Perhaps its the change of seasons that makes me eschew my leather, corsets and boots for sundresses, sandals and a smile.

These random thoughts are directed at no one in particular; more to the teen and twentysomething goth kids who blog about, well, all the same stuff, it seems to me. But that's what those years are about; you have barely lived at 21, and at that age anything and everything should be fascintating to you , sometimes to the point of obsession. However, sometimes that mopey, negative, and sometimes aggressive attitude that some of these guys and gals emulate grates on my nerves. Gee, I can't wait until I have a teenager in the house. Argh!

addendum: during my pre-bed-ritual hot bath, I stumbled across a statement that I fell aptly describes my attitudes:

I played a copy of a tape that was made when I was 18 months old, singing that very verse, for my daughter. She didn't seem too impressed!

But today is a sunny, humid day. Compared to last spring which was cool and gray, this year we have had many gorgeous "outdoor days" which is ever so helpful when trying to allow a certian four-year-old to expend her seemingly boundless energy!

I am somewhat saddened as next week is her last week of school. Also, I don't have any information on the days and times she will be attending preschool next year, but that usually is sent out to the parents in June or July. I have been nothing but thrilled with the preschool program she attended - it was a perfect "fit" for her and the special issues she was dealing with at the beginning of the school year. She has grown SO much, physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. She went from being considered a "problem child" to "gifted" (words used by school teachers/admnistrators)  so it demonstrates to me that the classroom setting was right for her to overcome her behavior issues and really blossom into an amazing kid.

We just came in after lunching on the patio, and relaxing in the "family size" wading pool. I just love water. Pools, oceans, lakes...and thankfully my little one shares my aquatic enthusiasm. In a week-and-a half we'll be headng out east to visit family and spend time at the Jersey shore. The ocean and inlet will likely still be too cold for much swimming, but my folks' townhouse complex has a lovely pool so that should be a nice compliment to the beach time.

I felt so "macho" today, as the humidity was too much to bear in the house, even with windows open. I hauled one window a/c unit out of the crawlspace, up the stairs, balanced it ever-so-deftly in the bedroom window and voilia! A much-improved indoor climate. Hubby said he'd help install the other two units tonight, so that will ensure comfortable environs for all. We had comtemplated investing in central air but our small ranch house stays cool with just two window units, and the basement family room is cool year-round, so it'd be something of a waste of money and effort.  Certainly if we ever build an addition on this house, then we'd add in the the central air but for now, I'll roll up my sleeves, flex my muscles, brace my back, and haul the window unit into position for another season!

However, when two male robins eyed the bath, they battled furiously over who would alight on it and partake of the aquatic delights! The robins are the most entertaining in the bath - they roll and splash, dance and splatter for quite extended "bathing" sessions. I also put out some minced week-old apple pancakes on the ground near the bird feeder. As I have read, the robins took to the fruity, starchy treats, even dunking the pieces in the bath first to make them even more soggy and delectable!

I also got a new hanging "squirrel proof" feeder, but I thinkI need to move it to a new location, as it hangs over a walkway into the yard, which creates a disturbance.

On another note, tonight I am supposed to be having dinner with friends to belatedly celebrate my birthday; I just hope we can get seated at the restaurant we chose on a busy Saturday night.

So, I listened, and hopefully helped him realize that he can't hold out hope that he can see her again. That doing so would be even more hurtful for him. One thing is he has a great sense of humor so I think once he purges/vents about what is weighing on his mind, he feels better. I know I am that way, too. I think its a pretty healthy way to be, actually...

I think of my backyard as a true "outdoor room" - our house is so small that having the ability to move...elsewhere and not be cooped up, well its critical to my well-being!

My great disappointment is that with all of my medical bills from the various doctor visits, tests, and surgeries, we don't have any money in the budget right now for a nice new chaise lounge. I adore sitting out in the sun (in moderation, of course!) whenever the weather permits. And I found the coolest-looking wood chaise online for a great price...but it will have to wait for another month, perhaps even another year. I did get a gift certificate for my birthday, and besides some new workout clothes and accessories, I think I need a new bird feeder and squirrel baffle. Other than that, my yard is shaping up quite nicely this year.

Last year I found a great deal on a lawn swing - and argued for it, agreeing to assemble it myself etc. Well, as it turns out, we spent countless hours sitting out there until the cold of fall set in. My father-in-law even commended me on what a great addition to our yard it made! I set it up again last month and after my yard work, it was such a wonderful respite to sit back, swinging, listening to the chatter of the birds and smelling all the fresh greenery around me. Ahhhh!

Sometimes I think I'd be better suited to warmer climate...considering how much I dislike the cold, wet fall and early winters we have here. But I really do adore the community here; and I can't imagine spending summer anywhere else.

And then next week...hubby and child are going out of town for a few days and I already have some pretty wild (and likely NOT posted on this "vanilla" blog!) adventures planned for myself ...