Thursday Thirteen

1. It's open enrollment time at work. You know, the time to find out how screwed you are on health insurance. Anyone who thinks this system is the right one needs a slap to the face.
2. Saturday is the last football game of the season. I'm glad.
3. It's supposed to rain at game time. Oh goody.
4. It's the last night of football practice. You know, the last night of me having a couple hours of quiet in the house to pick up and watch the TV I want to watch.
5. No World Series to watch tonight. If the Cubs win, I'll vomit. Literally. All those sanctimonious Cubs fans are going to make me physically ill. Because honestly, a large market SHOULD be able to buy themselves a team. So let Cleveland have the glory.
6. PLEASE, let Cleveland have this glory.
7. We have a new cafeteria at work that serves mini donuts. Freshly fried mini donuts. I've been restrained so far, but man, they're tempting.
8. Beasley turned 6 this month. We only know he was born in October, not the date. I guess we should celebrate with a liver cake or something.
9. I need to get up to see my bees. I was hoping this weekend, although we have a party on Sunday. So Packers and party it is.
10. A lot of people at work are sick. I wish they'd stay home. It's like a ticking time bomb over my head.
11. I've almost binged through House of Lies. I like it and hate it all at the same time.
12. Adults don't wear costumes to the party we're going to on Sunday. I have a Little Red Riding Hood costume. I'm still not sure if I'll wear it. It seems wrong, being trick or treat and all.
13. I think I need those donuts today...

It's raining, it's pouring, the tin man isn't moving

It's so cold and rainy, they're not holding football practice. Honestly, this blows. I can barely move.

Randoms

It's the last week of football, and I'm really ready for it to end. It feels like it has gotten so serious this year. I'm not sure why, but it doesn't seem nearly as fun as previous years. I'm hoping wrestling doesn't take the same turn. I understand as you age, it becomes more important. But it'd be sad if it was also less fun, too.

We have to buy a new lawnmower. I've been researching the best ones. This is so exciting. I really love mowing the lawn.

I've been checking fivethirtyeight's stats obsessively because I just can't believe this is all going to turn out for us in both the presidency and Senate.

Only 3 days of work left. Man, I've really got to figure this work happiness thing out.

5 more days

• Football on Saturday was an absolute disaster. It was like these kids had never played before. Ugh.
• C-man and I went to see Goosebumps at First Stage yesterday. Meh. Granted, we're pretty harsh critics since we've seen so many. Also, musicals aren't our jam. But still, it was a middle of the road show.
• He was most angry at some kids behind us making fun of a man with obvious special needs. I was most angry at their parents who didn't shut it down. So disappointing.
• I tried to mow our lawn this weekend, but the mower is on its last legs. Time to get a new one.
• It's the last week of football, which is hard to believe. But then I was quickly reminded that wrestling starts in November this year. Good Lord....
• Which also means Santa can't bring wrestling shoes this year. Darn. That was a solid gift.
• Only 5 days until the weekend. Whoot!

Can it just be over now

The election is almost here. We all know the ins and outs of it. And it's particularly annoying to me, because I could have voted ages ago, and it would be the same result. (Honestly, climate change alone is enough of a reason to run screaming from the Republicans) But I've found a different sort of annoyance about this election beyond all the obvious stuff - and it's with non-Americans.

I love to travel. I love governmental systems and processes. And I love just that overall awareness of being a citizen of the world. I often follow random political happenings around the world, because I just find it totally fascinating.

But never have I felt the need to start imposing my external views and posting about it on Facebook. Or Twitter.

Yet never have I felt the need to intimate that said country is dumb for choosing the way they did, or should have done something different. And yet, my Facebook and Twitter feeds are filled with this kind of talk. Canadians in particular are constantly popping off about what we should and shouldn't do. (I mean honestly, they had Harper for years, and I didn't post article after article about it.) I see other nationalities posting "funny" memes, that aren't really funny at all when taken into context. (You don't see me obsessively bagging on the antiquated monarchy system bunches of countries have, do you? No, because it's their choice.) And yes, I saw the whole JK Rowling nuclear code tweet and all the people cheering for her. But I still stand with the fact that she's totally wrong.

