8/28/2016

August 28, 2016

Well, it's taken all summer, but the broken light pole has been removed, and the landscape project is compete. Even the dumpster issues have improved. It has divided the community - those who think all these things (and other areas of concern as well) dragged on much too long, and those who think that “things happen” and that the Board and Management did all they could to make things better here. I'm in the first group.

I didn't really have a very good start to the day on Wednesday. I spilled coffee on my phone, but luckily, it still works just fine. My laptop was blank, and I couldn't turn it on. I tried a few things with it, but what it needed was time; it mysteriously returned to the land of living later in the day. While I copied all my photos from past years onto a stick not long ago, and I generally make printed copies of documents in want to save, I have a lot of stuffed stored on the laptop that I really don't want to lose. As I dried my hair, my hairdryer died. It, also, came back, and this isn't a great loss as I have another dryer in the guest room bath. It just seemed as if all this happened suddenly, and I was left wondering what to have fixed first. I had a nice afternoon, however, as I met Connie for lunch, just us two. She showed my pictures of her visit to Maine to see Donna and told me of all the fun things they saw and did. It was really nice to have some time with her. 

 

Thursday, I attended a lecture at the Jepson. It seems like a very long time since I'd been there. This was on Gary Melchors, who was a prolific artist and artist head of the Telfair Art Museum from 1906-1916. The Telfair owns a few of Melchors works and others are borrowed and currently on display. It was informative and entertaining. 

 

Saturday, I went to see Jason Bourne at the movies. Since I like to see movies aimed at the pre-school audience, this was unusual for me. But I went with Tom, and he's seen all the other Bourne movies, and he likes them. He could fill me in on how this one fit in with the other ones, and this one left it wide open for yet another movie in the future.

8/21/2016

August 21, 2016

Another slow week, with almost nothing accomplished. If there was an Olympic Medal for computer games played, I'd win the gold!

I did get a pedi, had a visit with my Financial adviser, made a few more plans for Europe, went to the deli for good bagels, talked to the management agent about things not getting done here at the condos, and DH and BC. But nothing really exciting.

My calendar for next week is empty, too. I may have to change this blog to Wilma’s monthly Update.

8/14/2016

August 14, 2016

I met with some of the Lunch bunch on Monday at the bar at 39 Rue de Jean for happy hour. Since it wasn't actually a LUNCH, partners were also invited. I was only there for a short time, but I enjoyed it. I also got back to The 90 with Kay on Friday. Most people there remembered me, although it had been three weeks since I'd last sat on one of those bar stools.

On Wednesday, I decided it was time to check one thing off my summer bucket list - a Dolphin Tour. In the afternoon, I drove half way to Tybee Island to board a boat with about 25 tourists to motor out onto Lazaretto Creek to look for the Flipper jumping through the waves. We actually saw quite a few! It was a hot day, and I didn't think it was possible, but I got a little sunburn. I've been wanting to do that for a while, so I was glad I went. 

 

all of the pictures I took of the dolphins look like this

The Wilmington Island Police held a meeting about crime in the area because it is becoming an increasingly alarming problem. Fortunately, there isn't the escalating gun related violence here that there is in Savannah, but there has been more thefts and burglaries. Or maybe we've just been hearing more about them, because the statistics didn't show a very big jump in the number of crimes in my area. I think that because of the all the anti-police feelings in the nation right now, our local precinct wanted to put a friendly face on the officers that are responsible for our safety. It was interesting.

I've been watching way too much Olympics. I watched gymnastics, tennis, and swimming. The Bills pre-season game with the Colts wasn't broadcast live, and I didn't want to see second and third string players lose by one point, so I didn't even watch the taped game. I was also at the pool six times this week (do I get a gold medal for that?) and envisioned myself as Katy Ledecky, doing lap after lap. BTW - You know what I don't get? Are these the summer Olympics? Isn't it winter in Brazil?

