A Very Good Day

I snoozed almost straight through the 8 o'clock hour. It's my intention to get up between 8:00 and 8:59 every day. I didn't sleep well with Hazel wedged between me and my guy. She's a talker, apparently, even in her sleep. When I saw it was a rainy morning, it put a little spring in my step. A stormy day is to me what a sunny day is to most. Truth. I was out the door early, which is to say before Lils returned from her morning weightlifting class. She had warranted and slight trepidation about her second day as a camp counselor - she helped rescue a little girl from the bottom of the pool within the first hour of the first day. When the life guard asked if anyone knew CPR, she called 911 STAT. The paramedics were on site in 4 minutes and the little girl is going to be fine. Once she was in the care of the medics, Lils consoled her own group of scared 7 year olds. She never lost her cool and I have to say that she is such a strong, sensible young woman. I'm sorry she had to go through this, but I am certainly proud of the way she handled herself.

Work was slow so I took off in the middle of the day to tend to my charges. The traffic is the worst part of cat sitting across town while my aunt and uncle are off building a house in Arizona. Going midday meant almost no traffic even with the rain. The rain meant I didn't have to water their flowers today so I was back in the office in an hour. I rarely take a lunch since my hours are working out to be 10 to 3, but sometimes it's nice to change things up. Today that was definitely the case.

I curled up in bed with my new book when I got home and 50 pages later I was asleep for almost 2 hours. I woke up feeling disoriented as to day and time, and then refreshed. I rallied for a quick, sweaty workout. When I finished, I found the boys making dinner. I poured a glass of wine and played with the kit kats, who had new toys in the mail today, while Ted tended to the Jasmine rice and Mike was on the veg and the grill. I marinated chops and breasts in a simple soy/hoisin/chili marinade last night and they were simply delicious. 

The Brewers game was on in the kitchen and the Bucks game in the family room. We ate in front of the tvs. After dinner, Ted left to watch the second half with friends and Lils went to get ice cream with a girlfriend. Mike and I suffered through a disappointing game and now I'm here just wanting to capture this day that was not out of the ordinary and yet it was extraordinary. Capisce?

These are the Days

It's officially summer. It's felt like summer here for at least a month so the longest day of the year came with little fanfare. In fact, I'll fess up that I am rather content with this week's cooler temps. Open windows make me happy. We've settled in as a family of four again. It's not seamless. I came home yesterday to a daughter irritated with her brother. The dispute was regarding chargers. I wasn't too pleased either to find his dirty pan in the sink. It was a scrambled egg pan from breakfast. But then he watered all my flowers and put away his laundry when I asked for the second time and in those small acts there was redemption. She offered unsolicited help with dinner and decided to eat pizza even though she's gone gluten free and that felt like amends too. We've been on a Margherita pizza kick preferring pies with just a smidge of sauce, fresh mozz and basil from the yard. Lils adds onion and sliced tomato, and I sneak on a few olives. Dinner isn't until 8 o' clock most eves after naps, workouts, the news and happy hour. 

Lily is finally enjoying the freedom of summer break, yet she's the first one up every morning to get to her 8 o'clock strength training class. I'm not exactly sure how she's spending all of her day, but I know she played softball yesterday. It was the fast pitch girls against the baseball boys. She had to pitch, and said she held her own. Then her friend came to meet kitties and go out for coffee. I almost remember being 16. Her job starts Monday, but it's part-time so she'll still have lots of time for fun.

Teddy is making the best of  his virtual internship. It's just not the same as being in the office with peers and mentors, but there is more structure and clearer expectations than he is accustomed to. At 5 o'clock sharp he's out the door to workout or golf or play poker. Twenty year olds can burn the candle at both ends.

The kit kats have had the run of the house for the last few days and they've been mostly well behaved. Some things are just too tempting though like plants and laundry baskets. Gus likes walking the plank or on the outside of the second story railing. He's fearless. It scares me to death. It's no surprise that they favor the same spots Peanut and Tigger always gravitated to although they are usually wherever their people are. My lap can no longer hold all three, but there are times they still try to make it work and I wouldn't have it any other way because these are the days I want to last forever.

