Holiday weekend

Its the Fri before a holiday weekend.  We're tidying up and preparing for a visit from our good friends Bugsy & Roger who arrive tomorrow.  The weather forecast is great so I anticipate lots of morning coffee and afternoon cocktails on the screened porch along with great conversations and laughter.

We'll also be hosting a small birthday dinner for our friend Thad on Sun.

It should be a fun weekend! 

What are YOU doing this holiday weekend?

Memorial Day

As I predicted, our Memorial Day long weekend was lots of fun, if not a bit tiring.

Ron & James and Clark arrived in town before noon but wanted to take advantage of the tax free outlet store shopping so we didn't see them right away.  Mike had an unexpected activity so he drove separately later that night.  When ready for a break from shopping, we met them for lunch, and then they finished up their shopping before finally arriving at our house.  The weather was lovely so we sat on the porch and visited.

James, Ron, Spouse, Marvin

We enjoyed a few cocktails and some snacks as we caught up on the goings on in each others' lives.  Then we went to Blackwall Hitch for dinner. I selected it because they would take a reservation. 

Clark, Ron, James

Fortunately Mike arrived in time to join us for dinner.  We all thought our food was good but pricey.  I left them to pay the bill so I could get my make-up started for the show.  The bar/performance venue was totally packed and the crowd was enthusiastic and engaged.  It was a fun show!  Afterward we walked over to the ice cream store for treat, then returned home to chat a bit before bed.

Sun morning we had coffee on the porch and then Spouse made breakfast for everyone: scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, fruit salad, and bagels.  Sun marked Spouse & my 23rd anniversary so we had mimosas with our breakfast.  It was significantly warmer on Sun so once we'd finished eating we continued talking inside.

Ron reconnected with Marvin and Walter

Then the 4 guys went for a walk around town, ducking into some of the antique shops and such.  Spouse & I stayed home since it was hot outside and we've been in the shops so many times before. We had cocktails and snacks at home again, and then that evening the 6 of us had dinner at Iron Hill Brewery where we happened to get our favorite server Spencer who is always fun.  Everyone agreed we liked our food better and it cost less than the night before.

Spouse and James

Ron and Mike

Me and Clark

The 6 of us

After dinner we went for a walk along the boardwalk and then returned home to chat a little before bed. 

Mon morning we had coffee and more visiting on the porch.

Mike and Ron (with Marvin)

Spouse with Walter

Ron and Marvin

The guys packed and loaded their cars, and then the 6 of us had breakfast at Arenas.  It was cooler again, more like Sat, so we were able to eat outdoors.  Regretfully we said our goodbyes and they headed back to VA.

Less than an hour later my cousin's daughter Chelsea and her husband Gabe arrived.  We sat on the porch and got reconnected for awhile, then went for a walk through town, looking at all the unique homes and talking about real estate.  We had a late lunch at Nectar. The skies threatened rain, so we returned home and got into the car to continue our tour of the area.  (This was their first visit here.)  After a brief shower we decided to stop for a bite at Station on Kings.  Chelsea and I were still full from our generous lunches so we both ordered desserts, while Spouse & Gabe had dinner.  The shower had taken away the humidity and a light breeze made for a delightful evening to dine al fresco.

Gabe, Chelsea, Spouse, me

Once back at home we talked until bedtime. 

We loved having our friends and family visit us over the long holiday weekend!  But I must admit I'm a little tired. I think I will sleep well tonight.

Productive Sunday

Yesterday Spouse & I took advantage of a mutual day off and incredibly beautiful weather to clean up our screened porch and do a little planting.

Every fall we store the cushions and pillows in large plastic bags in the garage.  The screened porch furniture stays on the porch over the winter because its all water proof and we don't have room in the garage for all the furniture.  So that means in the spring after the big pollen 'burst' we have to do a big cleaning of the screened porch to remove all the dust, dirty, pollen, and cobwebs.  

So we started by wiping down all the furniture, wiping down the painted wooden supports of the porch, cleaning both sets of french doors leading to the porch, and then sweeping the porch floor.  Once everything was clean we could bring the cushions and pillows back out and set up the lanterns and luminaries.  Our beloved screened porch is now ready for the upcoming holiday weekend and visits from some good friends and family.

Next we planted 5 day lilies Spouse had ordered from one of the TV shopping channels, and then we planted 4 varrigated hostas that a friend from work gave me.  Her's had gotten too large so she dug them up, split them, and gave me the excess.  I love varigated hostas because of their striking dark green and white leaves and the fact that they will grow in nearly any condition, from full sun to shade.

The weather was about 82 degrees, sunny, light humidity, and a steady breeze.  It was the perfect day to be busy outside.

After showering I decided to continue my productivity by moving all my long sleeved shirts from our primary closet to smaller one, and moved all my short sleeved shirts from the smaller one to the primary closet.  I'm fairly certain I won't be wearing long sleeves anymore for a while, and should I need one they're still fairly easy to access.

It felt good to get this work done and its almost always nicer to do these things together.

What did YOU do this passed weekend?

Bugsy & Roger's visit

Bugsy & Roger arrived Fri around 10pm, and kindly brought us some goodies from Trader Joe's: traditional Jo-Jo's, maple leaf cookies, mixed nuts, and a beautiful mum.  So thoughtful of them!  We visited for about an hour then went to bed.

Sat morning we had bagels and coffee for breakfast and enjoyed some nice conversations on the porch.  We had lunch at a local diner, then Spouse went to get his hair cut while Roger and I checked out an arts & crafts show.  Bugsy's stomach was bothering him so he stayed home and took a nap. Later that afternoon we had cocktails on the porch before heading to dinner with Steven & Thad at Michy's. Then I headed to the Blue Moon to paint my face for my Legends performance as Boy George.  Since Bugsy's stomach still wasn't quite right they stayed home and watched TV with Spouse.  Too bad they missed the debut of a new Legend: Elvis!

Sun morning the 4 of us met Steven & Thad at the Crystal for a late breakfast, then went for a little drive.  There was more talking, catching up, playing with dogs, and listening to music on the porch.

That evening the 6 of us went to dinner at Iron Hill Brewery before Bugs & Roger headed home.

As always, we had a great time with Bugs & Roger and look forward to seeing them again.

Weekend recap

The weather was so beautiful on Sat that after work Spouse and Steven & Thad and I went for a drive. We ended up in Ocean City, MD and had dinner.

Sunday's weather was more of the same mild temperatures, low humidity, and lots of sunshine.  Spouse & I had coffee and talked on the back porch for about an hour, then decided to get busy.  We donned our gardening gloves and trimmed some scrub trees that had grown out from our big holly and from the lace hydrangea that cover the back fence.  Then we trimmed the 'crazy' roses and sprinkled a bunch of Preen on the beds which had just been weeded by a school kid I hired.  The yard looks really good!

We both showered and dressed, then went out for a little lunch.  Spouse's idea was to get food from Taco Bell and take it to the beach parking lot and eat it in the car, overlooking the beach.  (He's a little weird about some things like this.)  Then we went for a little drive near the beach, got air in 1 of the tires on Spouse's car, and then got his car washed.  He never gets his car cleaned so I was happy to do it for him.

We relaxed with the dogs and watched a little TV, then met Steven & Thad for dinner. The weather was still so nice out that we opted for an outdoor table at dinner.  I love to eat outdoors, as long as its not really hot or super humid or buggy.

Summertime

...and the livin' is easy.

My boys relaxing and enjoying the sites and smells of the yard from the comfort of the porch yesterday.

Carl & Lisa's visit and holiday weekend recap

My old friends Lisa and Carl arrived on Thurs around 1:00.  We met each other in elementary school and have maintained contact, on and off, over the years.  Within the last 10 years we've made sure to see each other at least once a year at Christmastime.  Last Christmas we decided Lisa would come from NYC and Carl would come from Northern VA and meet here in DE for a few days.

