 |
| iPhone 8 Plus 'Portrait' mode |
Showing posts with label Fri Night Dinner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fri Night Dinner. Show all posts
Friday, August 02, 2019
Friday night reward
Friday, July 26, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
Friday refreshment
This evening Spouse & I went to dinner with our buddies Steven & Thad at a waterfront restaurant and ate outdoors since the temperature cooled off. The scenery was beautiful, but to be honest on a Fri evening after a long week, I was more interested in this scenery:
Monday, January 23, 2012
Weekend highlights
Spouse & I had dinner with Steven Fri night at Captains Table. Thad was away visiting his mom.
I worked on Sat, as usual. Spouse & I had dinner Sat night with Steven & Thad at Ruby Tuesday. Love their terrific salad bar!
I worked on Sun too.
There you have it - the highlights of my weekend.
I worked on Sat, as usual. Spouse & I had dinner Sat night with Steven & Thad at Ruby Tuesday. Love their terrific salad bar!
I worked on Sun too.
There you have it - the highlights of my weekend.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Weekend highlights
Fri night we had Fri night dinner with 'the usual suspects' and a crazy weather front moved in while we were eating. There was lightning and rain and when we left the restaurant the temperature seemed to have dropped 20 degrees. It was really chilly! That night I wound up having to get up during the night to get a blanket from the amoir.
As usual I worked on Sat. I had an 8:30 walk-thru followed by a 9:30 settlement for my clients from CT. They aren't a young couple, but they were so excited about closing on their new home. They loved the beautiful decorative glass bowl I gave them as a settlement gift. That evening Steven & Thad went to a wedding so Spouse & I went to dinner at Saketumi with Joe P. I was in the mood for sushi and Joe P always says yes to sushi. Steven & Thad joined us there after the wedding, about 1/2 way through our meal. Afterward we stopped at their house for wedding cupcakes they brought home from the reception. I confronted them about their role in the banana mystery!! As I suspected they denied it, but I still think it was them.
Sun I was scheduled to be off work, but 2 of my clients wanted to
come and see property so I wound up working from 11am-5:30. It was worth it, as 1 of the clients decided to write an offer. That's #6. That evening it was still chilly - only in the very low 50s - so we decided to have Italian food for dinner. We met Steven & Thad and Joe P at the Tuscan Grill and had a great meal together. I put on my flannel pajama pants and Spouse & I watched 'Pan Am' and 'Mike & Molly' on the DVR.
As usual I worked on Sat. I had an 8:30 walk-thru followed by a 9:30 settlement for my clients from CT. They aren't a young couple, but they were so excited about closing on their new home. They loved the beautiful decorative glass bowl I gave them as a settlement gift. That evening Steven & Thad went to a wedding so Spouse & I went to dinner at Saketumi with Joe P. I was in the mood for sushi and Joe P always says yes to sushi. Steven & Thad joined us there after the wedding, about 1/2 way through our meal. Afterward we stopped at their house for wedding cupcakes they brought home from the reception. I confronted them about their role in the banana mystery!! As I suspected they denied it, but I still think it was them.
Sun I was scheduled to be off work, but 2 of my clients wanted to
come and see property so I wound up working from 11am-5:30. It was worth it, as 1 of the clients decided to write an offer. That's #6. That evening it was still chilly - only in the very low 50s - so we decided to have Italian food for dinner. We met Steven & Thad and Joe P at the Tuscan Grill and had a great meal together. I put on my flannel pajama pants and Spouse & I watched 'Pan Am' and 'Mike & Molly' on the DVR.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Friday fragments
Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.
My friend and frequent humor contributor Jared is back at it. This one made me laugh out loud!
And this one: the view of Mt. Rushmore from Canada.
Tonight 'the usual suspects' will not be dining together for Friday Night Dinner as we usually do. Instead, we are all going to a buffet at Hobos to benefit the Delaware Guidance Center. Although some of us may arrive at the same time and be able to be seated together, I told the group we should arrive with the expectation of separating into groups of 4 or 6 people so we can get seated along with all the others. The buffet is free with a $10. donation to the charity. I'm really looking forward to it since I love Hobos food!
A while back I'd stated that I have been frustrated with Blogger because of spacing issues and the inability to paste text into a post. Well, I figured out the pasting problem was specific to Blogger and Internet Explorer. So now I'm using Firefox browser with Blogger so I can paste in text. Maybe the spacing issues will go away too. I'm sharing this in case anyone else is having similar issues.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Weekend highlights
OMG - what a weekend!
The weekend started with Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. Afterward, 6 of the guys from dinner (including Steven & Thad) joined me for karaoke in the upstairs lounge at Saketumi. Unfortunately, there weren't many singers since the venue just started hosting karaoke on Fri nights. That means there were only about 4 of us singing, which meant I got to sing a LOT of songs. I tried to vary the song styles and artists I chose. Here's what I sang:
I feel so fortunate to have reconnected with so many people yesterday who are or were so important in my life. This day of reunions helped my heart rejoice over so much, rather than be concerned over the uncertainty in my life right now. It was exactly what I needed.
The weekend started with Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. Afterward, 6 of the guys from dinner (including Steven & Thad) joined me for karaoke in the upstairs lounge at Saketumi. Unfortunately, there weren't many singers since the venue just started hosting karaoke on Fri nights. That means there were only about 4 of us singing, which meant I got to sing a LOT of songs. I tried to vary the song styles and artists I chose. Here's what I sang:
- For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder
- Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
- Take A Bow - Madonna
- Laughter In The Rain - Neil Sedaka
- I Can't Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt
- Unfortgettable - Nat King Cole
How's THAT for diversity??? We had a lot of fun.
Sat morning Spouse & I drove back to VA for the weekend. We took his mom out to lunch and then visited his sister and her family at their house for a while. I left by myself and went to a choral concert where my high school choir director was one of the guest conductors. It was weird to be back in that high school after so many years. It looked exactly the same, only smaller. I arranged to meet up with an old high school friend I hadn't seen in years at the concert and we really enjoyed both the music and the chance to catch up. Shortly after returning to Spouse's mom's house, the 3 of us went out to dinner and then hung out at home.
Sun morning we had coffee and visited for a while. Spouse went to buy a new belt and I met up with my old Dominants and choir director and about 20 of her former students (most of which were also my friends) for a luncheon/reunion at a restaurant. Since the weather was very nice, we took over a section of the deck overlooking the marina. 
Our director brought a scrap book full of photos, programs, letters and other memorabilia that had been given to her by a parent of a student years ago. We had a wonderful time talking, laughing, reminiscing, and even singing. Our Dominants and choir director had a tradition of having all her classes learn a piece of music called "The Parting Blessing", so despite the fact that those at the reunion were from several different graduating years, we had all sung that song. We were given copies at the luncheon and we sung it together. Many of us didn't need the sheet music, as it was still in our memories. It was a beautiful highlight of a fantastic day.
