Notices by Norcal Gma 2 (norcalgma2@sfba.social)

We have the best most wonderful grandkids.
They agreed to take the leftover scones.
No sacrifice is too dear.
#Baking

Buttermilk cinnamon chip scones ready to transport to the neighbors.
Still warm.
#Baking

#SilentSunday

@jeridansky
Cats seem to have an affinity for tax prep.
Tennessee is beautiful.

A long time ago I was young.
There were fewer distractions.
The phone was stuck to the wall and there were rules about monopolizing because an important call might be missed.
Personal information was shared by busybodies and gossip was currency.
Most of us were boring.
My embroidery skills did get attention though and my mother would use my finished pieces to bolster her position in her sewing circle as she offered them for sale. The money was to go to missions.
Now I'm old and I stitch because it is a pleasant distraction.
I so enjoy the positive feedback that comes from this Mastodon community.
When you appreciate a craft toot or even note the effort it will make someones day. So thank you for tooting your love for handmade crafts and a special thank you to the folks who went out on a limb to let me mail them a towel.
Sharing requires a recipient.
The latest to go in the mail on Monday.

Summer is waiting to see if we can manage an adventure today.
The wind outside is fierce.
The chores inside are many.
Keeping a close eye on her pal's blood pressure.
Probably time to see if a grandkid wants to visit to keep him safe and not alone while we run down to the beach.
I told her that we will have to wait and see.
In the mean time there is a refrigerator to clean, laundry to wash and floors to mop.
Better get a move on.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

My daughter and I work on filing our tax returns together every year. She is more tech knowledgeable and I know more about tax rules. It works out.
This year we used her home office and had all three of the resident cats watching our every move from their preferred perch. Summer would have been out numbered. Probably a good thing that she stayed home to take care of her pal.
The cats think that they own the place.
#CatsOfMastodon

We saw a sight this morning.
It looked like the sky was raining a rainbow over the ocean.
Summer was as excited as her pal.
There is a nip in the air but dry. We didn't stay out too long.
I am relieved because I finished the last of the 350 postcards I wrote to Michigan voters last night.
Today is Summer's spa day and I will file our tax returns. If time permits cinnamon chip scones will happen. All good things.
I ordered 200 more get out the vote postcards to mail to voters in other states because I need to feel like I am doing something to help get us out of this mess.
Summer's good energy is contagious. Today is looking to be a great day.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Rainbow

Summer had a visit from her mobile groomer today. She exited the van super soft and sweet smelling. Nails trimmed with a smile on her face.
I kinda wanted to keep her that way for a minute.
She had other ideas.
After I finished all of my most important chores she asked if we could go on an adventure. I said but you are so spiffed up.
She reminded me that her spiffedupedness wasn't going to last forever anyway and highlighted how smart it would be to take advantage of the improved not raining weather.
She is a persuasive negotiater.
She did promise to try to stay mostly clean.
Well...
It was cold, windy, dirty and wet on the trail.
I'm not sure why I expected anything except what I got.
We did exercise for 90 minutes and made it all the way to the beach. One of us stayed dry.
We both had fun.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

A couple of no Summer photos from our walk. We managed to dodge the rain.
#Humboldt

Summer says what's that in my eyes???
I said it is sunshine.
Not much of that bright stuff around lately but we are out of the dark clouds for a moment.
The cold outside is extra cold with a wind that is nippy even for Summer and her fur coat.
We are starting out our day feeling perky.
Good sleep last night.
Summer's pal is faring well thanks to the newest antibiotic and I plan to finish the last 138 political postcards today.
Cinnamon chip and maple bars will get baked to share while we check on neighbors. I expect that next door they can use some help stacking firewood closer to their door and bring in their garbage bin.
Positive things happening on our hill today because we will make them happen.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

@jeridansky
My parents used the term all the time. A little rain was no excuse.
I always think about the Oz books and melting sounds even more serious.

Summer doesn't ask for much.
She is happier and more relaxed on the days that she gets to run for an hour though.
Yesterday that didn't happen.
So this morning I bundled up to brave the cold and rain. Her comfort is as important as mine I reckon.
Her pal, at the last minute, asked if he could go along. So we make accommodations.
We drove the four wheel drive vehicle to shorten the hike and took the sandy vehicle access to the beach.
We joked about not melting in a little rain no matter how sweet we are.
It worked out we didn't melt.
I am determined to let go of my instinct to decide what is best for my husband. He is the best judge of how to use his energy. I can made it easier though and I do my best.
An epic adventure was had by all.
Especially Summer and her pal.
Time to dry out and get warm.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

More Summer rainy day adventure photos.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

#SilentSunday

Rainy days.
Summer is bored.
She is being a good girl.
Watching me write postcards to Michigan voters.
I promised a walk if the weather cooperates.
For now she has to make due with her home acreage.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Byron came outside to greet me while I unloaded our compost into the bin. He doesn't want me to touch him but he watches my actions closely.
I'm sure I smell like Summer.
#Caturday

Summer wanted to know what this whole Valentine thing is all about. I tried to explain but she said that it sounds a little sketchy to her. She loves her pal with her whole heart every day and doesn't think that giving him flowers or candy would show that more than a good cuddle.
I agree sort of but don't like to pass up an opportunity to declare my love again just in case he wonders if I'm still all in after so many years.
I think I am as clear eyed as ever about what it really means to keep love alive through the highs and lows of a lifetime together. We have enjoyed more highs than lows by far and we aren't done yet.
Summer wonders if her pal can be her Valentine and mine too. I said that there is enough love at our house for all of us.
Good morning, Mastodon and Happy Valentine's Day.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer had a good day.
She rarely gets both of us out to walk with her.
This afternoon I strategized with my husband's doctor at length because the newest antibiotic isn't working.
It seems a new bacteria has shown up that is resistant.
So I zoomed to the pharmacy to pick up our next best option. A much more potent medicine according to the pharmacist.
Summer is in charge of keeping the healing vibes coming. She brings all kinds of good feels to this process and it really truly is helpful.
I cooked one of his favorite meals for dinner. Homemade French dip by request.
Summer says if anyone else needs some positive vibes she is getting really good at good vibing and does work remotely.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

This morning is gray with heavy overcast.
Damp cold.
So Summer and her pal cooked up a plan. They decided that the two of them would go on an adventure together.
I said whoa.
Not sure about the advisability of a sick human and a rambunctious dog heading off to who knows where to do who knows what??
Could something go wrong?
You bet.
We agreed that a chaperone would be a good addition. That's how I ended up being the voice of reason on a cold beach morning.
You never know how many adventures are still in our future so I won't be the reason we miss one.
A good time was had by all. This photo is Summer reacting to her pal telling her the same corny joke for the gazillionth time.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon