Summer redux...

I had a whole list of things to do this weekend, but my overall goal for today was to spend as much of the day in air conditioned spaces as possible. Over ninety degrees in September. Can we please rethink this...

So I ran many errands, none really vital, and came home with a full list of things to do with the evening, most of which disintegrated with the full force of the heat in the house. Thank goodness for a better weather outlook for the week, including a lack of rain in the forecast - bad for the plants, good for the roof (repairs to happen next week or the week after)!

Early this afternoon, I met Rachel for coffee at Infusion Coffee & Tea, just a few blocks away on Germantown Avenue. The coffee was great, and the seating options included tables, sofa and outdoor patio. The one drawback is they seem to keep early hours almost every night. This is of little use. But not always: they have events many Friday evenings that add a few extra hours. I would love a local, non-bar option with late hours, climate control and free wireless. Infusion or the Hill Tea Bar are the most likely candidates for this. Or couldn't the Trolley Car stay open daily until at least midnight? Come on, work with me here.

Or maybe I just need to invest in some sturdy, comfy furniture for the porch, and break down and buy a hi-speed connection and obviate the need for a cafe open on my schedule... Another entry on the Someday list...

Catching up...

I haven't written properly since before Camp, and weariness prevents me from doing so now, but much has happened in these weeks that are each a topic in and of themselves. I may or may not get to them later, but know there's much to say:

-E&A Week 2008 report - making good
-Swarthmore begins
-Cocktails for 65
-When it rains it pours - inside the house

I'm thrilled with the approach of cooler weather and the lovely Autumn. I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend, mostly at home, to regroup, clean up, and bleach tablecloths back to their pre-stained white - a deep breath before the holidays kick in. And best yet, I might even get to sleep in!

So to bed...

It apparently is true!

Walking from the trolley this morning, I spied these in the window of Steap. I'll have to go investigate!

My future cat?

Folks keep asking me whether, now that I have a house, I'm going to get a pet. But I'm still never home, so it's probably still not the brilliant move. However, I am partial to this cat who comes to visit when I leave my front door open, and hangs out on my porch with some regularity...

I am the luckiest one...

I can't even begin to say how lucky I feel this morning - tired, thrilled that the party went well, and all of that but mostly lucky and grateful to have such wonderful people in my life.

Last year, when I was writing up notes after my cocktail party to help plan for this year, I wrote, "get help during the day." And help I had. Susie, Emily, Dirk and Eleanor made yesterday possible and even easy. Things just got done, and done so well.

The house was packed. There was enough food. People had a good time. And then...

I was not expecting a quilt. Not in a million years. I am not often surprised, but the quilt blew me away. I can't believe it's here and was given to me but for the fact that it's hanging on my dining room wall. If any of you who sewed a stitch are reading this, a thousand thank yous. I love you all.

Party, T-2.5 days

At this moment I'm simply fooling myself that I will be able to accomplish all that needs doing before Saturday night. I will do it, of course, with help, but it will be a bit touch and go...

-Teach class tomorrow night (decide about longsword)
-Party grocery/beverage shopping
-Cleaning, decluttering (this is never-ending...)
-Prep food for 50
-Prewash all plates and glasses
-Formulate a rain contingency plan (done - it's going to rain, and if everything moves inside, I won't have to worry about lighting)
-Plate and serve the food
-Make/buy ice
-Make sure my shoes still fit (I think I'll do that now...)

Oh, and which little black dress should I wear...

To begin...

It's Labor Day for a few more short minutes. Summer is over for all intents and purposes. My semester starts tomorrow night at Swarthmore. GCD begins again on Wednesday after our August break. Fall is a time for beginnings - new shoes, new school supplies, new advenures...

To begin,
Catch your partner's eye
Before you cast off.
Just miss each other as you cross up,
But stay connected by a glance in the figure eight.
Briefly catch hands in the star, in the circle.
Linger, for an extra moment,
Then let the gate sweep you away.

Reunited, dance down the center
Holding a gaze, holding your breath.

Finally turn together,
Wrapped in the music and the moment.
Two move as one.
Begin.