I 💖 September

September is my favorite month. Last year, September was stressful--preparing for the move. This year, we're going away for five nights. two in Lewes, DE and three in Ocean City, MD. It took a while to find the right hotels online. I found three or four breweries and a winery in the area; we enjoy going for tastings. I've done a little research on restaurants and have a recommendation from our neighbors. Need to check out some nice stores. Looking forward to this getaway.

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Labor Day Weekend is over, but summer isn't  But, I'm already seeing signs of fall--acorns along the walkways, leaves tracked into the entryways. (The latter is my least favorite sign of fall.) Despite a few early days with temperature in the nineties, the temperature has moderated. A few mornings have had temps in the 60's.

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I've lost a lot of weight over the past four years (since Jace joined us, a coincidence or a cause?) Anyway, I finally got rid of a lot of clothes that I held onto. At one point, I realized I only had two long-sleeved blouses. Then I realized that I didn't have appropriate pants or skirt for a memorial service for our neighbor this Friday.. So, I went shopping today and luckily found something to wear. I never expected to need to get clothes because I was getting smaller, but that's what's been happening. 

Can't wait to our getaway.

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. 

The Dread Before the Storm

Forecasts are dire and the weather media seems to relish the worsening reports. 

In our first winter in Essex, we've experienced the coldest December in twenty years. Now, this weekend may bring the biggest snowstorm in 20. Bad timing for us, or maybe a neighbor was right when she said I brought the cold from Connecticut. 

I ran most of my errands yesterday, including the second grocery run of the week. I missed a few things when I went shopping on Monday. Plus, I figured I should stock up--I won't be driving anywhere until at least Monday. The best errand was going to the Essex Library. I got a library card and three books. 

I admit I'm worried about losing power and being unable to cook. I'm used to having a gas stovetop. It could be lots of peanut butter sandwiches. Good thing we love peanut butter. 

Two Months in Essex

Last Wednesday was the two-month anniversary of our moving day. 

We've done a lot of things in those two months.

• We bought new furniture: kitchen table and chairs, living room couch and chairs, bedside tables, Sleep Number bed. 
• We found a primary care physician and other doctors. 
• I got my Maryland driver's license and registration, including a Maryland Safety Inspection.
• We got a new TV and cellphones when old ones broke.

We did that even with a five day break to return to Connecticut and five days for Jeff in the hospital when I did virtually nothing.

Of course, there's a lot more to do. I am trying my best not to get overwhelmed. I need to focus and stick to my plans.

I underestimated  how long it would take me to acclimate myself to a new area. I'm still using GPS to get around, but less often. I've been frustrated with the various grocery stores. It's been hard to find things/brands I like. It's getting easier; having kandykakes readily available helps. 

We were here at Halloween and the neighborhood is into decorating. Even a part of the trail/boardwalk was decorated. Unfortunately, Jeff was in the hospital, so we weren't up for celebrating. 

Christmas decorations are pretty big too. I did our Christmas decorating on Sunday. It's pretty sparse. We decided not to buy a tree this year. In January, we trashed our old shedding artificial tree and don't want to deal with getting a new one. Hey, we need furniture. But if there are good post-Christmas sales, we'll keep our options open. 

Looking ahead to ringing in the New Year in our new home.

Decluttering, Packing, Making Appointments

The appointments started with Jeff going to the dentist. Then Jace had his annual checkup, I got my car serviced, and Jeff got a haircut. 

Tomorrow, I get my haircut, and someone is coming by to buy/junk a lot of our things. At least I hope.

I took two boxes and several bags of jackets, sweatshirts, and coats to Goodwill today. I also bought some things at Kohl's and Home Goods--bowls to replace some we're planning to give away, towels, pillows, a king blanket. I'm wondering why I'm buying. Yes, I'll need things, but that's enough buying for now. 

Tonight I'm overwhelmed and stressed. I'll never get it all done. But I have to. 

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. 

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?

Catching Up

I remember checking this blog last Sunday, realizing I hadn't posted in a week. Still, didn't post on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday.

Why not? I don't know: I was too lazy, too tired, too whatever. 

Last week was an expensive one. I picked up a few prescriptions for Jeff totaling over $300. I hope it's that high because he just changed insurance programs and has to meet a new deductible. We knew one prescription was expensive, but $300 was a surprise. 

What I thought was a slow tire leak ended up with me needing three new tires. At least I took care of that now and not during our upcoming visit to Delaware.(More on that later.)

I went to the dentist. I just needed cleaning--I take good care of my teeth. Preventive maintenance is well worth the cost, but it's still another bill for the week.

I found a place to repair the antique cinnabar lamps we inherited from Jeff's grandparents by way of his sister. I started looking for lamp shades back in December and had trouble with that, before finding I also needed some parts of the lamps repaired. That will cost around $200.

Then there's grocery shopping; I bought many things to avoid tariff increases. But I don't want to keep depressing myself, so I'll just stop here.

Tuesday Snow Day and Other Miscellanea

We're currently dealing with the biggest snowstorm of the season. Today is my day to care for the birds at New Canaan Nature Center, but I didn't go. I feel guilty about it, but it's better to be safe. At least winter is half-way over.

I made sure to go food shopping yesterday. ShopRite was crowded, but not as bad as I expected. I focused on things for tomorrow--Valentine's Day. we're having filet mignon, shitake mushrooms, scalloped potatoes, and creamed spinach, a gimlet, and Faithful Hound wine. We'll even eat by candlelight. I can't remember the last time we did that. 

It's been over a week since I last posted. That's pitiful if I want to maintain a presence here. I started a post about TV shows that we've been watching. I had been hoping that blogging would kickstart some other writing for me. So far, no good.

At least I've done some creative things. I've been working/playing in my art journal. I may not have much to show for it, but it makes me feel better.

Seasonal Weekend

On Friday, I had an excellent visit to HomeGoods. I got Christmas placemats and cocktail napkins, a few things for Jeff's stocking, and other household things I needed like a mixing bowl and a wooden cutting board.

Saturday morning, I bought several things at the Westport Library Book Sale. 

The books were

1.    Anne Boleyn A King's Obsession by Alison Weir--the second in a series of Six Tudor Queens

2.    The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde--I previously read a Thursday Next book and thought it would be fun to try another.

3    Road of Bones by James R. Benn--I had read two books in the Billy Boyle Word War II mysteries, and they were good.

I also picked up some CDs: Bangles, Grateful Dead, INXS, Paul Simon, the English Beat, the Psychedelic Furs. I usually ignore CDs and DVDs, but my friend Marti was talking about how good the selections were. They weren't arranged in any particular order. When I quickly found the six, I moved on to books. 

We stopped for a drink in the library cafe before heading to a crafts show at the Westport Museum. I met a woman there who should be able to repair the quilt my mother made and Lola ripped up. 

Later Jeff and I  took Jace to Rowayton Dog Park. It's the only place I trust Jace off leash because it's completely fenced in.

Yesterday was a dreary, rainy day: perfect to start Christmas decorating. I'd like to finish that today.

The Christmas Shoppe at the Merwinsville Hotel

Cynthia and I drove up to Merwinsville on Friday, the opening day of its Christmas Shoppe--a kind of combination Christmas display and holiday sale. 

One room on the main level has a railroad running through a village as well as World's Fair miniatures of various amusement rides. A collection of Santas were in a corner of another room. The Nutcracker collection was on the second floor. 

Then there were all the things for sale: jewelry, pottery, glassware, dolls, knitted mittens and hats, scarves, ornaments, paintings, and plants. 

I only bought a few things this year. The first is a beagle ornament. Now we have several beagle ornaments already, but this was different. I also got a wooden gift tag that says "Merry Christmas." I thought this would look nice hanging on our door and for $3, why not? 

I have three Merwinsville wine glasses that are starting to lose their logos. I decided to get replacements. Each glass was $5, but I got four for $18. Sounds frugal to me. 

It's been a year since I've been to the hotel. It felt good to see it again

An Artful Weekend

Yesterday, Jeff, our friend Cynthia, and I went to an outdoor art festival at Third Place in Stamford. It's in the same building as the  Loft Artists. The art show was much smaller than I expected, and was disappointing. We did like drinking beer in the beer garden. It was a beautiful summer day. 

The Sono Arts Festival was also this weekend. I met my friend Chris there; we had actually parked two cars away from each other. The Festival seems to get smaller each year. I was happy to see Joanie, who makes the pocketbooks I like. She recognized the one I was carrying. It's a relatively small pocketbook, but holds everything I need and then some. Chris bought some card cases (there is probably a better word) and some earrings. We stopped for fruit tea. 

I'm happy to have summer things to do when the weather is nice.

Clothes Shopping and a Wardrobe Update

I can't pinpoint when shopping stopped being a fun activity and became a frustrating chore. It had something to do with me gaining weight and the inconsistency in women's clothes sizing. 

A few months ago, I realized I needed new clothes. I lost about 15 pounds over the past year. It beats having to buy new clothes because I gained 15 pounds. 

First I tried on all my jeans, shorts, and blouses and packed up the clothes that no longer fit for Goodwill. I bought two new pairs of jeans back in February. I picked up my shopping pace in the last month or so. I got another pair of jeans, three pairs of shorts, a skort, a pair of cropped pants, a pair of cargo pants, a tank top, and a sleeveless henley blouse. Finally, I got two more sports bras (nothing to do with losing weight--I just had very old sports bras.)

I could use some new sandals, but that's nothing pressing. I'll keep my eyes open. I'm also without a bathing suit, but I haven't gone swimming in years, so I'm not worried about that. 

I'm proud that I only paid full price for the cargo pants. All other items were on sale or eligible for promotions. Give me some points for being frugal.

The Week That Was

We had our first (and I hope last) Nor'easter on Tuesday. We got off lightly with barely an inch of snow. It was still disruptive because arrival time and date predictions kept changing. Original prediction was Monday, then moved to Tuesday. Monday afternoon is my normal shopping time--after my writing class and a midday walk with Jace. Of course, with a storm coming, it was crazy.

I'm not sure when the rain started: it turned to snow here around 10:30 - 11 Tuesday morning. I had just finished with the New Canaan Nature Center birds when snow really got going. I spent the afternoon with tax documents. I had already put most of them in a folder, but needed to print some off the Internet. The next day I had a doctor's appointment--I will need to go on cholesterol meds. Later I did a final review of the tax documents and made copies of things I hadn't downloaded. Thursday I took the paperwork to the accountant up in Danbury. I took Jace with me: on the way home we walked for an hour on the Norwalk Valley Trail in Wilton. 

I talked about my Friday here. I finally got myself to the gym Saturday and Sunday. The Nor'easter threw me off (no pun intended) schedule, but I should be able to work around things like that. 

Now it's Sunday night, and I wish I had planned better for the upcoming week. At least I have plans for tomorrow: writing class and food shopping are my priorities. I'd like to get an early start. 

Norwalk Library Book Sale

Do I have a new addiction...to used books? Norwalk hadn't had a book sale in three years: I had to go. Here are my choices:

1.    Training Your Beagle by Kristine Kraeuter--a timely purchase

2.    American Brutus John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies by Michael W. Kauffman--another book about John Wilkes Booth--I wish I could discuss all this with my dad.

3.     The Sookie Stackhouse Novels True Blood Omnibus II by Charlaine Harris--this volume includes books Four through Six. I previously read one and two in the series. 

4,    My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem--I picked this one up immediately.

5.    Killers of the Flower Moon The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann--I've wanted to read this book for years.

6.     Edward Hopper--Edited by Maria Costantino--should I keep this or give it to my brother?

I think I need to stop going to book sales. I have 29 books here to read. 

Stocking Up

I mentioned recently that I sometimes stress about what to make for dinner. This has been a recent stressor, and I don't understand why I feel this way. Recent heat waves have made the dinner decision even harder--who wants to turn on the oven? Even using the stovetop heats up the kitchen.

I've been taking advantage of several farmers markets and loving fresh corn, tomatoes, and fruits. I've also bought some other food: Bongo & Capacci ravioli and cavatelli and Mama Hu's sushi bakes--I bought four today. (I won't mention the things I tried that we didn't like.) 

Last week I stocked up on our favorite crab cakes, buying 15 at Bon Ton Fish Market. I also picked up chicken, ground turkey, and ground buffalo at ShopRite. I even got some frozen mandarin orange chicken from Trader Joe's. Jeff's on a low-sodium diet so I can't buy most frozen entrees, but this chicken is fairly low in sodium. It's nice to have an easy option if I'm tired or busy or if it's too hot. 

I like having options. 

A Two Booksale Weekend

A plethora of riches. Here's what I bought (in no particular order):

1. All This and Heaven Too by Rachel Field: Bette Davis starred in the film version. Enough said. 

2. Julie & Julia my year of cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell: this is another purchase inspired by a film.

3. American Heiress The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst  by Jeffrey Toobin: I've been fascinated by Patricia Hearst's story and have already read three books about her including her Every Secret Thing.

4. Manhunt The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson: This is the adult version of  the book I read last November. I figured it could only help to have more details.

5. A Treasury of Railroad Folklore The Stories, Tall Tales, Traditions, Ballads and Songs of the American Railroad Man Edited by B.A. Botkin and Alvin F. Harlow: I couldn't resist this, just in case. Didn't I just say I want to immerse myself in railroad lore?

6. The Last Czar The Life and Death of Nicolas II by Edvard Radzinsky: Yet another book about Nicholas. I picked up this book, but bypassed two others about the Romanovs. 

7. South The Story of Shackleton's Last Expedition 1914-1917 Sir Ernest Shackleton, Edited by Peter King: I'm intrigued by Antarctica and couldn't resist this.

I also picked up two black-and-white post cards of the Alhambra.

Tis the Season

I read recently that retailers are bypassing Halloween and going directly into Christmas. I noticed this years ago. I've only been to grocery and liquor stores recently. None were playing Christmas carols yet. 

I guess I'm old school, meaning I want to wait until the day after Thanksgiving--at the earliest--to deal with Christmas. 

"Deal with" is not the way I'd like to talk about Christmas. I'd rather say "celebrate." But we have to see how it goes. This year we really need get organized early because of supply problems. 

Time to start shopping.

Food Snob

Yesterday a friend jokingly asked another friend if she thought I was a food snob because I only buy fish from Pagano's and not Trader Joe's. I know she was kidding, but it got me thinking about my food purchases and frugality. 

I'm willing to spend more on food than the minimum. I buy some organic, I especially try to get organic, humanely raised meat and chickens. I spend more on things I really like: a local salad dressing that costs around $6, good vinegars, ravioli, and pesto from the farmer's market. As for ravioli, I'll continue to buy them. A friend thinks they are too expensive ($12 to $18 for a box of 36.) I focus on the fact that you get at least four meals from a box (depending on how many raviolis of course.)

Thinking about this later, I realize that I am privileged to be able to buy the expensive pasta, vinegar, and salad dressing. I'm also willing to spend more on food that I really enjoy. Some things aren't worth skimping on.

A Visit to Elephant's Trunk and the Merwinsville Hotel

Today I did a repeat of a trip I made 11 years ago. Although I'm not doing The Artist's Way--I gave up on daily pages about a year-and-a-half ago--I realized this was a perfect artist date for me. 

After I took Lola to Taylor Farm and we had brunch at home, I headed to Elephant's Trunk flea market. I arrived around 1; it closes at 2. I had hoped to get there earlier, but I was satisfied with my time there. I did maybe a third to a half of the vendor tables. I bought a few things. I saw a pair of shot/liqueur glasses that I liked--the tops were shaped like white wine glasses and the stems were metal and shaped like grapes and leaves. We have more than enough liqueur glasses, but these were really cute. Then the vendor offered me five for $5. Sold.

Next I bought a political button: Betty Ford for President for $1. I saw other political buttons (I collect them) but they were pins I already had or were for candidates I didn't know. 

My final purchase was a promotional container of Bourbon in the shape of Mount Rushmore. Oddly enough, after I saw a promotional Crown Royal barrel, I thought about the Mount Rushmore container I had bought for my sister in honor of our trip there. When I saw this one--I had to get it. 

My real reason for this trip was to visit the Merwinsville Hotel. I had received an email about the hunt for 50 spheres hidden in various places in Litchfield and Fairfield Counties in honor of the 50th anniversary of the hotel's restoration efforts. The hotel is open Sundays from 2 to 4 for visits. Plus after writing about the hotel for a class assignment, I remembered that I had wanted to write about Sylvanus Merwin. 

Now's the time to write a book about him. Yes, I'm writing a time travel book (stalled at the moment) but why can't I work on two? They're very different so each can be a good break from the other.

I went on a tour of the hotel, put aside a few things to buy (t-shirt, a wine glass, and two beer sampler glasses) and started looking for the sphere hidden there. I found it among the logs in the fireplace. I was so excited. I really wanted to find one. I imagined myself searching in the outhouse on the hotel property (ugh) and visiting all the other places on the list. Yay for me. Once home, I registered my sphere online at the hotel's website.

I also talked to a woman conducting a tour who knew a lot about the hotel. She will send me some materials, including a story by a Virginia Smith. 

It's weird Virginia Smith is the name of my grandmother. In a recent true-crime assignment for my writing class, the victim was George Smith--the name of my uncle. 

I hope this portends something good.