As if that reunion wasn't enough for one day, I got a Facebook message from my good friend Billy (who lives in LA now) that he was coming back to the east coast to visit his parents, who live in the same town where my Dominants/choir reunion took place. So once the reunion ended, I met up with Billy. We had a lot of fun remembering funny and happy times in our lives together, and also talked about more serious and contemporary issues. Billy and I were both raised in the Jehovah's Witness religion and both eventually left (though at different times and through different paths) so we could 'come out' and live authentic lives. We met at a cute little lunch spot where we'd eaten together many times before in our previous lives. As we talked and listened I felt keenly aware that I was right there with him, in the moment. I wasn't concerned with what time it was, if I needed to get back to Spouse, or the fact that I am now unemployed. While we were together that afternoon, that's all there was, and it was perfect. When we finally said goodbye, I returned to Spouse's mom's house and we packed up the car and headed home. We watched another 2 episodes of "True Blood" on DVD (how appropriate since it was Halloween) and then went to bed.I feel so fortunate to have reconnected with so many people yesterday who are or were so important in my life. This day of reunions helped my heart rejoice over so much, rather than be concerned over the uncertainty in my life right now. It was exactly what I needed.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Weekend highlights
The weekend started as all good weekends do with Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. Afterward a couple guys from dinner joined me for karaoke since my friend Trelynda was hosting karaoke in the lounge at Saketumi. It was fun!
Sun morning we met Steven for breakfast and wound up talking for nearly 3 hours! Time flies when you're gossiping. (Just kidding.) Afterward Spouse & I went grocery shopping. It was another gorgeous Indian Summer day, sunny and 78 degrees, so we went for another walk on the boardwalk, then returned home to do some housecleaning. (Another cost-cutting measure was to discontinue our housecleaning service, saving us $300. per month.) For dinner we made fabulous BLTs using bison bacon, romaine, and grape tomatoes roasted with red peppers and mushrooms in EVOO and balsamic vinegar. They were DEE-LISH!! Then we watched a movie from Netflix: Valentine's Day. It w
as chocked full of stars (Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Carter Jenkins, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, Shirley MacLaine, George Lopez, Julia Roberts) so I expected it to be great, but it wasn't. It was okay; occasionally funny, occasionally romantic, generally entertaining, but not terrific. I did like that the very sexy Bradley Cooper and Eric Dane (both former Crush du Jours) turned out to be gay. That was an unexpected twist.
One of the cost-cutting measures Spouse & I agreed to was to discontinue our personal trainer visits. (This alone will save us over $400. per month.) So instead of his Sat morning workout, Spouse & I got up at 8:00 and went for a 2+ mile walk on the boardwalk. It was lovely weather, sunny and 68 degrees. There were lots of other morning walkers too. It was top down weather so after our walk we went for a drive, then had lunch on the screened porch. A little later we decided to check out the clearance racks at the outlet stores. Spouse got some new clothes that actually fit, including a pair of dress khakis for $8. and a sexy Kenneth Cole v-neck t-shirt for $7. It was so pretty outside that I suggested a walk around the large pond near our house, which extended itself into a walk through town, and then to the bay and back. I'm guessing we walked at least 5 miles that day, but enjoyed every inch. Later that evening we met Steven and one of the Bobs for dinner at Cafe Azafran. I had baked goat cheese with roasted peppers, olives, and herbs with pita (YUMMM) and a fabulously seasoned lamb skewer over field greens. We had a great meal and a great time with our buddies.
Sun morning we met Steven for breakfast and wound up talking for nearly 3 hours! Time flies when you're gossiping. (Just kidding.) Afterward Spouse & I went grocery shopping. It was another gorgeous Indian Summer day, sunny and 78 degrees, so we went for another walk on the boardwalk, then returned home to do some housecleaning. (Another cost-cutting measure was to discontinue our housecleaning service, saving us $300. per month.) For dinner we made fabulous BLTs using bison bacon, romaine, and grape tomatoes roasted with red peppers and mushrooms in EVOO and balsamic vinegar. They were DEE-LISH!! Then we watched a movie from Netflix: Valentine's Day. It w
as chocked full of stars (Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Carter Jenkins, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, Shirley MacLaine, George Lopez, Julia Roberts) so I expected it to be great, but it wasn't. It was okay; occasionally funny, occasionally romantic, generally entertaining, but not terrific. I did like that the very sexy Bradley Cooper and Eric Dane (both former Crush du Jours) turned out to be gay. That was an unexpected twist.I absolutely adore Indian Summer weather like we had this weekend. I think of it as Mother Nature's way of saying 'I'm sorry' for the chilly weather we had in Sept. when it shouldn't have been that cool. Regardless, I hope for more such weather before I need to pack away my shorts.
Crush du Jour: Ben Pamies
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday fragments
Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.
My buddy Jared sent me this.
Wow, looks like Mexico is really gonna get it!
On Sat we are having our annual Neighborhood Block Party. Everyone brings a dish and gathers in the empty lot across the street from our house. Jim & Barb generously provide and cook all the meat. There's music, sometimes a little dancing, and lots of eating and visiting with the full-time and part-time neighbors. I'm making a bean and nectarine salad this year.
Sun night is the MTV VMA awards. I tend not to watch them but I think I will this year, as I'm curious to see Lady Gaga.
As usual, we'll have Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects' tonight, which officially kicks off the weekend for me.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Crush du Jour: Sean Sullivan
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday fragments
Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.
This little "FAIL" ditty came my way via my friend Jared.
Sometimes things don't always turn out how they were meant!
This little "FAIL" ditty came my way via my friend Jared.
Sometimes things don't always turn out how they were meant!Did you hear that a new "urban gay resort" will open in NYC in the fall of next year? I like that it will remain affordable to most people. Check out more details here.
I took today off of work, for no special reason. I've got quite a few vacation days to use up so I decided to take today off since the weather was supposed to be nice. Spouse couldn't take off because one of his colleagues was already off. I got up at 8:30, had coffee, watched a little TV, checked my email, and headed to the beach. Its not quite as fun going by myself, but it did give me a chance to do a little reading. It was pretty hot but still a nice day at the beach. After returning home I swept the mulch back into the beds again, then took a shower, got my hair cut and got the convertible washed. Then Spouse & I went to Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. It was a fun day off!
Crush du Jour: Nir Lavi
Monday, July 05, 2010
(Long) Weekend highlights
The construction guys worked hard to get the porch screened before they quit working on Fri. Bugs & Roger arrived on Fri at 12:30, but unfortunately I had a conference call at 1:00 so I couldn't go out to lunch with them. They had lunch and shopped at the tax-free outlet malls. When Spouse got home they returned from shopping and we chatted until it was time to leave for Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. After dinner, we sat on the newly enlarged screened porch and talked until bedtime.
Sat morning Spouse went to his personal trainer appointment while Bugs & Rog and I chatted over breakfast, then walked to the farmer's market. It was pretty hot but the humidity was low so it was nice in the shade. They got tomatoes, cucumbers and baked goods; I got a gorgeous bunch of cut flowers. Bugs & Rog helped me sweep the screened porch and bring in the tables, chairs, and lounge furniture. When Spouse returned and showered, the 4 of us had lunch and then walked to the art show. Two friends were exhibiting, and we enjoyed looking at everything. Then Spouse & Roger went to the grocery store while Bugs & I went to the Dollar Store and liquor store. 'Divide and conquer' was out motto. Later Steven & Thad and Joe P came over for dinner and we had our 1st meal on the new, enlarged screened porch. We had peppercorn pork tenderloins, orzo with oven roasted veggies, romaine salad, and fresh tomato and cucumber slices. For dessert we had a fruit salad of watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries and blueberries. Although it was very hot earlier, it was a gorgeous night for being outside.
