Pre Retrograde post

 I looked at my calendar and I see that Mercury will be going retrograde tomorrow. Let me get this communication out before that!  

The gravel project around the house—meant to cover a 3-foot perimeter where rain falls from the eaves—has been a bit of a rollercoaster. We initially hired someone to remove the grass along the house, with the clear expectation that they would return to level the area, lay down weed barrier, install edging to contain the gravel, and then pour the rock. Unfortunately, that’s not how things unfolded. In the end, we had to bring in someone else to actually clear the full 3 feet, since the original worker seemed unable to grasp how to use the yardstick we provided. And L has been laying down all the weed barrier and guides herself. And then we began pouring the rock, which turned out to be the easiest part for me. I am 6 weeks post-mishap with my knee, and it is much better, but not able to get down in it yet.  

Less than three weeks until this year’s trip—and this time, we are headed to the Northeast, a first for me. Growing up in Texas, I traveled all over the western half of the U.S., and after moving to Mississippi, I made it to every state in the Southeast. But from Texas, the Northeast always felt just out of reach for a road trip.

Junk Journal July is officially underway! I first discovered Debbie from Ink & Page during her Junk Journal January challenge, which I absolutely adored. So when she launched a July edition, I knew I had to join in again.

This time around, I’m a bit behind—unlike in January, when I had more free time. It’s July 17, and I’ve just finished Day 6. Still, I’m committed to seeing it through. It’s such a fun project! I may not have the time to work on it daily like before, but that’s okay. The joy comes in creating the pages—not in the pace. And since it’s something I do just for myself, time really isn’t of the essence.

I saw my doctor for my annual check-up at the end of June, and my C-reactive protein levels weren’t where they should be. So, I’m making some dietary changes and will follow up to see how things improve. On the bright side, I’ve already dropped a few pounds—cutting out processed foods is definitely making a difference.

The Long Beach 4th of July fireworks here on the beach were beautiful. The neighbor's lighting of M80 grenade-style fireworks was quite the opposite. I do not even understand the sale of fireworks to private individuals, honestly. Oh! Deer Island, located off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi, caught fire during that city's Fourth of July fireworks display. The fire, which was believed to have been caused by falling debris from the fireworks barge, burned approximately 2-3 acres of brushland. This is not the first time the island has caught fire during Biloxi's fireworks show. 

I have my follow-up with the eye doctor tomorrow. The flashing lights have improved quite a bit since I started using the drops they gave me at my last visit. I also have a mammogram scheduled the same day—knocking out those yearly health check-ins one by one.

On another note, I recently accepted the position of Clerk for St. Patrick’s during Vestry meetings, and that’s been a fun and meaningful way to stay involved.

Less fun? Suzi has been tucked away in the garage—June and July are our rainiest months, so she's staying safe and dry for now.

And now? Off to work I go. 

Blessings of peace in an insane world