I’m joining Amy at Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa for this month’s “Currently” post. The idea is you fill in the blank of five participles with photos, if possible. I skip the photos unless I already have them in my library. I am so impressed with myself! I think this may be the fourth time I’ve joined in on this. I’m a day late with my post because I had Gallery of Style yesterday (see it here). I haven’t really looked at Amy’s prompts for this month yet, but I’ll give it a spontaneous go!
Sparkling…
Hmmm…I’m not sure about this one. I guess I could go with Diet Coke because it’s kinda sparkly. But, I think I’m going to go with my new David Yurman ring. It’s very sparkly, and beautiful.
Grilling/Cooking…
I made a double batch of oatmeal raising cookies for the surgeon on Monday. I think he was really surprised when I gave them to him. He’s very fit so I’m quite sure he won’t eat all of them. In fact, his NP and staff were all partaking of them. Nigel grilled hamburgers outside tonight (Wednesday) which made me nervous as all get out. In all the years of being empty nesters, I’ve never quite mastered cooking for only one. I tend to cook the same, and then we eat leftovers. Nigel’s not picky about things like that as long as it’s something he likes. Creamy things like gravy, alfredo sauce, cream soups…he can’t stand them. Every once in a while, he’ll eat some, but I tend to get those things when we eat out.
Heating up…
Well, it’s hotter than you know where right now in Central Indiana as well as most of the US. As most of y’all know, I am strictly a cold weather person so these over 90 degree days (with real feels in the 100s) are not for me. So, guess this also means my electric bill will be heating up, too. Poor Jack, he just can’t get comfortable, and he’s just been groomed so he doesn’t have excess hair on him. He tends to lie close to the vents or on the tile. Gosh, I am so boring!
Using…
I have been using my hair topper more and more. I feel more confident going out in public with it. I have to tell you…it’s so freeing! I don’t have to worry about whether or not I washed and styled my hair. I just plop it on, give it a couple of little curls, and I’m golden! Unfortunately, not many wig companies carry toppers in grey or silver. So, I’m being very gentle with this one. They are not inexpensive at all! Another downside is it’s rather warm when it’s warm outside. I’m also wondering how it will do with a hat this fall and winter. But, I do love having the hair I should have always had! I can’t think of anything else I’m using that I don’t use on a regular basis and would be of interest to you. See, I said I was boring!
Celebrating…
I’m probably going to be completely different from everyone else on this one. My dad died on July 2nd, and we buried him on July 4th. Somehow, I just can never get into the spirit of the holiday. I’m celebrating two different things: I went to Artful Party at the Museum last Friday night and met the artist of one of my favorite pieces. As I was researching for my Fashion Files post (link up here), I discovered both of his pieces on display are loaned to the museum by him! Anyway, I met Kyng Rhodes and still feel really exhilarated about it. The other thing I’m celebrating is Nigel’s appointment today (Wednesday) with the surgeon. He assured Nigel everything is in place, looking fantastic, and he should be walking independently eventually. Since it wasn’t a typical hip replacement, the recovery is at least a year. I am not celebrating that. I’m tired of being a caregiver and getting minimal sleep. But, it’s what we do, right?
Wrap It Up, Marsha!
Well, that was not so very interesting, right? July is just a hard month for me. So, can we talk? What makes you sparkle? If it’s hot where you are, how are you handling it? What have you been cooking or grilling lately? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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I don’t think you’re boring at all. I remember a blog post in one of my first Weekend Traffic Jam – I forgot what the blog was called – talking about mediocrity and embracing it. We tend to expect something special for ourselves, but sometimes we can’t see our being special in the eyes of others.
I’m sorry about the recovery time for Mike, but it’s great news that everything is looking good!
Oh, so now I’m mediocre? Harrumph!! Hahaha!!! Yes, I do think, when we write these kinds of posts, we expect to fall in line with the other influencers who have the perfect lives. I am beyond thrilled that it’s only a year because, if he can walk unaided, it will have all been worth it! Thanks, my special friend!
While I didn’t say it like that as you well know 😂 (and it’s too funny that I only noticed “Middle Doesn’t Mean Mediocre!” again today!), I honestly think most of us humans are mediocre, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong in that because it doesn’t mean we’re not special to others. I will never discover a vaccine that helps millions of people or invent something like the wheel, but maybe I can make someone smile and feel good every, now and then. As do you, you silly goose, and don’t you forget that 🧡
Hahaha!!! I wondered if you’d seen that, and that’s why you commented. I hope you know I knew exactly how you meant it, and that you understood I did! I thought it was funny!! I do believe you may be my biggest cheerleader, Cat! You always make me feel better, and now I’m smiling so that’s a good thing!
