The light at the end of the tunnel

After the busyness of the last couple of weeks, somehow this week seemed pretty slow.  I was still busy, but definitely not as much as i had been.

My boss was on vacation this week which can either mean a much quieter week or a much busier than usual week, depending on what issues may arise.  I was also working as a back up for a colleague who was on vacation this week and helping another team that is currently short-handed.  On top of my normal work load, it all made for a pretty full work week.

After spending Monday evening at Nicol's house helping out with Fiona, I had to make sure the girls got in a a good run on Tuesday.  I also needed to catch up on some yard work and mowing that I had ignored over the weekend.

The girls spent most of Tuesday evening out in the yard while I mowed.  Once I finished the yard work, I decided they deserved some fun, so I loaded them into the car for a trip to the dog park.  They had a great time.  I am I really starting to notice the earlier sunsets that come with mid-August, though. 

On Wednesday,  I worked a half day so that I could take the girls to the day game at the Lansing Lugnuts.  After taking Mina a couple of weeks ago, I had planned to take just Peaches this time, but Mina was so good previously, I decided to bring them both.

Luckily I didn't regret this decision.  Both girls were so well behaved and I had a great time with them.  They made friends, got to share a hot dog, and had the best time.  We even got their picture with Bluey and some princesses.  Just look at how nicely they sat for their picture. 

By the seventh inning, Peaches was hot and tired and clearly ready to leave, so we headed home for a little nap in the air conditioned comfort of home.  They were both exhausted!

I also spent a little time in the garden that afternoon, picking some zucchini, tomatillos, green beans, and one tiny cucumber.

Then I headed out to the shelter for our Wednesday night dog walk. 

Boy were the dogs full of energy when I got to the shelter to harness them for the walk.  I was sweating before we even left the shelter!  They started out on our walk with lots of excitement too,  but by the time we got to the mid-way point where we stop for water, they had all calmed down nicely.

We had a nice time just sitting outside and letting them enjoy the grass for a bit before making the walk back to the shelter. What a wonderful night we had.

Thursday was a long, exhausting day at work.  I had lots to get done and not enough time to do it all.  I also had lots to do around the house after work.   I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, but I reminded myself that sometimes you just have to let some things go because you can't do everything.  That really changed my attitude for the whole evening.

I took the girls for a quick trip to the Farmer's Market and picked up some egg rolls, then came home and made a zucchini and cauliflower stir fry that has become a favorite of mine this Summer.  And I had a very productive evening, completing a lot of the things on my to-do list.

I also talked to Nicol and got an update on Picasso.  He's healing well and starting to feel more like himself.  While its nice to see him up and moving around, it is more challenging for Nicol to keep him calm while he heals.  Here he is with his new donut to keep him from bothering his incision.

My dad also had his post-op appointment with his surgeon to get his staples removed on Thursday.  I'm happy to say that for the first time since January,  he no longer has any food restrictions.  I thought that was pretty amazing news.  Life is really staring to get back to normal!

On Friday, the girls were very unhappy because it was rainy most of the morning.  They tried to spend time outside when the rain stopped for short bits of time, but mostly they were forced to lounge around inside.   

On my lunch we took a quick drive to the gas station, and then we came home and all ate lunch.  The rain finally cleared up so that they could spend some time outside during the afternoon while I worked.  After work, I was busy getting some work done around the house, prepping some veggies for the freezer, and taking care of a few things outside.  Then the girls came with me as I ran some errands before dinner.  I enjoyed a favorite sumertime meal and had a productive evening.  We didn't get out for any adventures because I had plenty to do at home to prepare for the next week.

Now we come to Saturday.  I'm writing early because I'm not sure I'll have time tomorrow because for the first time this year, we're going on vacation!  We will be leaving soon for a full week away from work, home, and responsibility.  

While I can't say we haven't had any fun this year, I've been rushing through life, squeezing some short breaks and bits of fun in where I could, but always with thoughts of responsibilities to others and so many commitments.  But with my dad home and mostly back to normal, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  And now I'm taking some time for me.  

I will be spending my days doing whatever I want, whenever I want, answering to no one(except.the girl, of courae), seeing friends I haven't seen in months, relaxing, resting, and taking a break from the world.   This will be a much needed mental and physical break, and I cant believe it's actually happening after all of my cancellled plans throughout this year.

So I wish you a wonderful week and look forward to sharing all of our fun and adventures with you when we return.