Good morning from Darn Damp Delta! The fairground is one big mud pit. We are considering setting up an amateur mud wrestling event. Despite the rain, attendance is up.

I managed to sleep in until 6 this morning. Of course, I wasn't in bed until midnight since the Pypers dropped in on their way home from the Fair. They check out of their rental cottage by 11 this morning so this house will be busy through until tomorrow evening. I am really hoping they don't sleep over on Sunday night as construction machines will be here at 7 AM on Monday! My dogs are really enjoying being a pack of three and will miss Bailey when she does go home. (They don't know yet that they are going to the kennel for a week on Sunday to get out of the construction fuss.)

So...on with the weekend. What's happening around your patch of The Beach?

Things are drying out pretty fast here this morning after last night's storms, and the birds are full of song. We're getting ready to go out for breakfast and then grocery shopping, but we won't be gone too long since Jake's back is really acting up today. I'm sure we'll have a full house this afternoon since it's supposed to be hot and everyone will want to cool off in the pool. My grandson is turning 2 today, so we'll have a little celebration for him, too. We're planning the big party next Saturday to celebrate both his and his big sister's birthdays together, since they're so close.

It sounds like a pretty busy weekend for you, Ruth! I'd tell the Pypers that they can't stay over on Sunday since you'll have the construction gang there early on Monday and want to be ready for them! I'm glad the fair is drawing lots of people in despite the weather.

Good morning Wow, can't believe I'm so happy that I was able to sleep in until 6:30! Times have changed.

Ruth - I'm glad business is good. Do you think it's an economy thing? Seems like more people are staying close to home this year so maybe that's in place of traveling? Hope you get some quiet time before the construction starts.

Cottage - Sounds like your favorite kind of weekend Make sure you get some well deserved relaxation in there too.

We are just figuring out our day. Today is apparently the good day so we definitely want to get out and do something. I think it will be either an Audubon sanctuary or state park with a nice walk. We might fit in a trip to Trader Joe and Whole Foods too. Of course the weather also forces us to squeeze in a little mowing and gardening. That's been the challenge this year. There are so few nice days and so much to fit into them!

I learned yet again yesterday that I just can't have an open chocolate bar in the house (dark, high quality). For a couple of months I was actually able to do that but most of the time it just calls my name constantly. I guess I'll stick to Chimp Mints and tiny bags of bulk treats when I have them.

Time to make my cereal with berries. Hope the clouds are small and fluffy where you are.

Good Morning Ruth and everyone yet to come

I'm glad you slept in a wee bit. It sounds like you and I both have a really nutty week to look forward to. It just doesn't seem your weather is going to break this summer. I hope you find a few peaceful moments as you prepare for your construction fuss on Monday.

Cottage, have a really fun party day

Cyndi, your day sounds really wonderful. I look forward to hearing of your travels.

Me, it's D-Day . I am starting my least favorite week of the year. I was a bit overwhelmed this morning so I putzed a bit and then sat down with my planner to figure out a basic plan for the next 3 1/2 weeks. We are leaving here today and K leaves for Alaska Thursday night. My challenge is to schedule my trips back and forth taking into consideration mandatory meetings, CSA food pickups, keeping both lawns mowed, the garden growing, transporting 2 dogs and a cat AND having a bit of enjoyment all while staying OP. My first decision; the dogs may not make the trip with me next week. I have a neighbor who can check on them for 2 nights which will make my first trip back much simpler.

That being said, I'm going to spend 1 hour packing for 10 days away, then I'll be the 1st one in the pool at 7:30. After some exercise and a soak, DH can pack the car. We'll clean the house and shut the door. The garden is self-watering and everything else can wait. I have a food plan for the day and for mental stimulation I'll check in often and see what you all are up to.

Thanks for all your support.

Note to self

Good Morning!

Ruth, I hope your construction goes smoothly and quickly. It's hard living in a construction zone.

Cottage, Did your grandson get a motor car for his birthday?

Cyndi, A trip to the state park sounds great! I'm better with small, individually wrapped candy stored in the freezer, too.

Debbie, What makes this week your least favorite? Keep us up to date on your adventures.

Me: I have lots of laundry to do today. My bedroom needs a good cleaning. I have to hit the grocery store. But I really want to do something fun today! I'll let you know when I figure it out!

Have a beachy day!

Morning All!

Ruth, how about offering MUD facial treatments??? Put on your garden boots and have fun!

Cottage, give the sweet birthday boy a hug for me! Has Jake ever tried Excedrin Back and Body? It works pretty good for me when my back aches. (I had back surgury when my youngest was one year old and can sympathize!)

Cydni, re the chocolate. I bought a 90% chocolate bar the other day. I think 4 squares was considered a serving (with 3g sugar for the four squares) I could hardly choke down one square. It was so intense I was tasting it for hours...and BITTER! I decided maybe I can use a square in a smoothie or something. I know chocolate is supposed to be good for you, but it was just plain nasty to me (of course milk chocolate would be another story!)

