A Perfect Day

Yesterday was a perfect day.  Everyone woke leisurely without sleeping the day away.  We had egg sandwiches.  Who doesn't love an egg sandwich?  We took the dogs for a walk.  Then we went to the beach. 

It was sunny, breezy, warm and lovely on the beach.  Apple Sunshine ran all over the place,

the girls played dominos and snoozed,

My Handsome Prince snoozed and read,

I read and knit.   I am working on an Anthropologie Inspired Capelet for Audrey and started reading The Help.

After a few hours it was time to go home.  Shrimp salad sandwiches for an early dinner/late lunch, the girls packed up and headed back to Baltimore,  a great Zumba class for me, end it with a pint of 90 minute IPA, a dip in the hot tub and Jack Bauer.  Tuesday can not even compete with Monday.

I've Got Friends In All The Right Places

As usual, I struggle with balance.  Finding the balance of making our place here on the eastern shore and crossing the bridge to be with those we know and love.  Easter was especially hard as we chose to go camping, without our girls, with new friends.  I was saddened yet joyful when I received the annual photo of the cousins. 

Over the past few weeks, though.  I realize there is some balance being achieved.  We've had a revolving door of visitors, coming out for various spring breaks despite the unpredictable weather.  They were coming out to see us.  Monday evening, upon entering the gym after an absence of a week or so, I was greeted by name by several.  I now have a gym community, which of course inspires me to go.  Tuesday, I was sought out by a local friend, who came into the Conference Center to visit and who consequently bought and brought me coneflowers.  Yesterday a new friend came from Salisbury to sit and knit in my office amidst phone calls and guiding visitors and I received a signed autographed copy of this book.

I have friends here and there and in all the right places.  Right where they are supposed to be.

List #1

Things that will keep me sane this season

• Cardio - a must
• Monthly massage
• Social knitting
• Stay in contact with family and friends, new and old, near and far, they are my support
• Thursday nights with My Handsome Prince
• Hire a cook
• One day off a week, at least
• Go to the beach

I'll add to this list as time goes on.  I consumed myself with work last season.  This season has already started out differently so if I concentrate on balance, all will be well.

Disrupted Rhythym

Already there is a rhythym to our days.  Our days together and my days alone.  It is much quieter and we don't always fill it with talk.  Evenings, we settle in, each in our own space.  There are certain things that happen every day, such as long walks with the dogs, laundry, and knitting.  There are certain things that happen every week, out for dinner or a beer, church.  We are adjusting and it is good.

Our little bit of rhythym was disrupted.  Our girls came Friday, bursting through the door with tight and extra long embraces, an extra dog, bearing birthday gifts from my family and a pan of cinnamon rolls which went promptly in the oven.  The next morning we awoke to the beginnings of a snow storm.  We walked to breakfast at the local cafe

We played Rockband

We snoozed

We lived as family.  And just as quickly, they left. We shovelled snow, we made a small dinner, and back to our spaces with a movie, me knitting, him with the dogs.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

Isn't that the saying for March?  Today it is like a lamb.  Today I have or will do:
eat a bowl of homemade granola
walk the dogs and visit their canine friends
soak in the hot tub
go to work and investigate what needs to be done to open up for the season
take a walk on the beach
send my maui janes to be repaired
buy a case of wine at 20% off
find old knitting flyers in bethany that need to come down
pick up new knitting flyers at serendipity
hit the gym,do I dare start the P90X program? I am truly intimidated
wash the dishes for they've been sitting there for a day
meet a friend for dinner and talk....knitting
enjoy the glorious, much needed sunshine

A Good Day

I had some things to do across the bridge.  I'm trying to limit the business type trips and change all that stuff to this side.  But a Doctor's appointment was necessary.  So...... I met Emma for lunch

I met Mom and Rachel and 'bino for social knitting, where there was way more socializing being done than knitting

A self portrait


An emergency phone call from Audrey concerning a school project resulting in a meeting to figure some things out.  She is making a Carnival outfit out of totally recycled items, no sewing involved.  Such a clever kid.