Sun morning it was very hot again so we had breakfast and just hung out indoors. Spouse & I dropped Big Ella off for a wash 'n wax and when we got back we all had lunch. Then we walked to the canal to watch the decorated boat parade. We brought Big Ella home and we went to a neighbor's cocktail party, but couldn't stay long because we had to get ready for the Doo Dah parade. (For an explanation and photos of the Doo Dah parade, click here.) Spouse doesn't like to be the center of attention so he watched the parade with Rick & Nick from their usual post at our friends Mike & Steve's front porch, right on the parade route. Bugs & Roger had never experienced the Doo Dah parade but were game to give it a try. I'd purchased bags of penny candy for them to toss at the kids along the route and we all had a great time. Big Ella was duly adored by everyone and received many cheers and rounds of applause. Unfortunately we have no photos since our camera was acting up again. After the parade, Spouse and Rick & Nick met me and Bugs & Roger back at the house for a 4th of July cook-out on the screened porch. We had hamburgers, bison burgers, bison dogs, cheddar brats, potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans, and sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Just before it got dark we grabbed our beach chairs and walked to the beach to watch the fireworks. Our city doesn't need to have a budget for 4th of July fireworks, as a dozen or so citizens have taken it upon themselves to furnish them. For about 90 minutes the public is treated to a free fireworks display that spans a couple miles up and down the beach. It was a beautiful night!
This morning Bugs & Roger left just after breakfast and we joined Steven & Thad, Joe P, The Bobs, and Alisha & Jack at the beach. Again it was very hot out but low humidity, and there was a cool breeze coming off the ocean so it was very pleasant. We laughed and talked and I couldn't believe how quickly the time passed. Upon returning home, Spouse & I had a late lunch consisting of last night's cook-out left overs. He's napping now.
It was a terrific holiday weekend, and I feel very fortunate.
Crush du Jour: Noah Mills
Sat morning Spouse went to his personal trainer appointment while Bugs & Rog and I chatted over breakfast, then walked to the farmer's market. It was pretty hot but the humidity was low so it was nice in the shade. They got tomatoes, cucumbers and baked goods; I got a gorgeous bunch of cut flowers. Bugs & Rog helped me sweep the screened porch and bring in the tables, chairs, and lounge furniture. When Spouse returned and showered, the 4 of us had lunch and then walked to the art show. Two friends were exhibiting, and we enjoyed looking at everything. Then Spouse & Roger went to the grocery store while Bugs & I went to the Dollar Store and liquor store. 'Divide and conquer' was out motto. Later Steven & Thad and Joe P came over for dinner and we had our 1st meal on the new, enlarged screened porch. We had peppercorn pork tenderloins, orzo with oven roasted veggies, romaine salad, and fresh tomato and cucumber slices. For dessert we had a fruit salad of watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries and blueberries. Although it was very hot earlier, it was a gorgeous night for being outside.
Sun morning it was very hot again so we had breakfast and just hung out indoors. Spouse & I dropped Big Ella off for a wash 'n wax and when we got back we all had lunch. Then we walked to the canal to watch the decorated boat parade. We brought Big Ella home and we went to a neighbor's cocktail party, but couldn't stay long because we had to get ready for the Doo Dah parade. (For an explanation and photos of the Doo Dah parade, click here.) Spouse doesn't like to be the center of attention so he watched the parade with Rick & Nick from their usual post at our friends Mike & Steve's front porch, right on the parade route. Bugs & Roger had never experienced the Doo Dah parade but were game to give it a try. I'd purchased bags of penny candy for them to toss at the kids along the route and we all had a great time. Big Ella was duly adored by everyone and received many cheers and rounds of applause. Unfortunately we have no photos since our camera was acting up again. After the parade, Spouse and Rick & Nick met me and Bugs & Roger back at the house for a 4th of July cook-out on the screened porch. We had hamburgers, bison burgers, bison dogs, cheddar brats, potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans, and sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Just before it got dark we grabbed our beach chairs and walked to the beach to watch the fireworks. Our city doesn't need to have a budget for 4th of July fireworks, as a dozen or so citizens have taken it upon themselves to furnish them. For about 90 minutes the public is treated to a free fireworks display that spans a couple miles up and down the beach. It was a beautiful night!
This morning Bugs & Roger left just after breakfast and we joined Steven & Thad, Joe P, The Bobs, and Alisha & Jack at the beach. Again it was very hot out but low humidity, and there was a cool breeze coming off the ocean so it was very pleasant. We laughed and talked and I couldn't believe how quickly the time passed. Upon returning home, Spouse & I had a late lunch consisting of last night's cook-out left overs. He's napping now.
It was a terrific holiday weekend, and I feel very fortunate.
Crush du Jour: Noah Mills
Monday, March 01, 2010
Weekend highlights
As usual, our weekend began at Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. We had a smaller than usual turn out, but had a good time none-the-less.
Sat morning while Spouse had his personal trainer appointment, I took the BMW to our friend Bryan's car dealership to get a trade-in quote and price on the potential new (used) car. Later Spouse & I had lunch, ran some errands, drove to the beach to look at the ocean and look forward to the arrival of spring. Once back at home he took a nap while I tried to catch up a bit on my blog reading. (I'm still so far behind.) I talked to Betsy, our realtor back in VA, regarding a condo foreclosure that could be a good investment for us. She emailed me the listing and comps to review. That night we had dinner with Steven & Thad and 1 of The Bobs at Cottage Cafe, which was quite tasty and fun.
Sun morning we were up by 7 and on the road to VA by 8 so we could meet Betsy at the condo. Considering its location, condition, price, and foreclosure status, we decided to make an offer on it. However, we were told the listing agent was expecting other offers so we are remaining cautiously optimistic. If it works out then we believe we will have gotten a very good deal on a very rentable place. If it doesn't work out, we'll keep looking. So for now, we wait. When we finished at the condo we stopped for a quick lunch before heading back to DE. I love the drives between DE & VA because Spouse & I really talk, undistracted, about whatever is on our minds. Those are the times that I really feel the most connected to him.
Remember on Fri when I teased you with this sassy interior?
Well, now I will tell you it is the inside of this sleek little roadster.
It is a 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK 320 retractable hardtop convertible. We absolutely LOVE that sassy red and black interior! I probably wouldn't have given this car a 2nd look if it had charcoal interior. There were several reasons for trading in the BMW, most of them small when viewed alone, but annoying and too expensive to fix when you put them all together. The BMW had 126K miles on it so it really didn't warrant spending the money to fix all the small problems. But the biggest reason for trading it was that it had begun to leak when it rained. Last summer I discovered the trunk was wet and then shortly thereafter Spouse determined that the passenger front seat and carpet were wet. Again, fixing this would have been too expensive for a car with so many miles.
So on Sun we said goodbye to the car we had lots and lots of fun owning and driving for 9 years, and welcomed another, sassier car to take its place. Although the new car is 11 years old, it only has 64K miles, and is in pristine condition. Now I'm really, REALLY ready for spring's arrival.
On the way home from Bryan's dealership we stopped at the grocery store, then Spouse made dinner and we watched a bad DVD I'd gotten from Netflix. With all we'd done that day we both felt pooped and decided to go to bed early. I can't remember the last time I went to bed at 9:30, but it wasn't long before I sailed off to dreamland.
Crush du Jour: Paul Wagner
Sat morning while Spouse had his personal trainer appointment, I took the BMW to our friend Bryan's car dealership to get a trade-in quote and price on the potential new (used) car. Later Spouse & I had lunch, ran some errands, drove to the beach to look at the ocean and look forward to the arrival of spring. Once back at home he took a nap while I tried to catch up a bit on my blog reading. (I'm still so far behind.) I talked to Betsy, our realtor back in VA, regarding a condo foreclosure that could be a good investment for us. She emailed me the listing and comps to review. That night we had dinner with Steven & Thad and 1 of The Bobs at Cottage Cafe, which was quite tasty and fun.
Sun morning we were up by 7 and on the road to VA by 8 so we could meet Betsy at the condo. Considering its location, condition, price, and foreclosure status, we decided to make an offer on it. However, we were told the listing agent was expecting other offers so we are remaining cautiously optimistic. If it works out then we believe we will have gotten a very good deal on a very rentable place. If it doesn't work out, we'll keep looking. So for now, we wait. When we finished at the condo we stopped for a quick lunch before heading back to DE. I love the drives between DE & VA because Spouse & I really talk, undistracted, about whatever is on our minds. Those are the times that I really feel the most connected to him.
Remember on Fri when I teased you with this sassy interior?
Well, now I will tell you it is the inside of this sleek little roadster.
It is a 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK 320 retractable hardtop convertible. We absolutely LOVE that sassy red and black interior! I probably wouldn't have given this car a 2nd look if it had charcoal interior. There were several reasons for trading in the BMW, most of them small when viewed alone, but annoying and too expensive to fix when you put them all together. The BMW had 126K miles on it so it really didn't warrant spending the money to fix all the small problems. But the biggest reason for trading it was that it had begun to leak when it rained. Last summer I discovered the trunk was wet and then shortly thereafter Spouse determined that the passenger front seat and carpet were wet. Again, fixing this would have been too expensive for a car with so many miles.
So on Sun we said goodbye to the car we had lots and lots of fun owning and driving for 9 years, and welcomed another, sassier car to take its place. Although the new car is 11 years old, it only has 64K miles, and is in pristine condition. Now I'm really, REALLY ready for spring's arrival.On the way home from Bryan's dealership we stopped at the grocery store, then Spouse made dinner and we watched a bad DVD I'd gotten from Netflix. With all we'd done that day we both felt pooped and decided to go to bed early. I can't remember the last time I went to bed at 9:30, but it wasn't long before I sailed off to dreamland.
Crush du Jour: Paul Wagner
Monday, February 22, 2010
Weekend highlights
Our weekend started with Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. We had 3 new guys show up so that was a nice surprise. Afterward Spouse & I watched the Olympics.
Sat morning I enjoyed my coffee and a little quiet time reading blogs while Spouse was at his personal trainer appointment. After he returned I talked him into FINALLY helping me move the dresser and mirror from our bedroom into the new closet/dressing room. I've only been trying to get his help with this for 4 months. He kept resisting and claiming the dresser and large attached mirror wouldn't fit. I asked him how he was certain of this and if he'd measured them. Of course he said no. So I said that I had measured them and knew they'd fit. I'd specifically measured the pieces (and the wall where they were to be placed) while construction was still going on, to be certain they'd fit. I'd even gone so far as to have the electrician install an electrical outlet next to where the dresser would go so we could charge our cellphones there at night. Unable to resist such concrete facts, he proclaimed that they 'might fit' but would 'look ugly' being 'crowded into the closet'. I suggested that if we moved them into the closet/dressing room and we didn't like them there, we would know he was right and would move them back. He agreed so I unscrewed the 4 screws holding the mirror to the dresser, we moved them into place, and reattached the mirror to the dresser. He said "You're right, it fits perfectly and its not too crowded in here". I love it when that happens!
That afternoon we had lunch out, picked up some things at the store, went for a little ride, and then returned home so he could take a nap while I tried to catch up on my blog reading. Sat night we met Steven (Thad was out of town), The Bobs, and Chris & Jason for dinner at Mixx. We'd not been there before, but enjoyed it. The dining room is small so reservations are strongly encouraged, even in the off-season. I started with a "martini flight", which is 3 different 3-oz martinis. Of course this solicited all kinds of hideous comments from my friends about being an alcoholic. For dinner I had lobster and shrimp curry over basmati rice, which was quite delicious.
Sun Spouse & I had an interesting day. After running a few small errands we stopped at our friend's used car lot. Spouse had browsed the inventory online and had seen something that ticked his fancy. We wondered if we'd be comfortable in this vehicle, but found it to be roomier than we'd imagined. The vehicle passed with flying colors in the test drive, so we're really considering a trade-in. Here's what we find to be most intriguing about the vehicle:
Isn't that interior gorgeous?!?! We haven't made a decision yet so I'm not going to divulge anymore for now, but I'll circle back and close this loop in a few days.
We ended our exciting day with a late lunch and a trip to the grocery store. We watched more of the Olympics and I tried to catch up on my blog reading. (I'm sooooo behind.)
I don't know how I manage such exciting, adventurous weekend!
Crush du Jour: Vladimir Ivanov
Sat morning I enjoyed my coffee and a little quiet time reading blogs while Spouse was at his personal trainer appointment. After he returned I talked him into FINALLY helping me move the dresser and mirror from our bedroom into the new closet/dressing room. I've only been trying to get his help with this for 4 months. He kept resisting and claiming the dresser and large attached mirror wouldn't fit. I asked him how he was certain of this and if he'd measured them. Of course he said no. So I said that I had measured them and knew they'd fit. I'd specifically measured the pieces (and the wall where they were to be placed) while construction was still going on, to be certain they'd fit. I'd even gone so far as to have the electrician install an electrical outlet next to where the dresser would go so we could charge our cellphones there at night. Unable to resist such concrete facts, he proclaimed that they 'might fit' but would 'look ugly' being 'crowded into the closet'. I suggested that if we moved them into the closet/dressing room and we didn't like them there, we would know he was right and would move them back. He agreed so I unscrewed the 4 screws holding the mirror to the dresser, we moved them into place, and reattached the mirror to the dresser. He said "You're right, it fits perfectly and its not too crowded in here". I love it when that happens!
That afternoon we had lunch out, picked up some things at the store, went for a little ride, and then returned home so he could take a nap while I tried to catch up on my blog reading. Sat night we met Steven (Thad was out of town), The Bobs, and Chris & Jason for dinner at Mixx. We'd not been there before, but enjoyed it. The dining room is small so reservations are strongly encouraged, even in the off-season. I started with a "martini flight", which is 3 different 3-oz martinis. Of course this solicited all kinds of hideous comments from my friends about being an alcoholic. For dinner I had lobster and shrimp curry over basmati rice, which was quite delicious.
Sun Spouse & I had an interesting day. After running a few small errands we stopped at our friend's used car lot. Spouse had browsed the inventory online and had seen something that ticked his fancy. We wondered if we'd be comfortable in this vehicle, but found it to be roomier than we'd imagined. The vehicle passed with flying colors in the test drive, so we're really considering a trade-in. Here's what we find to be most intriguing about the vehicle:
Isn't that interior gorgeous?!?! We haven't made a decision yet so I'm not going to divulge anymore for now, but I'll circle back and close this loop in a few days. We ended our exciting day with a late lunch and a trip to the grocery store. We watched more of the Olympics and I tried to catch up on my blog reading. (I'm sooooo behind.)
I don't know how I manage such exciting, adventurous weekend!
Crush du Jour: Vladimir Ivanov
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday fragments
Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.
This evening we are having the Fri Night Dinner Group (aka: 'the usual suspects') over to our house for dinner to celebrate 3 of the guys' birthdays. We're making ziti with meat sauce and cheese and apple cake. Some of the guys are bringing salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Should be a nice evening, but I have lots to do this afternoon to get ready.
Anne Marie in Philly recently asked for a Pouncer update. (BTW, send me your email address Anne Marie.) Unfortunately there has not been much if any change. Pouncer still has those fits of rapid succession sneezing a few times a day, but he's still eating and behaving like normal. The last time I took him to the vet (a month ago) they basically said they didn't know what was wrong with him or what was causing his soft pallet to be swollen, so they gave me a referral to a specialist. However, the specialist is a 4-hour round trip drive so I'd have to take a day off work to take him there, plus Pouncer HATES riding in the car. I'm afraid he will drive me absolutely insane with his meowing and growling if I try to drive him there and back. So I haven't made an appointment with the specialist yet. I've been hoping that he would either get better on his own, or start getting worse which would force the trip to the specialist. But his symptoms/condition are basically the same as they were a month ago so I'm sort of 'waiting it out'. Thanks for asking.
In his State of the Union speech Wed night President Obama repeated his campaign promise to work with/encourage Congress to repeal DADT. Hours later I received an email from a well-meaning group requesting me to sign a petition urging the President to "act now" on repealing DADT. It seems to me that the President is ready to "act now" but knows it is Congress who needs to support and pass the legislation. So instead of signing that petition directed to the President, I signed this petition which sends an email to your representatives in Congress (not the President) urging them to work with the President to repeal the discriminatory DADT legislation that has resulted in the loss of thousands of talented and willing GLBT service members. I urge you to do the same.
I'm not too pleased with Amazon.com right now. On Dec 8 I ordered the newly released "Twelve Nights in Hollywood" box set by Ella Fitzgerald, featuring many never-before released tracks, and anxiously awaited its delivery. I received an initial email confirming my order, then another
giving me an estimated delivery date of Dec 17, then another several days later indicating there would be a delay and that the new delivery date was Dec 24. Just before Christmas I received another email indicating that an 'unexpected demand' had caused another delay, and that the new ship date was Jan 3. Then on Jan 3 I received an email indicating my payment could not be processed so my order had been cancelled! Apparently when I updated my debit card number it did not save properly so Amazon tried to process the payment against my old card number. Rather than sending me an email about it and giving me a day or two to update the card number (again), they just cancelled my order. I think that's a sh*tty policy. So, after triple checking that my debit card number had been updated and saved, I re-ordered the box set and on Jan 3. The expected delivery date is now Feb 3. If it arrives then, it will have taken 2 full months to get the product I ordered. Next time I decide to purchase online I will look for other suppliers who compete with Amazon.
In sharp contrast, I can not adequately express how thrilled I am with my new jeans. I am particular about the way I want my jeans to fit but I was able to find, not 1, but 3 pairs last weekend that fit great! And to sweeten the deal even more, they were all on sale! YAY!!!
Despite the fact that its bright and sunny out today, its very cold and windy. Only 17 degrees with a wind chill factor of 8 degrees this morning when I took Jordan out. A snow storm is expected in the surrounding area tomorrow but I don't know how much is predicted for us, here on the coast. The stupid weather.com website simply tells me that its going to snow, but not how much to expect! Oh yeah, they also give me lots of other useless info like when high tide and sunset will be. I can look out the window and tell when its sunset!
Have a terrific (and possibly snowy) weekend!!
This evening we are having the Fri Night Dinner Group (aka: 'the usual suspects') over to our house for dinner to celebrate 3 of the guys' birthdays. We're making ziti with meat sauce and cheese and apple cake. Some of the guys are bringing salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Should be a nice evening, but I have lots to do this afternoon to get ready.
Anne Marie in Philly recently asked for a Pouncer update. (BTW, send me your email address Anne Marie.) Unfortunately there has not been much if any change. Pouncer still has those fits of rapid succession sneezing a few times a day, but he's still eating and behaving like normal. The last time I took him to the vet (a month ago) they basically said they didn't know what was wrong with him or what was causing his soft pallet to be swollen, so they gave me a referral to a specialist. However, the specialist is a 4-hour round trip drive so I'd have to take a day off work to take him there, plus Pouncer HATES riding in the car. I'm afraid he will drive me absolutely insane with his meowing and growling if I try to drive him there and back. So I haven't made an appointment with the specialist yet. I've been hoping that he would either get better on his own, or start getting worse which would force the trip to the specialist. But his symptoms/condition are basically the same as they were a month ago so I'm sort of 'waiting it out'. Thanks for asking.
In his State of the Union speech Wed night President Obama repeated his campaign promise to work with/encourage Congress to repeal DADT. Hours later I received an email from a well-meaning group requesting me to sign a petition urging the President to "act now" on repealing DADT. It seems to me that the President is ready to "act now" but knows it is Congress who needs to support and pass the legislation. So instead of signing that petition directed to the President, I signed this petition which sends an email to your representatives in Congress (not the President) urging them to work with the President to repeal the discriminatory DADT legislation that has resulted in the loss of thousands of talented and willing GLBT service members. I urge you to do the same.
giving me an estimated delivery date of Dec 17, then another several days later indicating there would be a delay and that the new delivery date was Dec 24. Just before Christmas I received another email indicating that an 'unexpected demand' had caused another delay, and that the new ship date was Jan 3. Then on Jan 3 I received an email indicating my payment could not be processed so my order had been cancelled! Apparently when I updated my debit card number it did not save properly so Amazon tried to process the payment against my old card number. Rather than sending me an email about it and giving me a day or two to update the card number (again), they just cancelled my order. I think that's a sh*tty policy. So, after triple checking that my debit card number had been updated and saved, I re-ordered the box set and on Jan 3. The expected delivery date is now Feb 3. If it arrives then, it will have taken 2 full months to get the product I ordered. Next time I decide to purchase online I will look for other suppliers who compete with Amazon.In sharp contrast, I can not adequately express how thrilled I am with my new jeans. I am particular about the way I want my jeans to fit but I was able to find, not 1, but 3 pairs last weekend that fit great! And to sweeten the deal even more, they were all on sale! YAY!!!
Despite the fact that its bright and sunny out today, its very cold and windy. Only 17 degrees with a wind chill factor of 8 degrees this morning when I took Jordan out. A snow storm is expected in the surrounding area tomorrow but I don't know how much is predicted for us, here on the coast. The stupid weather.com website simply tells me that its going to snow, but not how much to expect! Oh yeah, they also give me lots of other useless info like when high tide and sunset will be. I can look out the window and tell when its sunset!
Have a terrific (and possibly snowy) weekend!!
Crush du Jour: Nick Zano
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A chance encounter
Last Fri one of the guys Bryan brought a friend Dan with him to Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects'. Dan lives about 2 hours from here but happened to be in town Fri night so he came along with Bryan.
During our dinner conversation Dan happened to mention that his business partner had been raised as a Jehovah's Witness. More for comedic value than anything else, I asked him "What's his name? Maybe I know him." Dan had no idea I was raised in the Jehovah's Witness religion, but he told me his business partner's name anyway (David H), and my eyes widened as big as saucers.
"Oh my god, I DO know him!" To be sure we weren't talking about different guys with the same name, I told Dan the city/state David's family moved to when we were kids, and then I remembered his parents' and sibling's names. Sure enough, it was the same guy!
David's parents and my parents were good friends and lived near one another when we were very young. My father officiated David's parents' wedding! David and I are the same age and were good friends too. Then when we were probably around 10 his family moved away, but they moved to a town not far from where my grandparents lived.
During the years when I was probably about 12-15 years old my parents would let me stay with my grandparents in the country for a couple weeks during summer break from school. I would help them with their garden and enjoy swimming at the 'Big Swimmin' Hole'. It was very rural and there were no other kids around, so one year my parents thought it might be nice if David H would stay with me at my grandparents' house for a few days. We had fun helping my grandparents, exploring in the woods, and swimming.
Since my grandparents' house was super tiny, it was decided that David and I would sleep in their old Shasta camper trailer in the back yard. (When you're that age the idea of sleeping in a camper seems a lot more fun that it does now.) I remember one night after David had fallen asleep, I slid my hand inside the waistband of his underwear ever-so-slowly and gently. It was so amazingly exhilarating when my fingertips reached his pubic hair. Dare I go any further? What if he wakes up? I slowly and carefully continued my exploration until I was sure my heavy breathing would wake him up, so I stopped. I don't think I slept at all that night.
I had no inclination at that time that David was gay. He was just a nice boy in the right place at the right time. Learning from Dan and Bryan that David was gay kind of surprised me. I couldn't remember the last time I'd seen him. But David remembered.
Dan texted David: "I'm having dinner w/Bryan and someone who thinks he knows you, Mark in DE". David texted back: "Of course I remember Mark. The last time I saw him was at his grandmother's funeral (1990). His dad married my parents!"
I was so glad to learn that David was doing well. When someone leaves or gets kicked out of the JWs and their family is strict about following the rules like mine, not only do you lose touch with your family, but you have no connection to anyone else who may leave or get kicked out after you. So although David had been 'out' and out of the JWs for years, I had no way of knowing.
Sometimes old JW friends have contacted me in the past by calling Directory Assistance, looking me up in the phone book, and more recently using internet sites designed to help locate people. But both David and I were still JWs the last time we saw each other, so I guess neither of us even thought to look up the other once we'd exited the religion.
I'm just blown away at how a chance meeting with Dan (Bryan's friend) at dinner has allowed me to reconnect with David after all these years. We're now friends on Facebook too, and I am hoping to set up a face-to-face soon so we can catch up.
Crush du Jour: Simon Howard
During our dinner conversation Dan happened to mention that his business partner had been raised as a Jehovah's Witness. More for comedic value than anything else, I asked him "What's his name? Maybe I know him." Dan had no idea I was raised in the Jehovah's Witness religion, but he told me his business partner's name anyway (David H), and my eyes widened as big as saucers.
"Oh my god, I DO know him!" To be sure we weren't talking about different guys with the same name, I told Dan the city/state David's family moved to when we were kids, and then I remembered his parents' and sibling's names. Sure enough, it was the same guy!
David's parents and my parents were good friends and lived near one another when we were very young. My father officiated David's parents' wedding! David and I are the same age and were good friends too. Then when we were probably around 10 his family moved away, but they moved to a town not far from where my grandparents lived.
During the years when I was probably about 12-15 years old my parents would let me stay with my grandparents in the country for a couple weeks during summer break from school. I would help them with their garden and enjoy swimming at the 'Big Swimmin' Hole'. It was very rural and there were no other kids around, so one year my parents thought it might be nice if David H would stay with me at my grandparents' house for a few days. We had fun helping my grandparents, exploring in the woods, and swimming.
Since my grandparents' house was super tiny, it was decided that David and I would sleep in their old Shasta camper trailer in the back yard. (When you're that age the idea of sleeping in a camper seems a lot more fun that it does now.) I remember one night after David had fallen asleep, I slid my hand inside the waistband of his underwear ever-so-slowly and gently. It was so amazingly exhilarating when my fingertips reached his pubic hair. Dare I go any further? What if he wakes up? I slowly and carefully continued my exploration until I was sure my heavy breathing would wake him up, so I stopped. I don't think I slept at all that night.
I had no inclination at that time that David was gay. He was just a nice boy in the right place at the right time. Learning from Dan and Bryan that David was gay kind of surprised me. I couldn't remember the last time I'd seen him. But David remembered.
Dan texted David: "I'm having dinner w/Bryan and someone who thinks he knows you, Mark in DE". David texted back: "Of course I remember Mark. The last time I saw him was at his grandmother's funeral (1990). His dad married my parents!"
I was so glad to learn that David was doing well. When someone leaves or gets kicked out of the JWs and their family is strict about following the rules like mine, not only do you lose touch with your family, but you have no connection to anyone else who may leave or get kicked out after you. So although David had been 'out' and out of the JWs for years, I had no way of knowing.
Sometimes old JW friends have contacted me in the past by calling Directory Assistance, looking me up in the phone book, and more recently using internet sites designed to help locate people. But both David and I were still JWs the last time we saw each other, so I guess neither of us even thought to look up the other once we'd exited the religion.
I'm just blown away at how a chance meeting with Dan (Bryan's friend) at dinner has allowed me to reconnect with David after all these years. We're now friends on Facebook too, and I am hoping to set up a face-to-face soon so we can catch up.
Crush du Jour: Simon Howard
Friday, October 09, 2009
Friday fragments
Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.
I think mums are beautiful. Their colors are so rich and vibrant!
Seeing them pleases my eye, but also make me sad because they mean summer is practically over and fall is here. I'm basically a summer guy; I love going to the beach, wearing shorts and flip-flops, and top-down driving. So the arrival of fall, although beautiful, saddens me because my favorite things are winding down until next spring.
The Newlyweds are arriving this evening! Yes, I know, we just saw them a month ago when we spent our vacation with them in Portland, but I can't help being excited because they are very close friends. They'll join us for Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects' and then we'll have all day tomorrow together. Sun morning they're off to Baltimore for a wedding, and we're off to DC for the National Equality March.
My friend Bob sent me this cartoon, which I find current and poignant.
This guy is amazing!!! And, all his costumes are made of paper. I would love to see him perform in person. Such creativity!
Today I discovered an important omission when I designed the new shower room: I completely forgot to have them build in a small shelf onto which I can prop my foot when washing my lower leg and foot. I mentioned it to Mike the builder today by saying "I've got something for you to think about over the weekend..." I'm not sure if anything can be done about it now, but I'm hoping he will come up with something.
