I feel guilty about this -- being snarky about the rain when those out west are in such desperate need of rain. But when it is in your basement or leaking into your family room, you get a little testy. These hydrangeas used to be standing up. Now you can't walk to the back yard without fighting the flowers.
Meanwhile, all the pots in front (many of which are going to the lake) are way over-watered. But they are looking lush.
Rick got home from Texas on Tuesday and I returned from the lake the same day. We were going to head back north on Friday but the weather report was so grim we decided to stay home and it was a good thing. I'm here for a few more days. Rick left on his bike (during a lull in the rain) to ride up there. It will take two days, camping out overnight. I just hope he makes it OK. As he said, he's ridden in the rain before. I don't view this as a good enough reason to pedal off, but there you have it. (Update: the first day was OK.)
I'll do physical therapy mid-week and then head up when I'm done. After I drop Lizzie off, I'll get in the car and head north for another hour or so to a birthday party for our little almost-three year old. Painting a card was the high point of my week.
I did it from a photo that bigger brother took with my camera. Inside it says "Have a bucket of fun on your birthday." He always has a bucket of fun!
To be honest, the thought of four hours in the car with a bad back for two hours of birthday party is not making me happy. (Especially when Rick's ex-wife and the party host says she is not holding dinner for us -- or me, if Rick rides up earlier -- but there will be cake. (Merci, Marie Antoinette.) I get it (and I'm pretty sure they would hold a plate back!), but it was the way she said it, along with a few other snarky things about Rick. (I understand they have their own baggage.) I'm pretty sure I won't make her timetable for dinner, especially if driving in the rain. I'd give anything to be able to figure a way out of this. The thought of facing a bunch of people after a long drive in the rain with a bad back and having to be cheery is not high on my wish list. But it's not about me -- it's about the little guy and that's what counts (although I doubt that within 24 hours, he'll have no idea who was even there.)
I envision driving north to the lake with it looking like this.
Apart from seven inches of rain in three days (with five more days of rain predicted) it has been a good, if non-productive week. It has included bird watching with Lizzie.
I think she knows only three words. Her name. "Food!" and "Birds!"
We spent about 90 minutes in the basement the other night during a tornado warning. Lizzie, of course, bolted upstairs and was not happy to be sent down again. She coped. Rick did the NYT crossword. I read. Dinner was late.
I've been watching the Tour de France when I can. There have been several horrible crashes and today (Monday) one of my favorites and a team leader crashed and was injured but got back on the bike. I don't see how they do it. Makes me feel like a wimp with my back. And rightly so. (It's raining in France, too.)
I just got the mantel decorated for summer. Then the ceiling started to leak. Now I am prepped for days more of rain.
I'll turn my brain around in another day or so. Maybe even today. It will depend on the rain. But I promise to be cheerier next time.
At least I have company.
52 comments:
Oh dear. It sounds like you are in the same sort of sorry mood I've been in for a while. Sometimes there are unsolvable problems. There's a rift between a couple of my family members over mask-wearing right now, and it's causing me to be unable to sleep. I don't like conflict, and I've done everything I can to encourage the angry to talk together.
I think I just face it---I'm not Martin Luther King, Jr.---and let it go.
Hang in there, my friend ~ the circle of life WILL turn.
Hugs ~~
Enough rain, I agree . . .
Sorry about the “leaks” and even more sorry for your back.
Miserable to have that pain, I KNOW.
A combo of therapy, chiropractic, yoga, repeat, helps me.
Love the birthday pics . . .
Family drama, rules, over it . . .
Sometimes I think . . . well . . .
(Not my dinner party choice.)
Happy Birthday “Mister Three” . . .
Safe ride Rick . . .
Be happy and safe Jeanie!
Cheerfulness is over rated i reckon. I am a winter child. As for the three year old birthday party, I would totally just send the adorable card and a wish through the post and take it easier on myself, especially appreciating the aches and pains! I understand aches and pains thoroughly ! The last thing i would do to myself is be amongst folks that were less than gracious. Anyway, good luck with that, dear Jeanie. You are a good person, better than I could ever think to be.
