snippets of the weekend 1.16.2023

Friday was a tough day to get through, gray and my head was extremely congested. I finished Prince Harry's Spare and went to bed. 

Saturday I started a new book, then got my shit together to head to Center City for Jagged Little Pill at the Academy of Music with Amanda & Krissy. Heavy shit, funny too, good use of music. I loved the cast & show and cried a lot in the second half. I felt 18 and 45 and 80 all at once. We had dinner at Alice Pizza after, and then I was back home at 7:30 and out the door again at 8:45. Chickies & Pete's then the old Palace Roller Rink to celebrate Aubrey's birthday. There is still a subculture of amazing roller skaters out there rocking out regularly at adult skate and that makes me really happy. They were so good! Aubrey is a really good skater. It was fun to watch. We were back home around 1 and I was up reading until 2:10.

Sunday I finished a book, went to get a few groceries, made deviled eggs, made veggie and parsley heavy soup with the pork bone I brought back from Stephen & Aubrey's on New Year's Day, watched The Northman and the entire third season of Succession, and went to bed around midnight.

weekending reels on Instagram 

Happily I did not wake up when MFD came back from his Code Blue shift in the middle of the night. 

No day off here today. If you are off, enjoy, and remember Dr. King was not a series of prop quotes: he was a radical who was assassinated for his push for a revolution of values in this country. Leave the quotes in the pile and instead try embodying his fierce love and commitment to justice, equity, and peace along racial and class lines; his rejection of imperialism and materialism; and one a lot of people out there struggle with mightily in full view of others: his value of people over property.

If you've never read it or need a refresher, today is a good day to read Letter from a Birmingham Jail or the full transcript for his I Have a Dream speech.

Friday Files 1.13.2023

Second-hand decor updates. I like to move things around after Christmas is gone and add something new when needed. These second hand finds fit the bill and I'm thrilled that they're second hand. Mosaic glass forever. The mosaic glass lamp was my mother-in-law's, she loved it too.

Happy happy birthday to my sister-in-law Aubrey. I'm lucky to have one that I love as a person and love spending time with. We have fun!

How it started

How it ended. Always go.

Some small treasures from a walk this week.

Ben is Rose from Titanic: draw me like one of your French girls. Bruce is a trance chewer/kneader. The electric blanket brings all the animals to the yard

I had a cold this week, the first time I've been sick since 2019. I sneezed a lot, which I have never done with a cold in my life. I keep thinking of the Vicks Nyquil commercial the nighttime sniffling sneezing coughing aching stuffy head fever so you can rest medicine and how I always thought who sneezes when sick and MFD and I talked about how we never did and now we know and we do. MFD had the sneezes too. This is not the same immune system as pre-covid era. It isn't any fun. I've also spent the week looking - I can say this objectively - absolutely terrible. 10/10 do not recommend this cold season

I'm cooking straight out of the freezer and pantry right now, and the meals start out so nicely then deteriorate into like a freezer burned roll smeared with Worcestershire sauce or something. Not quite so bad but I do hate food waste so I need to burn through some stuff. 

Sometimes you make good nail combos and take clear pictures and sometimes you don't. 

Keenan Anderson. I'm not repeating shit said ad infinitum but that is not public safety and we are not killing people in the streets and calling it public safety. Black Lives Matter.

Just started. I know people are out there defending the Windsors like they are blood relations and raging against Harry and Meghan. I've got no skin in this game or big opinions, I just wanted to read it. 

I started painting our shore apartment this week - the space is so small with limited places to move things that I'm doing it piecemeal. Tuesday I did the shortest wall and trim around the window. If you know me you know I am not a neutrals person so the blah beige was really on my nerves over the past year. This is SW6736 jocular green. 

Hope you have a fabulous weekend, especially those of you with a three dayer for MLK on Monday. That is not me and has never been me.

Also say a prayer or light a flare that MFD finds a replacement for his totaled car in the next two days before I riot in the streets. We've been sharing a car since 12/16. You know I'm not a good sharer.

