It turned out to be a bit of a lost weekend, which is fine — some work on the next project, lots of just kind of muttering around, cleaning, laundry, that sort of thing. I think I needed that as a general restorative. The important thing is the mood is up, which is good — sometimes not doing much leads to a slump, but I’m feeling pretty good.

I’ve been off-piste for tracking for the last while, which started with moving my checklist box — I think I need to reposition that as central, and get back on evening planking and checking in, and especially banjo, which I actually kind of miss.

Late Jerkpod, but a very productive morning! Made scones, went to the store, did the dishes, did some work on Dry and Mighty, got an ironing board cover, provided tech support for a colleague.

Another late night shift for my wife, so I’m going to be spending the afternoon plugging away on Dry and Mighty and possibly some other web stuff as well as a little goofing around with intention.

Up early — cat stuff — and prepping for the radio show while contemplating a sore throat. This will be the first weekend in weeks where I haven’t had stuff going on, as we’ve had family visits the last while, and I’m kind of looking forward to the lack of structure. Not free time, per se, always lots to do around the house, but the lack of predetermined things to do.

Food’s been okay for the last while, but my tracking and checklists have been off; with a bit of headspace this weekend, it’s a good time to set that up for the run to the finish of this project and the launch of the next one — which will probably be a big focus of the weekend.

Great to get out on the water in the morning, with herons and hawks and a swimming muskrat, as well as a tumult of geese, ducks, seagulls and the usual:

It’s a self-care thing and exercise — paddling was restorative when I was down in the dumps, so making time to do it when I’m feeling good only makes sense. And it is good exercise, especially when you get out past the baylet and into some wind.

A great way to get a workout in and also balance the brain and the heart — nothing seems that serious when I’m out on the water, especially when a hawk catches a crossbreeze and just hovers above the boat for 5-6 seconds before moving on.

Good run this morning. And a good day yesterday! Dry and Mighty is starting to take shape; website is under construction, some social media placeholders are set up, and a few good conversations about content, audience, etc.

After a few days off work, am I ready to retire? It sure feels like it — the days are full, and I totally get how people get busier post-retirement. We spent most of the morning cleaning the fridge! It went well! The fridge looks great! But that was, like, the morning. I’m starting to get a better sense of how people fill retirement time, and why my parents’ house always looks so great.

Two weeks till I start my academic career again, and… quick math… 44 days until Dry and Mighty begins. I’m trying to hit one post / piece of writing for the latter every day, which is doable (I do this daily, after all!). Both at the same time? Scary, but (probably) manageable. The key there is not to get too ambitious before it starts, or disappointed if it doesn’t meet up with my completely self-imposed and unnecessary expectations.

I managed to talk my wife into a morning paddle this morning, which has both been exercise and a great way to start the day — she loved it too, once we got on the water. Yesterday was a bit of a staycation bust; too much sun, headache, and an afternoon mainly lying around feeling poorly.

Today, though, I feel good. It’s going to be a day of cracking away at Dry & Mighty — registering a domain, setting up a website, all that good stuff. I’m looking forward to it!

No big plans for the day other than hopefully getting out on the water in the canoe for a bit, and supervising the cats — the older cat unfortunately had the “brain reset” thing happen just before the family arrived, so we’ve been isolating cats on top of hosting guests. It’s been a weird time.

Rough sleep so a rough start to the day, but I’m optimistic that I can flip this into a productive day if I get a good beginning, a mid-morning nap, and some focused time this afternoon. Fingers crossed!

Keeping it quick and quiet as there are guests in the next room — I kind of miss doing longer Jerkpods, to be honest, my attention’s just been elsewhere recently.

More family fun today, keeping things loose to roll with whatever plans my guests want to pursue. I’ll be back to “normal” by the late afternoon, and I’m hoping to spend the next couple of days working on Dry and Mighty — website setup, doing some test writing, test social media, etc.

Right now, I have to get back to getting breakfast, coffee, etc. sorted…

Back to hosting! Family in for lunch, afternoon, dinner, and overnight — I’m guessing about a 30-hour window of having my relatives here. I’m looking forward to it; I have to get in gear and do some tidying, grocery shopping, lunch prep, etc., but should be good to go for when they all roll in in about… four hours, I’m guessing.

Off to tidy and prep!

Time for a house day! More family visiting tomorrow and Monday (which I’m enthusiastic about! Honest!), and after the radio show it’ll be All Chores All The Time today, freeing up tomorrow for family time.

Everything’s on track!