Bring On the White Stuff!

Oh the trials and tribulations of returning to the gym! 

Last week started back to the gym and began working on arms. At first it was okay then the pain set in so much so it was torture simply picking up my phone. Ended up downing ibuprofen and Tylenol and wound up with a gut ache on top of pain filled biceps. Been smothering my arms with an Icy Hot generic type of Ben Gay, which leaves me with pain relief but also a strong medicinal smell.

And then there is Snowmaggedon. Lots of build up for tons of snow but ended up with just a dusting. The weekend isn't over yet so unbearable inches of the white stuff could still happen.

Yesterday the arms were tolerable  so cleaned the kitchen then made ham and bean soup along with a Pinterest recipe of peanut butter, oatmeal and chocolate chip bars cookies.  Jordan and Candy stopped by to visit so they were sent home with a good portion of the bars.

Later Sam stopped by to give me my birthday gift - he swapped out my crappy leaking washer and faulty dryer with his set which he didn't need. Made me so happy to be able to have a washer that doesn't leak!  Made my heart warm when he was moving the old out with the new and I'm so grateful he spent his Saturday night taking care of his mom. Sent him home with leftover soup and the last of the cookies.

Woke up this morning to a dusting of snow on the ground. Let's see if this plays out into something big.

It's Always Better At the Beach!

As always, the beach this past weekend was fabulous!

We arrived Thursday to stormy weather, which was tossing and turning the waves. Friday continued more of the same so we used that time to drive to Astoria to replace the cable box which was on the fritz. Now that was an experience. It seemed the bowels of Clatsop County picked Friday to pay their bill or complain about this gadget or that channel not working.  So thankful when we were finally done hobnobbing with Astoria's finest.

Hit Goodwill then stopped at one of our favorite thrift stores, Rag & Bone.  Stumbled across a 1954 University of Oregon yearbook, which seemed to fit the date Steve's dad attended.  Sure enough, there was Champ Husted in several pictures as it was his senior year.  Couldn't resist picking it up for him and he was delighted when he received it.

Following our thrift adventure, we made  our way to the Driftwood Inn in Cannon Beach for dinner. Great restaurant, tasty crab, and service was excellent.

Saturday there was actually blue sky! Surf still churning but was able to take Stubbs for a walk on the beach. Cold so he had to be bundled up in his Harley Davidson style dog jacket. I grabbed a few shells and beach pebbles for future crafting projects.

Browsed in Seaside for the day before returning back to the beach house where Steve cooked a mean rib eye for dinner.

Here's a taste of the waves.

Sunday the storm had returned which signaled our exit to leave. Was a relaxing weekend that we all, including Stubbs, enjoyed. 

Today made up for my splurging by returning to the gym after work. First step getting there is the hardest but I'm going to maintain a regular presence in order to get this flabby bod in shape.

Another Birthday in the Books!

Another birthday bites the dust!!

Yesterday co-worker Pam surprised me with flowers and a balloon. So sweet!!

Also received a ton of Facebook and text messages with birthday wishes so that warmed my heart.

Went to dinner at Parkers with Steve last night. Was a lovely evening. Tried out a crème brulee martini - not bad but boy it packed a punch!

Today we are going to Arch Cape. Decided to take today as well as Friday off in order to enjoy my favorite sand and surf longer. This morning got up, trimmed and bathed Stubbs as he is going with us. Due to this, I'm currently laying on the couch trying to recover from all the dog hair that flew into my face and up my nose.

Hapay birthday to my long-time friend Lisa today!!

Here's to a relaxing weekend and using any senior discounts that come my way!!

Creeping Quickly Towards 55

Saturday found me at Walmart picking up some creamer. Ended up buying 4 long sleeve tshirts - black, red, burgundy, and white for $1 each. Score!

At noon stopped off at hair goddess Abbie's house to get my hair color done. Toyed with the idea of getting an A-line bob but threw that idea out the window when I realized I would miss my longer hair that I've worked so long to grow. Color looks fantastic!

Saturday night was the highlight of the weekend! Had a birthday party with the kids and friends at bestie Lynn's to celebrate. Outstanding food, drinks, and cake. Bestie outdid herself preparing homemade lasagna, spinach dip, salad and cheesy bread even though she is still battling the cold that is hanging on for dear life.

After dinner we played Cards Against Humanity.  Funny and offensive but with 11 of us it was a hilarious time.

It was really one of the best parties I've been to in a long time. People talking with each other, laughing, sharing history, and just enjoying each other's company. Thank you Lynn for an awesome evening! ❤

After dinner we did gifts then cake. I've got the leftover cake here at my house - may just have to pitch it as the frosting keeps calling me!!

Here's a little video I took of my third son Jimmy. Too funny!

Today at work they celebrated the January birthdays with tirimisu cake and it was yummy!

Happy birthday to Sam's girlfriend Kaitlyn today!!

Steve will be taking me to dinner on my birthday this Wednesday then to the beach house Thursday through Sunday. Can't wait as I've been craving the surf and sand. Stubbs will be tagging along so he ought to have a grand time.

Here's to celebrating rather than dreading 55!!

It's A Dog's Life

Here's a pic of my Stubbs laying in the sun yesterday. Oh to be a well fed dog and simply enjoy the sunshine!!

Bowling and Blowing My Nose

Been going through some stress in my life but happy to report things are on the upswing!

Probably due to the stress, along with ill co-workers, my cold has returned, although not as bad as the holiday crud I suffered. Been downing the Mucinex to overcome the congestion and it appears to be working. Did discover, after tummy flips, sweaty mouth, and dry heaves, that Mucinex must be taken with food.

Last weekend went bowling with Steve, which we've never done. You can definitely tell he has come from a professional bowling family the way his ball hooks to the center. He shared some tips which gave me the leverage to break 100 on our two games.

This last Wednesday met up at Mary's Bar & Grill with Janel, Sally, Mary, and April, my beach buddies from two years ago. Alas, was feeling lousy due to The Cold 2.0 so sipped hot water and lemon. Due to excessive sweating, head throbbing and weepy eyes, wasn't able to visit long but was fun to catch up in the time we had.

Over the holidays jumped into watching all six seasons of Downton Abbey.  It was beyond superb and was so sad when it ended.  This week watched all nine episodes of American Crime Story: The Assassination of Giani Versace. Awesome story and greatly acted, although wasn't quite buying Penelope Cruz as Donatella Versace.

Now here it is the weekend. Pulled myself out of bed and had enough gumption to not only clean the kitchen but bag up and store the Christmas tree!  Laundry is on the agenda for my second act!!

 Here's to life looking up, colds being banished, and happiness raining upon all the coming week!!

Happy 2019!!