884.

Happy Saturday y'all.

I hope everyone is somewhere safe and in good spirits.

We're doing well here.

The hurricane (Dorian) caused some destruction along the coast of our state and I heard that a tornado spawned by same also touched down south of us.

Our local weather guy said some areas near us got rain but thankfully our local area only experienced cloudy skies and wind.

Today has been chill chez Bliss. Baby Bliss felt awful when she woke up this morning so she called out for the day. I believe she's off tomorrow as well.

Tomorrow shall be a day of fun and family for us. My friend is coming to stay with us for a few days of his vacation.

We have a loose agenda: the mountains, dinner for my birthday (another one!), dinner with grandma and the aunties, hanging out here with Baby Bliss. We'll probably have lunch at my favorite park a few times too.

I'm excited and so is Baby Bliss. It's been many years since they've seen each other.

The weather is forecast to be in the 90s here and 80s in the mountains.

870.

Howdy folks!

I've missed y'all! How is life? I hope everyone is safe and happy. 🙏🏽

There's so much to say and very little time as I am tired, tired, tired. 😩

Best of the current news: Baby Bliss is snoring within earshot. She's visiting for a while, to: help me with daddy, hang out with friends, take a break from her daily routine.

Confession: I was watching James Corden and had to change the channel. Sometimes his guests make me nervous. Here's why: some folks are such divas that I just know they're gonna hog his ear. If it's someone I'm fond of, I don't want to see her/him act like that. As well, I don't want to see them get trod upon.

So when I'm watching and I get that weird vibe, I have to turn. Janelle Monae and Giselle were on the couch tonight. I wanted to watch but I dared not.

In other news, Mercury retrograde wasn't so awful this time. There was some retrospection to be had, for sure. But in my personal realm, the number of ex-suitor-related activity was relatively quiet. I was surprised but thankful.

And the exes who showed up surprised me. I can't go into detail because I'm running out of time. The Sandman is at the door and I think he's picking a lock.

🌸🌸🌸

Daddy has had several visits with his doctors since my last post. Sadly, I can see that he's slowing down more and more. He sleeps a lot. Sometimes he's really talkative but that's getting to be less often. He seems to be deep in thought when he's awake.

The Athlete paid daddy and I a visit one Sunday. (They'd met previously, when I traveled north with the Athlete for his church event that occured Memorial Day weekend.)

I put on a pretty frock, did a little something to my hair, powdered my face a bit, and held court in the living room.

He was here a few hours, watching a football game with daddy and making goo goo eyes at me. I fed  him a bowl of the soup I'd made that week.

It was a nice visit.

We talk occasionally. Once a week. Or once a month. It varies.

🌸🌸🌸

My friend and I have shared many conversations since my last post. Nothing earth-shattering but there have been a few eye-opening words spoken between the two of us. I'm just glad the communication is flowing nicely in both directions.

We had snow earlier this week and my friend called to check on daddy and I. It felt good to know that he cared enough to call. 😊

I can't express how thankful I am that this relationship still exists despite the obstacles that he and I have encountered in the decades we've known each other.

🌸🌸🌸

There is much more but I need to get some sleep. Daddy has an appointment in about nine hours and I need us to be on schedule.

Please stay healthy and happy until we meet again folks.

Ciao! 

865.

How-do y'all and Happy Happy Friday! 🎉🎉🎉

I hope everyone is content and safe.

It's alternately overcast and raining here. Not the type of weather I look forward to but it's a day that all is well so I'm thankful. 🙏🏽

Daddy and I started our day early.

A trip to the powder room for me at 5:30 a.m. was unavoidable. I tried to be quiet because I didn't want to wake daddy. He went to bed at 10 last night but was up at 12:30 a.m., saying he saw my light. (The telly and laptop.)

Which meant he couldn't have been sleeping. (I'm starting to believe he's not getting much sleep at night because when we're home during the day, he sleeps a lot. I realized the other night that one of his medications causes him to use the bathroom frequently during the night.)

I laid back down but couldn't get back to sleep right away.

Before I knew it, daddy was up. I checked the time. It was 7:10 a.m. Although I was tired, I got up to begin my day.

I set up the sofa for daddy and put his breakfast on. When he came into the living room, I checked his sugar while we talked. We watched the morning news while I waited for his oatmeal to finish warming.

Then it was breakfast, morning meds with water, and more telly and talking.

Daddy eventually began to doze then decided he should have a proper nap in his bed.

I'm almost done fixing lunch. We're having bean soup/stew: cannelloni beans, great northern beans, carrots, chicken, green beans, cauliflower. I'll be adding corn to mine. (Daddy doesn't eat corn.)

