Moody

I am in a mood! A really bad one. I’ve felt like this kind of all week, kind of for no reason. I’m pretty sure it’s just more perimenopause fun. I’ve stayed away from the news and can’t say that I’m unhappy. I’m just super grumpy.

Some positive things: It snowed this morning and I’m going to soak in the cozy vibe today, and I get to go to water aerobics tonight. 

When I looked out my window this morning when I got out of bed, we had some rainy drizzle going on so I went and got ready for work. When I opened up my blinds as I was getting ready to leave, I saw a whole bunch of snow coming down. I left for work, but the closer I got to the freeway, the more snow and last time I went to the office, I had to park clear out by the farthest production building. My mood was rapidly deteriorating and I turned around and came home. Funny thing is my sister told me they don't have snow up north when I texted her. Oh well? I’m not stuck to my desk like I was yesterday so I can run some errands at lunch and take care of a few things, while I enjoy the storm in comfort. One of the things I still like about my job is the ability to do it where I want. 

So I’m taking a few minutes to eat something fairly healthy and I’m getting my bad mood out. It’s fine to feel however I feel, as long as I don’t take it out on other people. Then I’m going to put some tunes on and get to work!

Winter? And Swimming

We got a tiny bit of snow yesterday. I believe it's called a trace of snow. I left work and it was snowing just enough to get the roads wet, but not be a problem. And when I arrived home, my grass had a slight white tint to it. Maybe we got a quarter of an inch? Half an inch? 

This morning it was in the 20s so I decided to make today my at home day and when I opened my blinds I was so glad I did. Fog! I love fog. From indoors. I don't love driving in it so much. But looking out my window to the foggy streets was so nice. So I opened all my blinds and enjoyed it for a couple hours until the clouds went away and the sun came out. 

I guess you can call me crazy, but I love any kind of weather that's rainy, gloomy, foggy, or just brings an atmosphere of a storm. I know "bad" weather can really wreak havoc on people, and I get it's not fun to be out in and I have a warm, comfortable home. But I love it all the same.  

So I went to water aerobics tonight. I meant to go on Tuesday, but it just didn’t work out that way. Tonight was fun and I saw a lady from my ward there and talked to a few other women so it worked out well for me to go today for the first time. The instructor was nice and she played techno ABBA for the whole hour, which I loved hearing. There was a wide mixture of ages, and even 3 men. The few people I talked to sounded like they go once a week but I’m going to try twice next week. I’m already feeling it in my shoulders. We did a total body workout and it didn’t feel like much, but I know I’ll feel it tomorrow as well. That’s good. I am looking for something outside my house and I need to be active and moving my body. I do need a different swimsuit. The top of mine is cute and concealing, but it floats and that’s not great when you are jumping up and down in the water. I had to tuck it in. So I’ll be on the lookout for new swimwear. And this is going to kill my fingernails and possibly skin but I’m sure there are things I can do to help, because I’m going to try this for a few months. 

And as a bonus, on the way home, it was foggy again. What a beautiful night!

Snow Day

And the snow is coming down! Still not complaining but I decided to work from home today. That way I have a window and can watch it snow and drink cocoa. Plus I have a ton of work to do so I can just set up my day and work away without needing to drive anywhere. Added bonus: I'll already be at home when the work is done and can settle in with a book or puzzle. Nope, not going to complain.  

Finally, October

Our cold front came in and it finally feels like fall. It’s 66 degrees in my house so I’m baking a frozen pot pie for dinner. LOL I don’t know why but the first time it gets cold in the house, I don’t like to turn the heat on. I’m wrapped up in blankets and having the oven on will warm it up. I slept really well last night with the window cracked and I was buried under the blankets. I love it. 

I went to my uncle’s funeral on Wednesday and it just got me sad again. So I’ve been feeling a little bit down and getting teary at odd moments. Today was a good day though. My sister and I took the twins to the Treehouse Museum to play for a couple hours this morning. Then we went to lunch. We tried a new Thai place on 25th street that serves pho. It was a good pho so now we have a good place in town to get it again.  Then we drove out to a fruit stand on the highway to buy pumpkins. I figured it was kind of like going to a pumpkin patch? LOL But the kids had fun and got to choose their own this year. So now I’ve got my pumpkin. 

So all in all a good fall break and I’ve still got the weekend ahead. And now it’s starting to get dark so I’ve got some comfort lighting on and a fake fireplace on the tv. I’m just going to have a cozy night tonight. I’ve been waiting for this weather all month so I’m going to enjoy all I can. 

Where are you Spring?

Ah Spring! How we love you. I'm sorry for all the allergy sufferers out there. I don't know if this weather pattern makes it better or worse. My biggest annoyance with spring is the little bugs that try and come in my house. Haven't had that yet this year. I guess that's one good thing. 