If I didn’t know, I would never have dared to call you a silly goose!
Hahaha!!! I know!!
That’s good news for you both about the stage of Nigel’s recovery.
Thanks, Rosie! I was thrilled with the reports as was Mike!
Oh boy a full year recovery does sound rough but I bet it felt wonderful to hear that everything is as it should be and there is still hope that this whole ordeal will be behind you both eventually. Your new ring is so pretty.
Thanks, Joanne! After three years, another year doesn’t sound all that bad especially if he’ll be walking at the end of it. And, thank you about the ring. I love it!
This wasn’t boring!
I love a chatty real-life post because that is how I “get to know” the bloggers!
That seems exciting that Nigel was able to grill! Would he be allowed to swim or would swimming help him?
A year – another year – sounds rough after all you’ve been through!
I love that you gave the surgeon cookies. I bet he doesn’t get that often.
I would still be riding the high of meeting the artist because I am still riding the high of meeting Bo Duke! Lol.
My son wanted to see the Raphael exhibit at The Met before it left and he got to do that. He also went to The Frick. He was just lit up from those experiences.
Thanks, Amy! Most of my posts are chatty because that’s just the way I am! I have mentioned swimming to him, but he’s afraid of that initial getting into the pool. I think, in a few weeks, that could be a possibility, especially if the Y has a ramp to get into it. Yeah, a year, but if he can walk without anything, I’m willing to work through it! I was thrilled to have the surgeon say that. I gave him the cookies followed by a big old hug which he returned…the man has muscles! Yes, I am still riding that high! Oh, I saw that mentioned about the Met. I hope he took lots and lots of photos! I’m hoping to go to NYC with some of my docent besties!
July seems like a hard month overall – Its when my Hubby died, my mother got gravely injured, the heat starts ramping up in a big way, dinners looks like they are going to become cold sandwiches, and projects are barely making headway. Sometimes Life is just Life-ing, right?
Oh, Gina! I’m so sorry. Your loss is so fresh, too. You are so right…life is just life-ing at times. I so wish we were closer…I feel like we could help each other so much. Hugs to you!
Didn’t know you use toppers, good on you! And Jack looks so cute! And of course you aren’t boring art all!!
Nancy…you are my best friend! I just got it a couple months ago. I’m still a little self-conscious about it, but it makes me feel so good. Jack is cute, but he can be a royal pain!!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi, Marsha. Jack has the best idea for staying cool! A few years ago, I was in an accident and broke my pelvis. Not a hip replacement. However, I was unable to walk for approximately 2 months. That was hard. So your husband needing to allow a year, oh my! Wishing you both and Jack, all the best.
Debra @ Life Captured
Thanks, Debra! This is actually the third procedure he’s had on his right hip so that factors into it, too. It’s been a long, long time, but I have some hope once again that this is coming to an end even if it’s a year away.
We all have one of those months, don’t we? So sorry….
Glad to hear Nigel is recovering well. I just had ear surgery and that’s been a challenge – nothing like a joint replacement, though. Dealing with extreme heat is no fun and I’m SO thankful for AC! Since I don’t want to be outside, this is a good time to catch up on my crafting.
Wishing you a peaceful weekend, Marsha.
Thank you, Ann! Yes, there are certain months with which I struggle, and July is one of them…a core memory, for sure. I hope you are healing from surgery. That has to hurt and maybe even effect your balance! Oh, I don’t think I’d want to be around me without AC!!! Enjoy your weekend!
I don’t know about boring, but honestly, a post that has Jack’s adorable face is automatically a winner in my book! 😀
Aww, thanks, Sally! I will tell Jack you said that!
Your post was anything but boring , I enjoy catching up on what my fellow bloggers have been up to . I have no idea how you manage to do four posts in one week . I struggle some weeks to do one but I have being at it for a long time so maybe the gloss has worn off.
How exciting to meet one of your favourite artists.
Poor little Jack , hope he finds some cool spots.
Thanks, Jill! I don’t usually plan to do four posts in one week, but it seems to be happening more and more! I just hope I wasn’t embarrassing myself and not realizing it when I met Kyng Rhodes. He was so nice and gracious! He has found a spot between two floor vents and frequently lies there!
Your new ring really does sparkle! I’m also so happy to hear Nigel received such an encouraging report from the surgeon. I know it’s been a long road, and while a year of recovery sounds daunting, it’s wonderful to hear he’s making progress. Sending you both continued healing—and hoping July brings a few more bright moments along the way.
Thank you so much, Laura! It has been a journey, but knowing there’s an end to it (with a positive outcome) makes it easier to travel. Thanks for the encouragement!