The corn muffins are baking for another 8-10 minutes. (He does eat corn muffins.)

Bon appetite y'all. 🍗 🍲 🍜 🍞

856.

Oh my gosh y'all!

I wrote this post on September 16 and forgot to publish it.

It seems reminding myself to "publish first, edit later" (lest I forget!) isn't working.

*sigh*

So here it is today, September 30. So much has happened before and since this post...

I promise to update as soon as possible folks.

As always, stay tuned!

🌸 🌸 🌸 

September 16, 2018

Hello, hello, hello and happy day folks!

I hope everyone is safe and content.

There was a hurricane swirling near me. Florence was her name. She is now tropical storm Florence.

I live over 200 miles from the coast so no storm surge here but we're getting wind and rain. Flash flooding is predicted. I'll be inside, for the duration.

This has been a weekend of putting the finishing touches on a Special Project. Saturday I had some help from The Athlete. He had said he would do a big part of the project for me but I wasn't too sure so I started yesterday and left the hard parts for him.

He kept his word, surprising and delighting me. Not only did he help me, but he also gave me something really nice. I can't say what it is because that would reveal the surprise I'll share some time next week.

Before he left, because I know he never has any food at his place (and definitely nothing in the way of emergency preparedness), I made a small Hurricane Care Package for him to take home: two cans of tuna, half a sleeve of crackers, a four pack of peaches, an apple, a package of graham crackers, two bottles of water, two floating candles, and several small boxes of matches.

🌸 🌸 🌸

So y'all have probably guessed that I've been super busy since I was last here.

There were two more dates with pale blond guy. We had fun. I really liked him and we seemed to get along well. But there was also this weird energy that I couldn't decipher. And he was dealing with some personal issues that don't mesh well with my current and soon-to-be lifestyle.

We just kinda let it drift. But he gave me a couple of things that he probably wants back and he should have them because they're his. Howevva, he hasn't said anything and neither have I. My schedule is gonna change drastically pretty soon so he's gonna have to figure out a way to get his stuff that doesn't involve us meeting face-to-face. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I also had a long and fun date with a guy I met at a party this past winter. Lots of fun but we both knew it was a one-shot deal because my new schedule likely won't allow me to see him again.

He knows about my upcoming schedule changes and has actually been sending me encouraging messages as I move toward my new life.

This change will be major and I'm thankful for all the motivation I can get. 💓

Stay tuned for more folks!

851.

Happy, Happy Thursday everyone!

I hope everyone is safe and happy. I am and I'm thankful.

A howling storm tore through our neighborhood last night. Lots of debris was strewn about when I went out this morning. Tree branches, tree bark, leaves...

There was also a lot of muddy dirt on my porch because one of my flower pots blew over. I accept total blame because the pot was top heavy. There were no plants in it, just dirt and the pinwheel flowers I bought from Dollar Tree to brighten up the porch and entertain me a bit when the wind stirs.

I rearranged things out there today so hopefully the next monsoon won't disrupt the porch tableau.

So about that new thing I mentioned in my last post: audio files supplemented with photos and/or videos because I've been really bad at updating the blog lately.

I want to stay current because as much as I enjoy sharing my life with y'all, this blog is also my living memoir. For as long as I'm living. After I'm gone it will become part of my legacy. Gotta keep it as real as I can.

Okay, so there are currently three audio files waiting to be uploaded here, all recorded on August 1 while I was enjoying the sights and sounds of my favorite local park on the lake.

Actually there are four files but the last one is what I got when I separated the last recording into two recordings, which I did because I forgot to stop the recorder when I went to offer my assistance to... Well, y'all will hear what I mean.

I can hear me talking to folks, walking back to the car (with the phone-in-my-purse noises), me discovering that the phone was still on, etc.  Funny but not for public consumption because the other people probably don't want to be featured here.

All further jaw-flapping aside, I present the audios:

🌸 🌸 🌸

Welllll, looks like I'm having technical difficulties with uploading audio files.

As soon as I figure it out, I'll be back! 

844.

It's a beautiful day here.

I'm thankful.

Amen.

832.5

Wow...

For the past 45 minutes, I've been having a conversation with the previously-mentioned gentleman. It started online and progressed to texting. Next we'll have a conversation.

These new-fangled ways of communicating are both convenient and confounding. But I'm thankful for them most of the time.

This guy is amazing, for many reasons.

But y'all know my track record.

If he and I only become good friends, I'm thankful in advance.

Here's to fresh starts!

Amen.

On another note, it's storming here in the mountains. Lots of thunder and I thought I heard rain earlier.

