A beautiful morning; sunshine, blue skies, temps balmy... somewhere in the mid-70's, rising steadily. Jeff was up early this morning having finished mopping the bathroom/kitchen floors.
What woke me was the light twinkle of Gracie's collar bell as she frolicked through the dandelions that are scattered haphazardly across the front lawn-- she loves to run, jump and roll over them on her back- a morning adventure that signals that she is then ready for her breakfast. Rolling over I realized that Jeff had let Sam, our lavender Siamese cat in to the master bedroom when he and Anna Chan got up this AM. Usually, our bedroom is a no cat zone... w/exceptions. If a kitten or cat is ill and needs extra attention. Sam, was a birthday gift from a dear friend of mine and has always been one of my fav boys. He's a senior now and has symptoms of what we call 'shout-out' seizures several times throughout the day. These make him sound like he's barking and only last 60 seconds, at most, when they occur. He's my shadow and protector-- the indoor/outdoor gangs give him their love and respect as the older alpha male, in turn, he is tolerant and indulgent of their greetings, affection and attention.
We (Sam and I ) wandered outside to say hello and good morning to Gracie-- who rushed up to greet us before returning to the dandelions. As I settled into the Adirondack chair on the front porch, I was overwhelmed by the cacophony of sounds coming from our usually calm neighborhood: the loud cooing of pigeons, the non-stop chatter of quail, the whistle of turkeys, the endless crowing of my neighbor's young rooster (who hasn't quite mastered the theory of time). And, the unending interactive birdsong between the multitude of birds seen/unseen in the ancient oak trees and cool shade of the green foliage surrounding our property.
And then there was the human element of neighbors out and about as they power walked in groups w/lively ongoing morning conversation interspersed w/ laughter. Or, others who were out jogging w/ headsets on, their feet pounding against the hard surface of the street, or the heavy harsh breathing of dogs as they pulled their owners along behind them.
Gadzooks! This was more than either I or Sam could take in... we hurriedly rushed back inside to the quietness of our house, both mentally exhausted by what we'd just taken in.
It was then that I realized, that this was going to be one of those what I call 'pushing through' kinda days for me. Everything was going to take more energy than I have to give. So, it was time to suck it in and man up. Starting by taking my antibiotic for the day. And something to quell the ongoing cough of bronchitis that hasn't quite gone away yet.
Then it was time to do some weekend marketing w/ Jeff at our fav little local market in Angels. I had determined that it was my turn to cook this weekend for Jeff...
Back home: I put our large crockpot to use as it's slow cooking pinto beans, onion, etc. I also put a large pot of macaroni on the stove to boil for mac salad. One of my fav basic recipes when I'm not feeling too ambitious; olives, pimento, mayo, salt/pepper.
Dinner tonight will be served in a casual buffet; marinated carne asada chicken, beans and mac salad.
When the mac salad had cooled I put on more boiling water for eggs. Making open faced egg salad sandwiches for lunch; a slice of rustic French bread spread w/ egg salad, topped by thinly sliced cucumbers that have been marinated w/red wine vinegar.
Late last evening as both Jeff and Sam (the cat) were contentedly snoring, I finished reading Until I Say Goodbye. An insightful and adventurous read. The 3rd book I've read this week. All of them wonderful reads: Jackie After O, The End of Your Life Book Club and lastly the above mentioned.
This afternoon, in-between naps, I'm going to begin a great small-sized coffee table book, Capturing Camelot. Stanley Tretick's Iconic Images of the Kennedy's w/storyline by Kitty Kelly.
But, first... I have to serve up lunch. Time to call Jeff who is out in the garage painting.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Excellent post-excellent lunch. Thank you. Now, back to the paints....
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