Thursday 7/31, I didn’t wake up until 9:00 and went in the motorhome where Dad made us French toast. We got dressed and Eric helped Mom clean the carpet in the trailer. We took off for Wenatchee while Aubs and Christian went into Leavenworth. We stopped at Anjou on the way into town and had a little lunch then kept on and went to our favorite shop. We didn’t buy anything but we were there for a long time looking around. Mom and Dad found a couch they really liked. We walked down the street to another furniture shop and we looked around for a long time and checked out some beds and chairs. I got a couple chocolate chip cookies then we hit the bricks. We gassed up then took the high road back to the highway. When we got back Kass was there and we waited for Christian and Aubs to return so we could leave for Headwaters. It was a packed house but we got a good table and checked out the local talent. Pizza was good and we had a good time. We headed home and hung out on the deck and looked at the stars for the rest of the night. We stayed up until Sky arrived then went to bed. Alishia and Pete showed up later that night after we’d all gone to bed.

Wednesday 7/30, I went to work for a half day and Eric and the kids were home by the time I arrived. They had a good camping trip. Eric took Sucia down to the vet for her stay while we went to Plain. Eric and I ran down to the airport to pick up Pete, who was staying at the house with the pups for the night. Christian and Aubs were pretty much ready to go when we got home so we loaded up the car and headed over to the property. We arrived a few minutes before we thought we would and Mom started crying because she was so happy. We sat in the motorhome and chatted while dinner was being made. We had burgers and sat outside. There were a few mosquitoes but much better than earlier in the month. We didn’t stay up too late and got into bed by 11 I think.

Tuesday 7/29, I drove home at lunch to let out Sucia since she wouldn’t go before I left that morning. When I got home from work for the day I jumped right in to getting stuff done around the house. I made up the two guest beds, washed towels and a comforter, watered all the plants, and trimmed up some of the dahlias and roses. I talked to Liz for a while. Showered, got ready for bed, closed up all the windows, took the dogs out, answered some emails, etc. Too tired to stay up late.

Monday 7/28, Talked to Jean and didn’t really get anywhere with the Sucia situation; however, Eric arranged with Aerowood to have her stay there while we’re gone. That was a huge relief. I talked to Eric a few times and then on the way home and he had Aubs and Christian in the car. They were hiking up to Snow Lake and maybe up to Gem. When I got home I let out the dogs and called Liz. Let her know the plan and that I’d talk to her Sunday. Talked to Mom and got the DL about the forest fires and all that. I fed the dogs and did a couple things while watching tv, ate dinner, had dessert, watered the plants in the front yard, etc. Watched Bachelorette and only half paid attention since I cheated and looked up who wins. Some dipshit was setting off fireworks until 1:30 am so the dogs kept barking and waking me up just as I would doze off.

Sunday 7/27, I set my alarm for 7:00 and we both got up and started making the parmesan shortbread. We got a double batch whipped out pretty quick then Eric took off for work. I was not happy he had to work, but what can you do. I got dressed and took care of some stuff in preparation for Rattifest. I talked to Aubrie for a long time while I wrapped up the shortbread. Bruce came to pick up Dexter then he followed me down to the park. I didn’t do much to help set up. People started showing up and it was great to see all the dogs. I saw Peggy and Rudy (the Rude Dude), Jen and Brett with Percy (now Lucy) and last but not least, my Fae (with J and T). I spent some time in the corral and then around chatting. I was so glad to see some of my puppies. I spent more time with Fae during the raffle and she was rolling all over me and crying and licking my face. It was wonderful. After it was over I didn’t really help because Bruce was bringing Dexter back to my house. He chatted for a few minutes after we got back there and made arrangements for the next day’s pickup. I got the dogs all settled down, put on Elizabeth: Golden Age and worked for an hour. Eric arrived home right as it ended. He made the dogs’ dinner and I ran around doing stuff. He went to the store and picked up some stuff to make dinner. I ran to the bank and when I got home dinner was ready. I had a lot of anxiety around what we were going to do with Sucia and we were game-planning our options. Eric was taking the reins the next day. I was exhausted so I got into bed and went to bed early. Eric was packing backpacks for his camping trip with Aubs and Christian the next day. I slept with all the dogs in the bedroom with me except Clancy.