Yes, our election is important. Possibly one of the most important of the whole world based on history and position. But still, those who don't have a vote in the matter should sit down and be quiet about it. Because it isn't their country. It isn't their decision. And they shouldn't be imposing their values on us like they always accuse when it's reversed.

I guess I equate it to the whole 'I can bag on my sister, but will punch you in the mouth when you decide you can do it'. And after two years of this nonsense, I'm feeling a little angry with all the sanctimony.

Whew. I feel better now.

Thursday Thirteen Things to Do Today

1. Meditate. After I got all committed to doing it, I totally forgot to follow through this morning. I've had a killer headache for two days, and it's really distracted me.
2. Get people to sign up for my Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins team. I'm the Adult Champion this year, and my team is pretty appallingly small. I don't even have enough people to get our names on the back. Boo.
3. Hold an interview. Stick a fork in me. I hate doing interviews.
4. Get Beasley to the vet. He's overdue for his annual visit, and been coughing a lot. I'm worried.
5. Go to teachers' conferences. This is going to be an interesting one. After a rough first few weeks, I think C-man's settled in. He got 100% on his last math and science tests. So that's something.
6. Walk 4 kilometers. I have another 10k Pokemon egg (those are the potentially good ones), and I'm all exzcited to see what hatches from it.
7. Get a coffee. And a water. This headache is not going anywhere anytime soon. Man, I never got headaches like this before. I'm finding it really irritating.
8. Get a birthday present for a friend. He's having a surprise party thrown for him on Saturday. I always struggle with these things because I don't want to show up empty handed.
9. Call CarMax to make sure they've titled our truck correctly. We financed through US Bank, and CarMax inconveniently forgot to submit the right paperwork. Just one more thing...
10. Figure out what we're having for dinner tonight, because it'll have to be ready in front of the Packers game as soon as the boys get home from practice.
11. Remember to take my label maker home. We have to label our water pipes 'municipal' and 'well' to pass inspection. So dumb. At least I like using my label maker.
12. Get a new profile picture for my Facebook page. It's been the same one for a while, and I want a new one. I guess that means I should take photos of something other than football teams right now.
13. Take more Advil. Honestly, this headache is killing me.

Focus

October is over halfway gone. There's one (possibly two) weekends of KnightCats football left. The geese are all flying southward in their lopsided Vs. It's the time of year I like the least - the days are short, the weather cool and makes me achy, everyone starts to get sick, and the hectic nature of beer festivals and school make everything a little bit crazier. As is the tendency this time of year, I find it harder to be happy. Harder to find the joy in the little things. Harder to be patient and easy going. The sleep is more difficult, and the eating gets crappier.

I'm trying really, really hard to change that, though. I'm really focused on not getting angry so quickly, at slowing down and listening to what's going on around me, and taking more walks when I'm able. Part of that has included meditating more often, something I've really found to be helpful. I'm determined to not fall into a pit of despair this winter, which means I've got to start not sliding into that dark hole now.

I think as soon as C-man goes to college, we need to move somewhere warm and sunny. Belize, here we come...

And now I rest

Yesterday was an eventful one. Of course, there was football. It was an excellent day of football for this 7th grade team. After a tough first quarter, the KnightCats dominated against an undefeated team. It was so good, that C-man got to carry the ball three separate times - his favorite thing. Nana made the long trip to watch him, which, of course, made it even better.

After the game, we raced home to finish setting up for the annual Fall Fest. We ate brisket and chicken marsala and drank lots of good stuff, laughed often, and watched Spaceballs. It is an annual tradition that is so much work. But it always is such a great reminder that we are surrounded by so many good people. And since we've done this for 7 years now, we've gotten so much better at the logistics. Once the tent dries from the rain that came overnight, we'll even be all put away.

But now, I rest. And edit photos. And watch the Packers.

