July in Review

I can’t quite figure out July. It didn’t go by quickly, but I can’t believe that it’s over…

We worked a lot this month, and bc of the state of the world we stayed home a lot. We grew our garden and got to eat a lot from there. We spent lots of time with the cats and a lot of time in our only air conditioned room. We tried to keep up our nightly walks, and we did explore a few new places. We saw a #watchercat or two.

July was hot and busy and bustling. But it was good and motivating as well. We read and researched some things we have been thinking about. We ventured out to local restaurants for take out this month more than in the past 6 months or more. At times we were excited about this, at times we were wary. Overall, It feels good to get back to “normal” life and indulge in some of the foods and treats we enjoy, but part of it feels like it’s too soon. IN the end we decided on a healthy balance.

Some of the questions I’ve been asking my self in July are related to the future. How does the current state of the world effect us in the long term? What do we like about this time and what do we wish we could go back to? How do these times change my long term goals? It’s been hard to focus on self improvement bc work has been so busy, but asking these questions helps me to get in the right place for future action. July was a good month for reflection, if not for action.

I wonder if August will action packed?

June in Review

My new ritual, in monthly reviews, is to give thanks that my family and friends are well and safe, that my cats, my home, and husband are well and safe, and that we all continue to take seriously the precautions necessary to keep us this way. I am also thankful for the time and space of mind and thought that this pandemic and social awakening has afforded me. Each month I feel that I am trying to be mindful and thoughtful instead of just proceeding as nothing has happened. I am continually trying to rethink and realign my goals and priorities to lead more of the life that I want, a life that will make me joyful, relaxed, and mindful of others.

The garden was booming in June, and even got a bit too hot by the end of the month. We ate peas, lettuces, kale, blueberries, radishes and herbs in the beginning of the month. But now most of that has bolted, and we are trying to eat up the last of the lettuces, and such. We pluck the tips off of the herbs to keep them growing, but the radishes we let go to seed, to replant a new crop later in the season.

We have settled more into our routines for work, but has been hard to get used to an ever changing schedule and I for one, long for fall already. Every year around this time, I realize how much of summer I miss out on bc of my job and my natural aversion to people and crowds, but this year is more intense as many visitors are not caring to adhere to rules for face masks and social distancing. June was a big reminder that Local Summer is best.

In June we tried to continue our nightly walks as much as possible. We were even able to get away for a day, change up our perspective a bit. We don’t mind staying at home at all but leaving and traveling, even just a few extra miles, helped us be thankful for staying home again.

On our walks in June we saw so many #watchercats! In July, I suspect they will hide more from the heat. But this month, they lounged in the evening on porches and in windows. We also saw rabbits, deer, dogs, beetles, birds and other critters this month.

In some ways, from the beginning of June to the end, felt like many months. There were many ups and downs. And yet the time flew by and we are more than half way done with the year. We will have to be careful to balance ourselves in July, our work and our time, our creativity and our health, so that month is not gone before we know it.

May in Review

Phew, is every month is 2020 just gonna be a whole new rollercoaster, or what?

I went back to work this month and my husband continues to work from home. So it May we had to make adjustments to our schedule about how things get done around the house and when we take our evening walks, etc.. We were still able to tend the garden and eat well at home.

We have been trying to support local restaurants by eating out occasionally, but mostly we eat at home. In May we were able to start eating from the garden! Radishes and lettuces were our first harvests, but we were able to try snap peas and kale and a few other things as well.

Adjusting to a new work life has been interesting, but I feel that my work is doing a really good job at trying to keep the public and it’s employees safe where possible. We wear masks and gloves and work in teams. It’s hard to get used to taking these precautions, especially when you see so many people walking around as if nothing is happening. But to me it feels good to know I am thinking of others as well as myself. And it makes me feel as if I’m living in a not too distant sci fi future. Which I guess I am.

#watchercats were plentiful this month and it’s hard not to pet them when they let you! But to protect them I have to restrain.

Once again, this month I have to give thanks that my family and friends are safe and well. That no one I know has been in mortal danger bc of a virus of or the police. I have to give thanks that my community supports it’s members regardless of the color, race or creed and that I am part of that. I hope that your community provides the same for you and the world can realize that as well.

May was full of many things. June might be even more jam packed.

