We had another beautiful weekend. On Thursday, Jay and I went to lunch with friends at a local country club. The couple moved out of town a few years ago so its always a treat when we get to see them and especially when we get an excuse to dress up and go do lunch.
I’ve never been a lady who lunches. I’m more a mess who stops to shove food down her gullet occasionally, while trying not to drop anything on her canvas or keyboard.
It was so hot and sticky Thursday morning that we turned on the AC before we headed out to the club. We ate in the grill which has a 180 view of the course. Huge, unobstructed windows with nothing but rolling hills, trees, ponds and greenery outside. Gorgeous. It began to rain during lunch and we watched as the pond seemed to flood the cart track. I mean, that rain came down! We expected the deluge to break the humidity but it didn’t. Later on, at home, we kept the air on for the rest of the day. I spent the afternoon upstairs, painting my fingers to the bone. I got a lot done, which always makes me happy.
The heat finally broke just before I went to bed. I was watching tv on the porch and I felt the air change. Jay was already sound asleep so I left the air on. I didn’t want to wake him up by opening all the windows.
Friday was wet and rainy, too. I don’t remember two rainy days in a row all summer. We’ve had tons of rain but mostly at night, or for a few hours on a day that then cleared up and was lovely. It’s really been practically perfect in every way.
Friday afternoon, I went to my Mom’s and we laid out a duvet she’s working on and she stitched up three more curtain panels for me. Saturday, I ran out to Menard’s and bought hardware. I’ve put up two more curtains. They really change the personality of the living room. We’re a little less Crate and Barrel now and a little more Town and Country. I love it; it was time for a change. I’m not done yet; one window still to hang and tie backs to make so we can still let in as much sun as we like.
After dinner Friday night, we buzzed down town to eat birthday cake with one of our other favorite couples. They currently live in a big, gorgeous condo, high in the sky with a breathtaking view of downtown. They love the unit and the view but on the ground, the neighborhood is less than perfect* so they’re in the market again. I just wish I’d thought to bring my camera, as the night time skyline looked like something out of a movie. It was great to see those friends, too; everyone has been so busy this summer that our social life has shrunk to nearly exclusively family. Also known as our 74 closest friends.
Sunday, Zack and I ran to MJs house after mass to see Tatertot. He’s getting bigger and I don’t care who says kids his age can’t smile; he’s a smiley little dude. It’s obvious that he’s pleased with his situation and already adores his sisters. MJ is looking good but has to keep reminding herself to take it easy and not overdo. She’ll be back to normal much quicker is she doesn’t do anything for two more weeks. It’s actually the perfect time for her to re-watch Veronica Mars from beginning to end.
Around noon, Ty, Megan and the kids came by. Zack and I hopped in their car and we all went up to New Hope for the first birthday party of a member of the newest generation of Nix Nux. Mary and Andy live in a beautiful old neighborhood in a nifty rambler that they’ve been fixing up since they bought it. It’s great! The back yard is large, private and sports at least three giant old oak trees that provide a ton of shade. I’d never been there before but they told me that when they moved in, the back yard was just an unusable trench. Andy trucked in tons of dirt, built three gorgous terraces and formed the space into a beautiful, interesting and very user friendly yard. The kids had a blast climbing and jumping and chasing the dogs over one low terrace. The Birthday girl didn't cry when Jay stood next to her granp pa; kids are adaptable and she's accepted the fact that there are two of them. She didn't even mind when Tyler, the third iteration, showed up. It's funny; Ty doesn't look like Jay or Tom did when they were his age. He looks like them now, but younger and more fit.
Babydoll and Babalouie have so much fun with their cousins, second cousins and first cousins once removed! Tim and Mary Lou brought their grandsons, who are just a few years older than Babydoll. She followed them around all afternoon.
After the party, I spent a few hours in my office while Jay prepared dinner. It rained late in the afternoon but cleared up in time for us to enjoy a glass of wine and cigar by the fire on the deck before enjoying our favorite cut of beef.
I stayed up way too late watching the first season of The New Girl.
It was a wonderful way to wind up another great summer.
*Dangerous and noisy.