The sun is out, the birds are chirping and I am OK.
I am not going to listen to any news today or even read any on the Internet. I have designated this day as an Arleen’s Escape From All the Crap Day.
It is summer and some might say it is hot (88 F) but it is not too humid. I am more than blessed to have a small screen room that keeps the sun off me and a lovely fan three feet away (socially distanced) from my face. On a day like this last year, I might have been visiting a local winery with family and/or friends to enjoy the ambience, the music and a lovely glass of Sangria. Since I am too damn old and vulnerable to be out and about during Covid time, I made my own little retreat and followed the winery’s recipe using their peach wine, a splash of Chardonnay, ice tea ( yes, ice tea) and then added some strawberries I found in the freezer. I used a pretty stemless glass as they do. I asked Alexa to play me some sweet music and she has picked out just the right songs for me to enjoy. She knows me too well, but that is another story. I can’t have what was, I have to deal with what is, but gees, I need a break and I am grateful for today. Maybe I should extend it to Arleen’s Escape All The Crap Week.
I am not going to listen to any news today or even read any on the Internet. I have designated this day as an Arleen’s Escape From All the Crap Day.
It is summer and some might say it is hot (88 F) but it is not too humid. I am more than blessed to have a small screen room that keeps the sun off me and a lovely fan three feet away (socially distanced) from my face. On a day like this last year, I might have been visiting a local winery with family and/or friends to enjoy the ambience, the music and a lovely glass of Sangria. Since I am too damn old and vulnerable to be out and about during Covid time, I made my own little retreat and followed the winery’s recipe using their peach wine, a splash of Chardonnay, ice tea ( yes, ice tea) and then added some strawberries I found in the freezer. I used a pretty stemless glass as they do. I asked Alexa to play me some sweet music and she has picked out just the right songs for me to enjoy. She knows me too well, but that is another story. I can’t have what was, I have to deal with what is, but gees, I need a break and I am grateful for today. Maybe I should extend it to Arleen’s Escape All The Crap Week.
Hi, Arleen!
ReplyDeleteYou are wise, dear friend. The more news headlines I read, the more I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. No one can blame you for needing to tune out and do some self nurturing. Although you can't be out and about like you were in previous years, it's good to know you made lemonade out of the lemons. Better yet, you made a delicious batch of Sangria. I'm happy to know that DJ Alexa picked some spot-on songs for your enjoyment.
Thank you for letting us know how you are doing, Arleen. I think about you often and hope you remain in good health and good spirits. Have a nice week, dear friend!
Thank you Shady for your kindness and concern. Today was a lovely day of relaxation. I also had a good book to read and that took me into a different place.
DeleteThe weight of the world is hard to bear, so I am designating tomorrow to be Shady Escape From All The Crap Day. If you want, you can take a week. Have a good one.
Sounds like a plan, dear Arleen! :)
DeleteEscape all the Crap Week/Month/Year sounds pretty good to me.
ReplyDeleteAs does that delicious drink.
I severely ration my exposure to the news (and all things negative that I cannot alter). It mostly works well for me.
It is so hard to avoid the many things that are happening here in these days like no others. We just have to hold on tight and make good decisions and pray that others will do the same.
DeleteI hope all is well with you, Sue.
Virtual hugs, I can't agree more with Escape the crap day/week. Personal beverage would be iced tea sans wine, but whatever fills your glass, right?
ReplyDeleteI keep worrying about family that is in the danger zone for Covid-19, I am finding that watching news and making my blood pressure hit tilt doesn't help... Sigh.
Enjoy your music, your fan, and your wine cocktail!
Cat
I live on ice tea; it is my drink of choice. It was nice to doctor it up today with the peach wine. It was yummy.
DeleteI am very anxious about my family also during these dangerous. They are very adamant about me staying safe, yet they are much more lax in their behavior and following recommendations.
It sounds like a great idea -- a whole week off. I usually end up watching the most TV on Sundays, but today I haven't watched any. I like the CBS morning show with Jane Pauley, but I have recorded it so I can watch it later. It also sounds like you are enjoying a lovely summer's day.
ReplyDeleteSunday Morning, now with Jane Pauley, is my favorite program to watch as it has stories about interesting people and places and always has a great piece on the kindness of people. It has been on TV for decades with a few wonderful hosts and is such a gem. I have been enjoying the segments with Jim Gaffigan and his life in quarantine in a NYC apartment with his wife and five kids.
DeleteI know what you mean. Somehow I missed all the news today. Now it's nine at night, and I'm the happier for it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is what they call bliss.
DeleteI think an Escape the crap week or month sounds great. The news we hear from there is shocking. I just hope you keep well and safe.
ReplyDeleteIt has gotten beyond shocking, Susan. Somehow, though, we will get through this, and hopefully there will be positive changes.
DeleteI think I need that retreat drink too - I have just about had it.
ReplyDeleteWe all have, Sandie. We all crave some normalcy, whatever that is.
DeleteHi Arleen, your retreat sounds perfect. I look at the news headlines (in my area) maybe once a week, just to be aware, but honestly I stopped reading/watching the news years ago because I find it's all too upsetting.
