365/365

 

Today...

I finished this project. Yes, I know there is one more day left this year. Just what we need is one more day of 2020. Am I right?

Anyway, I'm done. It's been interesting, fun, challenging, educational, tedious, inspirational...all the things. I am ready for something new and maybe not so, every day. I'll still be taking pictures and probably every day because that is what I do. Maybe not sharing as much. 

As for this gratitude blogging, I'm taking that off-line. I need to do more writing, by hand. 

364/365

 

Today...

I got to hang out with two of my grandbabies and my son. What an honor to get to spend time with these tiny humans. They bring me so much joy and I feel so blessed. Being in the presence of these beings is what life is all about. It brings me to tears just thinking about them. It also makes me miss my older grandbabies SO much it hurts.

363/365

 

Today...

Is the last Monday of 2020. Not gonna lie, I am looking forward to the end of this year. I know things won't change overnight but I do have hope for the future. As I type this, there are 22 days, 16 hours, and 15 minutes until the Presidential Inauguration. Yes, I have a countdown app on my phone.

362/365

 

Today...

Leftover pizza for breakfast.

Talking to my CynCyn and then my Jesse.

Playing and learning how to use my new camera.

A short walk in the chilly wind.

Socially distanced cocktails with our neighbors around the fire pit in their backyard. 

Melissa's Christmas gift package to us arrived today! It's like a second Christmas.

New jammies!

The Warriors winning the game tonight.

361/365

 

Today...

We kayaked until sunset. It was absolutely gorgeous out there and just what we needed. 

I'm toast.

The end.

360/365

 

Today I am grateful for...

Coffee and opening gifts with Mike this morning.

Talking to my Sister.

Zooming with Melissa, Cyndi, Tristan, Sofia, Devin, and Dan.

Watching the kids show us what they got for Christmas.

Talking to my Mom and then Gordie.

Setting up my new camera.

Not being sick this holiday.

Staying in our PJ's all day.

All of my family healthy.

Being responsible and staying home for Christmas so we can get our whole family together next year - hopefully, sooner.

Homemade cherry pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Rain.

359/365

 

Today...

Christmas Eve. We had a fun day with Jesse, Bri, Logan, and Paisley. 

And a Zoom with all the kids in Florida. 

I feel so blessed. 

358/365

 

Today...

I finished up all the gift wrapping, I think. 

Then I dropped off gifts and cookies to my favorite neighbors. It was nice to catch up with them too.

The best part of my day was Zooming with Melissa, Cyndi, Tristan, and Sofia while sipping my tea.

Thank goodness there is Zoom! Thank you universe for my amazing kids!

Now, I'm ready for the festivities. I may need more lights though. 

357/365

 

Today...

Wrapping gifts and still decorating. We keep adding lights and I am having so much with them.

Keeping myself busy which isn't difficult this time of year. For once I'm glad there is a lot to do so I don't think about how much I miss my girls. 

356/365

 

Today...

I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I love baking/cooking and listening to music. 

I did not listen to Christmas music. 

I accidentally bought a large bag of dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet and I'm not mad. 

I barely had enough brown sugar and walnuts. Obviously, these were meant to be, thank you very much. 

I must get some to our mailman and neighbor before Mike and I eat them all. 

355/365

 

Today...

The last day of Autumn. Eleven days until the end of this hellish year. One month until the Inauguration. 

Yes, I'm counting the days. 

I'm grateful Melissa and her family made it safely to CynCyn's. Wish I was there with them all. 

Thankful for a quiet Sunday and this beautiful sunset to send us into the Winter Solstice.

354/365

 

Today...

Woke to a crystal clear sky and then the fog rolled in. 

We went for a drive, picked up some lunch, and then hiked up a hill.

Needed to get out of the house so we wouldn't dwell on the fact that we were supposed to be on a plane to Florida today for our Christmas vacation with our girls and grandkids.

We managed to forget about that and this pandemic for a few hours. 

I remind myself, often, about how we are healthy, we have a home, money, food, perfect grandchildren, and adult children who love us and especially each other. I'm happy my girls get to spend the holiday together. I just miss them so much it hurts. 

Is this dumpster fire of a year over yet?

353/365

 

Today...

