That was wonderful!
Hello Again! Did you miss me?
We just returned from a visit to my father and his girlfriend in New York yesterday. Last Thursday we awoke and loaded the car and headed up the highway for the short hop to my dad's. We arrived just in time for lunch and had a sandwich or tow, then headed off to run some errands. We even squeezed in a short stop for some shopping and I now have a pair of shorts for the summer. I tried them on in the store and they were just right so of course they are slightly too large now. Rather too big than too small, I guess.
When we returned home it was not to rest... off we went to a lovely little Italian place not too far from the house. I had the stuffed Manicotti while my son stayed withhis familiar cheezeburger. We had a lovely, if spirited time, dining. Our waittress was quite friendly and even let us know about a couple of bargains at the local grocery. We hit that on the way home and relaxed. I shared the end of a bottle of wine with my dad's gf and went to bed.
I slept quite well while I was away and am thinking I might need to invest in a new mattress.
Friday, my dad, the boy and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. It was a pleasure despite what my friends have been saying about it. I have read all of the books so I am less distressed by the ending than some of them might be. No spoilers here, I'll let you see it for yourself.
We picked up some chinese food on the way home and made an evening of eating and watching television while sitting in the leather sofa. The house my dad's girlfriend owns and lives in is just an oasis, everything is neat and tidy and well decorated. I can';t wait till I have the house to myself. Not that I want to rush my children out, but it would be nice to clean the house and have it stay that way. Or decorate a room, for that matter, and not have someone come behind me and change everything.
Saturday, the boy and I went to my ex stepmother's house a couple of miles away and set about exploring. I wanted to share some of my childhood adventures with my son and I would mark that accomplished. The property line is marked by Rutgers Creek. This is a state stocked trout brook. There were many little fish to be seen and a healthy population of crayfish and salamanders. The shale bottom made walking through it fairly easy and the glacier drops (boulders that obvioulsy come from someplace else) added to the interest. Despite the presence of living things in the water, my son seemed quite comfortable when I suggested he shuck his clothes down to his scivvies and take a swim. My step sister and I spent many summer days doing this very thing. It was a pleasant, simple couple of hours.
When we got back to the house, the barbequing insued. My dad keeps a spray bottle at the ready for flame ups and he and my son spent a good time stealing it from each other and sprining surprise water attacks on each other. It was really good to see them interacting that way. I know my son wishes he had a man around once in a while to play with. It would be good for him to have an adult male to teach him the silly manly ways.
After dinner we headed out again for an evening at a local family amusement center. We played a round of mini golf. I must tell you, I blurted out, "Oh Holy Crap!" when I made my second hole in one in a row. I still lost. haha. My dad came in first withmy son right behind him and my last place finish saves dad's girlfriend from the loser position. She bought us all ice cream before we left.
Sunday we all slept a bit late but packed a basket and headed off for a picnic after our late breakfast. I should take a moment to mention what a good cook she is. One morning she made us pancakes that would better than mine and a second morning she made eggs all around. I have to say, she makes it look considerably easier than I generally find those tasks to be.
We initially headed to High Point Park in Sussex, NJ but the park was full and so we were turned away. We wound up at another park and ate a leisurely lunch, walked around the pond, partially up a small mountain and did some reading. The bugs bid us, "go home." So we did.
The rest of the day was pretty lazy. We watched some television and took naps. Dad's gf even washed up our dirty clothes, negating the need for me to do that onerous task when I got home. All in all, it was just what I needed. If only home could be so relaxing, but then I don't have someone to do all the driving or cook all the meals.
The drive home was less than enthusiastic. Sometimes you just need a break and some time with people who will take care of you. As an added bonus, my car got 48 miles per gallon while I was running up and down the road.
My normal life is back in full swing, with meetings and appointments and phone calls and stress. Next week I leave for training for my new job. Hopefully, four days in Philly will feel like a vacation too. I have made a vow that I am not going to make my bed while I am there. They have chamber maids for that. :P
I think the boy and I are going to make use of the tent we keep set up in the back yard all summer and have ourselves a camp out adventure. Is it cheating if I bring the portable DVD player along and microwave some popcorn before we head out?
Hopefully, we will get another chance to head up to my mother's for a visit. I still want to get up there before the weather changes too much. And I think I am planning a trip to the ocean with the tent before summer's out. We just might be able to squeeze in a quick weekend trip in late August. I think we will be missing out on the Fair here in town. I am dead broke. But we shall see.
Till next time, gentle readers, take a moment to reconnect with your childhood and be good to yourselves.
