What has begun? Why, my annual Fall three day weekends, of course!
I don't usually start until after Labor Day, but I had a couple of extra PTO/ETO days, so I'm starting early this year. I mean, not extra days. I still haven 25 PTO and 3 ETO days. I just meant I had some I didn't yet use, and my company has a use them or lose them policy, so I had to put them in sometime.
I chose this time. Hey, it's as good a time as any.
As usual, I have a long list of things I'm wanting to get done during these days off, but most of them involve me making phone calls, and we all know how much I love doing that, so we'll just have to see how that goes. I will be sure to keep you in the loop on everything.
All that aside, the nicest thing about these days off is not having to get up and rush to get somewhere. Like work, for instance. I can sit and savor my morning cup of coffee in the peace and quiet. I don't even turn on the TV or radio. I just sit and enjoy the quiet.
This morning, it was even cool enough for me to open my French doors and let some fresh air into the house. It didn't last long, though, as it warmed up pretty quickly once the sun came up, but before it got too hot, I was able to get this entire side of my fence painted.

And I know I keep saying paint, but it's actually a waterproofing stain.
It's just easier to say paint.
I finally broke out that paint sprayer I'd bought just for this purpose, and after a bit of time getting to know each other, we came to a truce and really got to rolling. It went sooo much faster than using a paintbrush -- though I did use a brush to smooth out some of the glumpier spots. It's going to take two coats, but I think the second coat will go much faster and use much less of the stain as the first coat did. I'm telling you, that wood was thirsty! The paint was soaking in almost as fast as I could apply it.
I got that first side done, then took a little break. It was already hot in the sun, but in the shade it was still cool enough to go sit in one of my chairs by the fire pit -- though not cool enough for a fire -- and this thing came and kept me company.
She likes laying by the chair while I'm sitting in it. I don't know why. In the house, she always wants to sit on my lap.
Oh, and I finally found her brush, so maybe I can brush her more regularly and cut down on some of the hairballs, because yes, I came home yesterday and she'd gakked one up right in the middle of my bed...again. Sigh, I'm glad I dug out the old spare comforter that was Jesse's bed and put it on top of my good bedding. It's much easier to wash, and until we get this thing figured out, I suspect I'll be doing a lot more of that.
It was an absolutely beautiful morning, just right for being outside, and if that tree in the neighbor's yard hadn't blown over a couple of months ago, I might have stayed out there for a lot longer. Without that tree, my back yard gets much less shade.
As it was, I came back into the air conditioning for a while, and after a quick bite of lunch, it was time to get back at it. Painting the fence, I mean, and I got this much done before I ran out of paint.
But by that time, I was too sweaty and frizzy headed to want to get dressed and go into town to get more, so I'll get up and go in the morning. I might even run by the farmer's market on the way. Or I might not. I might want to get to the store and get back home before the first football game comes on.
Because, yes, college football starts tomorrow! There are only a few games, and none of my teams are playing, but I'll probably still watch. Better enjoy that stuff before it's gone because NIL is ruining college football.
I said what I said.
By the way, they're still predicting False Fall next week, and I'm so looking forward to it. I know it's only for a few days, but I'll take whatever I can get!
In other news, I've started watching
Mr. Let's Play Piano Methods' videos again, because I was feeling kind of lost. I'm still working my way through
Alfred's All-In-One Level 2, and as you can expect, the songs are getting a bit more advanced. Really, the things Mr. Methods does the most is to suggest different fingering, but he also points out tricky spots and explains a bit of theory -- though at this point there isn't much that hasn't already been covered.
Still, I'm hoping that watching his videos will light the spark again, and I'll feel more motivated to practice.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get off of here and watch Leann's newest flosstube. I usually watch YouTube on my computer, because I don't have to deal with ad breaks every five seconds.
Laters.