What’s been going on catch up

Under the chin?

A recent health condition flare up slows things down for me. I stress out worrying if this the beginning of my elderly decline. Careful what I eat is a struggle to balance stress and eating right.

The point is that we know our bodies better than anyone else. We may not have the knowledge depth medically trained people do, conditions, treatments and such, but we know us. I think there are times when we forget that as well as how all of us works when facing issues, conditions, illnesses that life throws at us. 

Paying attention to our health can prevent  situations from getting worse. Write things down, ask questions, and be vigilant about symptoms no matter how small. 

If you see on a label, Zero Sugar, read the ingredients to know the sweetener used.

Have a wonderful week

Day 156 of Week 23 June 2026

Edited post because stats took a really steep nose dive.

June is sliding into Summer mode well with higher temperatures and rain, some thunder included. 

Have a good weekend

Sing

Make your own barbeque sauce

Browse stovetop percolators online

Draw a dandelion field

Take a walk with friends

Hand sew stitches for fun

Buy basal plants

How Do You Shop?

 Let us count the ways:

Need 

Garment specific

Thrift stores

Sales and bargains

Color

Fabric

I know when I see it

Fashion fad

Bored and needed to get out and about

Shopping all ways now and then, I believe, is the right answer. 

I am mainly a thrift store shopper leaning into need.

 Last fall I I over did it on tunics, bought more than I needed. That turned into more laundry than I care to have. So, now I am keen on asking myself do I need to buy whatever. I am skilled at making excuses in that regard. Get it down to will it break my heart to say I don’t need it is the coin toss. No wins more often.

Deciding on no is a major change of my shopping attitude. Proof that we can change. Yay me!

A local thrift store is running a 25% off clothes sale. That is worth a quick look. I bought 2 Summer tops and a pair of Gap Madras shorts. I love Madras. I look for Madras in the men’s section because it is difficult to find, and when I do, it is in the men’s section. 

Today though, I didn’t look on the men's racks. As I make my way to the check out counter, something out of the corner of my eye briefly catches my attention. My neck snaps in that direction. Madras! What a thrill. The mind knows what the mind knows. 😎

Alterations needed

Mulling over thoughts of summer heat

Summer Wildflowers

Summer Sky

Summer Fields

As weird as it may sound, since a kid, I’ve liked hot summers. Heat waves, however, I am not a fan. 

Hot ambient temperatures signal my brain that it is warm enough to be outdoors, be in nature, wear sandals, picnic time and know the scent of fresh air after a thunderstorm. There are wonderful elements of hot weather.

And, Air conditioning is number one. Relief from the heat is needed for safe healthy living. 

After that, when the sun doesn’t sting my thin elderly skin, it is therapeutic to me that sunshine rules the day. Feeling the heat from the sun, for a brief time with a thick layer of sunscreen on, is a connection to the universe, a science fiction moment, being one with the solar system. 

This summer I have pondered not having an air conditioner. So far, fans are cool enough. But, one day returning home, when I opened my front door, I felt a rush of hot air. Thoughts began fading from oh this summer will be cooler, no A/C needed. Yes, I do need air conditioning took over. 

Summer Flowers

A Midsummer’s Night Celebration

Day 2 of June, thinking about the summer solstice on 21 June 2026, I also think of how to celebrate one of my favorite special days, Midsummer’s Night, 19 June 2026.

🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚

🧚Make a crown with real flowers or faux blooms. The fabric one can be saved and hung later on a door hanger. Wear the crown during events. A selfie is a must.

🧚Fix a large platter of hors d’oeuvres paired with a delicate white wine.

🧚Watch the 1935 movie first, and then watch the 1968, 1999 or the 2016 film version of William Shakespeare’s, “Midsummer’s Night Dream. Or make it a marathon to watch all four.

🧚Read Shakespeare’s play aloud.

🧚Dance to one of the film’s sound tracks.

Invite friends, love ones, do a solo or with a partner. 

Self Portrait 2014
16 x 20 inch acrylic