Snippets of the weekend 5.29.2023

Here we are catching up on Memorial Day weekend well over a week later LOL

I made the drive up to Lori's on Thursday night with the three dogs and we got settled in. Bruce loves the seats there.

Friday I had planned to work a half day at best but ended up past five with an external deadline looming the next week but if you have to work on a Friday afternoon overlooking the lake is not a bad place to do it. We started the morning with a beautiful charcuterie board Lori's neighbor made, and we got donuts and picked up some groceries. You know you are in rural PA when the shop is called Donuts & Ammo. The donuts were delicious.

Friday night reading and just enjoying the outside. I saw an Eagle pluck a fish out of the lake, full wingspan out. It was amazing and I'm so glad I saw it. We lit the fire table for a bit and retired early. I started a new book after doing some internet searches on a seo company san diego for a work item hanging out there I didn't want to forget over the long weekend and furniture installation companies near me. I happened upon Mes Amis Barbershop in my interweb travels and read through damn near the entire site. 

Saturday we set off to do some small business shopping that included Feick's Vintage Finds in Meshoppen, Hometown Finds & Friends and Chocolates by Leopold in Montrose (and another little store I forget the name of and a new bakery opening up!) and a fantastic place to soothe the central nervous system - Cold Creek Gardens in Wyalusing. I love it there so much - the layout, the gardens, the owners, what they stock, the mimosas you can enjoy while shopping. We also stopped at a new to me little nursery across from the castle gas station. It was a very nice morning and afternoon.

We also popped in to see Dots and Win and Layla (only video of her playing ball no still shots LOL). We've been solely at the lake for visits the past few years and this house reminds me of Gus and his best big friend CJ there so much. Geege too but that was Gus's favorite. You can really feel them there.

MFD brought Billy Cat up for his first time at the lake. He did better than I thought he would. We saw a beaver out beavering on the lake and he came close in to where Mike was fishing. It was cool!

Sunday was a lot of relaxing and reading. Jack and Mike went fishing. I love spending time up at the lake with Lori! We all do.

I read three books (these and a Megan Miranda not pictured) and actually read the magazines I brought, did a lot of grass walking and breathing and relaxing. It was great. 

I left Lori's at maybe 10? At home I unpacked, did laundry, picked up some groceries mostly so I could have a sundae later, and ran errands. MFD arrived home later and we watched the last four episodes of Succession. What a show!

weekending reels on Instagram 

 

Memorial Day weekend renters at the shore were a fucking mess. I hope this is not how the season is going to go.

TWTW - the one with Memorial Day

Took refuge from the collective angst and pain in this world right now and from the crowds at the shore to spend the long weekend with one of my people at her lake house with the dogs. MFD stayed back with Billy Cat and did mummery shit. I arrived Thursday night and left Tuesday morning. 

I finished a book, read three more and a short story, and started a fourth. Lounging with dogs, spending most of the time outside, easy but good food. 

sdfsd

Black raspberry soft serve from Antol's Drive-in. Shopping small in Montrose, a town I love. Mimosas, nice wares, and immaculate vibes at Cold Creek Gardens in Wyalusing - I got a rose bush and a frog reading a book statue. 

It was the peace and quiet, good energy and laughter I needed. 

Thanks Lori, always, for everything! Mostly for being one of my people. 

TWTW - the one with the Memorial Day

Friday By the time Friday rolled around I was worn the fuck out as noted in Friday's post. I hit Dog Beach in the morning, which is the last time we'd see the sun for days, worked, made salmon and salad for dinner, painted my nails, zoned the fuck out and finished a book.

Saturday was like a plunge back into pre-panny life. My brother Sean and Nicole got engaged, and there was a surprise to her gathering after. It was supposed to be outside at Keenan's but were you alive on Saturday? The rain and gale force winds had us inside. I had a grand ol' time behaving like I was in my early 30s. Thanks to Rich for the drinks and ride, to the whole fam for the fun, to Stephen and my Mom for bringing the 80s along, to the universe for no hangover when there surely should have been one, and to science and vaccines for a little taste of what used to be normal years ago and was fun to revisit. I was worried about how I'd be my first time in a close crowd of people I don't know. There were a lot of people, we were close, and I was fine. I think we psych ourselves out for things. I do, anyway. I'm happy because I want to be able to go back to concerts, weddings, large events, and crowded city sidewalks without feeling panicked. Congrats Sean & Nicole! I'm excited for you!  

Sunday was possibly worse feeling weather-wise than Saturday even though there was less rain? It was fucking cold and miserable. Aubrey and Stephen were gone by 9:30. I did literally nothing aside from read, shower, walk dogs, eat salad and hotdogs, and watch the finale of Mare of Easttown. How much do we love this cast? So fucking much.