Have a great weekend, ma peeps!
I think mums are beautiful. Their colors are so rich and vibrant!
Seeing them pleases my eye, but also make me sad because they mean summer is practically over and fall is here. I'm basically a summer guy; I love going to the beach, wearing shorts and flip-flops, and top-down driving. So the arrival of fall, although beautiful, saddens me because my favorite things are winding down until next spring.The Newlyweds are arriving this evening! Yes, I know, we just saw them a month ago when we spent our vacation with them in Portland, but I can't help being excited because they are very close friends. They'll join us for Fri Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects' and then we'll have all day tomorrow together. Sun morning they're off to Baltimore for a wedding, and we're off to DC for the National Equality March.
My friend Bob sent me this cartoon, which I find current and poignant.
This guy is amazing!!! And, all his costumes are made of paper. I would love to see him perform in person. Such creativity!
Today I discovered an important omission when I designed the new shower room: I completely forgot to have them build in a small shelf onto which I can prop my foot when washing my lower leg and foot. I mentioned it to Mike the builder today by saying "I've got something for you to think about over the weekend..." I'm not sure if anything can be done about it now, but I'm hoping he will come up with something.
A couple weeks ago Spouse & I started playing group trivia at the Frogg Pond with Steven & Thad and The Bobs. The 1st week we just joined them for a portion of the game, as we had a car club event to attend, but they won 3rd place. Last week we joined them for the full game and our group won 1st place: $25. off our food and beverage tab. This week we joined them again and won 1st place yet again! Coincidence??? I think not. Its a lot more fun than I thought it would be, and even if we didn't win it would be fun to hang out with these friends.
DavidDust currently has this hilarious picture on his blog, reminding bloggers and blog lovers of our next meet-up. Please join us if you can!
Have a great weekend, ma peeps! Crush du Jour: Blake Nolan
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday fragments
Being a car guy, I was intrigued by this car knowledge quiz. I was surprised I only got 15 out of 20 correct. I'm consoling myself by pointing out that many of the questions were brand-related. If you think you know a little something about car brands, take the quiz and tell me in the comments how many you got correct. My current dream car is the BMW 3 series retractable hardtop convertible.
This is car porn.
The other day I heard friends talking about books they're reading/had read and I realized its been over a year since I read a book. This made me feel badly about myself. My mind immediately flashed to me and Spouse sitting on the sofa watching (mostly mindless) TV every night instead of reading books. Really, how could I have stopped reading? Then it hit me: I read everyday! Not books, but blogs! I immediately felt better about myself.
This is car porn.The other day I heard friends talking about books they're reading/had read and I realized its been over a year since I read a book. This made me feel badly about myself. My mind immediately flashed to me and Spouse sitting on the sofa watching (mostly mindless) TV every night instead of reading books. Really, how could I have stopped reading? Then it hit me: I read everyday! Not books, but blogs! I immediately felt better about myself.
Tony shared with me this interesting survey whose answers will tell you what religion most closely matches your beliefs. My top 4 were:
1. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (100%)
2. Liberal Quakers (97%)
3. Unitarian Universalism (94%)
4. Secular Humanism (Atheism) (84%)
Wanna see Obama naked? Aren't those "interesting"?
Today is my (estranged) sister's 33rd wedding anniversay. Isn't that "interesting"?
Progress on the addition is coming along nicely. Look for my weekly addition update with photos tomorrow. Our entire house is filthy, now that much of the work has moved inside. Drywall was torn out, sending drywall dust into the air and all over the entire house. We'll spend some time this weekend vacuuming, dusting, and steam mopping the wood floors, even though it will all get dirty again next week. Hopefully it won't get as dirty next week, since all of the interior demo is done now, I think. (Crossing my fingers.)
On the social front, tonight is our regular Friday Night Dinner with 'the usual suspects. Tomorrow afternoon we're going to an anniversary party for our friends who've been together 15 years. Later that evening we're meeting some out-of-town friends for cocktails and then dinner. Should be fun!
Have a great weekend, y'all.
Crush du Jour: Preston Jones
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday fragments
Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.
The shop called yesterday to say that Big Ella was ready to come home.
You may recall I got her home from the shop just in time to show her off at the 4th of July Doo Dah parade, but then had to return her to the shop a few days later because her breaks felt very soft. I was happy to get the call yesterday, and Spouse drove me to the shop to pick her up. The breaks work GREAT now, so she is once again safe and road worthy.
Spouse convinced me to rent a storage unit for Big Ella until the garage is finished. With the dumpster and construction equipment filling our driveway and part of the yard, there literally is no where to park her except on a different street. I have no problem with parking her on a nearby street but Spouse was not comfortable with it, so we've rented a storage unit for the 1-2 months remaining of the construction. They were running a special: first month free! I can get her in or out 24 hours a day via passcode entry into the gated compound.
My friend Wayne sent me this video, which actually had me LOL! Enjoy.
With Spouse's birthday last Mon we've been talking more than usual about aging. I remember being a teenager hearing my parents mention getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and thinking to myself "Can't they just hold it until morning like I do?" I also recall them mentioning waking up several times during the night, and thinking "I fall asleep when my head hits the pillow and I stay asleep until the alarm clock goes off". Little did I know then that I would fall victim to these same plights one day. With Spouse & I both 45, we occasionally have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and we frequently wake up at ungodly hours for no apparent reason. (Fortunately we do not stay awake long.) The passing of time has a sneaky way of making one regret being glib in one's youth.
My friend Jared sent me this hilarious site which regales the "Bacon Explosion". Stephen Rader probably grew up on this stuff. I know Paula Deen did.
Our friends Kerry & Hugh will be staying at our place this weekend while they attend a family reunion nearby. We'll likely only see them before bed each night and in the morning, but it will be nice to catch up with them and hear the stories of their 'crazy' relatives. (You know, the kind that get into fist fights at Grandma's 80th birthday party?) On Sun the 4 of us will have lunch or dinner together and celebrate our 45th birthdays (even though mine was 8 months ago), since Joe's birthday was on Mon and both Kerry & Hugh's birthdays are next weekend.
My friend Jared is also responsible for this gem, which is updated often so keep checking it! This is just TOO funny...
As is our custom, tonight we'll enjoy Fri night dinner with the usual suspects, and then come home and watch the finale of Torchwood on BBC. Its an interesting mini-series on its own, but it certainly doesn't hurt that 2 of its attractive actors (John Barrowman and Gareth David-Lloyd) share a romance.
Have a great weekend, Everyone!
Crush du Jour: Duncan James
The shop called yesterday to say that Big Ella was ready to come home.
You may recall I got her home from the shop just in time to show her off at the 4th of July Doo Dah parade, but then had to return her to the shop a few days later because her breaks felt very soft. I was happy to get the call yesterday, and Spouse drove me to the shop to pick her up. The breaks work GREAT now, so she is once again safe and road worthy.Spouse convinced me to rent a storage unit for Big Ella until the garage is finished. With the dumpster and construction equipment filling our driveway and part of the yard, there literally is no where to park her except on a different street. I have no problem with parking her on a nearby street but Spouse was not comfortable with it, so we've rented a storage unit for the 1-2 months remaining of the construction. They were running a special: first month free! I can get her in or out 24 hours a day via passcode entry into the gated compound.
