I love books...

I love books...No, really... I love books! I read (ok, listen to audio books)probably, ten to fifteen books a month (well, the pandemic has caused me to listen to waaaay more books than I typically would). I have a book for you, though, that is what I like to call a "read with your eyes book." "The School of Essential Ingredients," by Erica Bauermeister is the very book. Now, I've read many reviews of this book - some that say, "where's the story?," to "it jumps around too much." But trust me on this one - treat yourself and get a physical copy of this book and read it! It's a love story. It's a story about a sorcerous (not really, but you'll come to believe that Lillian really is one!). It's sad, it's happy - if you're a reader, it's everything you want in a book. And, it's a really fast read! So, even if you hate it (which, you will not!), you won't lose more than about ten hours on it. Being married to a man who loves to cook, it made me think about what it means to prepare a meal for those you truly love.

Why do you love people?

So, I started a new book today (well, full disclosure - I've had this book for over a year, just haven't gotten to it) "The School of Essential Ingredients," by Erica Baurermeister. It's a really fast read. As I put it down for the first time since starting it, it fell open to the epilogue and there was a note inserted: "Dearest Theresa, Thank you for buying this book. It warmed my heart, made me cry, and made me think. I love you so very much You mean the world to me. Yours in perpetuity, CDO." I read this note - and read it again - and then had to ask my dear one, "Did you read this book?" "Oh, I was so worried you would give it away before you found my note!" It's a lovely book - if you're reading this blog - you should read this book!

Memorial Day - and Taps....

Are you nuts, yet? It's been fully eight weeks. My only outing has been Costco! May is Oregon Wine Month and I've fully embraced that! Every Friday this month I've gone to Costco and bought wine. OK - full disclosure - I didn't buy wine today - I bought butter instead! (The receipt checker said, "Oh, you're going to be baking!") I've started back to my pee-push-ups! I'm beginning with 50-per day headed for 100-per day! I read that a push-up was the perfect exercise, so, I'm joining the movement. Finally, as the summer officially kicks off, it's time to get back on the bike. But with some caveats - I'm not riding anywhere I don't want to ride, I'm not riding any pace I don't want to ride, and I'm not riding any technique I don't want to ride! So, I may have some very solo rides, but I'm going to please myself - I'm nearly 65-years old!

I have great friends...

OIf you are lucky enough to count three people among your good friends, you are very lucky...I have more than that....

I have Molly, who is by far, my best and favorite friend...you know how Groucho Marx said, "...

a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun'.” She's the one in the next cell. 

Pam is the friend who will be trying to figure out how to bail me out. 

Beth will be saying, "You should have known better - I'll see you in the morning." 

And, all the rest would  be saying..."Hmmm, never saw that coming

Best Mother's Day....so far...

So...the only thing that would have made this the best Mother's Day ever, was the if Nicky and Liz had been here.

But...we had Molly...we had Sam...we had Sarah...what a great evening!

Finally, new stories, new laughter, new friendliness. It was terrific! Yep  - we drank too much, we ate too much, we laughed (less than enough!) and talked about stuff that wasn't the norm.

I even got  a hug from both Sam and Sarah (sorry or maybe not sorry, Jeanette!) and my evening was complete.

This will make you believe in hope...

We're watching the documentary, "Becoming," the story about Michelle Obama.

You want a king and queen? I nominate Barack and Michelle Obama. You want a queen and a queen consort? I nominate Michelle and Barack Obama. I don't care what order you put them, I'm willing to make them and their progeny American royalty (should that be "R"oyalty?) .

This woman is truly remarkable - she encourages young people, she encourages women - this documentary is wonderful! I listened to her book the moment it came out - tomorrow, I'll be listening to it again. Trust me - if you listen to it, you will believe she is your new best friend...and will want her to be your new best friend! I would love her to be Joe Biden's vice president - and I fully understand why she will/would say no...2028 is coming!

So...month two?!?

So, it's May...and we're still distancing - sort of. I've ventured out to walk in the park (Laurelhurst) and I've set a goal for myself to walk every day for 30-minutes each day (let's face it, 30-minutes is not that many - but it's more than none!). The sort of I'm referring to is many people are venturing out and not recognizing this thing is not over - I still go out with a mask in hand (don't always wear it - it's tough to do in the park, but in stores I ALWAYS wear one).

I'm still sewing masks - I have about 25 more to sew - this will bring the total to about 100 - people call me and ask, "Do you have masks I can buy?" Nope, you can't buy them, but I will happily give masks to people as long as I have fabric and elastic.

Oh, it's Cinco de Mayo - and we had a terrifically fun evening with Molly - margaritas on the deck (yeah, I drank too many), chips, salsa, guac, tacos. What a fun time! Oh, and for the record - the weather was 70 degrees, whispy clouds but beautiful.

Looking forward to tomorrow!