Sam Squared

      I'm blogging up a storm this week. I'm in full avoidance mode, even though I made my hefty goal list for February. I'm making lists, getting a thought in my head, then going down rabbit holes and links to other rabbits to chase.       Yep, I "research" then write when I should be spending my days clearing shelves, going on donation runs, or getting items thrown out. I've not been a complete shut in though. I get outside with the dogs. The big guy chases balls, rarely returning, making me go to him. The old man just saunters the yard, exploring the perimeter. Little Miss watches from the patio doors. I spent a long day at a show choir competition. It was enjoyable, but I probably will not attend more than one a year. When it's not my own kid, there's only so many mashups of Broadway, pop, and movie themes set to choreography that I want to sit through. I had a night out with the mom friends- really therapy session, but not for me this time.  ...

           I mentioned I'm starting to play around flight, accomodations, and other details associated with potential trips. Even if deferred until next spring, Scotland is top of my list, probably via London first. I easily could have spent another week ( months) there and not been bored. Going that far, I'd want to spend several weeks. It's just too hard to spend that kind of money in airfare for a one week trip. Pup is a big consideration though, so need to make sure he's cared for at a house.       My friend has thrown out the option of maybe even us camping when I get to Scotland to stretch the budget. I was pretty cold to the idea thinking if I'm going that far, I want comfort. But, I've thrown Googling a few campground type accomodations and my goodness would it be beautiful to wake up and have a good hike in the Scottish greens or down to the coast. I'm no longer ruling it out, though a few musts include easy access to a toilet a...

           I'm going to put myself into the deep and have a few goals that fit within my overall 2026 plan to have a more contented life. I've got six categories (7 if money goals are included) and know I can't tackle a lot in each, but aiming for intentional effort.  Personal healthcare   Schedule mammogram Walk four times per week, 30 minutes or more. Strength, toning 3-4 times per week.  Research alternative seasoning that brings out flavor similar to salt, but without salt (recommendations please)  Lose 3 pounds and be back at a certain target weight by March 1. Get through February 14th with some big distraction. Even though Valentines was never a big deal in our marriage, it's still a painful reminder of loss and sadness on many levels Social Battery/Connectedness Schedule one outing with a friend monthly Schedule one group outing with mom friends  Play trivia at least 1X this month  Decrease Facebook to no more than one ...

     My heart, mon coeur, is a bit fuller after Sunday's comments. How nice to get such special comments and encouragement to blog about anything. Lucette commented in French, giving me the opportunity to try to reply in my horrible remnants of the language that 40 years ago, while not fluent, was fairly capable. Maybe it's sparked a new passion not through duo lingo or the Facebook advertised three hour sales pitch guys, but to find local language classes. Peut tetre.       I think I shared that I spent the summer I was 18 in an exchange program and lived with a family in Solies Pont, France not too far from Toulon. I've long since lost contact with the family. They were frequent hosts and I bet they had dozens of foreign youth and young adults in their lives, too many to track. In fact, two English girls overlapped my stay by a few weeks. Somewhere I have faded pictures but did not do a good job saving or organizing after my parents home, to our firs...

      I'm still doing my Friday Fiscal Wellness Checks but have been slacking in other blogging. I'm trying to figure out if there's anything to actually blog about without me going down either politically driven frustration path or bits of whininess about widowhood and feeling left behind in life path. So, on those days, which has been most, I've just not been blogging at all.       I thought I'd try and breath a little life into this space and at least maybe share some things we might chat about in the comments or share snippets of outings. I'm also trying to come up with lists of topics I want to research or explore and use the blog to capture. I don't know how well this will go, but if you're of a mind to, feel free to hang out with me.      My wander around a garden center in January was a tiny bit of a morning brightener after the doctor. I thought the inside would be much bigger than it was, but there was still a good assortment o...

                                      As a reminder in case you feel repetitiveness to my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This will help me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, January 23 to Thursday, January 29. I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs Another look in the clearance section when I mostly was at Walmart to get some steps in as it's so cold. The only clearance things I bought were 3 bottles of Meyers hand soap clearance for $1. If you know that brand and the quality, that was a huge savings.  My sister and I ended up sharing two entrees that came with an appetizer at the birthday lunch. We both had leftovers for another meal.  I was happy to learn I didn't have another co-payment/ deductible for my, dentist appointments this w...