Update

The way things are going, this will probably be my last post before our two-week tour of Italy.

In between doing routine chores, spring cleaning, watching the grands, and working out, I've mostly been focused on trip research as well as trip prep such as making lists and purchasing and gathering items to pack. The last time we were gone for two weeks was when we went to South Korea for my son's wedding eight years ago. Let me tell you, two weeks out of the country takes a lot of planning and organizing!

One thing that wasn't planned, but turned out to be lucky, was hubby's iPhone dieing last week. We quickly learned we were both eligible for new phones under our Verizon plan at no additional cost. And because, on this trip for the first time, I had planned to primarily use the camera on my phone, the timing couldn't have been better. The iPhone 7 has a much better camera than my old iPhone 6s.

Here's hoping all else with this trip goes as well. If not, it won't be for my lack of excessive planning and preparing – LOL!

Midwest Extreme Weather

The weather here has been extreme. We had several straight days of pouring rain, which is now causing major flooding. The flooding is so bad schools are closed today and will probably be, again, tomorrow. Some school buildings are flooded and several streets are impassable, making untouched roads traffic nightmares.

The heavy rains have also caused a lot of residential problems. It's evident by the trucks and trailers filled with piles of miscellaneous stuff sitting outside people's homes that many basements have sprung leaks. Ours isn't that bad, but we're definitely dealing, again, with a wet basement. We were aware of one foundation crack, but it now appears there are at least a couple more. It's a chronic problem in our area due to the clay-like soil. But, fortunately, no water seeped into the area we just finished and decorated. And I'm so glad we just did a massive basement purge. Less stuff to move or try to save.

The sun game out yesterday and is shining brightly today. But the temperatures are in the 50s and 60s, and in the 40s at night. This morning I finally caved and turned on the heat. Just a couple of weeks ago we were running the air conditioning.

I've lived in this area all my life. I should be used to our crazy spring weather, high and low temperatures, tornadoes, and severe rain. But every year I'm surprised. I think it's because when the weather finally warms after winter, I'm just so grateful and want to enjoy every minute before the crazy midwest summer heat and humidity hits.

As Missourians say, "if you don't like the weather now, just wait five minutes." It could be worse. But it's often better. And or spring and fall colors are hard to beat.

Happy 2017 Easter!

It was granddaughter Reya's first Easter, which made today extra special. She grows cuter every day, and is still an easy baby. Unfortunately, since Reya's my son and DIL's first child, they can't fully appreciate just how lucky they are. But, after two loud, active, and often challenging grandsons, I'm truly grateful for a granddaughter with a super easy-going and quiet personality.

And I'm grateful for the time we have with Reya before her parents decide to move back to South Korea. Their plans seem to change daily, so we don't really know when that will happen. But just knowing it will some day makes every holiday with Reya even more special.

Nine-month-old Reya.

The color-coordinated outfits were totally unplanned!
{Elliott (11); Reya (9 months); Jonah (7)}

Drink Water!

For approximately two years I've been dealing, struggling, and suffering with various aches and pains in my legs from my hips to my feet. Every morning I woke never knowing what leg or what particular area would give me trouble that day.

Thankfully, for the most part, any particular pain would lessen once I started walking. But, for sure, it was a chronic issue that drained my energy and spirit. I sadly just figured leg and feet pain was old age for me. And it's what would eventually keep me from working out.

Then two weeks ago I decided to start each day with two full glasses of water. I also began drinking a full bottle or glass of water every 1-2 hours throughout my waking hours. And upping my daily water intake was the only thing I did differently with regard to my health. Therefore, I have to believe water is why things have improved so drastically and amazingly.

Within one day of consuming so much water, all of the pains in my legs and feet were gone. Plus, except for the days I'm suffering from spring allergens, I have much more energy.

Naturally, I was extremely skeptical at first, thinking it was just a weird occurrence that wouldn't last. But after two weeks, I'm convinced the improvement in my health is all due to drinking a lot more water.

I guess for years I was extremely dehydrated even though I never felt thirsty. Now, whether thirsty or not, I drink. I drink a lot of water!