More Saturday Smiles

I had no special plans this weekend - well at least not any specific plans with anyone else.  Today was a gloomy, cool day (cool at last!), and The Tim had to work the closing shift at the bookstore, so we didn't make any plans for going anyplace either.

The good news is, I was able to do some simple things - some every weekend, some for today - without feeling like I was missing out on anything.  It's been a nice simple quiet day, with these highlights:

During our walk this morning, Dug and I met Odin, a four-month-old pewter Harlequin Great Dane puppy. Dug and The Tim had met him before, and I'd heard about how amazingly cute he was, but today was the first time I saw for myself.  He is the most adorable, ridiculous puppy, and he loves Dug!  Fortunately, he is kinda laid back for a puppy, so Dug was not overwhelmed.

I walked up to the library to pick up a book that was on hold for me, and looked around and picked up another book as well.  Someone by Alice McDermott has been on my to-read list for a while, and I can't wait to read it now.  I also checked out Betrayal, by Lisa Scottoline.  It's one of the Rosato & Associates series that I haven't head a chance to read yet, and I know it will be fun.

We watched the football game between Notre Dame and Pitt.  It was a good game, and even though Pitt is a school I have always liked, I wanted Notre Dame to win more, and was happy when they did.

I sorted through - "Kon-Mari"-ed - my jewelry.  I have a ton of cheapo costume jewelry, years' worth (truly).  I went through everything and put a lot in bags to donate to a local organization that helps women coming off welfare find jobs.  The stuff I kept, I organized so that I will actually see it and know what I have.   Getting that done was a real sense of accomplishment, since it's been on my mind for quite a while.

Laundry.  The last load is currently in the dryer.

In a little bit, I'll take Dug for his evening walk, and then I'm gonna come home and take a bubble bath.  I don't take them as often as I used to, and few things are as enjoyable and relaxing as a bubble bath, in my opinion.

Then it will be time for reading or knitting or just watching bad TV.  Theoretically, I'll stay up until The Tim comes home and catch up with him.  In reality I will likely go to bed and see him tomorrow.

And then there are these three:

(I have no idea where Milo was when this picture was taken - probably off revenge peeing somewhere ...)

A Saturday of nothing special, but a lovely day nonetheless full of simple things.

And still another day left to the weekend!

Happy NaBloPoMo Day #7.  :-)

Saturday Smiles

Happy Saturday!   I hope you are enjoying the weekend so far.

At the beginning of the year, the One Little Word I chose was "grace."  Part of that was a promise to myself to be present in the moment, and mindful of the good things.  So today I have decided to tell you the things that have made me smile.

Outside:  a beautiful day.  Sunny, and the heat wave is over.  So going for a morning walk with Dug was really enjoyable.  There was a little breeze, and the air had a tiny chill to cool you.

We met a 12-week old Old English Sheepdog puppy named Blue, who was so wiggly and so kissy, he could barely stand up.  He thought Dug was the best.

On our way back inside, we talked with our next-door neighbor for a while, and Dug and their maltese, named Snowflake, hung out together.  They just got back from a vacation trip to Minnesota, which sounded like it was a lot of fun (plus they missed the heat wave, lucky them!).

Inside:  the kitties and Dug are all well.  Pip seems to have recovered from his urethral blockage earlier in the summer, and his fur is growing back. And thought I hestitate to say it, because I don't want to jinx it, but I think the products recommended by the vet to keep him from spraying are working, since for two days I have not seen (or smelled) any evidence of it.  Keep your fingers crossed.

I've been doing much better keeping the house cleaned up.  Besides out basement, we have three floors.  I have been making an effort every week to thoroughly clean and dust one floor, and dust and "clean up" on the other two.  That way, the whole house stays in pretty good shape, and I don't get discouraged thinking I need to spend hours cleaning and scrubbing.  I used to do this, but got out of the habit, and it really works better for me when I do it this way.

Otherwise:  I've also been getting back to my exercise/being active routine, slowly but surely. I signed myself up for a 5-week class at a local Pilates studio, learning how to use the equipment (which, from appearances, could pass for torture-chamber material).  This week was the 3rd week and I can tell I'm becoming more flexible. I've also been doing more other things, and have some ideas for what else I want to try to incorporate.  I had thought early in the year that I would try running a little bit, but I've only specifically gone out to do that once.  Which was OK, but I think I need to get going on some other things before I try again, so as not to discourage myself.

And I don't care what is going on, I HAVE to smile whenever I see these sweet and goofy faces:

I hope your Saturday - and your whole weekend - finds you with at least one thing to smile about!