 

Weekending

I really need a nap after all of the festivities from the past few days. There wasn't much down time. I'm out of practice with busy. I wanted to get up early today to put the house back together after last night's Father's Day celebration, but I kept hitting snooze. Poor Mike had to be on a 5:30 flight this morning. I barely remember him leaving. He's in steamy Florida for a few days. We finally had rain here. A good steady soaking deluge. The boys played poker instead of their traditional round of golf on Dad's Day, and they seemed just fine with that. Especially Teddy who changed his luck for the day by winning everyone's money. He was woken earlier at 4 am by automatic sprinklers. He and his buddy were sleeping in hammocks near the lake to catch the sunrise and sleep off their evening. He went for a quick 36 hours in Door County and had the kind of fun only an almost 21 year old would understand.

We spent quality time with all the dads in our lives over the weekend. Saturday we celebrated Dad's Day and a 57th anniversary with my in laws. It was just the four of us and that was nice and chill. They agreed to taste test my Potato Rotsi and gave me some suggestions for the next day. On the way home, we stopped at our neighbor's for the end of the Bucks game. It was the last quarter, but somehow we didn't make it home for a few hours. You know how that goes...let's just stop for one and then you're in the vortex and it's the next day.

Friday night we had dinner plans with my aunt and uncle at a family favorite Italian joint. We mixed things up ordering white instead of red and then we split 3 entrees 4 ways. The Eggplant Parm and the Sicilian Steak were the standouts. It was fun to see the design for the house they're building and to be together on the beautiful night while we still can. It won't be so easy when they move to Arizona. The night was so beautiful that Mike and I stopped at our neighborhood watering hole on the way home deciding it needed to last just a little longer. It was, perhaps, the weekend's theme.

The only picture I took all day

 

Grateful Friday

 

I wasn't sure I was going to write a gratitude post today, but then I was thinking of something I said to my girlfriend last night. We were a table of six. Six decades old friends around the table on a summer's night. The reunion was happy, but there was an undercurrent of sadness and herein lies the reason I was struggling with gratitude: I wish I could be more grateful. Treatment is not going well for one of us and I fear she is not so much losing hope as facing reality while still trying to be the pillar of strength that she is. It breaks my heart. But seeing her cute gray pixie and hearing her belly laugh, well I cannot deny I am grateful for that. And that's what I said last night: the totality of this last year begs the celebration of the little things, the beautiful moments, the sparks of joy even when they're tinged with sorrow.

Saying goodbye after our few hours together was incredibly tough, but we have plans to meet again at the end of the summer...a same time as last year scenario. Last August we traveled to Arizona on my birthday. This year we're visiting the spa. It doesn't really matter where we go. There is just comfort in knowing our goodbye was temporary. Goodbye for now.

I came home to see Gus up and about. He's been in a stupor all week sleeping around the clock. The vet called it a virus and treated his fever with antibiotics and fluids. Finally, he is feeling better, and while I cannot deny his extreme cuddly nature this week will be missed, I am grateful to see the return of his signature spunk. 

And the last bit of good news this week came from the Grainger School of Business. The third time was a charm: Teddy was finally accepted into the business school and will complete his under graduate education at the University of WI- Madison. I'm more excited than when he was accepted initially. He humbly noted that he knew he would get in this time. I wish I had a smidge of his optimism. I could trade him some of my gratitude.

Weekending

It was a fun filled, go go go weekend. I'm not exactly used to that so I'm on empty today but that's okay...it was worth it. I was off Friday afternoon to take the kit kats to the vet. Gus was finally big enough for adoption. It's official. We are now a family of 7. I'm grateful Lily agreed to be late to practice to help me wrangle kittens. I needed her two extra hands. The kittens are all healthy, but we knew that. We have a 2, a 3 and a 4 pounder.

Friday night our neighbors came for dinner with a bag full of kitty toys. Finn, Hazel and Gus really are like little kids and it was like Christmas morning. New toys are very exciting never mind that they have baskets full. We had a fun time playing with cats and catching up over cocktails. The kids were in and out and then in again, but it wasn't too late of a night for us. We made a future mother/son date with our boys.

 

Saturday was shopping/errand day. My Costco run was the biggest ever. Biggest as in the costliest. I guess that's what happens when I only go once a month and Ted is home. Ted got out of bed just in time to help unload the car at 2 o'clock. He survived his first 40 hour work week ever. More on that later. We had dinner plans with my dad and Judy on Saturday. We had to put the finishing touches on Bob's Beef Wellington Burgers before submitting them to the contest. While not perfect, they were creative and damn good and it was a fun project for us. After dinner, the girls ruled the Shut Box and took all the guy's money. Too bad we were only playing for quarters.

