Time Away

Several weeks ago, I mentioned to My Handsome Prince that we take off work for our anniversary and head to the shore. He was all for it. Our anniversary fell on a weekend. Guess what happened. He took off the week prior and I took off the week after. Hmmm, something went amiss. We still went to the shore, all 4 of us, for the weekend despite Hannah's impending strike. I think she hit our inland residence harder than the shore residence. This is what we did:


We secured our residence


We swam at night in the rain, in the buff (or at least I did, nobody wanted to join me)

We ate twizzlers (okay, me again)

We watched endless movies on tv

We painted Audrey's room

We went to The Clayton to see The Dark Knight

And then the sun came up and we went to the beach

And then they left me. Both girls had to go to school, MHP had to go back to work, and I was playing hookey.

While they were gone, I played house, a guest in my house had totally rearranged my kitchen cabinets much to my irritation. I did homework, by the pool, at the beach.

The town and beach were empty.

I went for late night walks with the dog. And I met my friend, Annette, for Happy Hour at Mangos.

My week came to an end, I reuinited with my family for a few hours and then went our separate ways again. Audrey and I, responding to the call, again. Me painting for the Children's Home in Catonsville, Audrey working with her Youth group, washing cars, demolishing walls, and holding a yard sale. We finished the weekend together with the annual concert on the lawn in Lansdowne with the Nitty Gritty Church Band.

My family was there, Dad, Mom, Sister and family, Auntie, my kids. A great way to end time away.

Overwhelmed

At the end of my school day today, I stopped by Mary's classroom. Mary was my Health and Wellness teacher last semester. No matter how frazzled I was, she was always in the room with a smile, a deep breath, patience, confindence, and calm. Today was no different. When asked how I was, I responded with a smile and a sigh "Overwhelmed". She observed in our short time together that I am always like that at the beginning, and so is she. She said to me, less is more. How true, how true.

I'm overwhelmed with my classes, especially math lab, not math class. I went so far as to tell the instructor I did NOT like this class. I am totally overwhelmed with Spanish, wondering if I will ever speak the language. I am overwhelmed with my online class, Exercise Science, a big mistake to take online, a class in which I could use classroom interaction. And I'm overwhelmed with what direction to take with my education. I'm already re-thinking it. I guess I'm a typical college freshman.

I'm overwhelmed with my job, not enjoying what I do anymore and wondering why. I'm overwhelmed with my house and eliminating 12 years of crap, I'm overwhelmed with my knitting because I thought after 90 rows I was near the end, but no, just changing shape and knitting another 96. I'm overwhelmed with my body that has packed on 9lbs. since the accident and just does not move the way I want.

Tomorrow is a busy day, teaching in the morning, homework all afternoon, then work in the evening. Somewhere in there, dinner needs to be made, laundry needs to be done, and dogs need time outside. I viewed a lovely little spot outside, on a porch swing, that has been neglected all summer. That is my homework spot. Dinner is easy, leftover fresh corn, black beans, fresh salsa, and tortillas. I won't try to do everything and be accepting of what I can do.

Less is more, less is more.

Last week while at the shore, I made a mental list of things that make me happy. So, back to listmaking I go, revisiting the birthday list, revising it, revisitng other lists, revising, and reading Keri Smith, Living Out Loud.

Last Days of Summer, First Days of School

New book bag made by best friend
corner of front flower bed
washing her car
waiting for the bus

a walk near a field

The Last Days of Summer

Last night, My Handsome Prince and I watched Elizabethtown. While not a great movie, two things I found relative. One was family, quirky, different, in-laws, yet family. The other was the way each of the main characters captured moments. One captured last looks, the other pretended to have a camera and take a picture. Moment captured today, Robin, on our walk, thunder booming, demonstrating the way to avoid getting struck by lightening, down on her toes, duck and cover position, but heels up. The last days of summer.

