It was 5:30 when I got out for a walk yesterday, and the sun was already setting. There was a chilly, constant wind too, so I didn't go far -- even long underwear, tuque and scarf were not enough for comfort unless I was on the south side of the bush. Looks like it's time to dig out my ski pants already.

Everett did his homework in the kitchen and kept an eye on the Indian Lentil Piaf -- a new recipe on its fourth and final simmer -- before I felt free to go out.

!!! where does the time go?
seriously
i don't know

i work four hours a day, people! wouldn't you expect me to be looking for things to do, not wracking my brain figuring out when and how and whether I'm going to fit them all in and wishing they were already done while i'm getting through the errand of the moment ... it's ridiculous. i'll drive myself crazy this way. i need a housekeeper and a secretary.

Two weeks ago I started doing my yoga routine in the late morning and today I took the entire morning off for personal reading and writing, eating and bathing as well. Maybe taking time to focus on what gives me strength will reduce some of this crazymaking always-behindness.

Lately some routines have started to entrench themselves. And I could almost swear it started when I followed a piece of advice from the Flylady. She said to get in the habit of making your bed as soon as you get out of it in the morning.

I'm a lazyass about some things, and making beds is one of them. I like my bed made, but haven't always gone to the trouble of making it every day. I started doing it when she suggested, and it's become a habit that seems to have started a ball rolling -- albeit slowly.

Her second command was that you get out of bed and get completely ready to meet the day -- get washed and dressed to the point where you're ready to put your shoes on and go out the door.

I don't have that habit but do remember, from my 9-to-5 days, how it is energizing and how it brings results.

***

Reply to comments from last entry:

<> Katherine (in the Utah desert, for readers) -- no, I used my old standby for tomato-pepper salsa, a recipe that makes about four quarts at a time. In the book of salsa recipes you sent, the first one I planned to try was the potato salsa - but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Better get my butt in gear, eh? It's been quite a while. Have you made it?
[to the DWers who are reading: Katherine just had a visit with Judy, who was on a mountain-of-tomatoes rescue mission.]

<>Lasse (in Sweden) -- This is very early for winter to come for us; usually snow doesn't come and stay until the very end of October or early November. Scott is watching the weather forecasts closely; he has another month of outside work to do.