Sunday Thoughts July 6th
The weather played games, or couldn't decide what to tell the meteorologists. We all ended up closer to home yesterday due to reports of thunderstorms throughout the day. We had a few bouts of downpours and MIL said they only had some rain and seemed annoyed no one came up. After the horrible 4th of July last year when the washed out day led to too many people inside all day, some of who drank way too much and said way too much ( truly awful- so far out of line to me and my kids) none of us wanted to chance it. I think that was about the time when I had to take a major pause on blogging. It was bad and we all keep said relative at more than an arms length since.
I know my husband's family thinks we're both weird and ungrateful for not wanting to spend every spare summer moment at the lake. I don't care. My nephew had three people with him, the brother in law's kids each brought a friend, a family friend couple and my sister-in-law's niece and her kids would be there. Quite a large group if stuck inside for hours. Another weekend will be better.
We had a more subdued Saturday. In between rain boughts we got dogs walked or ball play. We attempted a few times to introduce the kitten to the big dog, but he was not a fan and hissed. Her other cat is leery of the big dog too, but neither care about pup. Little Miss could care less, most of the time. She's here all the time and more than once, swiped when grandpup got a bit too "nosy" in her face or rear. They have a respectable dog- cat relationship.
Sunday morning was perfect for dog time outside while I had coffee. This mug doesn't fit summer but it's a favorite. I did weed out the Christmas ones, but a few favorites because of style, handle, and depth stayed in the cupboard. I'll get the Christmas ones out in the season.
Don't shame my yard...I'm intentionally letting it grow longer to thicken up. I'll double mow tomorrow to get the mulch effect and weed whack.
I am a big fan of long grass and untrimmed yards.
ReplyDeleteYou'd enjoy my back yard. I could mix up a few cocktails or or offer you a beer and you'd have all the long grass your eyes would like.
DeleteI love your photograph of the dog in the sunshine. Xx
ReplyDeleteAt that moment he heard something and turned his head. What he's doing is snooping at a frog hopping around the tree. He doesn't hurt them, just pushes at them with his nose then they jump. It's off and we root for the frog to find sanctuary sooner under the fence or in the brick area the dog can't nose.
DeleteI enjoy my weeds and only deal with the really pernicious ones, like couch grass, brambles and marestail! And, of course, my mortal enemy every spring, goose grass. Our borders are so thickly planted the weeds don't get much of a look-in.
ReplyDeleteThese are the rock garden weeds. I just use a weed whacker in the others. The thorny ones I try to pull too because they hurt.
DeleteYour white dog is precious.
ReplyDeleteAt my house I preferred pots. I read a list of flowers that serve as ground cover and flowers that crowd out weeds--my kind of flower but forgot what they were.
I told my children to go to college, do something fun, then get married and have babies. Well, son did not get married until he was 37, owned a house. He and his wife are both English teachers. Practical Parsimony.
Daughter did marry at 25 and had two children. In our town, kids got married right out of high school and had kids. Not all, but too many. Youngest never married or had children. It will all work out.
I'm not being the pushy mom. What they do in life is their own. I'm allowed to feel some disappointment though especially when I know one would like it different for themselves. Pup is my guy.
DeleteYour husband's family sound like party people and I do feel for you with the crowds and the noise. My ex was a party animal and very loud and I hated it. It's pure torment when all you want is peace and quiet so well done for standing up for yourself!
ReplyDeleteThey're just a lot, and my father-in-law actually wasn't keen on the amount of drinking done at the cabin either. He once ( old cabin) got after my husband's brother for leaving a ton of both empty and semi full bottles of hard liquor on the kitchen counter after a big night of them drinking. In the new cabin, brother-in-law commindeered a cabinet above a wet bar sink for his booze. MIL says nothing to it all as she's just glad to have her family there but I can tell it bothers her. My husband was a very much social drinker only, a beer or two, his Bacardi coke or a bloody Mary occasionally. He had the best sense of humor and fun of all his siblings too, without being loaded.
Delete"Weird and ungrateful"--yeah, some people you just have to keep at arm's length, no matter what the relationship.
ReplyDeleteThese are not bar brawl drinking fests, ( though last 4th of July was close to coming to that) but the words flow if you know what I mean. Filters and boundaries come down and these in your face "Christians that are so blessed by God" feel they're entitled to say and act however it suits them.
DeleteHello dogs!!! I've never had dogs so haven't a clue as to introducing them to cats but I'm sure all will be well in the end. William hisses and chases after Gordon some days and others they'll both lounge around in the sunshine inches apart.
ReplyDeleteWe mow our lawn once a year, the rest of the time Jon just mows a single strip from the top of the garden to the bottom. Neatly mown lawns are so last century and long grass is far better for nature! xxx
The picture of the dog in the sun was a pause in his frog finding. I leave a lot wild...trying to get more pollinators around the sides and back. But, I can't find the dog balls in the tall grass...and he needs to chase his balls.
DeleteGood that you are deciding what you want to do and when. That has always served me well. It was a nice four day weekend here. The humidity was down a bit so that was nice.
ReplyDeleteYesterday was a perfect day. I think between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. I was maybe inside four hours total, during the highest heat/ no shade part of the day.
