{Stay}Cation

I took the last week off and celebrated after work last Friday with the first "picnic" of the season (Arby's take-out at Bullhead Point Pavilion on Lake Neatahwanta), and a little Pokémon Go, with my love.

Team Mystic for the win!

Saturday, we woke up at our usual weekday time, despite wanting to sleep later, and although we hit traffic delays from the Memorial Day parade and carnival -- and had to shop at the store that takes us the longest! -- we had everything done and were back home earlier than usual! I even had time to bake a tasty treat: Ultimate Pretzel-Crusted Peanut Butter Cookie Candy Brownie Bars to which I added Rolos and Dark Chocolate PB Thins instead of the regular PB cups. I do not recommend the Rolos, but the thins were perfect.

Misty Morning Sunrise

Sunday felt strange. Like it was still a regular weekend day, but I did so much! Most Sundays, I'm either resting or in some state of anxiety-induced inertia, but last week I did a lot of gardening, some painting, some organizing, and watched two movies! 

Marigolds in my new garden!

Monday was just as strange as Sunday. I did a little more gardening, sorted through my seeds, did a LOT of painting, but didn't *finish* anything. I went to bed feeling like I did a lot, but still felt bad because I didn't really accomplish anything. Productivity culture really messes with your head.

Cleaned up garden-to-be area

Tuesday saw more moving plants around, replanting them in new places, continuing on some art projects, and dinner out, courtesy of Jacqueline's sister & brother-in-law, after which we toured their gardens and brought home a leafy peony to add to our gardens!

BBQ Pit stone-fired pizza and a coconut mojito mocktail for me!

Wednesday was an arting day. I tried to do some gardening but it was far too hot once the sun got over the trees. I created two pieces for the final day of Mermay (you can see them on my Facebook), testing out the supplies from my last two Sketchboxes, and finished some pieces for a coworker that I've been working on for quite a while.

So many half-finished projects!

Thursday was another hot day. I got the peonies planted, with Jacqueline's help, before the sun got to high in the sky, and then spent much time in the house under fans. I took quite a bit of time researching  for yet another yard & garden project I hope to accomplish soon.

Radishes planted and surrounded by a protective ring of marigolds.
Tomatoes struggling in the heat after transplanting.

Friday, we did all our usual Saturday errands and the usual Friday night laundry. It was a full day, but we were still home well before dinner and I still have two days of vacation left!

The perfect unofficial start to the summer:
a mango pineapple coconut refresher and a free donut!

Saturday morning my beloved left for an overnight trip to see Ed Sheeran in Philadelphia. I am so happy she got to go! However, by Saturday night, I remembered one of the things she does best. She lets me hyperfocus, but reminds me to eat and take breaks. I spent so many hours gardening and taking care of houseplants, planting and watering, separating, repotting and potting up cuttings... It was almost 8 p.m. when I realized how long it had been since I last ate! I was glad to have gotten all that work done, as it really had been too hot earlier in the week, but wow did I not feel so good!

Buttercups! Not one of the plants I took care of,
just wild on the side of the road on our morning walk.

Today is the last day of my {stay}cation and my beloved will be home. I cleaned up all my messes from yesterday in both the front yard and in the kitchen and living room. I can't wait for her to come home and tell me everything. I could wait longer for the vacation to end, but tomorrow I return to work. *sadface*

One of the regulars at out feeder visited with me this morning.

If you've made it this far, woot! Thank you for reading! ♥