Me..no plans except cutting the grass. Went out last night to our usual Friday night haunt and was having just an ok time till Beau's girlfriend called. I was not in a partying mood at all. I went outside to talk to her because the music was loud and she told me she had talked to Beau and he will come home in September. Seems it is not want he really wants...but of course he can change his mind again, maybe he's just a bit homesick...so I'm not going to get too exited. He said he "signed on" till mid Sept. and wants to complete what he promised.

Seems Debbie and Chelby and I were posting at the same time!
Debbie, have a wonderful time away and get a lot of relaxing done!
Chelby, hope a fun adventure comes your way today!

Well, just got a call from a friend who needs help taking her dog to the vet. Apparently Crash has a "ruptured anal gland" and Heather needs me to help her. Doesn't that sound like a really thrilling morning! Crash is a monstrous Golden so I hope Leslie the Vet gives him a shot before we start the procedure. He's got a great disposition but still.....! I hope to be home before the Pypers arrive but, if not, they can organize lunch.

Update at 8:40
Is it OK to have a meltdown when you are 70? Could I have a Scotch instead?
A guy just arrived all set to pump out my septic tank which won't be dug up until Monday. My contractor put in the work order and he thought he'd just stop by when he was in the area with the poop pumper truck! I just may hand the Pypers shovels when they arrive.

This shaping up as a really $hitty day!

Poor Ruth, your day sounds like it's going to be a bit "crappy"...literally!
At least being exposed to all the aromas you will encounter, eating too much will be out of the question (just looking on the bright side!)

Hope the pup is ok and the poop truck finishes quickly!

Hi chicks, I'm back home after a very nice week at the beach. I got in yesterday evening, but had to go to my neighbor's housewarming party last night. DH was with us for 3 days at the beach, then my friend brought her kids and spent the rest of the week with us.
DH actually just headed back towards the coast - I saw a nice place that will be auctioned next weekend, and he wanted to check it out. I couldn't face that drive again so soon, and I've got to clean, grocery shop, laundry, and get ready for the week.
I had my two planned treats during the week, but otherwise stayed pretty good. Then I had a piece of flourless chocolate cake at the party. I'm going to phase 1 this week and hit it hard for the next 6 weeks. I've got a trip to Orlando planned in September, and some outfits I'd like to take that are kinda tight right now. I also have a trip to Huntsville next week, and will be there for a week, but that's a work thing. Shouldn't be any problem to stay on-plan.
I'm getting a slow start (no coffee in the house ), so I'd better get to it. Have a great weekend!

Don bought us lunch at Chipotle yesterday and then we hung around together for the next 12 hours. Turns out he makes a great egg salad. I'm glad we had a hearty snack in the late afternoon because we went from soaking in the hot tub to going on a repair call and didn't throw the burgers on the grill until 10PM! Even with his shoulder so bad it was nice having him with me at Costco to help buy stuff for the staff party today. Until Brian gets back it's nice to have someone cook for me every couple of days. And my neighbor agreed to feed the dog and check on the cat while we are on the cruise.

I need to go run my errands I didn't finish yesterday and then come back and finish getting ready for the party. I don't think we're having more than 40 come tonight but a lot haven't RSVPd so it's hard to tell. It's supposed to be 100 today so the pool should feel good for the party. Next week is supposed to be a lot of rain.

What time, Barb? I'll hop on my private jet and be there. I need an escape!

Ruth, how's your crappy day going? If they dig up your septic tank, does that mean you can't use your toilet? Well, at least I don't think your day can get any worse, or can it?

Cat, I'm glad your son will have some time to decide what his actually calling in life is. What a hard decision to make! A friend of ours became a nun several years ago, but after 2 years she realized it wasn't the life she wanted afterall, and left the convent. She's still very active in the church, but she's much more content and happier now.

Chelby, No, we decided to get Tyler a T-ball set instead of the motorized car for his birthday. But I have no idea what his other grandparents will give him.

Schmoodle, I'm glad you had a nice vacation at the beach. Are you looking to move again, or just buy a vacation home? It's always been my dream to have a "cottage by the sea".

Debbie, I wish you a safe trip on your traveling back and forth between houses! Whew, that would wear me out pretty quick!

Barb, hope your pool party this evening is a huge success!

Anytime you want to come down to Dallas, Ruth, just let me know! (except Thurs - Monday when I'm on the cruise)

I looked at the one dress I had and it was too casual for an elegant dinner on the cruise. My neighbor suggested Nordstrom's so I stopped and found a beautiful cocktail dress and pair of low black sandals that are comfortable but dressy. The dress is a sheer purple over pink satin and looks great on me. Sexy yet it covers my back which many of the others didn't and it was even on sale.

Well, the party starts at 5:30 so I'd better go pick up the last few things at the store.

I made it over the hill and things are looking up. I feel much better this afternoon.

Hi, everyone

Ruth, hope your day improved.