I have picked up my laptop twice in the last month. I ordered new flip flops, because what is summer without shiny new gold flip flops? Last weekend, I started to order new Fiesta bistro bowls, but a nap suddenly came upon me. Marigold, Turquoise, Scarlet, Ivory — now the cart is empty cause neglect.
I have neglected y’all similarly. Now, as a consequence, there are +1400 blog posts in my email. Err, umm… I have missed you, I promise. I forget not everyone sees me posting on Instagram or Twitter and then someone contacts me, like HEY!
I took vacation. The Mister took vacation. Sassy did not take vacation, instead, she started a second job. She’s her mother’s child when it comes to being busy. Moo has avoided taking a job and we’re okay with that, given the circumstances. Her resume lists more skills under volunteer experience than most kids have under work experience, so fair enough. Now and again, I pay her to file at my office.
moo can take breaks to zoom with classmates, or you know, twirl
At the onset of vacation, I announced my intention to move the baker’s rack to the dining room and to finish the back hallway. Now, I don’t know how long you’ve been reading me, but ‘the back hallway project’ has been a saga for YEARS. (I began in 2014.) It is done now. It’s September Sky blue. It no longer looks as though previous owners played handball or caged animals in the hall. No strange shadows. I am chuffed!
However, I had barely begun removing wall hangings when The Mister announced his intent to rearrange the living room. Yes, tis true. Twas his plan. He consulted with Moo, who has his spatial ability, but my appreciation for aesthetics. Once the plan was unanimously approved, it took a day and a half for our entire family to execute it, cause books and wires, man.
cletus the dog kitten is on the mend from a snot sick
Then we worked in the garden.
And planted another forsythia.
And stopped briefly to admire.
the peonies bloomed late and hardly at all
And we bought a new hose. And a hoe. And some more seeds.
And we bought a new lamp, which will be the subject of a post at a later date.
And we bought a power washer. So satisfying!
Then I painted the main bathroom. I don’t know why, but I thought painting that bathroom would be an endless, arduous task and it only took me about four hours. We took down the possibly haunted mirror covering the spider hotel — covered that mess and hung an old-to-me, new-to-bathroom mirror instead. It’s dramatically different and weeks later, I still smile every time I go in there.
Then I painted the pass-through and touched up the kitchen walls and some trim.
I read. I read something besides Agatha Christie. Of course, I also watched the entire Miss Marple series on streaming. Wouldn’t wanna overdo it. My inevitable metamorphosis into my mother continues. My daughters find Marple as incredibly dull as I did at their age, but I smile, knowing their metamorphosis is inevitable as well.
And, speaking of my mother, she sent me a new crochet lovey.
it smells like her
One afternoon it was so warm and sunny and breezy and my life was so unburdened, I had to sit outside and eat cucumber sandwiches.
the cucumbers were gifted to us
And then I went back to work, which, thank tacos, did not involve +1400 emails. And despite her concern that she would suffer in my absence, new receptionist managed. Her official title is Office Administrator, Ooh La La!
Having not been here in many months, the boy one has come to visit today. There’s a roast n fixins in my oven and we ate dessert first, so it’s a good day.
Lately, my ideal platform of communication might be yellin and swearin — loud Italian hands sloshin drank all over the porch. But that takes more energy than restraint. I still live in gratitude, I just do it with more music and takeout dinners than I did a year ago.
How y’all livin?
joeyfullystated 
Glad you’re okay – and so impressed!
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🙂 Thanks!
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You’ve been busy. Glad everything is well. Status quo here…
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Good, good 🙂
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Hurrah for vacation and it all sounds delightful and I’ll have a sandwich, please. 🙂 Our livin’ is now in Arizona, so it’s a very different livin’ from the one in Illinois, although face masks are the same everywhere. Hard to believe we’ve been here three months. It either seems forever or not. But we’ve adapted to the heat (and it IS hot) and I don’t have 1400 new emails, although I have more than that that need me to go through and delete them. Easy to ignore mail when it’s virtual. If I had 1400 real mailings, the post office would be thriving, the recycling can would be filled over and over, and I’d be scrambling.
