tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73235854423232491352024-02-22T13:06:32.752-06:00Cindi's Window ... Lake Living Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.comBlogger343125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-1762635084135510672020-05-15T10:23:00.002-05:002020-05-15T10:23:40.178-05:00Garden or Life? <br />
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For the past couple of years I have landed on a word or two
to help me set some goals for, oh, I don’t know, lets call it carrying on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its been <b>joy</b>, its been <b>intention</b>,
its been <b>deliberate</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I watched
some birds out the window this morning and bemoaned the fact that the ground is
probably too wet to do more planting, I realized I didn’t have a word for 2020.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I am sure we all agree that there are a few words fitting
for 2020 and not all of them are G rated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not all of the words I can think of would project an attitude of
positivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing is, as I look out
the window and bemoan…some would call it wallow…I work at my attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is too wet to plant, but, when the sun
comes out a little it will be a great time to weed, for the ground will be soft
and the colors will be bright. I will be able to easily identify the weed. I
have a kneeling pad, I have gloves and a garbage can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have brand new snips and pruners, and I
have a trowel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am equipped. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Gardening and landscaping take planning, for sure. Audrey
Hepburn once said “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes belief and faith and it takes time. But
let’s face it, it also takes action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gardening includes tasks, like weeding, because gardens don’t just happen,
although I have tried that approach, too, when I just didn’t have the time or
inclination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of metaphors there,
isn’t there? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have the faith and belief, I have equipment and I have time, oh, and I have weeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My word for 2020 ~ <b>Action</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me take action. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving"> cindiswindowlakeliving</a></div>
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<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-37058501977331234022020-04-28T19:39:00.001-05:002020-04-28T19:40:05.649-05:00Things I hope not to forget. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What I have
learned so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Never be
without an extra can of Lysol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Never be
without an extra stick of deodorant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Never be
without an extra package of the paper napkins I prefer…which is Bounty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Never, ever
be without an extra gift for any one or number of my five grands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of which had a birthday this week and got
a woefully sad gift from his GiGi and PaPa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Never write
off the beauty of breakfast for dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Never underestimate
the benefit of a second TV, an office or spare bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just saying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Needs are few. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Family is
everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">cindiswindowlakeliving</a></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-62962059070447568822020-04-22T12:19:00.002-05:002020-04-22T12:46:48.977-05:00Ode to Joy <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Started stocking up on some plants this week (I had ordered
a few by mail only the second <span style="line-height: 107%;">time
or so I have done that) and my neighbor-niece picked up a few for me while
she was out on errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already almost
killed those by leaving them out on the step in an “ooops, I forgot the plants”
moment when the temps dropped down to near freezing. They may recover IF it
warms up soon. I think May 10 is our safe to plant date for 2020. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I told you
about the extension of my trail, once known as trail to nowhere and now referred
to, occasionally and loosely, as the trail with purpose. I LOVE this addition
to our landscape and although it was a lot of work, and still work needed, it
is becoming a favorite spot. Except for the poison ivy or poison oak I picked
up while ripping out myrtle, hiding in the growth to do its dastardly deed on
my arms and ankles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I know it
is there, I look for it and it is discreet, for sure, but its there. Poison Ivy
seems to be strong this year as I have seen several people post about it. Devil
weed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">This year
has turned in to a year of some serious landscape planning. It is nice to have
the niece next door as she also is a landscape planner. We talk flowers, shrubs and trees a LOT. We enjoy it and well, she also picked up some poison
ivy working in HER beds. So, we share that as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The daffodil
game has been strong and long this year; the colder temps seem to be keeping
them on a nice rotation without everyone blooming at once. There’s a lot to
divide and move later to keep this look going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Even with
everything that is going on, spring is such a great time of year. Even on days
when it is a bit gloomy or cold I walk out onto the porch and take it all in,
just sort of survey it. We have a lot of projects, sure, but also a lot of joy.
Who doesn’t need a bit of joy? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-24535624523374371772020-04-13T13:29:00.001-05:002020-04-13T16:25:53.795-05:00Trail to nowhere. <br />
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This is tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all
are going through it, and well, it is tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not going to dwell here cause we are all having similar thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 weeks or so in to it, and it is tough. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last week I did a thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have had a bit of a trail through the woods side of the house for a
couple years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It leads out past the area I call my moon garden, where the statue my son-in-law made in college usually
stands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I refer to it as my trail to
nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week I sat on the steps of the front porch looking out at the trail, thinking about how much mulch I need for it this year
and where the heck that would come from, how would it get here and gosh, that’s
a lot of mulch. Not a huge fan of dyed mulch, I prefer wood chips from real
trees, brown, dirty and probably insect infested, but cheap. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local recycling center is currently closed
and well, not looking likely for a truck load or two of wood chips anytime
soon.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Naturally, I decided it is the perfect time to expand the
trail, to make a loop, to widen the new section a bit and come out parallel to
the entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would no longer have
to enter and exit in the same place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, this is a perfect time to tackle this project…when you have absolutely
no resources and nothing but time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I dug in, I tore out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I begged hubs to come and help with bigger trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know there were maples galore, some
requiring an actual shovel and a strong back, even a chain saw for a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ripped out myrtle that had long ago been left
to grow wild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a solid two days of
work and an afternoon here or there of picking away at some little patch of
vine or tree. It’s a loop, a start and a finish...it's not long or fancy and I love it. More importantly, the grandkids
are going to love it, too, once they can run on it and explore and pretend. I
might not run it but I walk it and explore and pretend, imagine, plot and
plan, dream. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While it's still a trail that goes nowhere, in the end it
finds itself and hey, that’s always a good thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">cindiswindowlakeliving</a>Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-77414360015858789742020-04-04T08:32:00.001-05:002020-04-04T08:32:20.597-05:00Checking in. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What do you
really need? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What do you
really want? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What are you
able to live without?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The new
normal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I admit that
I have struggled a bit this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t
remember the last time I was off my property…which is OK by me, really, its
just that I can’t remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we are
now considered “elderly” (which was a shock), I have been playing it very
safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, I think so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful to our neighbors and our
daughter for doing their utmost to keep us healthy and watching out for our