April in Review

In many ways, April might have been one of the best months for me, ever. I am so extremely lucky and grateful that my family and extended family are well and safe. For me staying home is a blessing and a privilege and a glimpse into a better life more aligned with my priorities.

That being said, this was still a month of fear, uncertainty and anxiety as well and my heart goes out to each and every person affected now (so everyone on Earth).

1) Early apple blossoms 2) Homemade zero waste citrus marmalade 3) Corn bread, honey and butter from an expired bread mix 4) Dogwood.

1) Deal Lake Drive #watchercat 2) Kitty in high contrast 3) In greens and black 4) Porch cat

1) Night heron out a little early 2) Matte black!! (#myfavoritetrucksofasburypark) 3) Sunset 4) Vanished

1) Restricted area 2) Evening light through daffodils 3) Fire side 4) Sleeping late

April, you were a surprise.
May, welcome to the new world.

March in Review

Wow March…. OK.

1) Loveliest foot stool ever? 2) Last golden hour from the boardwalk for the foreseeable future. 3) Vitamin C. 4) friends in high places.

1) Pandemic pancakes. 2) New friend named Blue. 3) Getting things accomplished. 4) Not the first ice cream of Summer, but getting close.

1) White watcher. 2) Blue by you. 3) Shop keep. 4) THE Big Boy.

Clearly March was not how anyone was expecting. Although there was much fear, worry, anxiety, and uncertainness, it was not a bad month for us here. We are thankful for our home, our health, our connection to friends and family, the health of those friends and family, our time together and our time with our cats.

We hope, you all, dear readers, are doing well, and staying safe.

The world is changing rapidly and it is hard to tell what each day will bring. Here is April and we will see what we shall see.

February in Review

February can be the longest month, but this one went quite quickly. We had a chance to explore, visit friends and family, see #watchercats and take care of our furry family, but it was a bit of a whirlwind.

The weather was up and down this month. There were frigid days and days that bordered on spring time warmth. We tried to take advantage of the warmer days, and tried to hide out inside and keep up with our kitties on days that weren’t warm. Some #watchercats were out this month, but many were keeping out of sight and away from winter. There was a lot of work this month, but we also had time to take off and relax.

February can be a very tough month and I can tend to disregard it, wallow if you like. This Feb took a toll, but was balanced with extremely nice things as well. It’s March now and it’s time to kick into a higher gear.

January in Review

Another year, another January. This one felt long and short. It was a a month for hard work, travel, taking care of family and friends.

There was beauty in everyday life this month. We lucked into seeing so many amazing everyday sights. We traveled to some of our favorite places and we visited friends and family.

We saw #watchercats and and took care of our furry family. We took care of the house and we tried to love some of out new year resolutions.

For 2020, I would love to find some ways to mark the months, make sure I am being mindful of time passing. What are some of the ways you reflect on your time?

January is the year off to a great start. What will February bring?

December in Review

Another year’s end! December was a busy month; holidays and seeing loved ones, unexpected illnesses, supporting friends, staying cozy and working hard.

The beginning of the month saw the only snow of late 2019 so we stayed inside and hunkered down.

But not for long. A trip to warmer climes was made shortly into the month. Visit friend and helping them was a theme this month.

The rest of the month was more mild and #watchercats and #myfavoritetrucksofasburypark were out and about, as were we. We tried to walk and explore near home a little in Dec. New spots were found.

We worked a lot, dreamed some dreams and tried to set ourselves up for the new year, new decade, ahead. Kick starting creativity was a priority.

It’s hard to believe travel took me half way across the country this month, but that’s the thing about a year, you never can tell. What does January and 2020 have in store?

November in Review

November started busy, stayed busy, ended busy. November was a whirl wind. We saw so much family and friends, explored new places, visited old haunts, saw change and renewal. We still had time to rest.

In the beginning of the month we were traveling. We got to see our family in the south, which is always a rare and special occasion. We got to visit areas that we haven’t seen in many years, and it was so interesting to see what had changed, and how things stay the same.

We also had friends visit us this month which is always a pretty rare occurrence. Life and work were busy this month. Having many celebrations broke the month us, and made it move even quicker.

We were able to walk and explore some at home. #watchercats were feeling the weather change, but many were out and about this month.

The month ended with a family centric holiday which was a great balance to seeing fam in the beginning as well. Getting to make traditional foods, play games, and generally relax with family is always a nice change for us.