Last Days of Summer

For almost a mile before the Monkton entrance to the NCR trail, the cars are parked, some legally, and some illegally. The police are out ticketing, people are walking with their tubes, bikes, coolers, small children, and dogs. In a grassy sloped area we meet, close to 50 people to float down the Gunpowder river. There are big tubes, small boats, a pool float, snow tubes, tubes too small for an adult, and a tube for a cooler. I boasted about my bigger and better tube to my sister and then gave it to my daugher who took Apple floating. My tube was the one that was too small for an adult. Pilates has never been so good to know. The water was cold but not unbearable, at least at first. It seemed an endless task to gather everyone in the water to float, somewhat, together. I was quite bitter at first. My expectations high with my family home, , PMS rearing its ugly head, a sugar and caffeine rush, the girls complaining, My Handsome Prince not inflating our tubes, running late and my bigger tube turning into a smaller tube. Could it get any worse? But, floating has a peaceful influence, even with the water full of people. Laughter has a healing touch. Even losing our car key to the river at the end did not disrupte my calmed attitude. Yes, we lost our key, but the random kindness of strangers got us into the truck where I just happened to have another key that I would not ordinarily have. Karma. We ended the float at my sisters house, good food, good beer, good fellowship. A surprise visit by my Auntie, an expected visit with my father, another surprise visit by my mother, and chatting with old friends and making new. Ahhh, the last days of summer.

Last Days of Summer

School starts on Tuesday for Audrey and a week later for Emma and me. I dread the end of these days. I love the feeling of summer days, the relaxed schedule, the house on the shore, and yes, the heat. It's been a good summer. I am looking forward to seeing my family again, having them around more, well, Audrey. Emma is half moved into her new apartment and My Handsome Prince will continue to share his time between two locations. I'm good with that. I have plans to go to the shore as often as possible, september is a wonderful time at the beach. So, yes the lazy days end but fall is all about new schedules, new beginnings, more so than January 1st. Tonight I am meeting my sister, her husband and my husband in Annapolis to see The Wood Brothers. My Handsome Prince will go back to the shore to move Em's last belongings to her apartment. Tomorrow night is possibly another concert, Daniella Cotton and Theresa Anderson. Saturday is the third annual Floatilla down the Gunpowder river at which my family will accompany me for the first time. I am cramming things in, I'd to make it to the Bodyworks exhibit which ends September 1. So I toast to the end of summer and the new beginnings fall brings, cin, cin!

Tired

Today I came home and all I wanted was a good, long nap. The dogs barked, I did not get it.

Sometimes when you do something out of your ordinary realm of activities it wears you down. Our trips to Hopkins always do it to me. Let me start by revealing the good news of another 3 months. No change of activity in the lungs, a slight growth in the leg, looking benign in nature, nothing to worry about for 3 months. Yes! All is good.


But, our day started a bit worrisome. A week ago Friday, My Handsome Prince and I were swimming in our pool. And just like that, he thought he broke something in his leg, a connection, the prosthesis, not sure, but movement was almost impossible. He didn't sleep, I didn't sleep. We were supposed to attend a picnic but were preparing ourselves for a trip to Baltimore from the shore. I found some crutches, he found some meds, and a happy medium was found. He spent the week on crutches, everyday feeling a little bit better. We were on pins and needles concerning todays visist, not because of cancer, but reconstructive surgery was definitely not on our agenda. And now it is definitely not. No answer for the pain he felt, but his leg was looked at microscopically. His Dr. asked "Are you going to wean yourself off the crutches?" They got thrown in the back of the pick up.

I think all the stress from the week, worrying about my man, 16 people (including us) at our shore home, the fact that I procrastinated registering for Fall classes until Monday, had me exhausted and needing a nap.

Tomorrow is a new day. My plans? Pilates, cycle, a walk with my puppy, some easy gardening, some laundry, some stitching, a movie, and...you guessed it, a nap.

My Dress

I just finished this dress in time to go to lunch with some friends today. I love the bodice detail but next time I will add the piping.

Michael Franti and Spearhead : Say Hey Music Video

Michael Franti and Spearhead : Say Hey Music Video

Here's the new man in my life. I tend to listen to someone over and over and over when I first find them. This is the guy we saw in New Orleans. Enjoy!