Yesterday, I woke up to basically a blizzard outside. Once it stopped snowing, it was kind of a nice, wet  day. My nephew had spent the night so we could keep watching Attack on Titan and we waited until the roads were cleared before I sent him home. So we got the entire of season 1 finished. 

Then this morning I woke up to another 5 inches or so. I decided today was a good day to work from home. And maybe file my taxes. 

The current view outside my window. And it's still coming down. LOL I'm wondering who prayed the reservoirs would fill up in just one winter? And yet, it's still quite pretty. It truly hasn't gotten warm or dry enough for most signs of spring to show up. Maybe next week? I have a few days off so it would be nice to have a tiny bit of sunshine. Just saying. 

Let it Snow!

Yes! We finally got a good snow storm in the valley. The mountains have been getting some but I wanted it at my house for Christmas. I'm guessing I'll still have a little bit by the 25th since it's going to be cold this week and the storms aren't over yet.  

Last night I woke up around 4 am and looked out my window. I knew it was supposed to snow and it was raining when I went to sleep. It was absolutely beautiful to see the snow coming down and there were no tracks of any kind in it yet. It was pristine. All white and pretty falling down from the sky. 

Needless to say, I'm in a great mood. I do love newly fallen snow. 

November 2022

And now it's November. I'm "working" from home today. I say "working" because I'm really staring out the window watching it snow! It is a winter wonderland out there. I'm pretty sure it won't stay very long, although we have another storm forecast for the weekend. But it's here now and I'm loving it. That's really all I have to say. 

Don’t Blink

How did September get half-way over already? I can’t believe it! We started out with a crazy heat wave so my sister and I took the twins and my mom back up to the Uintahs for Labor Day. 

It was such a great day. The weather up in the mountains dropped to the 70’s. I almost needed a jacket when the sun went behind the clouds. 

My mom and I hit the summer farmer’s market up for one last time and I also went to the Peach Days Parade. This year my niece was in it. I love spending time with my family. Work has been crazy busy and I’ve another busy week ahead of me. Then I talked my nephew into going to the FanX con with me later this month. I’ve never been so we’ll see how it is. I truly only want to check out the artist alley because some of my favorite webcomic artists will be there. 

Today I’m hanging out and doing things around the house. It’s raining so the weather is perfect and I’m just enjoying my day off. 

Silent Night

Last night as I wasn't sleeping, I opened up the blinds and then opened the window and watched it snow for a bit. It was so peaceful. It was almost 2:00 am so there were no tracks in the snow and only the occasional sound of a car on the usually busy street a few blocks over. Even if I wasn't sleeping and wished I was, it was a really lovely night to be looking out the window. 

Summer Rain

We had a wonderful rain storm on Saturday night. We had rain earlier in the week also which caused some flooding in places. It was too much in to short a time. But on Saturday, it felt like a typical summer thunderstorm. Exactly what I think of when I hear Vivaldi’s Summer. The thunder and lightening passed quickly and left us with a nice rain. I opened my windows upstairs and read in my library. It was perfect. I really hope the hot, hot days of summer are behind us. I’m ready for fall. Once again, I’m going to try and be present and live in the day and enjoy it. Time passes so quickly it will be gone before I know it.

I thought the drops on the window screen were cool in the light.

Nice Weekend

I had a very nice 3 day weekend. My flowers are looking fantastic. A few of them didn’t make it so Saturday morning my sister and I went to another nursery. That was a good mistake. I bought more flowers and even a new houseplant.

 

Sunday, we had family dinner at a park. We had a good time even though a storm was coming in. After we ate and the kids played we went back to mom’s house and then the storm hit. It was raining and blowing crazy hard and then the hail started. A few of the drains in the street got backed up and as soon as the lightening stopped, we took our shoes and socks off and got in the puddles. It was sooooo cold! 

I’m not sure how much hail I got at my house, but only one of my flowers on my back porch had any damage. They sure got lots of water though. I love spring/summer storms!

Cedar City

Had a fun little trip to southern Utah last week. It was really nice to get out. LOL It snowed on us Thursday and Friday. That’s Utah in April for you. Sometimes 4 seasons in 1 day. We did have to switch the day we went to Bryce but other than that, the snow didn’t bother us. I was really glad I packed my winter coat at the last minute though. I definitely used it. 

We stayed in Cedar City and then just drove a few places. I’m definitely going to try and get back down there for the Shakespeare festival this summer. I’m itching to get back to the theater and they are back on this year.

We did a quick little hike to Mossy Cave. It's too late to see the icicles hanging from the top of the cave, but still was fun to see the melting ice and tiny bit of moss. 

I don't think I'd ever get tired of this view at Bryce Canyon. It was cold, but worth it. 

The weather couldn't decide what it was doing. Sunshine and clouds. Sometimes rain or snow.

Found out about the Parowan Gap petroglyphs by the internet and it was a short drive and kind of fun to see. 

I need to remind myself not to have my mom take pictures, but I actually loved this drive in the snow. It wasn't coming down enough to make the roads a mess and ended up being just a really pretty drive over the pass from 89 to Cedar City. 

