Full--and fun--day again. Arrived up north at 10:00 and we took off shortly after to pick up little Lucas, 7, at a diner on Route 206. Along with the just-turned-ten-year-old and the will-be-5-in August guy, they made a high-spirited trio. It took a good hour and a half to get to Ringing Rocks State Park, in Upper Black Eddy, Pa., but no prob and we drove through beautiful countryside.
The boys loved clambering over the huge boulders and striking them with the hammers we brought along to make a metallic sound, not a dull clunk. Now, I like to walk, but uneven terrain is not where I like to do it, so I picked my way to the edge of the field of rocks and waited for them. Did the same when they went down a rocky path to get to the waterfall about a quarter mile away. We then ate the lunch Granny (ha!) had packed and took off.
Next stop was New Hope, where we boarded the flat-bottomed boat for a trip down the Delaware. The water was so smooth and the boat so slow, I wasn't nervous at all and the boys loved it.
Granny's husband had ridden his motorcycle the fifty miles or so from home and met up with us as we got back on land. Back to the northern dweller's place, the "Slip 'n' Slide" was set up, the boys changed and they had an absolute ball with it. Loved watching them from the deck while I ruefully reflected (oh, fer cryin' out loud, what kind of hoity-toity literary talk is that?!) that I used to be able to do that. Multiple fractures if I tried it now.
Luke's mama and dad then stopped to pick him up--they were camping at Jenny Jump Park--and soon, Sue and Joe, J. and R.'s grandparents came. Later, so did our J.'s grandfather, his wife, and daughter, and we sat for a time chatting, then had the cake and sang the song to precious J., now officially ten years old. After present opening--which included a tent, sleeping bags, and canteens for all four boys, it was after 8:30 and getting dark, so I said goodbye.
Today, the boys and the grannies are meeting up with the grandpappy's son and his family near the Delaware Water Gap to go to the wolf preserve. I'll skip that, but will see them again on Monday.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Flowers and Stuff
Satisfying day all around. On my daily walk, met up with first, Mary S., who's caring for Susan's cat and parrot while she's away, and chatted with her for a time; then Maureen K., and stopped to talk to her; and soon, Loretta M.--it took me almost an hour to finish, but no prob.
After breakfast, drove to the cemetery to inspect the graves. Pat's needed weeding, and also had a big gap in front. The New Guinea impatient I had planted at Jay's was almost dead--I think I overestimated the shade it would get--and both were dry. Went to Produce Junction and got two, nice-sized plants--just can't remember what they're called--with pretty, variagaged pinky-red blooms. For the porch, also picked up three vinca vines and a huge patio plant of red, white, and purple petunias. Total cost: ten dollars even.
Back at the cemetery, I planted Pat's in the bare space; doesn't look bad, although it's assmetrical. At Jay's, it took me a good ten minutes to get the damn Mexian heather roots out--it's a pretty plant, but never again--then I put in the new one. Took pictures to send Betty and the kids.
Home for just a few minutes, I cleaned up a bit--was splattered with mud--then went to the library. Had dinner,then drove down to the odd-looking estate down Route 9 and took more pictures. Drove to Shop-Rite in Manahawkin, then home and made another tofu stir-fry for dinner.
Darn...woke up this morning to an enormous storm. Hope it passes, so it doesn't cancel Ringing Rocks and the birthday party.
Darn! The SpellCheck on this blog isn't working. Can't imagine why.
After breakfast, drove to the cemetery to inspect the graves. Pat's needed weeding, and also had a big gap in front. The New Guinea impatient I had planted at Jay's was almost dead--I think I overestimated the shade it would get--and both were dry. Went to Produce Junction and got two, nice-sized plants--just can't remember what they're called--with pretty, variagaged pinky-red blooms. For the porch, also picked up three vinca vines and a huge patio plant of red, white, and purple petunias. Total cost: ten dollars even.
Back at the cemetery, I planted Pat's in the bare space; doesn't look bad, although it's assmetrical. At Jay's, it took me a good ten minutes to get the damn Mexian heather roots out--it's a pretty plant, but never again--then I put in the new one. Took pictures to send Betty and the kids.
