Obviously, Easter happened before the previous few posts but I forgot to write about it. Here are some pictures:
This is Megan's hand. She could not join us to color eggs soWe 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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