well-being, getting our groceries and supplies, and including us in their runs
for take-out food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we look
back on this time, we will have learned much about ourselves, as individuals,
as family and as citizens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do we
want, need and can live without? I bet most of us have a list starting to
develop in our heads already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Way too
much food has been kept and thrown out in this house over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Way too many clothes and “niceties”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Far too many snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not enough parties, not enough cook-outs. Not
enough Isopropyl Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not enough Lysol spray – I’ll never be caught short again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not enough
contact with those I love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many days
and weeks go by without an “I love you” or even <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“just checking in”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Checking in,
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope you are well, hope you stay well and I love you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving/"> facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</a></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-70867075570582511772020-03-24T11:46:00.000-05:002020-03-24T11:46:50.671-05:00Well, hey, everybody!Yes, yes it really has been a year since I posted on this blog. That has been intentional by the way, not that I forgot or had nothing to say. Fact is, I was afraid of what I would say and therefor, thought it best not to have a forum...if you know what I mean. <br />
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That being said, it's a new time, a different time. Very different. I was thinking this morning, as I was doing some deep breathing exercises, that I would like to post a little something positive on Facebook and Instagram and well, some of you know that I have been posting my "Days of Love" on a near daily bases for over two years. That's usually a picture and I keep the comments down to a roar. At least, from me! I love YOUR comments!<br />
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Anyway, this morning I found myself thinking a lot about my friends and family, and decided to rejuvenate my blog, to keep in touch, to do a little mental health check with all of you. It's too easy to disconnect, to feel a little overwhelmed and to shut in..and shut down. I'm not having it. <br />
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As I have stated in the past, I started this blog to keep my family and friends up to date on what was happening around my lakeside home and to entertain them, and you. I am still all about that. I hope to be a place you can come to for a few words of levity and good feels. Expect to see my dog and my grandchildren and hubs, of course. You may get tired of the food pics and cocktails with fires in the background but hey, it's what I do and I invite you to come along. I love you all, near and far, and hope to see you all again soon. Until then, please join me at my window!<br />
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facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving/Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-67655793023049499292019-03-15T11:56:00.000-05:002019-03-15T12:02:26.574-05:00Just around the corner. <br />
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Now, this weather has got to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s important, I know, to have spring rain…it
helps the lake, it helps the flowers and trees, it helps, it helps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you should see our driveway and
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are super muddy around
here, like walking in fudge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, yes,
there will be sun and drying winds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is temporary, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple weeks ago I talked about introducing essential oils
into some of my daily routines, which I have continued to do although have not
improved on incorporating as much as I want to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do still love the frankincense
and coconut oil I am using on my neck and chest. Working on those imperfections
and happy with the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A drop of
lemon oil in my water every day, several glasses a day, and a mix of lemon, lavender
and tea tree oil to spritz on my counters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using my diffuser more often and saw a great little recipe for a spring
fragrance called Shamrocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tee hee
hee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A few years ago I started watching a make-up artist on You
Tube.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked her because she was fun,
funny, impertinent and did not give a care about what people thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She entertained me and although I am not into
make-up so much, I liked watching her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was maybe a little depressed during those days and needed a boost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put her right up there with smutty romance
novels and the Bravo housewives franchise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot get enough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shocking,
right? Is there anyone out there more shallow than me? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, when I started watching this young woman, I also
started paying attention to some of the products that seemed to pop up in a lot
of places but were often very expensive and not something I was going to spend
money on, since I am not a make-up person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I was intrigued by one product that seemed to get mentioned a
lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tarte Shape Tape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not understand why it is called Shape
Tape as it is neither for shaping nor taping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s concealer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The product
reviews were ridonkulous, as they say, and recently I pulled the trigger and
ordered some to be sent in a plain brown unmarked envelope to my home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This stuff is pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s good on wrinkles and discolorations – okay, bags – around my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned how to blend and smooth and it
truly does take a smidgen of this stuff to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use it all around my eyes because I do not
use eye shadow but the eyelids aren’t what they use to be, and this stuff
really does go on thin and not settle into lines and wrinkles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good stuff and I recommend, if that
matters to you at all. <o:p></o:p><br />
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So I guess what I am getting at with all these new ideas and
items is that it’s not too late, I guess ever, to try to improve yourself and
your surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be so easy
to just accept what I have, what I know, at my age, but, I really do want to be better, look my best
healthy self, feel my best healthy self.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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That being said I had to run an errand yesterday and WOW am
I glad I didn’t see any one I know as I did not do my eyes, or my hair, or my wardrobe for that matter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you did happen to see me, thanks for ignoring me and sparing me the anguish it would have caused both of us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-50835897600274291502019-03-06T09:22:00.001-06:002019-03-06T09:23:37.095-06:00The beginning. <br />
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Almost every year we traveled to a tropical location with
business associates of my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
lucky to go to some gorgeous resorts, beautiful locations as an incentive he
earned while working along side some great salesmen and their customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To have these trips come to an end is the
negative of retirement.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This year’s trip was to Costa Rica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another location I didn’t think I would get
to see and the countryside did not disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We laid pretty low all week as there is a fair amount of “business” that
is conducted during these trips although it is all about building relationships
more than conducting business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we
stepped back and out of the role and just relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following our January trip to Key West, I’d
say hubs has had a great introduction in to retirement! The people of Costa
Rica were sweet and seemingly happy people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would not turn down an opportunity to go again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since we have returned, spring is making a frustratingly
slow entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More snow, frigid
cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping we would be a little
further in to it by now, to be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all may remember how antsy I get for getting out in the mud and mire
to start my landscaping projects and this year is no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m anxious to get started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My big project this year is going to be
landscape lighting along with some foundation planting, so I have begun to