Seven Things for Tuesday actually on Wednesday because I forgot to hit publish yesterday

1. Fall fest is this weekend. That's when we invite a bunch of people to the house (47 are coming this year), feed them under a tent, and show a movie.
2. This year's movie is Spaceballs. I'm so glad these kids are old enough to show the good movies.
3. We have hardly done anything for this party. Sigh. Time to kick it into gear.
4. Friday, I'm going to be taking the all football program team photo. I'm really nervous about this.
5. Beerman's phone finally broke. The thing was so old, I'm surprised it didn't have a rotary dial on it. But anyhow, it's really weird to not be able to text him.
6. I went to the chiropractor for the first time in ages. I felt like I needed a smoke and a nap after. Man, I love the chiropractor.
7. This is what Beerman has been saying for years about arthritis, but it is a pretty great article that actually names the bacteria. Oldish article, but new to me.

Sort of meh

The KnightCats won. The Packers won. And I'm working from home today. If I didn't feel so arthritic, I'd consider it a giant win of a Monday. As it stands, it's sort of meh. At least I have Beasley to keep me company, even if it does mean I can no longer feel my toes. Happy week to you all!

Those end of week thoughts

• Beerman comes home from the Great American Beer Festival today. He got to judge honey beers during one of his rounds this week. He said they were very disrespectful to the bees.
• C-man and I were talking last night, and he expressed a desire to go on a trip this year. When I informed him that we'd already gone on a trip this year, and reminded him about those things we did in Fiji and New Zealand, he declared, "But that's so in the past, Mom!" I'm pretty sure this is my fault...
• Clinton's lead is gaining over Trump. Maybe some of the country is coming to its senses?
• I did enjoy that today's front page of the paper was about the decision of debate vs Packers game. Seriously, you can see all of the debate in snippets and via Twitter. Packers it is.
• It's school picture day. Which is sort of funny, considering how many photos he has taken of himself all the time. But today was quite important, as was how much gel got shlacked in that hair.
• I'm totally over this weather. It's killing me.
• Tomorrow, we have football in the morning. I hope it's at least sunny.

Wordlessly 27

Tuesday Ten

1. I feel awful. This weather is terrible. I can't sleep. Eating makes me sick. And my skin looks terrible.
2. Last night, while in a rush to get the house picked up and dinner cooking, Beasley decided to roll in something very disgusting and very dead. It took me 45 minutes with shampoo and a hose to get him less black. But I don't think it did a thing for the stink.
3. We got the middle school wrestling schedule today. Seriously. Can't we get through one sport at a time?
4. On a good news front, C-man is feeling much better. Those doctors who said it was a virus were full of it. 2 days of antibiotics, and he magically turned around? Hardly a coincidence.
5. He had off school yesterday for Rosh Hashanah. He stayed home and slept all day. I won't lie - I was pretty jealous.
6. At least he gets a hair cut tonight in advance of school photos. When I asked him what he'll wear, he responded with, "A purple shirt." As if the last several years of wearing a purple shirt weren't evidence enough of what he'd do this year.
7. I've got to take a photo of the entire football program this month. I measured it out last night. A photo of 120 people is going to be an undertaking, to say the least.
8. I really need to get up to see my bees and see what they need. But ugh. I'm feeling lazy.
9. I have to make dinner tonight. I'm not good at that. Maybe it'll be dinner out after the hair cut.
10. Meanwhile, Beerman is off judging beers. Ah, October.

Another day, another tackle

The KnightCats didn't fare so well yesterday. C-man did well at his position, though,  which was nice to see. The pouring rain wasn't so great, though. And now, after a breakfast with some friends, I'm going to keep it super low key. There may be a nap or cheesy movie in my near future. After a dog park, of course. Always after a dog park.

Five Good Things Friday

1. It's almost the weekend
2. C-man officially does not have whooping cough
3. Even better, he woke up this morning with a smile because he finally felt like he's getting better
4. We're planning a pre-marathon cheering bloodies and mimosas party on Sunday morning with some friends to cheer on a mutual friend
5. Tomorrow's football game was switched to the day instead of the evening, which will be way warmer. Still rainy, but way warmer