"It was a good day," Logan said to his dad when I took him home. It was a good day with my Logan. We had breakfast together, watched PJ Masks, and then made a snowman ornament together. Then, as a bonus, I got to hold, feed, and play with Paisley too. Oh, and Jesse bought me lunch. 

352/365

 

Today...

I have a date with Logan. I'm picking him up from preschool so we can have dinner together and a sleep-over. So, I'm getting all the things done before. 

The sky is so beautiful today. I had to take a drive to capture this. The hill I go to is in a cemetery, and it's usually not busy, but today, to my surprise, it was. At least three services were happening, and I was moved to tears. It puts things into perspective with all that is going on. A reminder to tell your family and friends that you love them every chance you get. 

351/365

 

Today...

I got to spend the morning with my grandbabies. These two love each other and it is so special to watch them together.

It only took me about forty shots to get this on, just one, where they are both looking at me at the same time. 

350/365

 

Today...

I created art before breakfast. I swear it set the tone for the rest of my day. My energy was good, my mood was positive, and I got stuff done. 

Also, a visit to my Chiropractor is definitely helping me feel better. A good adjustment is so good for my body. 

349/365

 

Today...

was Mike's 60th birthday. Six-OH! I, for one, am so glad he is here to celebrate another birthday. He, on the other hand, is not so happy about getting older. 

It was a good day. 

348/365

 

Today...

We had Jesse, Bri, Logan, and Paisley over to celebrate Mike's 60th Birthday a day early.

There is nothing better than having the kids over to make it festive. 

We all had a fun time visiting.

Logan made a plan for a sleepover here later this week. His idea.

347/365

 

Today...

Finally felt like winter. Still, we went for a bike ride and it felt good. Cold, but refreshing. 

It's sweaters, wool socks, slippers, and a cozy warm fire season. 

346/365

 

Today...

I went to my favorite "toy" store! I cannot describe how excited I get about just visiting our local-ish photography store. So. Many. Fun. Things.

We got a bit of rain, finally. That made for not much light to work with which inspired me to attach my 50mm lens onto my camera and go around the house looking for inspiration. I found it, in the subdued light of a grey afternoon. 

The highlight of my day was Jesse and Paisley stopping by. Paisley was asleep so, I just sat and enjoyed watching her because they weren't staying for long. Chunky, sweet baby... a calming elixir for my soul. 

Then she woke up, smiled, and had a conversation with me. It was a short and oh so sweet visit.

345/365

Today...

I am grateful that my adult children love me and want to spend time with me. I feel honored to be a part of their lives, which makes having to cancel our trip to spend Christmas with them so much more difficult. Now that anxiety from the thought of traveling during this Pandemic and the current record-breaking surge has dissipated somewhat, the sadness is front and center. I'm working through tears, anger, and wanting to eat my feelings.  I think I'll be okay. I'll live and hopefully get to be with them in the spring. Right now it's time for a cocktail. 

344/365

 

Today...

I finally finished decorating our tree. 

I put on some Christmas music and took my time. One moment I was singing along; the next, I would pause and miss having my kids here doing it with me. Then, back to singing again. That's the way it is these days. 

It's always a trip down memory lane. As I hung our first Christmas-together ornament, each of our children's first ornaments, and these hearts, I remembered shopping for decorations forty years ago and not having a lot of money. These little hearts, and some red bows, were cute, romantic, and cheap. I bought as many as I could and covered our first tree. Still have about ten or so of each left that I use every year.  

343/365

 

Today...

I stepped outside this morning to see what the commotion was. I should have known; if Crows are in an uproar, there has to be a Hawk nearby. There was a Red-Shouldered at the top of a redwood trying to hunt. He eventually flew off and came back in the afternoon. 

They, birders, say it's Hawk season. What they mean is now that the trees are bare, we can see the Hawks in them.

342/365

 

Today...

I want to remember: Mike put up strings of white lights all around the living room. It looks so romantic, I love it. 

341/365

 

Today...

We were out of the house early to get some errands done before the new stay-at-home-order goes into effect tonight. Ugh. 

Then I pulled my back out - putting groceries away. Crap. 

Still, I had to make Anthony Bourdain's Sunday Gravy recipe since I had all the meat defrosted. Thankfully standing isn't too bad, and I love making new recipes.