Since it was lunchtime I took them to a local favorite, Arena's.  The weather was nice so we sat at an outdoor table with an umbrella and ordered food and cocktails, because, well... cocktails! Roughly 3 hours later we returned home and sat out on the screened porch and continued talking.  I opened a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a birthday gift that's been burning a hole in my pocket since receiving it.  Joe came home and gently teased us for being tipsy but we just laughed it off.  Literally.  

He went to his personal trainer appointment and we continued visiting on the porch.  Then the 3 of us went to Cafe Azafran for tapas and cocktails, and then onto the Blue Moon for karaoke.  Since it was the Thurs before a holiday weekend it was super crowded, and we got there late, so we could only put in 1 song.  We decided to turn "I Love the Nightlife" into a trio!

Karaoke selfie

It was really fun, and afterward 3 different people told us what a great job we did!  It was such a pretty night that after karaoke we sat on a bench in front of the Blue Moon and enjoyed the breeze and watched the 'boys' go by in their short shorts and tank tops.

Fri morning we had a continental breakfast and then continued drinking coffee on porch. 

Next we went for a walk through downtown and eventually to the beach, stopping at Dairy Queen.  We sat on a bench facing the water and ate our ice cream, then stopped for a beach cottage tour (a home my team has for sale) on the way back to the house.  Since the Dairy Queen had eliminated our desire for lunch we just had some snacks along with cosmos on the porch.  

Spouse joined us after he got home from work, and then a little later we walked to dinner at Gilligan's waterfront restaurant.  

We spent the rest of the night talking and listening to music on porch.  In fact, we spent the entire day outside!

Sat morning we had a continental breakfast again and then said goodbye to Lisa & Carl.  They were heading to NYC (where Lisa lives) so they could spend a few days in the city, then Carl would head home on Mon.  We had SO MUCH FUN together, and I feel really lucky to have such great friends.

After Carl & Lisa left I met up with a client who wanted to see 5 houses very close by, and then that evening we met Steven & Thad for dinner at Bethany Blues.  It was also mine & Spouse's 22nd anniversary.  But since we'd had Carl & Lisa visiting we really didn't make special anniversary plans, which was fine.  Its not like it was a milestone anniversary or anything.

Sun morning we met up with Steven & Thad and Carolyn & Derwin for breakfast since it was Carolyn's birthday.  

Carolyn and most of the gang

We went to a diner we'd never been to before and which was kind of like stepping back in time, but not in the cool 1950s way.  The food was good and cheap so that was nice. 

Back at home Spouse & I made 2 strawberry/blueberry pies. 

Spouse made the filling and I did the lattice top

Before baking

After baking

A little later we went to a BBQ at Joey & Glenn's house and took 1 of the pies.  That night Spouse & I just ordered a pizza and ate at home.

Mon (Memorial Day) I went on a listing appointment.  The client to whom I'd sold this home 5 years ago was about to go out of town for a week so he asked if I'd come take a look on Mon and advise him about selling.  When done Spouse & I had lunch with Steven & Thad, and then I caught up on some work emails while Spouse made enchilada casserole.  Steven & Thad came over for dinner & pie.  The weather had turned cooler so we ate indoors.

It was a VERY full and VERY fun 5 days!

Patrick's visit

My long-time friend Patrick arrived Wed evening, and he and Spouse were talking out on the back porch when I got home from work.  We chatted on the porch for a little while, then I changed out of my work clothes and the 3 of us met up with Steven & Thad for dinner at Jimmy's.  Patrick had met them on previous visits so we all had a nice time catching up over dinner.

Yesterday (Thurs, my regular day off) we had coffee on the porch and Patrick got some special lovin' from Marvin & Walter.

I suggested lunch and a walk on the boardwalk which Patrick quickly agreed.  On our way to the restaurant my phone rang 4 times.  While I'd hoped to disconnect from work the entire day to spend uninterrupted time with Patrick, unfortunately I kept getting calls and emails from clients to whom I'd shown homes earlier in the week.  Patrick was very nice about it and understood, but I was annoyed.  After handling what I needed to over lunch, we went to the boardwalk.  As if someone had flipped a switch, the sun went behind the clouds, the temperature dropped, and the wind picked up.  It was so chilly we actually had to cut our walk short.  As we were driving away from the beach, again as if someone had flipped a switch, the clouds broke, the sun came back out, and the temperature warmed back up!

We returned to the house and talked some more, and then I went into the office to meet with my clients and write a contract.  This can often be done via telephone and technology, but these clients are kind of 'old school' and wanted to talk and sign the contract in person.  2 1/2 hours later I returned home to Patrick and Spouse, and since I had a taste for pizza we decided to order delivery. After dinner we just hung out together, with 1 eye on the TV and 1 eye on Facebook, relaxing.

This morning Patrick & I had breakfast at a local diner together, and then he headed home and I headed to another real estate appointment, even though I had planned to be off that day so Patrick could stay as long as he wanted.  While our visit wasn't 'uninterrupted' as I'd hoped, it was still nice to visit with my old friend.

Visitor

My old friend Patrick is coming this evening for a short visit.  We've known each other since high school (35+ years) and after many years of absence from each others' lives, we reconnected a few years ago.

We don't have anything particular planned to do while he's here so I think we'll probably sit on the porch and talk a lot (the weather should be good for it) and catch up on the goings on in each others' lives.  Its nice to have friends like this, that you don't feel you have to 'entertain', and with whom you can just be yourself.

Patrick & Me - 2015

Project

One of my clients recently bought a furnished townhome.  During the pre-settlement walk-thru I saw a vintage metal patio chair stashed in the attic storage area.  I pointed it out to my client who said that it likely wasn't out on the porch because it didn't match the other furniture.  After pulling it out into the daylight we realized it was rusty and needed some attention.  

She mumbled something like "Hmmm... I'm not sure if I'll keep this or not".  Loving mid-century modern the way I do, I thought the chair was adorable so I said "Well, if you decide you don't want it, please don't throw it away.  I'll take it."

A few days after settlement she texted me that I could have the chair, so I asked her to just place it on the back patio and that I'd stop by within the next day or two to pick it up.  That way she wouldn't need to be home.

Yesterday I decided to start working on the chair.  First I took a sanding pad and sanded the arms and legs which had been sloppily painted white at some point, and were quite rusty.  It actually took less time than I thought it would.

Next I took plastic bags and painters tape and taped off everywhere I didn't want paint.  

I really like the color and patina of the turquoise and cream paint on the seat and back, and despite there being some rust on them, I decided to leave them as is.

Next I wiped down the sanded areas with a rag to remove the dust, and then spray painted the arms and legs with a grey that resembles aluminum. 

I don't think the arms/legs would have originally been painted at all, so rather than repainting them white or black, I chose the grey that resembles aluminum in hopes of making it look more original.

It turned out pretty well.  

Not bad for a $5 can of spray paint and an hour of time!

Off season

We recently bought some new outdoor furniture, and it snowed.

Typically you wouldn't think of buying outdoor furniture in the winter or when there's even a possibility of snow, but that's what we're forced to do now by retailers.  If you wait until the weather starts to turn warm and you can actually use your new outdoor furniture, there will only be scraps and pieces left over.  To get what you want you have to shop 'off season'.

So we went ahead and got the new outdoor furniture for our screened porch (which is currently being stored in our dining room) and within a couple days it snowed.

This irks me.  I hate that retailers of many seasonal goods force you to shop 'off season'.  Go into a department store in January and you're hard-pressed to find winter clothes.  Instead you'll find swim suits and cruise wear.

