Wednesday, August 27, 2025

118.2 - 6 days in a row for the record.

I looked into that Ninja Creami machine - a lot of money! We wouldn't eat enough ice cream to justify it but very cool that you can make ice cream from so many things. Speaking of which I got a note from OH asking if I want some free Premier Protein drinks. I am inclined to say yes but I hope they would ship them soon as I leave for Florida in 2 1/2 weeks (though DH will be here at least another 3-4).

Beautiful beach day yesterday though I had no inclination to get into the 62 degree water. Brrrr. The seals were having a good time swimming in the waves.

It is 6 am and we are leaving for Martha's Vineyard at 7:30 (ferry at 9 am). We will spend the day at the beach again with DSD and her brother's family (technically her half brother). They have 3 little girls from under a year old up to age 6 who we will meet today. They are DSD's little loves. Dinner on the Vineyard before we head back on the ferry tonight at either 6:45 or 9. Hoping for the earlier one since DH has golf tomorrow and I am heading to central Massachusetts for tomorrow night.

Have a winning Wednesday!

I got the same email. Too bad I don't like PP!

Liz you have the most wonderful blended family. So lovely that your DSD wants you to be part of the lives of all who are important to her. I've never been to those famous islands: Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Should I add them to the list?

I closed up the suitcase that is going to Scotland. It's pretty stuffed, but I packed a back up hoodie that I can leave behind, 2 winter sweaters and a lined raincoat that also won't be coming home. The rain coat is quite serviceable with a thick plush lining and lots of zippered pockets. I picked it up at St. Vinny's. While I think it will be handy to have along, it's not 100% my style (wi**** was a bit longer), and I only paid $4 for it, so no trouble donating it before I leave. If there's anything I forgot to pack, it's in the Lord's hands now.

It's hard for me to admit to myself, but I'm a little nervous traveling without DH. I have always prided myself on being a bold traveler. The first time I was on a plane by myself I was 17 on my way to Mexico City to meet up with BFFs family. The next time a year later when I flew to Brazil to stay for a year. That year I took several trips alone by bus, one involved two overnights traveling. Another time in my 20s I returned to Brazil for a visit with all of $90 in my pocket. (the plane ticket was very expensive). When BFF got married and moved to Mexico City, I showed up frequently, again with no money or credit cards. (I realize now, probably wasn't the best practice). I flew home alone from Athens, via Rome when I was 22. I had been traveling with my Aunt and she was so concerned about sending me to the airport alone, and I was so puzzled why.

Since DH though, the only places I've traveled without him are Florida to visit my parents, Chicago to visit DD, and once to Mexico City. It's probably good though that I go off on adventure without him and stretch myself. But it does feel weird. And as DH points out, I'm hardly going alone. Our 32 year old daughter is also an experienced traveler. Not that my brain computes that though: I'm the Mom and therefore responsible for her welfare. Some more opportunity for growth :)

Warmth is coming back. Should be 80 today, with little humidity. I'll be heading out to the porch with tea in hand shortly.

You will have a great time!!!! Happy travels. Can't wait for updates from the UK!

You're totally right. I just remembered that 7 years ago, BFF and I drove to San Francisco on an epic road trip with stops in South Dakota, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City and Lake Tahoe. DH flew to SFO, and he and I flew home after a week, while BFF continued onto Vancouver. I do have the mojo!

Yes, the islands are really beautiful and quite different from each other in terms of vibe (and different from Block Island). Bothe have beautiful beaches which vary depending on the side of the island they are on. But Martha's Vineyard has several towns that each have a different vibe. Oak Bluffs is sort of every man's town while Edgartown is more upper crust. Several of the other towns are mostly residential and very wooded. Nantucket is more cohesive in a way - more high end all the way around. And more of a feel of a seafaring feel.

Funny that you should comment on traveling without DH feeling strange. I am at that point too even though we have only been together for a few years. I used to travel for work and did some moving around alone the last year or so of deceased DH's life, but now I am used to being with DH most times. So when I am not (as will be the case when I go to Florida in a couple of weeks), it feels like it will be more difficult.

It's been cool all the way across the country and gray! Yesterday it poured in Wyoming and eastern Utah. Even the truckers slowed way down. It was impossible to see more than a few feet ahead. Still cool this morning in Coalville, UT (which I have come to learn is the hometown of Anthony Geary of General Hospital fame. He played Luke of the famous Luke and Laura back in the day). The weather at home will be in the mid 80s. Thank goodness!

I definitely did not get enough time to visit with DiamondD and her DH! I could have easily sat there for another few hours chatting away! Such an easy, comfortable evening!

I gotta get on the road. My plan is to make it home tonight. It's about 760 miles from here to home... I'll be in the car for a good 13 hours with the stops for the dogs.

Later Gators!

Drive safe!

I hope you made it home safely and are resting. Driving that long alone definitely wouldn't be something I would feel comfortable doing.

Prayers go out to Minneapolis, the Twin Cities the State of MN and the Faith Community after another senseless school shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. Extra prayers and hugs to our DD as this must hit way too close to home (literally) as she is in her first season as a retired teacher and this happens so close to her and within her Faith community!