The White Noise of Winter

I've always been a seasonal sort of woman, embracing each, patient till the next.

In later years, I've become -- well, less patient.  I'm pretty sure it's a vitamn D thing.  The older I get the more I need.  My deficit accumulates, and I suddenly feel an overwhelming sense of suffocation.  Immobile.  Fuzzy-brained.  Apathy and indifference to things that normally captivate me.

The monotony of winter's cold air and the lack of sunlight seem to have a deafening effect on my ability to stay focused, stay positive, move forward.  Beginning as an elegy, it finds crescendo in the increasing frequency of frigid temperatures, dismal gray days, lifeless black and white landscapes blanketed with dry and biting winds, leafless trees, brittle yellow grass -- or no grass at all.  Day after day.  BLEAK and DEAFENING.  A forte of winter's white noise.

Driving home from a job last week, I was thankful to see a cloudless, sunny sky.  Despite the deceiving cold outside temperatures, driving down the highway I opened my sun roof and stretched my face to the sky, lusting for the warmth of the sun's rays on my face.  Drinking down every.glorious.drop.  And with every second that passed, an opaque veil began to lift from my eyes, cobwebs began shredding and loosening from my mind, and deep, stirring energy was restored to every nuance of my being, all negative thoughts dissipating.  Gone.

And for the next several minutes, the white noise of winter was defeated with the distant sounds of spring and summer.....
children's laughter, water splashing, waves crashing, live music on the levee, seagulls squawking...
Enveloped in an allegro of all things summer.

Spring is on the horizon.
Let me just hang on a while longer as I learn to navigate and silence the white noise.

Tranquil Waters

I'm so excited to have spent my first full week at the lake house since ... since I don't even know when.  Probably last fall sometime.  My life has just been way too busy.  How I needed solace.  Solace that only my lake house can provide.

Many projects have been accomplished:

• Planted grass seed just off the patio in the bare spots -- we have CLAY MUD here, not real dirt, and it gets tracked all over everything!
• All winter florals and decor packed away and stored in the attic -- with our new drop-down ladder that my husband installed on his last trip -- yay --and new spring florals added, a new spring wreath for the front door, and general spring cleaning throughout the house
• A newly installed brick wall for my sunroom.  It is magnificently authentic looking!
• Faithful daily cardio
• A repurposed sign -- an arm/hand/finger pointing, that used to say, "The Good Stuff's in Here," hung over the pantry, and now says very simply "LAKE," hung on the patio, pointing to the lake, obviously.  It's perfect.  
• I've helped my neighbor dry-brush her patio screen from stark, pukey-white to driftwoodish-looking, with the white peeping through.   Huge improvement.

I've probably left a few things out.  I've enjoyed quiet time each morning with coffee, prayer, and devotions -- the perfect and ONLY way to start the day.  I've spent afternoon patio time with my silly neighbor who I adore and am blessed to have as a friend.  I've thrifted once.  I shopped a few times locally, finding a perfect little wooden stand with iron accents for my master bath.  I've read books, magazines, and listened pretty much non-stop to music.  My newly -found favorite from YouTube GUITAR del Mar Vol. 2 Balearic Cafe Island Lounge -- the perfect background "escape" music.

Life is better at the lake.  I want this to be my permanent home.  I can't wait until we can make that happen.

Sweet Dreams

Finally...

some time at the lake.

Take My Breath Away FNL

ethereal morning on the lake

Mother Nature's selfie

another day comes to an end

dreaming

Lakebound!

Reviving the domestic diva within, I canned my third batch of salsa last night with the last round of tomatoes from our garden.  From the looks of it, I may be able to squeeze a few more quarts worth by the time the harvest is exhausted.  The recipe, “Rockin Salsa,” from All Recipes website, has been a winner.  I’ve tried a few different ones over the years; this one – with some minor tweaks based on the comments from the reviews – has proven to be the winner.  It has the perfect kick, texture, flavor, and just a hint of sweetness – I like a little “sweet” in the perfect salsa.  Of course, salsa is best appreciated served at room temperature, allowing the base flavors to come alive, as with other good and luscious things, red wine and cheese, to name a couple.

The plan was to get the last batch of tomatoes used up before heading to the lake after work today.  It will be a solo trip this time.  I should arrive just about dark tonight.  After unpacking the car, I plan to pour a glass of wine, light a few candles, and head out to the patio and enjoy the night air and quietude.

