RealTime - Nightfall

Cozy Up To COZI TV

Wintry weekend mornings occasionally find us back in bed with a first cuppa and the TV on. Ah, what luxury to be enjoyed in our recently redecorated space, gorgeous in its utter simplicity. However...

Early Saturday viewing choices are poor, so upon coming across an obscure sub-channel, we stopped. The Lone Ranger had caught our attention. We watched him and Tonto, in awe of fifties memories that flooded back. The dynamic duo did not quite finish conquering the wild west; next up were Hopalong Cassidy and Red. Joe was excited. He loved Hoppy, as a kid. Moi? Wasn't a fan. Jeesh, not to criticize members of my current niche, but he looked too old for my youthful taste. My favorite shall forever be Roy…

Gorgeous Gran
♥

You know... Roy Rogers and Trigger, Dale Evans and Buttercup, Pat Brady and Nellybelle, and, last but not least, Bullet. Yep, I was once in love with the King Of The Cowboys and watched him religiously on childhood Saturday mornings. He just has to be somewhere on (link) COZI, wouldn't you think? Found...

It's true - today is Thursday. But hey, on Instragram it's known as Throwback Thursday. Why not? It's cloudy and only in the twenties, this morning. Where am I going? Ten-thirty a.m. is just fine for me… and what better throwback? I've a date with Roy. But wait, there's more...

Gran. A frequent star of my blog. When Ronnie and I were kids, she took us to THE Garden, as in Madison Square, to see Roy's rodeo production. As though it happened yesterday, I recall leaning over the first-tier rail, arm and hand extended. When Roy and Trigger rode by, his entourage close behind, he and I touched hands… 

Thanks for the memory, Gran. You are forever loved, cherished and remembered in my very being…

Now, please excuse me while I enjoy my rendezvous. You must try COZYing up, too. Meanwhile… happy trails to you!

The Beautiful Face Of Twelve ♡

Today is our Sugar's twelfth birthday. Jeesh. Talk about time flying. The actual day of her arrival was something we'll never forget…

After getting the call from Bri that Kelly was in the hospital and in labor, we quickly went for Mom and headed to Middletown to the then-named Horton. We waited and waited and waited some more. Bri relayed the news that it would be a long while before Baby Girl screamed her way into the world. So…

The three of us went to the movies. Funny thing is, neither Joe nor I can remember what we saw…

Original Zombie Nerd with a
Strange Minecrafter! 2014

Back to the hospital. Nada. Bri suggested we return to Monti to wait it out. No sooner did we drive the thirty miles and walk in the door, when…

Yep! Bri called. Aubs had arrived. Quickly…

We rushed back to welcome our Sugar to the world. What an event! And to this very day, she has done nothing but spread sunshine in all the lives she touches.

Yet again, I retell this story. Aubrey loves to hear it.

Loving our girl more than words can say.

Happy Birthday, Sugar!

Now, you can legally sit in the front seat and you're legitimately a pre-teen!!

(Just a little inside humor, here.)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

MORAL OF THE STORY

Believe and Be Happy!

"Think Of All Your Liberties And Recall…"

First Date

This just-past October 16th, Joe and I celebrated our 48th anniversary rather quietly, albeit with special gratitude. It's been a rough haul, since the beginning of September. Here it is November 9th already… and today, we went on a first date of sorts. NIK (my Nikon, in case you've forgotten) came along to capture the Sunday sun; we became happily reacquainted. You see, I was unable to leave hospital or house for a simple ride, lunch and photo shoot, favorite pastimes during foliage season. Views from various windows told me leaf colors were spectacular… but that's just not the same as finding remote trails with surprise palettes. I digress. Our first stop was at the lake house, where trees are rather barren. But there was a surprise in store for us…

November roses on a shrub we'd gifted Mom many, many moons ago were blooming brilliantly. We've had frosty mornings, yet here's the proof… and with winter holly berries framing them, no less. Phenomenal. Feeling Mom. 

Inside, the gutted great room awaits the installation of an oak floor and a spectacular kitchen by (link) Kaplan Cabinets. Through this ordeal, we've identified new friends whom we gratefully thank. Patient contractors, put on health-hold, were accepting of our situation. Their only question for Joe became, "How is Nicki feeling?" It has been a bit tough queueing them up again, in order to pick up where we left off. That's to be expected, though, as all are fantastic craftspeople and very busy. Meanwhile, though...

A serious shout-out needs to go to Irving Kaplan, responsible for executing my choices in our gorgeous Old Homestead cucina and currently storing the new lake version, long finished, in his box truck. It was supposed to be installed over a month ago and we can't wait to say the words, "We're ready for delivery!" Talk about patience. If you read this, please accept our heartfelt thanks, Irv. You're a pal.

Here's to first dates, simple rides, a burger and fries, a few pics, some glorious Sunday sun and the hope of being able to enjoy the results of this massive project we undertook.

Giving Thanks.

"Gracepoint" - A Nick Nolte Spoiler

Just last week, I had reason to mention Pat Conroy's book, THE PRINCE OF TIDES, to someone. It remains an all-time favorite, for me. Then, there's the movie based on the book. It was terrific, except that you really didn't get to know The Prince, as you do in the book. Still, Nick Nolte gave an Oscar-nominated/Golden Globe-winning performance as Tom Wingo, playing opposite the one and only Barbra, who also directed the film. See here what Roger Ebert had to say, back in the day.

So, you ask, what does this have to do with the fabulous entry by FOX TV called "Gracepoint"…. a ten-episode whodunit?? Nick Nolte. He became this week's prime suspect, as a result of which - and here's the part that's a spoiler - we witnessed his swan song. I'm upset…

When we recognized him as old Jack, both Joe and I were thrilled. Now here's someone we haven't seen on the screen in too long of a time. Always a favorite, it is obvious as the day is long…

Mr. Nolte can sure evoke human agony well. One can feel his characters' internal pain, in many of his roles. It's palpable.

I highly recommend ALL of the above mentioned titles.

Back With Brock

Hello, my Friends. Please accept my apologies for the sudden disappearance… and my heartfelt thanks for your notes of concern and ensuing prayers. I do hope this finds everyone well and thriving.

Here it is November 5th - exactly two months to the day that I last blah, blah, blah blogged. Believe me when I say this was not by choice. But after a fabulous summer of sun 'n' fun and boatloads of lake house projects, I went down for the count. It is a tiny blessing amongst so many enormous ones just to be back, attempting to color each day with inspiration. 

My long, double-stay in NY Presbyterian totaled over three weeks. Not a place I'd willingly choose for a break, as nice as its riverside location is. But there was no choice in the matter. My three men rallied around me, their beautiful faces the first thing I saw upon awakening from surgery. I love them so much.

As for Brock, he's a trouper. He never left the hospital, sleeping in the car in the nearby parking lot. Imagine. He felt Jersey and a friend's apartment were too far. As for the two nights he did return home? Well, he couldn't sleep at all. A horrible solution for him, but totally comforting to me. Just knowing he was nearby...

And now, we've been home for just over a month. Brock has taken over household duties and has even learned to cook. He's amazed by how much it takes to keep the Old Homestead running smoothly. And meal planning? The #1 challenge. Then, there's work. His customers understand that he'll be there whenever. I became his priority.

Today, I'm feeling a little better and stronger. I put an apple pie in the oven. A little "thank you" for Brock. It is amazing how the simplest luxuries in life become magnified and missed, when they are taken away. 

There's a bit of mileage to cover on this road to recovery, with another surgery looming. Still, I count my blessings and give thanks. 

Now, let me introduce you to Brock, aka my Joe:

So, Color Me!

By now, you've seen this pic. Admittedly a very cool concept, but it only works if you have the six kids first and then get married. Gown and veil are works of art that suit (pun intended) this kooky couple to the nines. Kudos to keeping it all under wraps before selling photos for charity. Ah, the times they are a-changin', but Brad and Angie are hopefully nonetheless committed. 

Yesterday - Mutual Lovin' ♡

Phlox First - Then, Mum's The Word

So, you think it’s still Summer, do ya? Sure, the calendar tells us September 22nd is the first day of fall. Nonsense. All New Yorkers know that this simply isn’t so. Summer is over, even though today we'll hit a sunny, mid-eighties temp. It’s Fall. How do we know?

It’s September 1st. This month doesn’t say, “Summer.”