(And why am I awake?! I was passed OUT earlier...)

750.

Happy Tuesday y'all.

It's a wet, wet, wet day in my town. It sounds like the rain has ceased and after yesterday's all-day deluge kept me inside, I was hoping to get out today. But walking in wet parking lots is something that gives me the heebie jeebies.

True story.

I'm also creeped out by walking in wet grass, in mud, on wet anything. Except concrete. As in concrete sidewalks or steps.

Any who folks, I've been awake since 8:30 a.m. and have yet to eat a meal.

Shame on me.

Later! 

731.

Tuesday night was an emotional overload for me.

I was awake until 5 a.m. Wednesday morning and tossed and turned until 8 a.m. 

Thankfully I managed to nod off again until 9. Then I realized it was probably a good idea to get up and start my day because I wanted to run a few errands and return home before the rain was scheduled to appear.

Good intentions and all...

I wish I could say I made it in just before the rain.

Nope.

As I was walking up and down my steps (outside and uncovered) to drag the bags inside, a song we used to sing in first grade came to mind.

Our version was infinitely more upbeat but here's a version I found on Youtube: 

723.

Hello, hello, hello everyone!

It's an overcast, threatening-to-rain kinda day here is my neighborhood. The sun peeked out a few times but the cloud cover has thickened so it's a struggle.

I'll say there are moments of intense brightness.

Right now it's still cool in here. I have the ceiling fans going in every room and it feels good. Almost too cool but not quite.

The forecast is for 76 degrees and the humidity is on the high end -- 69 percent.

I'm hoping it doesn't start to feel like high humidity because I don't like high humidity. I prefer drier, which is why I miss living in the desert.

Although I still have a whole lot of filing to finish, I'm taking a break to watch Women's List: American Masters.

It's enlightening and empowering. Of course it's also bringing the tears. These women are phenomenal. There's a pilot, a comedian, an actor, a scientist, a fashion designer, a former secretary of state...

Check it out y'all.

So I had a date yesterday. More like a meet-and-greet. We went walking and talking. Good conversation and a good walk.

Nice enough guy. Our political and spiritual philosophies align. Our daily schedules, not so much. Although his schedule is flexible like mine, he's an early bird and I'm definitely a night owl.

Que sera, sera...

In other news, Baby Bliss is coming home between shifts. We're going to run some errands which will hopefully include lunch. It depends on what time her first shift ends.

My vote is for "soon". It's afternoon and I'm hungry.

Later folks!

699.

Sunday evening I noticed we were down to our last gallon of filtered water.

With the amount of water we use for cooking and drinking around here, I like to keep at least four gallons on hand. 

I thought my local refill spot closed at 8 p.m. so I left at 7:30. It was dusk. 

As I locked my door, I heard a flock of geese flying over. I looked up and there they were, flying in formation. 

Flying north.

Eeeeek!

Winter is coming!  

I'm not ready. 

I want the weather to reach a balmy 60 degrees for daytime highs and stay there. Preferably all year but I won't ask for too much.

* * *

On to other topics...

In the past several nights, I've dreamed about Mr. Bliss a few times. What I can recall of the dreams was pleasant. 

What I also remember lately about all my dreams is a feeling of similarity. There are always landscapes that we're/I'm either walking or driving through. They all look different but have a similar feel. 

Or we're/I'm in a home or apartment that feels similar to (although appearing different from) most of the other homes and/or apartments in my dreams.

In fact, there is an aura of similarity that permeates most of my dreams. 

Not in the elements of appearance, location, subject matter,  time frame, etc.

More of a feeling that the very molecules in the air are the same somehow, giving the dream an overall feeling of maybe being a continuation somehow of those that came before...

That's the best description I can give.

Speaking of dreams, last week I had a dream featuring Miz A. I don't recall that she's been in any previous dreams but I could be wrong.

Any way in this specific dream, Miz A, Baby Bliss, and I were outside in a place where there were a lot of items laying around. Perhaps a flea market.

I found a sewing kit and picked it up, managing to drop many sewing needles from the kit, onto a cloth-covered surface in the process.

As I replaced the needles in the case, I said I was buying it for Miz A. (Because in waking life, she and I had had a conversation about a month previous about her not having a sewing kit in her home.)

She laughed and said okay. 

The dream continued then segued into a different dream.

Shortly after I awoke, I called Miz A to tell her about the dream.

She gasped then laughed. Then she told me about the sewing kit she'd found the day before, while shopping at one of our favorite re-sale shops.

We discussed the possible significance of the synchronicity, laughed about it, discussed it more.