On my way home I realized my Dad was in Lansdowne for Lenten dinner and worship, right off the beltway, right on my way home.  So I stopped in.  I got to see my whole fam damily, well except Auntie and Uncle.  Hmmmmm.

Alabama Stitch

A laundry basket full of old t shirts, both Alabama Stitch books, an hour sorting through to determine the project and the colors, and I have the makings for my first bandana.    I wonder if I can get four of these done by mid June for my lovely Czech girls to wear in the kitchen.  Although I have tons of t shirts, this really does take two extra large shrits so I might be taking a trip to the thrift store this week as a lot of my shirts are kids, perfect for my rugs.

Mindful Knitting

My heart aches and so I knit.  I knit a birthday present for my oldest.  Into the gift I knit the wish that she has the knowledge and comfort of knowing she is not alone and that she is loved.  I knit the wish that she forgive those who hurt her even though they choose not to forgive her for her wrongs. I knit the desire for healthy, mature relationships and growth. I knit for kindness, compassion, and understanding, that they be qualities she practice and that they be reflected back onto her. I knit happiness and sparkle into the garment with the hope that she will shine when she wears it.  And I knit my embrace into it, that my arms always be enveloped around her while she wears it with the hopes that she embrace what life gives her.  I also knit for myself.  The repetitive knit pearl rib allows me to also pray for patience and the ability to be Confidant and Mother.  I also knit to forgive, for I think a Mother's forgiveness is more difficult to come by.  I am quick to defend and slow to forgive so I knit for understanding and love, that it be granted to me, to her father, to her sister, to her, and to others.

Emergence

Today, the dogs and I took a before breakfast walk.  A long one and the first one in a long time.  Since the big snow.   The sun was shining, temperatures were rising, and things were thawing.  It felt good.  I was not the only one who felt this way.   Honey was having more fun than she would chasing a squirrel.  There was a gentleman outside who went out of his way to say good morning and chat about the weather.  I'm glad it's over, hopefully, but can't help think fondly on it also.  So I leave these as evidence of the time passed when it snowed in a place that doesn't get much snow.

Luckily, the girls arrived the evening before the first snow, so we woke to the dusting and went to breakfast.

There was much snuggling

and snoozing

 a project started, the gutting of the bathroom

A Beatles Rockband tour

Puppy love

Difficulties finding a spot, so a spot was made

And more snoozing after all the shovelling. 

Snow on the beach. 

The girls were able to make their way home safely and we were done, until the next forecast was made.

In preparation of the next storm, recipe courtesy of Pioneer Woman

Shift sleeping and an unmade bed for a week.  The National Guard was called into duty and My Handsome Prince worked nights and slept days (while I shovelled)

I alternated my time between sewing, knitting, cooking and shovelling.  The Wurm hat I made to keep my head warm and prevent my head from looking lumpy while wearing a hat.

The lounge pants I made from fabric and trim I had.  I figured if I was going to stay inside for a week, I'd make some comfy cool pants.  Because of the pans of cinnamon rolls and other cooking and baking, I couldn't get my fat arse into them and they became Audrey's, who said they were cute and dorky.  Cool, dorky, same thing right?

Use what you have cooking, diced tomatoes, italian sausage, pasta, cheese, and wine, along with the Artisan bread dough in the fridge.  It pays to have that dough constantly going in the fridge.

I love almond flavoring and made this cake.  Glaze not necessary.

Snow

Snow

And more snow

By the time storm three hit, forget it.  I did not take any photos except this one

Let us out!!

Satisfaction

There is something so completely satisfying about wearing a garment made with your own two hands, a couple of sticks and some string. 