 

I got a solid 10 hours sleep Saturday night and woke up feeling so rested I knew it was mid morning. I started to tackle my list stat. The whole fam pitched in to clean the house. Mike marinated the meat for that evenings fajitas and I made a rustic peach galette for dessert. Ted went for a bike ride, Mike and Lils went running and I went to the basement to do the elliptical. My brother and sil accepted an impromptu dinner invite. It was casual, but I set the dining room table pretty because I could. Mike's fajitas were a treat, but the best part of the night was the six of us around the table making memories. We allowed the kitties to have the run of the house and while we ate, they curled up all three in the front living room window, which was always Peanut and Tigger's preferred spot. I got a sense what life will be like when they settle down a little more. And yet, life is good now.

 

About Last Night

 

So last night we had reservations for dinner downtown at 8:15. When I got home at 4 o' clock, the last thing I wanted to do was to go out 4 hours later, but I planned this family date night and I knew it would be a fun celebration of the kids' successful school years. A nap and a glass of rose' much improved my mood. 

This pandemic has definitely reinforced the happy homebody in me. Going out causes some anxiety and not because I'm afraid of the virus. I think I've just become accustomed to my small, safe world. You wouldn't know it, but I'm an introvert and I morph into a nervous extravert when I am overstimulated or overwhelmed.

And here's the thing...I am almost always glad when I get out of my normal. Last night was no exception.

It was a beautiful evening to be out and about in our city. We walked the streets before dinner taking in the public artwork and the twilight air. It was our first time at the Capital Grille and we all approved of the cozy sheik atmosphere. We toasted to our new junior and senior and praised them for their hard work and commitments to success. We don't have to hover over their studies or worry about deadlines. I guess it's not so bad that they don't make their beds often or ever put away their clean laundry.

So often I wax on about the passage of time, but last night I had an epiphany...I sort of love where we are right now. Young adults are pretty awesome and especially Lily and Teddy. The meal was absolutely 5 stars, but the company was off the charts. My kids are interesting and personable and fun to be with. They know how to make conversation, the have good manners (although truth be told Ted did toss a piece of bread across the table) and very good taste. Teddy went for the lobster bisque and cleaned his bowl. He also ate every bite of his Kona crusted 18 oz T bone. Lily decided that the mushrooms in her risotto made the dish. Our steaks were cooked to perfection, and we almost asked for the mashed potato recipe. We ate every bite of our molten lava cakes and berries and cream.

My mom was on my mind all night. The Grille reminded me so much of her favorite restaurant back in the day. I cannot tell you how many beef minuets I ate at Grenadiers and only their lobster bisque was better than last night's delicious bowl. Grenadiers is gone now just like my mom. Lily and I went to the bathroom and Al Jarreau's I'll Be Here For You was piped in on the speaker. My mom was a fan of his too. I knew that was a nod to the thin veil separating us. I told Lily and she wasn't surprised. She knows all about signs.

We all agreed to take the long way home through the city and along the lake singing to the tunes on the radio. It was sort of magic. And I'm just so grateful that we have a whole summer of nights together.

Weekending

This weekend was a scorcher, but there was a robust breeze everyday that tempered the temperatures. Mike convinced me to go for a walk Friday evening even though it was still in the 90s. It wasn't terrible. We're in a drought here in Wisconsin so we're watering like it's late summer and the lawn is drying out by the day. I finally planted my pots. A few flowers and a few herbs. I love being able to go in the yard and snip something fresh when I need it. I went with color this year, and it does spark joy every time I look out my window.

This was Teddy's last weekend of freedom and Lily's first so they behaved accordingly, which is to say we didn't see much of them. All good. Jess joined us for a dinner on Saturday and that was a highlight of my day. I have been wanting to make my pasta with asparagus and pancetta topped with a jammy egg. That ended up being the inspiration for the dinner. Rounding out the meal was my herby focaccia, an Italian salad and hot and sweet grilled Italians. Last night Teddy made a mash up of pasta and sausage topped with three six minute eggs. I was impressed.

 

Sunday we accepted an invitation for a pool party at my in laws. It was another beautiful HOT HOT summer day. I was perfectly happy floating in the pool with an icy margarita and most grateful for my bil who tended the blazing grill. The hot wings and stuffed shrooms were a treat. I had no room for the smores bars I brought for dessert. I got just the right amount of sun. Sun kissed. It was early to bed after a pretty perfect weekend.