Renaissance Faire

I went with my friend, Robin, to the New York Renaissance Faire over the weekend. We went because her daughter is a potter, who exhibits and sells at various Renaissance Faires all over the United States. We arrived by noon on Friday to help set up. We wiped down counters and shelves, unpacked boxes and boxes of pottery, weeded outside the stand, and started displaying her work. I never realized what a tough job it is to do this kind of work. First of all, you have to be invited to be part of a Faire, then you buy a stand, and you want a good location. They don't come cheap. You hump your stuff out every morning of the faire then hump it back in at the end of the day because despite all the peace, love, and harmony amongst the rennies, there is still thievery. All week long, while the faire is closed, you create. She throws pottery and fires all week long to get ready for the next weekend. Incredible. She kept talking about things being back at the house. I finally asked what she meant. Behind the faire is a campground/campsite for the rennies to live in while they are working. She lives in a van with a mattress in the back, tv, cook station and kiln set up outside. There are bath houses for showering, but in reality there is no time for such nonsense until the night before the faire opens.

Some of her goods, bacchanalia goblets.

We spent Friday night in the home of a friend of Robin's daughter. They were away playing Pennsic war games, of which I had never heard. We spent Saturday wandering the Faire, watching the jousting tournament, pulling our chins back up to our mouths upon some of the outfits and outrageousness we viewed in the attendees (teeth sharpened to vampire points?), and had dinner at friend's of Robin's in the area. A quick swim, a few glasses of wine, a lovely dinner and wonderful hosts.

It was a fun weekend. Another girls weekend (two in one year!). I went away with someone new, met new people, experienced new things, and definitely came away with a better appreciation of the life of an artist.

We started dance lessons again. What do you think of our smooth, new moves?

Dance Lessons

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Best Cook in Sussex County

or so she claims. It was a pretty good breakfast. We went to the new Dagsboro Cafe that has changed ownership since we bought our house. It was a friendly place baked goods that looked delicious! I was so stuffed from my breakfast special that the though of goodies just sent me over the edge. I told this woman I would put her on the internet, so I did.

New Mug

I've been accused of being an obnoxiously happy blogger. I found this mug while out running errrands today. Perfect.

It's Only Tuesday

Last week it was "Where did the week go?" this week it's Holy crap, it's only Tuesday! I'm sore, Pilates is kicking my ass. When I told my BFFL, she wipe imaginary tears, so sympathetic. I made a mental list over the weekend of some of the things I wanted to get done. .I contacted the neurosurgeon, spent hours on the phone tracking down all my records from the accident, and still do not have an appointment. I'm hoping they will call back tomorrow. I did manage to make my OB/GYN appointment, for which I am 1 year overdue. The mamogram will follow. Sometimes it is difficult to take care of yourself. I had coffee with my neighbor which we rarely do anymore. Along with the coffee I was given a taste of her husband's homemade sangria wine. I'm looking forward to this weekend, fresh fruit, and sitting out in the pool with a chilled glass. Still a few items on the to do list, car repair, pick up films, take belt to be repaired, CPR renewal, and I am sure something else.

Just Messin'

An early awakening, an excited trip to the airport. Audrey is with a group of more than 20 youth travelling to San Diego and Los Angeles. They will work with Habitat for Humanity in San Diego then they will attend ICYF in Los Angeles. She will go straight from California to Delaware to spend another week at camp. Emma is gone, counselling. My Handsome Prince went to church this morning, our paths just barely crossing. On my playlist today: Jurassic Five, Michael Franti, and Abigail Washburn, an odd mix, I know. I put together 8 banners along with instructions to make an encouraging banner to send off to Rubarb, along with a couple packs of markers and a box of pencils. This will be my first package to them. It's taken me a while to get my act together, not that it is together now. I made 4 cloth napkins, the fabric a remnant from a skirt I made last year. I finished the latest Janet Evanovich. I'm considering pulling out some counted cross stitch or even start sketching out a rug to hook, or continue knitting my duffel. No specific direction, just messin'.