One time I went into a Dollar Tree store in Aug and saw stuff for Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  In August!!

FYI - the reason our new outdoor furniture is being stored in our dining room is because we are replacing some of our old outdoor furniture.  There isn't room on the screened porch for the new stuff until we get rid of the old stuff, which I'm going to sell, but I don't want to try and sell the old stuff while the weather is still cold enough to snow.

So, for at least a few more weeks our dining room will be packed with our dining room furniture and our outdoor furniture as well as a bunch of new pillows.

Happy birthday Thad!

Today is our friend Thad's birthday.  But since its in the middle of the week, we celebrated it a few days early, over the weekend.

Spouse made chicken breasts stuffed with cream cheese and garlic, a roasted vegetable salad, and a mocha cake.

Its weird that the cake looks kinda pinkish in color.  It was actually brown!  Spouse made the icing with chocolate and coffee to get the yummy mocha flavor.

Derwin & Carolyn came too, along with Derwin's daughter Sydney and Carolyn & Derwin's daughter Quinn.  Thad is Quinn's godfather.

Since the weather was so nice we ate and spent the entire time on the screened porch.  I should have taken a picture of how nice it looked with the table clothes, coordinating dishes and glasses, and the beautiful red gladiolas Thad brought, but I didn't.

Labor Day weekend

Happy Labor Day!  

I hope you are enjoying a 3-day weekend.  Since I'm a realtor and typically work on most weekends, there is no such thing as a 3-day weekend unless I request to be off.  Our friends Mike & Clark planned to spend the long holiday weekend with us so I requested to be off, but due to the death of a friend, they cancelled their visit.  But I kept my 3-day holiday weekend off work anyway.

Unfortunately weather was rather iffy/unpredictable due to tropical storm Hermine.  Our area was told to 'batten down the hatches' and prepare for heavy wind and rain.  But it turned into a big toodoo about nothing.  Sat morning it rained for about an hour and it was breezy, and that was it!  The rest of the weekend it was partly cloudy and partly sunny at times, but no more rain.

My Elton John wig, glasses, and tips

Sat night I performed as Elton John in the last Legends show of the summer season.  Typically the show's introduction includes a notice that the performers do not accept tips during the show, but will be available for photos and tips immediately after the show's conclusion.  But since it was the last show of the summer season the owner decided NOT to make that announcement and instead told us performers that we could accept tips during the show as long as we did not compromise our impersonations.  I'm not sure if the audience was feeling especially generous or if I 'pulled out all the stops' in my performance, but I was shocked at the tips.  I received at $20 bill from someone!!  After the show I had lots of fun greeting the patrons, posing for photos, and talking to the folks about where they live.  There was a bachelorette party there, which can be good or bad.  When its bad the women are drunk and sloppy and loud.  But on Sat it was good and the young women were ladies.

On Sun Spouse & I had breakfast with Steven & Thad, then stopped at the grocery store on the way

Thad's custom cake

home to pick up a few things.  Later that evening Steven & Thad and Joe P came over to celebrate Thad's birthday.  The weather was pleasant so we had dinner on the screened porch.  Thad came up with this special menu of things he'd been craving, so Spouse made exactly what he wanted.  Homemade meatballs in sauce, homemade potato salad, an orange-flavored cake with the center hollowed out and filled with chocolate mousse and covered in butter cream icing, and rosemary mint lemonade.  We also had rolls so Spouse and Steven made meatball sandwiches with them.  Everything was very tasty, we had candles and lanterns lit and music playing.  We had a nice time.


Today was very low-key.  I did a little bit of laundry (even though you're supposed to rest from your labors on Labor Day), took the dogs for a walk, watched some TV, and poked around on Facebook.  While it wasn't the Labor Day weekend I was expecting, it was a pleasant one none-the-less.

What did YOU do this weekend?

Family visit

Yesterday some of our family arrived for a short visit.  Spouse's mother, sister, nephew and his girlfriend arrived from the DC area around noon.  I was at work, but Spouse took off Tues, today, and tomorrow.