Saturday 7/26, I got up around 8:00, got dressed. Eric ran to Mud Bay to pick up some bullies to distract the dogs when Dexter came later in the day. After Eric went to work I ordered some wedding gifts online for AA and JJ then found a recipe online for a savory snack to bring to the NR Rattifest. I did a few things around the house and talked to Mom and Liz before preparing for Dexter to arrive. The handoff went well though he was quite nervous for a few hours. I went up to the GO to get stuff for the shortbread I was going to make. When I got home I hung out in the bedroom with all the dogs and Dexter finally calmed down and relaxed and went to sleep. I took a catnap before starting to get ready for the wedding. I got all the dogs situated and took off for Mom’s for the banquet tables for Rattifest. I went to pick up Eric but he sent me across the street to get him a kambucha. We took off for the wedding which was at Sodo Park and we were late, but snuck in quietly. It was a really beautiful ceremony and reception. We didn’t actually stay late because of all the dogs at home. We left right at 9:00 and stopped at the store on the way home for some ingredients. At home Dexter took right to Eric. We drove back to MI so Eric could grab the car then I talked to Alishia on the way home about our plan for getting over to Plain. We stayed up for a while but eventually fell asleep.

Friday 7/25, I was on the phone most of the day with Liz re: Sucia since Liz went into the hospital and didn’t have anyone else to watch her. We’re not sure what we’re going to do after Tues / Wed but we’re trying to figure it out. Eric picked up Sucia after work and she was there when I got home. We moved her into the bedroom so we can take her out in the front yard. Oh yes, the ACL in her other leg is now torn. So she needs to have surgery again and Liz doesn’t have any way to take care of her. Ugg. Kristel came over and we did a quick tour around the house to see the changes then we decided to go get dinner. We went to the Vietnamese place in Factoria. She’s doing a kind of Paleo thing so she needed meat and veggies. We chatted through dinner and I filled her in on everything. When we went home we sat in the living room with Eric and talked until 10, maybe? It was fun and I haven’t talked to her forever so it was nice to spend some time together. After she left we got ready for bed and went to sleep.

Thursday 7/24, I got home I let out the dogs and Susan arrived right at the same time. We chatted while I put a pizza in the oven then we started X-Files. The first episode had Giovanni Ribisi and Jack Black in it. The power went out during the second episode and that was a little creepy. I went over the dog stuff with Susan and she took off before 9:00. I cleaned up the kitchen and did laundry. I got ready for bed and took care of a few emails before Eric got home from work. He took Mom and Dad over the mountains and came back and went to work and got stuck in terrible traffic. We talked for a long time then he went in the den while I went to bed.

Wednesday 7/23, The bathroom was finally done and Eric was excited to show me when I got home. We cleaned up the bathroom and other parts of the house in preparation of Mom and Dad arriving that evening. For dinner Eric made tostados and luckily he only gave me one because that’s all I needed. Mom and Dad arrived at 8:15 and we went to pick them up. We talked all the way home and then talked in the living room until 10:30.

Tuesday 7/22, When I got home I asked Eric if he would go for a walk with me. We took the dogs through the neighborhood. Eric made pasta for dinner then we went to the GO and got stuff for the week. At home I answered a lot of emails and watched some tv. Went to bed early since I was exhausted from the weekend.

Monday 7/21, Half the group was up and out early. Aubrie and I went down and got breakfast in the lobby then finished getting ready. We took off and helped put finishing touches on things before heading to the church. The service was nice, though incredibly sad. There was a party at the country club afterward which was very nice and there were a lot of nice things said. We had lunch and cleared out when the older crowd all headed out for their afternoon naps. We went back to Grandma and Papa’s and hung out there for the rest of the day. Roz and Jerry came over with the daughter and grandkids. Mom was having a hard time with everything. We had to leave for the airport so we changed and said our goodbyes. Kass, Sky and I headed out and Sky dropped us at the terminal since he was on a later flight. We made it through security very quickly and our flight was still delayed when we got to our gate. We boarded and I was in the bulkhead. I watched a couple movies and when we landed and got down to baggage my bag was already there. Very quick. Kass drove me home and chatted the whole way. She had my framed Beatle print in her car so I took that home too. Eric and I talked for a while before bed. I was exhausted. Went to sleep.