A year is a long recovery time but a day…not so much. When I’m facing a long health siege I tell myself that I can do anything for this one day. The days add up and soon the recovery period is over. I don’t know, if I can do a year but I know I can do a day. It’s been a long road for you and Mike but you’ve done it…one day at a time. Wishing you a happy 4th of July and a great year of accomplishments.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thank you for that wonderful advice, Lynne! I’m going to tell Mike that, and try to remember to use it myself. I’m not overly upset about the idea of another year as long as he can walk unassisted. That will be like a miracle after all this time. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you again!
Ok, dying over that David Yurman ring! I had a DY ring with a topaz (almost excactly the same as part of your ring) that I wore all the time that I loved. I stupidly packed it in a suitcase for a trip. The trip got cancelled because of weather and we couldn’t get our luggage for days. It finally came back and all my expensive jewelry was gone. Learned my lesson. Your hair topper looks amazing and so glad you feel free with it. Yay for not having to do your hair!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! David Yurman used to be Mike’s go-to for gift giving when we could buy it at Von Maur. Their credit card has zero interest! So, I have lots of pieces. That’s so maddening and disappointing that someone went through your luggage. Were you able to file any kind of claim against the airline? And, thanks for the compliment on the hair topper!
My husband will tell you that its good to be boring. .no drama is good
Xoox
Jodie
Hahaha!! Well, Mike would say the same, but he’s more dramatic than I am, I think!!
A year of recovery is rough but I’m so happy to hear he’s progressing well! How fun that you got to meet one of your favorite artists! Have a happy and safe 4th!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! It is rough, but it’s like we now have a definitive time frame…or as definitive as the human body can be. I feel much more hopeful after talking with the surgeon. Oh, Jill, you should have seen me trying not to be obnoxiously complementary!!! It was a wonderful night. I hope your weekend is safe and happy, too!
It was great getting to know more about you—past and present. I’m glad you guys stayed largely cool and safe during this blazer of a week.
Thanks, Edi! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’m pretty much an open book…Jordan might tell you otherwise! I’m guessing you’re loving this weather…he says you’re always cold!
They told us Wyatt’s surgery was a year recovery as well, and they have been spot on. However, as the year progressed it wasn’t the same sort of care, and it got easier. I hope it is the same for you and Mike.
And you are not boring at all!!
I am not a fan of the fourth really either. I hate sitting outside and being hot and that is what it seems people like to do. The past ten years or so though we have been going to my cousin’s house for a pool party and it is a good time. No emphasis on the 4th either, more like a family party with all of my cousins. And the have lots of shade! We didn’t make it this year but we did celebrate by doing something you will appreciate – we went to the DIA! We spent the afternoon wandering the American art section, and had a great time.
Thank you, Erin! I’m glad to hear that. I hadn’t thought about the care getting easier. Mike can already get into and out of the shower easier than when we began. It’s more I’m nervous about him falling and hurting himself, I guess.
That sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate the 4th. I would love a pool, preferably inground, but we barely have a backyard. It actually doesn’t even, technically, belong to us. If we ever move again, I will have a pool!
Rather late in the day I am commenting that I think the two dresses, one blue the other pink with their underskirts are the prettiest dresses I’ve ever seen on you – ever. I do hope you keep them and I see them again as they’re just beautiful. Fingers crossed with Mike’s recovery – do hope all goes well. Lots of love to both of you on that as both of you are involved in Mike’s health and recovery. My waiting list time to have my hip done is a bit delayed as they’ve found I’m anaemic – that has to be rectified before the countdown starts! There’s always something.
The heat you suffer is nothing to ours, as you get so much higher temps. I mean those high figures – just wow! But without air con we really feel it – in our own homes! Hope the heat gets better over the pond and we saw clips of your recent 4 July storms. Again – wow!
Best wishes to you both X
Thank you, Penny! I just love both looks and have to stop myself from reaching for them too many times. I haven’t worn the pink one yet to the museum, but I just might wear it Monday to an all docents meeting. Thank you so much for the good wishes. I know you are on your own journey with your hip and other things. Ugh…I was anemic several years ago and had to take iron. Someone also told me to bake in a cast iron skillet so that might help if you roast vegetables. I don’t really know if it works or not.
Well, our heat may be higher, but we also have access to so much air conditioning. I do worry about the unhoused in our communities. Our governor has now made it illegal to be unhoused, if you can believe that. I’m not sure how that’s being enforced, though. I do know the homeless shelters open up (to extra people) when the weather is really, really extreme. Oh, my goodness…the storms on the 4th were something! We really are having strong storms these days.