Rantings, Ravings, and Ramblings

[JCU]

• Thank you, @MadamMeow! Nobu has joined me several times!
• Basics
• Workout: stiff neck, sore neck, Rotator Cuff, neck & shoulders
• Nobu cuddled with me last night and today!
• It wasn't helpful at all today (he stole my hand, grabbed it when I pulled away, and tried to keep my arm in place with his teeth. Kitten did not want me to do anything!) but I will never turn down cuddles!

• That's the face of an unapologetic attention hog
• If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I should be able to fit in a bike ride!
• We're gathering everything for our first festival on Saturday, which may take longer than anticipated
• Fingers crossed!
• Double fingers crossed that it doesn't storm on Saturday!
• Good: completed 4 designs
• Happy: Casper brushed against my arm and burst my blister!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Workout: hand tendons, hand mobility, eye rest
• No bike ride
• But! The car is tetris-ed to the gills!
• I will be sitting with crossed legs on top of the cooler again, but last year was fine, so I'm not worried
• It's so much easier when I don't join them at the festivals
• The weather has shifted, happily
• Hot, probably humid, but no rain!
• Much like today, really
• Nobu joined me on the couch and helped me fall asleep there
• Casper woke me with his caterwauling
• It was an interesting morning
• I removed my blister, mostly by accident
• Remember to keep blisters covered, Bees!
• The skin underneath looks great, at least
• Good: packed the car
• Happy: tomorrow is the start of a short vacation and it will be so quiet!

 

[JCU]

• Daily Exercise w EC
• The museum was delightful!
• The employees are always so kind and eager to share their knowledge
• I also saw a cow

• He (?) was not impressed
• I took 3 pictures. All were cows. My priorities
• Realized about ten minutes before arriving that I forgot my hat
• Sunscreen was applied every 2 hours exactly
• No burning and my nose is only a little pink
• (The heat exhaustion at the end wasn't fun, but I'm all better now!)
• I walked 15,978 steps and if my feet and legs wanted to move at all, I'd try to make than an even 16,000
• I planned on catching up tomorrow on today's schedule, but they both may be pushed to Monday
• In closing:

• I got cuddles last night!
• Good: had enough water
• Happy: excellent day!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Caught up with yesterday, but skipped any workouts
• I thought I'd be much more tired and am very happy I'm not!
• Today is the start of my vacation, which means the house is mine and everything is quiet
• (Mom and Dad are in Canada celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary until Thursday)
• I get 3 full days of glorious silence, cooking only what I want, and all the feline attention!
• Truly, the best sort of vacation!
• Nobu cuddled with me earlier and we had an excellent sprawl

• If not tonight, I should have at least one companion as I sleep in the coming days!
• If the weather clears up (heavy wind and threat of hail if it rains), I'll try to ride tomorrow
• Good: supper was quick, easy, and delicious!
• Happy: it's so quiet

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Workout: upperbody press, eye workout
• It cleared up so well there was a sun advisory!
• I don't need heat exhaustion again, so I stayed in
• I'm hoping for a less clear day so I can weed tomorrow
• My peppers are getting some very tall neighbors
• The cats have been good
• Nobu cuddled last night and I woke a bit diagonal

• I refuse to complain when I woke to these 2
• I knew I wanted to get more shades of beads, but I'm understanding today that I need more shades
• Instead of trying to make things fit exactly, I think I'm going to go absurd
• Think neon colors
• Ladybugs can be bright pink!
• Mom and Dad are having fun, which is all I can ask for
• Good: silence
• Happy: I'm growing calmer by the hour with how quiet it is

 

[MadamMeow]

Glad you are enjoying your time, especially with the kitties, and congrats for your parents!

