Saturday, July 17, 2010

The Garden of Eden

Yes, that is the neighborhood I live in. Mid-July until tghe end of October the abundance of the land graces our tables. Raspberries, lettuce, the beginning of apples, blackberries, plums, and on it goes. All I have to do is walk down the lane and they present themselves to me and all the neighbors, it's magical.

That's not even the best part. One of our neighbors was recently injured in a severe biking
accident and truly needed help with her very young, active dog. A neighborhood group gathered, made up a list of dog walkers for AM and PM and we became Dog Whisperers to
this busy dog. The end of the day Issy is dog tired and that helps to protect our neighbor, Kathy, from being jumped on and endangering her. Did I mention there are two dogs, the other the senior, Mia, who accompanies us as well? The obvious good thing is that we all benefit and we do appreciate one another.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

July 3,2010 Celebrating my 70th Birthday

My seventieth birthday was approaching and I thought I would plan a family camp out. Keep it


simple Stupid. KISS. Then I started to think of all the people I would love to see and let them


know that they mean very much to me and so the grand plan began. Of course family members were invited, then my dear neighbors, friends from the Washington area, and a few from out of town. Well it got bigger and I realized I better get a cooking with plans. First we


needed a band, which has been a dream of mine as we have such a bucolic setting and I wanted to lounge on blankets on the lawn. Food and beverages---I know, a potluck. Right.


However, I began making pulled pork sandwiches for 70, coleslaw, cabatta rolls, and pony of


beer and on it went. I could never have pulled it off without the potluck assistance and it was delish.





One PM was the beginning hour and I swear the clouds parted and we had sunshine for the first time in a week. I had been holding my breath and was positively giddy that we could actually have a picnic. The jazz band was playing on the porch, people mingled joyfully, and


then Ed and my daughter began singing. I was bursting with joy. They sang, "All I Ask of You"


the song Ed had sang to me 15 years ago on our Wedding day. Moments later Heather sang her


signature song "Summertime" and I walked up like I knew what to do and sang with gusto with her in the lead. Was I surprised I actually got through it without embarrassing myself too badly. One of my friends even said it was their favorite moment of the party. Wow.





As the day kissed us we all did what we wanted which including strolling down the lane to the


beach, touring Ed's cantilevered tree house that holds 6 at a time, and savoring the joy of being


alive in that moment



I will play this day for the rest of my life and Thank You all for a gift that will be in my memory


forever.