Today was a nice, slow day. A day filled with some relatively easy chores but also some empty space.

I cleaned the house, with vacuuming and mopping with Murphy’s oil

My daughter decided that she needed to organize her room (unheard of) and she did organize her clothes (sweaters with sweaters, pants with pants, etc)

Mid afternoon, I took a nap and read some of my current novel

Around 4pm, I went for a walk, alone and with no phone. The sun was setting and tops of the trees were tinged with gold.

T and I put away laundry

From about 6 to 8, the kids played so nicely, T and I started a movie. The kids arranged all their plush animals in a big circle so I asked “you guys are doing a ritualistic sacrifice?” They go, “no, we are playing school.”

Other things on my mind… I worry about my parents who live in Russia and are both in their 80s. Dad is a stroke patient, and mom is his caretaker. I have a feeling that one day my life will be turned upside down, that I may have to take an extended leave from work to go there.

Also, perimenopause and how it is making me feel, especially the time after ovulation leading up to period. During those two weeks I am struggling with low energy and moodiness.

I often think about my friend group. My sister friends are very special to me but, the four of us are slowly growing apart. We used to touch base every few days in the WhatsApp group, and now it’s more like every few weeks. Two friends are divorced, and one is a widow. All three ladies are either actively dating or in a committed relationship. One is a new grandma. Meanwhile I’m juggling small kids, still. It seems that all of us are in entirely different stages of life.

How was your Saturday? What is on your mind? Do you have some friends that used to be close by slowly grew apart?

This month I am participating in #NaBloPoMo2025. A running list of participants can be found on San’s NaBloPoMo page as well as more information about this lovely initiative on this NaBloPoMo page.

Pic on the front: a fiery tree in our back yard.