It's feast or famine with this weather. I've been having to water every day, and when they do predict rain it ends up going around us, literally dividing at Memphis and going to the north and south. Strange. I hope that bike trip goes without issues, and I hope the little guy enjoys his birthday. Family can be such a pain, and you're good to put up with the ex's attitude. The physical therapy is helping I trust. Back issues can make even happy times miserable :(
I don't follow the Tour de France any more, but I did see news of that horrible crash. Scary!
Prayers for less rain and your back
I see you point. The trip for the child is what counts.
in Florida summer is another word for rain - and I guess other places have the same thing. Got my fingers crossed you made it up there fine and made the 3rd birthday party.
I noticed that you have reverted back to your previous format, which I do prefer, as there are fewer clicks to make. LOL. Anyway, I hope you can find some way to fix those leaks in your house. And take care of that bad back. Good luck with the drive to that party.
Hello,
We could use a little more rain here, but we are fine compared to the drought out west. Sorry about your leaks, basements just seem to end up being wet. Your painting and card for the birthday boy is cute. I hope all goes well for Rick's bike ride and your car ride to the party. Take care, have a happy new week!
Sorry you've been getting too much rain, never a nice happy medium is there? I don't see why you can't skip the party with your bad back, I know I would. I hope Rick's trip goes smoothly and hope you are feeling better soon!
CUTE painting! :D
Your pots look good from the rain. I hope you can fix the leak before more rain hits!
Have a great week! BTW your book looks like it's something I'd love! Great title!
Hi Jeanie, we're having similar weather here, a mix of heat, rain and storms. Hope the journey to the birthday boy goes well in spite of the problems. Hugs, Valerie
We have those little pop up showers that keep us from making plans but at least it keeps it a little cooler. Take care and don't worry about pleasing others, even the little ones. They understand! Hugs!
Oh sorry to hear about all the leaks.
That painting is adorable. They will love it.
I hope you had a great time while it rained dear Jeanie! I love the rain so much, not very much if I have to go outside but if it will be a day at home, oh it's very relaxing and (weirdly) uplifts my mood! Jeanie I am always a big fan of your art and this colorful one of the birthday boy! The colors give me much needed energy!
Sending you hugs from the PH!
I'm sorry to hear the weather hasn't been kind to you lately. I love the painting you did :)
Well a bad back, too much rain, and an ex-wife to contend with, no fun at all. You can send me some of the rain, but keep the rest. Enjoy the littles.
I like the boy's outfit of red shorts and red-blue shirt.
I like rain only when I'm at home. When I was young I used to go out in any kind of weather, but now I have to be more careful.
I hope you have a safe trip up north, Jeanie. I'm glad it rained - that's always a good thing, but so sorry there has been damage in your basement. Your plants and flowers look like they're flourishing though. That is the cutest card you painted. And a Happy Birthday to your grandson. How delightful to bird watch with Lizzie. There's been so many birds here that visit my front yard, and it makes me happy to see all the different kinds of birds in the mountains. Oh no, your mantel was all decorated, and I guess you had to put everything back? Well, enjoy your time up north, Jeanie. And have a relaxing time.
~Sheri
Some of my sisters friends have 3 to 4 feet of sewage in their basements due to all of the rain. UGH We were under a tornado watch on Saturday, but no storms came thank god as we do not have a basement. Hope you have a good time at the birthday party even though snarky lady will be there. What a cute card you painted. So glad me and my ex get along for our grandkids parties. Janice
We can stil benefit from rain. Spring was fairly dry here.
We need rain, and I actually would love a few days of it.It sounds like ours will come over the 4th weekend, which is not a good timing. Let's see what happens. And I am feeling your leak. It stinks, doesn't it? One of upstairs AC's managed to leak tonight down into the first floor. Somehow it was pitched wrong. Sorry to see your plastic and read about your mantel. And sorry to babble about myself in this comment. Hope the sun comes out soon. Hugs-Erika
Jeanie,
We are supposed to get some Thunderstorms tomorrow and maybe Wednesday, ending this heat wave that we are in....We broke the record today...94 degrees!! It is supposed to cool down on Thursday and then a few days of 70's again which will be nice!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!! I hope you are having a great week!!
