Tools Everywhere!

It's always something, isn't it? I mean, when you've got a guy who watches the DIY network, Bob Villa and every other home renovation show on television you're bound to have some dust in your life. And, if you're really lucky (heavy on the sarcasm here!), some power tools. Some, even, with ridiculously long chords.

Arrgghhh!!

When will that man learn not to leave his drill laying around? I can't even begin to count the number of "discussions" we've had about it.

Last night I got up in the middle of the night because I couldn't sleep. I headed to the kitchen, thinking a cup of chamomile tea might put me back to sleep. Instead I got a lump on my head that's going to look fabulous later today.

He says I'm clumsy. I say he's irresponsible.

Whatever.

All I know is I tripped over his damn tool. I nearly tossed it out the window, I was so annoyed.

Yeah, it's always something, isn't it?

Finding the rhythm

Recently a friend emailed me to tell me she was surprised by how much I've been blogging. Now that I've gotten into the habit of daily blogging, just "chatting" with all of you, I'm really enjoying myself. I hope you are, too. There were months where I just didn't have much to say. Actually I had some health issues that were tough, to say the least. I just didn't feel like talking--so I didn't. I imagine we've all felt that way from time to time. But now, I think I've finally found my blog rhythm. I realized that all I've got to do is talk about myself, what I like to do, what I think, about my writing. What could be easier, you think? Honestly, until I found my stride I had a hellacious time doing that. But now, it's fun. I love chatting with everyone.

I found my rock wall climbing rhythm this week, too. Remember, I finally went to the gym to fulfill one of my yearnings? I love rock wall climbing!! Love it!! The harness thing doesn't hurt a bit (I was afraid it would) and I didn't fall. I had so much fun, I'm going back this afternoon to climb the wall again.

Found my rhythm on two fronts. :)

Today in the Big Apple

Visitors have given a few great suggestions about what to do with my visitors while they're here, and I appreciate them all. I think Mickey and I will take a look into doing a few of them when everyone leaves, just on our own.

Today Mickey's taking the men to his sports club, where they'll huff and puff the morning away. Then, they'll go for lunch. I don't know where they'll go, someplace testosterone-laden and beery, I guess.

We ladies are going for a day of pampering. The works! Mani, pedi, waxing, sauna, hair and massage. Then, we'll feel like contented cats, ready for a night out. I just hope the guys aren't too "stuffed" from their lunch to take us dancing!

I think I could get used to having the relatives visit. Really, I could.

Sunday in the park

New York City in late September is just beautiful. The sky is blue, the air is crisp and for some reason everyone seems to be smiling. The fam is still visiting so we're headed to Central Park for a day of fun.

What about you? What's going on at your house this gorgeous Sunday? Hmm?

Weather sets the mood

A rainy Sunday morning in New York City. I might be in the minority, but I love rain, especially on the weekends. I know, I can hear the "Boo"-ing!! But really, I love a rainy weekend. Why? It gives us a great excuse to not do anything. No running errands, no pressure to walk in the park, visit with friends or relatives, jog...none of it. Instead we get to stay in, lounge with the fat Sunday Times, have bagels delivered from the corner deli, and...well, I won't go on. You let your imagination run wild.

But I ask you, wouldn't you like to snuggle up with your honey on a rainy Sunday morning?

Mickey and I, we might cuddle all day long... :)

Black Thumb

Okay, it's confession time. I have a black thumb.

No, I'm not kidding. You know how gardener's always boast about having a green thumb? Well, mine's black. Or it should be.

I try. Really I do. I go to the nursery, filled with high hopes. I choose only the biggest, bushiest, greenest herb plants for my window box. Remember, we live in Manhattan during the summer, so it's not like I've got real ground or anything. A window box, that's it. Shouldn't be hard, should it?

This morning I woke up, padded to the kitchen, put the coffeepot on and looked at my window box.

Dead. Creeping thyme? Done creeping. Oregano? Laid out flat. Parsley? Ditto. Purple sage? Curled up and yellow.