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @MadamMeow!
• Basics
• Decided on a lazy day and skipped any workouts
• The weather cooperated and I was able to weed
• That was more than enough time in the sun, so I also skipped a bike ride
• Nobu cuddled last night, which meant I fell asleep on the couch
• He also insisted on attention when I was trying to draw

• That's a face that shows disinterest and contempt
• Casper and Nox joined me when I got upstairs, but weren't there when I woke up
• I'm apparently not the only one who thinks my neighbor has a great yard

• They were a sight to see this morning! And afternoon! And while weeding! And making supper!
• They've been here all day
• Being alone means I get to play with recipes I don't think at least one person will like
• Lunch and supper have been excellent today!
• Good: weeded
• Happy: yet more exceptional recipes from Eleanor!

 

[NancyTree]

Deer and kitties
Yay for a quiet time!

 

[JCU]

• @NancyTree
• Basics
• Been tired all day
• Since it's laundry day, I didn't feel too bad about skipping workouts
• I'm low enough on thread that an unworkable design was cut off the loom to save the loom thread
• But I managed a new design that I can make tomorrow, so that's good!
• And I think I can salvage the first design with some different colored beads
• Tomorrow, hopefully!
• It rained most of the day, but I got some thunder as well, so no complaints!
• (And the plants needed the water)
• If the weather holds, we should be going to Shakespeare in the Park tomorrow!
• Mom and Dad are home in the morning
• Goodbye, sweet silence
• Cats have been catting

• Surprise Casper cuddle!
• (I was covered in fur after)

• My baby stayed through my shower in there
• Good: saved the loom thread
• Happy: Tyler tomorrow!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Well, they're back
• My silence has been broken, but it is good to see them
• No Shakespeare in the Park today because the weather is looking great for tomorrow
• Instead we went to Old Fort Niagara so Mom could get a photo from New York that's opposite the one she got from Canada
• I'll see if she can send me those
• It was clear enough I could get a picture of Toronto, which is rare!

• I'll get to the store in the next few days for more supplies
• I'm trying to figure out new designs and they're certainly being difficult
• I'll get there eventually!
• Good: Mom and Dad are home safe and had a great time
• Happy: Theo was in and gave me all the kisses!!

 

[JCU]

• Daily Exercise w EC
• Neither Mom nor I are feeling great today
• Hopefully it's just a small stomach bug
• We did get out to a few craft stores
• Still need the bead store further away for certain colors
• Some of the new designs have come along; others most certainly have not
• I think I need more experience
• No Shakespeare in the Park
• It runs for the next few months, so we'll go eventually!
• It's been a quiet, tired day
• Fingers crossed tomorrow will be better!
• Good: got outside
• Happy: good family day

 

[graoumia]

Take care, i hope you will soon feel better

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @graoumia! We're both much better!
• Basics (caught up)
• Didn't exercise yesterday beyond the daily exercise
• Got much too caught up in things!
• Epic Legs Challenge

• Total Body Program

• Epic Legs was nice and easy, but I'm glad it's done
• I like how Total Body is structured; the cardio days pushed me and the yoga was a wonderful counterbalance
• I quite like the various workouts I completed, too!
• A good month overall!
• Got all the colors I need for various designs
• So, of course, I created my most audacious design yet and need one more color
• I got cuddles today!
• Now to figure out next month...
• Good: got to the store
• Happy: cuddles!!

 

[MadamMeow]

Congrats for Epic Legs & Total Body!

 

[graoumia]

Congratulations

 

[Fremen]

Congrats

 

[Obsinosterous]

Congratulations!

 

[Anek]

Happy badge day!!

 

[Haleth]

Congratulations on Epic Legs and Total Body!

 

[JCU]

• @MadamMeow, @graoumia, @Fremen, @Obsinosterous, @Anek, @Haleth
• Basics
• This month's schedule:
• Daily Exercise w EC
• better core challenge
• Various Workouts
• Workout: morning upperbody stretch
• Downsized rather massively this month
• I need to focus on stretching and mobility, specifically regarding my back
• I'm keeping things light until I see Bee and get her opinion on things
• Off schedule there: I'll be seeing her at 5 weeks instead of 4
• Thankfully not too uncomfortable right now!
• Had a great stretch with Nobu last night

• He wanted to cuddle today, but it didn't quite work
• Hopefully later!
• Good: productive day
• Happy: cuddles!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Workout: Rearward, Expanse
• Rearward definitely showed where I need Bee to work!
• Unplanned rest day
• Just felt tired and drawn
• Since it's at the end of my cycle, I'll take it!
• It's been a very light cycle this time and I'm very glad for it!
• Hopefully some designing will still happen tonight
• If it doesn't, I have excellent feedback from my sister, so I have plenty to do tomorrow
• Fingers crossed I get some cuddles yet today!
• Good: took it easy
• Happy: 4 more days until Bee

 

[CODawn]

Congratulations!