research a little, talk style and placement…a little sketching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I love about early spring; the getting ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the immediate future, I should take the Christmas
arrangement out of the big black pots on the front porch and begin to ready it
for a spring transition, as I know it will happen even if slow to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have white lights on a tree up in the woods
and over the last week or so the strands have started to burn out so the
arrangement of lights is not looking great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I guess, if it warms up above 20, I’ll see if I can correct that
situation. And, the moon garden needs some serious attention. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, and I’ve convinced hubs it would be nice to get a quick
spring trip in, so we may be traveling to a warmer location for a few
days next month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, why not? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-5664162793449492772019-02-14T10:30:00.002-06:002019-02-14T10:32:33.540-06:00Ancient stuff. <br />
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One of the “new truths” I have accepted for my life is the
aging of my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just my face and
neck, but all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look down at my
legs and gasp, literally gasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who owns
that crocodile mess? <o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple years ago I attended an “oil class” and well, you
know, I was not super interested but I did like the idea of fragrance diffusing
over candles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Now, I l</span>oved my candles here and
there, but I could get a cute little diffuser, do some cool fragrances and blends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I bought oils every once in a
while from a *popular online retailer* and diffused irregularly.</div>
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Around this same time I began to feel I was overrun with skin tags and little
moles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something I held on to from the
oil class was frankincense and skin imperfections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My skin was feeling a bit imperfect to me so
I began doing a little independent research on essential oils and the benefits.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out to a couple of people I
knew were into oils and asked a ton of questions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve posted before about my late in life acceptance
of moisturizing the face, neck and décolletage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, its necessary stuff and I have improved my routine and all but preach it to my two daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I’m finding the need to expand that a bit
to my arms, my legs, the bottoms of my feet, for crying out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided to take a bit of a deeper wade into essential oils
and reached out to a young woman I have known since she was in elementary
school, and whom I like immensely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew she had started her own health journey, and that is her story to tell, but,
I felt like I could count on her research and the outcomes she herself was
experiencing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She obtained a few oils
for me, to introduce me to a couple of her favorites, and we spent a morning
talking them through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I really enjoy the oils but I don’t think I have used them
to their full benefit yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
applied frankincense to skin issues and see results, diffused new fragrances, done more research
and asked a ton more questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I both
clean with lemon water and drink it. I wipe down my butcher block counter
top with a drop or two of tea tree oil in water and love both the fragrance and
the natural disinfecting properties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
add the same oil to my dishwater when washing up a few dishes or add to the
dishwasher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am adding an oil routine to my scalp for both dryness and to
encourage improved hair health, and I’ll let you know how that goes. I'll talk to you about what I'm learning and help you get going, too. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Its a little like reaching back to go forward. I am not an oil guru, at least not yet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I understand that those of us of a certain age, those who have used pine cleaners and bleach, disinfecting wipes, creams and lotions, are a bit tied to "hey, it works good enough" and may be reluctant to find something better, but, t</span>here’s science here, and oils are being introduced - or maybe I should say reintroduced - to all area of our
lives, as a healthy, natural alternative to almost every choice we make, every
day - from how we take care of ourselves and our homes, to how we care for
others. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Don't worry. I still shave my armpits and eat hamburgers, but I do love a good Patchouli... </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-33671322877889652292019-02-05T08:29:00.000-06:002019-02-05T08:36:49.445-06:00What's changed? <br />
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What’s different? We are in to retirement
zone for about a month now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its been
pretty smooth although hubs and I do step in to the other’s territory a bit. There
definitely are some adjustments happening.</div>
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</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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He is enjoying the spontaneity of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, for example, he came out of the
basement, which is how he has been starting his day, surveying his belongings
in the basement, making a list of what to do next, and said “Want to do
something crazy?” Caught completely off guard, I replied “Uh, sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you have in mind?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, since I have the reputation of being the
“crazier” of the two of us, I admit to being a little worried. Was this a
challenge? Crazy is my territory, so only step in here if you mean it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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His idea was to drop everything and drive the hour and a
half in to Chicago for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple
of stores to hit, that I have mentioned, and maybe lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alright, I said, I am more than game, give me
15 minutes, and off we go.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, hubs has never been big on driving in to Chicago for
the day…certainly not on a whim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never
to shop or browse, so for him, this was on the crazy side. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the fog and rain so it wasn’t a pretty
drive by any means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t totally
aimless, he did have an idea of where we would go, but was open to just about
anything I suggested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived, we
shopped and we had a quick bite at a downtown spot, and made an uneventful trip
back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing earth shattering, no
events to attend, just a bit of meandering here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not the kind of day I would have spent
in Chicago with “the girls” or my lady friends which would have included a show
and cocktails in a hotel bar perhaps, but it was a good day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I can take the spontaneity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am a bit more likely to jump than he is and we know that about each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know yesterday was for me as
much as it was for him to push his boundaries a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 45 years of structure it is a big
change to have so many “free” hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll
get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have started a list of places
to visit, things to see, day trips to full on vacations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him
yesterday if he wanted to go to an antique show in April, that starts on Thursday
and would require some driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead
of his usual “We’ll see”. (which, I’ll be honest, has driven me crazy for 40
years) he replied “Yeah, I guess we can do that, huh?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, yes we can. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-14341117700169277562019-01-30T10:35:00.002-06:002019-01-30T10:35:41.425-06:00Not right now. <br />
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Here we are, at the most frozen, coldest dang day of the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should be using this time to keep moving,
to ward off the chill, to sort, to downsize, laundry, cleaning…but I find myself napping on the couch,
watching junk TV, occasionally rolling out from under the furry throw to eat something or refresh my
coffee.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I have been thinking about spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This arctic blast has me in that mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thinking about plants, and colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get out the journal and start writing down
goals for landscaping 2019, write about rock and mulch and clearing
brush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Will those </span>sweet little
plants from last year survive this cold?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>January and February are meant for thoughts like these..spring cleaning?
