Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
Another week has trudged by, with progress on all fronts…except reading and blogging are a bit tepid. I have written no blog posts since last weekend…but I did read and review two books. I am (physically) a work-in-progress, and I can happily report that my navigation skills have improved. Today we drove across town to complete paperwork for the old condo…and snapped photos of things to sell, while listing (for our purposes) those things I want to keep. I am hoping to move my things into the new place later this week, but the work in clearing out the condo will continue for a while, since I’m in the bystander role in that task. Sigh.
I am being tested in several ways. Learning to voice my needs, while compromising a bit on how and when things will be completed.
Happy Family News: Aubrey, one of my two granddaughters, graduated from college today. Here she is with my #2 son, her proud papa:
She will head to New Zealand for a year. So many exciting adventures lie ahead.
So….I am still not drinking coffee, but I will continue to spotlight one of my favorite photos of a beverage I will soon enjoy again! Antibiotics will be finished on Sunday…and life will be smoother for me. I think.
BOOKS REVIEWED:
The Mother-in-Law, by Sally HepworthI Know Who You Are, by Alice Feeney
***
INCOMING BOOKS:
One review book arrived in my mailbox today!
The Road She Left Behind, by Christine Nolfi (Author Review Request)
***
UP NEXT:
Now that I have a little desk area at my daughter’s house, with my laptop and my notebooks, I can start tackling my June NetGalley review books. I have four delectable ones to decide between, and I think I’ll start with this one:
The First Mistake, by Sandie Jones
***
No restaurant food to show this week…but for old times’ sake, I’ll spotlight this favorite from the past. I am missing this delicious soup:
***
I hope the week ahead has you feeling better and getting things accomplished. Congratulations to your Granddaughter. How exciting to be heading on a year-long adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mary, I am excited for her…and the upcoming adventures. I’ll see her next weekend before she heads out. My eldest son is coming to town (from Prague), so we will have a great reunion of various family members.I hope I am up for all the excitement.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats to your granddaughter! And best of luck to her in New Zealand! What an exciting adventure…
Glad to hear you are doing okay, I’m sure this is a huge transition but hang in there! We’re all thinking of you. I wondered several times this week how you were doing, so glad to see your update. 🙂
Looks like yummy soup. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Greg, the moving and healing processes are both time-consuming, but I’m encouraged by each new day.
I am proud of my granddaughter and grateful she is getting this great experience.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I’m sure the moving process is frustrating for you, I hope you will feel more settled once you have your own space again,
Congratulations to your granddaughter, New Zealand is lovely, she is bound to enjoy her time there.
Have a great reading week and take care of yourself
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Shelleyrae, I am eager to start over in my new space, while also saying goodbye to what I enjoyed in the old place.
My daughter has set up a page on FB for selling some of my collectibles.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do hope things go smoothly, yes a challenging time for sure but keep voicing those needs and… wants! I hope you don’t lose too many of your lovely collectibles. Hope that the move in goes smoothly, it is somewhat frustrating to have to sit by the sidelines. I have just started listening to The Mother-in Law and am liking it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kathryn, I am learning that communicating and living with an adult child can be especially difficult when one is in a vulnerable position. I’ve noticed that a “tone” creeps into the conversations, and I have to be assertive in my goal of retaining a semblance of control over my own life!
Yesterday I had to be very firm, and after a few moments, we were able to move on and find common ground again.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Oh Laurel-Rain I feel for you. Just as well you have had so much experience in your professional life. I am sure it helps even though still a challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do enjoy your first cup of coffee when you’re allowed to have one 🍵🍵🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cathy, I will!
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats to your Aubrey! I can’t imagine a week without coffee! I hope you will feel better soon and have a great week ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life without coffee feels bland! Thanks for visiting, Gayathri, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Congratulations on Aubrey graduating college , what a huge milestone! Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cynthia, I am proud of her, and love how adventurous she is. She spent a semester in Prague last year, and now is headed to New Zealand. My world traveler!