Domestic Bliss

Yesterday

I woke up, walked the dogs, showered and did a load of laundy

I spoke with my daughter and my sister, twice at least

I knit and listened to music

I had a bowl of wonderful chicken tortilla soup for lunch with crunchy fritos on top

I made 7 pans of cinnamon rolls, baked one, froze the rest and washed up the mess

I went to Body Pump class, came home got in the hot tub, had another bowl of healthy chicken tortilla soup, and an ice cold beer

My Handsome Prince came home, we watched a bad movie, I finished my knitting project, I read and lights out

ahhhh

On a Roll

Number 32 - Now I can be dry and cute

Smile

Number 4

Number 40

What I Did for Love

Yesterday I crossed the bridge for the third time in three weeks.  The first two inovolved moving furniture, getting Audrey settled, school schedules and banking.  Yesterday was for a funeral.

About 6 or 7 years ago, I met her through the Ensemble.  She was with Avon and the Director's mother.  I volunteered to be make up parent.  A couple years later, she was diagnosed with cancer.  After a choral party at her house, I notice two or three flats of flowers that were not planted and offered to help with that if she wanted it.  I never planted the flowers but we visited a few times, had lunch and talked on the phone.  One thing she told me was that she wanted Emma to sing "What I Did for Love" at her funeral.  It was a piece the Ensemble had done, Emma the soloist with the Ensemble.

A little over a week ago, Emma told me this woman was dying and the family was having a birthday party while she was still alive.  They asked the Ensemble to sing, Emma to sing her solo.  Emma was nervous, both about singing and about getting emotional.  She called after the event to say that she sang directly to Barbara, that they maintained eye contact, smiled at each other, and that it was lovely. 

I went to the funeral yesterday to say goodbye to a friend, because no matter how long she was in my life, it was significant.  I went to the funeral yesterday to support a woman who is a member of both my daughters' village, whose influence has been significant in their lives.  I went to the funeral yesterday to witness some amazing kids (okay adults now) sing from their hearts.  And I went to the funeral yesterday to hear Emma sing "What I Did for Love" and know that it is true for Barbara, for Trish, for Emma, for me, and everyone else there.

It's Time to Make a List

1. Plant sunflowers
2. Make a bottle tree
3. Hire a cook
4. Put my feet in the ocean every month
5. Make a friend
6. Inspire others
7. Knit on the porch at the Conference Center
8. Watch the sunrise on the beach
9. Buy a thermos to drink my coffee on the beach
10. Watch the sunset over the bay
11. Host a party
12. Frame photos of me and My Handsome Prince (idea from Li'l Sis and her hubby)
13. CPR recertification
14. Let go  - a reminder every year
15. Go Ice skating or roller skating
16. Take a creative class
17. Drink water
18. Take a vacation - didn't really happen for me in 2009
19. Still need those cowboy boots
20. Go for hikes
21. Ride my bike to work one day a week
22. Ride the ferries on the eastern shore
23. Make more lists
24. Have our family photo taken
25. Buy some houseplants and try not to kill them
26. Buy fresh flowers from the house on my way to work
27. Knit, knit, knit
28. Visit my girls and explore their area
29. Invite someone over for coffee
30. Leave a May basket somewhere
31. Make room for the unnexpected
32.  Buy decent rain boots
33. Organize recipes in a hanging file box
34. Have dinner at Blue Coast
35. Go for rides in My Handsome Prince's Model T Roadster Deluxe
36. Have a crafternoon
37. Chalk art with a group at the Conference Center
38. Sew myself some loungewear
39. Find a photobooth and have our picture taken
40. Bake more cookies
41. Wear more color
42. Go to the beach on a full moon night
43. Handwrite letters
44. Kiss My Handsome Prince everyday
45. See my friend Randee
46. Listen to local music
47. Use my crockpot

There I've said it, 47 intentions but pay close attention to number 31 because it may preclude one or more of the others.  I do like Andrea's number 24 and will contemplate that one.

In Reverse

Self centered knitting

The birthday gift

The snow, again

The birthday dinner place that was closed

Audrey's new digs

The cold

yarn by the pound  sale (this is only a fraction of what I purchased)

The Times They are a Changin'

Today was the official day I woke up alone.  My Handsome Prince gone to work, the dogs sleeping, nothing different except the knowledge.  And in a moment of self indulgent pity, I cried. 