Well, that’s for spring, and we aren't there yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-60381804292216238492019-01-22T12:58:00.000-06:002019-01-22T14:01:10.171-06:00Following my own advice. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
haven’t written a blog post in several weeks. I just was too hesitant, to
be honest, as some things have really gotten under my skin lately and I don’t
want this blog to ever come across as negative, or “lecture-y”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid my thinking, how I was feeling,
would come out in my writing, and that’s a self-imposed no for me. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However,
a lot of good has happened around me since Christmas and I hope both my outlook
and my inner reflection have improved. Do you ever find yourself in a bit of a
funk and it just needs to work itself around? That’s what I was hoping for. As
James Brown would say “Get up offa that thing and make yourself feel better”. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hubs
retired, his last work day was December 28th. The night before his very last day we had a
bit of a surprise get together at one of our favorite spots, a local brewery.
Almost all of the family was there, we are very lucky to have so many close by,
and a couple friends. He was completely surprised and shout out to Maple City
Dentistry for being in on the secret and shuffling his scheduled appointment
around a bit. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
followed that up with a New Years Eve night out, very unusual for us. I
have recently reconnected with an old friend and we ushered in the New Year
together, our resolution being not to let thirty years go by again. We
were the oldest folks at Journeyman Distillery that night but we didn’t much
care, and we made a quick stop in to the Acorn Theater's NYE party as well,
super late and time for it to be over, but we listened to a couple songs from
the band. It was a good time.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Following
that, we traveled to Key West for a week to celebrate retirement and spend
money like we have it. Key West was terrific. Just the perfect response
to retirement in that it caused us to slow down, to relax…to retire, if you
will. We made plans, we chucked plans. Key West was a good bridge to what life
will be like going forward. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
have always talked a bit about travel. We are not campers or RV people. Seeing
RVs shoved into campgrounds practically on top of each other, and I know that
isn’t every park, made me cringe. Anyway, we spent a bit of time talking about
how to plan for future trips and get-aways. Our first step is making
independent lists of where we would like to go and then compare those lists and
start thinking about how to make it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want to travel in the US a bit, there are so many great places to
see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas
is like a blur, now, in some ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
vacation already a week behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
came home to snow and super frigid temps and now it is suppose to rain all
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also came home to a blood red
full moon and a lunar eclipse and that’s hard to beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
follow a casual acquaintance on Instagram and she posts a lot of inspirational quotes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One really rang true for me this
morning as I was finishing this post…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day or day one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You decide. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-1471316629889900782018-12-12T11:34:00.000-06:002018-12-12T11:34:24.045-06:00Now, that was a week! So we are sneaking up on the big holiday and I've had a multitude of special Christmas happenings already. I mean, it's a good one, 2018, and we aren't even "there" yet!<br />
<br />
A quick review of my last few days. It's been busy and fun, and even though I ended my week with a bit of a virus, I wouldn't trade this week. First, my husband and his valued crew host a holiday luncheon for their customers each year. It's always nicely attended and appreciated. This year, they recognized husband's upcoming retirement, too. I went, along with our two-year old grandson, who had been charged to me for the day. Grandbaby was a dream, husband was pleased and humble. It was a great afternoon. <br />
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Next, our son flew in from California for an extended weekend and we were super happy to have him around for a few days. He looks good, he seems well and is a survivor of the bumps in his road this year. Was really good to see him. <br />
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Our family attended our local hospital's annual presentation of "Holiday at the Pops", with the local county symphony, and some special guests, including the children's choir our granddaughter participates in. It was very, very good and the auditorium, which is also where her mom and dad had their wedding reception, housed a full audience. It was hard not to think about that wonderful December night sixteen years ago, watching those two very young people, start their lives together, as they watched their lovely daughter. They were proud parents to be sure, and the children's choir was fabulous. Our youngest daughter and son-in-law and their family had driven up for the evening, so our family was complete.<br />
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The next day was our annual family Cookie Sunday. Again, our whole family in attendance, visiting with their cousins, kids running through the house, babies cooing and drooling...it was another wonderful day. Much laughter, much food, many, many cookies. It can be difficult to find the right date for this yearly celebration, but we do our best to get as many of us there as we can. Its a beautiful thing. <br />
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I became victim to a bit of a virus following Cookie Sunday and had to pass on riding along to return our son to the airport on Tuesday, and spent much of a couple of days supine on the couch, not even watching television. I spent a lot of the time asleep, and a lot of the time wishing I could get up to do something. After wrapping five presents and then having to sleep for two hours, I just resolved to pick it back up in a couple days. <br />
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Friday night this week the children's choir has their own concert and we are very much looking forward to it. The next morning we set off for Indianapolis to see the Nutcracker presented by the Indianapolis School of Ballet. Our granddaughter gets to sit in the audience this year, and I will admit to being a little sad for that...but then I think about how she is just around the corner from me now, singing in the local children's choir, taking ballet at a new studio and enjoying her lake home. Its a trade-off, yes, but its a solid trade. Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-62435224120895106402018-12-03T14:41:00.002-06:002018-12-12T10:47:09.647-06:00Forward, ho. <br />
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Moving forward to making some adjustments – financially, physically,
emotionally, digging deep into things I was pretty sure I “just knew” to be
true, clearing away some old habits and thoughts – I started a list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My list contains areas where I would like adjustments,
change, new outlooks, discussions and hey, things to keep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
already know I am a list person, so a list shouldn’t be surprising, right? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What the list is, however, is evolving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living, really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make the list in my head, I think about the
item I just put on the list and scratch it off or suspend it, or move it to the top I think its so vital and fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, because my memory is not as great as it
use to be (don’t tell my husband, I can still fool him in to thinking I
remember something he does not, or have told him something that I maybe really
did forget to mention), I have to write a large percentage of my thoughts down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I am of the mind that if
I can’t remember the list, the list isn’t right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other times I recognize that the list is to
be respected, so give it full attention and, shoot, go ahead and write that on
the list. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have many notebooks and if you read some previous blog posts, you know
that I started a bullet journal of sorts earlier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have narrowed down that process quite a bit…the
“experts” in this field would have you journaling all dang day…to just what I found I need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A calendar, a list of books to read, a
travel planner, a habit tracker (sorta) and meals and groceries make up my main
pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a few others that pop up
once in a while, but mostly that’s it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So for 2019 I am adding a new “favorite” to my planner/journal
for areas I want to adjust, and will set some goals in order to meet those
adjustments and frankly, I needed to think about how to get there, think about who I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fact is this…I love to talk about
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to discuss things with
people I care about, or even people I just met. I like finding common ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to squint my eyes at them and say “You
know?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like learning things, reading
up on stuff, discovering something new, on a wide range of topics.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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You may know that Oprah says “This I know for sure…” Steve
Jobs had “One more thing..” Now both of these mantras tie people to each other,
or to a common thing and both these folks save this point til the end of their presentation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oprah bases hers