LikeLike
I hope you are feeling better and the moving process is going smoothly.
Congrats to your granddaughter!
And yum, I like chicken tortilla soup…which I think is what I see in the last picture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting, Nai, I am feeling a little better each day, but I also find it easy to overdo things. One step forward, two steps back.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
It sounds as though it’s been a really rough week, Lauren:(. I hope the coming one is a lot easier. It will be so much better once things have settled back down and you are fully recovered. Wishing you better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Sarah, and I hope for the days when I’m settled into my new routines and feeling strong.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your granddaughter’s graduation! That’s quite an achievement. I’m sure she’ll have a fabulous time in New Zealand last year, I’ve heard only great things about that country 🙂
Here’s to the antibiotics working and making your life easier – plus to being able to drink coffee again.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lexxie, I’ve been counting down to the last of the antibiotics…I think today is the last day! Yay!
I have noticed more aches and pains, though, as I do more. Sigh.
I am excited for my “world traveler” granddaughter. She also spent a semester in Prague last year.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Congratulations to your granddaughter on her graduation, and New Zealand for a year? How exciting! Your books always look so good, I’ve added The Road She Left Behind to my list. Glad you’re feeling better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Vicki, I am eager to start seeing Aubrey’s photo journey through New Zealand. She sent such lovely ones from Prague.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you share them with us if she doesn’t mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laurel I missed everything about your health and I am so sorry!!!! I have been away on a business trip and since it’s been daunting to catch up with everyone! I hope you are doing ok!!! And yes moving can be so tiring and frustrating.
Now on the bright side, congrats to your granddaughter and her going away is thrilling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sophie, I am still struggling with some ambulation and back pain, but today I am finishing the antibiotics, so that alone is reason to cheer. I don’t like those bitter pills or the things we can’t combine with them. LOL
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I am glad you are continuing to improve physically. I am certain (I’m imagining how I would—will—feel myself when this happens) you have some sadnesses about leaving and relocating. It will be an adjustment. Thank goodness you will soon be through with the antibiotics and can enjoy liquid refreshments again. Enjoy the upcoming books!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Deb, I just took the last antibiotic pill…yay!
As much as I’ll miss some of my stuff, many things will be going to the homes of friends.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I really don’t envy you all the chaos that accompanies moving. But on the positives, Wow! Granddaughter off to New Zealand. That’s a country that is definitely on my bucket list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Flora, I had hoped I wouldn’t be moving any time soon, but things happened…and it was out of my control.
I’m trying to find something positive in it.
I’m excited about my granddaughter’s upcoming adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been thinking of you this week… sounds like progress is being made on all fronts, no matter how slowly. Change isn’t easy, that’s for sure. Hope you can enjoy a cup of coffee soon. Did you get withdrawal headaches? I had a hard time with that the last time I tried to give up caffeine. The Mother-in-law sounds good. I’m hoping to listen to it over the summer. Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, I have had a headache, but combined with my other aches and pains, I didn’t connect it to caffeine withdrawal. LOL. I’m done with the antibiotics as of today, but there is no coffee in sight. I’m still at my daughter’s house, and they took off on some errands.
I really liked The Mother-in-Law. Thanks for visiting, JoAnn.
LikeLike
I know what a crazy time this has been for you. I hope you are able to rest and just take it easy. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yvonne, I seem to be napping a lot, but I guess that’s what I need right now.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Moving is rough. I have pretty much given up coffee as my husband had to for health reasons. He was the person I primarily drank it with. Have a good week. My weekly update
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sarah, I agree about moving. But in this move, I will be on the sidelines, pointing to what I want to keep. LOL.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I hope things continue to improve for you and the transition to your new place goes smoothly. Take care of yourself and don’t worry about the blog – everyone will be here when you have time. Congratulations to your granddaughter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kathy, I am slowly getting back into my routine.
Enjoy those delightful new books.
