Lost Beach Time

The black ball-point ink line still marks my foot, where the podiatrist will operate on July 18th. A grim reminder that 2 to 4 weeks of beach time will pass with me stretched out on the downstairs couch, recuperating. Tarsal tunnel is the diagnosis.

Bittersweet

Wish I was writing about chocolate, but am referring to my last day today as a full time employee of the Pier School. Thirteen years have blown by, filled with contented hours watching middle schoolers running around the playground, boys chasing girls and girls shrieking in delight, tetherballs coming untied and flying across the lawn, soccer balls soaring on the roof, and the sounds of pure happiness filling my space. Every year there were annual magical moments, too. In spring dragon flies buzzed so close I saw their stained glass wings. In fall brilliant orange and yellow leaves glowed against the clear blue sky. In winter, when no one else wanted to go outside, I zipped up my coat, pulled on my gloves, and felt lucky to have such a job. I loved my job.... With great melancholy I moved through the day, shocked that I was old enough to retire!

Full House

Last night, once Josh arrived at 1:00 am from his week long business trip, there were 7 people in our house. Quite a flurry of activity around the bathroom once every one woke up. Transplanted more rhubarb today, a hefty chunk that came from a friend's great-grandmother. Now I have two varieties thriving in homemade compost. I can freeze the bite sized maroon pieces (uncooked) and make rhubarb crisp year round.... Barbara Kingsolver will be proud!! Went to Narragansett Beach at 5:00 by myself. Windy, but managed three good rides on mediocre waves. Will sleep with a wet wash rag draped over my foot. Not quite as crowded tonight as Theo and his parents are gone.

Shot in the Foot

Yesterday I had the dubious honor of being shot in the foot with .... a cortisone shot. After having gone through it.... I would not recommend it. I was at the podiatrist for a pre-op visit when he decided a shot might help him properly diagnose my foot problem. It burned going in, then about 20 minutes later I was crippled, walking from the car to the house. Spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with a cold pack on my foot. Pain subsided and in the morning everything felt better... so he cancelled my surgery which was scheduled for tomorrow. At first he thought I had a lipoma (fatty deposit) on my foot.. now he thinks it might be nerve entangelment with surrounding tissue inflammation. I am relieved because recovery would have robbed me of 4 precious weeks at my beach. He will try some alternative treatments before surgery is rescheduled... if it ever is.

Beetles in Grass

2-3 lbs. leeks - cut in slices and made into rings (figure that one out!)
1 clove garlic
3 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup water
1/4 - 1/2 cup cooked drained black beans
1/2 bottle of World Harbors "Island Mango" sauce/marinade
cooked rice
Northwoods Fire seasoning or some other hot seasoning. (optional)

In a 10" frying pan, saute garlic slices in oil, then discard. Add sliced leek rings (green and white part) to the oil. Saute, stirring till half cooked. Add water. Cover and finish cooking, then remove lid and evaporate most of the liquid. Looks like circular grass, right? Add bottled mango sauce, beetles (black beans), and seasoning. Warm. Serve on bed of rice.

Summer Crops and then some...

While I'm weeding round two inch high string beans babies and carefully watering fledgling tomatoes, Jesse is tending a single turnip seed, planted in April. My harvest will be in August. Her white and purple beauty will not be ripe till the end of December. Of true heirloom quality, her crop will continue to grow, even after it's picked. Check out her blog for more details.

Sixty Minute Escape

John had to work at BK last night so I picked up a friend of his and the two of us spent from 5 to 6 pm near lifeguard chair 5 last night. Few people. I forget that the body to body business really begins around July 4th. Slight wind, fewer waves than Wednesday. Still exhilarating to dive through cold and slick my hair back with salty water. Unfortunatly visit was short, hopefully tonight we'll watch the sun set. At 9:00 pm my favorite surprise visitor arrived, dragging his bike into the house. Today, while I'm at work, he'll ride the 2 miles to enjoy the water, too. See what you're all missing!!!

The Beginning of Swimming Season

After two days of scorching temperatures and stagnant sopping air, the ocean is beginning to warm. It was 62-63 today. John and I went to Narragansett Beach at 5:00 and swam for 25 minutes, riding some pretty decent waves. No seaweed at all, strong straight rollers, perfect for bodysurfing. We weren't even chilled when we got out. Usually I don't catch waves till late June or early July, so I'm thrilled that the water is warming. Three giddy months of wave riding stretch before me.