I also spent a lot of time this week preparing for the trip to the Rhine River in October. I made my flight reservations to get to and from JFK - I sure hope I've left enough time to get around to the international terminal. I emailed the travel agent with a few questions. I enrolled Allen and myself in a couple of extra excursions. And, I bought a suitcase at the Goodwill! I didn't have one that would be big enough for my jumbo sized clothing for 10 days in Europe, and I didn't want to buy a new one as this most probably is the last time I'll need a large bag. I was alerted to a nice one by a friend who shops at the Goodwill frequently, and for $7, I have a suitcase big enough for the trip. This vacation will be here before Allen and I know it!

I had to do a BC tour this afternoon. As I was sweating like a pig and gulping down large quantities of water, I realized that this is probably the most time I've been outside all summer. The pool doesn't count, as I'm in the water, and that keeps me a little cool. I was miserable out there this afternoon, and I'm very glad that I'm able to pay extremely high energy bills all summer, as I really don't suffer much in my condo, no matter what the temps are outside.

8/7/2016

August 7, 2016

Tuesday and Wednesday was spent getting caught up with things I’d missed while I was away. The laundry was voluminous! The mailbox needed to be tended to and most of what was there needed to be tossed out. But there were also bills to check on and accounts to reconcile. I'd eaten everything in the refrigerator, so that needed to be replenished (the white hot dogs I bought back on the plane will only go so far in keeping me fat). I was busy for a few days, but then was able to get back into my do-nothing routine.

I did get to the pool a couple of times to do my laps. School has started here in Chatham county, so the kids were otherwise occupied during the day. It's good to be back, but the water is not as cool and refreshing as Kinderhook Lake.

It was restaurant week in Savannah. I thought I might miss it since it's generally the last week in July, and I was away. But I did get out a coupe of times. I met Kay and Anne at Ruth's Chris for the best steak in the universe on Wednesday. I met Kay again and Beth on Thursday at a place we hadn't been before - The Ordinary Pub. We had specialty burgers, and the $30 prix fixe price would sound high, but with an included glass of wine, salad, and dessert (beeramisu - exactly what it sounds like, tiramisu but with beer soaked ladyfingers instead of the traditional coffee - very very good!) it was a delightful dinner. I love restaurant week, but it's best because it is a time when friends make an effort to get out and enjoy a meal together.

Friday night I was happily watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympics, and decided I'd finish watching in bed. Nope. The screen was blank. Comcast has does this to me before, most recently only six weeks ago. So, I called the first thing the next morning. Because it's on the record that I've complained about this problem, he scheduled a repair visit for Sunday morning. As soon as I hung up, and I mean the very second I hit the “end call” button, the tv worked. I hate Comcast!

Saturday afternoon, I decided to go out to Tybee Post Theater again to see another summer kiddie movie. This time it was The Secret Life of Pets. It was not a good movie. But, hey, I was inside where it was cool, and doing something other than sitting in my chair and thinking about what I could eat next.

Friday, before DH, I cut my hair. I've been meaning to do that for a while, and since I'm back from vacation, Friday seemed like a good time. Now it's shorter, and easier to wash. There is still something basically wrong with someone who cuts her own hair, yet pays to have her toenails painted. 

 

8/1/2016

August 1, 2016

A day by day accounting of the Trip:

Monday -- Allen graciously planned some tours for us around where he lives near Albany, NY. We began at a National Park Historic site, Lindenwald, the home of 8th US President Martin Van Buren. We then went to downtown Kinderhook, which is a lovely, very small town. Allen drove into Albany, where we went past some of the government buildings, and then on the Saratoga. We wandered around town for a bit, but only drove past the race track. We also had a chance to visit two cemeteries (how cool is that?) - Kinderhook Reformed Church and Oakwood. It was a busy day, but we saw a lot of really interesting things. 

 

Lindenwald, home of Martin Van Buren

Allen, me, M Van Buren, & Ishy

rejuvenated at a Saratoga Spring

as close to the race track as we got, but it was impressive

Martin Van Buren's grave

Tuesday – Allen had to be at work in the afternoon, and Ishy and I planned to drive back to Rochester, but that still left quite a bit of time in the morning to visit more places near where Allen lives. We went to the Ichabod Crane schoolhouse, which was a one-room schoolhouse that was used until the 1930's, and the Luykas Van Alen House, built in 1737 for a wealthy farmer. Not far from those two sites is the Omi International Arts Center Fields Sculpture Park, which features over 100 permanent and temporary outdoor exhibitions. 