My friend Wayne sent me this video, which actually had me LOL! Enjoy.
With Spouse's birthday last Mon we've been talking more than usual about aging. I remember being a teenager hearing my parents mention getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and thinking to myself "Can't they just hold it until morning like I do?" I also recall them mentioning waking up several times during the night, and thinking "I fall asleep when my head hits the pillow and I stay asleep until the alarm clock goes off". Little did I know then that I would fall victim to these same plights one day. With Spouse & I both 45, we occasionally have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and we frequently wake up at ungodly hours for no apparent reason. (Fortunately we do not stay awake long.) The passing of time has a sneaky way of making one regret being glib in one's youth.
My friend Jared sent me this hilarious site which regales the "Bacon Explosion". Stephen Rader probably grew up on this stuff. I know Paula Deen did.
Our friends Kerry & Hugh will be staying at our place this weekend while they attend a family reunion nearby. We'll likely only see them before bed each night and in the morning, but it will be nice to catch up with them and hear the stories of their 'crazy' relatives. (You know, the kind that get into fist fights at Grandma's 80th birthday party?) On Sun the 4 of us will have lunch or dinner together and celebrate our 45th birthdays (even though mine was 8 months ago), since Joe's birthday was on Mon and both Kerry & Hugh's birthdays are next weekend.
My friend Jared is also responsible for this gem, which is updated often so keep checking it! This is just TOO funny...
As is our custom, tonight we'll enjoy Fri night dinner with the usual suspects, and then come home and watch the finale of Torchwood on BBC. Its an interesting mini-series on its own, but it certainly doesn't hurt that 2 of its attractive actors (John Barrowman and Gareth David-Lloyd) share a romance.
Have a great weekend, Everyone!
Crush du Jour: Duncan James
Monday, July 20, 2009
Staycation ends
Well, today is the 4th and final day of our staycation. Spouse & I took off last Fri and today. We went to the beach on Fri, and although it was overcast the entire time, we still had fun. We sat with our friend Bob, who is retired, and Steven, who also had the day off like us. Later we had dinner with the usual suspects.
Sat we slept in, had a relaxing morning on the screened porch, made a run over to Home Depot, had lunch on the screened porch, and just relaxed at home. Later we met up with our movie friends for our monthly movie night. The film: "Partners", circa 1982, starring Ryan O'Neill and William Hurt. The film did not age well, and seemed much campier than it was intended, I'm sure.
Sun we had breakfast on the porch again, did some housecleaning, then went to the beach. We arrived the same time as some friends who invited us to set up camp with them. It was absolutely spectacular weather: sunny, 80 degrees, low humidity, and a constant light breeze. I laid in the sun, swam in the ocean, and joined some new friends in some games of volleyball on the beach.
Sat we slept in, had a relaxing morning on the screened porch, made a run over to Home Depot, had lunch on the screened porch, and just relaxed at home. Later we met up with our movie friends for our monthly movie night. The film: "Partners", circa 1982, starring Ryan O'Neill and William Hurt. The film did not age well, and seemed much campier than it was intended, I'm sure.
Sun we had breakfast on the porch again, did some housecleaning, then went to the beach. We arrived the same time as some friends who invited us to set up camp with them. It was absolutely spectacular weather: sunny, 80 degrees, low humidity, and a constant light breeze. I laid in the sun, swam in the ocean, and joined some new friends in some games of volleyball on the beach.
During the 1st game I lunged to try to hit the ball and somehow hit my shin. It stung right away, but as I wiped away the sand there was not cut or blood. I have no idea what I hit my shin on, but as the games progressed I began to notice a large section of my shin swelling up. By the time we finished, I had a huge ball on my shin. It looked like a I had a kneecap on my shin! But it didn't hurt; it looked much worse than it felt. Spouse was very concerned and strongly urged me to go to the hospital and have my shin examined. Convinced I'd spend the entire night sitting in the waiting room, filling out forms, only to find I didn't have the most recent copy of my insurance form, I told him I did not want to go. I said "It doesn't hurt, so let's just see how it looks in the morning." We had a fantastic day on the beach!
After showering we drove out to one of our favorite restaurants which sits on the banks of the Indian River and had an early birthday dinner. Spouse had lasagna and meatballs and I had pasta with wild mushrooms and cream sauce as we looked through the glass wall of the restaurant at the setting sun. The food was delicious, the scenery was beautiful, and our favorite gay waiter was really 'on'. It was just about perfect.
Then we drove into Rehoboth Beach to Annie's Bananies, a new spot that just opened that makes organic frozen banana treats. They grind the frozen bananas and add a little cream (I think) and toppings to suit your taste. They were DELICIOUS, and much lower calorie than ice cream.
Today when I got up, the swelling in my shin had gone down significantly. I was quite relieved, but Spouse still thought I should go to the doctor. I told him I'd feel ridiculous going, now that the swelling was almost gone. I assured him it was just a bad bruise. It hasn't turned colors yet, but I'm sure it will.
Since today is Spouse's birthday I told him we could do whatever he wanted. So we did a little shopping, had lunch out, went for a ride (in the convertible), then returned home. He's doing one of his favorite things now: taking a nap. In a little while we're both going to the gym. Only upper body for me, thank you. Its a low-key birthday, but that's what he wanted, so that's what he's getting.
Crush du Jour: Dylan Bruce
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday fragments
Tonight we'll have dinner with 'the usual suspects' and then come home and watch a movie. Tomorrow morning we're heading back to VA for the weekend. Some friends from NH will be in town so we will enjoy seeing them after quite a while.
Spouse & I decided to go ahead and get bids for our garage/bath/closet addition. At this point we only have a vague idea what it may cost, so we've given 4 sets of plans out to 4 builders and explained what we want. In a week or so we should have an idea of what this project will cost and we'll have a better idea when we can start it, and what may have to be sacrificed if the estimates are higher than our budget. This should be quite informative and interesting!
This morning at 7:30 the street crew arrived with a very loud piece of machinery that turned the street into gravel. So much for "construction starting on Monday the 16th". Fortunately Spouse was on his way out the door for work when they started, so he was able to get his car out. We thought we had until Mon to park in our driveway.
We had light snow flurries this morning for about 30 minutes. Now at just after 5:00 the flurries are back. Man, I am SOOO ready for spring!
Have a great weekend!
Crush du Jour: Scott Adkins
Spouse & I decided to go ahead and get bids for our garage/bath/closet addition. At this point we only have a vague idea what it may cost, so we've given 4 sets of plans out to 4 builders and explained what we want. In a week or so we should have an idea of what this project will cost and we'll have a better idea when we can start it, and what may have to be sacrificed if the estimates are higher than our budget. This should be quite informative and interesting!
This morning at 7:30 the street crew arrived with a very loud piece of machinery that turned the street into gravel. So much for "construction starting on Monday the 16th". Fortunately Spouse was on his way out the door for work when they started, so he was able to get his car out. We thought we had until Mon to park in our driveway.
We had light snow flurries this morning for about 30 minutes. Now at just after 5:00 the flurries are back. Man, I am SOOO ready for spring!
Have a great weekend!
Crush du Jour: Scott Adkins
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)