Thursday Thoughts

From a few days ago 

I woke up this morning feeling hormonal—you know the feeling: teary and unsure why. My husband went on a hike, and this time allowed me to embrace these tender feelings in my own way, without him trying to fix it. I understand that some emotions can't be fixed; they need to be felt and acknowledged. 

Sometimes, all it takes is a heartfelt release—a good, cleansing cry to lift the weight off your chest even if I can't quite put my finger on what's troubling me. It's like there's a weight on my mind that I can't shake off.

It's been decades since I felt any hormonal swings, and honestly, I don’t miss it at all! After Michael passed away, I found myself navigating the tumultuous waters of early menopause in my late 40s. It felt like the intense grief and the hormonal shifts were entwined, each amplifying the challenges I faced during that time - plus I was going through empty nest as well - Foodie had left home, and Navy joined the military around the same time. 

Who really wants to ride the emotional rollercoaster of menopause? It's good that God gave us women a break from those wild ups and downs!

I think I’m finally reaching my limit with summer! It hasn’t been as scorching as in previous years, but it still doesn’t compare to the other three seasons, which I like much more. On a brighter note, the Green fire is holding steady at 19,022 acres and is now 60% contained. I haven’t caught a whiff of smoke in over a week, resulting in a noticeable improvement in air quality. It’s a relief to breathe easy again.

I've come to realize that summer up here just isn't my scene. I thrive in the Bay Area, where the cool temperatures, refreshing ocean breezes, and the enchanting fog that sweeps in through the Golden Gate create the perfect summer. Although when I lived there, I always wished it were warmer. There's something nice about those cooler days that just feels like home to me. 

When my parents lived here, they would embark on six-week journeys in their motorhome, heading up to the beautiful Oregon coast to dig for clams and to get away from the heat.  After their exciting coastal escapades, they’d return home for a few weeks for appointments and then set off again, this time exploring the coolness of the mountains. 

When we first made the up move here, we had our 34-foot motorhome with us, back when gas prices weren’t as crazy, and we would take off in the summer to cooler places, but not for weeks - more like a weekend, because both the husband and I were working at that time. Eventually, we decided to sell the motorhome.

Harper Marie 

While reviewing my drafts, I realized I had forgotten to share some exciting news from April about my newest great-grand niece from my late brother's side of the family in Alabama. 

I now have eight great-grandnieces. 

"The most faithful people I know aren’t the loudest.

They’re the ones still reading their Bible when no one’s watching.

Still praying through disappointment.

Still returning to Jesus when it would be easier to quit.

Faithfulness may be quiet. But it echoes into eternity."

Em Tyler

That wraps up my Thursday! My husband just walked in, carrying that fresh scent of the great outdoors. Whew! This past week he consulted with both his cardiologist and chiropractor about one of his favorite pastimes—hiking up to Lassen under the glow of a full moon. Both gave him a hearty thumbs up! The chiropractor even provided some strength-building exercises to prep his back for the adventure.

"Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance" 

My husband lives by that motto for almost everything. In the military, they emphasize it in a slightly cruder way, but the essence remains the same.

Until Next time

Debby