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Easing into Summer
Today reminded me of the middle of December, when suddenly everyone shifts into holiday mode. I used to feel sorry for myself being single heading into holiday season, especially during the summer. That was before I had a dog, and before I figured out that the way to have company on long stretches of days off is to offer to cook people dinner. This weekend, seven friends will be around my table. Charting the menu, hunting for ingredients, prepping and cooking has given my week a real shape. Today, I feel lucky. What is your holiday plan?
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I’ll be going to a barbecue where I don’t know anyone except for the person who’s bringing me. It ought to be interesting…I’m told that I’m going to be the only liberal there.
Good luck with that Stacey (on a number of fronts). I would love a report back from the BBQ.
Friends and family coming to celebrate potluck style on the back deck of the house I just bought, if the rain stops. Otherwise, we’re all inside with 3 kids who feel they must be entertained every moment. It’s been raining non-stop for the past 6 weeks here in the Northeast and my yard is looking more like a rainforest than the lovely manicured gardens I’d been envisioning.
I hope your weather breaks. In L.A. we’re in a drought year and desperate for rain, which is very unlikely this time of year.
I am working on the 4th, which is fine…I have plans on the 5th, but I still cannot help but feel a little down. I try and remind myself that “it is just another day” as my mother would tell me but why do holidays bring out the worst in me when I am so good at being single every other day of the year?
Just rambling, Wendy! Glad I have FPS to turn to when feeling left out. 🙂
Holidays are hard, because of the expectation of what they’re supposed to be. I have no grand plans for the 4th, mostly cooking for my dinner party on Friday. I’ll be thinking of you Lauren and sending you good cheer at work!
Heading to a family picnic hosted by my cousin–if it gets to be too much (usually because my overbearing single aunt starts asking pointed personal questions), my exit excuse is that I have a sick kitty who needs her medication.
Very Good! LOL
Always good to have an exit strategy. Hope you have fun.
No plans, which would have been cancelled anyway–I have a sick rabbit who needs tending to and I can’t bear leaving her when she is ill. I may hit our pool tomorrow but for today, the fourth, I intend to sit out on my balcony with wine, hummus and garlic triscuits and listen to the Washington Nationals game. Then tonight watch the fireworks in DC on PBS. Happy Independence Day, everyone!
Thanks, Paulette. Your team won, yes?
Watched the fab Lisicki-Radwanska Wimbledon Ladies semifinal. Took a very rare nap. Exercised at the gym to beat the heat. Went to the fantastic Midsummer Night Swing with a friend early eve, got some fun dances in and saw some terrific dancers. Went to a party in hip Williamsburg, Bklyn (can’t write Williamsburg without “hip” attached to it these days) that was supposed to be a fireworks watching type of thing. But the roof was packed and the fireworks were two rivers away. So we all repaired to the apartment of the host, with a phenomenal view of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan’s skyline. Good conversation, good time.
What a fun, full day. Sounds dazzling.
I deviled some eggs to share and packed off to a delightful lunchtime block party in a colleague’s neighborhood. Then I capped the day with dinner&fireworks at private club (courtesy of fancy new friends). We were a party of nine–one couple I barely know+3 couples I’d never met+me– but, magically, I didn’t feel like the odd one out! Everyone was so lovely. I often still feel a bit displaced in my new city, so it really was a heartwarming day.
Brava Ehm on being the 9th wheel and not caring. That is magical!
I have to agree a dog really does help! I adopted a 5 yo, 15 lb min poodle mix in 10/2012 and he is great company! I find that I do feel nearly as lonely with him around. I enjoy caring for him and going on long walks with him(we get up every morning and go walk first thing) and to the dog park too where I often socialize with other dog people 🙂
Walking a dog is an incredibly social activity. That’s how I’ve met most of my neighbors. BTW Gayle, I also have a poodle mix. They’re SO cute.