 

[JCU]

• Thanks, @CODawn!
• Basics
• Workout: duck & swing
• Definitely starting to feel the extra days from Bee
• 3 more!
• I got my wish last night!

• He fully said I was not using that hand for anything but him!
• I fixed a design, but haven't worked out the bugs in another
• The truly vexing part?
• Nymo thread is the worst
• I had some strong words earlier
• I'm just thankful the design didn't work out the way I hoped, because if I lost the finished product at the end?
• Here's to hoping my new loom works at least decently
• I can adjust if necessary!
• Good: tried the new design
• Happy: Nobu cuddles!

 

[JCU]

• Daily Exercise w EC
• Family day got away from me a bit!
• We all slept in and had a great brunch, and then we chatted and watched movies
• There's a parade for the 4th and the church gives away hot dogs along the route
• I'm hiding inside with the air conditioning, thank you very much!
• Pretty sure I've figured out the design that's been eluding me
• And my new loom works well!
• It's a little tricky getting the tension right, but I have ideas
• Since I'm not going to be working after seeing Bee, I think I'm going to really knuckle down and figure out some new designs
• Fingers crossed!
• I had Nobu cuddles last night. After I fell asleep on the couch. It kept me there until 6. In the morning.
• Why won't he join me in bed??
• Good: family day
• Happy: it's been a calm, happy day

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Caught up!
• Realized with how easy I'm taking it, I allowed a mental block on the workouts
• I'll try to do some tomorrow
• Tried a new Mexican restaurant for lunch
• It wasn't bad, we'll definitely go back, but I'm learning that some places do not take making birria a priority
• It's not hard! If you're going to offer it, make it well!
• I was consoled with pizza for supper
• Managed to not take a nap, but it's been a tired day
• Tomorrow will be better!
• Both of my siblings stopped by yesterday with their significant others?
• First time meeting both of them!
• We're especially happy with my sister's boyfriend; he seems really great!
• (Poor thing has had terrible experiences so far with dating. Fingers crossed!)
• Good: tried a new restaurant
• Happy: BEE TOMORROW!!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• No workout, but I fit grocery shopping in before seeing Bee!
• She was... not happy with my back...
• I will be taking care to stretch and shift more when I work
• She was more than happy to talk coffee while setting me right, though!
• I have a new shop to try that sells beans!
• Other than that, it's been a very lazy day
• Good: back is no longer knotted up!
• Happy: found garlic scapes at the greenhouse!!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• This afternoon has been chaotic
• I figured out an important detail in finishing loom work I was very hesitant on
• Much easier than I was afraid of!
• Then Dad let us know the tortoise wasn't put outside and upset about that
• He made a way outside and ALL THREE CATS FOLLOWED
• My heart was saved by the twins immediately coming in
• Casper took a few hours, but he's safe now, too
• Thanks, boys
• Liam really stopped these things from happening
• Good: everyone is home safe
• Happy: Nobu cuddled last night even when my legs weren't flat!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• I may have a cold
• Sincerely hope not, but time will tell
• Also did some thinking and realized my lack of desire to do any more exercising is one of my slumps
• No more feeling guilty!
• I will keep the month as simple as it is and focus on mental health
• It's great progress that I can look and see these things instead of wallowing!
• Now if my Nobu could cuddle more, that'd be perfect
• (He left me for Dad last night! The betrayal!)
• Good: mental progress
• Happy: it's been an okay day!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• It's been a good day!
• Slept in, worked with the new loom, and am eating a "clean the fridge" bowl
• Strangest yet, but plenty tasty!
• I'm trying not to watch Dr Who with Mom
• It's the end of Clara's run and I don't need the emotion
• I'll search through the movies and chose something to distract me
• I got cuddles last night!!
• He also joined me after I fell asleep and kept me on the couch until Mom came down
• I have a bed! He could cuddle there!
• Cats!
• Good: designs are working on the small loom
• Happy: good day!

