Atlantic City

 We got back from Atlantic City two days ago. It was a much needed vacation! I did very, very well. Went there with $600 and came back with $500 plus about a hundred dollars' worth of taffy (we get things with comp points) so I broke even, at least. Actually came out ahead if you count the good time we had.

On the last morning, I went downstairs with $50 to get more tier points. Long story short, I got 70 points and came back upstairs with $195! I just kept getting free spins. Wish I would be so lucky every time.

While we were gone, we got a text from Nick. He fell in the bathroom and broke his hand! Now he is in a sort of plastic thing-a-ma-jig. I wouldn't call it a cast. It only covers the side of his hand. Fine time for this to happen...he is headed on a road trip to Nashville tomorrow with his friend, Sean! But he seems to be doing okay with it.

July 18, 2021

 

Me, Mike, Katherine and Andrew celebrating the Baptism of Katherine's best friend Theresa's and her husband Rob's baby, Jude Robert. Katherine was the Godmother!

Fourth of July, 2021

 Michael, Katherine and Andrew joined Mike and me for dinner. We made ribs, sausage and brisket in the smoker. We all decided the brisket needed a few more hours. I plan to take the leftovers and put them in the oven at 300 degrees for several hours for dinner this week.

I made potato/egg salad and Michael made coleslaw. I also made vanilla ice cream for dessert. I should use my ice cream maker more often--it came out really good.

Yesterday, I made blueberry jam. Funny thing is that blueberries are the only thing Andrew doesn't eat so I gave him some of my strawberry jam.

It was a nice Fourth of July, although it was only in the 70s!

Father's Day 21

 The kids got Mike a smoker for Father's Day. Katherine brought it home and Michael helped him put it together. We will inaugurate it this coming weekend!

It will also be to celebrate Mike's birthday. He turns 67 on Friday, June 25th.

Memorial Day 21

 

Mike and I, along with Katherine and Andrew, went to Michael and Megan's for Memorial Day. We couldn't barbecue because it was pouring rain, but the food came out great cooked indoors. We had steak, sausage, shrimp (courtesy of Katherine), mac and cheese (by Megan), coleslaw (me) sausage and really yummy mini cheese cakes for dessert. It was a very enjoyable day.

Some say Memorial Day should be one of solemn reflection. I say those men and women who died fighting for our freedom did it so we can enjoy things like rainy day indoor 'barbecues'! I'm sure my Dad, Dad Pastore and my brother would be fine with a little celebrating of our freedom. 

Finally being social

 The CDC has lifted the mask mandate, although it was up to individual states to go along with it. NY did this week, but some places are still asking that you wear a mask. Believe me, if I don't have to, I don't. 

But that is not why I'm being social (for me, at least) again. I am finally able to wear a bra again and feel more comfortable going out. I've had a pretty good 2 weeks so far, seasonal allergies aside. And I'm pretty sick of being unable to do things.

So the first thing was to contact my good friend Sue. We met for breakfast at a local diner on Thursday. It was great to catch up with her.

Last night, Mike and I met our friends Patty, Mark and Jimmy at Chili's. We had great time. Patty surprised me when the staff came out clapping and saying 'congratulations,' with a gooey brownie sundae. I thought it was someone's birthday but it was for me, a cancer survivor. They even had a tortilla chip with a flame I blew out. Normally, I wouldn't like the attention but this was actually nice. It was very sweet of my friend. 

I haven't seen any of these people since at least last fall, probably longer. I hope to get together more often than usual, now that I know what it is like to be semi-isolated. 

The next thing is to get Atlantic City in the works!

Mother's Day and more

We went to Catfish Annie's on Thursday because going to a restaurant on actual Mother's Day would be  more than I can handle. I had stuffed shrimp. Everyone but Nick was there, since Nick (alas) had to work.

On actual Mother's Day, Michael and Megan came by with homemade lasagna. Katherine brought a strawberry shortcake. They all gave me vinyl in about 8 different colors for myCricut, plus a photo album that I plan to fill with Halloween pics of the kids through the years. And some fancy sticker paper that is also for the Cricut.

 I finally got my hair cut and colored last week. It looks so much better. The stylist has been in business nearly 40 years and was really nice. I don't like meeting new people but felt relaxed right away. So, the bakery--he asked where I grew up and I told him: "Floral Park." He says, "Oh, the Tulip Bake Shop!" He had an aunt that lived in the area. He also knew Koenig's. I know Koenig's is gone but not sure about the bakery. (My sister Susan actually worked there.) I'm sure I wouldn't recognize downtown Floral Park. 

Mike and Jamie tilled our garden yesterday. I am sending out a soil sample so we can see what is needed to boost our little crop. Last year we did okay with tomatoes but not a single eggplant or pepper happened. Can't wait for summer tomatoes! 

And peaches and corn on the cob!