katesthoughts

Kicking off a two-week vacation on Labor Day 2025, the plan is to hang out with friends in Allentown. There'll be lots of walking, hitting the gym, and attending a conference. The second week is packed with meetings, a Meetup, and some bingo fun before getting ready to head back to work. Plus, there's a trip to Bishop’s Orchard for some apple picking and checking out the store. Sounds like a blast! 🍎😊

I've been reflecting on an observation: Whenever I mention my intention to undertake something, people often respond by inquiring about my work responsibilities. It is Labor Day for one. If you know I work at a university, you know I have the day off. It's my vacation too. Why do I get annoyed when they do this? It appears my eligibility for a vacation is being questioned. I resent it immensely. I avoid asking that question, particularly when I am aware of someone's occupation.

I am thrilled that several of my family members did send me birthday wishes despite the fact I believed that they were avoiding me or isolating from because of the situation with my sister.

I left for Bishop’s Farm Stand around 10:30, stopping briefly at the bank before getting on the highway. I expected empty roads, but the GPS prediction of light or no traffic was incorrect. I got there at 11 and Laura was waiting for me.

We walked around inside for ten minutes and then headed to the orchard on New England Road. Crowded place. We had to pay for a bag ($25) we walked around to get water. We proceeded to the orchard, where we found two varieties: Galla and McIntosh. Neither of us had the energy to walk up the whole row. So we went to Guilford Commons

While we were at Guilford Commons—or en route—our friend Faith, who was unable to make the trip herself, requested that we pick up a few items on her behalf. We didn’t see the messages until later.

We first stopped at Mooyah restaurant. I had heard about it for years and was interested in seeing it. It’s a hamburger joint. It was okay. Then we went to TJ Maxx. I wanted to look at Pocketbooks and shoes while Laura wanted to see coffee Mugs. I found the pricing structure and overall organization to be unsatisfactory. Reminded me of Christmas Tree shop or some discount place that really wasn’t discounted. We returned to the car, had a conversation, then retrieved my vehicle and went home.

I've been home since 2. I spent the afternoon watching tv with an occasional snooze. Late in the day I cleaned the bathroom, fed Sky, chatted with Next door and picked up prescriptions and did odds and ends.

Now I am heading to bed. I'll do housework tomorrow.