TWTW - the long one

Friday sunrise trip to the beach with the best friend dogs, then a quick nail painting (OPI Berlin there done that), and I made hard boiled eggs, salmon, and potatoes in the air fryer before spending the day watching my niece and nephew while Aubrey worked. We had fun even though we did basically nothing. We did see some sights on our walks, tired out the dogs, hit the beach when Aubrey was done, and ordered dinner from Angelo's so Ben could have his birthday cheeseburger. My brother arrived around 8.

Saturday we did a bike ride, I got OPC from Local's Coffee (the best), they got Drip N' Scoop donuts, and then we hit the beach. The monarch butterflies have started their yearly fall visits to the dunes. I took a nap in the afternoon, Aubrey made a great dinner, and we did another bike ride to get pumpkin ice cream. Aubrey and I stopped in The Islander and SURF Mall on the way home. SURF Mall visits are always like time warps. 

Sunday I took an early walk to see the progress on the house being taken down a block over. It was probably as old and almost as tall as mine. We took another bike ride with a stop at the playground and a walk on the beach, Aubrey made breakfast, and my brother has a skullet now, FYI. They headed home around 1. I love spending time with them all. When they left I went to the grocery store and picked up Gus’s CBD oil in town, did some cleaning up in my apartment, moved some stuff up into the house, read, and napped. Two naps this weekend. Who am I? I am a person who had a really packed week last week and one who is learning to rest, that’s who. I took the best friends down to the beach just as the rain was moving in, then finished a book, started another, and made lots of list for the week.

How was your weekend? 

TWTW - the one before Memorial Day

Friday I had off, and a Friday off is a glorious thing. I was up reading Thursday night until 1 and up by 5:15 for a walk with the best friend dogs and a lovely sunrise. 

Even better than having off, my niece and nephew, Stephen and Aubrey, and Carol were down and my Dad was arriving midday. Aubrey made breakfast and we walked to the park. 

Then Aubrey and Lola and I rode bikes to the library while Stephen napped. Lunch was from Cinco de Mayo and we went to the beach after that. It was cold but then the sun came out and it felt glorious. We came back to find a hellish grill situation so Aubrey and Stephen made dinner inside then we jammed up to the boardwalk. The new Lola Jean ramp was open by that time, rides were gone on (first time for Baby Stephen!), the first Kohr Bros of the season was had, and the skies were grand on the way home. I went to bed after I believed my niece was making chalk. Lack of sleep is not good. 

Saturday 

I was up walking dogs at 5:45 and 6:45, then jolted to get dressed and had my coffee on the boards as we rode bikes down to Dockside Kitchen where Dad & Carol took us out to breakfast. They all stopped at the park but I went home to get the dogs out and do some reading. When they got back my dad assembled the power washer and him and my brother power washed the grill while the ladies brought some Philly to the shore for sidewalk sitting and eating and playing with Lola. 

We spent a few sunny hours on the beach before doing the boards again. Opa for dinner, rides, ice cream, and another nice night. I also scored a purple zip up OCNJ sweatshirt. They never have them in my favorite color. Stephen and Aubrey went home and I went down to read after hanging with Dad and Carol for a bit. MFD arrived with Gus and Mae after 11 and I was up finishing a book until after 1 and then woke up many times before finally getting up at 7:30. 

Sunday 

Dad and Carol stuck around to hang up some stuff for me and help me clean the house before taking off with a bunch of our trash chairs and recycles to put out at home. MFD got us bagels from Dead End Bakehouse. I finished up cleaning the upstairs, ran to get some stuff at the store, and he power washed for what felt like decades and was over six hours. Everything looks great out there but if I never hear that noise again it will be too soon. 

Packing up cars and moving shit and moving shit back and putting shit back together and walking dogs and being so tired I just sat with my teeth in my mouth until it was time to order pizza from Randazzo’s and watch Game of Thrones. I was physically tired to the point of not being able to do anything and just having to lay down. We each put in seven hours of work plus what Dad & Carol did. MFD is doing some more stuff this morning but we’re pretty ready for the season. 

Weekly food prep: breakfast is greek yogurt with granola - I still have some from last week at work and I only need it a few days this week. Lunch is PB&J after I finish the pork from this weekend. Snacks are strawberries and bell peppers. 

Up at 5:15 to make the trek home this morning.

Happy happy third birthday to Laura’s son MBD! 

TWTW - the one with the Labor Day

Friday was working from the shore with a Bungalow Bowl to start things off; hitting the beach and running errands at lunch in insane holiday weekend traffic (post office, library, ice cream place) ; getting pizza on the boards with Stephen, Aubrey, Lola Jean, and Baby Steve; a later arrival of Aubrey's parents; and finishing a book. 

Saturday was breakfast sandwiches; a boardwalk bike ride with Stephen, Aub, and the kids; an overcast but nice beach day; celebrating MFD & Debbie's birthdays with takeout seafood from 16th Street Seafood and ice cream cake from A La Mode; waiting outside of every hermit crab place; riding rides with Lola Jean and getting a bird's eye view of the boardwalk lights. 

Sunday was an early rise for an all dog walk and a sunrise with just Bruce followed by dinner prep: ground turkey and beef for tacos, chicken in the crock for tacos, rice and beans; followed by 

Stephen's perfectly planned day: a Griswold family bike ride through the streets and down the boardwalk and through more streets to breakfast at Dockside Kitchen on the bay; a trip to the playground with Stephen, Aubrey, Lola, Stephen, and Debbie while Dean & Cathy rode bikes and MFD took calls; a nice and hot beach day; a full book read; taco dinner; Debbie's departure; MFD's couch time; and a struggle filled trip to the boards for the rest of us because everyone was just beat. Farewells to Dean & Cathy, strawberry pie a la Aubrey (with a surprise dime in the one Lola Jean mixed, I will tell that story for eternity because I love it) as a night cap and then a hard, deep sleep.

Monday was back to Philly early for the Labor Day Parade for MFD; actual laboring for me until about 8:30; biking to Nauti Donuts; resting in the the AC; hitting the beach a little after 1; reading and relaxing; returning with sand everywhere after playing on the shore line with the kids (so much fun); bidding them farewell; working at night; laundering the upstairs couch covers and towels. 

I will probably work a little today and do some shore chores but I'll also just be livin' down here at the shore this week. I'm not sure if I'll blog or not. I will surely be on Instagram - mine and the shore acct. 

How was yours? 

TWTW - the one before the turkey

Friday

A quick stop at Sam's then on to Jimmy & Jackie's for our annual Friendsgiving. They had their house all decorated and Jimmy even set up a lounge out back with lights and heaters. Everyone brought an app or dessert and it was nice to be able to linger longer than if we were in a restaurant. We're not all in the same place a lot but when we are we laugh like mad. I’m happy and grateful to have had these friends for over 25 years but the stars of the show were Wyatt, Lucy, and electronica music. Just kidding on the last one but totally serious about the first two. We didn't get home until 1:30 and I was up until after 2 but it was worth it! Also, exhibit A of the fucking terrible graininess of the 6S or whatever version of the 6 iPhone I have now. It's like they want to force an upgrade.

Saturday 

Bruce DGAF what time you go to sleep, he still gets up at 6. I went back to sleep from 7:30 - 10:30 because I knew I had to be out in public later and didn't want to be Bitcherella. When I finally got up I jumped right into action cleaning out and reorganizing the coat closet (but not painting it, which it has needed since 2009) under the watchful eyes of all three dogs. I also went through my drawers and closet and culled a bag of clothes. Aside from making bacon mac and cheese bites for later, that took up most of my day. FYI people: Target is beta testing restock, which seems designed to compete with Amazon Prime Pantry. I ordered at 3 pm on Friday and my stuff was there by 11 am Saturday morning for $1 less shipping than Prime Pantry. Your move, Amazon. 

Saturday night was Aubrey's sprinkle. My nephew will be here so soon, I can't believe it. I can't wait to meet him! And yes, all I ate this weekend was cannoli cake and I'm not sad. 

I got home around 8:30 and read a little and watched some Indiana Jones thing with MFD. I don't think I've ever seen one of them all the way through.