There was a lot of work in Nov, but a lot of rest as well. We only have one more month to the year. Let’s say hello to December and goodbye to 2019.

October in Review

October was a good month, busy and warm and rainy and blustery. A true taste of Fall with changing leaves, the remains of summer dwindling, bookended by travel and giving a taste of Winter.

#watercats like the cool but sunny days, the last of the bugs, bees and butterflies visited, some trips were made, some travel had. We explored some old haunts, went on new adventures in our own town and got to travel to distant cities.

October seemed short, being packed full of anniversaries, events, openings, and other milestones. But it was long with warm stretches, windstorms, the last beach days, the first winter nights.

October went by in a rush, Autumn feels almost over. November has already started off busy, let’s see where it leads.

September in Review

September is a month to look forward to each year. But it’s also a month that flies by. We traveled this month, relaxed, spent time with family and friends, changed our household, and didn’t get as much rest as we had hoped. We swam, and enjoyed local’s Summer as well as working hard.

We tried to get to the beach as much as possible, #septemberswims being high on our list of priorities. We even dipped our toes in a far away lake.

Our home life changed with the addition of a new house member, so taking care of the house and the cats were key. We got to meet up with friends, new and old. We got to take care of new cats and visit with some we had missed!

Traveling and exploring were a theme this month. We visited new places near and far.

September was an indulgent month, with travel and good food and drink. We might have spent too much, but we enjoyed ourselves! It wasn’t all a joy ride, we also spent money on things we needed like a new car!

Here are some things I learned, or relearened in September:
- You can get used to just about anything as long as you have a positive attitude.
- I love to travel, but being home is just as nice.
-Drinking more water is always best.

Local’s summer was as good as can be. What will October bring?

August in Review

I never intend for August to get away from me, but it always does. Bc of my seasonal job, bc of Summer, bc Of my husbands seasonal job, bc of the warm weather, August is always a very busy month. Work is a focus, but we also try to get some beach and nature time in, see family and friends, and prepare for the rest of the year.

There were plenty of #watchercats out and about in August. Despite the heat, you could find them peering off of porches, or out from air conditioned houses. There were butterflies and bees around all August long.

We were able to visit with friends and family a bit even though it was a hectic month. BBQs, small adventures, farmers markets and more were more fun with company.

We spent a lot of our free time this month hanging out in our city by the sea. We took time to walk on the boardwalk, observe the city, enjoy the beach.

August was busy and lovely, but tiring also. I am so excited to celebrate local’s summer and September.

July in Review

July finally seemed like a month I could sink my teeth into. It was a full month, lots of work, some beach time, some exploring, long walks, a show, a little bit of travel, fireworks!

My husband took two trips in July, and while I mostly said home and hid in the one AC’d room we have, I was also able to spot some #watchercats near home and abroad.

Summer means smoothie bowls, ice cream and watermelon! With those treats also came heat waves. and thunder storms.

We tried to stay close to home a good deal, and took many walks in July. We met kittens and saw old friends. We met new old friends, too (I’m still contemplating my meeting with @mermaidtrousers). We helped celebrate friends (@mobilehearth, @sentimentalhogwash) and family (happy birthday @g_d_johnson!).

The garden finally blew up in July (more on that in the garden update) and we were so happy to enjoy some home grown meals, welcome monarchs and other pollinators, and take nightly strolls around the yard to see what changed for a sunny day.

July historically isn’t the best month for blogging or creative work and while it’s true we didn’t get much done in that respect, it still feels like a banner month. July was full, healthy and vibrant. August will you turn it up a notch?

June in Review

Looking back, June seemed so long! I feel like I barely remember all that happened in June.

We went on garden tours, saw family and friends, I took a trip to Brooklyn, we tried to stay dry in all the wet weather. We saw #watchercats and #favoritetrucks, we swam in the ocean, and walked around town.

1) A snippet of Brooklyn, 2) a sparkle of sky, 3) a style of driving, 4) a skyline to spy.

It was a great month for visiting and visitor, new and frequent. Brooklyn was like a time capsule, and seeing family was like coming home. We had guests from BK, FL, OR and NJ.

1) a duo of brothers, 2) one eye to lend, 3) relaxed on the porch, 4) a black and white friend.

