What's Up Wednesday, July 2022 Edition

 

Is it hot where you live? Because, holy Hannah, it's been hot here in Colorado. And, for once, it hasn't been a dry heat. Dry heat, I can handle; this humidity shit? It's for the birds. Southern birds. Thankfully, August usually brings in cooler temperatures, so, here's hoping that next month is cooler and less...sticky.

And, that's about enough talk about the weather; let's move on to What's Up Wednesday with Sheaffer and Shay, shall we? Ha! Say that ten times, fast!

What I'm Eating

Hugh and I recently visited a little Italian place that we love; they've change location and lost a bit of their original charm, but the food is still delicious.

We also ate at a local brew pub, where I had an awesome Asian chicken salad. You know, because I was being healthy.

Of course, eating healthy went straight out the door when Queen B arrived in town and we went to her favorite wing place. Talk about deep-fried overload! Spoiler: Not sorry.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Hugh, the kids, and I went to Mayberry for Stampede this past weekend. The Stampede rodeo is the oldest pro rodeo in Colorado; it turned 100 this year. My dad volunteered on the committee for just shy of 30 years, so, to say that Stampede is a part of the fabric of my life would be to understate the truth.

A lot has changed over the past few years and, even as we enjoyed the parade and rodeo; I couldn't help but reminisce about the way things used to be. It probably didn't help that we were all too aware that this was the last year that we will all journey back to Mom's house for the celebration; just the thought of new owners marking their parade-viewing territory by lining the sidewalk with folding chairs an hour before the canon goes off to signal the start of the parade made me tear up. I also got stupidly emotional when the High School band stopped in front of the house to play the school song in honor of my Mom's 60th class reunion. Change is hard, y'all,

What I'm Loving

Queen B is home! And we got to travel as a family, which we haven't done since the Man-Cub graduated from HPU back in December. I love my family!

My office manager gifted the staff with this candle; her obsession with Outlander is well known and we all got a chuckle out of the gift. It also smells very much like I imagine Scotland would smell in the fall, so that's awesome.

While we were in Mayberry, we dismantled my Dad's old pinball machine and loaded it in the truck for the trip to the Man-Cub's apartment here in Petticoat Junction. I love that old machine and it fills my heart to know that the Cub will give it a good home.

And, speaking of my Dad's old games; I found his old Carrom Board and couldn't resist bringing it home. I have no idea how to play the game, but it was from Dad's childhood so I'm willing to learn. 

What I've Been Up To

I ran a near-perfect golf tournament and managed to raise $30,000 for Not So New Job.

Hugh, The Newlyweds, and I spent the long 4th of July weekend in the mountains, riding four wheelers, making s'mores, and noshing on an epic Campcuterie Board (Trademark!).

What I'm Working On

With the golf tournament out of the way, I am free to concentrate on the next fundraiser, which is the annual Barn Dance, scheduled for September 9th. If the fundraising season doesn't kill me, I'll be shocked.

What I'm Dreading

I said it last month and I'll say it again; I am dreading cleaning out my childhood home when my Mom moves. There is just so much stuff and a lot of it has great sentimental value. How do you decide what makes the cut when you are downsizing?

What I'm Excited About

I'm going to be taking Senior pictures for Phoebe's daughter and I'm really looking forward to seeing her and her mamma. If everything works out, they'll get to spend a night with me and we'll get some quality time to catch up.

What I'm Watching

I watched the latest season of Stranger Things and loved it.

Hugh, the Man-Cub, Shanti and I went to see Thor: Love and Thunder. I didn't hate it.

I especially loved the 80's music soundtrack to both the movie and the Netflix series. The 80's rocked and it's awesome that the latest generation is embracing the soundtrack of my youth.

Lastly, I just binge watched all four seasons of  The Handmaid's Tale because I am a late adopter of all the things cool.

What I'm Reading

I'm about to bore the shit out of you: I m reading grant reports for a grant monitoring process that is driving me to drink. At this point, my brain is so overwhelmed with information; I'd be lucky if I could retain the content of a Dr. Suess book.

What I'm Listening To

The swamp cooler at Not So New Job is gasping as though it is on its' last legs. Hell, it probably is.

What I'm Wearing

Still rocking the cute shoes! This is my newest pair; I got them on Amazon and I am in love with the ruffled detail.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I will probably be making the three hour drive back to Mayberry to deliver Mom back to her house. Before I leave; I need to throw together a dish of my famous baked beans for Queen B to take to Mia's engagement party. That's about it. What an exciting life I lead.

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

August is truly summer's last hurrah, so, with any luck, Hugh will get the Sea Chelle out of drydock and we will get in some boating. That's assuming there is any water left on which to boat. Damn drought.

Favorite Amazon Find

I purchased these gardening sleeves and they are one of the best things I have ever spent money on. Hands down. No pun intended.