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Old 06-22-2013, 07:26 AM   #12281
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This evening, we had our 23rd annual summer solstice celebration. We ate our traditional dinner of oysters on the half-shell, steamed lobsters, grilled asparagus and potato salad with smoked salmon, capers and dill. All washed down with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. And fresh strawberries for dessert.
Sounds like a great meal!

About 4 years ago, my wife and I started a tradition of buying 6 bottles of great wine each year around March or April (usually from wineries that we have visited over the years), and then saving them to enjoy with 6 special meals throughout the year (that we prepare ourselves). The special meals celebrate special occasions or events, such as the day that we open our lake cottage for the summer, first meal using all fresh produce from my vegetable garden, first meal of fresh seafood when we arrive at our rental house on the Gulf coast for the winter, etc.. The occasions vary a little bit from year to year, as our lives change (and we enjoy discussing/debating which events deserve a spot in the "special" category each year). It's a lot of fun, and a tradition we hope to continue.
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Old 06-22-2013, 07:52 AM   #12282
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Lazy lazy Saturday today...T storms are predicted for this afternoon, so no sense in going outside in the high humidity and having non-stop hot flashes. The air conditioning feels mighty fine right now.

Mr B scored some split chicken halves at a very good price yesterday. I hate grocery shopping, but he is happy to go do it as long as I put together the list. I think I'll keep him.
The rotisserie will be fired up to cook those chicken halves for an easy midday meal. Maybe I'll get ambitious and make some homemade potato salad for him. Maybe not.

No Red Sox on until tonight. I'll figure out what to do with myself all day, or just take a nap. Or go pick some fresh peas...I love mentally aimless days like this.
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Old 06-22-2013, 10:21 AM   #12283
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About 4 years ago, my wife and I started a tradition of buying 6 bottles of great wine each year around March or April (usually from wineries that we have visited over the years), and then saving them to enjoy with 6 special meals throughout the year (that we prepare ourselves). The special meals celebrate special occasions or events, such as the day that we open our lake cottage for the summer, first meal using all fresh produce from my vegetable garden, first meal of fresh seafood when we arrive at our rental house on the Gulf coast for the winter, etc.. The occasions vary a little bit from year to year, as our lives change (and we enjoy discussing/debating which events deserve a spot in the "special" category each year). It's a lot of fun, and a tradition we hope to continue.
What an excellent tradition. Long may it continue in your household!
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Old 06-22-2013, 10:24 AM   #12284
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I've been in ER now for a week. Pre-planning was not in the cards for this adventure. The townhouse I rent has been sold and I have to be out by the 28th. I don't have time to go through everything so into the Penske truck it goes. Packing and moving boxes to the second floor mostly from the fourth and fifth floor.
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Old 06-22-2013, 10:48 AM   #12285
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Went to Hagerstown city park and fine arts museum, then to see an old friend to had moved a few hours away when he got engaged, then moved back when he got disengaged. We just sat on the back porch for a couple of hours and chatted and played with his cats.
Walt - in that first photo, the cat has the classic "stuffed animal" expression -the open jaws and the ferocious look. Quite entertaining!
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Old 06-22-2013, 09:07 PM   #12286
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Fortieth high school reunion...only a 2.5 hour drive from my home. I grew up on a farm outside a small farming town. 111 in my class; 24 have already passed. That seems like such a high number. 31 attended plus 27 from the previous class. A very few I spoke with have retired. I am very fortunate (alive and retired).

