Suffered a tragedy early on: As I often do, I made a salad in the morning to have ready in the refrig for lunch later and it occurred to me to add the two nice plump peppers I had seen on my plant out back. Went to get them and was horrified to discover they were no longer there. Neither was an almost-ripe tomato I had noted before. At first, I actually thought somebody had taken them, but then I saw the stems had been eaten clean off.
The little varmints! After all the digging, feeding, and nurturing routine I had followed over the spring--! (Well, I watered them, anyway.) There seem to still be some flowers on the pepper plant and some green tomatoes clinging on, so I immediately sprayed all with deer and rabbit repellent; hope that will keep them away. Must remember to wash before eating.
Drove to the cemetery and watered heavily the new plants on both graves. Then went to Produce Junction and got veggies--plus, I couldn't resist another patio tomato plant, which I hope won't be enjoyed only by the critters. Went to Santori's for veggies and fruit, then to Canal's for wine. On the way home, stopped again to water at the cemetery.
After lunch--sans pepper, damn it--drove up to Manahawkin for supplies at Shop-Rite and Wal-Mart. Had an almost-exclusively fruit dinner of blueberries and strawberries topped with plain Greek yogurt, plus the rest of the watermelon from Susan, and delicious cherries.
Must take my car to Mastercraft, as the "hot" light keeps coming on.
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Friday, July 06, 2012
Fun On The Beach
Another fun summer day. Called sister Betty early on and was enthusiastically invited down--promptly accepted. We decided I'd call wen I was on my way and meet either at her place or the beach.
Did a wash and other this 'n' that, packed up what I needed (including beer in my new cooler), and left home about 11:00. Went to the cemetery first--the flowers on Pat's grave look good, the ones on Jay's not so much. Watered both heavily, then called to say I was on my way.
Trudged down to the Newport Avenue beach, as niece Carolyn and nephew Stephen and their families were renting Connie and Tom H.'s house while they were there. Muckie and Matthew D. and his girlfriend joined us shortly.
It was great fun with adults and children, ranging in age from 11-year-old Finn to three-month-old Amelia. We stayed until about 4:00, then Betty, For lunch, some of them went and got subs--I had a regular--and we ate on the beach, my beer shared around.* I actually went in the water, which was heavenly even to me, although I'm not a beach person. A bit before the others, Betty, Muckie, and I went back to the H.'s and sat on the porch and talked until we were joined by the rest of the gang.
For dinner, Katie had made a "southern boil"--I had forgotten she was from Texas--for the cookout they had all gone to on the fourth, and we had what was leftover of that, plus jambalaya and salad--delicious.
Said goodbye about 7:40; so sorry Wes and Stephen and their families are leaving tomorrow, but invited Carolyn, Dana, Finn, and Claire to come to my place for lunch and the pool on Sunday. Will invite the northern couple, also.
* I know you're not allowed to have beer on the beach, but did it anyway. If Ventnor City wants to prosecute, they know where to find me.
Did a wash and other this 'n' that, packed up what I needed (including beer in my new cooler), and left home about 11:00. Went to the cemetery first--the flowers on Pat's grave look good, the ones on Jay's not so much. Watered both heavily, then called to say I was on my way.
Trudged down to the Newport Avenue beach, as niece Carolyn and nephew Stephen and their families were renting Connie and Tom H.'s house while they were there. Muckie and Matthew D. and his girlfriend joined us shortly.
It was great fun with adults and children, ranging in age from 11-year-old Finn to three-month-old Amelia. We stayed until about 4:00, then Betty, For lunch, some of them went and got subs--I had a regular--and we ate on the beach, my beer shared around.* I actually went in the water, which was heavenly even to me, although I'm not a beach person. A bit before the others, Betty, Muckie, and I went back to the H.'s and sat on the porch and talked until we were joined by the rest of the gang.
For dinner, Katie had made a "southern boil"--I had forgotten she was from Texas--for the cookout they had all gone to on the fourth, and we had what was leftover of that, plus jambalaya and salad--delicious.
Said goodbye about 7:40; so sorry Wes and Stephen and their families are leaving tomorrow, but invited Carolyn, Dana, Finn, and Claire to come to my place for lunch and the pool on Sunday. Will invite the northern couple, also.