I tried to do some Christmas decorating, then decided it's not happening today. Bending and twisting right now is no Bueno; however, I did pull some shiny ornaments out to photograph. 

340/365

 

Today...

Started rough. This pandemic is well; we all know how bad it is. Today got better, though, thanks to my husband, who got me out of the house and out in nature. We planned to go kayaking, yet it was not to be. Instead, we took a drive and ended up seeing some fantastic birds; Mute Swans and Black-necked stilts, to name a few. 

It was a good day. 

339/365

 

Today...

Has been a day. A rollercoaster ride I'm not having fun on. I did get a mani/pedi, talked to my Sister and my Jesse AND I played with a flower bouquet and the gorgeous afternoon light in the middle of the ride. So, I'm calling it good.

Good night. 

338/365

 

Today...

I got some Christmas shopping done. 

I hope I'm done shopping, but it depends on this fucking pandemic. 

The thought of canceling our trip for Christmas breaks my heart.

And the thought of flying to another state causes me great anxiety.

I've never had flying anxiety, but as they say, "these are unprecedented times."

Anyway, if we don't go, I'll need to get more gifts for the big kids because our trip out was a gift for all of us. 

I am incredibly grateful that I can afford to travel, afford to buy gifts for my loved ones, get to make these decisions, that my kids want to spend time with us, that I am healthy, that I can breathe, that I have a roof over my head, and so much more. 

Still, this shit is hard. 

337/365

 

Today...

I want to remember having coffee in the morning with my Sister. We check-in, vent, plan, hope, help, and support each other. It's so good for both of us. I love my Sisser.

I also got to talk to both of my amazing daughters. 

I am so blessed to have these women in my life even if we aren't together. For now. 

336/365

 

Today...

At least two Bewick's Wrens came onto our patio for mealworms. They do this most days, and if the feeder is empty, they will hop around, even coming to the back door until we toss some out. They are super chatty, aka demanding, and so cute and fun to watch. 

As we enter the final month of this hellish year, I am so grateful for the birds, our backyard, and the open space we have near us. These things help me stay sane right now by giving me something to look forward to every day.

335/365

 

Today...

I talked to the birds. I always speak to them, and they talk back, thank goodness. 

I also had a photoshoot with the 4T's this afternoon. Getting the four-year-old to settle down and cooperate while the two-month-old is content is like nailing jello to a tree. We had to take a break so that Paisley could eat, and then she fell asleep, of course. We continued on and still had to bribe Logan to sit still for a few minutes. It was fun! 

334/365

Today...

We drove out to check out a new kayak launch. It's almost perfect. We don't even have to get wet to get in and out of our kayaks, but we have to transport them from the parking lot to the launch, 1000 feet. We decided we could handle it and hope to get out there next weekend. 

We walked around the marshland on a new trail and saw Song Sparrows, Mocking birds, hummingbirds, Say's Phoebes, Northern Harriers, ducks, geese, gulls, vultures, Goldfinches, and very few people. 

No wind, water like glass...the weather was perfect. 

 

333/365

 

Today...

I tried an experiment with watercolor, spray adhesive, and a stencil. 

I know, always with the rainbows. I've said before that rainbow is my favorite color, and it's partly because I can't pick one or two colors. 

In this case, indecision makes pretty art.

I think I went a little too heavy on the paint here. I'll have to try going lighter on the paint thickness...and the adhesive. Whew.

332/365

 

Today...

I guess I'm recovering from consuming too much food and wine yesterday. I have no ideas about anything. I've got a little over a month to go on this 365 project, almost to the finish line. While it's been fun, and I love doing this, some days it's a challenge.  

331/365

 

Today...

Was a beautiful and busy day.

Again, I am so grateful for my family.

I spoke with all my family today and spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with Mike, Jesse, Bri, Logan, and Paisley playing, cooking, and eating all the food.

I'm stuffed and so tired and feeling all the love. 

330/365

 

Today...

I cooked. I cooked most of the day. It was fun and I'm tired, but I got all the things ready so there will be less to do tomorrow. 

The best part of today was making pies with my girls! My CynCyn texted a photo of the dry ingredients for pumpkin pie, saying how it makes her miss us more. Then My Melissa sent one of the same. I sent one of the wet ingredients for my pumpkin pie. We were making our pumpkin pies at the same time thousands of miles apart! We didn't plan this. As of this evening, between all of us on the group text, we sent 95 texts and photos. 

