I told you about our day in Traverse, but my "real" birthday was good too. I attended quite a lovely art fair and even got a good handle on Christmas shopping. Perfect peaches from the farmer's market. All good!
Now I'm "home alone." Nice, actually. Today I saw my neighbor with the big blue thing who made our beach so lovely working on his own. I don't think he was weeding -- just moving sand around. Jim loves his toys -- whether it's the mower or blower or tractor or power washer, he's always busy.
This is a good thing. His area is spotless and beautiful. But I'd feel guilty! His wife, Cathy, often stays in Detroit-area. Cathy's idea of fun at the lake is a really good book. I quite agree. Jim moves sand! (They are wonderfully compatible, not unlike Rick and me, I might add!)
I fear Rick's next visit. He started scraping paint off the shutters last weekend and realized the windows needed reglazing and all painted. No book next time I'm here with him! We'll be working dogs!
It's a warm day -- in the mid-80s -- but the breeze is strong so it feels quite comfortable. I haven't been able to walk, which is a little frustrating. About a week ago my foot went into super-pain. I thought it was plantar fascitis and it may be but the woman who makes my orthotics, aka The Foot Goddess, thinks it has to do with a bone related to my flat feet. This is what happens when you forsake your orthotics for bare feet and regular sandals in the summer. Either way, searing pain on the foot and up the achilles. I see the doc next week.
She adjusted my orthotics, told me to more or less stay off it (which I did not do on asylum day and I paid the price), ice it and do several foot exercises. Which I am, faithfully.
I can swim, though, and swim I do. Today I did the equivalent of 35 pool lengths. One length short of a quarter mile. The water is warmish but still cool enough to feel good on the feet and back (out of whack because of walking funny).
Painting? Yes indeed!
Sweet Jemma (did you see her on "Making It?" I was so proud of her!) sent me a couple of her projects to capture in paint. Here's one of them. It's a bird feeder made from a cup and saucer on a grapevine heart.
And here's another.
This one will be going to someone I know and love, thanking him for his wonderful birthday celebrations.
Of course I'm reading, too. I finsihed the wonderful and deeply thought-provoking "Annie's Ghost,"
Then I started (and can't put down) "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." How did I not know about this book? It ticks all my boxes. England. Writing. World War II. Wonderful characters. Books. Now I want to see the movie!
And writing in my bullet journal. I haven't journaled in a long while. This tiny book is the perfect size to start again!
Tomorrow will be housecleaning day -- I've been lax. Whistle while you work.
And soon home for a few days. Appointments and Cork Poppers. We'll feature Michigan wines from the Grand Traverse area where we went for my birthday. Needless to say I found one. I won't say it's good. Most Michigan reds leave much to be desired. But it's unique!
Soon Sweet Lizzie will get her act together and realize it's time for dinner. Serious cat nagging expected. She's good company. As for me, I am so overloaded, eating all the wonderful fruit of the season that it is probably a good thing that I am home alone.
One can only eat so many cherries without side effects.
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40 comments:
What a wonderful post, Jeanie! I love that you get a chance to read a bit when you are at the cottage. However, looks like you will be working instead of reading next time.
John, too, loves putzing on the beach with his tractor and blade...just something about it. He is not much for doing other projects though---just not a very handy person. lol
I hope you have a wonderful quiet time alone. I love a bit of alone time. xoDiana
I have a neighbor like your Jim. Always busy with his machines. There is something primal about watching him work. Jusy sayin'.
I "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" and loved it, too. If you have Netflix, it's been made into a movie.
This was a nice post to read. Do you enjoy your time alone? I could honestly use a day just on my own, at home, feet up. I saw the Guernsey Lit. / Potato movie (long title - shortened it up) on Netflix and remembered reading someone's blog where they said they loved it. I haven't watched it yet, though. Ughhh food pain. Not being able to walk without pain is terrible. I hope you get things figured out soon and your pain is relieved. -Jenn
I enjoyed your post Jeanie and you've included so many beautiful watercolours. I read the book you've just finished. I was curious when I'd read it so I went and checked on Goodreads. Seems I read it in 2010 and gave it 5* though I didn't leave a narrative. I do remember enjoying it. Glad you enjoyed it too.
Sounds like a perfect way to enjoy the perfect place. I'm with you about the book and art. Enjoy the quiet time and some relaxing. That's what summer is all about. Hugs-Erika
I had to laugh about the last sentence. Been there, done that. Talk about overeating fruit!!
Loved the photos of your paintings. They are lovely. Good books are hard to put down, aren't they?
You and Rick looked so happy, and I hope you get your foot fixed soon. I've been told that getting old isn't for sissies!