* I know you're not allowed to have beer on the beach, but did it anyway. If Ventnor City wants to prosecute, they know where to find me.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Goodbyes And A Party
Good day. Got up north at 10:00 and enjoyed interacting with the two boys and the couple. Far north contingent arrived a few hours later, with the other boys, J. and R., as did J. and T.'s mother, Jen (is all that straight?). We had a good time chatting and overseeing what seemed remarkably like four dozen kids, not just four, they're such a thundering horde. I'm over my hurt and disappointment about my no-show guests and understand how they needed to get home--for one thing, to take care of the chickens.
Jen had brought big bags of bagels and some of us had that for lunch, others grilled cheese sandwiches, Joel his leftover ziti, and so on. Grandson J., senior, had acquired a big, open trailer from somewhere, and that was packed up with the mountains of suitcases, boxes, bags, and other paraphernalia generated by four boys visiting two different households for a month.
Got a cell phone call from brother, Jim, in Falls Church. Their electricity was out from the time of the storm on Friday to Sunday morning. Geez, I would have gotten in the car and gone elsewhere--well, maybe not.
Reluctantly said goodbye to all, then drove home. Changed, cleaned up, and strolled three doors down to Ray and Barbara H.'s for their fourth of July party. They usually have many more people--yesterday, only thirteen attended, probably because others were away or had company--but it was fun and the food was, of course, superb. I managed not to speak at all to Julie and Gary L., the former the author of the scurrilous letter maligning our trustee, Joan C.
Stayed a few hours, then said my goodbyes. No plans for the rest of the week, but will call sister Betty and make a date to go down south (Ventnor) to see my niece and nephews.
Just read my friend, Pat R.'s blog, in which she expresses her sadness and loneliness after the recent death of her beloved husband. I recognize her grief--what's that song, "heartbreak, my old friend"? or something--and surprised myself by weeping. There's a kinship in sorrow, but no healthy person wants to join that club.
WIDER: A thoughtful essay on a "civil" president:
http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/07/02/mr_president_don_t_salute_the_troops_this_4th_of_july
Jen had brought big bags of bagels and some of us had that for lunch, others grilled cheese sandwiches, Joel his leftover ziti, and so on. Grandson J., senior, had acquired a big, open trailer from somewhere, and that was packed up with the mountains of suitcases, boxes, bags, and other paraphernalia generated by four boys visiting two different households for a month.
Got a cell phone call from brother, Jim, in Falls Church. Their electricity was out from the time of the storm on Friday to Sunday morning. Geez, I would have gotten in the car and gone elsewhere--well, maybe not.
Reluctantly said goodbye to all, then drove home. Changed, cleaned up, and strolled three doors down to Ray and Barbara H.'s for their fourth of July party. They usually have many more people--yesterday, only thirteen attended, probably because others were away or had company--but it was fun and the food was, of course, superb. I managed not to speak at all to Julie and Gary L., the former the author of the scurrilous letter maligning our trustee, Joan C.
Stayed a few hours, then said my goodbyes. No plans for the rest of the week, but will call sister Betty and make a date to go down south (Ventnor) to see my niece and nephews.
Just read my friend, Pat R.'s blog, in which she expresses her sadness and loneliness after the recent death of her beloved husband. I recognize her grief--what's that song, "heartbreak, my old friend"? or something--and surprised myself by weeping. There's a kinship in sorrow, but no healthy person wants to join that club.
WIDER: A thoughtful essay on a "civil" president:
http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/07/02/mr_president_don_t_salute_the_troops_this_4th_of_july
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Looking Up
Well, things are looking up. I had expressed my disappointment over the missing guests to Susan during our walk and--maybe it's not related--she came over later in the morning. Gave me a slice of watermelon and invited me to dinner, to join her daughter, Julie, and granddaughter, Sophia. I accepted with pleasure (natch!) and felt somewhat better.
A bit after that, I got a call from the northern dweller, who invited me up to at least say hello to the missing guests. Accepted that, too, of course.
Stopped over at Jo G.'s to drop off a check for the dinner and show (Gypsy)
a lot of us are going to in August.
Was able to get a hairdressing appointment for 3:00, but not with my regular, Ashly; another stylist, Shirley, had had a cancellation, and took me. I like the way she did my hair and, in fact, would like to switch. Will see how that turns out later.
Went across the street to Susan's at 6:00 and had a delicious dinner--baked ziti, salad, and olive bread--preceded by a gin and tonic and accompanied by a very tasty Chianti. Enjoyed seeing Julie again; she's a caterer, lives in Bridgewater, Ct., and is very busy. In October, she'll cater a gathering for the democratic party at Mia Farrow's house. It was fun hearing about the preparations for that.
Got home about 8:00, in a much elevated mood. I'll go north about 9:00, and later, I guess, put in an appearance at the H.'s annual Fourth of July party.
A bit after that, I got a call from the northern dweller, who invited me up to at least say hello to the missing guests. Accepted that, too, of course.
Stopped over at Jo G.'s to drop off a check for the dinner and show (Gypsy)
a lot of us are going to in August.
Was able to get a hairdressing appointment for 3:00, but not with my regular, Ashly; another stylist, Shirley, had had a cancellation, and took me. I like the way she did my hair and, in fact, would like to switch. Will see how that turns out later.
Went across the street to Susan's at 6:00 and had a delicious dinner--baked ziti, salad, and olive bread--preceded by a gin and tonic and accompanied by a very tasty Chianti. Enjoyed seeing Julie again; she's a caterer, lives in Bridgewater, Ct., and is very busy. In October, she'll cater a gathering for the democratic party at Mia Farrow's house. It was fun hearing about the preparations for that.
Got home about 8:00, in a much elevated mood. I'll go north about 9:00, and later, I guess, put in an appearance at the H.'s annual Fourth of July party.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Bummer
A good day that crashed later. Should have added yesterday that during the Skype call from London, the big news was that V the elder is carrying on a family tradition: progressive myopia. She looks so cute in her pink and yellow glasses.
Got up north, had lunch, then the gentleman of the house, the boys, and I went to the lake. Very enjoyable splashing with the kids and chatting with the gentleman. He had things to do, so left after a time, and the lady of the house came to pick us up after a few hours.
We all dressed, then went to a local Italian restaurant for dinner. Had angel hair pasta with broccoli, oil, and garlic, which I haven't in an age, and it was good.
Said goodbye, thinking I'd see the boys soon again, and got home about 8:30. Phone rang as I was having my p. and w.; it was the far north couple, saying they weren't coming down, after all.
I was prepared to be flexible about how long they would stay--was told it could be anywhere from a week to overnight--but it didn't occur to me they wouldn't come at all. I'm so disappointed. Also, I feel like a jerk for making such preparations: cleaning, planning things to do, getting toys, books, puzzles, videos, and so on for the boys.
I feel like crying, but guess I'll just have to get over it. Do I always set myself up for things like this? Don't know, but feel as if I should never count on anything; I'll just be let down.
Got up north, had lunch, then the gentleman of the house, the boys, and I went to the lake. Very enjoyable splashing with the kids and chatting with the gentleman. He had things to do, so left after a time, and the lady of the house came to pick us up after a few hours.
We all dressed, then went to a local Italian restaurant for dinner. Had angel hair pasta with broccoli, oil, and garlic, which I haven't in an age, and it was good.
Said goodbye, thinking I'd see the boys soon again, and got home about 8:30. Phone rang as I was having my p. and w.; it was the far north couple, saying they weren't coming down, after all.
I was prepared to be flexible about how long they would stay--was told it could be anywhere from a week to overnight--but it didn't occur to me they wouldn't come at all. I'm so disappointed. Also, I feel like a jerk for making such preparations: cleaning, planning things to do, getting toys, books, puzzles, videos, and so on for the boys.
I feel like crying, but guess I'll just have to get over it. Do I always set myself up for things like this? Don't know, but feel as if I should never count on anything; I'll just be let down.
Monday, July 02, 2012
Cape May County Zoo
I often think that those who reject spontinuity--so prevelent in my own generation--lack imagination and creativity. My mantra, "Never turn down an invitation" leads me to the opposite: Yesterday, I was in the middle of cleaning the master bath for my guests when I got a phone call: Did I want to accompany the trio from up north to the Cape May County Zoo? Why yes, sure thing, don't have to ask me twice. I figure I can fit in the cleaning another time.
We agreed to meet at the "commuter space" next to the parkway. I had time to plant two dalaias (this damn SpellCheck still doesn't work!) and three vinca vines, plus water the tomatoes before I packed a lunch and started off.
Had another lovely time with the two boys. In truth, the big attraction was to be with those two little mammals, not the ones we saw at the zoo.
We stayed just long enough, then drove back to pick up my car and I was home by 5:00 or so.
(Was just interrupted by a Skype call from London--greatly enjoyed seeing Mike, Paula, and precious Vivian and Violet.)
After a shower, drove to Manahawkin (just interrupted by Skype again--to see Vivian's new glasses. She's carrying on the family tradition with progressive myopia, I assume, and she looks adorable in the specs) and picked up a few things. I finally found a small cooler with carrying handle and so on and will replace my big, awkward foam one with that.