Monday We finally saw the fucking sun and could step out into the world without freezing (well, end of May freezing). I cleaned the house when weekend renters left which was pretty quick because thankfully they left it in good shape. I read again - three full books this weekend, and the one I finished Friday night - and whiled away hours on the porch. We walked down for the sunset and MFD and the old dogs arrived late late. I always make Memorial Day Monday a pretty quiet day. It seems fitting in reflection of who has died for this country and why, and what we can do as a society to make sure it's less and less and less all the time, both in active duty and also from things like suicide and anything that deteriorates bodies after they come home. 

It was really nice to be out in the world this weekend, and to see people back at parades and with friends and family. It almost makes me cry every time. It's been a hard year for everyone. I hope we approach this summer giving each other grace and space. 

Happy birthday to Kate yesterday and to KVSR today! 

Friday Five 5.28.2021

1. This morning on Dog Beach. It's hard to believe the weather will devolve into absolute shit by this evening. 

2. What better time to experience the latest in a long, long, like 18+ year long line of joint Key Fuckery incidents than hours before the first guests of the season check in? There were many WHERE IS THE DEADBOLT KEY hunts and conversations. One was identified and MFD was quickly off to make 2349802834 copies. Jesus take the wheel. Yes, thank you, we know there are electronic key situations but I'm still looking for one that will fit. 

3. We're as ready as we're going to be for this rental season. Lots of burning it at both ends early in the morning and late at night busting our asses to get cleaning, organizing, re-stocking, personal stuff removing, errands, and touch up paint done this week. We've got our soft opening this weekend and my family is coming in next week for my brother's birthday then we're booked for the season up to Labor Day weekend with numerous projects on deck we're hoping to get done this fall if labor and materials are available. Here we go! I literally remembered to re-up to Hulu Live with no ads seconds before check in time. I hope I remember to take photos Tuesday to update my listings everywhere since we've changed stuff and I never remember to do that. 

4. A week like that has nails looking like this. Mae is concerned because she knows what it means when my nails look like that. After work today I'm planning to paint them and also close the door and windows and lay the fuck down, drink my water, read, and zone out until Saturday morning, not leaving my apartment except to walk B&B. MFD went home to work this morning after all the shit was done and took the old dogs with him. I'm exhausted and Memorial Day Weekend at the shore is a lot and someone staying close to me is playing fucking awful music. Time to recharge!

5. My oldest coworker keeps sleeping on the job all day. RUDE.

That's it for me. Dad & Carol's house officially went on the market today if anyone knows of someone looking to buy in Langhorne. It's in Tareyton Estates and I love it. It's the last house I lived in as a dependent. Picture one of the bedrooms blue with spray painted clouds with silver linings on the wall and one of the bathrooms an under the sea mural painted by KVSR and you have my late teen/early 20s life.

My coworker shared this piece reflecting on the role of war in the world and it was a good read leading up to the three day weekend we have in remembrance of those who died in service to this country.

Happy Friday! Have a safe and restful weekend.

TWTW - Q9 Memorial Day

Friday Lunch time activity was painted nails (OPI Madame President, Sally Insta-Dri White On Time, Zoya Sia). Interminably noisy work was being done in front of my house all day. My sister-in-law got the initials of my niece, nephew (not pictured), me, and MFD in before the cement set. 

Friday after work and dinner we walked up to the boards and it was sad. Empy parking lots, closed stores and rides and restaurants. Very not Memorial Day at the shore vibes. Of all the Life is Not Normal things I've seen, that was one of the hardest. 

Saturday I was up at the ass crack to walk B&B, then lay back down to read and listen to the rain and thunder. That was nice. I got up and we hit the beach for a while. I thought it would be chilly and overcast but it turned hot and sunny quickly and we had a few good hours down there. It was so fucking nice to see people with their families. We widened our circle to our immediate family outside the house this week and it's been wonderful. The afternoon was for resting and reading, then Aubrey made dinner and I did more reading at night. Good, restful day. 

Sunday A very windy and cold bike ride to get OPC from Local's. My niece and I did an alley walk to Peace of Wood to pick up paint kits. Aubrey and my brother spackled and painted in the afternoon while my nephew was napping. MFD arrived later with the old dogs and we ordered pizza and mozzarella sticks from Randazzo's and chilled out.

Monday started off with a bike ride, OPC, and then I came back and made deviled eggs and macaroni salad. I got Gus's CBD oil dropped off by a local store (The Road to Living Well, if you are looking for CBD for your pets they ship and my dogs do well with the Bluebird) then headed to the beach for a few hours to read and watch the kids play while MFD went fishing. The wind was a whipper though and I was happy to come home. I always look frightful on the beach and the mask I pull up when I am passing people closely on the access or the boards adds to the fright night appearance. After the beach I picked up a DIY sundae bar from A La Mode and my brother grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. I collapsed on the couch around 8. Being outside so much makes me tired in a good way. Plus I feel every piece of candy I've eaten in quarantine when I ride my bike into the wind. Friends, I've eaten a lot of quarantine candy.

