All the Books

I've been on a mission lately to whittle down some of the many Kindle books I've purchased, that are just hanging out on my Kindle and Kindle app. SO many books! Some were on sale. Some were recommendations or passing interests. But they're there, almost begging to be read, and I'm growing hesitant to buy MORE books before I finish some of the Kindle books I already own.

For quite a while, having so many Kindle books "on hand" didn't bother me. They were a comfort, in fact, much like having a bookcase full of interesting books to choose from without gathering dust or (in theory) running out of room. Last year was so challenging personally, since both of my parents passed away. I never knew what I'd be in the mood to read, so it was nice to have a wide variety on hand.

Now, though, I'm ready to add some newer books to my Kindle arsenal, but not without dusting off some older purchases and taking them out for a spin. It's taking some effort sometimes, almost like reading for a class assignment or something. It's all good, though, because I'm making progress, and keeping track on Goodreads.

Want to follow my progress on Goodreads? Click here.

Boning Up on French

Over the past several months, I've been reviewing/learning French on a website and iPhone app called Duolingo. Duolingo makes the language learning process pretty fun! There's a little green owl called Duo that pops up periodically with words of encouragement, which I find cute.

I've also tried my hand at Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and most recently Latin, on Duolingo. The French is easiest for me, since I had French in elementary school, junior and senior high, and a semester in college.

I hope to use my French some day during a trip to France!

My 1,000th Geocache Find

Lesley with Steely Dan

I took a vacation day last Friday to make it an extra long weekend (with July 4th on Thursday). The highlight of the day was finding Steely Dan, my 1,000th geocache! George was a big help with bushwhacking through the woods and navigating to the cache.

This (1,000 geocache finds) has been a goal for several years. Goals are good. So what's next?

Easter Weekend Trip to Delaware

A few weeks ago, I decided it was time for a weekend adventure--a nice change of scenery, as well as something to reset the brain. Work has been good but challenging, and my sister and I have been planning our father's graveside service and interment of ashes. All important stuff, but I needed a break. I thought about it, and made a hotel reservation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Why Rehoboth Beach? First of all, a beach location sounded great! Next, I've never been to Delaware. And it was driveable. Another big lure for me--finding a geocache in a "new" state!

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

My boyfriend had planned to join me, but wasn't feeling well late last week. So, with his blessing, I got up early on Saturday morning and headed north toward Delaware! Between home and Reboboth Beach was a big bridge-tunnel that I was a little nervous about, but looked to save me some travel time. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is 17.6 miles long. I thought I'd be nervous about it, but once I got started, it was really nice! Each side of the bridge (north and south-bound) was two-lane, with plenty of room. The two tunnels were one-lane each way, and little more nerve-wracking for me at first. By the time I came through south-bound, though, the tunnels were a breeze! Whew! The views of the Chesapeake Bay from the bridge were lovely, to boot.

Old Northampton, VA, Courthouse, Eastville

On the way up, I found a geocache in the pretty little town of Eastville, Virginia. The cache was located in the area of the old Northampton County, Virginia, courthouse.

Once in Rehoboth Beach,  I checked into my hotel, found my first Delaware geocache (yay!), then went to dinner at the Pickled Pig Pub (cute name award!). Back at the hotel, I hit the sack early.

Sunday (Easter) morning, I got up early, and decided I couldn't leave without seeing the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. I drove there after checking out of the hotel, and arrived about 7:30 in the

Korean Noodle Stirfry at the Pickled Pig

morning. It was so pretty and peaceful, it was a perfect thing to do! I'm so glad I made the effort.

Afterward, I found another geocache nearby, and then headed toward home.Along the way, I found two geocaches in Maryland and another in Virginia.

This trip was just what I needed, some much needed time away, with the challenge of geocaching. That being said, I was very

glad to get home, which was a good sign!

Planning a Graveside Service

My sister and I have been planning our dad's graveside service for our dad, who passed away in January 2018. The planning has been draining, but also cathartic. I'm mostly excited about visiting with the people who are coming. My aunt from England wins the "farthest distance" award, and I can't wait to visit with her! After my dad's memorial service in January 2018, we had a visitation at the house, and that was definitely my favorite part. So here's to bringing family and friends together!

Cleaning Out the Financial Cobwebs

For a long time, I've been thinking about streamlining my finances. They aren't too complicated, but maybe more complicated than they need to be. It feels good to research better interest rates and makes positive changes to my personal saving goals. (SmartyPig and CapitalOne are my favorite online spots for saving so far.)

I'm also enjoying (for the most part!) learning how to invest. I'm using a couple of online brokers right now, trying to figure out which one I like best. Some of the terms are still fuzzy to me, but I've decided to wade in, a little at a time. My purchases so far have been mostly S&P 500 index funds.

Our Trip to Charleston

George and I visited Charleston, South Carolina, for the few days leading up to Christmas, and we had a fun time! It was our first time there, which made it even more special.

We stayed in the lovely Belmond Charleston Place, a great introduction to Charleston hospitality. We got a room on an upper level,which qualified us for the Concierge Level food and drinks, which was nice!

We ate at several nice restaurants, including Hank's Seafood, High Cotton, and 5Church. We also enjoyed a horse and carriage ride through town, as well as a boat tour of Charleston Harbor.

It was a great time, and I hope we go back for another visit! My photos are here.