Where Did the Week Go?

It's Friday already. It's been tough getting into the swing of things, getting back to work, back at another home. Two significant birthdays have come and gone . I've managed to make it in to Pilates 3 days this week, what a difference that makes. That mind, body, spirit connection really helps. I need to find a local yoga class. I feel these more concentrated exercise forms are som much kinder on my body. Cycling and strength workouts are not doing me any favors right now. I primarily just observe my class particpants because I'm still in some discomfort. I've got a summer cold. On the bright side, I sit here in the sunroom with a lovely breeze blowing through and watch the hummingbirds at the feeder. This is the first time I've put it up. What a wonder they are. I've got a massage scheduled for tomorrow. My daughters leave for their service trips, one to California to work with Habitat for Humanity, one to camp to counsel elementary school age children. I have to work again this afternoon, just attending rather than teaching. It will be a slow afternoon. My daughters are working on my hair right now, one is making dreads one is making a hair wrap. Then we will all go our separate ways.

Guess Who is 50?

My Handsome Prince! I hosted a small, flexible surprise party at Ellicott Mills Brew Pub. He was doing some volunteer work in Catonsville, so I invited everyone to meet us early at this local joint. I think we had approximately 30 people walk in during our evening. We kept moving tables together to add more. We ate, we drank, MHP cried when his sister presented him with a shadow box of his life, including a photo of his precious Grandad. It was a nice evening. He doesn't look fifty, does he?

Notes From Camp

• a beautiful sunrise over the ocean, a first for me, followed by worship
• What do I think I am doing?
• staff, in silly bathing caps, doing a synchronized swimming skit
• Leader, minister on the ground in a fit of laughter over a bathing cap mishap
• Always, the sound of music, drum, harmony, guitars
• Voices like angels
• the realization that I was a counselor for the seniors this year, twelve years ago when they were first graders
• watching my daughter shine in the comfort and love of camp
• hearing the words that my daughter makes someone's heart soar
• Going back to my camp days and participating in a shaving cream battle that I never did in my youth
• Boys serenade to the girls, along with flowers on their beds, brought tears to my eyes
• Youth, not afraid to admit their faith, not afraid to question their faith, answering tough questions of faith
• Team building exercise, stealing blocks, watching them work together to cross, their laughter, their teamwork, their caring
• talent show, our Czech republic cooks, taking part with a recital of Jabberwocky and a yo-yo demonstration
• staff meetings
• pure exhaustion
• the view from the porch
• an interesting young peace intern, joining our staff at the last minute, totally at ease with us and us with him
• seeing the future and its good
• Its all good

Fireworks

Last night, the girls and I ventured into town, again, to view the fireworks. We had it planned out. We have a parking pass for the Conference Center, so graciously given by the manager, but neglected to think it might be used for parking during this festivity. No go there. So, with the masses, we searched for a parking spot, found one about a mile away is my guess. Then we trudged with the masses to the beach and boardwalk, oh, and we were meeting our neighbor from Manchester (literally, he lives a few houses away), an impossibility. We found our spot, on the boardwalk and saw the most fantastic fireworks ever! We were right under the launching spot, so much so that ash fell on us and we had to move away after a while. They were wonderful, so wonderful, and at the end, we met our friend. A light rain began to fall, so rather than hang out, we again, with the masses, trudged back. As we did, thunder started to roll and lightening lit the sky, and then we got pelted! I mean pelted with hard, tiny bullets of rain. There was not one inch of dryness on any of us. My girls have such a good sense of humor, and we laughed, called it an adventure, and kept walking. Not so with others, that's for sure. It took us an hour to drive the 10 mile trek home. We chalked it up as something we probably won't do again but, oh, what an experience it was. We got home, put on our warmest jammies, and promptly went to bed.

1966-67 Harvey IL July 4th Parade

As a kid, I remember going to Harvey 4th of July parades, my Grandparents living in Harvey, Ill, down from the Scott store. My Grandmother just moved out a couple years ago. When My Handsome Prince and I moved to Manchester Md, we hosted parties on our front porch for the parade, as our house was on the route. Today we went to the parade in Bethany Beach. Great fun!

