It's Time

This little girl came to stay with us on Friday afternoon:

She is called Ruthie, and she was Louis' first love :)  Louis shares all of his toys with her, and even allows her to snuggle with TEN and I.  Very impressive for our only pup!

After getting Miss Ruthie situated and such, TEN and I headed out to a birthday celebration for D.  We went to the new cajun restaurant that we all love so much, and I tried their Cajun Nachos with Lobster Cheese Sauce.  All I can say is YUMMMMMMMMMMMM!

~~~~~~Saturday~~~~~~~

Saturday we were up and at 'em rather early, as we were scheduled to pour wine at a wine festival at 11.  We had a bit of a drive, and got there just in time.  Boy, what an experience that turned out to be!  First, we saw the largest pig known to man.

(sorry, no picture to share because they aren't on my camera.  booo...)

Then, we rushed off to find the tent of the winery we were helping with tastings.

The festival welcomed horses and pups!  We plan to take Louis next year when we aren't volunteering :)

I have to tell you that the owner of the winery we volunteered to help was just lovely, as were most of the other volunteers.  HOWEVER, there was an older couple (who apparently lives across the street from the winery) who were a bit "over enthusiastic" one might say?  They constantly corrected us, told us we were doing things wrong, interrupted us when we were talking to tasters, etc.  We were pouring tastings of sangria for heaven's sake!!  How hard can that be?  We were selling glasses and pitchers by the dozen.  People loved us, and we were enjoying ourselves.  What a shame that older couple was there :(

After volunteering for 3.5 hours, the older woman snarked at me for the final time.  It was hot as hell, and I'd simply had ENOUGH.  I looked straight into her eyes and smiled.  I handed her the pitcher and said "I think it's time for us to be going. You two seem to be doing just fine, and I have no doubt you can handle this on your own".  Daisy was standing beside me, and she grabbed her purse.  Then, I called to TEN (who was in the middle of a tasting) and told him we were leaving.  He heard "that tone" in my voice, and set down the pitcher.  We walked to the car.  I had had enough.

TEN  helped me realize something this weekend.  I volunteer too much of my time.  I am always the first person to throw up my hand to offer my home, my time, my service.  No one else seems to do this.  Why do I?  TEN pointed out that perhaps this excessive volunteering leads to my constant stress?  He said that he missed the days when we could spend time together...just he and I.  It made me sad to think about how much I am affecting his life too, with my incessant volunteering.  Because I always drag him along :( 

And so, I've made a new resolution.  I said it out loud, and therefore it is so. 

"I have given enough of my time and energies at this point.  Now it is time for me to take some back."

Because people really don't appreciate the time that I volunteer.  And I just need to keep it for myself moving forward.  For a while anyway :)

~~~~Saturday Evening~~~~

We got home Saturday afternoon and took some time to relax before our Night in Havana party.  A few people messaged to ask what I was doing on Sunday.  I replied "Nothing.  TEN and I are looking forward to it :)"  And I felt strong.  And that felt good. 

The Night in Havana party was in celebration of Ken's birthday, and Barbie went all out with the decor!  The men wore linen with straw hats, and the girls wore maxi dresses (for the most part).  I wore this dress:

Minus the clunky shoes!  It's much cuter in person, I must say, but unfortunately no one has posted any pictures as of yet.  TEN brought Ken some cigars, and the guys sat around on the patio smoking.  It was a very relaxing evening :)

~~~~~~Sunday~~~~~~~

Sunday TEN and I decided to go to the pool.  We were in no hurry, and I realized how refreshing that could be!  We lounged in the sun, drank cocktails and talked about our vacation.  We are thinking Jamaica.  In November.  So exciting!

We had decided on Tortola, but the flights to the BVI are ridiculous.  We could spend 10 days in Italy for the same price.  I don't think so. 

Have you been to Jamaica?  Any "must do's" you care to share? 

T