Hello April

I'm working from home today because of an early meeting so I'm sitting in my chair looking out the window, watching it snow. Yes, it's snowing. I actually love snow in April. For one thing, you know it will be gone soon after it stops. But also, it's so pretty. The grass is green and there are green buds on the trees and white flakes floating in the air.  It's not coming down in buckets, just lightly snowing and making the everything wet. We had a beautiful, sunny weekend and now we have have a beautiful, wet weekday. I love it!

Ah, October

I am loving the weather. It's been mostly warm with cool nights and then this morning it was nice and almost cold! I've been out a little bit and drove through a canyon and saw the leaves changing. It's getting cool enough they are changing at my house now. Truly, I love this month. 

I'm having some of my nieces and nephews sleep over tonight. We can't really go anywhere so I got my house "kid-proofed" for our rousing game of hide and seek in the dark. It's still funny to me that they love it so much. My house doesn't have that many great spots to hide in. Then we usually have treats of some kind while we watch movies before bed. I created a treasure hunt for them to find some candy and popcorn. Hopefully, the younger ones will think it's fun. 

After I get them home tomorrow, I will have the afternoon to clean and restore my house to it's normal place and enjoy the piece and quiet. It supposed to get cold (possible mountain snow!) on Sunday and I am planning to make homemade broccoli cheddar soup with bread bowls. I can't wait!

Thanksgiving Week

Spent the whole week off work and having myself a little stay-cation. It’s been such a needed break. I don’t think I did much of anything useful but I wasn’t really supposed to. I went shopping with my mom on Monday and almost all of my Christmas shopping is done. Tuesday, mom and I went to the temple in the morning and then I did some errands like getting the oil changed in my car. I took it easy on Wednesday and made rolls.

Seeing pans of dishcloth covered rolls on the the table on Thanksgiving morning is one of my favorite childhood holiday memories. To this day, it makes me happy. Of course, I don’t get up as early as my mom so I rolled them out on Wednesday morning (at a normal time) and then let them rise and baked them that afternoon.

I also got to use the little bread basket thing I picked up last year in Austria. I never use it just for myself.

And did I mention it snowed!! Yay!!! It snowed off and on almost all week. And it dumped overnight on Wednesday. Lot’s of heavy snow. I was going to try and just drive through it out of my driveway but the plow truck came by and I was not going anywhere. So I shoveled myself out. I haven’t shoveled snow in a long time. That’s hard work!

We made candy on Friday, of course. Although we cut it back this year and I’m glad we did. It only took a few hours and then we were able to clean it up and watch movies. My nephew was dying to go back to Best Buy (he had gone early with his dad, but he’s a very slow decision maker) so I told him I’d take him in the evening. It was busy, but not so bad I couldn’t handle it. And luckily, he knew what he wanted and we weren’t there very long.

On Saturday, my mom and I took most of the kids to Frozen II. Then we tried to go to Ogden’s Christmas parade and lighting of the Christmas Village. Ha ha... yeah, that was a total bust. Below is the happy picture. Then there was lots of complaining. I mean, I was prepared and even I was cold so I don’t blame them. The parade was kind of slow and the kids weren’t really interested in it. Plus, you couldn’t see all of it through the people. So we left before it was even over. Missed all the lights. And it’s ok. We went and got hot chocolate and then I was home and wrapped up in a blanket. So that’s not something I want to try again unless we end up with a warmer and less snowy Thanksgiving in a few years.

Like I said, it’s been a great week. I’m so thankful for my family and my warm house and the really good life that I can live. I’ve been very blessed. And you know what? I’m ready to get back to work and into my regular routine. That seems weird to say since I’m always complaining about it. Guess I’ll try not to complain and be grateful that I have a job and a routine. 

Oh What a Night!

We've been having a wind storm. I don't think I slept much at all last night. I swear I could feel my house moving during the bigs gusts. I went out around 10:30 pm and pulled my garbage cans into my garage so they didn't blow away. I don't know how high the gusts were in Ogden, but they seem to be as high as 90 mph in some areas. Crazy! We have a lot of trees down in my neighborhood but I still have power.

I called my mom and sisters this morning. Amy is in Oregon so I drove up to her house to check on it and it seems to be ok. Her church and my church meetings were canceled. So were my brother's but he lives in Kaysville and it sounds like they got hit pretty hard. They lost power (and their trampoline blew away) and decided to go to my moms for awhile.

My bishop called a ward council this morning and we all showed up and he made assignments. We got a bunch of the sisters called to check on them and make sure they had heat and to let them know there was no church. I've seen a few people out driving around checking up on people. As my bishop said this morning, this is really what church should be about: helping people. It's not just about going to meetings.

Anyway, they say the winds will die down later this afternoon and tonight. I hope so. I'd like a nap but don't know if it's possible to sleep with these gusts. Hopefully, I'll sleep well tonight.