 

[NancyTree]

Belared congrats on Epic Legs and Total Body!
And thanks for the cat shares

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @NancyTree! I'm glad it's appreciated instead of being annoying!
• Basics
• Laundry was interrupted by cuddles from Nobu and a tornado warning
• Yay!
• There were a few touch downs, but nothing immediately near us
• We had about 20 minutes of heavy rain followed by sun

• That was literally a minute after the rain stopped
• It's been raining off and on all day and is expected to continue tomorrow
• Everyone is safe and that's the most important!
• Tyler tomorrow!
• Good: survived the weather
• Happy: Nobu cuddles!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Tyler set me right!
• He also found a stretch that I actually feel!
• That doesn't usually happen
• Theo was in!

• I got a magnificent PUPPY sprawl
• So many kisses!!
• I have spent all afternoon working on new designs
• First attempt on my small loom, second on my big
• And more work tomorrow to finalize things
• I have to use a different color for my background because I'm almost out of black!
• Thankfully, once I have the designs where I want them, I'm undoing all of the prototypes
• Waste not, want not!
• Good: productive day!
• Happy: Theo!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Unplanned rest day
• Stayed in bed reading until 1
• Figured I'd better eat something more than just dinner
• I think I finally have my latest designs worked out!
• I'll make the final adjustments tomorrow
• Mom and sister were both huge helps!
• Nobu cuddled last night!!

• He stayed for hours until I got so warm I was sweating
• Still tried to get closer after that, too
• Finished the first, second, and fourth Alien movies
• I have no need of the third
• Moving on to the Predator series before I watch Alien vs Predator
• They make great background noise while crafting!
• Good: lovely mental rest day
• Happy: I had puppy and kitten cuddles yesterday!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• It's officially a cold now
• Slept 10.5 hours and went shopping in flannel (it was 21°)
• At least I only feel a bit rundown
• I've whittled down the new designs to just a few more little changes
• Thankfully!
• Also worked on another design I put aside a while ago
• Awaiting my sister's feedback on that one
• Finished the first Predator!
• Why did movies in the 80s have such loud music and quiet talking?
• No cuddles last night
• We had a fly and Nobu insisted on tracking it
• Amusingly, Nox is the one who got it
• Our little hunter!
• Good: grocery shopping
• Happy: designs are moving along!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Much better day!
• Slept a normal amount and actually felt the heat!
• I had Nobu briefly last night
• Turns out there were FOUR flies in the house
• I think we finally got all of them!
• Will be crafting and watching the second Predator in a bit
• Should finally be done with the designs
• Good: quiet day
• Happy: progress on designs!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Finalized the designs, unmade everything previous, and loomed the new ones!
• Almost done!
• I will finish them and draft new things only tomorrow
• My back is not happy with me
• It was rainy for a bit
• Mom came home a little late because it was so hard there it looked like snow
• And we had some showers
• Cuddles last night!

• He joined me briefly today, but then Mom opened cheese and I was abandoned
• It's been an incredibly productive day!
• Good: nearly finished!
• Happy: Nox kneaded the back of the couch behind Mom and Dad!! Didn't stay, but that's huge!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Overslept and took a rest day
• FINISHED MY DESIGNS!!!
• That's a load off!
• Nobu helped today be a rest day

• This was his final pose after an hour or so
• It was so humid I think the back room was uncomfortable for him
• All the better for me!
• Two days in a row!!