Today, I go back up north to be with the boyos while their granny keeps an appointment.
We agreed to meet at the "commuter space" next to the parkway. I had time to plant two dalaias (this damn SpellCheck still doesn't work!) and three vinca vines, plus water the tomatoes before I packed a lunch and started off.
Had another lovely time with the two boys. In truth, the big attraction was to be with those two little mammals, not the ones we saw at the zoo.
We stayed just long enough, then drove back to pick up my car and I was home by 5:00 or so.
(Was just interrupted by a Skype call from London--greatly enjoyed seeing Mike, Paula, and precious Vivian and Violet.)
After a shower, drove to Manahawkin (just interrupted by Skype again--to see Vivian's new glasses. She's carrying on the family tradition with progressive myopia, I assume, and she looks adorable in the specs) and picked up a few things. I finally found a small cooler with carrying handle and so on and will replace my big, awkward foam one with that.
Today, I go back up north to be with the boyos while their granny keeps an appointment.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Lake Again
Had lots of errors (HA! That was a typo, but wonder what the shrinks would say about it)--that is, errands to run. Got printers ink, garden stakes, cottage cheese, and pumpernickel (a poem!) and was in Lowe's parking lot contemplating whether to go to the pool when my cell rang. It was adorable little T., asking if I wanted to meet them at the lake. Did I? Does a bear...sure, I did.
I was finished anyway, so drove home, made a nice salad, packed it with iced tea, Greek yogurt, blueberries, and plums, and took off for Whiting. Halfway there, I realized I had forgotten my visor. Love the sun, but can't stand it in my face, so stopped at a dollar store near the lake. They had only one visor and it was a foam one with soccer forms on it! Well, so what, I bought it anyway.
The other three were there already and I didn't waste any time joining the boys in the water--they almost never come out. Found out that the wolf reserve trip was dropped because people were allowed in only twice a day and it would have been too early for one showing and too late for the other.
We stayed several hours and it was so delightful--my favorite hot (very, very hot, close to 100), not-a-cloud-in-the-sky day and the lake was just cool enough. Came out only long enough to eat lunch.
Declined an invitation to dinner and arrived back to Little Egg about 4:30. I already had my bathing gear on, so impulsively stopped at the pool. Slipped into the water, which was lovely, and had a short dip. Only five people were there; I chatted with somebody and somebody--I know I know them, but can't remember the names--then left to shower and change.
It was still early, so I drove back to Manahawkin (yes, two trips there in one day, so shoot me) and got "chicken sausage" and some other stuff at Shop-Rite; made stir-fry and had a late (for me) dinner--very tasty.
Got a Skype call from Ellen and had a good chat with her. She painted her office (an area off the dining room) an attractive yellow and will soon do the walls in her living room.
No plans for today, and I want to get the house ready for my visitors--hope they stay longer than just overnight.
I was finished anyway, so drove home, made a nice salad, packed it with iced tea, Greek yogurt, blueberries, and plums, and took off for Whiting. Halfway there, I realized I had forgotten my visor. Love the sun, but can't stand it in my face, so stopped at a dollar store near the lake. They had only one visor and it was a foam one with soccer forms on it! Well, so what, I bought it anyway.
The other three were there already and I didn't waste any time joining the boys in the water--they almost never come out. Found out that the wolf reserve trip was dropped because people were allowed in only twice a day and it would have been too early for one showing and too late for the other.
We stayed several hours and it was so delightful--my favorite hot (very, very hot, close to 100), not-a-cloud-in-the-sky day and the lake was just cool enough. Came out only long enough to eat lunch.
Declined an invitation to dinner and arrived back to Little Egg about 4:30. I already had my bathing gear on, so impulsively stopped at the pool. Slipped into the water, which was lovely, and had a short dip. Only five people were there; I chatted with somebody and somebody--I know I know them, but can't remember the names--then left to shower and change.
It was still early, so I drove back to Manahawkin (yes, two trips there in one day, so shoot me) and got "chicken sausage" and some other stuff at Shop-Rite; made stir-fry and had a late (for me) dinner--very tasty.
Got a Skype call from Ellen and had a good chat with her. She painted her office (an area off the dining room) an attractive yellow and will soon do the walls in her living room.
No plans for today, and I want to get the house ready for my visitors--hope they stay longer than just overnight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
WEDNESDAY
The Uber guy, courtesy of my health insurane, SCAN, picked me up at 7:20 and took me to Quest for my blood test. As often happens, I was ver...