DeleteMIL doesn't get a say. My husband is facing life-threatening cancer and surgery is high risk. I have nearly nothing to do with in-laws and that won't change through his medical care or after regardless of the outcome. Her expectation of me after my Mom died was awful. She suddenly acted like she replaced Mom. I know you don't need this 'load'. I want you to know you are not alone. Hugs to you and yay for taking care of you first!
ReplyDeleteConsider a mulching blade for your mower? Then a quick mow every 4-5 days keeps it trim and the grass feeds the lawn. 3y from now your lawn will be lush and full and will not need feeding of any type. Works like a charm! I find tremendous therapy in weeding my gardens. I'm a weirdo. ;-)
I had the opposite reaction after both my parents died...lack of empathy. Sure, the token coming to the visitation and funeral (for my brother she didn't come to the funeral), but I've learned she has compassion for strangers and near acquaintances but for her own family, just closes off emotion. I guess that's how she copes and maybe losing her daughter when she was just 27, after a horrific four months post accident, sucked all her emotions dry, except for her husband. I try not to judge, just wish the same, no judgement.
DeleteMy yard is becoming a JUNGLE with all of the rain. I'll just mow it nice and slowww once the rain lets up. Like you, I am not a fan of big family gatherings with too much to drink. People forget their manners.
ReplyDeleteMiddle and now approaching senior age individuals drinking like college kids at a lake party is not my vibe. Yes, manners along with filters are forgotten.
Delete“I know my husband's family thinks we're both weird and ungrateful for not wanting to spend every spare summer moment at the lake.”
ReplyDeleteMy friend, you said a mouthful. The in-laws cabin holds a lot of unhappy memories for me. I never felt wanted or comfortable there and I will never return. Neither will my kids-their choice. I wish things were different but they never will be for me. Time will tell for the kids.
Cute doggies! Our weather was gorgeous, spent most of the weekend outside and I loved it. Even with all the heat, our grass has yet to turn brown and crunchy and it is growing like crazy. Looking ahead, everyone is back to work. Trying to have a low spend week but things keep popping up. My favorite sandals broke, needed more chairs for the backyard, CC payment is due, splurged on brunch yesterday, just life happening. JoAnn
It does go back decades for me as well. The rest of the family always seemed to have a spot, we were just extra. His entitled BIL, the one that ruined 4th of July last year with his vitriol drunken escapade, "claimed" the one bedroom in the loft above the garage for any of their stays, and now their son has done the same while their daughters family seems to get the upstairs of the big cabin to themselves. Say we're not welcome without saying we're not welcome. Yes, life just keeps plugging along, bills, things need replacing, money seems to have to work overtime. Stay strong JoAnn.
DeleteChoosing how to spend your time & being comfortable saying no to the things not serving you is both hard, but super powerful. Well done. My favorite coffee mug is one that DS19 received from his middle school girlfriend as a Christmas gift. He was into Stranger Things, so it's got some Stranger Things photo on it, with his first and last name on the mug. Donating it wasn't an option due to the names, and it turns out that it's the perfect size for my morning coffee (espresso + foamed milk). the rest of the mugs are too short. I would have never bought it, but it's absolutely perfect for what we need. - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteThis mug in the picture holds the right amount of coffee, is comfortable to grip. I love it. The stranger things mug sounds ideal, but yes, can't see you buying it!
DeleteI am glad you chose known peace over what ifs at the cottage! No comments on the lawn, you do what you want!
ReplyDeleteThe lawn will tell me what it needs. Haha. I'm waiting for this years comments about what we're all doing wrong.
DeleteSelf preservation is the name of the game when it comes to toxic family. I wouldn’t worry about what they think and continue to take care of yourself and your three. Let them sort out the rest.
ReplyDeleteYour grass looks great compared to mine. 😂
I hate using word toxic, as in general, they're fine, just very different people/ priorities than I have. It's when the attitude that surely they know better arises that my guard goes up. The toxic part comes when drinking, I think true opinions come out and are not kind.
DeleteLove the pup pictures; both sweet faces. I'm sure the new kitty will tolerate the dogs, it just takes time. Glad you had a peaceful weekend, and I wouldn't have wanted to be around a crowd at the lake house either. No shame from me about the yard, mine looks like a meadow. :D Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteugh, keep forgetting to sign my name since I am having trouble logging in.
DeleteKathy
Her first cat never did warm up to the big dog. He pretty much stays in whatever bedroom my daughter stays in unless the big dog is outside, or shut in another room with me or his "mom", my older daughter. Fortunately, that gives enough time for him to wander, eat, use the litter box.
DeleteI’m 61 and my kids are both in their thirties and have partners but no kiddos and not sure if they ever will or if they do I may be too old to pick them up lol. It is their life and I want them to feel no pressure from me but it does make me a tad sad for a minute or two every once in awhile but they are having fun and enjoying adventures and I have 2 grand dogs and 3 grand cats. Love them even if they do shed. Haha ColoradoGirl
ReplyDeleteShoot, I am a loner by nature, and would use the nasty bil as an excuse to never return to the cabin. I think you show an extraordinary amount of grace towards your husband’s family after the treatment they have shown you at the cabin. Virtual hugs. Cindy in the South
ReplyDelete