The plan for tomorrow is to head toward Charlotte, about 20 minutes away, and take in some great shopping on the hunt for the perfect Mother of the Groom dress.  Trying on clothes in a fitting room has not been on the top of my list for the last several months, having allowed the venomous Carb Creep to take its toll.  With recent successes, I'm feeling less and less anxious about it now.  Stepping on the scale this morning – even though Friday is officially weigh day, but I won’t have scales at the lake – I was down another 1.2 lbs since last Friday, not quite a full week since my last weigh in.  Bang the cymbals, ring those bells!  I’m so excited that I’m finally getting a handle on this weight loss thing.  My lessons of exercise and nutrition and fitness from times past have been invaluable in helping me stay focused and aware of the changes I’ve needed to make week to week.  I just wish I'd never allowed my weight to get this out of hand.  First it's the harmless five, then ten, then fifteen, as the mountain grows ever steeper.

My next mini goal is dropping an additional 4 lbs by the end of August.  I can do this.   So as I try on dresses, I’ll try to keep in mind that by wedding time, I clearly will be down another six to eight pounds.  So if by chance I find THE ONE, and it’s a little snug, it will just be added incentive.

The plan is to carve out a couple of hours by the pool on Saturday to grab a few rays and read the new book I’ve started, “Joyland,” by Stephen King.  I’ll be working on refinishing a desk I picked up at a thrift store to serve as my vanity dresser.  I’ve packed a palm sander and all the paints and supplies to take with me.  Can’t wait to see the finished product – transforming it from its tired-and-tacky, shiny cherry finish with brass knobs to a yummy soft gray, finishing it off with a bit of tinted paste wax for added dimension and character.  Isn't it all about building character?   And then a new set of pewter hardware.    

I’ve been in touch with a friend of mine from Winston Salem, hoping she can drive over and join me Saturday evening for girl time at the lake and dinner at this great restaurant next door that I’ve been dying to try out.  I’ve heard great things about the food, and the atmosphere?  Well, it’s lakeside, with tons of windows, so that pretty much speaks for itself.  Best of all, it’s within walking distance!  Literally NEXT DOOR.  The times I’ve been sitting down by the boat ramp and pier, I’ve watched the endless stream of patrons pulling up lakeside in their boats.  Oh, and the smells emanating ...heavenly! Port City Club.  I'm long overdue my first visit there.  So I’m hoping we can make a date! 

Looking forward to mornings and coffee and quietude in the sunroom,

overlooking my haven of R&R.  

This WILL be a good weekend!

Let's Celebrate the Fourth at the Lake

Nowhere else I’d rather be on The Fourth.

We'll 

eat

sleep

boat

fish

laugh

dance

sing

 tell stories

watch fireworks

and

celebrate

our country's freedom.

Let's go.  

Time's a'wastin!

The Waves of the Sea Help Get Me Back to Me

Make It Red Theory - Just Ask Me

Oh.My.Goodness.

This stuff is a-MAYZ-ing.

Just ask me.

Best cab I think I've ever tasted.

I'll be going back for more.

I bought this on a recent trip to Lake Norman.

Total Wine.

I LOVE THIS PLACE.

I never walk outta there with less than 10 bottles of wine.

Red Theory.

 (That's easy to remember!)
It came recommended.

Oh, yeah.

Bingo!

Fun Times in The City

We left town mid morning on Friday,

arriving at our first destination near Chambersburg, PA,

meeting for dinner with a group of friends 

at their favorite hangout, Norland's Pub.

We decided to to simplify things, we ordered a gazillion 

of their infamous wings, a fews pizzas, 

and -- of course -- beer!

After a good night's rest at a local motel,

we headed further north to one of the her sister's homes

in Stroudsburg, PA.

We gathered and laughed and celebrated family & friends

as we feasted on her DELICIOUS homemade pasta.

At 4:00 p.m. we began getting dressed for the party. 

 Back porch view

from her home where we spent the weekend

Beautiful!

 Our limos arrive at 5:00 p.m. 

 Two limos

Nine couples

A tunnel shot out the rearview

 Hanging out the window, I'd snap shot after shot of cityscapes,

everyone concerned I'd either drop the camera

or fall out of the window.

Me?  Nah!

We disembark. 

 

 

Janet's iconic hat was passed around all evening.
My turn!  I insist on modeling it on the ride home.