We just returned from a visit to my father and his girlfriend in New York yesterday. Last Thursday we awoke and loaded the car and headed up the highway for the short hop to my dad's. We arrived just in time for lunch and had a sandwich or tow, then headed off to run some errands. We even squeezed in a short stop for some shopping and I now have a pair of shorts for the summer. I tried them on in the store and they were just right so of course they are slightly too large now. Rather too big than too small, I guess.
When we returned home it was not to rest... off we went to a lovely little Italian place not too far from the house. I had the stuffed Manicotti while my son stayed withhis familiar cheezeburger. We had a lovely, if spirited time, dining. Our waittress was quite friendly and even let us know about a couple of bargains at the local grocery. We hit that on the way home and relaxed. I shared the end of a bottle of wine with my dad's gf and went to bed.
I slept quite well while I was away and am thinking I might need to invest in a new mattress.
Friday, my dad, the boy and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. It was a pleasure despite what my friends have been saying about it. I have read all of the books so I am less distressed by the ending than some of them might be. No spoilers here, I'll let you see it for yourself.
We picked up some chinese food on the way home and made an evening of eating and watching television while sitting in the leather sofa. The house my dad's girlfriend owns and lives in is just an oasis, everything is neat and tidy and well decorated. I can';t wait till I have the house to myself. Not that I want to rush my children out, but it would be nice to clean the house and have it stay that way. Or decorate a room, for that matter, and not have someone come behind me and change everything.
Saturday, the boy and I went to my ex stepmother's house a couple of miles away and set about exploring. I wanted to share some of my childhood adventures with my son and I would mark that accomplished. The property line is marked by Rutgers Creek. This is a state stocked trout brook. There were many little fish to be seen and a healthy population of crayfish and salamanders. The shale bottom made walking through it fairly easy and the glacier drops (boulders that obvioulsy come from someplace else) added to the interest. Despite the presence of living things in the water, my son seemed quite comfortable when I suggested he shuck his clothes down to his scivvies and take a swim. My step sister and I spent many summer days doing this very thing. It was a pleasant, simple couple of hours.
When we got back to the house, the barbequing insued. My dad keeps a spray bottle at the ready for flame ups and he and my son spent a good time stealing it from each other and sprining surprise water attacks on each other. It was really good to see them interacting that way. I know my son wishes he had a man around once in a while to play with. It would be good for him to have an adult male to teach him the silly manly ways.
After dinner we headed out again for an evening at a local family amusement center. We played a round of mini golf. I must tell you, I blurted out, "Oh Holy Crap!" when I made my second hole in one in a row. I still lost. haha. My dad came in first withmy son right behind him and my last place finish saves dad's girlfriend from the loser position. She bought us all ice cream before we left.
Sunday we all slept a bit late but packed a basket and headed off for a picnic after our late breakfast. I should take a moment to mention what a good cook she is. One morning she made us pancakes that would better than mine and a second morning she made eggs all around. I have to say, she makes it look considerably easier than I generally find those tasks to be.
We initially headed to High Point Park in Sussex, NJ but the park was full and so we were turned away. We wound up at another park and ate a leisurely lunch, walked around the pond, partially up a small mountain and did some reading. The bugs bid us, "go home." So we did.
The rest of the day was pretty lazy. We watched some television and took naps. Dad's gf even washed up our dirty clothes, negating the need for me to do that onerous task when I got home. All in all, it was just what I needed. If only home could be so relaxing, but then I don't have someone to do all the driving or cook all the meals.
The drive home was less than enthusiastic. Sometimes you just need a break and some time with people who will take care of you. As an added bonus, my car got 48 miles per gallon while I was running up and down the road.
My normal life is back in full swing, with meetings and appointments and phone calls and stress. Next week I leave for training for my new job. Hopefully, four days in Philly will feel like a vacation too. I have made a vow that I am not going to make my bed while I am there. They have chamber maids for that. :P
I think the boy and I are going to make use of the tent we keep set up in the back yard all summer and have ourselves a camp out adventure. Is it cheating if I bring the portable DVD player along and microwave some popcorn before we head out?
Hopefully, we will get another chance to head up to my mother's for a visit. I still want to get up there before the weather changes too much. And I think I am planning a trip to the ocean with the tent before summer's out. We just might be able to squeeze in a quick weekend trip in late August. I think we will be missing out on the Fair here in town. I am dead broke. But we shall see.
Till next time, gentle readers, take a moment to reconnect with your childhood and be good to yourselves.