• And I'm still not allowed to look at him
• Cats!
• Ghost peppers are flowering for a second time; I'm letting them go this time
• Those plants are looking amazing
• I may have put the habaneros in too much sunlight
• They're... sad
• Fingers crossed on them!
• I have several designs I haven't loomed yet, so that may be my focus tomorrow
• Good: fully finished the designs!
• Happy: cuddles!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Laundry has my back hurting, unfortunately
• I worked on a new design for my sister, but need further opinions before crafting that
• Did make one of my drafts!
• Just trying to relax my back for the rest of the day
• Nobu cuddled briefly
• He joined me a literal minute before a load was done

• I offended him with a kiss and he left
• Need to scroll through my brother's server and choose a new crafting movie
• Alien 1, 2 & 4, Predator 1&2, both AvP, and a rewatch of Moana have been seen so far
• Maybe a rewatch of Rambo?
• Good: finished a design
• Happy: Nobu cuddles!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• It's been a good day!
• Chinese buffet for lunch and crafting in the afternoon
• Still don't have a shade for my biggest design, so I changed the main color!
• Need to finish off the ends, but I'm super happy right now!
• Nobu cuddled last night!
• And groomed me, of course!
• Watched: Scream
• I'll watch the sequel and see if I want anything more
• Not a bad movie, just easily ignorable
• The biggest happiness:

• IT CAME!!!
• Expected delivery was the 25th, so I'm SUPER happy today!
• I can make several recipes with things in my cupboard and fridge, so I'm all set for meals tomorrow!!
• Good: minor change to make design possible
• Happy: this cookbook is even better than I hoped!
• (Also: watching my parents play cribbage is always fun )

 

[NancyTree]

Oh, that sounds like an awesome cookbook!

 

[JCU]

• It's spectacular, @NancyTree!
• Basics
• Sister stopped by before work!!
• Now have specifics for her design!
• (I'll work on it tomorrow)
• So great to see her!
• New cookbook is as wonderful as I hoped
• Made the vegetable pancake; I am still horrible at flipping food, but it tasted spectacular!

• Planned on several things I don't eat for supper next week so I can make more new recipes!!
• (Mom and Dad are pleased )
• Nobu did not want me to go to bed last night

• Claws were involved
• And he's ignored me today

• Can you blame him?
• Fingers crossed I can go to the new coffee shop tomorrow!
• Good & Happy: great food!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Insomnia, why??
• Didn't fall asleep until 4:30 and threw my day entirely off
• Coffee shop closes early on Saturdays, so no go there
• Did get grocery shopping done, though!
• And great progress was made on my project!
• No cuddles from Nobu
• He did cry when I closed the bathroom door, though
• Just had a cup of coffee, so I should go to bed soon
• Fingers crossed!
• Good: project progress!
• Happy: lots of supplies for new recipes!

 

[CODawn]

Insomnia sucks!

 

[JCU]

• It really does, @CODawn
• Basics
• Thankfully, insomnia happens rarely
• Got to bed at a much more reasonable time!
• Had Nobu briefly, too
• Found the color I've been looking for!
• Started the design, realized I switched two colors (), decided to leave it, and ended up stopping halfway through
• Second attempt tomorrow!
• Also have everything for my sister, so that'll happen tomorrow before anything else
• Watched: Scream 2, Scream 3-1/2
• Liked the second enough to watch the third
• I definitely talked to the screen more than once
• I may just finish this series!
• Already looking at the next series; Friday the 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street are standing out

• Dessert!
• Need to buy a smaller cast iron skillet; mine is too big for this and that dish was too small for this application
• Still great! Just took a lot longer and the center is soft
• Good: found supplies
• Happy: progress is being made!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Quiet day
• Didn't get to the coffee shop
• It'll happen soon, because I have 2 days worth of coffee left
• Finished my sister's project!
• Timing kept me from my project's next attempt
• Tomorrow!
• Watched: Scream 3-2/2, Scream 4
• I'm slightly worried for 5 with Craven being gone, but I'll catch it tomorrow
• Actually loving the series the more it goes on!
• My sister is ecstatic right now

• Cat distribution system is in full effect!