Randomness

1. C-man is still sick. As in coughing and can't catch his breath. I took him to the doctor last night.
2. You know, again. A week after the first time when we took him and told the doctor he was sick. 
3. This time, she said he still wasn't sick enough, and doesn't have bronchitis or pneumonia, which were my fears. But she was convinced he was sick enough to declare it possibly whooping cough.
4. He's been fully vaccinated, and there hasn't been a single case in the state. However, she gave him a Z-Pack, so I shut up and took the script. We find out tomorrow if he's Patient Zero.
5. This weather is destroying my back. I still haven't gone to the spinal surgeon. It scares me.
6. C-man informed his friends at school that I'm JenJentheGreat in Pokemon. They all knew me and my reign of terror over the local Pokegyms. Muahahahaha.
7. We all watched every bit of the debate Monday night. It was amazing. I totally felt the Bern, and am still disappointed it went down like it did. But now, I'm so with her, I can hardly stand it. This cannot go down for that idiot pumpkin spiced latte.
8. I had my 10 year anniversary at work Monday. I got some nice flowers and some donuts out of it. So that's something.
9. Waking up while it's still dark in the morning is a drag. I don't know if I'm ready for this. Even Beasley is tired.
10. C-man's game on Saturday got moved to the morning. I prefer that over a cold night game, so that's something. Although, that's when it's supposed to rain.
11. We've got our date for teacher conferences. I think this year's meetings are going to be fascinating.

Sunlazyday

C-man's team won 6-0 yesterday. It was a nice defensive battle, and C-man definitely did his part. As the head of defense, Beerman sure was pleased with the outcome.

In other news, today is my 10  year anniversary at work. I don't know how I feel about that. On one hand, I'm grateful and secure and happy. On the other, I never expected to be in one spot for that long, and wonder if I should be disappointed. It's a strange feeling.

And now, Go Pack Go.

Flashback

It's the end of the week. So I'm flashing back to an oldie but goodie. Have a great weekend, all. We'll be playing football and resting up all the sickies in the house.

Wordless Winners

Marching on

C-man's still sick. I'm slowly recovering. Tuesday marches on.

Glamorously living

C-man is sick. I'm hoping it's not strep, but he can't talk. I'm sick, but getting better. Although I'm all filled with stupid hives. Ah, the glamorous life. Here's to a good night's rest ahead.

Highs and lows

I seem to have caught a cold. Imagine that, after being with thousands of people, many of whom were sick, and then forced to sit in an airplane for 3 hours. Oy. I hate colds. But, it didn't slow down C-man's KnightCats 7th grade team for the win. He even got a couple carries of the ball, because they were ahead. And now, it's time to put it in relax.

Raccoongate 2016

In what I'm dubbing Raccoongate 2016, I raced up north yesterday after Cousin Chad informed me there was a problem.

The hive on the left completely broke apart, and the bees swarmed. Which means they gorged on all the honey they'd stored, left a few behind, and took off to lands unknown. Damn. There are some bees left, but it seems a laying worker has taken over and is laying drones. I put it back together, but am doubtful there's anything left to salvage.

The hive on the right did such a great job gluing their boxes together with their propolis that it was mostly intact. The top super and cover was tossed, but otherwise, they appeared to be okay. I pried the boxes apart, turned it right-side up, and said a little prayer.

I went through the two back hives, and both appear to be doing well. I pulled a super off the hive on the left, as it's time to start decreasing their space as we head into winter. I'm unsure whether I'll harvest it or just give it back in Spring. But for now, it's fine in a tub in the basement.

And now, it's time to head into the weekend. Hope you enjoy yours!

Back to football season

We're back in official football season. It was a pretty rough start to the season for this little team. C-man got hurt in the second quarter and was out for the game. It's probably a deep bruise of his inner thigh, but he had to be helped off the field because he couldn't walk on it right after it happened. I'm not interested in seeing THAT happen again, thankyouverymuch. And so, our weekend continues. Time to get to church, mow the lawn, and get ready for the week ahead. I leave for Orlando tomorrow. Guess that means I should do some laundry, too.

Finding an Om

It's been such an odd week filled with highs and lows and weird happenings. It's left me uncharacteristically scattered and discombobulated. Almost like my feet aren't on the ground, but floating just above it as I drift and flit from one thing to the next, never being able to finish the last thing before I'm forced to move on to the next.

So it's back to meditation with a vengeance. (You know, as much as you can meditate with force.) Meditation has come up over and over for me recently. And I'm taking it as a sign from the universe, (as much as I take signs from the universe) that it needs to re-enter my life with some regularity. There's just too much noise going on all the time, so it's time to find some inner peace.

So don't mind me over here. I'll just be figuring out how to bring it all back to center.

Wordlessly wishing for the weekend

Another day of the grind

It's another crazy week ahead. I've been slowly digressing into a lot of pain again. I had a nice few weeks, but I think my time avoiding the spinal team may be nearing an end. I hate to think of surgery in my future, but I can't live like this either. But who has time for any of it? Football season is upon us. Work travel is heating up for both Beerman and me. And really, let's face it, who wants to do any of this?

Sigh...

One step at a time. Literally.

Labor Day

Hello, long weekend

6th grade

C-man left the house this morning, and walked off to 6th grade at a new, public school. He has a locker with a built-in combination, had to choose his outfit, and has 8 classes he needs to find. He was so nervous, he could barely eat this morning. It was adorable. He is a brave kid - I don't know many who would willingly impose such a huge change on their lives for no reason other than he thought it would be better for him. I can't wait to hear how his day went. After football, of course, because there's a scrimmage tonight. Never a dull moment...

Wordlessly Serene

Life in person

I'm back home again. It seems like things have been non-stop for a bit now, and I'm finally just now able to take the time to sit down and take it all in. I really had a lovely week. I put on over 1000 miles, tasted the ocean, and got in an accident with someone who doesn't speak English, but it was all still pretty great anyhow. Plus, I traveled to 3 new states and 1 new province. And we all know how much I love saying THAT!

During my trip, I had the opportunity to hang out with two old friends. Friends I'd never met in real life. And yet, because we have been in an online Mom's group since C-man was 6 months old, I seem to know them as well, if not better, than anyone else in my life. It's crazy to me how easy the conversation was over dinner one night in Concord. (Which I learned is pronounced Con-curd by the locals) And then when we drove into Maine to crash another mom friend's 13 year old's birthday party the following day, it didn't even seem that odd because I already 'knew' all the cast and characters present - from Grammy to the local priest. The views of her mountains were already familiar and the jokes incredibly funny. I showed up with a giant bottle of gin because we one day named them Fun and Tonics, and it wasn't even a question whether we'd crack that bottle open immediately.

I find it incredible that time and space and years haven't been barriers. We've been with one another through career changes and a marriage and some babies. We've found religion and changed beliefs and talked one another through it all. We've watched each other's children grow ,and talked each other down from the crazy ledge more than once. There's been anxiety and nervousness and love and joy. All done from afar, but it never really felt that way.

So how special it was to be able to experience all that love and history face to face. There were tears. There was laughter. And there was love. It really was so, so lovely.

Montreal adventures

I started this morning in Montreal. I went straight to Notre Dame to get that churchy thing out of the way. And wow, was I impressed. Out of all the different churches I've seen in the world, I'd put this one in the top three. I just sat there for the longest time, in awe. The blue was so amazing. And it didn't smell like stinky incense. I absolutely loved it.

But knowing I only had 6 hours before I had to get moving on. I strolled through Old Montreal, seeing the shops and watching everything come to life. This city has a really nice, creative vibe about it. I liked it a whole lot.

But then, it was time to move on. And, apparently, get in an accident. Ugh. It was stop and go traffic in a construction area on the East side of Montreal, and a giant bearded man rear ended me. A giant bearded man who only spoke French, I quickly learned. Ugh. The bumper is dented. Everyone was fine. He was quite nice, even with his limited English. But ugh. Seriously - I was in another country. What does one do in an accident in a foreign country? Do you need to call the police? He gave me his info. I took pictures. I called the rental agency and they told me I could move on. So it was minimal. But what a fricking drag that is going to be to return.

So anyhow, after that, I plowed ahead. Through Vermont. And then through New Hampshire, where I landed in Concord for the night to meet up with a friend.

And, of course, because it seems to be the trip of capitol cities, I had to get my shot of the New Hampshire capitol building before bed.