A few "conclusions" but as with the nature of coincidence, we might never know the "why" other than the Universe attempting to get out joint attention somehow.

Que sera, sera...

698.

Good morning and Happy Sunday y'all!

How has your weekend has been so far?

Mine has been restful but might get busy this afternoon.

It's possible but not definite that Miz A and I will attend a barbeque sponsored by a potential suitor.

Speaking of suitors, I made the decision to part ways with the guy I'd been seeing most recently.

The countdown clock began ticking with an invitation to visit his home...

I expected a pleasant and enjoyable visit. Sadly, I was let down.

The nicest thing I can say is that his bed appeared neatly made. (And I only know that because I had to go through his bedroom to get to his bathroom.)

But as Shania Twain details so well in one of my favorite songs, "That don't impress me much".

He told me upon arrival that his daughter recently (allegedly) moved in with her small children (and a friend). I'm not exaggerating when I say it looked like they brought a tornado with them that engulfed the whole place and has yet to wind down.

Not that my abode will pass the white glove test without prior notice. It's often messy but it's cozy and livable according to my standards.

What matters most is that I'm comfortable at my home and I certainly hope he's comfortable at his.

In addition to the preceding, I noticed a few other things that set my teeth on edge. I won't mention them but they raised several red flags. Bright red.

No one displays better habits than a man luxuriating in the squalor of his own domicile.

Our last date was for breakfast a few days ago, after which I informed him of my decision. He didn't like it but he was a gentleman about it.

That's it and that's all folks!

* * *

In other news, autumn has officially descended upon our tiny spot on the globe.

The proof:

Baby Bliss and I went to dinner around 10:30 Friday evening. When we exited the establishment 45 minutes later, the air was unmistakably crisp.

I, who dislike anything that reminds me of turtle necks and woolen leggings, immediately bristled at the foreshadowing.

Baby Bliss let out a whoop of joy, being the only person in the entire universe who revels at the thought of below zero temperatures and icicles hanging from the eaves.

*sigh*

Winter is coming...

656.

Moving on...

It's Friday night and I'm sitting on the floor in my living room. It's been rainy for a few days and it's a bit nippy in here because it's only 59 degrees outside.

There's a pot on the burner. Mashed sweet potatoes and apple-maple flavored chicken sausage patties. I'm really hungry so I'm anxiously awaiting the aroma that says "done".

Baby Bliss is out painting the town with her friends. They're going to a club down in the big city. She's very excited because it's her first time clubbing.

I know that a few of her friends drink (some of them are over 21) but the young man who's driving does not. His older sister is going with them as well. I haven't met her but I do know their mom. She's a no-nonsense momma.

My concern is the weather. It's raining hard and the highway is under construction. Not a good night for "on the town".

However, what is to be shall be. I bequeath the children's safety to the gods and goddesses of the night, send positive energy, and release the outcome.

* * *

In other news, tomorrow promises to be another busy Saturday.

The ever-ebullient and much-loved Miz A is commandeering the home of a mutual friend, K, for another birthday bash. No, not for a friend but for Miz A herself.

It's true that her birthday was last month but K (who missed Miz A's birthday bash because he had to work) gave the the thumbs up for a BBQ at his house.

But it's been raining most of the week and tomorrow's forecast involves pop-up showers and there's mud.

So everything will probably be inside and based on an earlier conversation with Miz A, it appears  attendance will likely be sparse.

No matter. We are prepared.

We decided to scale back the amount of food, take a deck of cards, and carry on.

That's part one.

Part two involves an evening all-white party Miz A was invited to. As the Official Designated Driver, I am always invited as the plus-one so of course I'll be there.

Except I won't be dressed in white. I don't do all white. Quite the opposite as all black is my go-to for evening shindigs.

Baby Bliss said I mustn't buck the system in such a way. She said I should compromise and at least wear something white.

Ha!

I have three potential outfits in mind: two black dresses and because the possibility of a compromise is within my a pair of black capri pants paired with a white crop top.

All three will travel to K's house because we're heading to the venue from there. Which leads us to part three.

There's a high probability that we'll go back to K's for a sleepover after the party. He lives closer to the venue than we do and it would be easier to sleep at his place until morning.

We already know he's amenable. The question mark goes to the third person who is scheduled to attend the party with Miz A and I.

Stay tuned.

637.

Happy Saturday everyone!

It's overcast here, windy, a bit chilly. In the past few weeks we've had an abundance of sunshine and warm temps and I know they'll return soon so I'm not complaining.

I've already been out gallivanting and although the weather does require warm outerwear of some sort there's no need to drag the mink out of storage again.