• The Bean is itsy bitsy and SUPER cuddly!!
• (I have squealed multiple times)
• Supper was exceedingly successful
• Courgette Carpaccio with Crispy Capers and Butter Beans*

• *Cannellini beans, since I had a can already
• I repeated "trust the process" numerous times!
• Being lactose intolerant, I don't eat many cheeses, I loathe lemon in savory dishes, and capers? They were definitely a miss!
• I got through half of this plate before remembering the bread
• Pizza tomorrow!
• Good: a second cat has been my sister's hope for a while
• Happy: project completed! Bean! Supper!

**Let me know if you want the recipe. Since the base is ricotta, I could see using a soft tofu in its place; otherwise, this dish is vegan!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Project
• This one came out very well!
• Need to make a few tweaks, but Mom thinks other colors would look good, so that's a future project
• Watched: Scream (2022)
• I thought this one was a great finale for the original series
• To that end, I'm not going to watch any more
• I will most probably rewatch these, though!
• Friday the 13th is next!
• Nobu was very upset I got up to make lunch

• So was I
• Pizza for supper!

• I still have great trouble moving the dough from the counter to the pan (cooked in cast iron)
• Other than being too thick, it was lovely!
• I'll be making her focaccia in the next bit!
• Good: finished project
• Happy: pizza was very yummy! And my sister is ecstatic with her new cuddle bean!

 

[JCU]

• Basics Yesterday and Today
• Yesterday was good!
• It was the local Taste of and that's always fun
• Today was better
• Theo was in and gave me all the love
• We tried a new restaurant that was quite good!
• Finally got to the coffee shop!
• SO glad we did!
• Excellent coffee, and even better customer service!
• We will definitely be returning
• Made a third attempt at my biggest design
• I'm getting faster at the large size!
• Made a mistake that I only noticed in the picture I sent my sister
• Watched: Friday the 13th 1&2
• They were... underwhelming
• There was only one character, of both movies, that I wanted to survive
• (Muffin; thank you, Jason!)
• I'll give the next a go, just to see the progression of Jason
• I want to see Freddy vs Jason, so I'll watch both to get there
• Minimal Nobu cuddles, but I was blessed this morning

• I GOT TO TOUCH HIM!! HE PURRED!!! HE MET MY EYES!!!
• Ahem
• I wish I knew what I did, who I honored, what offering I made, to get NOX
• Good: a very good day
• Happy: this coffee really is exceptional

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Sister and her boyfriend are over!!
• He's really great!
• Worked on designs and remade my first ever project
• It was Mom's Christmas present
• My skill has definitely grown
• Watched: 13th 3-5
• I'm just rooting for Jason at this point
• I thought he got his just desserts in 4, though
• You never go after the animals!
• Nobu cuddles last night!
• I shifted after getting too warm and so did he

• My baby!
• Good: productive day
• Happy: sister!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Productive day!
• Finished Mom's necklace and it's so much more the original design I wanted it!
• Only worked on one other design
• Lunch and dessert were new recipes from Eleanor
• Neither were particularly pretty, but both very tasty!
• Also went grocery shopping, which went very quickly this time!
• No cuddles last night
• Watched: 13: 6-8
• Reading the summaries of 9 & 10, I'm happy to skip them
• I thought they gave Jason a fitting send off
• (And Toby survived!)
• 8 made me laugh the most, which was fun
• Onto Nightmare on Elm St!
• Good: new massage therapist found
• Happy: though it felt like they were really searching for story lines the further into the series they went, I did enjoy the movies enough to continue

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• It's been a quiet, lazy day
• Went to a new restaurant (for me)
• It's an incredibly limited menu and I will not be returning
• Good food, just not much for me
• No crafting today
• Just started Nightmare on Elm Street, despite that
• I'm already liking it more than Friday the 13th
• (Not to say I'll like Freddy more, that's TBD)
• I need to finish this before I give a running commentary
• No cuddles last night
• Good: finalizing plan for Mom's birthday
• Happy: it's been a good day!