Hugs,
Debbie
So sorry to hear about too much water falling from the heavens on your area. Hopefully the party with the little one will be better than expected. I adore your card, Jeanie! That is one I hope will be framed. Sending you sunshine and better days.
Ugh, I hate doing the kids birthday things with an Ex.
My petunias were looking pretty sad after the deluge but they perked up in the heat today. I confess to not going outdoors at all today.
That painting is so beautiful!
I hope you are save from any tornado.
Please don't apologize for grumping about the rain especially when you have to deal with leaks. I think anyone would like to see the rain disappear in such a case. I for one am grumping about the exceptional heat we are having. I'd gladly exchange some of it for your rain. I do feel for you having to go to the party with the kind of 'welcome' you've been given but chin up and hopefully it will be over in no time flat. I really don't like parties at the best of times let alone the worst of times. I do hope the weather improves for your trip to the cottage. xx
Sorry to hear rain has doused your summer fun. But the bucket sure lifts up one's spirit. As for us here, you wouldn't believe it. Yesterday BC had broken the record in Canada's history with 46.6C, that's 116F! What's more, 50C or 122F is likely in the coming days. We in Calgary has 38C as a forecast high this week. Better enjoy your rain and cooler weather. :)
I also have a love/hate relationship with rain. If it rains, I don't have to get our early and water my plants. If it doesn't rain, the heat and humidity take over and I am so glad I have AC. Sounds like you also have basement problems. I guess the ceiling leak would worry me more, though.
Sorry about your back. I've had back problems for two years and it isn't fun. I am glad you at least have PT. I hope you make the party on time, and have fun, too. Just remember to BREATHE and all will be well. As you said, it's for the little guy.
A leaking ceiling sounds like (potentially at least) the worst of your problems, Jeanie. Water can damage a house in a hurry. I had no doubt that the intrepid (and fit) Rick would handle the ride north to the cottage without a problem. As for the other issue, I have for years handled such situations by simply refusing to go. Life is too short to put yourself into these situations, and you have a full and significant relationship with Rick's grandchildren anyway. When I first met Miriam her first husband was still alive, but other than for Erin's wedding, we never attended another event where they were both present. Her kids knew that, and it worked for everyone. In some ways, I think we are more fortunate than many. We do celebrate little kids' birthdays and Christmas, but other than that adult's birthdays and other events pass by in the same manner as any other day, so we don't have the potential to get thrown together. Sometimes, you just have to say no, and not think of a plausible excuse. It's might surprise you to see how quickly others come to recognize that you won't be there.
x-spouses sure have a way of making life interesting, don't they. Never been one or had one but I've sure heard and witnessed enough stories to be grateful for that.
The rain has been relentless and I hold my breath that the sump pump can hold up through it all.
The birthday card is adorable! So far, I've lucked out with the rain and my basement is dry (I have a supply of DampX at the ready). Hope the birthday party will be/was bearable - the drive will earn you another star in your heavenly crown.
Sorry to hear about all the rain and damage. I agree not nice to drive in the rain.
The birthday card is so cute, hope you get to enjoy the party despite the "ex".
Oh geez louise…too much going on..
Leaks and water infiltration and snarky ex wives..
With a sore back.
Adorb card Jeanie!
Take care
We're in the middle of days and days of rain, too, and you know why that's making me grumpy. No work! and jobs needing to be done yesterday -- or last week, or the week before. It was one thing to hear about water in your basement, but water coming in from above is a big problem. You need to take care of that, el pronto. A friend recently had the experience of seeing water ddripping through his air conditioning vents in the ceiling. It was the roof, but only the flashings.. I hope yours is as easily fixed! I read about that stupid fan who caused the first wreck at the Tour de France; I hope he or she was disciplined, somehow.
Bless your Heart!!! I've learned one thing about you with this post Jeanie, you are a good soul......And, you are right, it's all for the little one as it should be. Just remember, the sun will come out, the back will feel better after a little rest and the beautiful lake days await! Take care and I know your next post will have that famous Jeanie smile.......Hugs my friend.
Oh, Jeanie, I am so sorry about your back and the rain. I hope the rain ends soon and your back will improve. Rain can be dreadful, especially when it comes into your home. And spending time with others when you are tired and not feeling the best is certainly not fun. However, the 'little guy' is fun and you will be happy in the end you were there for him.