Always good to see you re-surface (but not as in resurfacing the driveway or something.)
janet
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Thank you! Good point about email v paper mail! Ack!
I’m glad you’re adapted to your new environment 😀 I could not handle that heat. I can’t even handle less heat! haha!
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Very good to see this post in my inbox. I have started venturing into/onto Instagram, but I’m going extremely slowly. It may be one more social media than I need.
Congrats on finishing the back hallway. That’s quite an accomplishment. And congrats on all the other things, it sounds like you guys have been busy.
Take care!
We are well. I hope you guys stay fine and enjoy July.
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Thanks!
Yes, we did accomplish ALAWT, and it feels satisfying 🙂
Instagram is the one I’m most likely to spend time on — its ease of use is superior and the time it takes is minimal.
Keep staying well 😀
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Oh, I have missed you!!! WP is all I do so was keepin’ my fingers crossed you were coming back. You painted, we painted. You kept going, we said ‘we’re good’ and stopped. Whew! You have been busy. Feels good, though, doesn’t it? I know you have lots to read but I just wanted to tell you how good it is to see you again. Take care, Joey.
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Thank you, Lois ❤ Great to be read by you! It felt so satisfying to finish things I started years ago.
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So very glad to see you here friend Joey. I was wondering about you. I’ll have to search for you on insta since I do go there too. Congrats on finishing some old projects. I have some too so whenever you’re in the mood, come on over and I’ll show you where to start – LOL. We are hanging in there over here, which is something to be grateful for. Have a wonderful week! Janet
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Haha! Yeah, I’ll get right on that! Thanks — you have a wonderful week too! 😀
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Good to hear you’re doing well. I’ve also been full tilt at house projects which has led to some interesting discoveries. But it is a good feeling to make room in closets, the garage and under the house and the green beans and tomatoes are doing well. Best to you and fam!
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Thank you! So glad to know you’re engaging in productive home projects as well 😀
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I thought I was doing well with projects but, girl, y’all have it high gear! Rearranging, painting, gardening AND cucumber sandwiches? Whew! Nice work.
I haven’t been on WP for a while either so I didn’t notice your absence. I’m glad you’re back, though. I haven’t been on any social media platforms of late. It’s been too anxiety inducing during these “challenging times”. I’m back on IG now so I’ll look for you. I can’t do Twitter yet. Best to you and yours.
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Glad you’re well — and doing projects too!
Yeah, lemme tell ya, they can take the unprecedented, challenging times, and the new normal and shove it! Social media appeals to me in reading 1000 voices, but not so much in wanting to post. I feel … icky about the state of the world. Hope usually comes easier for me!
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Joey, it is always so satisfying to read your posts and find out things are progressing well in your world. Sounds like you have been busy. I am jealous of your cucumber sandwiches, but I have baby cukes in my garden so soon, very soon, I will be having the same. Nice to see you as always!
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Thank you so much, Maggie! Do you have fresh maters for sammiches, too?!? Mmm!
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Yes, loads of fresh maters!
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Good to hear from you Joey, thanks for the catch up, glad all is good and well in your world! You are being much more productive than me – the house needs sooooo much work here. But it’s gardening time and I just want to sit out there and commune with my plants. 🙂
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Thanks! Already too hot many days, *pants* so you hang on to your outdoor time while you can, Jewels!
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*Pants* is right, so hot – today is in the 90’s. Gross!
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Well, now I know what you’ve been up to – family stuff, painting stuff, flower stuff, work stuff and swearin on the porch stuff. I’m glad all is well and you had time to do your projects. Have an awesome week, Joey!
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You go ahead and take my good week, this one isn’t my fave 😉
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Well, boo…
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I’m sure next week will be better — even this week may improve. After all, it’s just Tuesday
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Sweet beauty~
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Sounds like you’ve been busy and productive… kudos.
Love Cletus. What a cutie!
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Cletus is beloved ❤ He'd love you too!
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So glad you were busy and doing projects. The world being what it is, I worry when I don’t hear from people for a spell. You sound pleased with your projects and that’s wonderful.
