#opt outside

1) reached out to a new primary care facility for a new patient appointment

2) set up new patient dentist, my last one stopped taking my insurance

3) set up to see a specialty post op for management

4) set up for the ole k pop demon slayer (koda the Doggo) to be groomed. He’s a 120 lb Great Pyrenees, I paid extra for some chill so that they can groom ALL of him, he loses interest as things progress

It’s been so hard to get back to taking care of myself. At this point I have to acknowledge I’ve been letting a lot slide. Due to being overwhelmed, not prioritizing my wellness, some depression with the general state of things, as well as a lot of personal shit with my folks the last several years, any and all of the above.

I’ve been off work since last Friday, for last week of school for the kids and coverage until the day summer camp to kick in. We were supposed to leave for the firefly vacation, which had to be delayed as dad had urgent surgery. He had just gotten out of the C collar, and this was a set back, however he came through well.

Getting that sorted, then a late trek out of town with the kids, J’s promotion ceremony to middle school, C needing to travel for work - which is rare, we both traveled this year and haven’t for a long time - also my close friends brother passed unexpectedly, I committed to hosting a retirement party this weekend and the studios 4th ‘birthday’ celebration. It’s Thursday of the following week and I am just now taking a breath.

I think the lapse of self care has really been a side effect of a hectic life. The thing is, it’s always going to be something. I sent emails on the websites for dentist and pcp, and the dentist called back to confirm, waiting on the clinic, it made things so easy.

Today while J mowed the back yard, I cleaned the back porch off. We also have our camping gear out as it was rainy and things needed to be cleaned/dried before storage and I was able to get the sleeping systems put away, the canopy for dining and additional table/chairs stored, the tent has to have some repairs, so it’s cleaned, just pitched until the specialty tape gets here for the seam. I’ve been framing art from the school year and also took some leaves out of our dinning room table for a change.

The cleaning and organizing and appointment making has made me feel settled for the first time in months really. It’s been nonstop.

Blah blah life stuff blah blah. Here’s some pics -

The last pic is trying to capture the lightening bugs - they peaked this year later than expected due to weather. It was a really cool experience and we plan to try for the lottery again to the Smokies this next year. It was impossible to photograph and I snapped a couple photos, then just experienced it.

Today was a full ‘adult’ day. This morning C and I went with his parents to an estate planing lawyer. After that, he went to work and I headed up to my dad’s, to drive him to his follow up neurosurgery appointment from his cervical fracture in February.

He was in hospital 3 weeks, rehab an additional week and then has been home with home health and my brother and I alternating visits/coordinating care for the last couple. He has local family close too; brothers and a niece. Looks like another month in the brace and some PT for mobility and he will have a license to ill.

This is where I am with the upstairs. Still moving all the furniture, deciding what flows best one spot to the next and haven’t gotten all the art up, but -

First 2 are the big room. Some pieces in there are from my grandma and mom. 3rd is my office and the 4th is the playroom. So relieved for that to be wrapping up. It’ll take some time to get a feel for what works best for the space and for my plants to take over muahahaha

Easter shenanigans at my uncles -

Liberty Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, Maryland

Another walk among the fall foliage, this time beside the expansive waters of Liberty Reservoir.

It was off and framed in 2 days, then roofed the next. They killed it. Now we have insulation, all the skylights are in, it’s being framed up, all coming along!

We also went to Fall Creek Falls for a long weekend. It was 20 degrees, so hiking was limited, we hung at the cabin playing games and eating popcorn. C found mythbusters, we had fancy desserts at the lodge (which is breathtaking, it’s a must go), night strolled and cuddled.

Oh! The bald cypress are also here - though we are predicted to get the tail end of a snow-ice combo with below 10 weather for several days and they are lovingly tucked into the garage until defrost, I cannot wait. They are SO BEAUTIFUL.

I need to recreate this pic with my pup. I feel so grateful I’m able to give him the most adventurous life. He’s seen the whole country (US) with me and he’s barely 4 years old 🥹 I’d love to take him overseas

Here are some of my favorites. It’s definitely one of my top favorite states. I love the terrain and how it can change within hours. I love how small I feel out there, well even smaller than I actually am. ;)

So why’d you go …

You said my heart has changed and my soul has changed

And my heart, and my heart

That my life has changed, that this town had changed