Everything

It felt like fall these past few days, and I'm not going to lie...it was sort of wonderful. I think I feel comfortable saying that because I know the heat and humidity are returning today. It's been cozy reading weather. My favorite. Last night Finn tucked himself in bed beside me and was the sweetest little reading buddy. I finished one book and started another. Both of them thrillers, which is an easy summer genre. Hazel made her way to bed at lights out and she kept me mostly awake most of the night. Sister can purr like a mufferless engine. She also went from the top of my pillows where she kept nuzzling my ear and biting my bun to under the covers seeking my hands for pets and talking rather loudly when she felt the urge. I know I should have removed her, but have you seen her? She's just the most honeyed little lady and Mike is traveling so I have the whole bed to myself.  I'm dragging a bit today.

I have a lot on my mind right now. The world feels heavy: the wide world and my small one. Most of my current baggage is admittedly first world, but it's still mine and burdensome. First and foremost, we are scrambling to find a place for Ted to live next year partially due to circumstance and then to the fact that he's a 20 year old optimist who believes that things will always work out. There are very very few (like 2) two bedroom campus area apartments available for rent this fall. Fingers crossed he gets one of them. He doesn't seem too worried. A small part of me wonders if he doesn't just want to stay home where he gets meals, laundry and cuddly kittens. Hmmm...he did call me earlier to ask what's for dinner. And shhh, but I sort of love my little kitchen muse.

I love having him home...usually, but I am looking forward to a normal year of college for him. The past year and a half have been beyond strange. These are supposed to be some of the best years of his life...not the most unusual or unsettling.

So there are the logistics of securing a place and then coordinating moving out of his current apartment and across town. We're finally doing some overdue college visits with Lily. She wants to go to UW so fingers crossed there too because even though she's an exceptional student, admissions are tougher and tougher. And then there's just the eking out the wonderfulness that is summer.

Since the pandemic, I've eschewed plans. We've become rather spontaneous at Casa Wags and it suits us. I was on the phone with my girlfriend Friday evening and it seemed silly we weren't together in person so she came with a cold chardonnay and I threw in a pizza and it was sort of perfect. After a Saturday of taking care of business, Mike was on the phone with his brother and he invited him for dinner. I called to invite Jess too. It was a quintessential summer night that begged company. I made Moroccan Chicken which is always a hit with my family. It's a tad embarrassing to be yumming your way through your own cooking though, but I tell you that combo of yogurt and harissa and ras el hout is a party in your mouth. A really fun party!

And it's just occurred to me that a healthy portion of my stress may be my now unhealthy relationship with plans and obligations. I'd rather come what may. Case in point. It's dusk and Teddy just came home from a home run derby with friends and now they're playing basketball in the yard. The honey soy glazed chicken thighs are almost ready and although I didn't plan to feed four hungry guys, I'm happy to. And some day when I'm at one of their weddings they'll say remember when Mrs. Wags had that killer dinner ready for us when she didn't even know we were coming. I'll blush and say, it was nothing all the while knowing it was everything.

A cute girl and her cute cat

 

Thank you Jess...snap dragons are one of my favorites.

 

What you eat with Moroccan Chicken.

 

What you don't eat.

 

After dinner

 

At 4 months, Gus is catching up to Hazel.

Go Brewers!

 

Go Bucks!

 

Reading Buddy.

 

Plenty

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Cooler temps this week. Mike and I went for a walk last night in sweatshirts. The windows have been open day and night. The flowers are enjoying a respite from the heat and we are too.

Crumbl Cookies. We had them for dessert on Monday. It was so fun to sample all the unique flavors and we all favored a different cookie. Who ever knew that a cornbread cookie with honey buttercream would be something that you would want to eat. 

The 8 year old cheddar my parents brought from the farmer's market. Good cheese is the best treat..

Judy loved the kimono I gave her just because I knew she'd wear it well and every girl needs one. She loves Lil Goose too.

 

A fab fourth weekend.

My sun rash is mild considering the amount of sun I got.

I didn't finish Watching You on the beach last weekend as planned, but I will finish it this weekend and then I have a to get through the last 100 pages of Between Two Kingdoms before I delve into the couple waiting that I'm very much anticipating. I'm hoping I got my stride back.

Turquoise jewelry in summer.

A new madras plaid shirt in my favorite colors...pinks.

I'm making my way through my pictures. Getting them loaded and sorted. I've taken so many that it's been a bit overwhelming.

Broccolini.

Lily's homemade granola.

 My cat nappers.

 A slow and easy weekend spent close to home.

Dear Lily

 

It was a treat to spend uninterrupted quality time together at Windmill Beach this past weekend. It's your happy place. Mine too. We're blessed that we get to share in the magic of family time at the beach. I was telling a story Saturday about how you could swim before you could walk. It's almost true. You've been a water lover from the start. Me too. Fancy that...we two fire signs favoring the wet stuff. You get right in though while I have to take my time. You've mastered mind over matter. I'm still working on it.

This year you gravitated to the ladies instead of the kiddos during the festivities. You preferred adult conversation and even told your aunt how very much you liked her girlfriends after they left. I happened to overhear that te ta tete, and I was impressed that you took the time to share your affinity. I have to share that I received many compliments about you as well young lady.