And tomorrow, it's back to Maine to see another friend before I head home. It's been a really great trip filled with adventures. That makes me so happy.

The capitol game

Yesterday, I left Maine (after checking out the beach and Kennebunkport) to get to Massachusetts. Today, I had to drive to Vermont. Somehow, I can explain the geography of random states in Brazil, yet still can't wrap my head around having to go through New Hampshire to get to Vermont. (I swear it was the other way!) But I eventually did get to Vermont, and had to pee because there was a load of construction and I'd had too much coffee. So I stopped in Montpelier. Which made me laugh. Because who didn't think that was one of the best cities when you had to memorize the capitols as a kid? So, of course, I got out to see the state house. Kind of a disappointing building, all things considered. Lots of Ethan Allen statues and cannons lying about.

But, after work in Burlington, I headed further north into Canada. I'm spending the night and tomorrow morning in Montreal. Because I've never been. And really, why wouldn't I take the opportunity while I could?

I really do love seeing new places. I can barely sleep it makes me so happy. But to sleep I must. Because there's nothing on TV I understand, and I've got some walking to do tomorrow!

Taking New England by Storm!

I made it to Maine today. It's a nice little place. I've only seen a bit of Portland today, but from what I've seen, it's quite a lovely place. The people have been quite endearing, too. All the families on vacation make me a bit sad to be here alone. I'm heading to Massachusetts tomorrow, but hoping to see some of the Maine coastline along the way. And then it's off to Vermont. I'm checking off these states one by one!

Catching Up

• The weekend was mostly nice. I cleaned the house. We got school supplies. We Pokemon-ed. I finished my honey bottling.
• School supplies. Holy balls. $200 for a public school 6th grader on top  of the $120 of fees I had to pay for who-knows-what just for him to go to school. So much for not paying tuition anymore!
• Pokemon. We spent a few hours at Lake Park, which is Poke-heaven. At least I got my walking done.
• At least that was the case until I got C-man's sickness yesterday afternoon. I got called out of work Thursday to pick him up because he threw up. And it took until yesterday to really kick in officially. At least I knew where the Lake Park public bathrooms were from my old days of working out there in the mornings!
• My honey is all bottled up. I got 51 pounds of honey this time around. Everything is cleaned up and will get put away tonight. I'm hoping that's it for the winter now, and whatever they make moving forward, they can keep.
• Tonight I have to pack, because I'm heading to New England tomorrow for the week. I've never been to New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine, and will hit all three. I'm excited.
• I'll miss C-man's run out onto the high school field on Friday and scrimmage on Saturday. Somehow, I'll manage.
• In the meantime, I'll work through my Monday while C-man plays with seals and sea lions at the zoo all week.

Because I like it

I've been a one-woman bottling line again. Well, at least I was until I ran out of bottles. More are due to show up on Saturday, so hopefully I can finish it off and have everything cleaned up by Saturday night. I got 59 pounds the first pull, and will probably get over 40 this time (TBD, of course). And I'm still leaving what should be a good stash for the bees. A pretty great haul!

I love my honey. I enjoy my bees. I think the whole thing, from seeing them grow to figuring out how to meet their needs to deciding when to take the honey so they don't swarm to deciding when enough is enough before winter to extracting and bottling to then feeling sick because I've eaten so much, is just fantastic.

But it's work. And it costs money. And it's so much time. Don't get me wrong - I do thoroughly enjoy it. But that doesn't lessen how tough it is when I'm completely drenched in sweat and not even bothering to swat the bees who are stinging me as I steal their honey because it takes additional effort I cannot expend. It also doesn't mean my back doesn't ache for days after working with them because it's so heavy and physically taxing. And it doesn't mean that burn/itch of the stings aren't felt 4 days later.