Sunday 7/20, We were up at 5:30 and Eric took me to the airport to fly to Phoenix. I upgraded to first so that made for a nice flight. I mostly read, though I did have some breakfast. I finished my book finally. When I landed Alishia picked me up and we drove around talking for a little bit waiting for Sky to arrive. We picked him up and headed to Grandma and Papa’s. When we got there it was pretty chaotic and people were running around doing things and since we hadn’t eaten, Alishia and I headed out to get lunch. We went to this cute little place and each got a “protein bowl” and a juice. Next we went to the Rack so she could get a shirt for Pete. It was hot as shit outside and every time I walked outside it hit me like a ton of bricks. Like 105º. Yuck. Listen, I like it warm but that is just oppressive. When we got back we were going to go swimming but then Aubs called and said Mom wanted us to all get mani/pedis so we went and did that. It was this crazy super upscale nail place with a bar. After that Alishia and I headed back to Grandma’s but got a call that we were doing dinner instead. We went and waited for a table and it took a long time for everyone to get there. Kass didn’t come to any of this and instead stayed at Grandma’s all day and night to do the photo collages. We left the dinner place late and headed back. We ended up staying there until almost 1:00 am. I fell asleep on the couch and they woke me up when we left. We went to the hotel and checked into our rooms. I was bunking with Hailey. We went to bed and had the alarm set for 7:30 am.

Saturday 7/19, Up at 9:00, dressed, breakfast, HD for paint supplies, Eric left for work when I got home, started taping and texted Susan to come over, she kept me company while I primed, she left by 12:30, I went to Daly’s for paint, then store for veggies for lunch, made a salad for lunch, laid down for a while then back up to start painting bathroom, it took two coats and Eric came home when I was doing the edges, I finished up shortly after, he made dinner, we ate in the living room, watched Office, started packing to leave for AZ in the morning, did stuff online then updated this while watching 48 Hours and Dateline. Went to bed around 11.

Friday 7/18, My goal for the evening was to prime the bathroom; however, Eric and I got in fight. All the painting stuff was jacked so to burn off my frustration I went on walk and left him a note. He came to find me at the park and that’s where we got in our fight. I got sick of his lip so eventually I took off in another direction and walked for another 15 minutes. When I got home I laid down and Eric came in and we talked for a long time. He made dinner and we watched the movie “Bernie”. It was interesting. I went to bed shortly after, not having primed anything.

Thursday 7/17, I went for a walk after work and helped Eric clean up a little from the bathroom construction. I relaxed and watched some tv and watered plants.

Wednesday 7/16, When I got home I started moving stuff from the dresser in my closet to the new dresser by the so that Eric can have the other one. We tried to figure out why the master bathroom lights won’t come on, but came up empty. I got the two old bathroom countertops listed on craigslist for free and they were gone within two hours with six total emails. I made myself a salad and eventually went outside to water in the front yard. I also trimmed up some of the roses, yanked dead tiger lily stems and pulled some of the obvious weeds. I booked flights for AZ on Sunday and also for Thanksgiving since the prices finally dropped from $800 to $385. The guy came to pick up the counters and, as Eric put it, he was a real squirrel. And he drove an El Camino. Old school. At least they’re gone. I put the bathroom mirror up for free later that evening. Eric and I talked about mid-century architectural design and I think we’re stuck with the baseboards for a while since they are definitely period accurate and we’d have to redo the entire house at the same time. I got into bed and updated this.

Tuesday 7/15, I stayed late at work then headed to my massage with Corey. I told him to do deep tissue and holy shit, it hurt. But I needed to be able to think about something other than all the garbage rattling around in my brain. It worked. It hurt so bad, but surprisingly I felt good afterward. We chatted a little during the massage, but not too much. I headed home and I could tell Eric was in a bad mood, most likely because of the bathroom situation (dust and stuff in a disarray, as a remodel goes), so I made myself a salad and ignored him. I went out in the backyard and watered the plants and talked to Mom. Eric came out and wanted to vent about the mess in the bathroom and I finally just told him I couldn’t deal with what he wanted to talk about and my brain and emotions are too overloaded. He went back inside and I finished watering. I started to get ready for bed and he came into the bathroom and pulled me out and just hugged me. I just cried into his shoulder for five or so minutes and he just held me. He apologized and we talked about the progress and Grandma and I felt better. I just feel exhausted. I talked to Aubrie and tried to figure out when the service was going to be. I went to bed kind of late and Eric slept in the other room.

Monday 7/14, Grandma Dixie died at 12:40 pm. Mom called me bawling to tell me. It’s really over. I’d been getting texts all morning and they thought she would go the next day, but she passed 20 minutes after hospice left. It was a rough day to get through. I tried to make an appointment with a psychiatrist but she’s not taking new patients. I was kind of a wreck on the way home. I got it together by the time I got home and Doug arrived to go over everything in the bathroom. We talked for a while and he asked me to get some stuff from HD. Eric arrived home after spending the day in Plain taking care of a bunch of stuff for Dad. I told him we had to go get stuff from HD and he was agitated, but it needed to be done. We got everything taken care of and back to the house, unloaded, and I sat down to watch Bachelorette. I moved the sprinkler around the front yard on the commercials. It was a long, sad day.