Allen with a 48-star flag in the Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse

The Luykas Van Alen House

Life imitating Art

 

Wednesday – It appeared that neither of the LWS liked to drive - Ishy didn't want to go to Ontario Beach Park for the free concert and I didn't want to drive her car. So, she stayed home, and I took the bus. I actually totally enjoyed being on the RTS again because I used to take it to work every day. I needed to get a transfer downtown, and Rochester has a new bus terminal that I had not seen before. I had time to spend in the city center, so I wandered around to the library, Main Street, and the holes where The Shop and midtown plaza used to be. The urban core in this city is deteriorated, but I don’t believe that's unique. I took another bus all the way to the lake to listen to the concert, and I visited with a friend from my City Hall days there. 

the new RTS bus terminal

 

Thursday – My BFF Marcia picked me up and we went to lunch. Then we visited her grandchildren at their home. Maddie and Zach are wonderful! I had a nice swim in Marcia and Andy's pool and a lovely dinner that she cooked. After that, we went to a jazz concert in the town where they live. Marcia and Andy have a lovely home, and amazing gardens, that they work very hard at. And the biggest hibiscus flowers I've ever seen! I spent the night with these great friends. 

huge hibiscus

great gardens in the front yard at Marcia and Andy's house

 

 

Friday – Because Andy is an artist, we drove to a winery on Seneca Lake to drop off two of his oil paintings for a show at Anthony Road Winery. His art group had spent some time at the winery and painted wonderful scenes, both of the gardens on the grounds, and the views of the lake. I had a great time just wandering around. We ate a tasty lunch at a local historic Hotel, and then visited another winery, where we did do a tasting, (interestingly, the gift shop here sells Savannah Bee Company products!) and wandered around the lovely estate. Andy also displays his art work at the quaint Bristol library, so we stopped there. The library is a former blacksmith shop that had a school bell and cupola added. We met with Mandy, Don, Maddie and Zack for dinner that night to celebrate Andy's birthday. I had a beer battered fish fry, something I miss terribly in Savannah. That was so nice to be included. 

the Bristol Library, where original paintings by C A Lloyd can be found

Don, Andy, Mandy, Marcia, Maddie and Zach - great looking family!

 

 

Saturday – I was back at Ishy's after supper Friday night. So we decided that we would go to the LW Emporium on Saturday. We've been there numerous times before. It's a craft / antique co-op that has lots of interesting things. I was a little disappointed in the crafts; it seems I've always been able to find Thanksgiving or Christmas crafts to decorate my condo with in years past, but I guess I was there too early this year. I did get a nice bracelet. On the way back, we stopped at a farmer's market for fresh corn. The corn I buy at Publix comes from California, so it was nice to have fresh farm-grown corn (and raspberries, which didn't look as perfect as the ones I buy at Publix, but tasted ever so much better). Ishy made some potato salad, and we cooked white hot dogs. A memorable meal!

the L W Emporium

 

Sunday – Before going to the graduation party for Rachel Bordanaro, Ishy and I visited another craft / antique shop that we used to go to. We didn't find much to buy (we both agree that we have TOO MUCH STUFF), but we laughed and laughed at girdle with garters that was for sale. Who would buy that? anyone who ever wore one would not pay a red cent to have one again! Then we went to Rachel's party. It was very nice and I saw some people I haven't seen in a long time. It was nice to reconnect. 

Rachel and her mom with a to-die-for cake

 

Monday – There was not much time before I had to get ready to go to the airport. At least the flight didn't take 26 hours, like the train did, but it seemed like a long day. I was ever so happy to be back in Savannah! And also delighted that the white hots and NYS wine I'd packed made it through TSA all the way home!

A few of my favorite photos from the trip:

Swimming in Kinderhook Lake, right outside Allen's door

Rachel, Wayne, Robin, and Hannah - one of my very favorite families!

what Ishy and I did most - sit at her kitchen table

a pretty cool picture of some of Rochester taken through the window at the Central Library

a favorite picture of me and Marcia (I have a very similar one taken years ago on Jekyll Island)

Sarah and Jack - this was the first and maybe only time, for me to meet Jack