Ugh. The black thumb, a curse for all time.

Lazy afternoons

We've just returned from a week in Vermont. Let me tell you, Vermont in the spring is gorgeous. Daffodils blooming, tulips opening, birds chirping. Lots and lots of time to relax...

I did a lot of reading, a good amount (just ask my checkbook!!) of shopping in the little boutiques and art galleries and waaay too much eating and drinking! Stairmaster here I come! But I had a great time, and I certainly needed the break.

I mean, really, doesn't everyone need a break now and then? Is your life as hectic as mine? I'll bet it is. Some days I feel like I'm trying to breakdance, twirl a baton and organize a gala all at once. But that just makes the lazy afternoons, spent with my darling Mickey, all the more enjoyable.

How do you get away? Unwind? Relax?

I could use a few hints, maybe a suggestion or two. Because really, once I unpack and do all this damn laundry, I'm going to need a mini-break...

Rites of Spring

There are certain rites of spring that are accepted in some circles. They vary greatly depending on what circle they're a part of.

For example, my mother and grandmother firmly adhere to the "Spring Cleaning" rites, airing out their homes, having drapes cleaned and even changing the "winter drapes" for the "summer" ones. Neither will rest until every inch of the house sparkles. Although I respect their right to ruin their manicures, I do not ascribe to the spring-as-houseslave credo. Yes, I'll wave the duster to each corner, as if saluting all points on the compass, but I refuse to break a nail over drapes. Not me. Nuh uh.

Others view springtime as the time for "Spring Break." Yep, time to head south, drink too much, party too hard, hook up with someone you barely know and puke your way back home. Again, not for me.

Then there are the gardeners. They see spring as the tilling time, the weeding time, the plowing time, the stooping-till-your-shoulders-break time, the planting time, the watering.... Well, you get my drift. Once more, not my style.

So what, then, is my spring ritual? My rite of spring, the thing that assures me that the warmer weather is here to stay?

One word.

Swimsuit.

Yes, it's the time for me to toss fray-bottomed, chlorine-bleached, droopy-bosomed, last-year's-color swimsuits and head to the store in search of replacements. By summer, I practically live in a swimsuit so I'll need a few.

What are your rites of spring? Tell me, please. I'm very curious. Besides, I'm just sitting here trying on swimsuits. I could use a diversion!!

Re-planning

Have you ever made one set of plans, only to find when the day arrives that the plans you've made are utterly impossible to carry out? Or that, at the very least, they'd be ridiculously impractical to adhere to? Of course you have. We all have. And that's what I'm facing as I wake this morning to the sound of ice pellets hitting our windows. A winter storm. In spring. Sheesh, only in New York! Oh, right. And the rest of the northeast, too! :)

So the dilemma. Mickey and I were planning to picnic in Central Park. It's part of his get-your-mind-off-the-cast-on-your-arm plan. Because, you see, the cast comes off next week but I'm a hairsbreath away from hacking it off myself, I'm so frustrated. Hence, the plan. But today things won't be going according to Mickey's fine plan, not unless I relish the thought of getting cold and damp--which I don't. So we'll have to make alternate plans.

Perhaps a picnic in our apartment? With the heat turned up really, really high so we can wear next to nothing? Yeah, right. Not feeling so romantic with this dratted cast. We'll probably call in for take-out and settle in with a couple of good books. Not a bad way to spend an icy day.

Not a bad alternate plan, especially considering the great selection of new books available at Cerridwen Press and Ellora's Cave. Recently I've read a lot of books by fellow authors. Some have made me laugh, some have made me cry and all have entertained me. We write a whole range of stories, so there's always something to please every taste. If one doesn't suit your fancy, try another. We've got a bunch!

Yes, today I'll find a new book or two to read from the EC/CP selections and it will be a good day, I know it will. Plans are meant to change, we're meant to adapt and me? I'm always meant to read. :)

Wherever you are, whatever your weather and whoever you plan to spend it with, I hope you have a great day today. And thanks for stopping in.