What’s on the iPod: War is Kind by Jakob Dylan
What I’m reading: Traveller’s History of Ireland
Has it been just a week since I last worked? More like a week and a half, which makes sense given the disconnection from work, stress, and all things responsible I’m immersed in. We drove north to Ontario two Saturdays ago, where temperatures were a blessed 60-65 degrees and rain visited every day. Knowing what we were coming home to (up to 101 today), it truly was a blessing to be in cooler climes.
With all the rain, the fishing wasn’t superb, but I managed a few large pike. The one that got away was massive, but because no one buys that story without photos, we won’t relive it. Let’s just say the top of my graphite pole snapped in two – he’d hit just as the lure reached the boat and was coming out of the water. Pike tend to take a lure to the bottom, so his quick exit was too much tension on the pole.
The birthday was gloriously uneventful. At first I’d wanted a party, but then I realized that no, I really didn’t want the attention or fuss or bad jokes about taking that nine and replacing it with two new numbers. My mom and dad had a cake ready and my husband had gifts – a nice new point-and-shoot camera to replace the seven-year-old Canon, and a travel guide book. To Ireland. Yes, I’m going to Ireland. I was so thrilled I couldn’t even speak. Anyone who knows me knows what a feat that is. Ireland has been that elusive dream, that place that’s been calling me home for decades. As I get older, I feel more compelled to reconnect with the place that’s been in my head and heart since I was born. Yes, I am blessed to have this man. He knows me and he spoils me. I can’t even begin to spoil him enough in return.
Back on Wednesday evening, where I managed to avoid the computer until sometime late Thursday or Friday. The holiday weekend was wonderful. The two of us did fun stuff – First Friday in town, complete with good music and a nice light dinner. Saturday I sat up the sprinkler for the garden and perched myself on a beach chair right under it. Sunday, we went to Valley Forge Park and picnicked by the river – lentil loaf sandwiches with tomato-raisin sauce, my potato salad, and Snapple. Gotta have the Snapple. Then we went into town for fireworks.
And no, I didn’t know yesterday was declared a holiday day off. He reminded me. So I managed one small project yesterday just to get ahead of this pile facing me today.
Now back to work. I have an article to revise, interviews to line up, blog posts to get busy on, and a new article to propose. And I have my daily projects due. Back to the dance.
How was your holiday weekend? What’s new since I’ve been gone?
11 responses to “Re-entry”
Welcome back, Lori! How exciting about your trip to Ireland. That should be fabulous!
I thought I would get a lot done yesterday since so many were off, but it was not a productive day at all. My Mom kept saying it was because I wasn't supposed to be working. Apparently, she was right–again.
She has 2 doctor appts. today-one where she is having her eyes dilated so I have to drive her to both. So, doesn't look like today will be productive either.
Welcome home-we missed you!
Aw, I'm jealous of the pike story! On Saturday, my son and I respooled with fresh line and went fishing for rainbows in the creek-pool near our cabin. Alas, the water was all silted up from the previous day's monsoon rain–and there we were, using normally deadly spinners on a day that cried out for worms. Still, a pleasant morning and hike!
Back to work it is. Now…where the heck did I put my momentum??
What's happened since you've been gone? I finally got a couple of new assignments! (I'm so glad/relieved that I'm actually fighting the urge to use multiple exclamation points.)
They're from one of the editors I checked in with a couple weeks back. He said he'd have something soon, and he did.
My weekend was quiet, fireworks notwithstanding. On Saturday a friend and I went to a small flea market and antiques mall. On the 4th I did my best to keep my dog from freaking out. She did pretty well. Her vet's e-newsletter included a link to a recipe for "pupsicles" (basically OJ, yogurt, and banana blended together and frozen), so I made those. Fussy Doggie Lily LOVES her pupsicles!
I also finally finished that book I'd been reading for way too long, and in the last few pages it became clear why I hadn't been motivated to finish.
The book, A Lion Among Men, by Gregory Maguire, is the third book of the Wicked Years. No, I didn't get on the Wicked band wagon because of the musical. I first read Maguire's original novel more than 10 years ago. I loved the idea that it was the "real" story of the Wicked Witch of the West and turned everything you thought you knew about The Wizard of Oz on its ear.
When the musical debuted I was afraid I'd hate it. I didn't. (Yes, they changed a lot of things, but they stayed true to Elphaba's character.)
I also liked the second book: Son of a Witch. I participated in Barnes & Noble's online book club where I had a chance to interact with Maguire. (I was one of the few participants who didn't want the book series to continue, since he'd already told Elphaba's story, and then some.) The third book never really drew me in, and by the end, I realized why: It's little more than a set up for yet another book.
Cathy, I was going to ask how her cataract surgery went – all okay? I missed you, too!
Jake, where I was worms would've been wasted. The water was a good foot or so higher than usual and it was cool – bass aren't happy with those conditions. But pike sure are! I've never fished for trout (okay, once), but it's on the must-do list.
Paula, I tried that Wicked book. Couldn't get through the first few pages. I'm fairly patient with books, so that surprised me. Maybe I'll try it again. Glad your pup loves the new treat – I'd love it, too!
Welcome back, traveler! We missed you. What a wonderful hubby you have! When are you taking your Ireland trip? How exciting… definitely want to see photos.
You're right, it's true about the "one that got away." I love fishing too. Reminds me of growing up at the beach.
I was a busy bee this weekend. Unfortunately I didn't celebrate as much as I would have liked (my hubby had to work the 4th), but I was very productive, so something good came out of it.
Yesterday we were out and about running errands to escape our 86 degree house (no AC for a week in July in Texas will do that …) and lo and behold, we found a kitten! He is so incredibly precious, and we're hoping that our other cat will get along with him so we can keep him. I posted a pic on Twitter and on Facebook (and video) if you're interested.
Oh, that's so sweet, Ashley! Love kittens. We have one particular cat we've tried chasing away from the garden – can't do it. He looks at us and rubs against our legs. I'm a sucker for a cute face. 🙂
(Send me a note – you asked something earlier on Twitter, yes?)
A broken pole! That's some pike… good for you.
Missed you… I did some reading, both serious and mind candy…
hugs
Hi Anne! Glad to see you. 🙂 Missed you too, toots.
Ireland! Oh, lucky you. It's so lovely there. You must wave when you come all the way over.
Diane, I'll blow a kiss in your direction. 🙂
The usual. Busy. Crazy. Hot.