Thursday, June 26, 2025

Oh Hey

Summer is rolling right along, but on the calendar it only just started, and on cue the extreme heat hovered and scorched. Ted picked up a slip & slide. I came home from a long overdue mani/pedi Saturday afternoon to quite the spectacle: Ted and five bikini babes in the backyard flinging themselves across the yard like they did when they were kids and so much closer to the ground. I didn't take a picture, but I'll remember the smile it brought to my face for a long time. Of course, these kids are all grown up and I truly ponder how? when? wtf? I love this season of parenting (most of the time). My two are amazing young adults that I'm lucky to spend time with. I suppose I'm waning a little because Ted and Meryl are moving next week to a loft in the Third Ward. So not far away, but it still feels like an ending. Yes an ending, but followed by a beautiful beginning.

Last week I tagged around a bit with Meryl while she was apartment hunting since Ted was hard at work. I tried to keep my opinions to myself except for when a matter of safety. She pared it down to two that they both toured on Saturday and made a decision. The place is light, airy and updated in the building next door to some of Ted's buds. I think they're going to have lots of fun living within walking distance of so many cool spots. I'm excited to see what they do to make it their own.

It brought me back to the first place Mike and I lived together. It was no where near as enviable in style or location as the kids' digs, but we had a lot of fun in the couple of years living there. When you opened the front door, you had a view straight into the bathroom. My closet was in the front hall and exercise equipment was part of the living room decor. There was no fancy workout room or other amenities. We also weren't shilling out the rent they are, but new job and promotion and they're off. I made them promise to come home often and to bring Manny when they come for Sunday dinner. He kind of likes it here at Casa Wags where breakfast is served at 9 o'clock and there are seats with a view.

 

Yes, he's on the counter.
 

And on Gus's hammock.

We did a little stopping in the wards and the lower East side on our way home. The public market for a snack, Ashley's store for new apartment inspiration, Gloriosos for a cartful and Kopps where Meryl treated us to both flavors of the day. Hard to choose between red velvet Oreo and chocolate chip cookie dough. It was nice to spend some one on one time and I told her as much because I'm working on saying the things I assume people know.

Mike's been on the road the past two weeks...MA, NH, OH, PA...coming home just in time for the weekends. Two weeks ago we celebrated the fathers at my dad's. We were able to enjoy the deck on the beautiful, mosquitoless day. There were turkey galore though and a yummy bbq. My dad grilled and made Cherry Clafoutis for dessert. That was a first. I'm usually the baker, but I'm loving how my Dad and my brother are getting into it too just like my grandpa did later in life.

My biker boy.

Theirs and mine. The best.

And keeping it real with these two.
 



My Dad's favorite gift.

 
I didn't get a picture of Mike and the kids, but Lils and I got a selfie.

Last Saturday we celebrated Jess's fabulous fifty. She's been my little sister since we first met when she was 19! It was a nice, one table intimate crew for what was an impressive tasting menu and a lovely gathering. We ate everything from caviar, to pork belly to quail eggs and the most delicious corn bisque garnished with popcorn. She hired after dinner music so we refreshed drinks and convened outside to enjoy all the Taylor Swift covers. Jess is a diehard, loud and proud Swifty and it's just one of the things I love about her. I didn't take many pictures because Jess is not a fan, but Candace grabbed us for one sweaty shot. Hello 90s. Evidence. We came. We celebrated. We loved.

 

I love these ladies so much. Tried and true through good times and bad.

And these ladies too.

Lils is living her best life this summer. She's working hard and saving money, having fun, keeping fit. Her life is a life in balance and I aspire to be more like her.

Gus though...he lives the most charmed life of all. 


 



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