gentle nudge

I was just gently reminded that I haven't posted in a week, and after re-reading my last post I can see why certain members of the family and some friends may be a little worried. Sorry 'bout that. I'm okay, really. A little dismayed and I feel a bit like I'm drowning sometimes, but I'm okay. I'll pull through. I'm trying my best to keep busy with whatever I can get myself into. This summer is chock full of rain and that makes it hard to get outside and run around. Ben recently took up running, a hobby I will eternally be jealous of. I've always wanted to run, but alas, certain parts of my upper body will not allow it. Ahem.

Anyway, let's see...what's been going on around here...other than constant rain.

1) I finally finished Randi's birthday present. I'd post pictures but that would ruin the surprise. I'm sorry, Randi, for taking so long, but life gets in the way sometimes. Plus, not only is my sewing machine in desperate need of a tune-up, but my grandmother's machine, the machine I've been using since mine crapped out, now needs a tune-up as well. Guess I should have expected that.

2) We celebrated this past Troy Night Out with an art show by two sisters from Averill Park high school. One girl is a freshman and the other is a junior. Their show consisted entirely of photographs, and I was completely blown away. They sold a huge chunk of the pieces brought in, so there are very few left. If you're in the area, though, check out the remains of the show. Amazing stuff, especially for two very young, untrained teens. Sometimes I think training can ruin natural born talent. What do you think?

3) Looking forward to a few days off this weekend for the holiday. Ben's brother is getting married on the 4th, so we'll be spending our day in Grafton. I adore Grafton. It's a bit out there, but the lush green covering everything makes the trip worth while. And there's always the Peace Pagoda. If we have a bit of daylight left after we've left the wedding, I'd love to kick off my heels and take a dip in the lake. I haven't been swimming yet this year and lake swimming sounds dreamy to me. Heh, swimming in a dress. Never tried that yet. Swimming in jeans? Absolutely.

4) I have big plans to paint two rooms in my house if it ever stops raining. My bathroom is going from a bright, lively green to a shade of pink I can only describe as "antique rose". The only time I've seen this particular color was buried deep in the petals of cottage roses growing up the side of a cabin I once stayed in on Cape Cod. Gorgeous. The living room will be painted...again. I'm going from a taupey brown to an olive green. I think if I had my way (and common sense wasn't an issue), I'd paint my entire house olive green. Love. It. I think the combination of our new furniture, freshly painted coffee table (I crackle-finished the entire thing) new curtains, vivid throw pillows and quilts, and new art for the walls, this color will knock your socks off. I'll post pictures of the entire thing once I'm done. And again, if it ever stops raining, I'll get started. Yeesh.

That's about it. What are you crazy kids up to? After popping in and out of blog world today, I'm beginning to notice that everyone is slow with the posts this summer. Glad I'm not the only one. I no longer feel guilty.