End of August Summer Thoughts

 Around mid-August, I start thinking about whether I did any summer things. While I was thinking about mid-August, it became late August. I keep thinking about this this song. 

I didn't bother to make a summer fun list this year. But I was thinking of my past lists last week when I ordered a lobster roll (the Connecticut version with hot butter.) Lobster rolls are relatively rare on Maryland menus. I should also make a mojito salad--that also means summer to me. 

Yesterday I went swimming in our condo pool for the first time. What the hell was I waiting for? It felt great to get back in the water even if it was only for a short time. I was inspired by a neighbor who told me the pool will close on Labor Day. I need to get more swimming in. 

Jeff and I have plans for a getaway for our anniversary. We're going to Ocean City, Maryland for the first time. We have a room with an ocean view and balcony. It will be a nice way to close out the summer. 

Thursday Thoughts

Haven't posted for a long time. Recently, the backup laptop that I've been using got infected with a virus. That's just the latest excuse.

We have a big item to check off our to-do list: we got grab bars installed in both our bathrooms. I had started research back in February but dropped the ball. Now it's done, and I'm happy with the results. 

We're under another heat dome. Dubious bonus: smoke from wildfires is overtaking the area. 

Bruce, our neighbor across the hall, had a stroke and will be transferred to permanent nursing care. He has a two-year-old dog JJ. Neighbors have been pitching in to help care for him. One neighbor who's been watching him went to the beach for the weekend. Another is watching JJ now, but she needs help walking him. That's me (and Jace.) We've only been on one walk so far, and I was just needed for moral support. That's good. 

JJ has been through a lot this year. Earlier, his technical owner died suddenly from a heart attack. Bruce was JJ's primary caregiver even then. I'm not sure what's going to happen with him. It makes me appreciate that the wills Jeff and I are making have a provision for Jace's care if something happens to us first. 

I've been thinking a lot about Bruce. I remember how he helped me walk/climb over the snow and ice after the January storm. He also helped shovel out my car. He would be happy to know that his neighbors are caring for JJ. 

Heat Dome Holiday

The temperatures hit 100 degrees on the past two days. It was 95 as Jace and I went out for our evening walk last night. We've got two more days of this weather. Most of the country is dealing with the same heat dome.

I'm happy to be a homebody. I bought fruit and veggies on Tuesday and picked up some prepared dinners from Lovejoy's on Wednesday. Yesterday, I got wine. We're all set. 

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. 

Longing for Fall

It's the day after Labor Day. Most of the kids are back in school. Summer is unofficially over. 

But damn, it doesn't feel like it. We are in the middle of a six-day "heat wave" (in quotes because I don't think it's officially official, but I'm going on how hot it feels.)

Just under two weeks ago, I was happy to feel a touch of fall. I'm waiting for more. 

Here's another thought. 

Wednesday Weather Woes

The local meteorologists are keeping track: we're starting the first heat wave of the summer. It feels like all of July has been one big heat wave. 

Surprisingly, this morning as Jace and left for Taylor Farm, it was cool. That didn't last long. 

I'll make sure to get Jace out early for long walks the next few days. Spend as little time as possible outside. It's a good time for indoor projects. Unfortunately, I'd like to do some cooking, but that's not a good option. I even bought makings for marinara sauce on Tuesday. What was I thinking? Salads, chilled soups--those are good options. 

It should cool down on Sunday.

Thursday Thoughts

I recently mentioned that I've been experimenting with the timing and frequency of Jace's walks. Today we drove down to the newish Norwalk River Valley Trail parking lot on Riverside Avenue and walked from there. We could have walked from home, but the last leg coming up Maple Street is tough. I didn't want to deal with Jace needing a rest there. 

I won't go back there anytime soon. I took a dozen ticks off Jace--some on site and some later at home. Yes, I can try to keep him out of plants along the path, but that goes against all his instincts. I'm better off selecting another route. Hmm, I haven't noticed the same tick problem on other parts of the trail. 

I feel guilty complaining about three weeks of high humidity in this crazy weather summer, when others are dealing with much worse. But it's exhausting. I'm trying to strategically cook things to avoid heating up the kitchen more; it never really cools down in the summer. 

I've been waking up in the early morning hours--it can be tough to get back to sleep until it's magically 6:30 AM (time of the alarm.) Why do I still set an alarm? Hopefully, I can sleep through the night tonight.

I often have song lyrics running through my head. Recently, it's been this song since I watched  Monterey Pop. It's a beautiful song and the harmonies are fantastic. I had forgotten how good the Mamas and the Papas were.

Thoughts for a Thursday

It gets confusing when there are holidays mid-week. I have to keep asking myself what day it is. 

HHH. I don't think it's an official heat wave until three days of 90 degrees or more. It's only been two days of 90 degrees, but it's been bad for several more. Just for fun, we're also dealing with bad air quality--first because of Canadian forest fires, more recently because of ozone. 

I had planned to go to the gym on Monday but got wiped out by a walk with Jace. Tuesday, I took care of the birds at the New Canaan Nature Center and a few mammals as well. I had a small window to get to the gym (it closed at 1 for the holiday.) I don't remember if I forgot it or blew it off. Yesterday, I was too mad. Today was the day--it felt good to get back to the gym. 

Yesterday I realized, I'd be going by The Little Kitchen--one of our favorites--and decided to get take-out. That's an easy way to keep the kitchen from heating up. We ordered two entrees (chicken with crispy spinach and dry sauteed Szechuan beef) and an appetizer of sesame noodles. It's not particularly frugal, but we got dinner and lunch from the two entrees. We had the sesame noodle for dinner tonight; I also made an arugula salad.

At best, my food saving efforts are a wash. I used a can of opened beans, but tossed a bunch of green beans and spinach. And so it goes.

Summer is Here

Today is the first day of summer and the lightest day of the year (as opposed to the longest day of the year--it's still the same 24 hour day.)

Newscasters seem dismayed that it's a cool day--about 10 degrees cooler than normal. I welcome the cool day--there will be plenty of hot days going forward. 

It's been a busy few weeks, and I'm tired. I could use some lazy, hazy (but maybe not crazy) days of summer.

Hanging on to Summer

I heard that some kids are back in school already. It's nothing personal, but it really bothers me. It's the middle of August, too soon for school. 

A weather report graphic on TV at the gym reads, "Summer Weather," but that's not unusual. Hell, it's still summer for another month. Don't tell the schools, retailers, and meteorologists. 

Fall is my favorite season. That doesn't mean that I don't cherish the end of the summer. I'm not rushing into the fall. 

We have another month. Let's do something fun!

Midweek Miscellanea

The heat wave is over. Temperatures remained in the 80s today. And looking at the 10 day forecast, nothing is coming up in the 90s. Yay.

I went out for an afternoon walk today. It was nice when I was in the shade and a cool breeze was blowing. It was a bit uncomfortable in the direct sunlight with no breeze. 

It was nothing like Sunday. I went with a few friends to the Sono Arts Festival. Originally they suggested walking from one of their houses, thinking there would be no parking available. On my way to the house, I saw plenty of parking, so I drove us. It was well worth the parking fee. Just walking the few blocks of the festival in the heat was exhausting. 

The Mets had an afternoon game today against the Reds: the Mets won 10-2 for their sixth straight win. Now they're headed into a tough part of their schedule against the streaking Phillies, the second place Braves (seven games behind the Mets) and the faltering, but still dangerous Yankees. LGM.

We have one week left in our summer writing class. Our homework assignment is to write a first person story based on a true crime. Our instructor Kim selected a case for us: a man who died of a heart attack in his backyard while burying his girlfriend he had strangled. We each select the point of view narrator. 

I had an idea for a narrator even before Kim finished discussing the assignment and quickly wrote the opening scene. It will be challenging to tell the story in just two pages, though I've done pretty well with shorter stories lately. I've written a little over a page and don't know what will happen. The story will have to tell me.

Another Item to Check Off the Summer Fun List

Today Jeff and I went down to Ripka's Beach Cafe at Calf Pasture Beach. We had warm lobster rolls and beers. We sat at the railing and looked out at the water. Later I went for a walk and was tempted to join the kids on the Splash Pad. The cooling breeze had seemed to disappear.

Eating lobster rolls on the water was the number 4 item on my summer fun list. We've already taken one getaway, and I've gone to another art show. I haven't been to Merwinsville and thought about going tomorrow. Today I read that the hotel is also open Sundays in August, so I have more time to do that with a change of date.

I'm happy with my progress so far. 

Hot!

It rained off-and-on all day Monday. Since then, temps every day exceeded 90 degrees. Every time I complain about weather, I feel obligated to say that at least we are not dealing with 100 degree days. 

I went to the gym four times, to NCNC twice, the grocery store, and the farmer's market. Otherwise, I tried to stay inside.

It helped that HBO was marathoning eight seasons of Game of Thrones. I watched a few Season One episodes last month and found it again this week. I saw very little of Season Two and the last third of Season Three. I saw more episodes later in the week as I stayed inside longer. 

I also cleaned; it was the perfect opportunity. 

The heat has been enervating. I can't remember the last time we have a six-day heat wave (soon to add a seventh day.) Maybe I'm just too old. I think about it as I ponder where to move south of here. 

I wonder how I'll feel this winter. 

Thoughts for a Thursday

I was ready for a new start on Monday morning. I was going to get up early and hit the gym and be ready for my summer writing class at 10. I turned off the alarm a few weeks ago, I was waking up on my own anyway. Of course, this time I overslept. Then the coffeemaker wouldn't work. I could have gone to the gym even with sleeping late, but I didn't want to go without coffee. I spent an hour working on the coffeemaker. I had to go out to Dunkin' to get coffee. Luckily the coffeemaker was reincarnated when I checked it again Monday afternoon.

In our first class, we wrote about favorite summer foods. For homework, we're going to write a story  based on a photograph of four seniors sitting on a bench at Coney Island looking out at the beach. It's a cool picture. I have an idea, but have no idea where to take it.

I've made it to the gym twice this week. I'd prefer to have three visits by a Thursday. I didn't exercise at all yesterday, except to walk around Calf Pasture and Shady Beaches. Jeff and I sat at Ripka's--there was a private function in the tent next to the restaurant--and listened to the band. It was a 90 degree day, but there was a nice shore breeze.

I need to clean, but procrastinate. I did finally get my car washed; I also got my emissions test. It's something, right?

I made plans to go to an art festival Sunday--an item on my summer fun list.  Speaking about my list, I can also get my lobster roll on the water at Ripka's some time. 

I need to work on my story. 

Happy Summer

I didn't realize today was the Summer Solstice; I thought it was the 22nd. We've had nice weather, avoiding the 100+ degree weather that ravaged other parts of the country. 

Now that it's officially summer, I have to work on my summer fun list. 

*  1 and 2 (maybe 3?) are mini getaways. We've already talked about Salem and Rehoboth Beach/Lewes. 

*  3 Go to art shows. I've already been to two; I know of at least one more in Norwalk. 

*  4 An oldie but goodie, eat lobster roll by the water. 

(True confession--I remember "oldie but goodie" from M*A*S*H.  Henry was reading through all of Klinger's excuses for a leave: "Here's an oldie but goodie, half the family dying, the other half pregnant.")

* 5  Go antiquing with Chris and Roberta.

* 6  Visit Merwinsville Hotel one Sunday in July.

It's a doable list. I don't want to go crazy with plans. Plus there's also autumn to do fun things. Hey, I should do fun things all year round.

Don't Blink

I feel as if I blinked, and not only is summer over, but September too (well just about.) I guess it hit me when I realized that next week is October. 

I feel I should have done more this summer, but can't think of anything specific right now. I spent a lot of time walking Lola at Oyster Shell Park, or so it seems, watching egrets and baby swans. We did fun things such as DPF's, outside dining, listening to music, looking at art. I participated in a class reading of stories, have continued writing and made writing plans even if I haven't been very productive. 

In September, we went to a celebration of life and a memorial service (both postponed by Covid) visited with family, celebrated our anniversary with a mini-getaway, and celebrated Jeff's birthday yesterday. Jeff, Lola, and I went to the Biergarten at Nod Hill Brewery for lunch. Later we met friends at the grand opening of 314 Beer Garden. 314 was too loud and crowded, so we headed to Sedona Taphouse. 

Jeff and I were too full to eat a regular dinner, so we had salad and chocolate mousse cake. I had made vodka sauce Friday. Tonight's dinner will be penne a la vodka--to make it a birthday weekend.

September is almost over, but it's just the beginning of fall--my favorite season. I need to plan some fun things to do, make a list, and anticipate them. Don't blink; don't let the fall get away. 

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.

Midsummer Eve

Tomorrow is Midsummer Day. As I recently learned and wrote, Midsummer Day is the midpoint of the growing season. It is important to me as a special day for Cassandra Mortmain in I Capture the Castle. 

Summer

Today is the Summer Solstice. In the northern hemisphere, summer begins tonight at 11:32 PM. The North Pole is at its maximum tilt towards the sun resulting in the longest period of daylight hours. I'm not crazy about heat in the 90's, but summer has its charms. To mark the day, I played this song, my favorite summer song. 

Today is also Father's Day. Jeff, Lola, and I went to Sedona Tap House for lunch--a nice day. 

From Farmer's Almanac, I learned that today is not Midsummer Day--that is June 24--midpoint of the growing season. 

A Summery Start to Autumn

It's the first day of fall, and temperatures in Norwalk hit 90 degrees. This is especially weird because we had a few fall-like days over the past few weeks: I woke up to 45 degrees on Thursday.

Jeff, Lola, and I returned from our wedding getaway--mini-vacation last night around 6:30. We were away for five days. It may be our only getaway for the year. (We've talked about going away for Thanksgiving, but I'm not sure that will work.)

I want to write about many things we saw/did this weekend: a wedding, wineries, hiking. I'll probably spread these topics out over a few posts.

Today I took a writing class (want to write about that too) and had a tutoring appointment. Tomorrow is a trip to the dentist (not like Veronica's) and another tutoring appointment. Jeff's birthday is Wednesday. Thursday I'm meeting the buyer/mover of furniture for Jeff's mother's apartment and officially surrendering the unit. I need to firm up other tutoring appointments and revise my ACT manual. I have to get the bathtub drain unplugged and get my PC's internal mouse fixed. Then there's the usual: laundry, chores, and food shopping.

I'd like another getaway next week, please.