Book Chatter

Palm Springs

Hello, friends! Why do I have a photo of Palm Springs in this post? Because we are thinking of paying a visit again, this time after my son graduates. He usually joins us but Memorial Day weekend he was still working on school projects and the like so he had to stay behind. I love the easy feel of life there. It would be nice to visit again before he leaves.

I am happy to report that we have decided to FLY to Missouri for my daughter’s move-in. Rental cars are an issue but we will be flying into Wichita and my son will pick us up and help us with move in. His AmeriCorps boss was very accommodating so HE will be our car for the week and he will stay with me at the hotel until I leave to return to California. Booking now was critical because the cost of travel is about to hit the roof. I saw it rise even in the one week I was on the fence. We will buy some things now to ship to him, and then the bulk of it will be purchased there. We are arriving two days before move-in to allow for that. I plan to hang around for the Family Welcome that Friday and then will leave Sunday just in case she and her roommate need any last minute items.

I got the garage all cleaned out and made room for my son’s things. He will be back by this weekend. Hopefully. Not sure he can fit everything into his car. He will be here for about a month before he leaves for Kansas. Stuff like dental appts and the like need to be taken care of. I can totally relate to some of my friends now about all the tasks associated with moving and storing of furniture and dorm planning. My son’s move took little effort.

As for reading, I had hoped to be done with Summer Darlings by this writing but not quite there. I should be done soon though. I need to pick up my book club read next, Go Tell It On The Mountain. That club meeting snuck up on me.

Now that travel arrangements are made, I am hoping to settle down a little. I got myself all worked-up and actually asked my doc to prescribe something but she either promptly ignored me or forgot to type her reply because I am still waiting.

That’s all I have. The weekend is up in the air. It would be nice to visit the Arboretum. Maybe I should look into that.

Sunday Matters

Sunday snuck up on me. As you saw from an earlier post, graduation is almost complete. One down, another to go.

This past Thursday my son surprised us with another visit. He is good as not telling you what his plans are. He likes to just come through the door. The only thing is that the pup can tell he is coming even from a block away which is pretty impressive since she has never seen or heard his new car. He walked in, we hit the market and got stuff to grill plant-based burgers. He had stopped for fresh strawberries so we made strawberry shortcake too.

Right Now:

He came, he went. He will be headed back to San Luis Obispo today to finish up school and to gather up some more of his things. Not sure if this will be the last trip or not. His car is smaller now. We may have to drive up at some point to grab the rest.

Nothing else planned for the day besides a long walk which will have to be timed for optimal weather (it’s getting pretty hot) and my son’s departure.

This Week:

My daughter starts her camp training this week. Grad ceremony for #2 at the end of this week. Some work items I need to work on in preparation for the fall semester. Yes, I am starting early because I will be moving my daughter to Missouri during the most critical time for my campus. Hoping to get as much set as possible before I go. I don’t have anyone to back me up.

Reading:

10 Books of Summer 2021 and #VentureForth is in full swing. I am glad to have a list of books I want to get to because I was just approved for some really good ones and now I need to figure out a way to get them all read. Recently approved for: Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson, The Guide by Peter Heller, Taste by Stanley Tucci, and The Family Plot by Megan Collins. See what I mean? It’s a good problem to have.

This weekend I am picking up again with Summer Darlings.

Watching:

My son introduced us to Barry on HBO Max. It has Bill Hader and Henry Winkler. It’s quite funny and clever.

Grateful for:

We finally have a move-in date for my daughter. I have secured a hotel room for the week in Missouri. Need to check out the rental car situation. If I can get a rental, because there is a nationwide shortage, then I will book a flight. If not, then we will drive. I’ve padded move-in by a few days on each side to allow for travel and shopping.
Plants. I am eternally grateful for all of my new plant friends that I picked up during the shutdown. They have given me great joy and are thriving! I’ve split them into multiple pots now because they are doing so well. I had a horrible track record with plants before this so this is really something. This photo is an example of how my home is covered in plants now.

plants