Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #91: Simplicity

Life sure is simple these days. So simple, I have no clue what day it is. It’s like Groundhog Day to some extent…wake up, make coffee, work, walk the dog, eat dinner, play games, watch TV, go to bed. Day after day. Sometimes in the same outfit 24 hrs a day. Sometimes in my flannel pajamas with cats drinking martinis.

When I think about simplicity I think of life as a kid. The way we are living now, is how I lived life growing up in the 70’s and 80’s – finding creative ways to stay busy, feeling bored and trapped every now and again, but also doing a lot of FUN stuff. Here is my take on simplicity! Thanks Patti at Pilot Fish for this weeks photo challenge.

We have built probably 4 or 5 puzzles now. Our supply is running low and either we spend $40 per puzzle on Amazon, or we take what is left on the shelf at Walmart or Target. Like this interesting selection below. This is generally not our style of puzzle, but we have been watching the Tiger King on Netflix, so it almost seems fitting. If you haven’t seen it, and you want to watch a train wreck, this show is for you.

Today, we dragged out the bikes to explore the trails around our house and do a little grocery shopping.

Every time I ride a bike, it makes me think of the time my British friend Amelia rode bikes together when we were in 4th grade. We were pedaling as fast as our little stick legs could go down a fairly steep hill.

It was all fun and games until she slowed down right in front of me causing me to slam on the brakes. Before I knew it, I flew over my handlebars and slid down a black top paved road. The skin on my elbows and knees peeled right off. Yeah, my mom practically bathed me in Mercurochrome. Wasn’t that stuff banned for fear of mercury poisoning?

We left the grocery store with a tasty soda (don’t give me flack, we are experiencing hard times!) and a favorite dessert. Betty C, Sean and I have become really good friends over the past 3 weeks.

Saturday, we went on a hike with the pooch. It was the first day of warm weather and sun in a long time and the first hike in 3 weeks. We explored a new trail and practiced social distancing. This wasn’t too hard because there weren’t that many people on the trail. It felt so good to be outside – some place other than our backyard. The views of a local snow-capped peak were incredible.

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Our fish are coming out of their winter hibernation so to speak. They are hungry. Daily fish feeding time is always a joy. Pretty sure they are all bigger than last year – except Jimmy McGill, he seems to stay the same size (little one with the yellow head).

We got lucky Sunday! The sun was out and it was full on patio weather. We played 6 games of cribbage and 2 rounds of backgammon. Yep, I think I won 2 games out of all that. Lots of trash talking to go with those wins and losses!

And last but not least. The icing on the cake in all of this craziness, is being home for this one. He’s getting all kinds of exercise, love and treats. He found a fetch ball the other night and before we knew it, ate half of it. He is loving having both his parents around – or so we like to think.

Overall, life is still really good even with all the chaos in the world. Sean and I are finding solace in the simple things in life and that feels good.

…i choose this…

Pam