Robin kept removing pieces of her attire that got uncomfortable until we were almost home and then she got a briar stuck in her toe and I thought we might have to call an EMT to hold her down while I tried to remove it. Just a few tears shed. Christina punched out early when she had to pee and then she never came back. I think despite it all, everyone had fun. These were some of the most fun costumes we’ve ever done. And even I dressed up! I cannot even remember the last time I wore a costume for Halloween. High school, maybe? It was fun and we got a lot of compliments. And I am so relieved I don’t ever have to wear contacts ever again.
Category: October 2024
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October 30
We got some incredibly nice feedback about Christina from her dean today. I’m proud of her. I am not as proud of the Yankees. But… they still have a couple innings and a slim lead, so maybe I should shut up. What else is new?
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October 29
We went to the pumpkin patch tonight and Christina picked out at least three or four perfect pumpkins before settling on one. Robin found a dented one in the first three minutes we were there and didn’t even bother looking at others after that. Can’t wait to see what faces emerge from these guys in a couple days.
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October 28
For the first time in forever, I have a Halloween costume. I bought a flapper outfit and I’m totally excited to wear it every day. I’ve been obsessed with figuring out how to do my hair and makeup. I may wear it to meetings at work.
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October 27
Got in a four-mile hike at Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve while Christina was at a dance team party nearby. It was a good, fast-paced hike so I wouldn’t be late picking her up. The weather, once again, was beautiful. I want to wring every minute of outdoor time I can get out of this vacation.
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October 26
In an attempt to support local small businesses and continue getting out of the house, I took the girls to the Riverside Arts Market to try to find a birthday gift for Christina’s friend. They were amazed at all there was to see there, and we didn’t even go down to the performance stage. They found one booth that was just filled with earrings of all kinds, almost anything imaginable (except, as Billy pointed out, they did not have anything with a Penn State theme). We spent most of our time (and money) there, but enjoyed looking at everything. The birthday party was fun, again at Sweet Pete’s, although we had a hell of a time getting there, thanks to a train parked on the tracks just six minutes away from the shop. We ended up backtracking halfway home to get around it and got there half an hour late. At least the drawbridge wasn’t up when we finally got to it. As it turns out, even half an hour late, Christina was the first to arrive at the party. All in all a pretty good day. Except for the Yankees game. That sucked. I knew facing the Dodgers was going to be a challenge, but I’d still hoped we’d win at least one of the first two games. It’s an uphill road from here, but we’ll see!
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October 25
On my last day of fall vacation, I hiked Little Talbot Island. I thought I had bug spray in my trunk, but discovered when I got there that I didn’t. It was unfortunate, because there were approximately two billion mosquitos on the trail. I swatted them away for about two thirds of a mile and almost turned back, but then thought about the beach blanket in my backpack. I draped it over my shoulders and arms and it worked perfectly! Then I only had to swat around my face. Luckily, they mostly stayed away from my face as long as I kept moving. When I took out my lunch once I got to the beach, lo and behold, I found two cans of bug spray at the bottom of my backpack. It’s good to be prepared.
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October 24
Had to call 911 today after stopping at a crash scene on the way to dance. Several other drivers in front of me would have had a clear view of what happened, but none stopped. I was a few cars back and only heard the crash, but at least I stopped to call for help. At least three cars were involved and one person had to be taken in an ambulance, but no one seemed seriously hurt. I am angry and dismayed that there were witnesses who just kept driving. I am also mad at the assholes who were purposely feeding squirrels at the park. They brought a gallon-sized bag of food specifically to feed them. I’m sure all these people have their reasons for behaving this way. Doesn’t make me any less disappointed in humanity.
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October 23
Finally managed some outdoor time during my week off from work. I found a nice secluded spot near the river (that was still somehow invaded by someone collecting rocks with her dog) and sat in the shade with a nice cool breeze and the water lapping against the shore. It was so peaceful and so needed.
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October 22
I had a pretty productive day, and got this sweet owl ready for Christmas. It’s not looking likely that I’ll finish in time for this year, but I think definitely by next year. Making these ornaments has been fun. Some of them are better than others, but I’ve enjoyed making them all. I can’t wait to see this all finished and in action. The surprise of seeing which ornament you’ve pulled out of the pocket is more fun than I realized it would be. I’m always surprised when one of my ideas actually works out.
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October 21
Had lunch with Myrna today, which is always a good time. I wish I’d had a little more time for myself today, but even on a day off, I can’t seem to make it happen. It is really starting to frustrate me.
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October 20
It was a pretty quiet day today. I had hoped to go for a hike, but couldn’t string together enough consecutive time to make it happen, and then it started drizzling. We did make it around the block after dinner with the dogs. I need to start taking more walks with Pinot on my own to try to teach him to be cool around other people on the street. His barking and lunging is really becoming embarrassing.
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October 19
Robin and I had a great afternoon shopping at Sweet Pete’s while Christina was there for a birthday party. We went for a walk around downtown, which frankly was a little sad. It is so desolate. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the downtown area of a city like Jacksonville should be bustling with people. We didn’t even see traffic on the roads. I have heard people talk about how sad it is, but now I know.
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October 18
It was another stressful day at work, but the good news is I have a week off coming up. Started it off with dinner out as a family for the first time in what feels like forever. Life keeps lifing and getting in the way of living. Hoping we can strike a better balance this week.
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October 17
It’s not even 10pm and I am exhausted. Today was so stressful. One stupid mistake after another at work (none of them mine, but all of them mine to fix), Christina nearly got suspended for bringing the empty shell casing she pulled out of the river in South Carolina to school, some guy drove alongside me with his window rolled down screaming at me because I got in his way when he tried to make a right turn into the leftmost lane of a three-lane road, and it took nearly 30 minutes to make the 15-minute drive home from dance because there was a nasty accident directly in front of the parking lot exit that had the road blocked off with nowhere to go. Oh yeah, and Clay Holmes did his thing and blew game 3 in the bottom of the 10th, giving up a two-out walk-off home run. This is not the photo I wanted to represent my day, but this is what we get today. Halloween costume preview.
Year in Photos 