I could use 50 more weekend days but I'm back at work today. 

How was your weekend?

TWTW - the one with the Memorial Day

Friday I worked from home because my oven was getting repaired after over 40 days of not working. Hallelujah and amen. I got to zero inbox in work and personal emails. 

At lunch I ran errands to a thrift store and an antique store, gassed up the car, and hit Target. After work I washed couches, packed for the weekend, bagged up clothes I'm donating, picked up around the house, made macaroni salad and chicken drumsticks for the weekend, and a few things for the week. MFD left for a retreat and I got in bed early but didn't go to sleep until after 12.

Saturday 

I was on my way to the shore by 6. Smooth ride until a block from my house when Gus shit in the car, four dogs tracked it all over, I nearly lost my fucking mind on a store owner talking to me about parking (on the street, mind, not in a lot) as my dogs were escaping the shit mobile and being a totally indecent human being. I can't go on I am getting pissed all over again. I cleaned that up, walked dogs in pairs, rode my bike to the library to take refuge there for a bit, then holed up in my apartment with a book for most of the day until Debbie arrived. 

We ate and ordered wine and had an impromptu concert on the porch courtesy of the guy across the street. MFD rolled in around 8. We walked Bruce & Bender far to an ice cream place that had to have over 100 people in line, turned around and went to the one a block from home. 

Sunday 

After coffee on the porch and dog walks, Debbie and I hit the beach and people watched. We did not discuss what people were wearing or how they looked in what they were wearing...we discussed serious sunscreen issues. Lots of weird burns. We have surmised people are applying spray sunscreen on the beach, not rubbing it in, and thinking it's getting everywhere but it's not and the sunburns are getting real weird. I finished a book and started another, we got snacks and refilled drinks in our own cups at The Farm Stand at 14th, and MFD finally joined us. At night we did creepy face masks and watched Wine Country. 

Monday Debbie left after porch coffee and MFD and I hit the beach. 

It was a spectacular day. I finished a book and read half of another. We didn't leave until almost 7. 

Our renters had gone by the time we got back. We jumped right in the car and took the dogs to Dog Beach. Bender did okay. Gus was chasing balls with other dogs like he's not nearly 14 years old. Mae found a group of women with a sweet blanket and umbrella setup and joined them. Bruce was dashing through the sand. It wore them right out. 

We meant to do things when we got back, but we put Billions on, I did this and wondered why I don't live here full time. We had a great weekend. 

Weekly food prep: breakfast is breakfast burritos I made Friday and froze. Snacks are power breakfast muffins and bell peppers. Lunch is PB&J and a banana. Dinners are probably grilled chicken and veggies. 

I'm working from the shore today because we're getting a toilet replaced and the exterminator is coming for the annual no ants treatment and MFD is heading home with the dogs. 

Let's make it a good one!

TWTW - the Memorial Day one

Friday started with sunrise + final house walk through. I was working by 8 and the first renters of the season were here by 9.

Early dismissal at 2 had me on the beach by 2:15. I had frozen yogurt, took a ton of walks, had a rest, hung with the dogs, and read a book.

Saturday we were up to walk at 3:30 am then again at 7 am. I fawned over my new water cooler with reusable five gallon jugs, made Gus a king bed, and realized Bruce can get in and out of the window when I lift up the screen. This dog is too smart. 

Debbie and I hit the beach and it was perfect weather and people watching. Michelle, Bob, and Amelia came down for a bit so we had dinner on the boards with them.

Face and eye masks where we could not look st each other because we would laugh and our masks would come off. Michelle and Bob got to see that fright show also. Hilarious.

Sunday we took Bruce to Asbury Avenue for donuts, coffee, and shopping at our favorite Blue Lotus. Bruce met Ollie. We love Ollie. We followed our outing up with porch time and people watching.

Gus started acting weird so I took him to the emergency vet. His anal gland ruptured and he might have a tumor, we’ll follow up in a few weeks with his regular vet. MFD was on his way down and met me there while Debbie stayed with Mae and Bruce. We had shredded buffalo chicken sandwiches and veggies followed by naughty snacks while watching Jersey Shore Family Vacation. Gus is doing okay now but is unfortunately in the decline of his life and we will be watching him and his comfort. 

Monday we were up at 5 then back to sleep until almost 10. It felt decadent. Dog walks and Band of Brothers, house cleaning when guests left, and a late lunch st Ike’s thanks to Debbie. I painted my nails (OPI This Color’s Making Waves) and read while the town quieted down, then we went to Aunt Betty's Ice Cream Shack and MFD went fishing and The End. 

Weekly food prep: still eating weekend food today. I'm heading home tonight, hair appointment tomorrow night and back to the shore after that so I will pick up again down there. I know burgers are on the menu for the weekend. 

How was your weekend?