Home for just a few minutes, I cleaned up a bit--was splattered with mud--then went to the library. Had dinner,then drove down to the odd-looking estate down Route 9 and took more pictures. Drove to Shop-Rite in Manahawkin, then home and made another tofu stir-fry for dinner.
Darn...woke up this morning to an enormous storm. Hope it passes, so it doesn't cancel Ringing Rocks and the birthday party.
Darn! The SpellCheck on this blog isn't working. Can't imagine why.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Lake And A Shared Birthday
I've had a sore on the back of my leg since Mike was here and we hiked at Wells Mills Park. Assumed it was a bite or scratch, but it hasn't gone away and is red and itches. My older sister had a melanoma in almost the same spot (she survived it; it was cigarettes that got her in the end) and I started getting nervous remembering that. On my way to Manahawkin, stopped at the doctor's and asked if he could look at it. He wasn't available but the nurse practioner was. She examined it, cleaned it up, and said it was infected, but that you can't be sure just by looking at it that it wasn't cancer. Prescribed an antibiotic, told me to put on Neosporin, and if it isn't healed in two weeks, to come back and I'll be sent to a dermatologist. I like the NP--Dawn--and was heartened, although am anxious to see the damn thing go away.
Went to Manahawkin and got more toys and books for the boys, then stopped at the DMV to ask that they stop sending my husband handicapped licences, as he died three years ago. Made lunch, packed it, changed, and took off for the lake. The three others were already there and we all had a fine time in the water and sand. Accepted a dinner invitation and we ate on the deck. T. and I washed the table, then he took out the tableware--what an adorable little helper he is! Yummy meal of salad, meatloaf, fresh beets, and potatoes, and the best homemade blueberry pie I ever tasted.
Made a date to go back on Friday, when we'll celebrate J.'s birthday with a "boys' day" at "Ringing Rocks" in Upper Black Eddy, Pa.
Happy birthday to him and to my older son, P., one of the four brightest spots in my life. They were both born on this day and do I remember both occasions? You bet--the one ten years ago and the one quite a bit longer than that. Lucky me.
Went to Manahawkin and got more toys and books for the boys, then stopped at the DMV to ask that they stop sending my husband handicapped licences, as he died three years ago. Made lunch, packed it, changed, and took off for the lake. The three others were already there and we all had a fine time in the water and sand. Accepted a dinner invitation and we ate on the deck. T. and I washed the table, then he took out the tableware--what an adorable little helper he is! Yummy meal of salad, meatloaf, fresh beets, and potatoes, and the best homemade blueberry pie I ever tasted.
Made a date to go back on Friday, when we'll celebrate J.'s birthday with a "boys' day" at "Ringing Rocks" in Upper Black Eddy, Pa.
Happy birthday to him and to my older son, P., one of the four brightest spots in my life. They were both born on this day and do I remember both occasions? You bet--the one ten years ago and the one quite a bit longer than that. Lucky me.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wake
Walked with the boys (Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and so on), then did wash and tidied up the guest room. Drove to the SOCH thrift store in Manahawkin and got some toys, books, and games for the real (little) boys, coming soon. Had lunch, dressed, and left for the "visitation" ("wake"; seems to me even the later "viewing" is a silly affectation) for Pat K. about 2:30.
Pat's house is lovely. It was built in, I'd say, 1830 or so, and retains great beauty with its large foyer, mahogony woodwork, and thick walls. It's directly across from Rider and set on beautifully landscaped grounds. The big kitchen--enlarged and modernized--runs along the whole back and there are attractive decks on two levels.
I was surprised, but charmed, by the fact that Pat was laid out right in what I guess would be called "the palour." When I was a kid in 1902, practically all wakes were held in the deceased's home; it would have seemed odd to use a "funeral home" or--to follow the modern trend--have it in the church before the ceremony. However, this seemed right and proper and, somehow, I was glad of it. The room was filled with white calla lillies--may have been Pat's favorite flowers--and the house with gorgeous flowers, both from florists and I think, Pat's own gardens, as she was an avid amateur horticulturist.