Sunday

After contemplating a plan of attack for the day while the dogs lounged in the style they are accustomed to, I set to work work work work work on Sunday. Stacey picked up a bag of donations to take to Mitzvah Circle so that had me in the mood to get rid of more shit. I addressed some Christmas cards until Bruce decided that was enough, put Christmas gifts in bags (reusable bags for all this year, ho ho ho mother earth, this is my atonement for sending paper cards), was supervised everywhere by Gus who must've been trying to make up for Geege being gone, made chicken for chicken lettuce wraps and scrambled eggs for breakfasts, packed up food/house stuff and my clothes for the upcoming long weekend at the shore, and went through a bunch of shit in the basement and reorganized or got rid of it, including books (thanks Instagram!). I also did seven loads of laundry and put what was mine away. MFD left his laundry basket downstairs for two weeks constantly in my way so I said fuck it and did his laundry too. Sunday night I finished the Christmas cards aside from stamps and a few missing addresses and watched the new Will & Grace. 

My people are awesome. Jackie got us a Geege keepsake, Stacey picked up a reusable pug Christmas bag for me, and my Mom gave me some perfume and a nice note. All the warm fuzzies. 

And soon, all the turkey.

How was your weekend?

TWTW - the first one in June

Did you ever almost not get up for something, then get up and think well shit I'm glad I woke up for this? That was Saturday's sunrise.

It got overcast pretty quick, but that didn't stop me, Stephen, Aubrey, and Lola Jean from hitting the beach and taking a walk on the boardwalk where we saw these disgusting candies. LOL and also WTF is wrong with people? White board message left over from last week's renters. Two thumbs up.

The afternoon turned beautiful and while everyone napped, MFD and I hit the beach. I finished a book and was happy to see someone else notices errors. Back to the house for a quick fun plate and to see Stephen, Aub, and Lola off for the afternoon.

I accompanied MFD to Corsons Inlet so he could fish, and as usual he wanted to stay 1.5 hours longer than I did. It was a beautiful evening, so we stayed. I hunted for rocks and read a lot when I wasn't getting eaten alive by flies or feeling the reflection of the sun burn my retinas. We got some late night eats after affixing new lights to our bikes. Or as Stephen calls them, nerd lights.

Sunday was my brother's birthday. MFD headed home early and we went to Sunrise for breakfast before heading to the beach. Mom and Rich came down for the day and met us there. The weather was picture perfect and I'm pretty sure my niece is a mermaid. 

While Stephen, Aub, and Lola were napping, Rich went for a long bike ride and my Mom and I walked all over creation with library book pickup and candy in mind. We stopped for lunch at Bennie's too. I'm pretty sure my body is made up entirely of pizza after this weekend. We rounded out the afternoon on the porch with the dogs where I finally painted my ratchet nails. They were chipped all day Saturday, I don't even know who I am anymore. This is OPI This Color's Making Waves.

Rich took us to dinner at OPA for delicious greek food. I also finally tried Peace of Pie ice cream and it was worth the wait. We watched Lola go on some rides and that was great fun. She loved it! I had to take a walk through Wonderland to see rides I used to love too like Musik Express. They couldn't just spell it Music? I also saw those rats of the sea attack someone and take their ice cream cone. I've not seen them take ice cream cones before. Being a cone eater, it was terrifying.

Weekly food prep: breakfast is hard boiled eggs and power breakfast muffins; lunches are baked chicken thighs over steamed cauliflower; snacks are grapes and cucumbers (Lola's play fruit as stand in) dinner is homemade sloppy Joes (recipe coming Wednesday) with side salad. 

It was awesome to spend my brother's birthday with him and his family at the shore with Mom and Rich as a bonus. I'm glad MFD got down this weekend too...we're working towards him being able to come down one day a weekend! 

Happy happy birthday to my friend of over 20 years and Show Us Your Books co-host Jana. We will celebrate in August!

And happy happy birthday to my BFF also of almost 25 years Kim. 40th celebration with my junior high/high school ladies this weekend. I can't wait.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending