Not a whole heck of a lot went on yesterday. After WW--then breakfast at 11 am--I made a double recipe of crystal pickles. I'm planning to bring them to the dinner at Leslie's in a few weeks and maybe to Alison's DIL's gathering tomorrow. A. called to ask me to bring dessert tomorrow, too, and I'll make lemon squares.
Betty called. It was the 33rd anniversary of Wes' death yesterday; I can't believe I didn't remember. I'm so sorry, but she was okay with it. She got to the cemetery with a friend of hers.
I know I went to the store, did some wash, and wrapped the gifts for Natsue*, but I don't remember doing much else aside from everyday chores. Made barbecued ribs in the crock pot and they were so tender and delicious. Pat had several pieces, I had a small amount, and there was enough left over to freeze for another meal.
Pat sees the cardiologist this afternoon--just a regular 3-month revisit and we don't expect anything new.
*For what I got her, see my response to Dee in yesterday's comments.

Picked Marge up for lunch yesterday and passed our house on our way out--to see two heavy machinery trucks out front. The tree removal people had come, although they were supposed to call first. Frank had already discussed the cost with Pat and me--we'll share the expense for removing a dead tree that straddled our properties--and, after some of my usual histrionics, I left them to their work. I was pissed (I was going to write sedately that I was "taken aback," but hey, I was pissed) to be told our portion ended up at $350 because they found two other dead trees on our side. I'm not even sure if that includes the half we shared with the D.'s, but oh, the hell with it.
Enjoyed lunch at Creevey's, where I hadn't been for months. As ever, Marge and I had lots to talk about. After, I dropped her off, then checked at home to find the dead trees gone and a bill in the mailbox. I was pleased that there isn't any noticeable change out back, as there are plenty more trees.
Went to K-Mart and got Pat more of the sweatpants he wears everyday, then to Kohl's for some gifts for soon-to-be DIL. Got home and was delighted to find that Dennis, that sweet guy, had gone fishing and left us some gorgeous flounder fillets. Was going to take something out of the freezer for dinner, but of course, breaded them and we had them instead. I like many kinds of fish, but there's just nothing like flounder that had been splish-splashing around in the Atlantic a few hours before. Boy, oh boy, was that a good dinner! Den gave us enough for about three meals, so I breaded and froze the rest--not quite as good as unfrozen, but we'll enjoy them in the coming weeks.
Alison called to say her step-DIL had invited us to Long Beach Island on Saturday for dinner (her parents rent a house there) and I was pleased to accept. Will meet A. and Mike in Manahawkin and drive onto LBI--which will be hoppin' on Labor Day weekend--with them.
WW this morning--we'll see, but as ever, will be fine with any loss, gain, or stay-the-same.
Later: 0.8 down for a total of 31.8 and weight of 167.8. Not quite a pound off this week, but no matter--I'm satisfied.

Went to Acme where I met up with Marge. She said she'd let me know how it looks for lunch either today or tomorrow. Bought some frozen dinners for Pat to have one yesterday, as I was going to "help" Alison baby-sit for Tristan. Other than that, just mundane chores in the daytime.
Received Tony Lombardo's book On Both Sides of the Fence, etc. from Amazon and started it. Called his and Vivian's to let them know I got it and ask if he would autograph it. It was exciting to see the dedication to Viv and the photo of the whole family on the back. The book includes a chronicle of Tony's severe form of MS, as well as inspirational passages for those who suffer from disabilities.
Will also start We Knew We Were At War, the book Karen lent me. When Susan lets me know what month is open for a speaker in the Women's Club, I'll call Peg George, the author.
Left for Joel's and Jen's about 4:00 and arrived at 5:00. Joely looked so cute in his soccer outfit and he and Jen went to practice shortly after I arrived. Alison came about a half hour later and we had a good time minding little Tristan--now 3 1/2 weeks old--who alternated crying and eating. The kid seems to have a good appetite. I swear he looks like my father, or at least, a Byrne.
J., J., and J. didn't get home from practice until almost 7:00. I then went over to Alison's (only 7 or 8 minutes away) to see her bathroom.
It looks great! She painted it a shade called "sensational sand" and added blue accents, plus stained or painted other parts in a contrasting dark brown. In addition, she added white crown molding at the ceiling and repainted the baseboard molding. Mind you, she did all this herself. Mike is handy around the house, but so busy he doesn't always get around to projects. A. will just tackle anything; if she doesn't know how to do it, she learns.
Hmm...she likes challenges, too. I asked if she could stay over while I go to a Wellspouse "respite weekend" in Bucks County, Pa. the end of September, and of course, she cheerfully agreed. However, she told me she's on a bike team supporting the daughter of a former colleague at the Sands. This young woman has MS and team members will get sponsors; they ride on September 29, but she can leave from our place and come back. How long is the ride? 75 miles--aagh!

Had a neat time at lunch with Leslie yesterday. We went to Dockside and it was so enjoyable to see the boats gliding past on the waterway next to the restaurant. Les and I decided to check when the "cruises" from Stewart's go out, so we can decide on a time to go, maybe with other friends.
After lunch, we zipped on down the road (Green Street, that is) to see Pat and his bay buddies. Several were there and we had a good time joshing with them. Large, mustachioed "young George," who's about 65, said they hang out there to pick up chicks--and there we were!
After I dropped Les off, I went to Shop-Rite in Manahawkin to get a few essentials. I should stay away from that place, as I invariably end up astounded at how much I spend.
Betty called and I asked her to let me know when she and Muckie were going out for lunch, so I can meet them. Won't be long before she can get back in her (now rented) house.
Barb H. came over with the registration form for the "historic van tour" she, Susan, and I are taking in October. This is run by the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department and includes visiting several sites connected in some way to Abraham Lincoln.
Want to find a gift for my future daughter-in-law today, as I must get it sent off. Will write a note son can translate.
Tonight, baby-sitting for Tristan--can't wait to hold him again!