Sunday 7/13, I got up and started gardening in the backyard before it got too hot. Susan came over early to watch X-Files. We watched the first two episodes of the third season. I was getting texts that Grandma wasn’t doing well. Kass called while I was outside with the dogs and she was very upset about Grandma and said she was going to fly down to AZ that evening. I puttered around the house and tried to stay cool inside. I think Eric was at work all day. I laid out off and on for a while. Later in the evening I called and talked to Aubrie while she drove through the desert. She was freaking out because there was a lightning storm and she was by herself. I stayed on the phone with her until she arrived at Grandma and Papa’s. Eric didn’t get home until after I’d gone to sleep, I think. Can’t remember where he was.

Saturday 7/12, Eric left for work at 7:30 and I got up a few minutes later. I fed the dogs then went for a run and was so hot, sweaty and red when I got home I had to take a cold shower to cool down. It was 9:00. I went over to Mom’s and hung out there for a long time and she showed me all the plants and patio area. I stayed until almost noon then went home. I made some lunch and did some cleaning since Sky and Chrystol were coming over before a wedding they were going to at Robinswood. I managed to keep the house pretty cool, and especially the our bedroom where I had the AC running. They showed up at 3:30 and we moved all of the flowers into the bedroom and we hung out in there with the dogs. We had a “bedroom day”. Chrystol wrapped all of the bouquets then took them down to the park. When they got back we sat in the dining room and talked and ate chips. Eric came home while Chrystol was getting ready then she took off. Sky got ready and Eric took him down to the park. We went up to Round Table for dinner, which was entertaining. The food was good. We went home and hung out for the night. Sky and Chrystol came over afterward and dropped off some flowers and chatted for a few minutes, then we went back to bed.

Friday 7/11, It was a nice day and I was glad to be off work. Violet’s adoption was finalized and she was going to be picked up at 8:00 pm. When I got home Eric went to get a haircut while I got all of Violet’s paperwork together. Jojo was visiting for the weekend as well. When Eric got home he seemed to be in a bad mood, but it seemed better after visiting with Violet’s new people and she went home. They arrived and we sat for a long time and talked about her. After they left Eric went on a run. I hung with the dogs and I think I had something to eat. I watched tv then went to bed. Eric slept in the second bedroom with Nyx while I had Jojo with me.

Thursday 7/10, It was hot and I was tired when I got home but Eric wanted to do our walk at the park. I called Mom to see if she wanted me to come over to visit because she’d had surgery the prior week. I told her I’d call later in the evening. I agreed to do the walk and we took Clancy but only did one time around. When we got home I was tired and told Mom I would visit her on Saturday. I talked to Genie about Violet’s app and how it was taking a long time and she got it fixed.

Wednesday 7/9, Eric and I went and did three times around the lake. I showered and got dressed then we went to the GO to load up. When we got home Eric made me a salad and I relaxed in the bedroom. I think I half-watched some tv before going to bed.

Tuesday 7/8, Susan arrived soon after I got home and we tried to get X-Files to come on but something wouldn’t work. Eric came home from his run and fixed it. We watched the last two episodes of the season and ate dinner that Eric made. We chatted for a little bit before she left then I went outside and watered the plants in the backyard. I took care of some emails, including Violet’s medical info for the contract. Did some of my exercises, showered and climbed into bed to read my smut and update this. Went to bed by 11:30.

Monday 7/7, When I got home I went on a run right away and got that over with. Eric went for a run then made dinner. I answered emails and took care of rescue stuff. I watched Bachelorette and moved the sprinkler on the commercials. We also moved the new dresser in and I didn’t love it but didn’t hate it either. I’m going to live with it for a few days and see how I feel. I like the function of having it right there, it just might not be the look I want. I went to bed a little after 11.

Sunday 7/6, I got up at 8:30 and Susan arrived at 9 to watch X-Files. We got through two episodes and we only had two left in Season 2. After she left I thought Eric and I were going to do some stuff in the yard but he didn’t want to so I put on my suit and went and laid in the sun. He joined me and I read some of the Russell Brand book in the sun, then moved to the shade. We did that for a few hours then I showered and we screwed around for a while. Afterward I watched Sarah Marshall. We went up to Everett to do a home visit for Violet and it went very well. They are a very nice couple and it was going to be a great fit for her. When we got home we went to the store and he made dinner. Eric went on a late run. I went to bed before Eric since he didn’t work that day.