 

I was up early this morning with the fulfilled intention to make Teddy a hot breakfast before his first day of his virtual internship. He was appreciative of the camel's eyes. I don't really get the need to not be in person, but I don't think he minded being casual from the waist down, or keeping company with his kit kats. Lily spent her first day shopping for summer clothes. Never mind that she doesn't have room for the clothes she has. Her job starts in late June so until then she's footloose and fancy free. Amen!

I have a junior and a senior and three 11 week old kittens. I tell you, life is good and do I know it. Alleluia!

h

be.here.now

It has been a beautiful week here in Wisconsin. I came home from work yesterday sacked after our lunch at Kopps. Naughty cheeseburgers and chocolate malts are rare because nap inducing, but I resisted the urge to snooze. There was an intoxicating breeze blowing and Lily's second to last soft ball game to attend. It was an uneven battle. The pitcher on the opposing team is certain to get a D1 scholarship. She was near impossible to hit, but it was still a good night. The stands were full with familiar faces and that in itself is something to be grateful for. My in laws made it to their first game of the season. They have been diehard fans over the years, but it's getting harder for them to come to games. I'm glad they were able to make it. I think they were too.

When we got home, I made the second pan of Spanish Chicken for the week. We love it so much that we don't even mind eating it two nights in a row and at 9 o' clock. It's one of those dishes that hits every flavor and texture, and every bite can be different. In that way, it is 100 percent satisfying. I don't always make aioli to serve on the side, but I'm glad I did this time. It completely elevates the meal and it's crazy easy.

I stayed up too late again last night and so I slept in this morning. I have been wanting to change that, but maybe I just need to accept it. I am enjoying these long, leisurely summer evenings and so why change? Why resist? It might be time to lean into the shift in schedule...to acquiesce. Permission is liberating.

Today is Lily's last day of junior year. I have a senior. Boy that went fast. It's going to be a year of lasts. I'm not good with lasts, but I'm going to work on embracing and celebrating them instead of fighting them. My mom always said about the passage of time, What's the alternative? And my gramps famous saying was, And I should complain? They were both spot on.

 

 

 

Weekending

Last week I was a day ahead and this week I'm a day behind. Another weekend is already in the purview. Four day work weeks are the very best. So are four day weekends. There's enough time to be on and then off.

I kicked off the weekend Thursday night with a lovely visit with Sue.  It was the perfect chilly night for some hearty reds. I threw together a Caesar salad and instead of croutons, I made a loaf of buttery garlic bread. Gus joined us in the living room and curled up at Sue's side.

I relished in an easy Friday morning. Two cups of strong coffee, a couple chapters, play time with the kit kats who are crazy after breakfast, and tending to my plants. It was bone-chilling cold and rainy, but I made my way to the nursery as planned. It was a pleasant experience in spite of the weather. Everyone was friendly, smiling, maskless, and I found my strepto carpella. Only two this year because I'm feeling more color, but it wouldn't be summer without my beloved blue bells. I was inspired to get in the yard over the weekend to keep up with weeding. I find this kind of tending to be meditative and metaphorical...the garden a representation of life. And I must say that the yard is looking good. Life too.

We finally had our family meeting to get on the same page before summer changes everything. It's good to set expectations. Everyone can and will pitch in, and I've made it known that I don't want to prod and nag. Lily's world is opening up as she's in the last week of school with just a final research paper looming. I almost have my dining room table back. I sense a lightness in her I haven't seen for a stretch. She spent lots of time with friends this weekend as it should be. Ted will be starting his internship next week so his days will be more scheduled, but I never worry about him finding time for fun. There was good family time too: a late afternoon walk with Lily, cards with Ted in the middle of the day, 9 holes on the holiday.

It was also nice to have some alone time while Mike was out of town and the kids were out and about. I puttered around. I worked on projects and pictures. I have at least 500 of the kit kats. I worked out, read and watched forgettable television. Mike came home refreshed from a stint at the cabin in time to participate in judging the burger challenge at my dad's Sunday. He's working on a recipe for a contest and it's the least we could do to help him since he plans to take us to Hawaii if he wins. I was sous chef, my sil was stylist and photographer, Mike and Judy were tasters and my brother the entertainment. The kids stayed home citing other plans and aversions to foie gras and fungi. They lack the palettes for Bob's Beef Wellington Burgers. Can you say decadent?! It was as fun an evening as delicious. We all love a good competition and collaboration is comradery.

Monday really was the star of the weekend weather-wise. It was a little weird not to be at the lake, but it was also nice to be home with my four...well seven.