Monday Morning Coffee Talk

Good Monday morning! And just like that, summer is here. The lake that seemingly just yesterday was frozen solid and still, surrounded by barren trees, now looks like this. It is time for swimming, boating, kayaking, and swimming. The latter will have to wait for the temperature to warm just a bit for this old lady!

We did, however, take the boat out for the first time this season on Saturday night, and it was beautiful. Family time is the best time. Our weekend was not all fun and games, though. It also included outside work like weed pulling, boat cleaning, garage organizing, and sweeping. ( Thank you, Steve and Rhett! )

On the other hand, I worked on a new recipe binder, meal plan, and grocery list. I also watched a few too many episodes of The Walking Dead with Flynn. I had seen several episodes years ago when it was first on tv, but I was happy to restart the series with her. And am surprised how much I don't recall! 

We enjoyed eating outside this weekend. Last night Steve grilled chicken breast and vegetables. Do you ever see those vegetable kabobs at the store? They are so easy to grill or sautee, and all the work of chopping is already done. Simply remove them from the skewer, and you are all set! I bought two that had red onion, green pepper, yellow pweepr, two types of squash, and mushrooms. Steve drizzled them with avocado oil and put them on the griddle. They were delicious! We made enough for lunches this week too. 

However, the highlight of my weekend was visiting this lovely woman! Doesn't my mom look wonderful? Steve and I visited with her Sunday morning, and it was so nice. She is happy and pleasant and so grateful. I am thankful for the immaculate, clean, cozy, loving place she calls home. If you have a loved one in an assisted living facility and think that the unpleasant odors, lack of assistance and love, dirty clothing, and such are normal, I tell you they aren't. We saw that firsthand. Advocate for your loved one and get them out of there! Better places exist. Promise.

This weekend, we watched in awe, joy, and inspiration as England so wonderfully celebrated Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Celebration. As an American who has followed the Royal Family since I was a child, I felt so many emotions as the country came together to honor its monarch. Congratulations to my friends from across the pond on such a fantastic tribute! There are so many beautiful images from Queen Elizabeth's life, but this one from Instagram is my very favorite.

Finally, while I found great joy in watching the celebration in England, I do not feel the same emotions watching the news here in my own country. I refrain from any political discussion here, so I will just say that seeing so many of the issues here in my beloved country fills me with anxiety and sadness. I have chosen to stay informed without becoming oversaturated. I limit my time watching the news. What can I do, then? This quote from St. Joan of Arc is what I am leaning on these days.

Well, that was a long coffee talk today, my friends. Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a lovely Monday. Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo