snippets of the weekend 2.13.2023

Friday was a glorious day - got work done, was alone all day with pets - took a long lunch walk and dipped my feet in the ocean - tried out a new bakery two blocks from my house, read a great book, took a nice sunset walk, and got a lot of sleep.

Saturday I read and walked most of the morning. MFD arrived in the afternoon. I saw his new car and we headed right upstairs to clear the main floor out of everything except four pieces of furniture. Lots of up and down to the second and third floors. When we got hot and took sweatshirts off we realized we were wearing the same tees.

We took a walk on the beach and saw a ton of dead sea things much to the delight of the dogs. This happens in the winter a lot after beach replenishment work. It's like a purge since stuff has been moved around off-shore and while sand was being brought in. We went to the Anchorage for dinner. MFD had creamy dill pickle soup as a starter and it was freaking delicious, as was my burger and fries. I might try and replicate the soup at home next week. We drove by the Wonderland ferris wheel lit up green for the Eagles. Back at home I started a new book and painted my nails.

Sunday I woke up early despite staying up late to read. I ran errands with no phone which feels wild these days especially when store cards etc are in my phone wallet LOL. I returned a library book, put gas in the car, picked up a bakery order at Baked by the Ocean in Marmora, stopped to grab a bottle of wine, and picked up a few things from ShopRite. Back at home I made spinach dip then packed up and headed back to Philly. A bit of rest there and then off to Frank & Amanda's for the Super Bowl. We had a good time. Better luck next year Eagles!

weekending reels on Instagram 

 

TWTW - friends make a life

Friday I know it's getting close to summer when I arrive back at the shore and the awnings are up. Friday I worked, picked up a bit in the house, ran some errands on Asbury, batch made wings in the air fryer, made onion dip, and browned meat for tacos. MFD arrived around 7 and Frank and Amanda around 8:30. We were up talking until close to midnight.

Saturday Amanda and I hit the historic district yard sales. I scored an awesome vintage candle jawn and recipe collection book - I have a few of these now, one that was my Gamma's from my great aunt's church and one I got in an antique store in VT and now this ladies club of OC one - plus a solid wood little table and a vintage lawn chair MFD loves. 

We joined MFD and Fronk in the driveway, then MFD went fishing and we hit the beach. Fishing sucked and the beach was cold so we moved up to the dunes for a while longer. Back at home we returned the the driveway sun, then had a late lunch. We ordered pizza and mozz sticks and I threw together a caesar salad for dinner after MFD got back from his showing. I made brownies and we did brownie sundaes and then were slumped on the couch like ogres. 

Sunday I made iced tea and iced coffee in the morning, then when Frank & Amanda got up threw Mimi's bacon breakfast muffins in the oven. MFD did some work and we strolled Asbury and hit a few stores, then came up the boardwalk and did the same. MFD met us up there. More chatting and talking back at the house, and Frank and Amanda left around 5. I lay down and read for the rest of the night, I was exhausted in a good way.

As I said in my Instagram post, friendship jackpot. So great to just hang out all weekend with no agenda and talk about nothing and everything and be together. 

TWTW - the one with the bikes

Friday I worked from home for the oven repairman who never called or showed up and ran errands at lunch, marveled at Bender hoarding toys, and bitched at the city. Normal day. After work I transplanted two perennials so let’s hope that takes as well as lolling around with Gus. 

Friday night was Amanda's 40th birthday at Songbird in Collingswood. It was a great party with lots of laughs with framily and the fine karaoke stylings of AJ and Company. It’s the latest I’ve been out in a while and we stopped in at the neighbors’ through the backyard for a few minutes when we got home. I didn’t turn my light out until 1:30 am. 

Saturday I headed to the shore with los perros after doing some stuff around the house. MFD was at the Recovery Walk so he went from there. It was the MS City to Shore bike ride this weekend and the staff stays in our main house. My first order of business was a hotdog for lunch followed by some beach time and couch time. Kale salad and pizza for dinner. I was in bed reading by 10.

Sunday sunrise, the last official one of summer 2019. Thanks to my dogs for getting up at 5:35 ensuring I did not miss it.

After a scintillating five minutes of Dogs in Donut Hats and a lot of coffee, I headed out. 

I found great treasures, all of which I lost When i left since I forgot they were in a chair pocket, had more coffee, swam, and finished a book before heading back to clean the house, walk the dogs, pack the car, and shower. The MS people always leave us food, which is awesome. We took some to my mother in law, froze some, will use some this week, and shared some with the neighbors. 

Today is a year since my father in law passed so we took MFD’s mom to dinner at the Lobster House in Cape May. It was nice to be together. After we dropped her off, we drove back to Ocean City, packed up more shit, walked the dogs, and I took them home. MFD has his part of the shore chores and done trim painting to do Monday morning. 

Weekly food prep: Breakfasts are homemade waffles and bananas. Lunches are Aldi kale salad kits. Dinners were going to be million dollar ravioli casserole but since my oven wasn't fixed it'll be mac and cheese I brought home from the shore and salads. I know we're going out on Wednesday. 

The next few weekends I'll be splitting time in Philly and at the shore. It's nice to be close enough to do that. 

Happy fall! And happy birthday Bruce Springsteen the man and our friend Jenny. And happy Monday. HAPPY EVERYTHING, to everyone. 

Thursday Thoughts - Things I want my daughter to know

Happiest of birthday eves to one of my BFFs Amanda. She so kindly agreed to share 10 things she wants her daughter Eva the Diva to know. I love both of these ladies and I love this list. 

1. There is no purpose or advantage to being a mean girl. Ganging up on or putting other women down does not make you look powerful. It does not build you up in anyway. It does the opposite.

2. A relationship that is constantly making up and breaking up is a cycle that will never end, never improve, and is likely borderline emotional abuse. The drama can become addicting but it will not end the way you want it to. You are not Carrie Bradshaw and he is not Mr. Big.

3. If you ever find yourself in a situation and think, what if no one believes me - your dad and I will always believe you.

4. Surround yourself with friends who have your best interest at heart especially in your weakest, most vulnerable times.

5. I'm your mom, not your friend. We can't be friends until you are a grown woman.

6. The purpose of your 20s is find yourself, make mistakes, and have fun. If you happen to find the person you want to marry in that decade, great. But that should not be your sole purpose in life.
The end of your 20s is not a deadline to find a partner. I met your father one month before I turned 30...after spending my 20s feeling like I needed to be married by 30 (for some reason). It happens when it's supposed to.

7. Have a way to take of yourself. Never be in a position where you have to completely rely on another person. Marriages can end and spouses can die...sad but true.

8. Don't be afraid of confrontations and if someone confronts you don't be intimidated by it.

9. Keep a journal in middle school and high school, it will be a great read for you one day.

10. The hardest thing to overcome is a bad reputation.

What knowledge do you think is important for mothers to impart to their daughters?

Linking up with Kristin and Joey for Stuff & Things