I’m late posting this morning because the phone rang and this guy was on the other end:
Everything must stop when we have a chance to talk to our Little Z, who is little but not as little as he was. Isn’t he looking grown up? The freckles! The eyebrows! The eyelashes! He gets tired of chatting on the phone more quickly than he used to because, of course, he’s nine years old and has a lot of things to do. Don was out walking our trails when the phone rang but he got back in time to hear Z’s joke about a strawberry and all is well with our little world this morning.
And of course, I got to talk to my beloved sister. What I wouldn’t give to hug her right now! I know she feels the same.
I covered up my face because the screen capture was not at all flattering and this is about Z, not me.
Yesterday was a strange day and it remained so, but this morning I feel better.
Forgot to add that on Friday, we drove to our local lookout point – just about 10 minutes or less from our house – donned our masks and got a look at the bigger picture:
I can’t tell you what a difference that made in our day. A quick trip to a place in the mountains, and an expanded view of the area rather than the limits made by the confines of our property. We’ve decided we’re going to take a least one of these little trips each week. Of course, it can’t be for too great a distance because I’m not about to use any public restrooms, so it needs to be timed for well after morning coffee, if you know what I mean.
I have only read a few pages of Hamnet and I can’t wait to get back to it, but considering it has to do with grief and we’ve just come through a tough week, I changed over to Michael Connelly’s newest, Fair Warning. I needed something that I could lose myself in right away. I have to say that I have read every one of Connelly’s over 30 books and I have never been disappointed. Never. He is a master storyteller. Even the great Louise Penny sometimes disappoints ever so slightly. Never Connelly. I just read the author notes and he has a podcast called Murder Book. I am subscribing today.
It’s sunny today and a bit more humid. Don is fully immersed in Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. I’m immersed in Fair Warning. We’re on our second cup of coffee. After I publish this post, I’m going to sip on my coffee and finish waking up – my silent wake up having been delayed by conversation with my nephew and sister. But well worth it.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
I have been following your sister’s blog
She is amazing for all she does and has a wonderful family
Truly blessed,
Love love her dogs
She is extraordinary. I am very proud of my baby sister.
Thanks, Linda.
My first thought when I saw the capture of Little Z was how grown up he looked! The years are going by fast. Hugs….oh, how I miss them.
I think your field trip the other day was a brilliant idea. We took a short trip, ourselves last week, and it was a true morale booster. Negotiating restrooms…the newest conundrum. From my experience, there’s a lot of use of my elbows, hand washing, and paper towels. That’s my advice. It can be done relatively safely. But…limiting coffee beforehand is my biggest tip.
Enjoy your book today. It is muggy here, so I’ll be hibernating indoors. Stay safe! ;)
A change of scene, even it’s only for a short while, is so good for the soul.
Thanks, Donna!
Z looks so grow up! What a treat to see his face.
He is such a cutie! Thanks, Kay!
Little Z is growing up so fast! He has the most gorgeous eyelashes – most girls would be so envious. Glad you enjoyed your little outing. We did the same thing on Friday. Tiff and I took kids to a little creek with no one around and the kids loved it. Took a picnic lunch and I just sat in a chair in the water and enjoyed them playing. Tiff starts their home schooling on Wednesday. Have a good week.
His eyes are incredible, Judy. He’s a charmer. And a pistol!
Sounds like you had a great time with Tiff and the kids. It makes a nice change, doesn’t it?
xoxo
Wondering which Michael Connelly book you would recommend to a new reader?
He has written 3 different series, the Harry Bosch series has the most books. Then there’s the Lincoln Lawyer series and the Jack McEvoy series, both much shorter. Since Connelly writes his characters as aging and evolving over time, I’d recommend starting with the first book in each series.
Thanks, Terri.
glad today’s been brighter, better for you and don … starting with a video chat with your sister and nephew. :)
and wow, what a view you have … and only ten minutes away! think your idea of weekly field trips sounds fun and helpful.
had a pretty good day here, too, for having a socially-distanced walk with some family members (they were on one side of the street, i was on the other), a drive to see a little scenic something about 20 miles away (took two cars) and corn on the cob for lunch (they sat indoors, i was in my car). now am home, showered and taking it easy before ironing clothes for the week ahead.
hope you have a nice night and stay safe!
kathy in iowa
Sounds like you’ve had a lovely day, Kathy! Thanks!
Glad for you; a better day.
That lookout point; how beautiful!
And that sweet boy; those eyelashes!
I know. He’s such a beautiful boy. Thanks, Vicki.
Love and miss you! ❤
Same here, my sister! xoxo
Oh, little Z!! What a cutie pie! Our Z celebrated his 42nd BD today….. the best part was that wee little girl they bring with them now ~~!!~~ Oh, what fun! She laughs and “talks” now, and we enjoy every single moment! She even got a little taste of whipped cream off of the chocolate zucchini cake we made. Such joy she brought to our usual, boring, mundane day!!
Your time away, no matter for how long, looks like it was greatly appreciated and much enjoyed. It truly is the little things, isn’t it??
Happy Birthday to your boy and I’m so glad you got to see your granddaughter!
Thanks, Chris!
what a wonderful post!
I follow Mere’s blog ever since you wrote about ‘Little Z’ a few years ago.
remember the trip to NYC? and he wasn’t feeling well. I fell for that little guy
right on the spot! both of you two girls have wonderful blogs. each very unique and lovely.
and ANY post starting with a visit … phone or live … with that adorable elevator man!
well let’s just say… I would let everything drop for that visit! :D
and I would love to hear his stawberry joke! LOL! he is one precious boy.
xoxo
I think it went like this:
What do you call a sad strawberry?
A blueberry.
Love, love that boy.
Thanks, Tammy!
oh thank you! I’m smiling so big!
how could anyone NOT LOVE that beautiful little boy! XO
xoxo
A great post and so glad you & Don got out! It makes a huge difference in our mental health, doesn’t it! Bathrooms are a running theme for our little adventures too.
I recently discovered Michael Connely’s work, through the Bosch series on Amazon, which was/is well done. I’m starting with his first book soon. ~ what a small world.
It does make a difference!
You will love Connelly’s books. Since I’ve been reading them for 30 years or more, I don’t watch the series as I have a clear picture of the character in my head and it isn’t Titus Welliver (though he’s a wonderful actor.)
Enjoy!
Stay safe, Deborah.
I am so glad you got out. I find a short road trip to a lovely spot is just the thing. Bring a sandwich and something to drink, find a spot where few if any people are about, maybe a folding chair or blanket and just soak it in. It helps me tremendously — new territory is always a plus.