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Satisfying! 😀
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Been wondering. Good to hear from you. 🙂
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😀
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Hey look it’s a Joey sighting!!! So good to hear you’re all doing well and keeping busy 😀
I’ve been keeping my head down and laying low. I’ve even been out on a few tentative doorscursions lately.
Similar to you I’ve been working on some home reno/repair projects and having lots fun playing in our garden. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
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I’m so glad you’re getting doorscursions in! Thanks, Norm — you too! 🙂
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Oh, you’ve been busy and productive! I want to see before and afters of all the things! I love seeing makeover projects.
The Forsythia looks gorgeous! I’ve never had one…didn’t spell that right either. 😜 Sometimes Spellcheck is my friend!
I love, love, love Agatha Christie, and cucumber sammies! Hercule is my favorite of her detectives though.
I’m so happy to hear you and yours are all doing well!
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I sent you some snaps.
Forsythia is a bush that doesn’t look like much except at spring, it has beautiful yellow star shaped blossoms on woodsy stems and it’s just spectacular! The photo you like is of peonies ❤
I prefer Hercule too, but he's not streaming without more monies, so Marple is fun 🙂
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It is always good to hear from you young lady. I am glad things are going well. I love Agatha and Miss Marple too. I have been over doing White Russiana; minus the vodka. I really like Kahlua but you know me. It costs SO MUCH. I started making my own using Cafe Bustelo and vodka. Boy does it ever give a swagger to a glass of 2%. Gotta stop. I can’t believe it is almost July. Take care and give my best to the fam. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
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Ahahaha! Aren’t you a clever bartender? Kahlua is pricey, like Bailey’s — Oof! I mostly drink Kahlua over ice with milk, and I think of it as a winter drink because summer drinks must have juice, non? Not for you, just me 😉
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I agree about Baileys that is why I use Carolines. I like juice drinks in the summer as well so I drink Kahlua or the equivalent with milk at night. Sometimes in the morning with my protein shake.
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Drinkin in the mornin. Like it’s vacation. Cause retirement. Nice.
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The first time I added liquor to my morning coffee I felt sooo wicked. Now it is no big deal. Retired.
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😀
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Ah yes, the vacation painting. I have a new painting project for this year’s vacation too, and it is also a bathroom. Sadly, our painting jobs never take a little time as I hope they will. Nice to see you back!!
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You finished your hallway first, yeah? I tell ya, it felt good to get done!
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You’ve been busy doing life stuff! Blog vacations are nice. I’m currently taking one😉 it’s summer after all and I wanna go hiking and wander through the wild flower fields 🌿🌸
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Good for you! Outdoor time was SPLENDID over vacation. Temps were in the 70s and we got a lot of green air 😀 Now, though, hot. So hot. Too hot for me most days. Certainly wouldn’t walk in the woods when it’s 89. Ugh. But there, I’m sure it’s better than that most days 😀 Enjoy for me!
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June is a stormy month up here. Most days the high is 68, sunny in the am with thunderstorms in the afternoon . Great for morning hikes! We’re only 20 miles from the Canadian border, so pretty far north. Glad you had some splendid outdoor time😊
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OH DREAMY! 😀
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Glad to see you posting. I realized the other day you hadn’t posted on here in a month or on IG for a while. I was worried but also didn’t want to be Stalker Girl.
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Hehe! I feel like I take the same damn pictures all the time, because I go the same damn places and see the same beloved people 😉
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I’m chuffed to get an update on you.
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😀
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Joeyyy!! Out of the Kanga pouch at last! 😀 I’m so glad that you’re busy and happy and well among your people, pets and plants.
How am I living? Also on a blogging break, only doing Thursdays because doors never forget, as I’m in my country of origin by the sea until tomorrow when I move inland to the capital. Amore will join me in a month. I’m fully uncreative, taking photos but not giving them a second glance, barely reading anything, not socialising except with my parents, swimming a little but mostly watching 3-5 movies a day on my parents’ grand TV wall. So far most impressed with The Florida Project, documentary Aquarela and a weird weird film on Diane Arbus with Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey Jr. Title? Fur.
