Swordfish, Sun and Sand

Every once in awhile in my life I hit the jackpot, find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and the treasure at X marks the spot. This weekend was amazing.

Beginning with H's visit which had a shaky onset but blossomed into a roaring adventure. How can a person win a million dollars yet say it was not enough? That is how I feel. I had so much with H sharing time with me, but I want more. We've known each other for close to fifteen years, but haven't seen each other for six? And that last visit was just a quick 'check in', not a 'lets chew on the world and have fun' visit. Thank you, H for setting aside your life for a while and sharing with me. I am richer because of it, and will spend my riches sparingly going forward so it lasts until the next visit. I am more drawn than ever to making the trip to your world, I want a share in your wonderful family for just a little time. I want you to come back with your family and enjoy everything here with them, too.

Thank you, Matilda, for sharing Harry this weekend. Couldn't have done it without you! (sorry, couldn't think how else to express that?)

I have to go to Newport at least by tomorrow, and I know I will be remembering our fun there, and will probably show up to my sites with tears. I'm having an idea, (to which statement the typical response should be "uh oh"). I am going to try to design a pattern for a hook rug kit that I can send to you. My first thought was for it to represent the things we did and saw in Newport, but as it somewhat develops in my mind, I am thinking of the whole trip. I can get burlap, or some equally appropriate material, draw out the theme, and color the sections so you can hook it. Cool?

I can't believe we did it. We all met.

V, I loved the cookies! I loved that you came on one of my favorite hikes with us! I'm so glad you spent the day playing with us. Please feel free to come ANYTIME, even if you want to bring a friend and hang out on the beach, go kayaking, or hike, whatever.

PT & N (and Sadie), everyone was way right! Your dips were the best! I managed to get some yesterday with some carrot sticks - was my lunch. I loved finally spending time with you guys. X & M are such awesome people, that I know their choices of people whom they like (love) are more than good, so I was looking forward to the schmoozing. It makes me happy that you had a chance to relax, to put the stress away for just alittle bit. I repeat my offer to V, and extend to you guys as well.

When Paul & I first acquired this playground of a property, we both said that we hope our friends will take advantage of it also. We hope you know that even if we are not home, or otherwise occupied, the house is open, the woods are open, the beach is open...and we both sincerely and genuinely mean that. All we ask is a quick heads up in case we had some entertaining thing planned, which is actually rare.

In a nutshell (no pun intended), this weekend will go in my journal of favorite memories, thanks to all of you. My feet are sore, but that is because Paul & I played a killer game of badminton after the storm yesterday - barefoot, on wet grass. Just thought I'd wrap things up flirting with broken legs, twisted ankles, or Goddess Forbid, an injured knee. Maybe I want to be in the club. Um, nah. I don't think so.

Mel - thank you for your help, as always. You are always my right hand 'man' when it comes to kitchen stuff. I can't remember how I used to pull things off BM (Before Mel), and I think I did something right so Goddess sent you to me, via X. You are the best s'more maker. And I'm grateful that X manned the grill, serving us some very delightful swordfish and chicken. And great beer...

So Paul & I wrapped up the weekend bringing H to the airport -sad. But then we stopped to get him a new phone, cause his was randomly making calls. Pretty funny. He found the AT&T store in Rhode Island, but forgot to check the hours. So we got breakfast and went to Sears to get a new vaccuum cleaner, and then the phone place was open. Two young gentlemen waited on us, and they were GREAT! Paul cannot have a camera phone, so that tends to be more tricky than you'd guess. The only phone they had in stock sucked, and the boys were honest about that, so they suggested he get another phone at a neighboring store, trade sim cards and put that on the account. I was able to PUT Paul on the account, which will be helpful in the future, and they told us how to save $32 in charges that Sean had acquired with internet/phone use. (what to say to customer service). Then we went home to clean things up, and went for a swim to Blueberry Island and hung out on the beach for awhile. Nice.

Who left their towel? It is a large blue ocean motif beach towel. I washed and it will be here when you come back. Oh, and H - you left your gray hoody here, too. Would you like me to send?

Thanks again for all the fun.

Peace - oh, and some pictures to follow