After a cold few months — I guess that’s why it’s called Winter — a bit of warmth from the sun has returned.
It’s the first time I’ve been able to sit in the backyard by the pool in months. We were having highs in the 40s but now it’s in the 70s. It’s still cold at night, but what a treat to take a break in the sun.
I’m having a time with an upcoming fundraiser where I’m contacting magazines, newspaper, radio and TV to drum up coverage with the hope to sell tickets. I’ve started the dreaded tax prep. I have an HOA newsletter due. I have a board meeting to review our progress on the fundraiser…
Then there’s my photography class. Each Monday morning the professor posts a new module which includes reading what he’s posted, plus the textbook, and learning the basics of how my camera works. Then there are quizzes. We haven’t gotten into the fun stuff yet. But to be fair, it’s only week two.
I’m worried I won’t make my deadlines or be able to finish my tasks. Then I woke up in the middle of the night and stayed awake. I turned on Audible with “Travels with Charley” by John Steinbeck. It was somewhat calming, but the story and writing is so beautiful I wanted to listen rather than fall asleep! I’m not finished with this book, but I highly recommend it. Steinbeck travels across the country to discover America with his poodle Charley. His observations about different areas are intriguing.
I’m also reading the “Daughter’s of Shandong” that I heard about from one of my blogger friends. In any case, taking a few minutes to be warmed in the sun, reading, is saving me!
What is your go to to control stress when life gets too busy?
Who was your favorite Beatle? Hint: Mine wrote this song.
We have sleet and freezing rain forecast tonight and Saturday and a possible snow storm next week. I need sun and warm now
Yikes! My daughter said in Berkeley they have an atmospheric river. It’s been pouring . I’m grateful for the warmth.
We had lots of cold yesterday but beautiful sun at the same time. It felt so good and all the birds were happy 🙂
The birds have been singing here too! They are happy.
Same here, Deb. I like that kind of weather, too.
I try to time my walks for those moments! Crispy on one side, warm on the other then it reverses on the way back 😉
That sounds perfect! I like the crispy cool weather in the morning. By the afternoon, I take a break in the warm sun and read for a few minutes.
Clever!
👍🏼
Oh…”Travels with Charley”…so good! 💕
I’m enjoying it. But my issue with listening to books is I sometimes drift off and I miss bits. I think I need to get a hard copy and reread it.
🥰🥰🥰
😊
Forties is a good day here. 🤣 🤣🤣🤣
Oh no! I’ll take 70s over that!
What is your go to to control stress when life gets too busy?
I like to watch an episode of brain candy TV like Monk or Frasier. Nothing deep, just a way to distract my mind so it can calm down.
That’s a good idea, too. I also need to make a simple list of what I need to accomplish each day.
I think intentional breaks to read and get some Vitamin D are vital to getting things done. Somehow a few minutes makes everything else more doable! Love that you are getting some warmer days!
I think you are absolutely right. If I don’t take a few breaks, my mind goes fuzzy. I hadn’t thought about the Vitamin D, but I’m sure it helps, too.
I’m glad it’s warming up in your part of the world. Over here days are quite warm and nights are cold.
That’s what it’s like here. I love having the sliding glass door open at night to sleep in cool air.
Fresh air is such a blessing.
Yes it is! We had bad air when my son was here for Christmas and he left early. We had a huge rain and the air is clear and fresh.
That’s great.
We have sun, but it’s a good deal colder than yours. That lovely waterfall would be solid ice…
😉
Ha! That’s funny about our waterfall being ice. It’s so warm now, I think I can take the styrofoam cups off our cactus.
Minus 3 as I type…
🥶
Oh my!
Things are pleasant here, too. But I’m considering a little break away from home on my own, maybe someplace a bit warmer.
I expect you’ll meet all your deadlines and then some!
It’s gorgeous here. I’m sure your weather is too! Thank you for your encouraging words on my deadlines!
Ha! Arizona has alligators, and Florida has penguins!
Who knew?
It’s amazing how a little sun and warmth can lift the spirits. We’re bracing for another winter storm tomorrow. My plan is to stay inside, wear fuzzy slippers and drink hot chocolate. We’re leaving for sun in Mexico in a week!
Yay to sun and warmth. Where are you going to in Mexico?
Cancun is our go-to destination! We’ve been there many times it’s almost become our home away from home.
How nice. I’ve never been there. I used to go Cabo in college because a roommate’s family had a condo there. We were driving to Puerto Penasco every few months, but I’m nervous about the drive because of the crime.
Your pool looks so inviting and that gator looks real; I’d never get away with one here as they are ‘around’ and we do keep an eye out for them.
You’ve got a full plate going—which would also wake me up in the middle of the night. I’ve not read either of those books, but they sound like a good distraction.
Thanks! The prior owners left us two concrete gators and assorted other creatures. I’ve been so busy the past few weeks. I definitely need a break.