Getting Out

Oh, my, when I am overwhelmed with the nitty-gritty and the bigger concerns of life--SOMEBODY LEFT THE TOPS OFF ALL THE SANDBOXES IN THE RAIN
or SOME CHILD POURED LIQUID MAKE-UP ALL OVER MY BEST SUMMER PANTS
or THERE'S WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE BASEMENT LIGHT FIXTURE
or THE CHILDREN ARE INSANE
or THE GARDEN LOOKS LIKE A VACANT LOT
or IT IS SO HUMID TODAY AND WE ARE DROWNING IN A SEA OF STINKING LAUNDRY
or SOMEBODY CUT BEA'S HAIR OFF (story comes later)

an excellent solution to the mounting stress is to fill up the water bottles and go for a hike!

We did take a lovely hike today with my parents--the rain was cool in our faces, the rhododendrons were high above our heads, and the fog was rolling through the valley. We said goodbye to my good parents who make life easier and good by their presences, and then we stuffed ourselves with Sonic food as we sat in the car feeling like happy slobs. Martin lost part of a hot dog in an unreachable space between his seat and the console, so as soon as the weather is blazing again, we'll be able to sniff and remember that happy outing.

If ONLY I were hiking now instead of listening to the two older, napless girls squawk at each other. If only. Everything feels damp today. Martin is pounding like mad in the basement. I think he may be taking off the ceiling or dismantling the entire bathroom down there. You think I'm kidding? I am not.