Sunshine, Errands, and Steins: A Full Summer Thursday

After what feels like endless rain, today finally brought sunshine—and heat! A welcome shift, even if short-lived, with more rain still in the forecast. I started the day the best way: fresh coffees in bed, a little Spanish practice, and a casual scroll through socials with S.

He was off early to the rodeo grounds to meet the plumber and wrap up some water project work from yesterday. I took the quiet morning to touch up the painted paper towel holder and grab a few quick photos.

Then it was into blog mode—I realized I forgot to share the staged photos of the media cabinet that just sold, so that was first on the list. While uploading and covering tutorial videos for the nightstand makeover, I managed to sneak in a quick shower before my day got away from me.

With fresh energy, I hunted down a bridle a lady wants to buy—B will take to her at work tomorrow for lady to pick up. While I was at it, I cleaned up the bridle and gave my cowboy boots a little TLC too. Outside, I checked Roo’s bandage for B, yanked out more eager strawberry runners (seriously, fruit not foliage please!), and picked some fresh peas from the garden.

S returned with Cooper around 11:30 and grabbed a bowl of soup. I headed out with the dogs for a quick walk to get Coop his potty time and a bit of movement before we set off for a city run.

By noon, we were off. First stop: a new jigsaw (S’s has mysteriously vanished) and a ruler board for Sharon’s “grandma ruler” project. He dropped me at my appointment with a minute to spare, and for once I only waited ten minutes—telemed may still win in convenience, but this one was smooth and fast.

Afterward, we hit the Calgary Farmers Market—finally landing there on an open day. So many fun booths full of veggies, meats, handmade goods... even one of my favorite gin makers. I picked up some canned G&Ts while S scored his must-have hot sauce. I grabbed a hearty salad for a late lunch, too.

Then we made the always-dangerous Costco stop. As usual, the cart filled itself. I packed the car while S grabbed us ice cream sundaes for the drive home—sweet and satisfying. Back at the ranch, the dogs got a run, dinner, and we put our new food vacuum sealer to work on those jumbo chicken packs—an anniversary gift from Ma & Pa that’s already proving handy.

this ring Costco blew my mind, it is like a small car on your finger price

After a sunny evening walk with the dogs, we skipped dinner (thanks, ice cream!) and headed into town for a 6:30 meet-up with the Stouts at Origina’s. We couldn’t pass up their $10.50 stein special—cheers to that! We lucked out with another couple we knew joining our table, making it an extra social evening.

The night wrapped up with beers and stories around D & S’s deck firepit. On our way home before 11, we fueled up the truck—S’s experimental gas gauge approach was... let’s say risky.

Back home, he had a bowl of soup and caught up on news and sports, while I tucked in for a few episodes of Later Datersbefore lights out. A full, happy, summery day from start to finish.