The Annual Pilgrimage

This year 4 families camped and stayed together for 6 days, 4 other families joined for the weekend or 24 hours.

I'll admit, I was not psyched this year. With the house on the shore, all I want to do is stay there. Entering into Lewes, Delaware though, my heart soaring, a smile across my face, home away from home, for so many years. Three families were already set up and waiting for me with dinner. Entering the primary campsite, kids all around, manses tending the fire, my little sister setting up her camp, a family reuinion. Ahhhh.

My oldest, being buried in the sand, stated she liked hanging with the kids because they liked to have fun. Then her boyfriend arrived and she went back to being 20, with a little kid mixed in.

We climbed the Observation Tower

Found messages in the sand, one to someone we knew

Here are the tower climbers - that is my goofy handsome prince and his BFFB

This scene caught my eye, cheese balls - breakfast of champions

Just chillin' while Emma takes all the kids to the beach, drinking the best beer ever - Dogfishhead 90 minute IPA, whoa!

We had the usual mega meals over the fire, including a roast with corn, black beans, salsa, served with homemade tortillas and donuts over the fire, massive amounts of pork products, chicken bbq, a mexican bake, blueberry cobbler, and so much more.

We played Capture the Flag (I did not - as I was packing up, plus I just did not think it was in my best interest with some back and neck issues still in the picture), Four Square (although it was not started until a few days into the trip, and only started because one young lady remarked she was disappointed in MHP because he did not set it up), Geocaching, finding a hidden lily pond in the great expanse of dunes, trips into town for shoppy shop, and late night trips into town for DQ

We also had green flies, no see-ums, heat, and the required emergency room visit (by My Handsome Prince with mystery blister and swelling on his foot that kept getting worser and worser - antiobiotics and lancing did the trick). T-shirts are in the thought process - Member of Bebe Medical Center Emergency Room Club.

We had a shower off, a competition of who could last the longest without a shower. It was always a debate as to what was legal and what was not, although one child wished to believe that brushing teeth was against the rules but it was set straight that NOT brushing was against the rules. All in all, we did not last long, with sweat, sand, salt, and smoke, although one lady,who will remain anonymous, went the whole week without a shower with soap or washcloths but rinsed everyday. Maybe she was the winner, with the exception of a child who did nothing but I'm not sure that is fair.

Another great camp.

Ravelry

I received my invitation to join this group. Oh My Goodness! What am I doing wasting time making a washcloth?

Christmas Present

Every year for Christmas, my Father gets both my sister and I a ticket to the symphony with the promise of dinner beforehand. This year was the first time we all went together. Dinner was exceptional, as it always is at The Chameleon Cafe. Our conversation was animated and continuous as it always is. I watched a handsome couple walk in, and immediately recognized them. It was a girl I had cycled with over 14 years ago and her husband. I walked over and it was a minute before she recognized me but then we fell right into conversation. It had been about 10 years since I had seen her. My father was the one who introduced us 14 or 15 years ago, the two of them having met representing two different colleges at a high school open house. We finished our dinner and went to hear Bethoven's 9th Symphony. Incredible music. I love to hear choir and symphonies together. They send chills down my spine. A wonderful, exhausting, special night.

The Best Laid Plans

have gone out the window. This is what came in the mail today.

What do you get

when you pair an old favorite falling apart sweater with some pink fabric, and a pillow form? Emma wanted me to fix this sweater but I could not so she wanted a pillow instead. I did not sew the bottom closed just in case she should want to wash it, the ribbing holds it closed.

Robins Garden

I've been spending more and more time with a neighbor. We are now carpooling to the Y 3 days a week for Pilates and cycling. As usual I am coveting something of my neighbor's. It's her garden, a little bit of heaven on earth. Today, she worked on my hair, while we sat in the yard and watched the birds. Lovely.



She and her husband make these birdhouses together. They are all over the yard with various designs. I've seen one in progess with the pieces of pinecones painstakingly glued onto the roof as shingles.

