Weekend Coffee Share.....Come Sit With Me

Check out all the other posts on Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. I'm off to go visit some now. #weekendcoffeeshare

If we were having coffee we might discuss the following things. I'd share my thoughts and ask you yours. 

The Weather: Oh my goodness! We hit I believe 108 last Saturday, about the same on Sunday, maybe a little warmer, and then a record 115 on Monday. That was NOT fun. I know there are areas that are used to this, but not in our area of the PNW. Many people don't have AC. Asphalt was melting, siding on houses and apartment complexes was buckling. Ice was nowhere to be found. I worked Monday and we do not have AC. We do have some small stand up AC units but they couldn't keep up. The doors constantly open and close throughout the day. We decided to close at 3:00 after all our delivery drivers came and did their pickups (I work for a postal annex). I think by the time I left, it was almost as hot inside as it was outside. We are cooling down...the temps actually dropped pretty quick and the last few days have been overcast but still warm. 70's and 80's. 

What I'm thinking about: Assumptions. Isn't it crazy how easy people jump to conclusions and make assumptions without knowing something fully. As I read posts on FB, especially public community pages, sometimes I just shake my head and have to scroll on by. Sheesh. 

What I'm thankful for: I'm thankful that I am exactly who I am. Sure life has thrown some curve balls that maybe morphed who I "was" to what I am, in maybe a not so positive way, say, for example, my sometimes lack of self confidence, BUT for the most part I am thankful that I have a laid back personality that doesn't get easily worked up, doesn't stress over things easily and can let things roll off my back...usually. 

What I'm reading or have read: Still reading my usuals that I've been reading. My new book club book is arriving tomorrow so I can't wait to get that started. We decided to read "The Last Thing He Told Me". I hope it's a good one. If you haven't read "Miss Benson's Beetle" I recommend it. It's a fun and easy read and filled with little tidbits that I have marked with my book darts. 

Around the house: My plants survived the heat..I was a bit worried, but they made it. I know others have lost many of their plants. One of my blueberry bushes has one branch that looks dead, but overall they all look good and berries are turning blue. I'll have a harvest clear through September if I'm lucky.

Our drywall is hung. They now have to come back and tape, texture, and do whatever else they need to do. This photo is just one small part. I need to go out and take a video. I'm so excited. It feels like it's all coming together. Later this morning we are heading to Portland to look at granite. Hopefully we can make a decision. I think we have narrowed down cabinet and island color and flooring. 

If all goes well, we should be able to be in that section by November. We are having a possible issue with our electrical panel so hopefully that can be figured out and it's not major. 

What I'm learning, realizing or understanding: In a kind of funny way, I'm learning why most people have kids when they're younger. Sometimes when I'm babysitting my two grandbabies I think "how in the world did I raise two children". I'm tired by the time I'm done. I also realized that we so easily lose our sense of imagination as we get older, and there's nothing like a little child to bring it back. My grandson is into everything T-Rex, and we run around (or he drives his little jeep) around on our property with his "gun", which is a long piece of wood, hunting T-Rex. I love how he jumps in and out of his jeep. If his Poppi or our friend are home, they have to be the T-Rex. 

I've done terrible with my Duolingo. Not beating myself up, just haven't had time.  

From the Kitchen: With the heat we had this last week I didn't do much cooking, even though we had AC. We enjoyed salad one night, shrimp tacos and corn on the cob another, and on Wednesday we just ate whatever we wanted. Next Monday I'm off so I plan to make some homemade Twix bars and some sourdough bread. This weekend we are going to a 4th of July BBQ at friends house so I'm making baked beans. I have this recipe that I typically make but I may try to find another recipe. 

Favorite quote from the week: Our theme for Writers Quote Wednesday Challenge was "freedom". This was one of the quotes I shared. I love it. Here's my post with the rest of the quotes. 

What I listened to: I haven't had time to listen to much, but heard this song for the first time and really liked it.     

I know some people aren't really into music, but music is something that really speaks to me, lifts my spirits, brings me joy and sometimes clarity.

Random Happenings: The youth group that my girls help pastor and lead (it is the one we were youth pastors of for almost 20 years) is doing their annual fireworks sale fundraiser. So many memories of a very long week with very long hours, but so fun. We've been babysitting the grandkids when we've been able so our oldest daughter can be there to help. It's their biggest and really only fundraiser they need to do. Sadly this may be their last year as more people are pushing counties to ban the sale and use of them. It does make me sad, and I know many have strong opinions, BUT I also believe that the, sorry to say, "idiots", who light them off irresponsibly are still going to get them and light them off. People complain about the noise, or fire danger...which I get...but we also don't ban cigarettes and how many people throw their hot butts out the windows or accidentally catch their house on fire when they fall asleep with one in their hands. Anyways, I don't always feel like banning things is the answer. I know some areas are always dry, and this makes more sense, it's not always the case here in the PNW. Okay, that's my rant. 

I'm babysitting and working tomorrow (Saturday) so I know I'll be wiped out by the end of the day. 

Last Wednesday I went to the dentist for the 3rd time to have the permanent crown put on one tooth (I think I mentioned this last week). Well, the dentist still wasn't happy with how the lab made it, so they took a new mold and hopefully the next one works. I wasn't happy because it was a waste of my time. I had an appointment after that to get the tires rotated on my car but was also hoping to run a few "fun" errands since I don't get to the city that often anymore. Well those didn't happen except for the car appointment. We get them done at Costco and I always enjoy walking around there. We LOVE Costco. I am easily amused and little things make me happy, like tire inflation stations (they use nitrogen so you shouldn't really use regular air to fill up their tires), new self check out lines, AND samples are back to try. Whoo hoo! Still, I had wanted to stop at Goodwill and a kids consignment store, but just didn't have the time. 

Photo of the week: We have two acres of property, one is down a slope, the other is usable. There are always deer, rabbits, and birds that frequent the property. I love seeing them, I hate when they eat my plants. This little guy and his mama were in the back yard yesterday evening. 

That's it for this week. Have a great week everyone and thanks for visiting. I'll be making my rounds to visit all of you soon...it takes me awhile. 

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin