This week has been very rainy, which left my husband and me to get our exercise by way of rowing machine workouts in the basement. That gets uncomfortable in warm weather because we have the choices of (1) high humidity, or (2) running a dehumidifier for a long time, which makes the room hot, or (3) using the dehumidifier and blasting the air conditioning so we’re okay during the workouts, while otherwise freezing. We’ve thought about getting a window air conditioner for the workout room, but we haven’t been in this predicament often enough to get seriously motivated to do it.

Summer is almost here, though, and I am looking forward to much better days coming this way!

Word-art that says, "This way to a beautiful day."

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

Although we’ve had a lot of rain this spring and the river was too high for rowing this past week, Tuesday was still a good day because we loaded boats for transport to the (hopefully) sunny South.

Photo of Meg with new single scull named Aurora.

My husband and I bought new singles this year, and we’ll be racing them on Saturday morning in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which is one of our favorite rowing courses (Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota is the other). Because my new boat has a gold-and-red color scheme, and because single sculls often race at dawn when the water is calmest, I named her Aurora. This photograph under a cloudy sky doesn’t do her justice, but the colors sparkle much more brightly in full sunlight. Adventures, here we come!

I wasn’t feeling well yesterday and forgot to post my usual Nurturing Thursday entry before going to bed. When I sat down to do it just now, on Friday, I decided a suitable theme would be a reminder that it is okay to have days when something doesn’t come out quite right. That happens.

Word-art that says, "It is okay to start over; have bad days; be yourself; ask for help; be different; make mistakes."

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

The spring weather in this area has been cooler than usual, and often windy. At the beginning of the week, looking at the weather forecast, I was thinking that it might not be the most comfortable for rowing on the river with my husband.

It turned out to be all right, though. Monday was a bit windy, but relatively warm, and we had a good brisk workout. Tuesday was pretty good too. There was a strong and chilly wind on Wednesday, but it was manageable, and we were left with a sense of accomplishment. Today was also cool, but not overly so, and the water was fairly calm. Every day had something to appreciate.

Word-art that says, "Appreciate Everything."

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

May 14, 2026 · 2 comments · Categories: Musings · Tags:

My daughter is still in New Zealand and has been sending photos regularly, most of which feature her dog. Here’s a picture taken in the car after a trip to the groomer:

Photo of dog in car.

The dog is 12 years old and thus a senior dog. She appears to be enjoying her new surroundings and is full of energy. Other photos taken recently show her running around on beaches and romping in autumn leaves. I’m glad to see her doing so well, though it’s also sad when I think that she will likely never return to her puppyhood home (my house). Life marches on.

After a lot of rain earlier this week, it was bright and sunny today. Although the river was high and the current was fast, I went rowing with my husband in the late afternoon as usual. We went slowly, taking care to avoid floating logs and debris, and the wind felt a bit chilly. Still, it was better to get outdoors in nature, rather than being on the rowing machine in the basement; and I was left with a little spark of happy feelings afterward, which I decided to pass on to my readers this evening.

Word-art that says, "Sending a little spark of happy your way today."

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

My husband is a rowing referee, and in the spring season, he’s traveling almost every weekend to work at the youth regattas. The kids need a lot of help, he tells me. It’s a lot to do when he has a demanding full-time job as a software developer, but he loves the sport of rowing and pours his heart into it. Sometimes I come to watch the races when he works as a referee, and I’m always left smiling.

Word-art that says, "Whatever you do, do it with all your heart."

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

April 30, 2026 · Write a comment · Categories: Musings · Tags:

Last night, I dreamed that I was helping to take care of a baby. I thought I’d take the baby for a stroll through a lovely flower garden, and it would be lots of fun.

Photo of path through flower garden.

Unfortunately, the baby was wet, so instead I had to go get a diaper. Then I woke up.

I’m guessing that a responsible inner adult, somewhere in an unexciting corner of my subconscious, thought I could use a reminder that fun plans often come with not-so-pleasant details.

I finished my work by midafternoon because I’d gotten ahead on it yesterday while waiting for a big load of laundry to dry. Rather than jumping into any projects or household chores in today’s “extra” free time, I got myself a cup of hot tea and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Word-art that says, "Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is slow down and savor your tea."

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

This has been a quiet and restful week for me. Consistent with giving myself permission to be, as set forth in my 2026 New Year’s Resolution post, I’ve decided to treat myself to an “Allowed” list for this week’s Nurturing Thursday, as a helpful little reminder.


Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”