Washed the Truck

It wasn’t that hard, either, and cost a heck of a lot less than a car wash, even the self-service kind.

Ron’s continued to water today.  His chart is a great idea and has us organized.  The soakers give us a lot of flexibility.  I wish we’d get some rain.

Beaches; Sprayed Roses

We briefly enjoyed both the state and Popponessett beaches today.

I sprayed the roses, all of them.  Still pulling old leaves off the knock-outs.

Picked up baked goods at the Senior Center.  Dropped brush off at the transfer station.

Got less than an inch of rain from the “killer” storm, so we’ve been watering.

I finished mounting Ron’s dragon tapestry today.  Turned out quite well, I think.

Transferred Carbonite to the new PC.

Sauteed beet greens and Swiss chard today.  Tasted JUST like Nonna’s!  Instead of cooking over high heat, I kept everything at low heat until the onion carmelized.  Ron had a yen for salmon, so I baked it on the grill.

Starting to Hate Sundays

Not exactly Sundays but the days that we do the transfer station run, which usually happens on Sunday.

I’m starting to hate the transfer station runs because inevitably, Ron has some petty criticism of something I’ve done.

It starts with a drawn out “Uhhhh” followed by a “helpful” suggestion that implies a “better” or “more thought out” idea.

Now, I’m an old woman and as it turns out, have some physical issues that result in my tiring easily. Some days it’s enough to get my sorry self out of bed the morning, brush my teeth, comb my hair, and get dressed.

Meanwhile, I have gardens to tend to and other responsibilities, including bill-paying and cooking. I’ve recently finished a couple of pretty big software projects, too.

And being homely, I have to invest a lot of energy in interactions with other people, trying to be as careful as I can not to offend. There are no second chances when you’re homely.

So, when Ron winds up to point out a problem with something I’m doing, I don’t have the energy, either physical or psychic, to deal graciously with it.

If only he would learn to stop.

Another Horrible

We just got back from this year’s Fourth of July waterfront fest.

I lost it this year and told the host how much I appreciate his hard work and expense in putting this shindig together, but it’s something that I don’t enjoy.

I’ve known this family for 23 years, and certain members still snub me and/or refuse to engage in conversation.

Family events are hard enough without trying to fit in at someone else’s.

Flower Names

Penstemon
Bee balm
Coreopsis
Coral Bells
Liatris
Stella d’Oro
Delphinium
Day Lily
Hosta
Larkspur
Lavender
Lily of the Valley
Yarrow
Japanese anemone
Roses
Iris
Tulips
Daffodils
Narcissus
Crocus
Hibiscus
Coneflowers
Joe-Pye Weed
Evening Primrose
Wood hyacinth
Blue eyed grass
Astilbe
Gaura
Lavender

Flowering Bushes
St. Johnswort
Hydrangea
Lilac
Potentilla
Montauk daisies
Azalea
Rhododendron
Wisteria

Wine

I went on a wine-buying spree at Cotuit Liquors the other day.

We like these whites:

Bott Freres Vin d’Alsace Pinot Blanc 2012
E. Guigal 2012 Chateau d’Ampuis
Cline North Coast Viognier (vee-oh-nyay)

We also like the Luigi Bosca Malbec.

Wonderful Rain

Tropical storm Arthur finally came through for us this afternoon, delivering our hoped-for and much needed rain.

I’d tied up the tomatoes as best I could yesterday. We put all the loose watering equipment, the gazing ball and the hammocks in the shed (bless it). I put the hanging plants on the ground.

This morning, I picked up some impatiens and lantana at Mahoney’s to refresh the window boxes.

Ron and I bought coffee from James and Peter at the Osterville Farmer’s Market. Also bought Fontina, Swiss chard, beets, dips and Finnish bread.

We had raw vegetables and hummus for dinner.