Rough estimate, but I sleep from around 10:30 pm to around 6:30 am.
If I wake up and see a 4 or a 5 (or god forbid a 3) as the first number on my watch, I try to go back to sleep.
I’ve been known to Hurkle-Durkle until well past 8, but not that often.
In the past five years or so, I’ve gone back to wearing two-piece bathing suits. I’m not talking French bikinis here, but legit, midriff-exposing, two-piece swim suits—without skirts or ruffles (but with some strategic ruching). Two-piece suits are just more comfortable than one-piece suits and so much easier when using the restroom. I even wear one to swim laps these days.
No, I will not be posting a picture of myself in my two-piece, but here’s Paulina in hers, with both hip-replacement scars showing.
Another thought: If you get HBO Max, be sure to watch Jessica Lange in “The Great Lillian Hall.” It’s such a beautiful performance. At age 75, Lange is better than ever.
I’m obviously SUPER EXCITED to become a grandma this fall!
I did not make this cake, but it was a big hit. It’s a Whole Foods quarter sheet Strawberry Shortcake. It also comes in smaller (round) sizes. If you need a cake for a party this summer, I highly recommend this one. It’s really good.
Related:
What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?
Sometimes you should let go of preconceived ideas of which foods go together and try things that sound weird.
For example, my husband makes (and claims to have invented) peanut butter and salsa sandwiches. I won’t eat those, but I do love cheddar cheese in apple pie. And have you seen Episode 1 of Season 3 of The Bear on Hulu yet? Was that a blood orange reduction and a large potato chip on a seared scallop?!? It looked pretty darn good.
You don’t think of peanut butter and pasta as being a good combo, but this recipe from NYT Cooking is a winner. It’s called “Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce, Chicken and Cucumbers.” I didn’t have sesame paste (tahini) so I substituted natural peanut butter (as the recipe suggests) and it was good! I will try it again with tahini at some point.
Recipe attached as a PDF:
OK, I just watched Biden’s interview with George Stephanopoulos and I’m of two minds.
On the one hand, I’m worried that Biden thinks this whole thing is about him. If we lose to Trump, Joe will be just fine because ‘he tried his best.’ Yeah well, what about US?
On the other hand, he did remind me about his stature on the international stage. He held NATO together and even expanded it in defense of Ukraine. He’s accomplished many things — most importantly, he defeated Donald Trump.
So, here’s where I’m landing. If he doesn’t drop out and hand the Presidency and the nomination over to Harris soon, I want to see him involve her in everything. I want her prominently featured in the campaign. I want her leading the charge for women, and prosecuting the case against Trump (Kavanaugh hearings style) at every turn! I want to know that he’s truly mentoring her to takeover for him.
And yeah, he’s still old and mixes up shit, but it seemed more like normal old guy stuff, not like at the debate — where he seemed dementia-level confused.
My two cents.
Describe your most memorable vacation.
Sometimes a one-nighter in your own area can be fun. I haven’t spent much time in Boston since I left my job, so it’s good to be back in the city.
Happy Birthday to all Americans. We are 248 years old today. Long may we run. 🇺🇸
On what subject(s) are you an authority?
I’m not an authority on anything, but I have plenty of opinions.
In my opinion, President Biden should resign now and let VP Harris take over. His condition is not going to get better. It is old age and it never reverses. He should not have run for a second term, but he did, so now our only viable option is VP Harris. I’m optimistic that she will rise to the occasion and beat Trump, as she has shown tremendous leadership on the abortion issue of late.
Adam Sewer of The Atlantic said what I am thinking: Biden Must Resign.
I wish someone would play Biden the Hamilton soundtrack this weekend. The song “One Last Time” is so poignant. President Washington stepped down (at age 64) for the good of the country. I think President Biden (age 81!) should do the same, but what do I know?
What’s your definition of romantic?
This prompt is giving me flashbacks to my college art history survey: the darkened auditorium, the slides of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the 20th century, the occasional nap. I got a B in that class. Not bad.
The Romantic Period in art (late 18th century to mid 19th century) was characterized by “a focus on emotion, individualism, and the sublime. Artists of this period often emphasized intense feelings, dramatic compositions, and the beauty and power of nature.”
Based on that definition, I’m going to have to say that the Grand Canyon is the most Romantic place I’ve ever been.
Pretty darn sublime, right?
How do you express your gratitude?
Usually saying “thank you” with sincerity is enough. Sending a handwritten note is always a good idea too.
In recent years, I’ve discovered some lovely options for personalized gifts on Etsy. My daughter first introduced me to it.
I got some cool monogrammed money clips for my son and my nephews, which they seem to love. I’ve purchased monogrammed leather luggage tags and I got my son a personalized leather tray for graduation, with his school’s seal. I ordered this necklace for a Cat Lady in my life.
Most recently, I ordered these all-natural handmade soaps with essential oils from a Canadian artisan on Etsy. I liked the soft, natural colors and the real wildflowers on the top of each bar. I used them as favors for people who attended my daughter’s baby shower. They were a hit. Guests enjoyed smelling all four varieties, then choosing their favorite. The personalized labels are a nice touch. (The back side of the label lists all the ingredients in each soap.)
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