I was looking back on the pictures from the weekend and I see a lightness in you I haven't seen for awhile. I blame that on the stress of junior year and Covid. I love the shots of you with Floaty Mingo because it reminds me you are only on the edge of seventeen. You blew that floaty up all by yourself and then you lolled around the lake without a care in the world in your pink bikini and a pair of my old sunglasses.

 I'm happy to see you happy. You have claimed Finn and the two of you have closely bonded. Of course, you love all three of the kit kats, but he is your guy...you are his person. You love your job and the kids in your group even the annoying and naughty ones. You are kind of a rock star amongst counselors and you're a little proud of that. And after work every night, you are spending time with friends. After a year of screens and social distancing, I love that you and E decided to go out for a moonlight stroll in the middle of the week. Tonight you're going to the Brewer's game. You are quite passionate about baseball this summer. You never miss a game. This will be the first in person this season, but not the last I am sure.

August is going to be a busy month of birthdays and college visits and soaking in summer. You asked to go away this summer. We're all missing Webb Lake, but we were too late in booking. At this point, we're thinking about spring break because there's so much going on that it's hard to break away for a week right now. We're lucky we can escape to Windmill Beach with 30 minutes notice. Believe me, we'll be doing that!

I love you Cutie and I'm so blessed you are mine,

Mom

4th of July Weekending

Fourth of July at Windmill Beach has a special place in my heart. The water and the drinks are cold, the sand and the sun are hot, and the fireworks are prolific. Our big show was Saturday. My brother and sil are the most inviting host and hostess, and my brother is also a pyro master. But many other neighbors partake so whether you look north or south, you see bursts from dusk to dark all along the coast. I definitely get my fireworks fill over the holiday weekend, but I can never get enough of the beach.

Saturday it was steamy out. As hot as the air was, the water was just that cold. Most of us managed to get in, and the kiddos somehow stay in more than out. It was quintessential bbq beach day: Spike Ball, kayaking, paddle boarding, day drinking, Yacht Rock playing, burgers and hot dogs on the grill at gloaming perfection. When the party broke up after dark, the fam headed to the beach for a night swim. Night swimming also holds a singular place in my heart. The water was just as cold if not colder than during the day, but going in and under is a long lasting thrill and a tribute to being alive. It's hard to take the plunge, but also necessary and worth it.

Sunday morning Teddy and Uncle B Bone had an early tee time because they are crazy. All the rest of us wanted was another day on the beach, but first I ran home to check on the kitties. They were happy to see me and to be fed, but they did quite well in the 48 hours they were home alone for the first time. I didn't stay long because I was in charge of breakfast and also eager to claim my beach chair. The air was much cooler Sunday and the water was warmer. It was a welcome change in weather. The activities were the same although we didn't set off fireworks because they were all gone. Lily suggested a gloaming family beach walk. It was a lovely idea and something we will do again. Teddy napped, but next time he'll join us. While we waded in the water and down the beach at that liminal time, we were treated to more patriotic displays. And then we went night swimming again before dinner because why not?

We packed up and headed home early Monday. Teddy had another tee time, Lils had plans and Mike and I recovered and reset for dinner with my parents. We threw steaks on the grill and I made a Caesar salad, which is a favorite of my dad and my girl's. The guys taught Teddy how to play cribbage. The girls chatted and snuggled kitties. As they drove off with the top down at twilight, I thought what a lovely night...what a beautiful weekend of family and friends and celebrating our country.  

 

 

 

Grateful Friday

 

I slept in an extra half hour this morning because I could. I had the day off. All three kits kats were climbing the stairs to get someone up just as I was coming down. Hazel was scolding the late breakfast. The thermometer on the kitchen window said 67 degrees. That is my perfect morning temp. I opened all the windows and doors, made my celery juice and sat down to read with a cup of coffee. I have not spent enough mornings this way lately. I vowed right then and there that can and will change.

I made breakfast bagels for the boys because I could, and I made all the beds fresh and clean becuase I make them best. Lils and I set out on errands, and while that's not the most fun way to spend the day off, everything is more fun when she's in tow. Plus she's really good at reigning me in when I get over exuberant at the party store or the bakery. I'm a sucker for holiday paraphernalia so I was surprised we left with a single bag of red white and blue loot. At our favorite little bakery in the middle of the city, we ordered cinnamon buns and nothing else. I tried to tempt her with all the beautiful pastries and she held firm. She reminded me that the weekend will be rather indulgent. We tag teamed cat sitting and plant watering. She's always willing to help and I want to note that she will do so because that's what you do. My aunt and uncle left an envelope of cash for us, and on the first day she said...we're not taking that. Not many 16 year olds would say that. 

We drove clear across town on city streets - some charming, some less - trying to avoid the freeway back ups. We sang along to Hamilton the whole ride, which ended up taking longer than if we had just taken the interstate, but she only jabbed me a little. Then she helped me in the kitchen getting things ready for the lake this weekend. She made granola and a festive cookie cake, and I made a pan of breakfast enchiladas.

She's out with friends now and Ted just got home from the golf course. He was paired up with a couple who he bonded with over Door County and business. He exchanged contact info with them. That's Ted. He makes friends with everyone everywhere. We really don't need to worry about him either.

We're headed to the lake tomorrow for July Fourth fun. We used to host the holiday here, but there's really nothing like fireworks on the beach over Lake Michigan. The sky is alight up and down the shore. And it's going to be 90 degrees the next few days. I have a stack of books, a stocked cooler and no place I'd rather be, and I'm grateful for that today.