It’s Labor Day, for sure. We’re watching the US Open - John McEnroe is in our living room, commentating to his heart’s content.

We closed the pool. Yesterday. It was overcast and gloomy. Why wait for exactly Labor Day or “...a few days, maybe, till the weather gets cold.” A rhetorical question.

A few yellow leaves have already fallen on the pool’s debris-catching net, to be removed when all the trees are bare. Ugh. What a thought. Bare trees. Hopefully, we've a couple months on that front.

We cleaned pool gardens of wilted perennial debris, but not the abundance of still-bloomin' hydrangea, morning glories, daisies, day lilies roses and… you get the gist. Another season gone by. And it began...

...that is, my loooong nails are snapping off, one at a time, in anticipation of cold weather to come. I guess they figure, “Why wait?”

The kids start school on Thursday, much to their chagrin. Even they opine that summer has flown by way too quickly. Doesn’t it always?

It’s pitch black outside at 5:30 a.m. Poor kids. They’ll feel like they’re awakening in the middle of the night. Additionally, it’s turned hotter and steamier than it’s been all summer. Uncomfortable classrooms are on the horizon.

Tomatoes!! ‘Tis their season. It’s time to indulge, Friends. Juicy, red beefsteaks are the last hoorah of summer. And nearby in farm stands everywhere... 

...are colorful mums. Soon, corn stalks and pumpkins shall join them. Fall decor. Gotta love it.

Happy September 1st, Labor Day ’14 - the unofficial beginning of Fall. Mum photos to come.

A Keeper

They started hitting on us when we were about 55. Give us a break, AARP! What were you thinking? Taking the proper degree of offense, we started tossing mail and magazines. That's a boatload of paperwork. But this? Duuuuude!! And looking so handsome!! Hey, he's a top-five favorite actor for me. This, I'll keep. Jeesh, what fabulous circles we travel in. :-)

Bloomin'

Here at the Old Homestead, we're bloomin' prolifically. Morning Glory from old, dormant seed decided to grace us on the pool fence. Nearby, yet another Rose Of Sharon is smothered in light pink. At the foot of both, Autumn Joy is turning purplish pink. An orange flower on a random weed is unidentifiable. Across the yard, my favorite Rose Of Sharon blooms large in two shades of pink.

LakeScape Today - "Where the clouds are hung for the poet's eye…" ND

Mambo Update

This is a real-time photo of Mambo. He's taking his mid-morning nap. We've been fetching newspapers, gardening and doing other morning chores. Time for a rest. Thankfully, he's been fine, since the scary episode, two weeks ago. Thing is, there's more to tell:

Our vet recommended anesthetizing him for diagnostic purposes, the day after an emergency visit, saying it might be oral cancer causing his mouth discomfort. I was surprised he didn't suggest giving it a day or so, to see if it might be a virus or something less radical. Alarming the humans always makes them more vulnerable. Well, because Big Dog perked up so quickly on the very same evening, we decided to hold off. Meanwhile, we asked for prices for (a) just diagnostics and (b) diagnostics and cleaning teeth. Have you ever noticed there is no price chart in a vet's office? It took three days for the "estimates" to come back to us. $600.00 for (a) and $1,000.00 for (b). Can you imagine what the cost would be without first asking?

When we went in for a re-exam and update of shots, doc said, "The swelling I thought I saw in his mouth does not seem to be there, any longer." Then, he tried to push an extra vaccine on us, telling us he was overdue for a booster. Ahem. We'd never begun this particular regimen.

There's more. Niece Vicki called me on Sunday. In conversation, she told me her Yorkie, Nala, was sick two weeks ago. Symptoms: drooling, cough, lethargy, mouth sensitivity, refusal to eat or drink. Identical to Mambo's. Her vet took a less dramatic approach, suggesting that it could be just about anything, including the ingestion of something alien from the outdoors. He suggested watching Little Dog for a couple days. Nala recovered quickly, as did his big cousin. How freaky is that, though? We're separated by well over a hundred miles. Is there some airborne bug attacking canines? Or did each find a slug on which to dine?

I'm not being smug. Just hoping for continued good health for 10-year-old Nala and 7 ½-year-old Mambo. But seriously, what is wrong here? Think we need a new vet?

Modern-Day Postcard...