Which is why it completely irritates me that people feel I owe them honey. I'm definitely happy to share some with those I know who will appreciate it. Goodness, I have so much of it this year, that it makes the sharing part a lot easier. I just donated some to an auction, and didn't think twice about it. But when people make comments on Facebook or send me texts implying they're waiting for their bottles, or imply I'm stingy because I'm not sharing, I about lose my mind. One irritating person even went as far as to call me lucky and then said that she was jealous. As if I just happened one day to have 100 pounds of honey out of nowhere? (Meanwhile, when I offered to help her get started with her own practice, she quickly turned me down.) And truly, while everyone keeps urging me to, selling it gets me almost nowhere. I certainly don't want to sit at a market. And bottling and shipping it alone would cost $7.80 per bottle - and that doesn't even cover the honey part yet. Not to mention, I think if I tried to make money, I'd lose that love of what makes it so good to me. Because I love that it's pure and beautiful and interesting and, not least important, absolutely delicious.

It's sort of a lesson in the greater things on life, though, I suppose. People so often want what you have, and don't want to think about what it takes to get there. It's just frustrating because it is so much time and effort and money, that when people take it for granted, it lessens the thrill of it all. I'm to the point where I don't feel I can talk freely about it in certain circles because I have to fend off the questions why I'm not giving it away to random acquaintances and what I can possibly do with all that honey.

So yes, I absolutely share if I like you and you take an interest in my bees. No, I don't share if I don't like you or you have no interest in the bees. No, I'm not selling it, except in certain, very select cases. And yes, I really do like my bees and the honey that much.

Hump Day

• I registered C-man for public school yesterday. Well, he was already registered. It was really forms and fees day. I'm not sure why they called it registration day. Things I'm learning.
• I thought public school was free. But after having written several checks, I quickly came to the realization how wrong I was.
• But now he has a locker with a combination. This is exciting.
• Now I have to take him school supply shopping. It's a long, long list. So much for public school being the cheaper option!
• I'm supposed to be traveling for work next week, but it's starting to fall through. I really want to go on this trip, because I'm supposed to see some friends! Not to mention, I've never been to Maine.
• I'm still biking a lot to hatch my Pokemon eggs. Best thing to happen to me this summer.
• C-man thinks Noah's Ark was the best thing to happen. We all have our things, I suppose.

Can I just be gone fishin'?

Today

I pulled another 16 frames out of the hives yesterday. 8 from Caroline's (second survivor hive) and 8 out of Francesca's hive (new hive). There is loads more honey in these hives, but the frames weren't cured. (And we all know I really don't need more honey!) I'm just giving them the space to make sure they don't swarm on me. So it looks like I've got another sticky week ahead!

TGIF

Here's to Friday.

Winding down

It's hard to believe that summer is in the official wind down. I wait all year for this time of year, and then once it's here, we're at State Fair and it's like it's over in a blink. I've tried really hard to make this summer count. To stop and enjoy it and really be in it. There's so little time for just being in the moment anymore, that it's felt really good. My week off with C-man really was the culmination of that - we just spent time together. And it was great. I think he appreciated it, too.

And now, I'm looking at the school supplies list, and we're talking about the new school he'll go to, and it's football season, and... It seems the savoring is about over. Sigh. It was good while it lasted, at least.

Deep breaths

The road to slow down

My vacation is winding down to its end. It's really hard to say that, because it's been such a great week with C-man. We've talked, we've sung, we've biked, we've ridden water slides, and we've circled the state. And it's been so great.

C-man is at that age where he is still my baby, but also so independent. I know I won't have those two things for long, so I am really holding on to these times he wants to spend with me now. He's my only child. The only one I'll ever have, which means this is it. The first and the last for all of these experiences for us.

I have never been one to want things to slow down or go backward, but having this week be a slow focus on him has been just what I needed. What we both needed, really. I'm incredibly thankful for the time. It's a week I think we'll both remember for quite a while.

Another day

I haven't been writing much lately. There hasn't been much to say, really. Summer has been plugging along. I've got this week off, which has been nice. C-man and I spent some time in Winter with my parents this week followed by a day at Noah's Ark (the waterpark, not that weird Kentucky ark thing). We returned some frames back to the bees, and it looks like I'm going to have to make the trip all over again because they're filling everything up. I've already gotten 54 pounds, so it's a little unprecedented for me. Not to mention, I've got two additional hives this year I haven't taken anything off yet. (I'm going to up to my eyeballs in honey!)

But the football shoes are here, as are the new school tennis shoes. Things are winding down. So we're going to enjoy it all.