Saturday 7/5, Clancy was being a real cry baby all morning and wouldn’t stop whining. Finally I got up and took the dogs out so that they would be quiet. It was about 8:30. Eric went inside to clean up the motorhome and took Clancy. I laid in bed for a little bit and waited for everyone to use the bathroom then I went in and showered. In the motorhome I had some breakfast then we left the property and headed into Wenatchee. We went to the farmers market first and wandered around. Chrystol bought a bracelet. Next we went to On a Whim and I bought a mid-century dresser and the lamp I wanted to buy back in May but was broken. Next we went to get lunch at Lemolo and it was delicious. I had a turkey sandwich. We took off and headed back but stopped at Anjou Bakery for dessert. I got a lemon bar and it was great. We went back to the property and started cleaning everything up and packing. Eric mowed the lawn and I focused on the loft. Chrystol and Sky pretty much took care of the motorhome. I packed up the dogs and took off. Sky and Chrystol were going to ride with Eric. I made it home pretty quickly and Eric got home about an hour later. I unpacked the car and tried to get most of the stuff put away. We relaxed for the rest of the night after Chrystol and Sky went home.

Friday 7/4, We got up early and finished getting everything ready. I went out and was watering the plants in the front yard when Sky and Chrystol arrived. We packed up the car then took off. The dogs were pretty good for the ride and Breezy didn’t throw up. We got there at right about noon. The mosquitoes were terrible so we barricaded ourselves in the motorhome when we got there. Chrystol made a nice big salad for lunch and we snacked on other stuff. As it got warmer the mosquitoes lightened up so I changed into my suit and laid out on the deck. Eventually everyone joined me out there, though I was the only one who stayed in the sun the whole time. We played some mad libs and talked. I was ready for ice cream so we all headed into Plain and I got some chocolate kind. We went across the street to spend some time with the donkey and he was really cracking us up. Next up were the chickens, but they weren’t as funny, except when they all came running across the barnyard because they thought we had food. We drove back and I sat upstairs with the dogs for a while and started feeling a little blah and melancholy. Eric came up and told me to come down and be social. That worked and I felt better. Eric made dinner and we all sat inside and talked. After dinner they all played Uno for a long time and eventually I fell asleep on the couch because the last round went on for a million years. I took two of the dogs out and then upstairs with me and got ready for bed. Everyone joined me and Eric told me he won. Into bed we went and off to sleep.

Thursday 7/3, I was so happy that it was a three day weekend. I got to leave work a little early and beat Eric home. I took out the dogs and fed them, packed and did some other stuff to get ready for our trip to Plain. When Eric got home we talked about menu for our trip and ended up bickering and that just put me into a terrible mood. Again, I just felt exhausted and shut down. Eric was apologetic but it’s just not that easy for me to get over it. I’ve always been like that. Anyway, he took off for Plain to pick up the Denali and I stayed home and relaxed. I looked at psychiatrists online and found some good options. I fell asleep before Eric got back.

Wednesday 7/2, I stayed late at work and went straight to my massage appointment from there. It was warm outside but not as warm as the day before. Corey is still out so I went with J*mila and she did a fantastic job. She got out a lot of knots. Eric told me while he was out for a run he went around a trio of high school kids, two girls one boy, and when he went around them he gently put his hand on the guy to let him know he was going around him, and the guy goes, “You can touch me anytime!”. Eric said he cracked up. I stopped by the store and ended up seeing the kid Eric told me about on the phone while I was at the store. At home we chatted while he made dinner then I talked to Genie about the Violet app and their phone convo went really well. We ate dinner in the living room and watched tv. By 10 I was falling asleep and went into the bedroom to shower and climb into bed.

Tuesday 7/1, Kelly texted at 5 am to let me know something was wrong with Fritz so I called Kass to make sure there was nothing left in the backyard then called Kelly to let her know. I went back to sleep, but another non-full night’s sleep. I felt tired but managed to get through the day. It was so hot outside but when I got home the house was relatively cool; about 83. Outside was over 90. I talked to Mom for a long time and sat in the front yard moving the sprinkler around because the plants needed watering. I showered and got into bed and tried to get a few administrative things done before going to sleep.