On the fitness front*, spent most of the day cleaning both bathrooms, going to Acme, and generally running around. Stopped at a farmer's stand and got corn on the cob, squash, and peaches. For dinner, gave Pat chicken tenders cooked in a white wine sauce (no, I didn't make it myself, it was one of those Tyson dishes), and actually had a small portion myself, along with salad. Want to get salmon and flounder for dinner.
*Of course, that's aside from my daily mile-and-a-half brisk walk with Susan. That always starts my day; as a rule, the only time I'll mention it is when we don't go.

Met Dee for lunch in Ventnor and we went to "Barrels" in Margate. We both had what was called Caesar salad, but you couldn't prove it by me. It was just Romaine, bottled sauce, and a few minuscule shrimps thrown on top. I left most of it, but ordered a side of sweet potato fries for us to share and they were good.
Enjoyed my conversation with Dee. She told me she's taken the house in Ventnor off the market and will move there permanently with her sister-in-law.
Got home and went to Tucker Tom's for broccoli, zucchini, and a few other items. I want to make zucchini casserole today, using the tomatoes I bought right before Pat came home with the home-grown ones from Old George. I suggested we have George for dinner (sounds cannibalistic!) on Tuesday; if Pat doesn't see him at the bay, he'll call him.
Political Note: Saw that a former beauty queen and hockey mom whose beliefs are to the right of Attila the Hun will be nominated for the vice presidency . Incredible.

Staffed the Food Pantry (not "Food Bank," which denotes a central distribution site) with Leslie yesterday, and greatly enjoyed it.
The Pantry is a joint project of the churches in Tuckerton and Leslie goes as a member of First Presbyterian.
We had about ten drop-ins, a few elderly, others with young children in tow. One woman, who looked to be in her late fifties, is raising five grandchildren. She had three with her: a 3-year-old and twins about seven, all beautiful little girls; she mentioned two older grandsons. It was so nice to provide her with help and chat with her, but the task she's taken on is mind-boggling.
The Pantry is open weekdays from 2 to 4, and Leslie, along with our mutual neighbor, Barbara D., covers once a month. Barb wasn't able to be there yesterday, so I went. Told Leslie I'd be glad to fill in when needed.
Remotely donating money or goods to charity is fine, but it's so much more satisfying to deal face-to-face with fellow humans. We could easily be in their shoes, as Leslie and I agreed yesterday, and I want never to forget that.

Terrific time at the park in Freehold yesterday, especially in the "sprayground" for kids. Took lunch as described and everybody loved it. They devoured every crumb, and went into raptures over the blueberry buckle. I was happy with my salad and just fed myself on their enjoyment. As it turned out, I didn't need my bathing suit; just took off my shoes and socks to enjoy watching the children's antics.
The park offers more than water fun. The kids played on the swings and slides, and baby enjoyed the sandbox. Then the "big boys" played soccer, while Mommy and I ran after the little one, who likes to toddle around and try to steal other people's shoes and toys.
Got home by 5:30 and gave Pat scrapple and eggs for dinner. I had an omelet with Egg Beaters. Old George had sent home a bag of luscious tomatoes from his garden--so, so good. I put a few slices in my omelet and will invite Old George for dinner soon.

Stocked up for today's picnic after taking Pat to the dermatologist. Will bring ham and cheese on rye, peanut butter and jelly on white, salad, crystal pickles, mixed fruit, and iced tea and diet soda (in cans left over from the anniversary party). I have plenty of throw-away tableware and will bring a tablecloth, too.
For dessert, I made a incredibly delicious blueberry buckle from the recipe I got from Susan. Gave Pat a square last night and he heartily approved it. I even took one (one bite, that is) myself. Oh, joy, was that good!
Found out we'll be at a water park, although I think that just means wading pools for the kids. Nevertheless, will bring my bathing suit, although it feels very cool this morning; hope it warms up.

Exciting cultural news: I discovered a blog by George Orwell!
It wasn't originally a blog, of course, it's Orwell's journal. The entries, which are posted daily as if he were actually writing them now, correspond exactly to 70 years ago--i.e., today's entry is August 26, 1938.
Orwell (Eric Arthur Blair) moved around a lot in his too-short 49 years, but was living in the English countryside at the start of his journal on August 9. Right now, the news is all on the farming/nature front, but I understand he'll comment on politics and war in September.
The Orwell "blog" can be found here: http://orwelldiaries.wordpress.com/
From the ridiculous to the sublime (well, vice versa, really): I ordered a recent biography of Mario Lanza. Watching "The Great Caruso" on Sunday rekindled my interest in this Philadelphia phenomenon.

Went to Tucker Tom's for a stash of treasures from the earth, including tomatoes, peaches, broccoli, and more blueberries. The Jerseys are long gone, so these are from Michigan, but any port in a storm...
Am lunching with Marge today. Am toying with the idea of going to SeaOaks for their fabulous Cobb salad, but it's pretty much calorie-laden and a Caesar would be okay.
Attended Sunday at the Opera yesterday at our clubhouse and a neighbor/slight acquaintance went into the "wow, you're thin, but don't lose any more" routine. Why IS IT that people believe they have the authority and knowledge to tell you that? I'm not sure if they think it's a compliment or if they see the face that--let's face it (heh, heh)--is now heavily lined what with the fat under it gone, in which case, it's an insult, it seems to me. As I always do (well, I never claimed not to be bitchy), I asked this person just how much weight I was "supposed" to lose. Of course, she didn't know and couldn't answer when I asked her to tell me why she thought I had lost "enough."
Here's my take on this: People have been encouraged too damn much to let it all hang out, express themselves, say whatever comes into their heads, and so on. Therefore, they think nothing of giving unsolicited advice, back-handed compliments, and downright insults when somebody has lost a lot. My favorite outrageous weight-loss one is, "Have you been sick?," for which I'd like to come back with "Have you been well? You sure are fat."
Geesh, if somebody loses a lot, he or she either has a wasting disease or did it on purpose at considerable cost in time, effort, and determination. So observers should say, "Wow! You look fabulous!" or shut their pie holes.