Our nephew Eric and his girlfriend Natalie immediately went to the beach, while Spouse and his mom and sister chatted and sat out on the screened porch.  After weeks and weeks of heat and humidity, the weather suddenly turned gorgeous when the family arrived so that was nice for them, and for us.

When I got home from work I found everyone hanging out on the back porch with the dogs.

Nephew Eric with Walter & Marvin

Natalie & Eric with Walter & Marvin

Marvin relaxing on Grandma's lap

A little later we all went for a casual dinner.  Our nephew Eric will be starting college later this month, as is his girlfriend, so it was nice to have this time to talk with them about this chapter in their lives.  Both are very smart so I have no concerns about their futures.  It was actually fun to be able to talk with them as adults about politics, career planning, travel, etc.  We really had a nice time.

Today Eric & Natalie are at the beach again, and Spouse and his mom and sister are doing a little bit of shopping.  I'm at work.  Tonight the 6 of us are meeting up with Steven & Thad for dinner at Dos Locos which I'm sure the family will enjoy.

July 4th weekend recap

We had a really nice holiday weekend!

Bugsy & Roger were there when we got home from work on Fri and we sat on the screened porch and chatted until dinner time.  The 4 of us met up with Steven & Thad at Fish On! and had a great meal.

Sat morning we walked over to the Farmers Market to poke around, and came home with some fresh blueberries.  Spouse & Roger went to the grocery store while Bugsy and I walked over to the arts show and sale.  I ran into several friends and neighbors which was nice, since I'm rarely off work on Saturdays to attend these kinds of things.  While there I bought this cute stained glass star:

I hung it in the kitchen window where we have other rainbow-colored stained glass pieces:

That evening Spouse & Roger made chicken and beef fajitas with rice and beans for dinner as well as a homemade strawberry/blueberry pie.

Since the weather was so nice we ate on the screened porch.  Steven & Thad came over too and we had a fun evening eating, talking, listening to music, and of course laughing.

Sun morning we had biscotti, scones, English muffins and coffee for breakfast and spent more time on the porch.  Marvin was feeling extra social and sat on Roger's lap.

That evening we had dinner at Jimmy's Grille, a new restaurant with delicious meals and desserts.  Afterward there was more time on the porch.

Mon morning Bugsy & Roger packed up their car and headed home, since they had some plans for the afternoon.  The weather forecast showed a significant chance of showers all day so my plans to drive Big Ella in the Doo Dah parade became less and less certain.  Although we didn't have a drop of rain all day, by 5:00 parade start time it looked as if the skies were going to open up.  Steven & Thad and Spouse & I walked over to the parade route in false optimism, and as soon as we got our chairs set up it began to rain.  Fortunately it wasn't a heavy rain so we sat there and watched the abbreviated parade.  

We had a great visit with our friends and look forward to their next visit.

And the livin' is easy

After what seemed like the rainiest Spring in years, we finally had some nice sunny days last week.  Sat night Steven & Thad came over and we ate dinner on the porch.  Yesterday morning Spouse & I enjoyed a peaceful morning sitting on the back porch with our coffee and our dogs.  As you can see, Marvin did what he does best.

We did a few things around the house and then got ready to go to the beach for the 1st time this year!  It got pretty darn warm outside, but of course when you're sitting on the beach you get the cool breeze off the water so it actually felt perfect.  

We sat and relaxed for a while, went for a walk, and chatted with a few friends we ran into.  It was a great day!  Later we showered and met Steven & Thad for dinner.

Happy 1st day of summer!!  

Yep, today is the official 1st day of summer.  I hope its a great one for us all.  Spouse & I have no travel/vacation plans for the summer since its not a good time for me to be away from work.  I'm a realtor in a resort area, so summer is busy here.  But we will have summer weekend visitors, and we'll spend as many days on the beach as we can.

What are your summer plans?