in the human existence, and is usually near the last page of her magazine. Jobs was more in the technology of humanity and spoke it at the end of an annual conference, but, they vie
to bring us to a common place…connectivity.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Connectivity. My first adjustment goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess, truly, I have been practicing
connectivity through this blog for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a little one sided, however, isn’t it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the things I know about
myself is I quite enjoy entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
like small groups, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like discussions, I
like to discover stuff and I like entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can bring those things together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reach out to me if you think this is something
you might be interested in, too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
a lot of small groups have what I will call themes…like knitting or bible
studies or even homemaking tips and tricks, essential oils classes or yoga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have a theme, not necessarily even
seeking a theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy open
discussion, open laughter, open hearts and minds.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me know, and let the adjusting begin. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-38224103656540652882018-11-27T10:29:00.001-06:002019-01-30T10:40:24.961-06:00Starting to adjust. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">New
traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that an oxymoron? Can
something be new and become a tradition simultaneously? Coming off a
Thanksgiving weekend full of “new” traditions, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am truly grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have much for which I am thankful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As I get older
and a bit more settled I am finding that my responsiveness to holidays is evolving,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traditions are important, and I
enjoy the heck out of them, but what is more important to me is the time together the traditions bring. I no longer have to race and fret, to plan and
control, nor shop…oh my word, the shopping. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I’m not doing it ALL these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Younger women and men have stepped up,
stepped in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can all happen around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cook, sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I help my daughter get the dinner ready and plan the menu, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do pick up some ingredients here and
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I forget stuff and have to
send someone to the store…what of it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I think Thanksgiving
and the 4<sup>th</sup> of July are my top two holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, they are neck and neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would mention Halloween but I most just like the
decorating. Of
course, there is Christmas and I love Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got some feelings about Christmas that
may be in contrast to what the “holiday” is intended and because of that inner
discussion, I don’t put Christmas at the very top of the holiday list…now,
anyone out there who needs to hear this, hear this: My ranking Christmas lower
has nothing to do with my faith.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I am very thankful
this year, maybe more so than in previous years, and I’ve tried to put
gratitude at the forefront this holiday season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with my focus on making adjustments in
2019, and being really <i>decidedly</i> grateful, I will share that I am also determined
to be more expressive, more in tune and in touch with people and things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things I vow to learn more
about are not so pleasant as I witness what is happening around the country,
and some of those people, well, not so pleasant either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the things I am most grateful for is
my ability, my privilege, my right by golly, to be educated, informed and to be
a voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So what do I
know about this anyway? Nothing, to be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, in my need to make adjustments I also vow to educate myself, to
learn more, to not avoid or turn my head but to face both some beautiful and
some darned ugly issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Are there topics you are afraid to approach? I have some. </span>You want to
hear about racism? I can get in to that with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> WE can delve in to that together. </span>You want to talk about women’s rights? Oh,
yes, hey…I am here for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shall we
explore reasonable gun legislation together? Okay, we can, but, I have to warn
you, I am emotional on that one. I am willing, however, to hear your thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I am making adjustments in 2019, and it starts from a place of thanksgiving, of true and
sincere gratitude, more than just giving words around a table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes a weekend in
a hotel with five beautiful, happy, healthy, bouncing and joyous grandchildren
to bring me to this place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have so
much to be grateful for, I really do…and I bet you do, too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let’s roll up
our sleeves together and do the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-3316226627736976662018-11-19T06:14:00.000-06:002018-11-19T06:26:28.248-06:00Word of the day, of the year. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a break from posting on this blog for the past two
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a couple of reasons
why, but, mainly we were busy! I determined it best to fix my brain on keeping
on task of all the things on my list. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that I am busier than other people…I most
definitely am not. However, I had a lot on my mind, things I wanted to sort
through mentally and physically.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year, when I wrote at around the end of the 2017, it
was about intention, and more specifically to intend to live with joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote about choosing a word, if I could choose just one, my word for
2017 was JOY, my word for 2018 was INTENT. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, now, with the coming and going of my birthday, when I
usually think about such things, and the sabbatical I took from posting, in
order to sort through some stuff, I find myself again wondering about a word,
just one word, that would be my driving thought for 2019, adding to the cloth I
weave each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Here’s last years post,
if you would care to read again <a href="https://cindiswindow.blogspot.com/2017/12/word.html">https://cindiswindow.blogspot.com/2017/12/word.html</a>
)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So many things have happened in 2018 that cause me to really
consider my 2019. First was the big move back “home” this summer of my middle
child with her husband and three of our five grandkids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having them here, living just around the
corner, has been a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have helped with
the kids as she and her husband finished up the sale of their house in
Indianapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have done school
pick-up, and dance class, and attended a cross country meet or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been glorious, as well as has made me
miss our son, who moved from Seattle to Los Angeles this year, and our youngest
and her family of four even more.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The second big change is coming soon…husband’s retirement on
December 31.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am both looking forward
to it and am anxious about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the
jokes apply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is worried about the
budget. I am worried about having him here, all day, every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, he deserves the rest and relaxation,
no doubt or question, but what am I going to do with him all day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a few appointments and “real talks” related
to social security and financial planning which took up large parts of a couple
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was able to skate through
most of those conversations, it was taking its toll on my husband who needs to
feel secure in his decisions and some of the suggestions we heard were
uncertain for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think he slept
at all, to be honest, all through October! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Which brings me to another change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I retired early and completely back in 2014
or so but recently accepted a contract for working from home part-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many details to get into here but some of
my October busy-ness was preparing for this opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Setting a schedule, training, trying to get
organized…all that was a time burner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am just getting all that under some control as its taken a while to warm up the
ol’ memory banks and remember how to work like a professional not to mention
reclaiming the office space, which is slow going. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Life is all about the twists and turns in our journey,
though, and starting each day from where you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a hard lesson sometimes, not looking
back, not regretting earlier life decisions or wishing you had done something
differently. Accepting that, hey, you are here, now, so go-ahead, make the changes and get going.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2019, folks…Adjust<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-80590070517786552012018-09-18T10:04:00.002-05:002018-09-24T07:50:41.909-05:00Making a list. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s been a fair amount of head scratching and pondering
going on at the homestead these last couple of weeks as we move into the last
quarter of hubs’ full time work and ease into retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s been meetings, phone calls, discussions,
paperwork, more meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been an
education, that is for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it
is good? It is a bit scary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, we have been doing a fair amount of “taking stock” and
making lists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing a little “what’s
that?” as we go through some boxes in the attic. It’s not been all drudgery…we
did make some post retirement travel plans this week, and spent some great
family times, caught a Broadway show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
bought a “new” car and one of these days, we’ll hit the road in it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like making plans for the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always liked looking at my budget,
making lists, crossing things off the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am one of “those”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
little notebooks for all my wondering mind thoughts, questions and plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you are either a list maker or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubs seems to be able to keep everything in
his head…I like to see it written down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if I can use a highlighter, well, that’s even better. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also like spreadsheets and I am one of those people who
fill in my little lines and boxes with color because I am also a color person
although to look at my wardrobe you might not think it. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am a bit heavy in to grey these days.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Except in my spreadsheets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am not always known for following the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have jumped out of the car while in the student
pick up lane to run inside rather than wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have had more than 12 items in the express checkout line, snuck in to a private lounge. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this morning I had nachos for
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I also try to follow the
rules that keep me and mine safe and secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like, wear your seat belt, sit down, arms and legs inside at all times, three
meals a day, moisturize and drink lots of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And oh yeah, make a retirement spending plan.
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</a></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-76016664145925638192018-09-07T06:43:00.001-05:002018-09-07T06:47:20.264-05:00A glimpse. <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It is funny how things can creep up on you…wrinkles, grey
hair, weight, the changing seasons, sunrise later and later, sunset earlier and
earlier.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s so slow as to almost be
unnoticeable and then all of a sudden you realize it’s dark as you make
dinner.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I think of all the beautiful sunrises
I have experienced this summer, shocked to be awake so very early as that is
definitely not my way.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And now, it’s as
if I am waiting on the sun so my day can begin.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It is funny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another thing that changes around here quickly is boating to
not boating, swimming to not swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were just discussing when to take the boat out of the water, would the kids
want to tube and realized maybe, but there might not be time. Maybe once or
twice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it’s been consistently rainy
so will they? We usually take the speed boat out first, followed by the pontoon
boat a couple weeks later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There can be
some great pontoon evenings into October…especially when there is a low, full
moon. Dreamy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love going out on the lake at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the bugs are a bit pesty, but,
watching the boat cut through the inky darkness of the water…shining a light
into the lake to see into the world below the surface a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching people on shore, moving around a bonfire,
smelling those same fires…hearing the laughter roll across the water, being a
part of it but not being a part of it. Snuggling with a chilly, sleepy grandchild
under a blanket as we talk moon and stars, gliding along. Lake life is the best
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving"> facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</a></div>
Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-33970779610437695052018-08-30T11:26:00.000-05:002018-08-30T11:29:42.375-05:00A quick check in…<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, I am about 75% with my new commitment to daily moisturizer,
but, my skin does feel better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are like me and have been ignoring moisturizer for a while, do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am using an Olay product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are younger than I and don’t
moisturize regularly, well, change should be your goal, and remember, don't forget your neck and chest. You'll thank me in twenty years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I had a visit with my doctor last week and bemoaned my
morning blood sugar readings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
alarming, but why always higher than what I think they would be after not
eating for 12 hours?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She suggested a
bedtime healthy snack and some evening exercise, like a walk or stationary
bike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not a serious walker but trying to get better and I can’t
imagine trying to walk at night, after dinner, when hubs is thinking ice cream,
but, we’ll see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I’ll let you
know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We hosted a fun get-together last weekend…charcuterie and
wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set up a huge board, covered in
parchment, on the island and we just added the contributions as people came in the door with a
cheese, or a meat or a jar of nuts or olives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> One person brought a large vegetable tray, which was perfect, and another included a curry chicken salad, which we devoured. We even had figs. </span>It was fun, it was great food, lots of laughs. I also set up a grilled
cheese/quesadilla bar for the kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
liked it so much we had left over cheese and meats with family the next night,
and a grilled cheese bar for grown ups and kids the third night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are now on a cheese moratorium for a few
days, but, it was a super fun weekend and Monday, with swimming, boating and
tubing thrown in. It’s back to school
and back to work, and there's been some rainy days to keep things kind of
slow and lazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve been keeping an eye on shadows in the yard, and how the
air is starting to feel, and I know the season is winding down. The
lake is more quiet and here we are, at Labor Day weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a few more days of “summer” but we
all know it’s coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The memories will be big from this summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving/">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving/</a></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-19507357229163920282018-08-21T11:00:00.001-05:002018-08-30T11:30:18.777-05:00Facing it. Literally. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I am facing the truth about getting older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens, better than the alternative, all
that aside,my skin has taken a dramatic turn (okay, semi-dramatic). It’s bumpy
and scratchy and what the heck? </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think its my fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am not a moisturizer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not
even a cleanser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never had a skin
care routine and, well, it is beginning to show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom did her routine every night with Ponds
Cold Cream, sometimes Noxema, and Oil of Olay which she then progressed to
Loreal Night Cream and on to Estee Lauder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her skin looked good beyond the
time she was no longer able to care for herself, I assume because she had taken
care of it for years. So you think I would know better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is not my truth I’m afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have been paying more attention in
my 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck, maybe even
my 20’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a lucky teenager with out
many skin problems and well, I just haven’t done a good job at incorporating
skin care into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it seems
like that may be showing on my face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s not surprising that I am no good at skin care
routines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not good at scheduled
stuff it seems…I never had spaghetti every Wednesday, nor Taco Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t eat fish on Friday and well, an apple
a day skipped me by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not good at
taking my blood pressure at home or using a glucometer to monitor my blood sugar,
neglect to water my plants and God knows I have not been a successful dieter. Exercise?
Forget it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sleep late, am rarely on
time and well, forget appointments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Years ago I saw Andie McDowell on the Tonight show and she reported
that her mom advised her to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize and not to forget
her neck and décolletage and of course, to stay away from the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I have tried to teach my girls this
important routine, without practicing it myself, and found myself even saying
it to my nine-year-old granddaughter this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer I have spent more time in the sun without sunscreen than
ever before and I think my face is showing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is 63 too late to start a serious skin care routine, do you think? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stopped at Walgreens yesterday and stocked up on a couple
Olay products and some cleanser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
going to give this a whirl as when I brushed my hand across my cheek over the
weekend and it literally dragged across, I thought “Oh heck no…we will not have
this”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, exfoliate, cleanse, moisturize
and protect is my new mantra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
tell me I look fabulous next time you see me…I could use a boost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</span></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-53214916997305733732018-08-13T07:26:00.001-05:002018-08-21T10:54:54.242-05:00Never too old to dream. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week one of my dreams is coming true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my adult children, along with her
husband and three children, are moving “home” to my town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left for college at 18 and never looked
back, or so I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was looking
back, however, and a spark for living in her hometown became a flame…and oh,
enough with being poetic! I am doing cartwheels over here I am so happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All three of my kids left for parts unknown, or
Indianapolis, when they were finished with college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the oldest didn’t quite finish his
education at Indiana University, he didn’t move home, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now living in LA, I only get to see him once
or twice a year, three times if I am lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His visits are always welcome, and never long enough. The two girls both married boys from other towns and settled
in Indianapolis right out of college. An
absolutely great town, we have enjoyed many wonderful times in Indianapolis,
with lots more to come as we love that town, and our youngest, with her
adorable family, still lives there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many times over the years friends and family have asked “Do you
think one of the kids will move home?” and our answer was always “No”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of our sons-in-law, and this daughter,
are in technology related fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s
not a lot of their particular kind of work in Northern Indiana, folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, through advancement of “remote” opportunities,
both are keeping their current jobs and will be working remotely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent time in Indianapolis this weekend packing up the
house they have lived in for twelve years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was bittersweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their place
served as “home base” for many family events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have had great times in their home, on their deck. Even hugely
pregnant with her first baby, they opened their home to host wedding events for
her younger sister, who married in Indianapolis, ten years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That house on Lincoln Court is special for
all of us, for many reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I
could tell you how many times my husband has said “I love that deck”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday was bittersweet for all of us as we packed boxes
and loaded the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lucky to get
to empty the bookshelf of all the photo albums and spent a couple minutes flipping
through pages and memories, oh so many memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so looking forward to what’s ahead…much
to do as the house they are moving into is a bit smaller, with less storage, is
on a great lot, on the lake she grew up on, a fantastic place to raise their
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh and is less than five minutes
from ME! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As my nine-year-old granddaughter said a couple of times on
Saturday as she and I packed up her room “This is really happening! I have butterflies!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, my love, I know the feeling! </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving </a></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-68496302015070399862018-08-03T08:58:00.002-05:002018-08-03T08:58:19.624-05:00Is it really almost over? <br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer is busy. I have been away from posting
to the blog over the last couple of weeks. As we continue to work on landscaping around
the house I am bone tired some days. We have hosted a few cook-outs and
get-togethers, and I held my annual Camp GiGi with four of the five grandchildren,
the youngest just not quite ready to join in. My goodness how
they are growing, though. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having the grands around is always a lot of
fun. I try to allow them very little “screen time” and more outside time, but, even I
have to give in to a little TV or video games during dinner prep or wind down
time. My nine-year-old granddaughter became fascinated with a game show about baking,
so I figured there was not much harm to that. She would watch it on her tablet
on Netflix with my three-year-old granddaughter squeezed in next to her, her
dark brown head nestled on the blonde’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were “on” for those days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was anxious for husband to come in from
work as, just like he was when our kids were little, he brought fun, game ideas,
rough-housing, boating…we all love it when PaPa comes rolling in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have totally ignored the moon garden which
was big on my to-do list for this year. I mean, I did some initial things, but
other projects took over my time and interest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so want to get in there and improve the soil,
trim some tree branches to allow a little more light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to figure out a way to discourage
those woodland creatures from visiting. There’s lots of space up there, surely
they can share. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I surprised even myself this year and used
more orange in my flowers than I have ever done.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">I just obtained a really pretty orangey,
coral pink azalea for use by the house.</span><span style="color: #222222;">
</span><span style="color: #222222;">Just waiting on a landscape timber to get her in the ground.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">Since our house is a totally different color
than it was before the remodeling I have discovered I really like the orange
tones against the grayish green.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">Let’s
face it, orange is a happy color! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are entering those dog days of August…hot, humid
on some days with lazy, long afternoons. The shadows are changing in the yard and the
lake activity dies down more and more each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soon the school buses will be rattling down the road, stopping to pick
up little ones lined up along the street in their shiny new clothes and
oversized backpacks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</a></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-89427631533321873712018-07-11T06:48:00.002-05:002018-07-11T06:49:24.459-05:00The post 4th wind down. <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day; it followed one
of the best 4</span><sup style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> of July weekends (extended) ever…two events were
held here at what we lovingly call the “compound”.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">First, we hosted the annual family 4</span><sup style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">,
with friends, fireworks, food, family.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Now
it was hot and humid but cooled off for the rest of the week.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">On Saturday, the property boasted a festive
look for a graduation party for our nephew.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather that day was unbelievable, truly, and we had a great day. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">His parents did all the work and we just
relaxed and attended the party.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(They
are the nephew and niece building next door, but their house is just started.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday was clean-up the yard, remove the tables and chairs,