LikeLike
Such a tough transition, especially when you’re healing too. Sending positive thoughts your way.
Hope you can have a good cup of coffee soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carol, a small thing like a good cup of coffee could make all the difference in my day!
Enjoy your books, and thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Congrats on the graduation. Moving and downsizing is rough, but once you’re settled in, I bet things will look brighter. And I’d be counting down the seconds to my cup of coffee!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Candace, I am doing just that: counting down to that cup of coffee!
I hope the move comes sooner rather than later, although after I move, my Worker Bees will be selling the contents and clearing out my previous home.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Moving is not a favorite activity of mine. We moved twice, and it is such a chore.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
I am looking forward to reading THE FIRST MISTAKE.
Have a good week, Laurel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Elizabeth, this will be my first move in 12 years! The worst part: being on the sidelines.
The First Mistake is pretty good so far.
LikeLike
Glad you checked in – you sound a bit stressed. Hope the move out? goes well. Congrats on your granddaughters achievement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting, Diane, and I am not a “sidelines” kind of girl, lol, so that accounts for the stress, I think. Plus, many changes ahead, none of which I felt ready for.
My daughter posted a lot of my collectibles on her FB page to sell, and I have mixed feelings. I love that the favorites will go to “good homes.” I have also tagged my own favorites to take. Some little treasures can make a big difference, even in a small space.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Moving can be a challenge, but it’s tougher when you can’t be an active participant.
Congratulations on the happy graduate. New Zealand? How exciting!!!
Take care, my friend. I hope things go as smoothly as they can with the move and that your healing goes as planned. Thanks for visiting my blog today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cheryl, I am happy to celebrate the adventures of the grandkids…Aubrey off to New Zealand, and Fiona (same age, her “twin cousin”!), is getting her certification as a massage therapist.
I hope to find new things to enjoy in the new place.
Have a great week.
LikeLike
May your recovery be swift and complete with the least amount of stress with what is happening around you. A move is never easy and with having to downsize and make decisions while not feeling well is hard. I know that you will soon be feeling more like yourself and ready to face this new challenge in life! Hope you have plenty of time to read!!
LikeLike
I hope you are getting back on your feet. Yikes, moving is stressful not matter what. Hopefully it all goes smoothly for you. Remember to take care of yourself and not to stress the small stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Heidi, not stressing the small stuff is a tall order…but important!
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I hope you are feeling better and also more settled in your new place soon. I’m keeping you in my thoughts. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kathy, I am hanging in there, a day at a time. Trying not to sweat the small stuff. LOL.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Keeping you in my thoughts. I hope things get better and better each day, each week.
I’m currently listening to Sandie Jones’ previous novel and enjoying it, so I might have to check this one out too after.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kay, I am keeping my eye on the prize…a smooth transition by next week. Hoping, anyway.
Enjoy your books. I like Sandie Jones’ books.
LikeLike
It sounds like a challenging time for you Laurel. So sorry. You impress me with how your coping with the changes etc. I hope you will feel stronger soon. Congrats to your granddaughter too. Good luck with your move …. take some time with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Susan, I could easily stress out with how little control I have right now…or I could try to go with the flow. Right now I’m typing at a little desk in my daughter’s guest room, and I’m gradually doing more for myself each day.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Congrats to your granddaughter! Hope your recovery continues.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Liz, I hope so, too! Looking forward to family and good health.
LikeLike
Bit by bit you will start to feel better and gain more independence again. And I am glad you are finding your voice! It is so hard, particularly for women, to voice those needs for ourselves. I am glad that you are doing that! 🙂 And that soup does look delicious! I could eat soup everyday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Erin, I’m trying to see these events as challenges to face and conquer.
Enjoy your week and your books.
LikeLike
I hope you continue to improve in health and controlling stresses.
Both The Road She Left Behind and The First Mistake sound interesting.
Happy Reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Martha, I’m glad that healing is enhanced by some good books.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Happy reading this week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Serena, you too!
LikeLike