Talked to Pat's husband, Edzu (Polish, pronounced "Ed-jew") and several of her six children, then saw and chatted with Kathy B., Linda J., and Marie M., all of whom I remember from my Rider days. Left after an hour or so and drove home. With other recent passings and back-to-back viewings ("wakes," "visitations"), I've had enough of death.*
Stopped at the northern dweller's on the way home, but declined her dinner invitation. Possible lake action with the boys today; hope it's warm enough.
Made a tofu stir-fry with peppers, mushroom, and onions; very good.
*And at my back, I always hear/Time's winged chariot hurrying near...(Andrew Marvel, To His Coy Mistress). Boy, do I ever--and louder all the time.
Pat's house is lovely. It was built in, I'd say, 1830 or so, and retains great beauty with its large foyer, mahogony woodwork, and thick walls. It's directly across from Rider and set on beautifully landscaped grounds. The big kitchen--enlarged and modernized--runs along the whole back and there are attractive decks on two levels.
I was surprised, but charmed, by the fact that Pat was laid out right in what I guess would be called "the palour." When I was a kid in 1902, practically all wakes were held in the deceased's home; it would have seemed odd to use a "funeral home" or--to follow the modern trend--have it in the church before the ceremony. However, this seemed right and proper and, somehow, I was glad of it. The room was filled with white calla lillies--may have been Pat's favorite flowers--and the house with gorgeous flowers, both from florists and I think, Pat's own gardens, as she was an avid amateur horticulturist.
Talked to Pat's husband, Edzu (Polish, pronounced "Ed-jew") and several of her six children, then saw and chatted with Kathy B., Linda J., and Marie M., all of whom I remember from my Rider days. Left after an hour or so and drove home. With other recent passings and back-to-back viewings ("wakes," "visitations"), I've had enough of death.*
Stopped at the northern dweller's on the way home, but declined her dinner invitation. Possible lake action with the boys today; hope it's warm enough.
Made a tofu stir-fry with peppers, mushroom, and onions; very good.
*And at my back, I always hear/Time's winged chariot hurrying near...(Andrew Marvel, To His Coy Mistress). Boy, do I ever--and louder all the time.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Lots More Going On
Determined to get back in the healthy groove, I walked our usual mile and a half at 7:00 (by myself, as Susan's in Canada), then did the exercise at the clubhouse at 8:00. After my regular breakfast, I drove to Atlantic County. Went to Shop-Rite and Santori's to pick up veggies and stuff. Went to the cemetery, but there was certainly no need to water, as it had rained so much. I must tidy up Pat's grave and re-plant at Jay's; the begonia looks bedraggled.
Rain started again by the time I stopped at the library. Got the recent bestseller, The Help, which is proving to be absorbing. I don't usually read fiction, especially bestsellers (no question I'm a literary snob), but this is good light summer reading. Took a short nap after. Did stuff on the computer and finally got my tickets for California. Forwarded reservation info to Ellen and her sister.
Heard from Helen C. at Rider, who e-mailed me that Pat K., whom I knew well when I was there, has died. I saw her last year at the reception, but not in May. I'll go up to a "visitation" today at her home across from Rider, which is from 3 to 8.
On a similar somber note, I went over to the viewing for Maureen W.'s husband last night; got thoroughly soaked coming from the parking lot, but I didn't care. Lots of people there and I met Terence Donavan, Maureen's nephew, who had met Mike in Manhattan last year.
Looking forward with great pleasure to the arrival of grandson, his lady, and the four little boys on July 3. There are also tentative plans to go to the lake tomorrow, and a birthday outing for the soon-to-be ten-year-old on Friday.
Skipped the wine last night in favor of iced tea; had the popcorn and some rice cakes.
It suddenly dawned on me that today is N.'s birthday and tomorrow is P.'s! Oh, no! What with all the Funny Money and other stuff going on, I thought I had time for cards and gifts! Tried to get them on Skype, but had no luck; will keep calling, as it's evening for them. So sorry! I'm the world's worst mother!
Rain started again by the time I stopped at the library. Got the recent bestseller, The Help, which is proving to be absorbing. I don't usually read fiction, especially bestsellers (no question I'm a literary snob), but this is good light summer reading. Took a short nap after. Did stuff on the computer and finally got my tickets for California. Forwarded reservation info to Ellen and her sister.
Heard from Helen C. at Rider, who e-mailed me that Pat K., whom I knew well when I was there, has died. I saw her last year at the reception, but not in May. I'll go up to a "visitation" today at her home across from Rider, which is from 3 to 8.
On a similar somber note, I went over to the viewing for Maureen W.'s husband last night; got thoroughly soaked coming from the parking lot, but I didn't care. Lots of people there and I met Terence Donavan, Maureen's nephew, who had met Mike in Manhattan last year.
Looking forward with great pleasure to the arrival of grandson, his lady, and the four little boys on July 3. There are also tentative plans to go to the lake tomorrow, and a birthday outing for the soon-to-be ten-year-old on Friday.
Skipped the wine last night in favor of iced tea; had the popcorn and some rice cakes.
It suddenly dawned on me that today is N.'s birthday and tomorrow is P.'s! Oh, no! What with all the Funny Money and other stuff going on, I thought I had time for cards and gifts! Tried to get them on Skype, but had no luck; will keep calling, as it's evening for them. So sorry! I'm the world's worst mother!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Another Busy One
Another jam-packed day. Accepted Aline's invitation to a brunch held by one of her fellow Red Hats and got there about noon. House is right on the canal, but was horribly hot and untastefully--or mistastefully--decorated; lots of dusty little artifacts around. I had already had breakfast and wasn't hungry, so ate only a few forkfuls of leathery scrambled eggs and one overdone sausage. A pitcher of "Mimosas" (the quote marks are there for a reason) was served, but I didn't detect any booze in it (I was told it was there), it was cloudy (why?), and strawberries were floating in it, fer cryin' out loud! For this, I paid nine bucks--steep for a mediocre meal.
There were about twenty women there, all of a certain age, as the novelists used to write, and the talk turned to ailments, wouldn'tcha know. One woman was on oxygen (well, aren't we all?), another had blocked carotid arteries, and so on and on. I always feel a bit inadequate in such company--my puny gall bladder operation of two years ago just can't compete, (Joke, of course, I know how lucky I am to be this healthy.) Nevertheless, they were nice enough and sitting out on the deck, I enjoyed myself in a restrained sort of way. Left about 1:30 to freshen up and prepare for the matinee--and final--performance of Funny Money.
Too bad this didn't prevail throughout the run! The place, while not exactly packed, was about three quarters filled and it was a very appreciative audience. My friends, Leslie and Dennis, Naomi and Wayne, and Barb and Ray came, as did Aline's Red Hat group of about 25, and a good number of others. They were wonderfully appreciative and laughed heartily in all the right spots. Aline and I served up refreshments and enjoyed all the energy in the air.
We were able to clean up during the second act, then I took off for LA's restaurant in Manahawkin for Dine Around, arriving about 5:00. I sat with Rae and Sid S. and had a good time talking with them--Rae is leaving for Ireland (she was born there) on Thursday with her daughter grandson, to visit a healer--don't even ask. Shabby room, poor service, and lousy food, but the draw is the company, of course. The usual silly games were conducted by Judy K., and I won a big block of chocolate that I need like a hole in the head and a dollar store bracelet that I actually like. Home by 8:00, I skipped the wine, just had popcorn and iced tea and slept soundly.
Now I'm ready for some downtime.
Note: What just popped up: "Goggle wants to track your physical location" with a "allow once" and "allow and don't ask again." WHAT?! Does Goggle have drones overhead? Why should they want to track my physical location? Don't like this at all.
There were about twenty women there, all of a certain age, as the novelists used to write, and the talk turned to ailments, wouldn'tcha know. One woman was on oxygen (well, aren't we all?), another had blocked carotid arteries, and so on and on. I always feel a bit inadequate in such company--my puny gall bladder operation of two years ago just can't compete, (Joke, of course, I know how lucky I am to be this healthy.) Nevertheless, they were nice enough and sitting out on the deck, I enjoyed myself in a restrained sort of way. Left about 1:30 to freshen up and prepare for the matinee--and final--performance of Funny Money.