Took good friend Karen home in the late morning and had a stimulating talk on the way up. K. told me about Peg George, a friend of a friend of hers, who wrote a book called We Knew We Were At War. This chronicles the impact of WW II on the homefront through interviews with women who lived through it. According to her web site, Peg is 79, single (I think widowed), and lives in Doylestown, PA. I'm going to mention it to Susan to see if she wants to me contact Peg to speak at our Women's Club. Karen lent me the book and I'm looking forward to reading it. Reluctantly said goodbye to K., sorry our visit was over, but we'll keep in touch, of course.
On the way home, I stopped at Alison's, but she and Mike were out. She called me later and said they were on a little bike ride--of 45 miles. I want to see her bathroom, which she just painted and otherwise renovated, replacing the molding herself. She's baby-sitting for little Tristan, now almost 4 weeks old, on Tuesday evening, and invited me to meet her at Joel and Jen's. When they get home from taking Joely to soccer practice, I'll go to her place to see the bathroom.
Alison's neighbor, Dawn, gave me two bluefish when Karen and I stopped there on Friday on the way down. I think a friend of hers had caught them; they were minus heads, but complete with innards. I decided to cook one of them and Pat gutted it for me--ugh! I baked it and actually, it was pretty good. I had one myself (Pat doesn't like them) and put the other in the freezer.
Okay, it was pretty good, but not that good, and I'll probably scuttle (that's real nautical talk) the other one in the garbage.
I'm picking up Leslie for lunch today and Marge e-mailed me to ask when I might be available for same this week. I'm looking forward to both excursions with great pleasure, of course. Want to get the lowdown on Leslie's son, Pete, and his family, in Cleveland. Les and Dennis were to visit them last weekend, but they were flooded out and had to be evacuated.

We're having a great time at the Molloy Manse with friend Karen C. Yesterday, we hung out in the morning, then, after leaving a sandwich for Pat's lunch, drove down to Atlantic City.
Boy, on a hot Saturday in August, that place was hoppin'. Mobs of people crowded the boardwalk, which made it very festive. Our first order of business was to have lunch--always a priority for me, WW or not--and we went to the Garden Buffet. This is a cheap ($6.99), no frills place with just basic food no better than it had to be, but we both enjoyed it. (I didn't have to cook it myself and Karen is a happy enjoyer.) Had salad, mussels, mixed vegetables, and dabs of this and that, skipping dessert, of course.
After, we walked the boards as the saying goes, for a few blocks. We took the added seaward walk to the "Bikini Beach Bar" (in the last few years, they've been allowed on the beach), where the open-air place was jammed, the music was hot, and a rollicking atmosphere prevailed. I got my camera out and two fellows--tall, good-looking, and smiling--tried to pick us up.
Uh...well, anyway, one asked if we wanted him to take our picture together and we said, "yes" and he did. Karen and I are both sure they would have tried to pick us up if...if...they both weren't about the age of my grandson.
Also took pictures of The Sands being demolished, which I sent to Alison. Will take Karen home this afternoon and stop in on her.
We got home a little before 4:00 and as I was pulling together dinner (the leftover Slymphie Stew, peas, Brussel sprouts, and a big salad), the doorbell rang. It was Susan, bringing a gorgeous frozen lemonade pie she had made, the perfect summer dessert. What a gem of a neighbor!
After dinner (I had a generous piece of the pie myself, a deviation I allow occasionally), we three sat and talked and talked, then Karen and I cleaned up. Adorable little Vivian and her Daddy called and we saw and talked to them with pleasure. V. said she wanted to see "the baby," meaning her own pictures on Daddy's computer screen, which he showed her. Paula just got back from China and is going to Jakarta next week; Mike's off again to Hong Kong tomorrow.
Will take Karen home today; it's been such a nice visit.
Note: I'm going to discontinue adding yesterday's date in bold for every entry. I think it confuses things--readers just need to know that each riveting account of my doings concerns the day before unless otherwise noted.

Friday, August 24: Terrific day! Left at 11:00 and got to The Red Lobster in plenty of time--early, in fact--to meet Terri at 1:00. She looks wonderful and, of course, we had scads to talk about. (I had grilled salmon with a double order of veggies instead of potatoes, and a small Caesar salad.) We finally said goodbye at about 2:30.
I drove to Ewing to see the old house and neighborhood, then to Rider. Went to HR, and all my former colleagues came out to greet me. I met the woman who was hired into my old job six weeks ago. Later, I was told she had been at Bristol-Myers Squibb for 29 years. (My immediate successor stayed at Rider only three years.) Before the party, I had time to stop in a few other offices. It's always gratifying to be greeted with obvious pleasure, and hugs and kisses, but oh no, I never want to go back to work.
The party was great. Earle had been at Rider for 35 years and lots and lots of people I knew were there, both past and present employees. It was great fun to greet and be greeted and--I'm happy about this--be told how good I look. I nibbled on some little appetizers (rusks and tapas, which I dearly love) and had a few swallows of soda. No alcohol was served at the party, a departure from the usual, surely because of the recent tragedy of an alcohol-related student death at Rider. I considered a piece of the celebratory cake, but skipped it with little regret.
It was wonderful to be among so many old friends, but I have to admit, many had aged a lot--especially those I hadn't seen for ten or more years. The moving finger writes/And having writ, moves on...
After, I picked Karen up and we drove home. Stopped at Alison's, but as I thought, she was already leading their Friday evening hike through the pine barrens. Mike was home nursing his hurt foot and we said hello to him, bought some Kirby cucumbers at Dawn's, and zipped down good ol' Route 539 to home.
Great day, great life.