ReplyDeleteWe need to know what is going on but the constant hourly hits are taking its toll. I have some plans for the day, so my escape will last a little longer.
DeleteHi Arleen. Your instinct for self-preservation seems to be working well! Yes, stretch it to a week - go for it!
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks ago we should have been in Antwerp, Belgium with a big crowd of friends and this weekend just gone we were due to be in Bournemouth on England's lovely south coast. Ah well, roll on next year.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s abnormally antic Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Oh, absolutely, Arleen. Today I realised that I am sick and tired of Covid and must, yes MUST start enjoying life again.
ReplyDeleteCheers, here’s to us and a lovely drop of nectar!
Here’s to us, Friko. Except for occasional hot flashes, we’re still cool and kicking.
DeleteGreat solution to shutting out the insanity of this part of ou lives! I think I have some Pinot Grigio in the cabinet.
ReplyDeletePinot Grigio is a lovely wine,Susan. Enjoy. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all get together and have a virtual toast.
DeleteDear Arleen, I hope your're doing ok on the 2nd day of "Arleen Escape All The Crap Week" and hope it's not too late to join up. I have a back porch and some Cabernet Sauvignon and it's only a zillion degrees F. So far so good. We don't have the "Karma Chameleon" Boy George scale of "red, gold and green" counties like Gov. Wolf, but I like it --gets the job done. Pretty much the same here. All best wishes for health calm and serenity. You're important to me.
ReplyDeleteThe Cab sounds wonderful, Geo, and I am getting used to zillion degree summer weather. I just came in from the yard where I was readjusting my solar lights because bushes and weeds were blocking the sun to charge them. It was a very sweaty job.
DeleteOur Governor is a good man and along with mayors, has made carefully thought-out decisions about opening up. It looks like he is pulling back in one county, though, because in the rise of cases. He acted quickly and that is what is needed.
You are important to me, also, Geo. I have learned so many new words reading your posts and your romance with Norma is such a beautiful thing to read about. You are a good man.
You have an excellent approach to the stress, Arleen. I hope your "Escape all the crap week" is going swimmingly. We all need to treat ourselves gently under the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI love your header - what a lovely selection of plants!
One’s gotta do, what one’s gotta do, Jenny. Coping is a daily chore.
DeleteThank you Jenny. My gardens are keeping me busy and so far, everything is growing well.
Hi Arleen. Your retreat sounds like a little piece of heaven with peach wine cocktail on the top. I live not too far away from Friko so I can echo her comments. Today we've had 100 days of lock down but hasn't all been bad. take care. Love Molly xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Molly, it is so good to hear from you. I self quarantined on March 10th and quickly found things to do and planned for a few months till summer came. Little did I imagine that summer could be worse than spring in the US. I have mostly good days and am so happy in my gardens and the days of social distancing with my family are joyful. Like everybody, I want this over, but in the meantime I do my best to remain hopeful.
DeleteI must say your retreat sounds wonderful …
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
We all have to stay safe and make the best of it. My peach sangria was a lovely treat. I have 3/4 of a bottle left so next weekend I will make another.
DeleteSounds great! I wish I could join you. Had a great walk in the park this afternoon with a friend. If this was the 2020 I envisioned I'd probably be getting ready for a few days out of New York City. But I got a haircut and I will be leaving the neighborhood on Monday for an eye appointment. Definitely looking forward to a change of location.
ReplyDeleteA good haircut and a walk in the park with a friend can really lift one’s spirits. I am glad you had a good day, Carol.
DeleteYou should extend it to an Escape all the Crap Week, we all need a breather and respite from the doom and gloom spiraling out of control. I don't even drink Wine but that drink you made sounds refreshing and probably would take the Edge Off? *winks* I wish I could join someone for just a lengthy chat about solving the problems of the Universe over refreshments... just a couple of Old Crones with all the alleged Answers that evade the rest of Society. *Ha ha ha*
ReplyDeleteDear Dawn, I am an old crone and have no answers, but I have plenty of questions.
DeleteMy Sangria was luscious. I may not have made it exactly as they did at the winery, but I am thinking that I might have even improved it. At least, after 100+ days of constant anxiety, that lovely glass of spirits lifted mind.
Yes, you SHOULD extend it for a week! We all need a break from the madness from time to time.
ReplyDeleteYour sangria sounds delicious. I might have to try that before the summer is over.
Do try that Sangria recipe, Jennifer. It is easy and very refreshing. I get my peach wine from a local winery and it is a dry wine and not too sweet. I am sure that you will be able to find even better fruit wines in the south.
ReplyDeleteI like your plan for the day and will follow suit...:)
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it, Ray.
DeleteGlad you stopped in. OF COURSE we must put our white pocketbooks away right after Labor Day, ha ha LOL!! That't the "rule", right? ha ha Have followed that my whole life.......and I'm OLD. HA HA. HOPE YOUR WEEK WAS GOOD.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to change. My kids always. laugh at this silly rule but I think that at least one follows it.