2009/2010

In 2009 three of us made the permanent move to Dagsboro, one of us will leave.

In 2009 Audrey made the transition from junior in high school to senior in high school to freshman in college.

In 2009 Emma continued the journey to independence and adulthood by purchasing a new car. Yes the Green Machine, Snot Rocket, Skittle, whatever you want to call it is gone, sniff.

In 2009 Dana left one non-profit entity for another and became the Manager of the Christian Church Conference Center in Bethany Beach, a place in our family history and hearts.

In 2009 Patrick narrows his commute and eliminates rush hour.

In 2009 we reunited with friends for whom we played match maker, one of whom was part of our wedding, and who ironically live in Bethany Beach.

In 2009 we become card carrying members of the Dogfish Head Mug Club.

In 2009 we do not choose our community of people, it chooses us and it is good.

In 2009 we are multicultural spending time building houses in Mexico and our summer with The Czech Student Group.

In 2009 we sell our house on Deep Run Road after much uncertainty.

In 2009 Patrick acquires his Grand Daddy’s 1931 Model A Roadster Deluxe, a piece of history and a piece of his heritage.

In 2010 we look forward to change, to challenges, to joys, to visitors, to new traditions, and much, much more. We hope you are a part of it.

Patrick, Dana, Emma and Audrey

Knitting Frenzy

I spent the last two months knitting.  It was absolutely wonderful, painful, all consuming.  I made a bunch of these.

I made a boyfriend hat and a matching calorimetry.

I made two pair of these, one in green wool for my best sister as seen here and one pair for My Handsome Prince in orange alpaca wool blend, luxurious.

Now it's time for me, love this luscious blend from Dragonfly fibers.

Mmmmmm, Pork

We walked in and immediately the hostess asked if we were there for the Pork Dinner, to which we answered yes.  As we walked through the bar, Linda from behind the bar smiled and said "Hey guys, good to see you again!"  We walked upstairs and Olivia was at the top of the steps, another smile, another glad you are here.  We've become regulars, which feels good.  We were seated at a table for 4 so knew we would have dinner companions.  We had wondered how they would host this dinner.  Within a few minutes, James and Brian sat at our table.  The room was full, loud, animated, anticipatory.  Sam, the owner, brewmaster,  made his rounds, greeting everyone, spending a bit of time at every table.  Jason, the manager, made some announcements, some introductions, and the dinner began.

First Course, a charcuterie platter, three types of dried meats on baguette with a sampling of beer with each variety, my favorite being a chorizo served with none other than a 90 minute IPA

Second Course, a spinach salad, with toffeed pecans, chorizo,mango dressing paired with a full glass of 60 minute IPA

Third Course, warm dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped with proscuitto, fresh sprouts on top, and sweet balsamic vinegar trailing the plate, a small surprise sampling of Life and Limb, the collaboration of Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada, and a small glass of Indian Brown Ale

Fourth Course, garlic infused bacon wrapped around a pork tenderloin, served on a bed of bacon grits, crunchy fried onions on top, served with a glass of Raison D'Etre, oh and a shot of peanut butter, bacon vodka, a salute to Elvis

And lastly, chocolate bacon cheesecake served with a snifter of World Wide Stout

Is that enough pork for you?  I think My Handsome Prince ate every bit, with the exception of a small piece of chocolate dipped bacon which we brought home to Audrey.  Me, not so much, although I did some damage.

Our dinner companions were delightful, conversation easy and pleasant, talking of various things.  They gave us some great tips on local food.  We exchanged emails, facebook, cell, and blog information.  I hope to see them again.

The theme next month is Indian cuisine.  It's a possibility.  We left after chatting up the chef and the organizer, Olivia said she hoped she would see us before Christmas.  We told her we'd see her next week, we still have Dogfish Head theme shopping to do and growlers to pick up.

Pork is usually a favorite when camping.  I think chocolate dipped bacon will be on the menu next trip.  Who knew it could be so good?