What a lovely post! Glad your birthday was so good. Enjoy your time alone, and I know you will be very creative. Good that you can swim if you can't walk much, hope it's better soon. I have arthritis in my left foot and often have great problems walking on it. Your water-colours are beautiful. And enjoy being lazy as often as you want! Hugs, Valerie
oooooh!--I love that picture of the window!! I just posted pictures of windowsills relating to my blog post, LOL, you and I are so alike! LOL Anyway--loved this post so much. I also have the plantar thing and it can sure hurt like heck when it acts up. And I hate it when it does. I've had the shots, have you tried that? And the ice helps mine ALOT, my doc told me to rub and roll and press my feet/heels into a good frozen solid bag of peas. It helps mine alot. There is also a cream called "topricin" which helps with the pain. And, like you find with the lake, just putting them into a bucket of cold water or into a cold ocean or lake feels good! I love your paintings, I don't see how anyone does that, I was clearly not born with that talent/gene to be able to create like that and so enjoy seeing the creations of those who CAN. That books looks amazing, and I will be on the hunt for it tomorrow!! Never heard of that one before. And the "potato" one, I just saw they put that one on Netflix and I can't wait to watch it!!
Hope your foot pain will ease up, Jeanie... and all go well with your doc visit next week. Enjoy your swimming and painting while you wait. LOVE seeing your new paintings!! And LOVE the kiss... ;) ((BIG HUGS)) p.s. I had looked at the Potato Peel Pie book at the library, took a peek inside, it didn't grab me... so I put it back on the shelf. Maybe I missed something?! LOL...
Hello Jeanie,
Sorry about your foot pain, I hope it feels better soon. It is nice you are able to swim. Your paintings are so [pretty, I like the hearts and the bike with the flowers. I have the The Guernsey book on my ipad now, I have another one to finish first. My neighbor sounds like yours, he is always busy doing something in his yard or to his house. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend!
JEANIE!!!! OK, so much to say here. I love your bike painting. I have not read Guernsey, but I did see that the movie is available on Netflix. I'm with ya: England, great characters, WWII...what more could you want!
Enjoy the burnt umber sunset of summer my dear.
Love this first pic :-)
Well that neighbour... "boys will be boys", right!
Working dogs sounds like fun, actually! I always enjoyed renovating with my brother.
So sorry about your feet!
Swimming, wow, you did a lot!
You have a great handwriting - I sometimes can´t read my notes, cause I do it so seldom...
Awww.. one day I´ll have a cat, too.
Yay to summer fruits!
Be careful when scraping paint, it should be done to minimise lead poisoning-Google.
Love Cath
If I'd realised you didn't know about "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" I'd have made sure to tell you about it. I've now read it twice. Hope the movie's going to do the book justice.
Sorry about your foot issue, but glad you mostly seem to be having a great time. Mmm...Peaches and cherries!
I totally understand the frustrations of foot problems (got the ok to use the walker yesterday, got over enthused and will spend much of today with my foot elevated); be patient and treat your foot well. I loved the book and the movie of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I'm impressed by your swimming. As always, I love your watercolors.
Jim's idea of fun at the beach is moving sand? Hmmmm. Sounds like what my relatives lived through in German concentration camps. :P
Love your photo of the window! How lucky you dont' have an early-century home with lots of mullioned windows to re-glaze!
Lovely watercolors, Jeanie! Which one is Jemma on Making It? I'm watching it (even though I don't think it's the most thrilling 60 minutes of my week LOL), but I can't remember any of their names. I'm rooting for the Asian guy or the black woman so far.
We have Guernsey Literary on our Netflix list...but haven't got to it yet. We've been binge-watching a few series. There are so many good ones available now. If my friends from college could see me now they'd die...the one who was a total television snob and refused to own or watch one is now addicted to it!
Enjoy your week - thanks for sharing yours. Love your summer - so full of activities and friends and art - what a delight!
'Tis the life! Netflix has the movie it is lovely:)I may not have bought the book..my friend Nancy gave it to me years ago.The title would not have caught my eye.The movie has a few known actors..you'll like it.
Jacques did too.
Love your fun times there..paradisio..
Keep healing that foot!
Youre a sweet couple:)
PS..Your art:):):)
I wish I was there to help Rick paint that window. I love to paint, but not as good at it as I once was.
Your life seems to have balance and beauty in it. Perhaps it's just the way you see the world. I need optimists around me. Thank goodness H is one.
I'm sorry about your foot pain. I hope it will behave itself after rest and food exercises.
Sometimes it is good to be home alone. I love having the whole house and a whole day or several days to myself. Those books look good. I am just finishing my third Ruth Ware mystery. I have a fourth book of hers, but I must have packed it already as I can't find it anywhere. Enjoy yourself, Jeanie. By the way, I have been eating many cherries so I know exactly what you mean about the side effects.
Jeanie, I adore getting my postcards from you. Lake life seems to be my cup of tea, I could be a little envious, but I choose to enjoy all of it through your beautiful storytelling and photos. Time spent alone can be good as long as we know our loved one will be back soon. Love your paintings and we have been indulging in lots of cherries this summer! Happy weekend~
Love.