DeleteArleen,
ReplyDeleteI NEED to know what fertilizer you use on your plants. They are lovely. I alternate between epsom salt and miracle grow. So far so good...
I love Sangria, but I don't drink very often. I'm curious as to what music Alexa selected for you. You failed to reveal that in your post. Was that intentional? :) I know you're sitting back sipping on your drink while Jimi Hendrix is blasting in the background! lol
I asked Alexa to play “sweet” music” which turned out to be mostly folk, which I love. I like all kinds of music from opera to even some rap that I hear my grandchildren play. Right now, though, “sweet” music is what I need.
DeleteI use the same fertilizers as you. I am rethinking Miracle Gro after I read and investigated it’s ingredients. I might look into something else for next year.
Yes, I too have been reading about the salt build up and how it can damage the plant over time, I think I may change to something more organic next year.
DeleteHi Arleen, I love your garden and hope you’ve had several well-deserved “Arleen’s Escape” days! You have a lovely setting for outdoor family gatherings. Now I really miss having a backyard. Take care and I’m sorry my short blogging break went into unexpected overtime.
ReplyDeleteJulie
It is almost impossible to escape, Julie, but there have been some sweet occasions this past week. They were almost old normal.
DeleteI am so glad to read your comment and know that you are doing OK. Stay well.
O my Lord :))) your garden is ENCHANTING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletewow your header is awesome and delightful dear friend :) it just brighten up my day
thank you so much for such happy soul filling header :)
i can see why you are dismissing all the routine and taking off :)
beauty and charm of your summer is tempting and irresistibly beautiful so enjoy and stay happy always ,amen!
Thank you, Baili. My garden and the flowers I grow give me such joy. It also provides me with something to do during my stay at home days.
DeleteI envy you being able to escape, it’s not easy. I am on my laptop in front of my window that opens to the sidewalk – I am in a walking neighborhood – many people walk by, and no one wears a mask. (The Governor of TN says he wants people to have freedom – and they fight about it in bars and restaurants in downtown Nashville!) So it’s hard to forget. I think I saw one woman, a nurse it looked like, 3 weeks ago who wore one. So I stay inside.
ReplyDeleteYour drink sounds so tasty and refreshing. It was 103F here in Nashville today in the shade with high humidity – I just had water with the juice of a lime, but it was OK. I look forward to driving back to Atlanta, Georgia where it is usually up to 10 degrees cooler as the elevation is higher than here.
It is really hot here in PA with temperatures coming close to 100 F. It is too much to be outside in the afternoon but I was able to sit under a tree this morning and a cool breeze came by every now and then. This evening we had some strong storms that did some damage to my gardens. Tomorrow I will clean that all up and be happy to have something to do. Because some people wear masks and others do not, my retired man and I seldom go far from our yard.
DeleteTake care of yourself and I hope you get to be someplace cool soon.
I too agree to that. As the days go by I find that I am depending less and less on the news (especially newspaper)
ReplyDeleteThe news is hard to avoid but I have to limit it for the sake of my sanity.
DeleteIf I've already commented, forgive me...I'm all over the place on blogger. But you made me smile, and that's as good as it gets during these times. We have to find creative ways to stay enthusiastic in the same place day after day!
ReplyDeleteYour delicious beverage sounds wonderful. I like wine. It's cute the way you can get it in cans now--great for being on the boat or beach. If I liked the sun, not so much anymore as I get olden!!😏
Sending love,
Jane
I am glad I made you smile. We have to find reasons to do so.
DeleteI DIL gave me a can of hard lemonade this week. It was a seltzer and I had never tasted one before. It seems it is a very popular beverage now and was very refreshing.
Dear Arleen, I'm responding to your posting of nearly a month ago when you give yourself the gift of a day to just "BE"--with wine and music, fan and resting place, and view that enriches. I hope you are taking many of those days because we all need, I think, to travel deep inside ourselves to the center where Oneness dwells and embrace what is given to us today.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I sometimes leave the room as the news (I listen from 6 to 8: local, nation, PBS Newshour) just is the same old, same old, and I grow weary of the politics of it all and the recalcitrance that many are showing and that I find a spark of even in myself. But always there is the knowledge that what I do affects others in this time of death and grieving. And so I mostly am at home with the cats. Soon, I will have the ability to use "speech to text" and will be able to work on my writing again as I follow the vision regimen the specialist gave me.
So, I am grateful for that. Peace.
Dear Dee, your second paragraph describes my life also. I watch a half hour of news and that is enough. I try hard to get involved in other things even if they are mundane. I am also glad for my pets who entertain and love me. They keep me going in these difficult days.
ReplyDeleteDear Arleen, yes, the three cats with whom I live have become "the soul" of my house. They make it into a home. And their attitude toward life always helps me keep my life in perspective. They bless us, don't they! Peace.
DeleteBack for another look: I love your header picture. Are the plants all real? I might copy your design for my front door tub next summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Friko. It is a portion of the backdrop for my patio garden. It is made up of ferns, begonias, coleus, and potato vines. They do beautifully in the shade and most were started from last years cuttings that I babied all winter.
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ReplyDelete