When they weren’t hiding from the rain, watcher cats were plentiful and often draped out beating the heat.

The garden went from meager beginnings, to full swing. Flowers were everywhere!

1) A master of color, 2) some cozy light beams, 3) ready for take off, 4) bursting at seams.

We tried to focus on the plants, our plans, the cats, and our home in June. We walked, we swam, we rejoiced in the rain and sun.

June was a long transition into Summer. July, what will you bring?

May In Review

I usually wait and pine for Summer, counting each day until I can wear bare feet, the weather is warm and everything is green. But somehow this year Summer has snuck up on me. I am still shocked to see all the flowers and freely move about in the sun and warmth.

In May we worked towards getting the garden started, taking a little time off, gearing up for the high season at our jobs, walk around our neighborhood and work on our home.

May was a great month for #watchercats as they were happily enjoying the weather, too. It was also traditionally a great moth for flower gazing.

We didn’t travel much this month, but we made a lot of good plans for next month.

May felt like a month for starting things, seeds growing, and thinking about new projects. In a way, feeling that way in May feels like I’m behind in the year. Waiting for Summer, I usually have the “starting” phase earlier. But I don’t feel behind this month, I feel like there are many good things to come.

That being said, May flew by, I hope to slow down in June.

April in Review

April is over and on to May!

What were some struggles you faced in April? What were some challenges you overcame or figured out? What was some joy you held?

I’m always so glad for Spring and April was a great month for it. But I am even more excited for what may has in store!

March in Review

I kinda of always expect February to be the hardest winter month of the year, but then comes March.

March was a super tough month, lots of work, stress, exhaustion, and went by in a flash. But March is also when we start to see some signs of spring.

It was a great month for #watchercats and cats in general; all three of our family went to the vet for check ups! We were able to take some walks and do a little exploring despite the month being less than easy. We saw some family and friends this month. I love when people come to visit us in Asbury Park, and that happened in March!

Another of my favorite activities is to visit interesting grocery stores! We got to visit three new and different groceries this month! Bring me all the fruit I’ve never heard of! Although the weather was still mostly chilly we had a few warm days and we opened the windows and threw on some records.

Overall, there was great things that happened in March and there were hard things in March. I can safely say that I’m glad it’s over! April, I have some high expectations…. Are you ready?

February in Review

February is always a packed month, but this year it was especially so. We had many celebrations, much work, much fun, visiting and exploration.

The very beginning of the month started in Cape May, NJ, for our 6th anniversary. My birthday is also in this month and we spent that at he beach, as well. At the end of February, we took a very special family trip to New Orleans, LA. I also went on a quick jaunt to Ardmore, PA.

It was super cold this month, with a few weird warm days sprinkled in to keep us on our toes. But #watchercats were out and about in Feb, taking in the sun when possible.

We tried a few new restaurants, and explored NJ a bit this in February. But we also got to visit old haunts in New Orleans! It was a treat to share some of our favorite spots with family!

February is always kinda of blur, being the shortest and coldest month here. There is the faintest whiff of spring in the air, but I have a feeling March will be another long wintery month. Let’s see!

January in Review

Alright, the year is 1/12th over. Full steam ahead, go go go.

January was cold, busy, and brief. Lots of work, lots of naps, lots of cold walks.

We visited with family, celebrated with friends, watched the sky and stayed at home. And now January is over.

Only 48 more days until Spring. Let’s get started.

December in Review

Well, that’s 2018 Done and Dusted!

Last night, for the last few minutes of the year the whole family (people and cats) were eating a late dinner and before we knew it is was 12:01am. It was the first year in a really long time that we had “missed” new years. But we were happy together as a family, content, well fed, but not quite in line with everyone else in the world. It felt like a good metaphor for the year. And an interesting thing to see at the start of a new year.

In December, we saw friends and family and had low key celebrations. We got back into doing a few beach walks, and tried to spend our time off together doing things we love. We were sick this month, so self care was a priority.

This month we made a conscious effort to create more, to eat healthy, to make new habits, and to care for the health of ourselves and the cats.

#watchercats were few, but we saw some this month!

We worked on our house a little in December but more than work, we identified somethings we want to work on in 2019.

Overall, Dec went by quick and easy, and it was a good month.

Now we are ready to say goodbye to December, goodbye to 2018, and hello to 2019.