Lovely work!
Lizzie makes for good company.
I so relate to the foot pain and now my knee has joined the pain parade. Hard to get around when it hurts that much. So like you I 'try' to rest and then get busy when the pain leaves. The lake is so lovely and relaxing. I've had a busy week and today is stay at home and clean up the house day. I have touched a brush and watercolors a few times but nothing serious. Your paintings are so lovely. I did see Jemma and was so proud of her! So here's to a day of cleaning, a night of reading and then maybe tomorrow some time to create!
I immediately felt relaxed reading through your post...such lovely photos...thank you for the mini-respite. :)
Your post Jeanie confirms all of what summer at the lake is all about!
Sorry to hear about your foot pain . . .
Hope it gets better soon . . .
Great swim action though!!
Isn’t Guernsey the best . . .
It is my next “reread” before I watch the movie!
Happy you and your love enjoyed such a nice birthday date together . . .
Happy foot healing . . .
Oh, time alone is the best, for a little bit anyways! Sorry to hear your foot is acting up...not good timing! Lots more reading and painting then!
Joey does serious nagging each and every day. Glad Rick made it home OK. Your birthday celebration, art show, paintings (wonderful) and swimming in the lake, oh sigh! Sorry about the sore foot. I know that one. It does indeed make you walk wrong and then cause more aches. No fun!! I did read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society quite awhile ago and this week watched the movie on Netflix. I loved it and I do believe you will too.
Ouch, Jeanie--I've had foot pain and I know how annoying that is. I have to have surgery for a big bunion and hammertoe that developed after the bunion formed, I will probably wait to do surgery after the new year as I'll be off my foot for a while afterward. I hope your foot pain will go away soon!
I saw "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" movie on Netflix and loved it! Almost as good as the book--lol
I love all your pretty watercolor paintings, You are very talented!
Jeannie, I sympathize with foot problems. I 've been there!
Your paintings are lovely. Oh, how I wish I had that gift but I'm glad my daughter does.
My husband and I are listening to Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Literary Society now as we are riding to and from Texas. It is very good and we are enjoying it immensely. Loved the movie, too.
Have a good week.
Get well soon Jeanie! I know how it is wanting to do things but having to be sensible. YUK! Beautiful and cheerful paintings! Good luck with the re-glazing and painting.
The Potato Peel Pie dvd comes out on the 22nd August I think. I have pre-ordered a copy. That pleated back coat has become an obsession but I think I know how to make it now. Just need to use up some stash and save up for that quantity of fabric. Parts were filmed in Bideford and Clovelly in Devon as Guernsey is too built up now since the 1940s.
Lizzie is beautiful. She reminds me of my old can, Tommy.
My bullet journaling has been very lacking these days. I should really start up again.
The swim sounds wonderful :)
I just love to read your posts! They are always so full of so many things, I learn about new books and see beautiful cat pictures. Isn't "Guernsey" a wonderful book? I read it a few years ago and loved it. I haven't seen the movie yet - I didn't even know that a movie was made about it!
Jeanie, so sorry about your foot, but it sounds like you're still managing to have more fun than anyone else in the world! Love your photos and paintings. I read "Guernsey" years ago, I suppose when it first came out, and loved it. Then I stumbled onto the movie version of it on Netflix just a few days ago.
I do have to say Kudos to you for getting some shopping for Christmas done. I have bought one thing. ONE! So I completely admire you!
The paintings are amazing! So beautiful!
Tammy
Sorry about your foot pain, hope it's on the mend with your swimming and exercises.
I missed that movie too and heard it was a good one.
Christmas shopping already, very organized!
Love the paintings as usual, you're an artist Jeannie.
I'm so glad you read and loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I adore that book! I can't even tell you how many times I've read it. I re-read it last week in anticipation of watching the movie. The book gets me every time. I laugh out loud, and full on sob. Every single time. The movie is good, though it's nowhere near as good as the book. They never are, though, are they?
I'm sorry about your feet. I have flat feet, too, so I feel your pain, literally. I hope you've rested, and are feeling much better now.
My parents are the opposite of your neighbors at the lake. My mom is ‘go go go’ and has a hard time sitting down. My dad prefers to sit in the dock with coffee or a cocktail in hand while fishing or just taking in the view. Phil says I am a replica of my mom but give me a good book and I’m like my dad - content to sit and sit and sit!
I’m sorry to hear about the foot pain. It’s awfuk to be in pain when moving around. I’m glad you can swim, though. There’s nothing like moving through lake water on a pretty day!
It sounds heavenly except for the aching foot. I hope that heals quickly. Thanks for linking to Keep in Touch.
I'm sorry about your foot :( I hope you're feeling better right now :*
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