Rain in the Forecast...

Image: shadowy cats in a bright, open window.

All my co-workers do all day is stare out the window.

In fact, I had the window next to me in the sun room open a few minutes ago, so that Willow could sniff at the birds at the feeder. I can tell you, that wind is cold today.  The sun is peaking through the clouds, but, if we go for our walk, I'm going to pull on my parka and be sure to wear a hat.  I do hope we get out. This evening and tomorrow is predicted to be rain and a "wintry mix," which no one likes in April.

Shawn just had her video appointment with the urologist. The newest theory is that she passed a kidney stone, but he does want her to come in for our favorite... (wait for it!).... More Scans!  I have been teasing Shawn that she should apply to the screen actors' guild, because she's been on FILM so much over the past few years.  They are going to call us with the appointment for that. Whee. Though I will say? I'm glad that Shawn is being seen? It feels like a weird kind of stability, having a non-pandemic related medical issue being dealt with.

Shawn's birthday was a lovely day, actually. She asked me if, this year, it would be okay to just go down her Amazon wish list and buy a bunch of stuff off of it. Of course, I said okay. I mean, probably I should have already had things bought for her months ago? But, who am I kidding? Before the pandemic, I was planning on doing my usual scramble a few days before her birthday.

I had to laugh when everything arrived, however.  You know, if it had been my list, the real question would have been: do we have enough money for EVERYTHING I want??  Meanwhile, the stuff that arrives for Shawn include: a set of new sewing needles, two stencils for her bullet journal, some very nice colored pens with fine tips, and some bath gel.  When she finally opened everything, I said to her, "Wow, you really pushed out the boat, huh?" Apparently, she just has simple taste. It's probably good that one of us does.

I could have made her a layer cake, but she really, really wanted a blueberry pie. We made a pie together. Shawn always makes the filling and I'm in charge of the crust. It turned out amazing. In fact, in a few minutes, I'm going to help myself to a bit of pie for second breakfast.  For the steam holes, I carved out 'Happy Birthday' which you can mostly read. I should post a picture of that for you all to see...


Image: 'Happy Birthday' carved onto a pie...

Then, we went for our usual walk and I took a ton of pictures of the cool houses in the Summit neighborhood. We plan to keep doing this As Long As This Goes On, so our plans include eventually exploring Swede Hollow and the area on the other side of the High Bridge, etc.  My goal is to make everyone on my Facebook feed as in love with Saint Paul as I am.  Since Shawn just informed me she might have to work through our usual lunch, I may drive to a spot where I know there's some more chainsaw art, because I have a friend living in Zanzibar who is FASCINATED by this very Midwestern art form.  

I worked a bit on my quilt, too. This one is taking a bit longer because the sewing is slightly more complicated (for me, at any rate.) I will have to post my progress at some point. 

Speaking of quilting, I've been seeing people reacting to this idea that there's a weird amount of "pandemic pressure" to develop or deep-dive on some new or preexisting hobby. That we're all supposed to somehow be spending our so-called extra free time bettering ourselves. I do not proscribe to this. I am ONLY quilting because I am full of anxiety and quilting currently helps with that because I have to focus on it. Likewise, I've been keeping up with my Japanese, for the routine. That's it. I don't want anyone reading this thinking that just because I'm posting all these things that seem like "self-improvement" that I expect that of anyone. We are all dealing in our own way. I'm perfectly aware, too, that some people are still just as busy with work as they always have been and some people are even still having to go to work. And, that other people just can't even because getting through their day is enough work. 

I do need to figure out how to get back to fiction writing, though. For my sanity. But, I am allowing myself an extended grace period as we all figure out this new reality. 

Anyway, that's me. I think I'll hop in the car and go take some photos of chainsaw art.  

How are the rest of you holding up?