tents, games and décor, took a boat ride with swimming, followed up with saying
good bye to family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I did
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was bone tired. An evening boat ride, a
late invite to have leftovers and ice cream before bed. We deserved that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, today is back at it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, its early on a Tuesday, I’ve checked my email, checked
Facebook, responded to a couple things, looked at my budget, started a grocery
list, folded some laundry and the beach towels, and committed to two hours
outside weeding flowers and believe it or not, I still have a couple plants to
get into pots or the ground. I was outside for an hour, lugging water and weed
snips all around the yard when the humidity struck. After almost none for three
or four days and some beautiful, breezy weather, the return of the humidity at
8:00 a.m. was a bit of a surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
I did get everything watered the weed snipping will have to wait for a
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As sweat rolled down my face and
off my chin I wondered what the heck was I doing and a return to nothing quickly
took over my schedule. I may get some things done later today, like maybe I
will go to the grocery store since I have put that off for about a week, even
with the parties and house guests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used to not mind the grocery store, now, it’s not my
favorite thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to use a
menu and a list, so I can minimize the strolling the aisles, but I am again in
a rut with what to prepare for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is sometimes good that hubs will eat anything and doesn’t complain
over sandwiches for dinner much ~ as long as there are “real” meals every
couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He understands it’s
boring, hot, boring and planning dinners for 40+ years has lost its sheen. Add
to that I don’t have as much as an appetite as he has, and things can get
pretty lean around here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t pass up
a good charcuterie board though and could make a dinner from one without
batting an eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not a big cheese
fan and even so, that’s a snack not dinner in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can also get by with a bowl of cereal for dinner…and not
gonna lie, this morning I had cherry pie for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</a></span></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-81674094239043050582018-06-21T05:05:00.000-05:002018-06-21T05:05:32.786-05:00Ribbons of thought. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a much younger human, I was separated from my
half-siblings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raised with my brother
and sister, my family also included three half-brothers and a half-sister, all
at least ten years older than myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
parents had each been married before, each having two children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, my dad’s two kids were with their mother most of the
time and we rarely saw them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom’s
boys, however, were with our grandmother and we saw them on summer breaks and
holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a lot I don’t understand
about how that all played out, and some of the details have gone to the grave
with the players, but, I would guess the parties involved all thought they were
doing the right thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was raised well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were expected to behave properly, with manners, and with a full understanding
of what was right and wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often
dined in public, in restaurants, as we traveled, and were expected to know how
to act. My parents were often complimented on our appearance and behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given that we moved so much, it’s a wonder we
functioned, but we did. We adjusted, for sure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was thinking this week how much time I have spent in this
little town I call home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never far from
my address, I know this property well having walked it for forty years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However, </span>I can’t recall the names of towns I lived
in as a kid there were so many. Moses Lake, Washington is one I remember
because it’s a funny name and because I remember my mom use to regularly report
it was 114 degrees there once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
know how long we were there but I think I was in second grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My younger brother was to be right behind me
in first grade but hadn’t attended kindergarten yet so had to do that in Moses
Lake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember my mom being kind of
upset by that, and I am not sure why. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is funny as we get older how things pop into our
head, as clear as if they had happened yesterday. Of course, we probably have all had the experience of a smell bringing a memory back, unprompted and sometimes shockingly clear. Once a faint smell of leather brought my dad to me, coming in from work and the three of us kids fighting over who would help him take off his work boots. Him sitting down with a cold beer, a plate of saltines and cheese, maybe braunschweiger or just a handful of mixed nuts. My mom always had something ready for him to nibble on as she cooked dinner. He would then go in to shower, coming back out in a white tee shirt and slacks, wet hair combed back. Sometimes he would have a second beer, sometimes he would have a "highball", offering to make one for mom, which she usually declined. We would run outside until dinner, playing in and around his pickup truck, while he relaxed from his day and watched the news, read the paper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some memories are gone as quickly as they came. Some hang around a bit, turning over and around, playing a bit of hide and seek, letting themselves float back up more readily than before. I can bring these memories of my dad to the surface quicker now, I guess because I've allowed them to linger. Lately, I find
myself wishing I could ask my mom some of the questions that now circle around
some of my memories, that I could tie some of those ribbons together. Like, what's a highball anyway? What in the world is in braunschweiger or am I better off not knowing? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</a></span></span></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323585442323249135.post-90250923760956773092018-06-16T09:00:00.001-05:002018-06-16T09:00:57.206-05:00Choose wisely. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still working on landscaping this week but getting closer
every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little bit more, a little
bit less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I know we are knocking items off our list, but the list seems to grow at the same pace. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did take a bit of time away this week to take my wonderful
nephew, Jack, to see Rent in Indianapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is a big fan of live Broadway, has a musician’s soul and heart, and I
knew he would love the show; he did, I did and one of my daughters went along,
too, and she did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she and I have seen Rent a few times, both
live and the movie and it still pulls at the feels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went all in for a new dining experience in
an area of Indianapolis known for its small restaurants, clubs, shops and arts,
and a second day trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, now known as
Newfields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good couple of days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last minute get-togethers, friends on the lake. Neighbors
helping neighbors, family dropping by to help with projects or just a touch
base to see what’s new, little kids running in the yard and robbing the candy jar. It makes my
heart sing. Children always bring me joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe in what I do.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe in posting happy pictures and sentiments both here and on
Facebook.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I accept it won’t impact the
political climate of this country, or maybe it will in a very disconnected,
down the chain fashion if ONE person decides to go positive, go for love, when making a statement, pass a judgement or please, for goodness sake, cast a
vote.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are unsettling times, they
are.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I call myself a person of faith and yearn, burningly, to act like one, speak like one, love like one</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your chin up, and keep your
heart, your empathy, because there is a BIG need. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be careful, be cautious of spreading hate as
that will come back at you tenfold…I promise, and so will love.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I choose love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving">facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving</a> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Cindi Boardmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12490585243418101758noreply@blogger.com0