I think I mentioned that the girls and I killed my computer lately. It's not completely dead, but it's misbehaving so much that I can't manage it any more. So I quickly got another one, this time a smaller, less awkward size. I love having a big screen, but I find out I do just fine with a normal size screen. And it's always good to clean up and have a fresh start.
July has been busy and alternately hot and cool. We've had a little smoke haze the last few days from terrible fires in Canada and here in the US. Makes me really sad.
My favorite thing has been the swimming afternoons. It's a bit of a deal to get us all there, although it's on a few steps away. This week they've left sunscreen at home, so they ended up using some of my tinted moisturizer with a little SPF listed. No one got too much sun and had tons of fun. Both days, I left my keys at home, forgetting that the key to the bathrooms is on my keychain. It wasn't hard for me to go through the office and open the outside door though, so no harm done there. I'm not even sure that outside door was locked.
Graysen didn't get to go on Friday because of a birthday party, but Kate took Eiri with her. They met up with Zoe who goes every day with her grandmother, she says. Eiri's mom, Daisha came and spent some time sitting with me, even though Eiri didn't want her there. So funny. Daisha admits she is the ultimate helicopter parent, but she is so much fun and a joy to be around. The three girls had the pool to themselves - surprisingly - for a couple of hours. They alternated playing on the floats and diving for jewels to getting out and having snacks and jumping in the hot tub. The energy! And they got along so well. Eiri and Kate are both no-nonsense kiddos, and you'd thing they didn't like each other sometimes, but they just understand each other so well! Same with Carly who went with both girls earlier in the week. I love these little groups. The sisters get a little tired of being together constantly and enjoy some variety. I haven't edited the pictures, but here's a sampling.
Fjrst trip with Carley. The girls got in, and Carley walked over and joined us.
Second trip - 3-1/2 hours. Eiri, Zoe, and Kate.
I haven't seen much of my biggest girl since she's had a bunch of things to do - soccer, a birthday party, and an afternoon at a lake with friends. Then this weekend it's packing for camp. We did get this picture of the chaperone she chose to take.
After all the drama with the braces last week, this photo appeared in my memories. I'd love so much to have another afternoon with this girl at this age. So precious to me.
The rest of the week has been just getting done what I can and wanted to. I think I had another few instances of remembering that I can't cook any more - if I ever could. I hope I remember not to try two different thigs at the same time any more. Somehow things did work out, and we had a nice oreo pie that was perfect for these hot afternoons. I sent the WinBins a Mexican casserole and a pineapple cake, which they raved about - but they would rave about anything!
I got a morning with Noreen for us to catch up. With her busy schedule of PT and healing and my time with the girls and MJ we just have been missing seeing each other. I guess we should be glad to have some busyness in our lives. She thinks she's about ready to join me at the pool when we have our next warm spell with any number of little boys!
Mah Jongg was fun Thursday with me, Sharon, Lori, and Nancy. Nancy's granddaughter zoomed in on our first game with a video of her new engagement ring, so that added some excitement. Lori won a couple of games and Sharon one. Nancy had a good excuse for not winning with all those wedding plans in her head, but I had none. I managed to be within a tile or two of MJ every time, so that's all that counts with me. We didn't play for money, so I didn't have to spend all my quarters!
Lori got her own set and sent us a picture of that and her new mat. It's exciting to be able to play at home when you can't get enough partners. We were joking about how we have these exciting new toys, and no one at home cares! Elise pretends to care. Ha.
This coming week will be cloudy and not pool weather, so Kate and I might get in some practice. I use the pink set for playing because it's cute, but the characters in the traditional set are easier to see and recognize. I'm enjoying this little practice board, not because I especially need it, but I think it's cute, and that's what it's all about.
Our group is all for getting the best bargains, but I am seeing some beautiful hand-painted tiles with the colors I like. I could never justify $250 for a set of tiles unless someone I know expresses an interest in playing with them.
Reading: I've been out of the reading mood for a while now, but I see it coming back.
I'm not sure who recommended The Unselected Diaries of Emma M. Lion, Volume I of XII, but I did find it - a very thin mint green paperback written in - guess what? - diary style. So every page wasn't even a full page of print. I dutifully packed it in the swim bag and pulled it out, but I can't say I read more than 4 pages. I was either distracted or bored with it or, the last day, having problems with my eyes burning. But somehow I plowed on through it and enjoyed the last half enough that I'm kind of thinking about looking for Volume II.
I am enjoying my bookmark that turned up today in one of my dresser drawers. I think it was a leftover from Christmas stockings for the girls. Win for me!
I had another one in my hold list the last time I went to the library, and it's just the opposite - 536 pages. It's Credence by Penelope Douglas. It started off okay. I enjoy the writing, but I think it's going to get deeper than moving to a beautiful isolated place in Colorado with amazing views, and that's when I'll have to see if I want to continue.
No plans for next week except to see what Kate might like to do and play MJ once or twice. I'm loving the nice weather and haven't been warm enough to bring out the fan, even on the 101-degree day.