Okay, they even make their own sea glass with a rock tumber. Shhh, don't tell her I told you.




I've got plans for two porches this summer, which includes sand and sea glass. We are getting together again this weekend to make some windchimes from computer parts, beads, and whatever else we fiind.

This week I've been trying to find my own rhythym, but as usual, people have come and gone from this home base. I've sorted through my studio, sorted through my kitchen, sorted through my bathroom. I am trying to do some major purging this week. I've managed to make a dent, albeit a small one. I am teaching more classes, making up for lost time and time I will be losing. The handsome one is away on playing soldier, the youngest is away with friends and hasn't texted me in two days(!), and oldest was lonely so came home to hang with her Mom (not really, she's going out tonight and tomorrow night). The constant around here are me and the dogs. Tonight I have a date with either Gill Grisham, who is my constant, or Rocky Balboa, a one night stand, some spicey roasted red pepper soup with black beans, corn and shrimp along with a curry chicken salad wrap, my knitting needles, some sugar and creme twist yarn and a washcloth pattern. How great is that?

Latest Find

Woodsongs
Tonight I listened and watched the entire episode 486 with Anders Osborne and the Hillbilliey Gypsies. I plan on becoming a partner and receiving two free tickets. I know I'll travel to Kentucky for great music. Check out their archives and listen/watch some great music. Next for me is Abigail Washburn, John McCuetchen, Be Good Tanyas. I know I'll find more. But go ahead and take a glance, listen to Anders and his wonderful music of New Orleans, Katrina, and a wife he loves deeply. Listen to the Hillbillie gypsies, bluegrass on caffeine, great stuff. Great for a night alone.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Or at least, one week of summer vacation

• laying on the beach with my daughters talking about our separate camp experiences in this same little town



• walking 3 dogs, walking 3 dogs, walking 3 dogs, walking 3 dogs, walking 3 dogs, walking 3 dogs, do you get the picture?



• picking strawberries in extreme heat, the only other people out there were 3 migrant workers



• a knock on the door at dusk, my friend Annette, in her suit, towel wrapped around her, carrying a bottle of wine. We sat and swam in the pool, drinking our wine, absolutely wonderful



• setting up my little studio away from studio



• listening to music, cleaning my kitchen, readying to make jam, talking to my sister



• not brushing my hair all week, the dreads are starting, I've got about 8



• finishing my rug



• going to the beach late every afternoon for an hour



• lounging in the pool



• making house



• getting my Mexican on at La Quetzelteca, mmmmm



• Endless hours of CSI and I can not wait until this Sunday with the Father's Day Marathon of CSI

I am at home now. Feeling a bit lonely. My Mom, sensing my lonliness has invited me over several times, but I feel I must be alone in my lonliness, or at least for the next day or two, to get used to it. I'll be ok. I start back to work tomorrow, unpacking to do, purging of this household, Dr's appts. to make and an MRI to schedule (damn accident) and of course numerous projects.

Great News

I almost forgot! Audrey got her learner's permit and I made the Dean's list. My Handsome Prince finally got a new car, and Emma got good grades, probably making the Dean's List too.

Things to do While on Vacation

Walk 1 mile everyday, pick strawberries if I'm not too late, read a book, visit my daughter in the bookstore where she works to get another good book, sew some clothes, eat at La Quetzelteca, finish my rug, go to Bead Therapy, go shoppy shop in Lewes, maybe hit the outlets, maybe not, hang out at the beach, of course, happy hour at Mango Mikes, hang out at my pool, do some yard work, watch endless hours of CSI reruns, make a few dreads to accompany the one lone dread I made last night, eat some ice cream, make friends, drink some cold beer, coffee on my deck, start my bottle tree, explore, make some contacts, maybe more maybe less. This is a much anticipated vacation. It was a spur of the moment decision, as I have no classes next week. I got someone to cover my hours in the gym and decided to go away to my home away from home. We will all be coming and going. My Handsome Prince and Audrey will remain home as Audrey is still in school. It will be a different vacation but oh, so wonderful.