boneless and it was soooo good. But I’m not going to make a habit of this place because I don’t even want to think about the calorie count in the small portion I consumed! But Portland is known for their culinary delights (along with the wineries, breweries, and now micro distilleries) so I want to try it all. And these neighborhood places aren’t pricey which allows me to sample away!

My last sampling was sushi with Kayla Thursday night. Her mom and sis are at the horse competition this weekend so once I had my work wrapped up, we splurged at what’s becoming my fave sushi place here (although I’ve only been to three so far). We were treated to a Portland sunset as we left. They are not as spectacular as AZ sunsets, but they are so few and far between that I think I appreciate them more.

I took Friday off as a personal mental day, but didn’t really do much but go to the grocery store. I had a few personal issues to sort out in my head and just spent the day reflecting and putzing in my kitchen, blaring 80s tunes from Pandora radio. It was kind of a lost day…but I think sometimes you need those to let your brain catch up. Nancy invited me to come to horse country which I strongly considered, but given my melancholy mood and crappy night vision on dark country roads, I decided to stay put and go to bed early. Besides, we had our first thunder storm last night and little Zeph is scared of them so we stayed curled up on the couch until it was over. But I want to thank my friends and family who lifted me up when I was a bit down. Your love and support across the miles are truly felt!

Today is a new day. Going running here shortly with Suzi, haircut at noon, and gotta wrap up my taxes somewhere along the way. But I do need to get out of the house. It’s suppose to be a sunny weekend, which means it’s mandatory to get a little sun time in. Spring is definitely here and the temps have been consistently in the 60s…something Nancy said wasn’t going to happen until June and I’m glad she’s wrong on that…at least for this week. Next week is going to be busy with 2 work related trips into the city, a trip to the endocrinologist to get my hypothyroidism under control and lots of projects coming alive. I definitely won’t be bored! So until next week…

Cheers from Pinotland!!