Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Week 38

Welcome back and happy Tuesday.  It's time to get back on track.  Last week was super busy and threw me for a loop.  Being in la-la land will do that to you and I'm happy now to be more settled and in my usual routine again.  It also feels like fall here on and off which is nice.  I look forward to a new season.

Here's a look at last week's pictures:


Day 259- Monday, 9/16/19
I made it to LA with a very full car, got settled in the hotel, ran some quick errands, and then bummed around campus taking pictures before meeting Tyler after his work for dinner and dessert.  It's a tradition for us to have Diddy Riese ice-cream sandwiches on these very steps every move-in week.  Later we had more time to catch up at the hotel during a sleepover before moving him from his summer frat room into an apartment for senior year.  It's so great to see him again!  It's been a long summer without this guy.





Day 260- Tuesday, 9/17/19
What a long day!  We had a nice breakfast and then from 9 am until 10 pm we were working to move Tyler and get him set up in his new apartment.  There were many trips to the store, breaks for food, boxes to unpack, things to build, and beds to be made.  Traffic was insane too because of road closures near campus with Trumps visit--what a mess!  By the end of it I was wiped out, but we got it done, and he and his roommates are excited and happy to finally be out of the dorms and have more space, a kitchen, and freedom in this apartment. 






Day 261- Wednesday, 9/18/19
Time to say good-bye to Tyler and UCLA.  The rest of my day will be spent driving back home all alone.  At least there is no rain like there was on the drive down.  That was crazy.





Day 262- Thursday, 9/19/19
I'm back at work on the UC Davis campus taking in the nice fall morning light as I run from building to building trying to play catch-up.  Five days worth of work to pack into two days is no fun but at least the weekend is near and I can recover and recharge then.





Day 263- Friday, 9/20/19
Yay!  It's Friday and we are ready for the weekend.  John is all about his music Friday nights.  This is how he unwinds and helps pretty much the whole neighborhood rock in the weekend.  LOL!  Love the word on the TV screen behind him.





Day 264- Saturday, 9/21/19
I so need this nice, slow, peaceful morning with just a warm mocha to help me ease into the day and regroup.  Later I have a work party so I'll make something for that and then enjoy my evening there.




Day 265- Sunday, 9/22/19
In between loads of laundry and other Sunday chores we headed to Boggle for a wine-club pick-up and tasting event.  It was the perfect break and a good way to help end the weekend on a fun note.



OK--that's it!  See you next week as we work to end this fine month.


Friday, September 20, 2019

Week 37

Welcome back and happy Friday!  I was traveling the first part of this week and then playing catch up on my return so just now getting to last week's pictures which seem like so long ago.  A lot has happened between then and now so we'll just get right to it.

Take a look at the photos from last week:


Day 252- Monday, 9/9/19
Here's to surviving another Monday.  Why are Monday's so brutal--especially the ones after a 3-day weekend?





Day 253- Tuesday, 9/10/19
Tonight we are enjoying a Taco Tuesday dinner with fresh made salsa and guacamole.





Day 254- Wednesday, 9/11/19
I've always taken the boys by this memorial our town sets up for 9/11.  Brandon was not even born when it all happened but he will never forget.





Day 255- Thursday, 9/12/19
This is the last tomato I will be picking for the season and the only one that grew on this plant.  Our other plant gave us about 30 tomatoes but this plant only produced 1 very late piece of fruit.





Day 256- Friday. 9/13/19
It's Friday and she knows it and is patiently waiting for me to give her an end-of-week treat.  That used to be a rawhide bone but is now a "Greenie" because it's easier on her old dog jaws and teeth.






Day 257- Saturday, 9/14/19
Justin went out with a group of students and teachers to clean up one of the local beaches today and sent me this picture.  He made sure to include those Pac-Man pins in the shot which are one of his new favorite things and have been a great conversation starter for meeting new people on campus.  Here at home John made us a peanut butter and chocolate dessert.  While sharing with Brandon he tried and measure up height-wise but Brandon is now slightly taller than him.  Is this last child done growing or will he give his brothers a run for their money?




Day 258- Sunday, 9/15/19
Brandon has now taken over the lawn mowing chore and is not thrilled about it but doing great.  Down south Tyler is ready and waiting for me to join him so he can move into an apartment for the next school year.  I get to see this great smiley face tomorrow!



That's it! See you next week.


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Week 36

Welcome back and happy Tuesday! We're well into September now and mostly settled into new schedules. Tyler is wrapping up summer sessions this week, gets a weeks break to move/resettle, and then starts the new school year for him. I still can't believe this is his final year of college already. It seemed to go way faster than high school but maybe it's because I'm more removed.  We're all sad to see summer end but I'm ready for the change in weather fall will bring and the less yard work at comes with it. 