Be good to you, Jeanie!
I am so sorry to hear about all the rain. It affects my mood greatly too! Rick is so adventurous riding and camping in the rain. The card you painted is adorable! I can see why that is the highlight of the week. It made me laugh how Lizzie only knows those 3 words! I guess that is all a cat really needs to know. Wishing sunny days ahead with less back pain!
Sorry to hear about the rain damage and of course your back. The sun always come out, so don't despair. We need some of that rain here. Take care of yourself and rest.
Oh, Jeanie, and so the saying goes, When it rains it pours!..You are allowed a little sad face once in awhile. You make up for it in so many other ways, such as going to that party! I don't know if I could be as in touch with the little guy even for that! Just do as I used to do, wrap my arms around my dog (in this case, Lizzie) and say you are the only one who loves me, pout awhile and then it will all be good! Happy Summer Days my friend..xxoJudy
Ugh. The rudeness from Rick’s ex sounds awful. What an ungracious host. Yikes. I hope your back doesn’t trouble you too much on the drive. You have a right to feel the way you do! It’s kind of you to still go! I would understand if you passed, especially with the back issues you are having.
We’ve had some rain this week but have been thrilled to see it! But we aren’t dealing with water in the basement! It will be super hot over the coming days. We won’t be up at the lake so I am researching pools in the area to take Paul to. He has been extremely anxious at swimming lessons so I want to get him in a pool a couple of times before his next lesson.
Hang in there. Hope you get some back pain relief soon. That is the worst and is so debilitating!!
Oh Jeanie, I deplore water in the house. I've had issues too, as I think I've mentioned before. And even in our vertical neighborhood, with a 110+ yr old building, water finds its way into the strangest of paths. We're discussing a major project in resealing our brick here. I hope you can get yours taken care of without too much hassle. And then there's that ex situation......ugh. Just own it like the boss lady that you are! Love the card. And yes, we saw that first day of the tour and what madness that spectator particularly caused!
Lizzie is a dear! What a wonderful painted card. I don’t envy you with the rainy drive and the birthday party, especially with no dinner. Maybe two pieces of cake are in order!
Love the card Jeanie! Sorry you're having a rough patch...Try to think ahead to fun things you can do and don't let the snarky ex bring you down, just ignore her!
Jenna
Rain can certainly be beneficial, but when it's not there is the problem and you surely have those now, Jeanie. Sorry, I do not mean to be casual about what obviously is very distressing when you need to cover up the fireplace and mantle. Is roof repair work in your home's future (or budget)? As for the family situation, I think the advice given by a few others is worth considering. Why put yourself in such a state of anxiety because of other people? Yes, I know it is all about the birthday boy, but if he gets his gift and your visit afterwards it will surely mean more to both of you. And, he will remember it more too. No need to not think of yourself first.
Aww, Lizzie is very busy with the birds. Festus is very busy too, as he spends most of his days in the garden. The pigeons and the magpies are not scared of him and come to have their meals in the garden, even on the grass, only a few feet away from Festus.
I imagine it can be quite awkward with his ex-wife on special occasions like birthdays.
Same here. Grey and cold, rain sadly only sometimes.
A bucket of fun sounds GREAT!
Better than such complicated relationships...
Lizzie is always the cutest.
I am so sorry about all the stress. We have had so much rain, raining this morning. It definitely can dampen your mood. Hang in there, Jeanie!
Apparently we too are in for another wet weekend, umbrella's are ready by the door!
I hope your back will be ok ...
That is a lovely birthday card and yes, there may be trouble and stress but the trip is for the child, I do so hope it goes well.
Thinking of you.
All the best Jan
I hope your back pain has eased off, Rick's cycling adventures were incident-free, and the little guy's joy at seeing you made certain people's attitudes easier to deal with. I also hope the leaks aren't causing any real damage.
We also had a very wet Summer. Still wet in Winter. V muddy parts in the garden. Planted another apple tree today.
Love Cath in Australia.
This weather has been something else! Between downpours, the humidity, the heat - I feel like Michigan is confused about her identity.
I am sorry to hear that the rain is taking its toll at your home! My mom's basement flooded too. :(
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