chess

A Goal Is A Goal

- robin

In 2012, when I was recovering from breast cancer, I gave myself goals. I started taking yoga classes and wanted to learn chess. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE yoga, but am very picky about my classes. I just cannot take yoga class with 20 year old jazz dance girls. Sorry, but I just cannot keep up. The Senior Center is just to s-l-o-w for me, so I practice here at home and to be honest, it is not that great. I use THE LITTLE BOOK OF YOGA and Restorative Yoga is my favorite. Bottom line is, I still practice yoga {sometimes} and I still play chess.{very badly} But a GOAL is a goal. Right?

Larry, being the creature of habit that he is, on surgery day, (fast forward to October, 2019) he asked me what I would like to do in 5 years when I am cancer free for the second time in my life and of course I shared my goals with him.

The 5 year, cancer free wish is private for now, but I will gladly share my goals with you.

I want to get in shape and continue with the quarter marathon at The Dallas Arboretum. {this current episode has taken a lot out of me but I have already started walking. Three miles on Saturday were do-able, but the fatigue has lasted a few days}

And I want to learn the science of…BREAD MAKING

Photo: My new Wilton loaf pans and bread book that I bought at Half Price Books

I have made bread, pizza dough, rolls, etc. over the years, but I have never studied the science of bread making. I have not started this goal yet. My upper body strength is a bit weak from surgery, but just wait! I will be slapping bread dough around in no time. I bought suggested loaf pans on Amazon and a used book that looked simply wonderful! {what it it about used books that make them so charming?}

Don’t tell Larry, but I am secretly coveting a Lodge cast iron loaf pan. I was thinking that maybe I should learn how to bake bread before I started buying fancy loaf pans.

Wish me luck!

Do you have any good bread making stories? I would LOVE to hear.

Love you BEYOND the moon.

Me

Who’s Turn Is It Anyway?

- robin

Last night, sleep eluded me.

My body ached as I tossed and turned

and then it happened.

It started raining.

After months of drought, we had rain.

It was lovely.

Larry and I held hands as we listened the rain fall.

***

Larry and I have become a bit goofy in our old age.

{and him being so busy with work that we cannot sit and play an entire game}

We now play one game of chess over days/weeks.

Photo: Chess game in progress. This game has been going on three days.

This is how it works:

Light color goes first, {Larry is usually light}

We do not sit at the chess table,

after he moves, he puts this tiny carved  mouse and turtle

on my side of the board, indicating that he took his turn

and

for me to move.

Photo: small carving that Jamison gave to Larry one Christmas. She paired the gift with a magnifying glass. I remembered how charmed Larry was with the gift.

Sometimes I will walk by that blasted board ten times

before I notice that he took his turn

and

if he did move, what did he move?

I am not known for my talent at chess,

but

I enjoy the process.

I learned how to play 5 years ago,

after my breast cancer diagnosis.

{Promising myself yoga and chess}

I have not mastered either, but I enjoy both very much.

I just took my turn on the chess board….

Larry if you are reading this while in Dallas,

you lost your  knight. {sorry}

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

It Is All In The Perspective

- robin

Hi!

It is good to b e home, but…..

how can I explain my moments while in France?

Each November for many years,

escaping with the love of my life

gives me many things.

A perspective of life.

Inspiration.

Romance.

New and old friends.

FOOD!

So much more,

and as in the photo above,

playing chess with Larry.

{he was setting up the board}

The above photo is my photo….

the photo below is Larry’s.

Larry’s memory is different than mine.

{we had panini, crisps and wine for lunch}

The chess game was a draw.

Imagine how I could have beat him

if I had not been drinking wine.

It is all in the perspective…..

Love you beyond the moon,

Me

 

 

There are Times

- robin

It is a beautiful Friday Morning in Texas.

Bill Withers is  singing Lean on Me

on my favorite radio station {from Dublin, IE}

***

Last night, Larry and I drove 1 1/2 hours to meet

fiends for dinner in Lindale Texas.

We had the best time, laughing and visiting.

***

Three weeks ago, we were in London.

We stayed on a mews,

that had been renovated into flats.

We loved our flat in the mews.

We had a picnic in front of our flat  one evening

{plus a chess game}

and it was awesome.

Shall I apologize for feeling nostalgic?

There are times,

when I realize that a special moment  has sped by to fast.

Honoring a special moment is like engraving it into your heart…

Yes, and Larry won the chess game at our London picnic.

Happy weekend.

Love you more  than candy.

Me