I'm so thankful for my family. 

329/365

 

Today...

I braved the pre-holiday food shoppers, had a photo session with a pomegranate, and then took myself for a bike ride in the beautiful, sunny 70º afternoon. 

328/365

 

Today...

I woke early. I got to see Mike off to work. I also got to video chat with my Sofia, a few times. Then around 1 pm, I crashed and burned. I blame the last several nights of hormones waking me up too often.

It's okay though, I got this awesome photo of a Cooper's Hawk and I got my hair done. 

327/365

 

Today...

When I went out for a walk this afternoon, it was completely overcast. By the time I got to this pond, five, maybe ten minutes later, the clouds had started to clear. I seriously can't get enough of this light and the leaves and the weather. Afternoons are becoming the best time to get outside right now, and I'm all over it.

326/365

Today...

We went on an adventure.

San Francisco City Hall because Mike had to get some guys set up on a job a block away.

Crissy Field, where we watched SF Firefighters training probies on a ladder truck.

The Palace of Fine Arts, where we saw twenty Great Herons and ten Night Herons.

I couldn't find the bench that Sean Connery sat on during 'The Rock.'

A drive through the Presidio and the cemetery.

The Golden Gate Bridge Overlook because, the bridge.

Then we picked up lunch and were home by 2pm. 

I have so many photos to edit. YAY!

 

325/365

 

Today...

I worked on my calendar again. Well, now it's calendars, and I'm calling them a project, and it's fun. I have to set a timer, so I stop, or I'll just work on them all day and not get anything else done. 

On my walk this afternoon, I watched Acorn Woodpeckers make holes in a tree and hide their acorns in them and then walked around a lake, being entirely captivated by the autumn light. 

324/365

 

Today...

I worked on my 2021 calendars. Trying a new printer and different format this year due to cost and wanting more control. I was having so much fun working on this project; I had to stop and make myself get out for a walk. I'm happy I did because I still cannot get enough of all the color out there. 

323/365

 

Today...

I walked in the rain, the wind, and the sunshine. And again, I was reminded how much I love being out in nature, especially right now. Then I went to Barnes and Noble. I can't remember the last time I stepped into a bookstore. So many books, and I want to read them all. I only bought two... this time. I'll be back. 

322/365

 

Today...

On my walk, I could not get enough of all the beauty out there. All the trees are bursting with color and sprinkling it all over the ground. It's like walking on a rainbow. The wind added extra excitement to the show, with the leaves blowing all around. I took my time this morning so that I could soak it all in. Walking most days, especially with my camera, is helping me through these crazy times. 

321/365

 

Today...

I climbed a hill and enjoyed the view from the top, my favorite place. Then I walked back down and stopped to watch some Sparrows flitting about in the tall weeds. Eventually, I took a trail that passed by a pond, and as I was heading back to my car, I met up with some very social Bluebirds. A perfect walk for a Monday morning. 

320/365

Today...

We took our bikes to the shoreline and rode on all the trails. We stopped on the Arch bridge to look for Egrets and other shorebirds, but there were none to be found due to the high king tide. It was gorgeous out there, and the sunshine felt divine. 

319/365

 

Today...

Started off cloudy and ended sunny.

We spent the day getting our chores done so we can go play tomorrow.

I am thankful that we are well, Mike has a job, we have a home, and really everything we need. 

Just trying to keep my head up, appreciate all that I have, and live in all the moments.

318/365

 

Today...

Mike and I got to watch Logan and Paisley this afternoon

Just what we needed to calm our nerves and remind us of what is important.

It is the best feeling to spend time with our grandchildren with no other agenda.

Paisley is growing so fast. She is smiling and talking with her whole body. 

Logan and I built Lincoln Log cabins and then knocked them down.

As an added bonus we got to see and spend a bit of time with Jesse and Bri too. 

I love all my babies so much. 

On the way home, it started raining and Mike turned off the wipers just so I could get photos of the drops on the windshield. 

OH, and Mike starts work at a new company on Monday.

There are good things all around us in these crazy times. 

317/365

 

Today...

I got to talk to my Julie for two hours!

It was a good day.

316/365

Today...

I meditated, also known as painting.