Over here it’s a normal summer, crowded with foreign tourists, just with masks (obligatory indoor public use). It’s not as hot yet as it can get. In the capital there will be birthdays, people to see, food to eat, some (outdoor) culture, probably our annual card tournament if enough are willing to participate. Such weird times, planning-wise. I hope amore is able to join me and then I’m able to return with him back home again.
All well to you and hugggs.
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Huggggs back! Glad to know you’re home and enjoying company, let alone good movies and swimming! Sounds fantastic! It is a summer like no other. I hope your plans work out well and if they fall through, well you still had family, swimming, and movies 🙂
I loved Fur — I’ll have to look up the others.
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The other two hit harder.
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We are into Sunflower and Cobalt here because it coordinates with older other china we already have. I’d love to start over with some different colors but I’m too frugal. I like Miss Marple having done my research project on her while I was studying in England. I need to reread those books. As for our lifestyle, I’m listening to less music because Z-D is working from home still and we are cooking all our meals now, so no takeout dinners here. Yet I am grateful.
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I didn’t know you were a Fiesta lover! How pretty! I have lots of colors 😀
I actually prefer Hercule Poirot in the books, but when it comes to shows, I’d have to subscribe to Britbox to get him — David Suchet might be worth it, but we’re all frugal about something! 😉
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So glad to see you well. And productive! Love hearing anything you want to share. Your blog is always entertaining, even if things aren’t best, you have an interesting way of writing your thoughts. The picture of you with mum’s sweater is so sweet! Well glad to see you. I’ll have to look you up on the Instagram. 🖐💗
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Dammit, now I feel like a slacker. I went into this pandemic thinking “my house will be spotless, gleaming, and repainted” but then no.
It IS all about perspective. I’ve become a huge fan of the takeout dinner. We usually do a big one on a weekend night as our treat for surviving the COVID and each other for another week.
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Whew! You got a lot accomplished! My boys are painting all the doors and trim in the house to a lovely white instead of its original pinkish off white. It’s how they’re earning gas money since serving jobs became non-existent for quite a while. I’ve mostly been reading and hanging out on the porch swing, enjoying the warmth and questioning if I could truly stand the heat of Florida ever again. lol.
There was a peony plant here when I bought the house. It produces one giant, gorgeous flower each year which is always too heavy for its stalk. There is a forsythia row across the street from our home. Its blooms are always one of my indicators that spring is finally here. We are going to spend a week at the beach starting this coming weekend and I am sooo looking forward to it. Only the hubby and I. I plan to be soaking in the salt air and maybe taking some tequila shots. 😉
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Come on – you ordered one pair of flip flops in a month? I’ve ordered so much the recycling center guy is starting to give me the evil eye about my cardboard deposits. 🙂 Good to hear you are A-okay and being quite productive. Take care, stay well, and don’t trip in the dark going through the living room on your way to the garden to use those new tools. 🙂
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I am very glad to soak up your recap, Joey. Stay safe and well this summer. We’re going out more here while maintaining that distance and wearing our masks. Work is at the library and then from home in alternating weeks for me, at the eye surgery building for my dear wife every day. Onward we go!
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Wow! Talk about productive! It is satisfying to get those projects done. I’m glad you are all well. And your kids are growing up! That work experience, paid and volunteer, will serve them well.
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Good Lordy. I was impressed with myself the other day when I cleaned the oven…
And, woah, not only cucumber sandwiches but cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Well, la de dah, indeed.
I am glad your vacay has resulted in such, er…results. It must feel so good and that is what we all need right now. A bit of rightness in our world.
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What an amazing lot you’ve done. All sounds awesome. Missed your posts – glad you’re back.
I have also been more absent than present – have a time consuming project on the go. But Life is Good 😁
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Busy peeps! Lost in admiration at your energies and abilities. Losing a possibly haunted mirror is a definite win, with or without an attached spider hotel. Missed you.
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Can I borrow some of your energy? And creativity.
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I think if you had 9 days off work, you’d find energy and creativity 🙂
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The energy, yeah…
The creativity, I’m learning I depend on new experiences much for that, and with Covid restrictions and many less patients having surgeries, my imagination muscle is a little out of shape !
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