Beach Lovin'

LakeScape - Today

by Joe

Josh Groban and the Neil Diamond Connection

We enjoyed our first Josh Groban concert, last night, at our gorgeous Bethel Woods. He's an incredible talent. His brilliant, powerhouse voice is frequently operatic, as several songs performed in Italian demonstrated rather well. He plays a mean piano and rhythmic drums. He's funny… very funny… and spontaneous. He's cute. And he's generous, in sharing the stage with fantabulous musicians. Watch for violinist Christian Hebel, a rising star in his own right and clearly a crowd-pleaser. 

The biggest surprise of the night, though, took me back decades, as Josh began his Neil Diamond tribute. Whoa. Didn't expect that one! He sang ND's Play Me beautifully, bringing me back to a concert moment of a lifetime.

My "Play Me" Moment In Time

Mr. D's stage-in-the-round stopped directly in front of little ole me, sitting in clear view in the fifth row. (link) He sang to me. Joe captured the expression that I'm positive was one of recognition. After all, how many times does an artist have to see a fanatic, before she begins to look familiar?? When the stage moved on, fans in seats surrounding us leaned in to say, "He SANG to you!" Countless ND concerts before and since have afforded us some incredible Beautiful Noise. I so hope he comes out again in 2015 to treat us to some deep cuts. Caroline can stay home, 'cause the die-hards are craving Coldwater Morning…ahem... If You Know What I Mean. I digress...

It was a great night that ended with an encore in honor of Robin Williams. The ever-bittersweet Smile took on new significance.

We look forward to a repeat. Music for the soul. An astonishing voice.

Whoosh!

Time together with the kids always seems to fly by, but especially so when conditions turn on the proverbial dime. No, no; I'm not speaking of infamous New York weather.

On Wednesday, the lake was calm and the kids excited. Gramps fished and kayaked with Hunter, while Chloe got to know her new pal, Adam. Lifeguarding duties were fun for me, as I chatted away with Adam's g'ma and parents. Truly a spectacular day of fun in the sun.

We'd planned dinner at the lake. When Hunter didn't have an appetite for steak and fries, a favorite meal, I knew something was up. And it was. His temperature spiked to over 102. It was a nerve-wracking night, though his fever came down. Poor little guy only wanted his Mom and Dad to soothe him. But then…

Yesterday started off well and he wanted to recover here, till another sudden spike to 103.6. Another dose of Motrin and off to meet Christian, our visit sadly aborted. But the good news is that our boy is on the mend. He owes us some days!

To Note: Forgot to get parental permission to use more identifiable pics of Adam. Soooo, "The Splash" shall have to do! Cuteness is nonetheless obvious, don't you think?

Cousins Take A Night Swim

Aubs and Gav are going to their second special week at Frost Valley. Sooooo, we had to squeeze in a late visit, for the Fab Four to spend some quality time together.

They immediately paired off, with the girls hitting the pool and the boys playing Minecraft.

An early dinner of kid-friendly fare was quickly followed by a trip to J's for ice cream. Ah, perfect timing. It was dark enough to go night swimming. That, my Friends, has been a rarity during this summer's chilly weather. But they're tough and they had a blast. Can you tell?

My Babes.

♡♡♡♡

Mouths Of Babes - Hunter

We had a nice day, yesterday. The kids are always happy when we devote our day(s) exclusively to them. Case in point:

Hunter and I were discussing our last visit to their house. He'd forgotten that we were there for a dual birthday celebration, just last month. I suggested that the reason for his memory lapse night be the fact that we didn't have much kid-time, as the adults did a lot of catching up. He agreed and commented:

"That's why I like to visit without my parents, G'ma, because then you focus just on us."

A bit later, the kids were in the pool with Joe. I thought to sneak inside and give my neck/shoulder a break with the heating pad. (Last Saturday, we spent an entire day working at the lake house. I was painting high with my right hand. Seems that my left side was affected…) Well, my boy found me on the couch and wanted to know what's up. 

"Okay, G'ma, I'll lie down with you."

Next thing I knew, he was sprawled out on the couch. I laughingly exclaimed:

"I didn't know you meant that LITERALLY, Hunter!" 

He roared over my comment, after which I told him that he clearly possesses joie de vivre.

♥