Midsummer, Summer Solstice, and Father's Day

Summer officially begins today in the Northern Hemisphere with the Summer Solstice --the lightest day of the year. I prefer to say the lightest and darkest rather than the longest or shortest day of  the year. 

This year it's also Father's Day. We decided to go to Pooles Island for some beer. We considered Key Brewing, but knew we could go inside at Pooles, so that decided it. Pooles also has a good selection. 

There was a crab focused food truck. This was better than the limited kitchen it previously had onsite or the short list of restaurants that would deliver. Jace was a hit, though today it was with guys, except for a mother-daughter duo just before we left. 

I can't think of Midsummer without thinking of Cassandra.

Concert at the Pool

On Tuesday night, our condominium hosted the first of three summer concerts in the parking lot by our pool. There was a food truck (I tried crab cake eggrolls) a lemonade stand, and a cornhole game (featuring the Ravens logo.) The weather was perfect.

At first I thought the singer/guitarist was meh. He grew on me as he played more songs I liked later in the program. He played an eclectic selection ranging from Lionel Richie to Johnny Cash to the Who and Led Zeppelin. I was intrigued when he played Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash and then Pinball Wizard by the Who to the exact same music. 

After the concert, I asked how he came up with that. He credited another singer whose name he didn't remember.

Intriguing. 

Connecticut and Back Again

We left here last Sunday morning--later than I preferred. The  main reason for the trip was to attend a memorial service for Jeff's sister Melissa. 

We decided to stay in Norwalk for two days and meet up with some friends for lunch and dinner. We had to stop at our favorite Asian Fusion restaurant. We had an early birthday dinner for our friend Cynthia there. It was delicious.

The next day we stopped by our old condominium and ran a few errands before lunch with friends Elaine and Marti. Monday night was dinner with our friend and ex-neighbor Diane.

The next morning I visited the birds at the New Canaan Nature Center: Phoenix, Archie, Tupelo, and Gus. I even asked Gus if he remembered me.

There was a fifth bird I didn't recognize. I couldn't get a picture--he seemed to be hiding in the dark. I figured he was a new arrival and was uncomfortable.  

Next, we picked up some Bridgewater Chocolate and our favorite bison grass vodka. It's hard to find in Maryland; when I can find it, it's about $10 more than in Connecticut. 

Wednesday was Melissa's memorial service. It was tough. She had said no one would come to her funeral. There were at least 50 people there. After the service, we had some of Melissa's favorite food and drink in the fellowship hall: Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, cheeses, fruits, and  Mimosas. Our nephew's in-laws hosted us for dinner. 

We drove home Thursday--a good drive despite a crazy detour courtesy of Goggle maps. It was good to see Jace and return home. 

Mellow Monday Morning

I'm feeling mellow today. Jim and Liz were visiting Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning. We had dinner with Annette and George at their place, lunched at Bowleys and Loonasea, and went thrifting. Otherwise, we just hung around. I cooked one night and we got pizza a second night.  

I took it easy yesterday too. Jeff and I had gin and tonics on the balcony, I read, and I journaled. As for today, Jeff has a PT appointment at 1. I'll go food shopping while he's there and figure out tonight's dinner. I have several things to do but don't have to do them all today.

It's my birthday week, and we're heading into unofficial summer. The weekend doesn't look very good now, but things can change. Regardless, I'll just try to hold onto the mellow. 

Visitors

My brother Jim and his girlfriend Liz are coming to visit tomorrow. Jim helped us move and has been here a few times. But this will be his first time as a visitor. We had expected to have a few visitors before this, but things changed. 

We don't have many plans, but I've got some restaurant ideas and Annette invited us to dinner one night. It should be fun. 

Pies for Pi Day

Today did not go as I planned and hoped. But I still managed to eat pie. 

We got a pizza pie as a back up dinner plan. Since I hadn't planned on pizza, I got two half-pies earlier today from Geresbeck's (though I hate going to the grocery store on the weekend.) The lemon and peach pies were terrific. 

Happy Pi Day!

March Miscellanea

 I always look forward to March--it feels good to get out of February. It's been a hard winter. Snow from the January storm took a month to (mostly) dissipate. There are still small patches and large snowplowed piles. But, at the end of February, I began to catch a whiff of spring and hear birdsong. In the final weekend, temperatures rose to the high 50s. Jace and I returned to the trails and the boardwalk.

That didn't last, of course. The following Monday, it snowed for several hours and left a coating on the ground. Luckily, that snow dissipated quickly. I'm waiting for the 70s predicted for a few days next week.  

Jeff and I have tried a few more restaurants. One was a breakfast and lunch place with good steak sandwiches. We also went out for a good seafood dinner with friends. We have many other places to discover. 

We watched some of the Olympics in February. I'm most interested in figure skating. I saw the men's and the ice dancing competitions, but somehow missed the women's and the pairs. Oh well. Now, some of our other shows have returned, such as Matlock and Ghosts. 

We also rediscovered Nancy Drew--a series that we had started to watch on the CW back in 2019. We had seen most of the first season, but the show went on hiatus or the timeslot changed, and we never got back to it. We found it on HBO Max recently and watched the first two of four seasons. TV Nancy is not much like the Nancy Drew I've read. In the premiere, she's having sex with Ned (now called Nick) and he's black. Nancy's mysteries also involve the supernatural: ghosts, witches, wraiths, and the like. 

Most of our days revolve around medical appointments. Jeff has physical and speech therapy each week. We've also scheduled other medical appointments. Plus it's tax season. I spent most of last week stressing about getting the tax documents together. I got them to the accountant on the 28th.

Then there's still unpacking and organizing. I got a lead for someone who can install wooden bookshelves in our dining room. I haven't figured out exactly what I want, but it's a start. 

Frugality, Food Waste, and Other Friday Thoughts

Looking at yesterday's grocery bill, I feel like a dismal failure at frugality. Most of my items were produce related. I also bought a few pantry items. I can't help that food prices are high, and frugality isn't always focused on squeezing every last dime.

The things that appeal to me most about frugality are avoiding waste. 

Food waste is one priority. I sometimes buy too much produce or lunchmeat. I need to plan around what I buy, instead of just grabbing anything that looks good. I also have to be realistic as I read interesting recipes or see fun things as I walk the grocery aisles. Will I actually make that dish?

I'm getting better at using vegetables before they get too old and finding new recipes that use multiple items. That also helps with the age-old problem of what to have for dinner.

Buying used is another way to reduce waste. We're buying a dining room table and chairs as well as a coffee table from our downstairs neighbor when she moves. Another neighbor is taking me to a good thrift store. I hope I'm lucky.

Jeff and I are going out to lunch tomorrow for Valentine's Day. We usually don't go out on this holiday, but it's going to warm up to the 50s, and we haven't been out in a while. I was undecided at first, but now I'm looking forward to it. 

I'm longing for spring, but knew it's still far off. Nothing like multiple snow piles to remind you it's winter. 

Goal Tending

I've been thinking that for the past few years, my goals haven't been very thought out. I recycled previous goals and forgot about them for weeks at a time. 

Here are my current thoughts.

Dryuary: I've been doing some version of this for over 25 years. I'm a third of the way through the dry period (I don't drink again until Valentine's Day.) I recently read that Dryuary isn't such a great idea. Instead, you should rethink your drinking. It's something to think about. I find myself drinking more in the last week of year, because I stop after that. 

Exercise: I've been trying to exercise for a half-hour each day, and it's going pretty well. I was planning to join a gym in February but may wait a little longer. I need to do more research. 

Reading: I don't want to set a goal of a specific number of books read, but I want to read more than I have been. I have only a few books here that I haven't already read, and there in boxes, except for the Connecticut book mentioned below. I need to check out the Essex Library.

Writing: I've been journaling and doing some blogging. Unfortunately, that hasn't translated to "real" writing. I think I'll pick up a book about Connecticut railroads. I first saw this book in the history room of the Norwalk Library but later found my own copy at a library book sale. Maybe that will inspire me. 

Our First Christmas in Essex

Another quiet Christmas at home, but it's our new home. After Christmas breakfast, fruit, and champagne, we opened gifts in the living room in front of the fireplace--not the greatest picture, but I'm too lazy to take another. 

Now, we're watching Christmas in Connecticut--a favorite screwball Christmas comedy. I'm happy to be home; glad that I don't have to go anywhere. 

Catch-up Post: Snow, Celebrations, and Holiday Prep

We had our first measurable snowfall last Saturday night--two to three inches. Previously we had only experienced flurries. Funny, my friend insisted it doesn't snow here. Well, this has been the coldest December in 20 years.

Our building had a bite and sip holiday party last Friday. My salmon spread was a big hit. Jeff and I enjoyed ourselves. After about an hour, we brought Jace downstairs to join us. Talk about a big hit--he was quite charming. 

On Monday, I went to a celebration of life for my cousin's husband. There were many people there--I only knew two beside my cousins. It was very cold, but Sunday's snowstorm didn't cause any problems. I was happy I could attend. It truly was a celebration of Tom's life. 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we didn't do much in the way of Christmas decorating, but I can still see Christmas things I love around the living room. 

I'm going to cook this Christmas. I wasn't happy with the Whole Foods Thanksgiving meal and catering options for two or four are limited. I'm making filet mignon for Christmas Eve with scalloped potatoes, sauteed spinach, baby bella mushrooms, and crescent rolls. Jeff bought a Christmas pudding for dessert. I also have cheese with cranberries as an appetizer as well as soups. 

I'll make Christmas breakfast on Christmas Day. I haven't decided on dinner yet, but I want something easy. 

Three Weeks and a Day

It's hard to believe. I feel like we've been here longer. 

Last Saturday we returned to Connecticut. We stayed with our friend Jen and her Westie Katie; it was great to visit with them. I also caught up with Cynthia.

I finished packing up the things we left in Connecticut,. hired my neighbor to clean, got a quote for carpet and hardwood floor cleaning, met with a realtor, reviewed a listing agreement, and managed to leave one of Jeff's canes at Jen's. 

It was so nice to come back here. To our new home home on Wednesday. Our new bedroom nightstands arrived--my brother Jim returned this weekend and obligingly assembled them for us. Our kitchen set arrived on Thursday. 

I returned to Schultz's Crabhouse for their famous sour beef and another time for their crabcake. We tried a new restaurant for Chinese takeout. We're slowly becoming familiar with people and the area. 

Last Night to Cook

I hate using disposable plates, utensils, and napkins. I hate contributing to more things in a landfill. 

I figured I would use disposable on our last night or two here and our first night or two in Essex. But I underestimated how soon I would to want to give up cooking. The prepping and the cleanup take up too much valuable time. I reluctantly brought out the disposables last week. Many are recyclable, so I feel obligated to clean them, but it's not saving much time, and I'm still generating crap. 

Yesterday was supposed to be the last night to cook. Instead, we ate a late lunch--so we had a salad for dinner. Tonight I cooked the crabcakes--the last from Connecticut with green beans, carrots, and shallots. 

Spent the day doing laundry, running errands, packing, and frankly, fighting with tape dispensers. 

It will be an early night.

First Week in September

Has it only been a week?

Jeff and I bought a Sleep Number king bed on Monday. It's a splurge, but I think it will be well worth it. 

Tuesday, I drove Jeff to the dentist. It had been a while, but he had a good check-up. I took the opportunity to take Jace to Bruce Park for the last time. We also got our favorite crab cakes from  Bon Ton for the last time and a steak sandwich from Greenwich Prime, yes for the last time.

We went out to lunch with friends Elaine and Marti, not for the last time. At least, we'll try for another lunch.

The rest of the week was spent on shopping, cleaning, and not enough packing. 

There's so much more to do. 

The Last Night at Sedona Tap House

We had a final dinner at Sedona Tap House last night. STH has been in Norwalk for 10 years (the official anniversary would have been sometime in July.) Jeff and I were there for the first night as well as the last. We used to go to beer school and once a cider class. It became our favorite place.

We had about a month's notice before STH closed. Still, the closing snuck up on us. Jeff, Jace, and I went to dinner there on Friday and Monday, and lunch on Sunday. On Saturday, I went there with a friend for drinks. We are really going to miss it. 

It's Been A Lot

I decided three weeks (minus one day) is enough. I have to post. But it's 9:44 PM as I start this and I'm tired.

I'm not up to a detailed description of the past few weeks. We had several medical appointments and made a disappointing home hunting trip to Delaware. 

Sedona Tap House is closing at the end of June. Sedona has been one of our favorite places. We went to dinner there last night and will really miss it. 

The Mets were swept for the first time this season by the Rays. They still top the National League.

And so it goes.

Three Birthday Lunches and a Sun-shower

In the last eight days, I've been on three birthday lunches. The first was with Jeff, his sister and her husband. We went to Rive Bistro, a restaurant I've been meaning to visit for a long time. 

Next, it was Jeff and me. We went to the Goose. Today my brother and his girlfriend took us to Sedona Tap House.. 

I could get used to this. But alas, a birthday is just once a year.  

Although I enjoyed our meal at the Goose, I was very disappointed on my birthday. It was also Jace's birthday. Okay, we don't know his real birthday. I learned from asking about Lola's birthday that when stray dogs are taken to a vet, the day of the visit becomes the birthday. We picked a date for Lola's birthday. We liked that Jace and I had the same bday. 

It was cold and damp on our birthday with temperatures topping out around 52. I had hoped for a warm day when we could eat outside. Well, we didn't get out with Jace then, so we owe him a restaurant meal. 

We finally saw some sun today. In fact, when I took Jace out this afternoon, we walked in a sun-shower. I sang parts of this song. I love sun-showers, but it's odd to find them after a nor'easter. But the weather is screwed now. At least there are no sharnados ...yet. 

Tuesday Topics

I had a strange realization last night. I had finished doing the dinner dishes, half watching/half listening to the Mets game. I was thinking about writing, and then I was talking myself out of it. That's scary if you think of yourself as a writer. 

So, I wonder why am I avoiding writing. I don't have an answer. I have to keep thinking about it and keep on writing. 

I went to Trader Joe's today with a list of healthy frozen foods according to a list I saw online. Of the items I found, most had high sodium content. I found two with low sodium and two others I had found before. I was happy to see Thai wheat noodles I couldn't find last time. Most importantly, lemon pesto is back! I bought four bottles. I haven't seen it for months, and was just thinking I should break down and buy something more expensive online. 

I picked up the cinnabar lamps today and put them on the living room end tables. It's nice to have them. I know that Jeff has always wanted them.

We've been spending a lot of time looking at real estate online mostly in Maryland. Then, Jeff saw a condo in Milford, Delaware that he likes. There's also some new construction there. So, we're going to check out the area. We may have to stay in Rehoboth Beach when we visit. There isn't much in the way of dog friendly motels in Milford.

The Mets are in a slump. It always seems to happen when I decide to write about them, but don't actually do it. Am I a jinx?

Mother's Day Musings

I may not be a mother of humans, but I'm a dog mom. I'll take that as a reason to celebrate. 

Today I celebrated by not cooking. Generally, I enjoy cooking, especially compared to other household chores like laundry or cleaning. But, again generally, you have to cook everyday, and it gets time consuming. Especially because I chop veggies and lettuce most days. The planning also gets to me. Sometimes I wake up and my first thought is "What are we going to have for dinner?" Ugh.

It's been a beautiful weekend--the first without rain in awhile. Jace and I are taking longer walks. Today we walked an hour and a quarter, going to Oyster Shell Park. I went there often with Lola, because for many years, she was afraid to walk in the neighborhood. But Jace enjoys our neighborhood walks. 

After coffee and a protein drink, I went to the gym for about 40 minutes. It was the first time this year, I went four times in a week. On the way home, I picked up bagels I had previously gotten smoked salmon and cream cheese. Later we got take out sushi for dinner. 

Couldn't watch the Mets because the game was on Roku. It always annoys me when games appear on some unusual channel or service. We already have SNY for the Mets games. At least the Mets won. It's been a great season so far.

First Quarter Review

It looks like I never officially made a list of 2025 goals. I'll review this quarter based on 2024 goals. 

Dryuary Plus: I didn't drink from January 2 until Valentine's Day. It was only difficult on one stressful day.

150 Gym Visits: Through March 31, I've gone to the gym 34 times, just a bit off the pace to hit 150. I only made it to 150 once, but it's doable at a pace of three visits per week. It was April 2024 that my gym visits virtually stopped for several months. I can't let that happen again. 

Reading: Last year my goal was 40 books, but I only read 27. By the end of March last year, I read four books. This year, I read five. I also read a simplified version of Little Women, which I'm not officially counting. The five are: Five Points. Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and his Court, Road of Bones, and Angel of Darkness. All of my books so far are good. 

Blogposts: My 2024 goal was to write 150 to 200: I wrote 132 and 35 through March 31. I wrote 38 by March 31 this year. on pace to write 152.

Writing: Once again, I didn't do specific writing goals, but I had been working with the plan of writing 500 words a day. I did it several days, but kind of lost my way. I averaged 334.6 words per day on the days I wrote (January 2 through February 8.) I started revising in late March. Have to get back into the daily habit. There's lots of time left in the year.