Too bad this didn't prevail throughout the run! The place, while not exactly packed, was about three quarters filled and it was a very appreciative audience. My friends, Leslie and Dennis, Naomi and Wayne, and Barb and Ray came, as did Aline's Red Hat group of about 25, and a good number of others. They were wonderfully appreciative and laughed heartily in all the right spots. Aline and I served up refreshments and enjoyed all the energy in the air.
We were able to clean up during the second act, then I took off for LA's restaurant in Manahawkin for Dine Around, arriving about 5:00. I sat with Rae and Sid S. and had a good time talking with them--Rae is leaving for Ireland (she was born there) on Thursday with her daughter grandson, to visit a healer--don't even ask. Shabby room, poor service, and lousy food, but the draw is the company, of course. The usual silly games were conducted by Judy K., and I won a big block of chocolate that I need like a hole in the head and a dollar store bracelet that I actually like. Home by 8:00, I skipped the wine, just had popcorn and iced tea and slept soundly.
Now I'm ready for some downtime.
Note: What just popped up: "Goggle wants to track your physical location" with a "allow once" and "allow and don't ask again." WHAT?! Does Goggle have drones overhead? Why should they want to track my physical location? Don't like this at all.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Surprise Party
A glutton for punishment, I drove up to Shop-Rite--yes, on a Friday in the summertime in early afternoon. It was jammed, of course, but I got what I needed--wanted--and got outta there.
Stopped at the florist on the way back and the woman told me they had no pink roses, which I had ordered, so she made me up red and yellow and gave me a five dollar vase. I was annoyed for a minute, but there are beautiful, probably better than the pink ones, and I was fine with them. Went home to do some domestic chores until it was time to get ready for the party. Showered, washed my hair, and dressed; wore the long dress I got for the wedding, along with a black top--looked pretty good, but my hair was a disaster.
Dennis and Leslie picked me up at 4:15 and off we went to SeaOaks. Big room and lots of people--I think about 60, including most of Ray and Barb's neighbors. We sat at a table with Barb's cousins; chatted with them and others until the birthday couple came in about 5:00--SURPRISE!--and they were thrilled.
Open bar, excellent buffet, and d.j. with annoyingly loud music, but elegant atmosphere and a lot of fun. Much chatter, some somber concerning my friend, Maureen W.'s husband, who died suddenly a few days ago. We stayed until a bit after eight, then said our goodbyes.
Today, not one, but two eating-out experiences are coming up. My weight is out of control yet again--I've gained back about two thirds of the 72 pounds I had lost. Will have to assess my position tomorrow and come up with a plan to wrestle myself back. Damn, I can't imagine what life would be like without the overweight thing.
Stopped at the florist on the way back and the woman told me they had no pink roses, which I had ordered, so she made me up red and yellow and gave me a five dollar vase. I was annoyed for a minute, but there are beautiful, probably better than the pink ones, and I was fine with them. Went home to do some domestic chores until it was time to get ready for the party. Showered, washed my hair, and dressed; wore the long dress I got for the wedding, along with a black top--looked pretty good, but my hair was a disaster.
Dennis and Leslie picked me up at 4:15 and off we went to SeaOaks. Big room and lots of people--I think about 60, including most of Ray and Barb's neighbors. We sat at a table with Barb's cousins; chatted with them and others until the birthday couple came in about 5:00--SURPRISE!--and they were thrilled.
Open bar, excellent buffet, and d.j. with annoyingly loud music, but elegant atmosphere and a lot of fun. Much chatter, some somber concerning my friend, Maureen W.'s husband, who died suddenly a few days ago. We stayed until a bit after eight, then said our goodbyes.
Today, not one, but two eating-out experiences are coming up. My weight is out of control yet again--I've gained back about two thirds of the 72 pounds I had lost. Will have to assess my position tomorrow and come up with a plan to wrestle myself back. Damn, I can't imagine what life would be like without the overweight thing.
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