Three Reasons my Hobbies suffer (including blogging)

Work - There is no shortage of patients whose problems need solving one phone call at a time. I wish I had paid more attention to my pysch nursing courses in college thirty years ago, because I sure use those empathetic listening skills and open ended questions out the wazoo now.

Play - Coronado Island in San Diego is delightful and the Hotel Del is an incredible landmark and architectural jewel. However, the Weather Gods Did Not Get the Memo about "Sunny, Warm Weather" for San Diego in July, and they sent us Bay area weather instead, that is, overcast and cool. It was great to get away, and a true highlight of the trip was to see the boys surf successfully for the first time, despite our youngest son getting stung by a sting ray.

More Play - I have been juggler of the boys' schedules, including, But Not Limited to - voice, dance, and guitar lessons, lunches out, visits to theme parks, basketball, swim team, and my own volunteer activities to support various endeavors.

My cup runneth over, how bout you??

Thanks so much, Martha

When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Gets a Pedicure (and Nail art too)

Thank you all so much for your warm wishes of support for our nephew, G. as he recovers on a long, hard road to normal functioning, if that's possible. It's been a tough week on all fronts, (work, home, mood, etc.), and I've been feeling like I have a dark cloud over my head and just, sad. This spurred me to treat myself, (and to spare those looking at my formerly raggedy feet), to a pedicure and nail art. Gotta have the nail art! I found Nemo, (well, actually, a pair of his close cousins), and thought these little fishies were the perfect summertime tootsie treat.


Thank you for your visit and lovely thoughts, I really appreciate it. I look forward to visiting your blog to find out what's new with you, and wish you a Wonderful Independence Day, no matter which flag you pledge allegiance to.

Please think a good thought

Please think a good thought for our nephew, G. as he fights a potentially devastating Multiple Sclerosis flare. Thank you in advance for your < 3, positive energy, and prayers. They are most appreciated and very helpful.

The Cereal Killer has left the building

It has been a wonderful and busy June for our family, especially for our youngest son, S. He finished his first season playing Flag Football, had a great time, and looks forward to playing next year. This is how we define a successful season. Winning first place is just an added bonus. At our team party, we had a cake from a favorite local bakery to celebrate. It is always a risk to order your cake over the phone from those for whom English is a second language. So, Go Viking!!! (Now, just which Viking would that be???)

S. also "promoted"* from the 6th Grade at the elementary school. He has been there since kindergarten (7 years), and we are so ready to move on, especially after the school yard duty ladies made him turn his Cereal Killer tshirt inside out because Cereal Killer invokes violence. Yes, really! Guns Don't Kill People, Puns Do. This is the same school where the teacher requested No Weaponry in a World War II report.

Overall, S. received a great education and preparation for transition to Junior High School. However, I hope at S.'s new school, they won't suffer from a shortage of commas.

*Politically correct term for "graduation" from anything other than kindergarten, high school, and college.

Fun Signs for Almost Wordless Wednesday

I have a longtime affection for fun signs. I found an abundance of delightful signage next to an antique mall in "downtown" Cayucos*, California during our recent visit.
In case you were wondering how far Cayucos is from the rest of the world-
I guess I will be taking the side entrance.
The best buns on the beach are indeed found here.

*(Population approximately 3,000)

Thank you for stopping by and if you want to see my more intellectual side where I discuss a behavioral change theory, please visit The Motivation Station.

Pink Wildflowers on the Estero Bay Dunes

Last weekend we visited the Central Coast of California to celebrate our niece's high school graduation. We also went kayaking in Estero Bay in the Morro Bay area, truly a beautiful place complete with kelp, harbor seals, and stunning sand dunes.


It is wildflower season with lots of pink flowers on the dunes.

Thank you for sharing in Pink Saturday and the beauty of nature that inspires.

A Toast to our Host of The Color Carnival

This photo was taken at a local pizza place this week where we celebrated a championship winning season for our son S's flag football team. I saw this line up of very fun beer tap handles and instantly thought of our delightful host of the Color Carnival, Martha.

Please join me in raising a virtual glass in a heartfelt toast to our dear host of this Multihued Mosh Pit - to Martha....!!!!

Thank you so much and I wish you a Fabulous Friday and weekend too.