Hello, friends. We recently found out some concerning news about development in the area. We had briefly mentioned it to neighbors, and they were very concerned. I invited them to come to talk about it some more, and stay for dinner. I had already been planning lentil sloppy joes, home fries, and roasted brussels sprouts, and just increased the amounts to cover all of us. They brought a bouquet of homegrown hydrangeas, and a bottle of wine. To save time processing the gathered muscadines, they were run through my juicer, rather than using the steamer/juicer, and I learned the results are not at all the same, being quite cloudy. The juice/slurry is pretty tart, so I added some honey, and froze cubes for smoothies. Skins and pulp were dehydrated for bird suet. For an online food order, I went through Swagbucks for 4% back, and used a 20% off coupon code. Four trays of celery were dehydrated. I swapped out all the hot and cold weather clothes in the dressers. I'm hoping to purge a bit, while rearranging my closet for the season.
My sister and I had a thrifting day. I was delighted to find four canisters to turn into compost crocks. Two sleeveless T's I'll use as camisoles were half price at $2. In the same parking lot as one of the Goodwill's, there's an antique mall I'd heard glowing reports about. We stopped in there, mainly to look for a small piece of furniture to use as a bathroom vanity in the skoolie. The space only will allow for a maximum 16"W, which I knew would be tough. I didn't find anything smaller than 20"W, but found something much better, a little self-contained 19th century piece that is 14"W. It does need a little love, but not too much. J already had wood glue and a clamp on it the next morning, and made a metal band, which he screwed beneath a crack. I shored up a small chip and crack on the underside of the basin with super glue. The day after I got it home, I thought to check Google Lens, and found a wide variety of prices, all significantly more, quite a few, thousands more, and the most similar one, in worse shape, was listed for $2500. Though not particularly frugal, I'm pretty pleased with finding this treasure for under $200, especially since a new vanity would be more, and be lacking in it's lovely history and patina.
Books were requested and picked up at the library. As I've been averaging 3-4 hours of sleep most nights this week, I quickly finished the first one, Project Hail Mary, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend it, and am adding another book of his to my list. I just learned there's a movie in the works. This sleep pattern has been getting so common, I'm beginning to wonder if I just don't need very much sleep. Some days I'm dragging, but others, I don't notice much difference. I'm pondering how to best make use of this time. As ours is a small home, and I don't want to disturb J, I busy myself with quiet endeavors, often trimming or wrapping soap, or reading. I have quite a backlog of mending, so think I may begin on that. The past few times I've looked to buy dogfood, there was not the usual sale, but last week, it was on sale again, and two were purchased. I'd love to put more back when they're on sale, but when two bags run $68 on sale, it's a bit hard on the pocketbook to do more. My siblings and I have always had great relationships. Recently, with all of us in our 60's, it's really hit home with me how precious time with them is. My brother is playing music in a musical for a few weeks. My sister and I went to the play on Sunday. My brother is a percussionist, and it was wonderful watching him in his element, playing vibes, drums, xylophone, and chimes (update- here's my brother's youtube channel, in case you'd like to check him out: https://www.youtube.com/@stevemchugh1776/videos). I cherish these times with them both. I've also realized these October days themselves are some to cherish.
7 comments:
Oh no, I hope your area is not in for a big change. There is strength and comfort in numbers, so I'm glad you were able to get together with your neighbors. Your supper sounds lovely.
Wow! What a deal you got on that vanity! And it is just perfect for your needs. So much charm.
Three to four hours of sleep a night is not much. I hope you are not worrying about anything. Maybe you're low on magnesium?
Take care my friend. Yes, time spent with those we love is time well spent.
It does sound like there will be big change coming, in the form of a new dam, which will bring water very close to us, and put some of our neighbors underwater. We don't know the time frame yet, but they're doing a significant amount of surveying at this point.
I'm still taking 1000 mg Magnesium nightly, but did increase it last night, and thankfully got good sleep over the weekend.
The older I get, I realize how precious that time is. Wishing you a beautiful week, friend!
I'm sorry to hear you have some potentially concerning changes coming to your area. Happy you have neighbors you can discuss with - that's always helpful.
I'm going through the seasonal clothing change/purge as well. Always nice to get rid of a few things during the process.
Gosh, 3-4 hours of sleep a night isn't much. That was happening for me the past 3 years with Oliver but for me it was to help him with his anxiety (he didn't have sundowners but for some reason his anxiety kicked in at bedtime....). I, too, was able to function just fine most days but now that I am able to sleep, my body is taking a full 8 hours of rest. I hope you can figure out what's preventing you from getting more sleep so you can get a bit more too.
Gosh, time is precious indeed. That's so nice that you and your sister were able to enjoy watching your brother. It sounds like he's very talented!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
The dam was approved in the 40's, and interestingly, the people that have been here all their lives don't seem very concerned. With lots of new growth coming to this and the surrounding counties, they apparently need the water now. All the recent surveying at the dam site makes it look like it's imminent.
I upped my magnesium, and have been sleeping much better, thankfully. Wow, three years is a long time. I went through something similar with my Great Dane, getting very little sleep as he got sicker, but only for a few months. I'm glad you're able to rest now.
My brother is talented! Here's his youtube channel, if you'd like to check him out. https://www.youtube.com/@stevemchugh1776/videos
Oh gosh, the 40's....that's incredible that they haven't done anything until now. Happy to hear the magnesium is helping! I'm going to watch your brothers youtube video now - thanks for sharing!
I put "Project Hail Mary" on hold and there is a six-month waiting list! I am 294th in line. You must have good literary taste since everyone wants it.
A new dam is a huge change for the area. Keep us informed as to the changes.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
I'd been looking to check it out for months, and this was the first time I saw it available. It's Sci-fi, which I don't often read, but I loved the story and his writing style. I hope you think it's worth the wait.
From learning about the previous two dams built in the area, they apparently wait pretty late to announce it to the public, so we'll see. Joseph happened to find out, when supporting a local business, which happens to be right at the location.
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