Not exactly fun, but glad I attended. Scooted out early so DH could catch last bit of Bruins/Blackhawks game. That did not turn out to his liking.
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Old 06-24-2013, 07:20 AM   #12287
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I was rudely awakened at dawn by a sound I hadn't heard 'live' in quite a while. He was sitting in a cedar tree just outside our bedroom window. First yardbird I've seen in the 15 years we've lived out here (subdivision restrictions don't allow any farm animals other than horses).
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Old 06-24-2013, 08:40 AM   #12288
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Fortieth high school reunion...only a 2.5 hour drive from my home.
Wow - we (wife and I both graduated the same year from the same HS) have our 45th coming up late July. And also a similar distance away - Schenectady, NY from near Boston!
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Old 06-25-2013, 12:43 PM   #12289
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I was rudely awakened at dawn by a sound I hadn't heard 'live' in quite a while. He was sitting in a cedar tree just outside our bedroom window. First yardbird I've seen in the 15 years we've lived out here (subdivision restrictions don't allow any farm animals other than horses).
Winner, winner chicken dinner?
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Old 06-25-2013, 05:20 PM   #12290
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Couldn't decide whether to post this in the "Pets" thread or here, decided it was better here. We picked up a Sheltie puppy today that we're fostering for the rescue group we've been involved with for many years. No name yet for the little guy, he's deaf so the breeder decided to give him to the rescue group rather than try to sell him. He's got a big voice though! This was taken after he came in from some time out in the back yard. Don't expect to get much sleep tonight.

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Old 06-25-2013, 06:02 PM   #12291
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Couldn't decide whether to post this in the "Pets" thread or here, decided it was better here. We picked up a Sheltie puppy today that we're fostering for the rescue group we've been involved with for many years. No name yet for the little guy, he's deaf so the breeder decided to give him to the rescue group rather than try to sell him. He's got a big voice though! This was taken after he came in from some time out in the back yard. Don't expect to get much sleep tonight.
He is precious! Did he fall asleep in the food bowl while eating his dinner? Too cute.

Lucky puppy to end up with you. Here's hoping you get at least a little sleep.
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Old 06-25-2013, 06:43 PM   #12292
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There were a couple of pieces of food in the bowl that he was eating, next thing you know, he's out for about 45 minutes!
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Old 06-25-2013, 06:54 PM   #12293
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There were a couple of pieces of food in the bowl that he was eating, next thing you know, he's out for about 45 minutes!
Awwww! Keep the puppy pics and stories coming. My work schedule is unpredictable, so cannot have a dog - could not provide the attention and outside time they need.
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Old 06-26-2013, 05:44 PM   #12294
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Started our day at Panera's, then piddled around the house and yard. Tomorrow's high is predicted to hit 100 degrees, so it will be an inside day.

Settled in to watch Big Brother. We have never, ever watched this show, but our oldest son's very good friend is a contestant. In fact, the friend first applied while visiting my son in Portland, ME this last April. Over 40,000 applied with 16 making it.
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Old 06-26-2013, 06:01 PM   #12295
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Just endured 30 hrs with no power after a brief but nasty storm. Got some electronic stuff fried.
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Old 06-26-2013, 06:34 PM   #12296
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Had a nice lunch with former work colleagues. Still fun after 2.5 yrs ER.

Took a lab tour with the engineer who has my old (much reduced job). Turns out he gave his notice yesterday. He only started last October. I dodged a bullet leaving when I did.
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Old 06-26-2013, 07:42 PM   #12297
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Detailed the Bimmer in preparation for our drive to VA tomorrow to spend another month with the kids and grandkids.
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Old 06-27-2013, 06:24 PM   #12298
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Went to the Blackhawk Auto Museum with the retiree association from my former employer. I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this but it turned out to be a really nice exhibit. They had some very beautiful and unusual cars. The picture is one of several concept cars on display. We had a docent led tour too.

Afterward we went to lunch and I got to talk so some former colleagues I hadn't seen in 20 yrs.
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Old 06-28-2013, 03:20 PM   #12299
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Just returned from an 1800 mile trip to visit friends, relatives, and attend the Back To The 50s weekend in St Paul Minnesota. It was a great trip but I am very glad to be home.

BTT50s: http://msrabacktothe50s.com/
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Old 06-29-2013, 05:05 AM   #12300
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Spent yesterday chasing and taking care of our foster puppy along with monitoring some patio work we have going on. DW and I are both worn out from taking care of the little guy, he's been very good but reminds us of what it was like to have a baby in the house. He actually sleeps for about 5 hours at night so that is better than we were expecting. Here he is in a quiet moment.


Here's a picture of the patio work under way- fireplace pavilion that will be great this fall. On the left side is a base for a platform where I plan to build a wood fired pizza oven. I bought a kit so just waiting for the landscaper work to be completed so I can begin the build. Never done anything along those lines so should be interesting.

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