My thoughts... just because...

Good morning friends!

Here's a little Monday morning quarterbacking on this cloudy and rainy start to a new week.

* It's been a pretty hot July so far, so when we get a few days of clouds and rain then the drop in temps that comes with it is a nice change.  Instead of high temps close to 100, we are only going to reach mid 80's today.  I'll take it.

*  We had a beautiful weekend though and hubby and I made it to both the beach and to the riva. We walked the dogs on the beach in the morning - and we got the boat out and enjoyed the rivers around here.   My favorite beach time:   morning before the vacation crowds come out - AND evening, when the sun is getting low, and the vacationers have headed back in after getting sunburned.   Reminder to self:   grab a little wine and a beach chair and head to the beach for an hour around 7:30pm.   A perfect time.  Who wants to join me?

*  I love summertime.  I love piddling in my yard.   This summer I have had poison ivy pretty much constantly since the season started.   I have gone to the doctor's twice to get help...  and I have another dose pack of cortisone awaiting me at CVS if I need it.   Most days I try my best to keep my skin away from what ever it is that effects me:   long sleeves, yoga pants that keep my legs covered - and rubber garden boots.  I'm quite the sight out there! ha     After yard work, I run in and take a shower and scrub - BUT STILL I BREAK OUT!    ugh.   

*  This happened:  So the other day I thought I'd take my pugs out for a walk in the neighborhood early, before the heat of the day.  The dogs don''t handle heat well.... ok - at all.  Thick fur and pushed in noses make it difficult for them.   Daisy will stop dead in her tracks when she has had enough.  Therefore, I push along the 'pug wagon' so she can get in and ride when she gets overheated and tired.   So, I was walking them on their leashes - and pushing the wagon along.  It's not easy to do!   The pugs never seem to just walk nicely.  They stop, smell, pee, stop, smell, pee, and then stop, smell, pee!   I was struggling to keep the dogs untangled and the wagon with us, cars would come by - and I had to get off to the side of the road.   Cars came by - over and over.   So...when one went by I quickly got over and off the road, and stepped right on top of a red ant hill!!   I had on tennis shoes and socks, so I didn't realize it right away - I didn't realize until I felt the sharp, painful bites as the ants were climbing my ankles... and going down into my shoes!!    So, here I am - holding two leashes, pushing a wagon, and stomping my feet - and smacking myself... but getting bit up anyway!   What a sight!    At that point, I gave up on the walk - and rushed home.  I quickly got my socks and shoes off - and found 6 red ant bites.   Have you had ant bites?    Then you know...  painful, very itchy, swells up, lasts forever.   ) :

*  On to better news:  daughter #1 and the pregnant mother of identical twin boys is doing well.  She looks great as she is in the middle months of pregnancy.   She and her hubby are done with the move and are now settling into the new home.  It's time to turn their thoughts to preparing for the babies.

*  So... I have been thinking what I want to be called as a new grandmother.   My two choices:  Meemaw - or GeeGee.    Which do you like?

*  I'm watching Al Gore on a morning news shows right now.   He is talking about an "Inconvenient Truth Sequel" that is coming out.  It's been 10 years since the first book and movie.   Since then we made some great progress with taking care of our world.  We have acknowledged climate change - and we have realized that we are the care-takers of nature.    But...  now we have a president who denies it and is putting business ahead of nature.  It makes me very sad.

*  I guess I can't have a QB post without mentioning that I think I have seen it all and heard it all when it comes to our inept president.  But, yet, every day something new seems to happen.   I am torn between being "on top of the news" to watching our prez and feeling totally embarrassed by him.   He turns my stomach.

* Speaking of TV:   a friend told me about a documentary series on Netflix she has been watching and it peeked my interest.  It's called "The Keepers" and it's about the unsolved murder of a Catholic nun in 1969 in Baltimore.  She was a young school teacher at the time.  Two of her female students from that time, who are now in their 60's, along with some journalists, have decided to try and find out what happened to their beloved teacher and friend.   I lived in Baltimore in the late 70's and 80's and I know the city and areas around there well.  So, I started watching yesterday.   Oh my!!!!   I won't give away what I have watched so far, but let me tease you by saying some unbelievable and horrible events are discovered that have to do with sexual abuse by priests.    It's all fact.   I think I need to finish watching it today.  

*   I also need to finish reading "The Handmaid's Tale."   I picked it up to read after seeing the women dressed in red at Trump protests.   The book is not new, but there is a TV series based on it now.  So far the book is reminding me a bit of the book '1984' which I recently finally read.  Both books take place in a country where the government rules strictly, and by fear.   In "The Handmaid's Tale" women are put into classes, and some are only needed because they are fertile and can provide children for the powerful men.

*  Let's end on a happier note!  Thank you to Suzanne and Barbara who invited me to be a part of a beautiful piece in church yesterday.  Barb sang "O Lord Most Holy" also known as Panis Angelious, and I played my flute.  It was a beautiful arrangement. Both Suzanne and Barb are pros and, although, I get nervous, they gave me confidence and I think the piece was beautiful!!

Have a great week all.  Stay cool.  Stay safe.