However, when I hit the streets later, it's likely I'll be wearing pants, a rarity for me.

If I didn't have a previous engagement, I would be staying in tonight. But one of the sista-friends in our circle is hosting a themed event at her home this evening.

She's from that town in Louisiana known for partying and jazz funerals. Surely this evening's festivities will be worth me braving March winds for one night.

The party starts in a few hours so y'all know what that means.

Time for me to get ready to get ready.

More later...

620.

The weather...

It's only a few degrees above freezing outside and we're awaiting a winter storm that will bring a little  snow and lots of icy rain our way.

According to my weather app, it's snowing already.

I'm watching television in the living room.

It feels like the world is poised silently on the edge of an abyss, watching for the imminent storm to come swirling up and out.

My thoughts: gratitude for having a warm place to sleep, food to eat, and emergency supplies if it comes to that.

I also hope anyone in need has been/will be able to get to a safe warm place and will be allowed to stay for the duration.

Who ever you are and where ever you're reading this from, I hope you are warm and safe too.

Amen.

589.

Yes, I know I'm supposed to get back to details on my most recent trip north but I've been busy.

Specifically, I've been dating.

More to the point, I've had three (3) "first dates" since I returned home.

The first one lasted several hours and involved three locations. No cigar but we both agreed it was a good date and wished each other luck in our continued quest(s).

The second date was... interesting. He drove an hour and a half to take me to dinner. Nice dinner and conversation until we hit a snag: he was a homophobe.

Game over.

The third date was interesting in a different way. There was lots of laughter, good conversation, a good meal. He and I had a lot in common.

Another kiss in the rain too. A really good kiss in the rain, one that caught me totally off guard.

We have tentative plans to see each other again before the weekend. The plans are "tentative" because if it rains Wednesday and/or Thursday, I will be staying warm and dry right here.

We're seeing each other "before the weekend" because the plans I have for the weekend existed before he and I met.

My Friday plans will happen rain or shine. Saturday's plans require dry skies for the remainder of the week, including Saturday.

Fingers crossed!

A special "thank you" to the universe for keeping my schedule just busy enough.

I'm looking forward to the rest of my week.

Amen.


p.s. Yes, I am aware that I used a lot of quotation marks in this post. Keep calm and put away your red pens.

579.

Inclement weather brings interesting suppositions.

What ever did we do for fun before the inter webs were a thing?  *chuckle*

535.

Over the past few days, I've been experiencing sensations of... vibration.

In my bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room -- I feel vibration. Not swaying, not spinning, not tilting. Just vibration.

This morning we had a thunderstorm in the wee hours.

I think I had been asleep for a short while. I'm not sure because I don't know what time the storm came.

What I know is that my hands and arms began to feel... energetic.

As a level II Reiki practitioner, the energy feeling wasn't anything new. But the intensity was. It overwhelmed me. I tried going back to sleep several times but each time I was awakened by the energy.

The energy of the storm, keeping me awake...  It felt pushy, insistent, invasive.

I'm not sure why I felt like it was the precursor to something negative but I did. I called my daughter to make sure she was okay. She said she was.

By the time I was hanging up from the call, the intensity had become so overwhelming, so tiring that I began to cry.

Thankfully my sweetie was here. I think what helped was me being able to discharge some of the energy by giving him an impromptu Reiki session.

It felt strange, sharing Reiki while crying. I'm not sure I should have but it was what came to mind so it's what I did.

Life moves ever forward in ways I sometimes don't understand.

But I'm still here so it's all good.

I'm thankful.

Amen.

.

514.

Today we've been expecting snow.

They got it, in the big city near us. We're still waiting. Amusing because they're only 10 or 11 miles down the road.

Side note: I know weather doesn't respect illusory boundaries created by humans but I'm always amazed when I see rain when the sun is shining or it's raining on one side of the street and not the other.

Any who, we wait...

On another topic, it's been quite a fun time chez Bliss, watching the winter Olympics with the teenager. She's been inspired to pick up the long board again. *sigh*

She LOVES Shaun White. I'm gonna take her to meet him when she's 18.

One year Shaun White! You've got one year to get ready for my baby girl. I'm chaperoning. *nodding my head*

Back on topic, this winter has been cold. And sometimes sunny. Thankfully there have been a few warm days sprinkled in, warm enough for me to wear my flip flops.

More: we've been talking about going to the beach in spring this year instead of fall. We'll see.

And, I cooked a pot of bean and pasta soup the other day. Added kale. Should be good with cornbread.  :)


.

483: Aha!

Maybe they were wearing magic glasses.

Who knew... 

Wear Sunglasses to See Better When Driving in the Rain