Here are last week's pictures:


Day 245- Monday, 9/2/19
Happy Labor Day!  John is manning the grill for dinner and we are enjoy our backyard on this beautiful day--just the 3 of us!  Totally missing the other kids that have always been here with us on this holiday  Such is our new life.  *sigh*  At least we look cute.






Day 246- Tuesday, 9/3/19
When you make a chicken sandwich for dinner and the true carnivore in the house finds you.  Also look at the cute heart-shaped chip that escaped my plate. 💛





Day 247- Wednesday, 9/4/19
Wednesday at work--just making breakthroughs--no big thing.  Women in science rock!





Day 248- Thursday, 9/5/19
The change in weather is upon us with clouds rolling in and temps dropping.  I even had sprinkles on my windshield during the ride home.  This lot is where I park right next to my building which is next to the large animal clinic hence the horse trailer convention. 





Day 249- Friday, 9/6/19
There's a Friday night football game at the high school and I'm working snack bar.  After that it's his and hers drinks with some snacks of our own to enjoy while watching a movie at home.  Interestingly enough the movie referenced pizza rolls which what we were snacking on.--meant to be!





Day 250- Saturday, 9/7/19
Brandon got some new decorations for his room on his birthday and last weekend we finally got around to hanging them up. I think he likes the result.  Yep--a week later I'm finally getting a picture and darn if he isn't back in a sweat shirt.  He had a good run without it but today is cold--I'll give him that.  We went from mid 90's yesterday to mid 70's today and lots of wind.  A more gradual cool down when have been nice.  Later John and I went out for dinner, drinks, and a movie.  We saw the 1st IT last year and the 2nd chapter was just as good.





Day 251- Sunday, 9/8/19
Justin was out on another field trip today at the local marsh learning to spot wildlife and take field notes.  "Ditch the Desk"--love that approach especially for his major.  He also joined a Smash club on campus and won a tournament yesterday earning props on the club's website.  Way to go kiddo!  Back at home it's a slow and boring day but Brandon and I did make brownies.  We thought about packing them up and sending them to the college kids and then decided we needed them more.  Haha!  Sorry boys--maybe next time.



That's it!  Hope to see you next week.  I'll actually be in LA so the blog may be a few days late.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Week 35

Welcome back and happy Tuesday!  Last week was a bit boring. John was traveling for work so it was just Brandon and I home for most of it and he hates pictures so you'll see a lot of me, the pets, and the pool.  LOL!  At least we had a nice long weekend together with the 3 of us at home.

Here are last week's pictures:



Day 238- Monday, 8/26/19
The beginning of the work week is ofter for playing catch-up.  It's time to to get all the notes about last week off post-its and blue paper towels into the lab book for an official record.  The lab is always cold but outside it's HOT!  In the evening there is nothing better than seeing that hot August sun set on the cool backyard pool.




Day 239- Tuesday, 8/27/19
It's my turn to walk the Bella girl even in this heat.  We go but the route is shorter and we seek the shade to make it bearable.  She wouldn't have it any other way.





Day 240- Wednesday, 8/28/19
Now that school has started Wednesdays are minimum days so we use the extra time to get appointments and errands done.  Today Brandon got a much needed haircut and then we picked up chicken ramen bowls at a local place for dinner as a Boosters' fundraiser.





Day 241- Thursday, 8/29/19
The mornings are cool enough to want a hot cup of coffee (love the neat design from the barista at Peet's), but the temps turn quick and get crazy hot.  That commute home is long and sweaty so sitting poolside once I get home helps cool me down even if I'm just dipping my toes in.





Day 242- Friday, 8/30/19
Looks who's finally home!  He got in after midnight last night and I left for work before he was up so now we can finally relax together and enjoy a nice quiet Friday night at home.  This is my happy place and cheers to a long weekend ahead.





Day 243- Saturday, 8/31/19
I wish today was a chill kind of day but it was an errand running type of day instead.  Since I've been out of town for the past 2 weekends I really needed to get out there and pick some things up.  This included a 2 hr trip to IKEA so I could find the pieces for Tyler's new desk.  That place is a maze and a zoo all in one but got it done along with a few other things   At least the cat can relax.  Who needs a cat tree when you can claim an entire staircase as yours?





Day 244- Sunday, 9/1/19
OMG--It's September already!  August was a super full month and it went by really fast.  I have a feeling September will be the same.  It's my turn to walk the dog again and then it's time to hit the pool.  Brandon and John have pretty much been living in it all weekend.  Looks like we're expecting a cool down towards the end of next week which will be welcomed with full arms.  



That's it!  I hope everyone had a good Labor Day.  See you next week.