Yup, that's right. After a 4 day mini vacation, mostly driving, I'm back to work.
It takes about 6 1/2 or 7 hours to drive to South Jersey where my sisters live – however – I left on Friday and knew I would get into heavy traffic on the NJ Turnpike. Hey, everybody wants to get out of the city on the weekends, and heading to the Jersey Shore is not that far, well, as the crow flies, that is. So, it took me about 8 hours and 10 minutes.
On Saturday, we sent to a Civil Union ceremony. I got to see some relatives that I have not seen for some time. It was a happy occasion and we all had a great time.
My sister, Michele, me, sister JoAnne, my cousin Paul (my sister Michele and I swear he used to cheat at Monopoly, c'mon Paul, you're old enough to fess up!) and his mother my Aunt Doris. Sharp as a tack she is! She had only met Nick once and that was one of the first people she asked about.
I am truly sorry I did not take a picture of the desserts. My cousin Lyle and his partner, Roland had all of their friends make the desserts. A friend made the cake – then there were biscotti, cream puffs, cannoli, tortoni and a gazillion Italian cookies just to mention a few!
On Sunday I was planning to head to North Jersey near South Amboy to a party for Nick's great-niece. Before I left, however, I got a call from Beth saying their car had died in Beach Haven, which is on Long Beach Island. So, things changed. I left my sister's house and drove to Beach Haven. It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes, but it had rained, so all those people who were so anxious to get to the Jersey Shore on Friday, were now anxious to get home. Soooooooo, it took me 3 hours and 15 minutes to get there. But it was worth it because I got to see Beth, Jim, Chloe, Phoebe and Jim's Nona and mom. I walked in the door and dinner was on the table. Jersey tomatoes? From the garden out back? WOW, there is nothing better in the summer than a Jersey tomato and if you don't believe me, you'll just have to go there and see for yourself!!!
After the meal we went to the beach, which is only a short block and a half away. Chloe went to feel the water so she could let us know if it was warm or not – and it was wonderful, probably in the low 70's, so Beth, Jim, Chloe and I (Phoebe was at home asleep) went out to ride over the waves. Chloe even ducked under some of them with her dad. Wow, now that's a sign of growing up.
Chloe and Beth having a serious discussion.
Chloe having a warm snuggle with her dad.
Sorry, no pictures of Phoebe. The visit was so short I forgot to get the camera out in the house. I did get a chance to read stories to both of them, which I oh-so-love to do.
After another mini-meal (it's all about the food when you visit Italians – and delicious food, at that!) Jim and I headed for Jersey City. On Monday I drove home, but not before a stop at my favorite place, Trader Joe's. (Thanks Connie!) The drive home only took a little over 5 hours. Honestly, a piece of cake.
And that's what I did this past weekend. What did you do?
Your sister JoAnne or Michele?(the one at the top of the pic)looks like Martha(as I remember from the 70"s).
Your welcome :)
I'm going to make a new goal in life, "live a full life, like my friend June does"
Posted by: connie m. | August 12, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Connie, sister Michele is at the top and sister JoAnne is to the left. I love this picture of us – we all actually have our eyes open!!
Posted by: june | August 12, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Wow sounds like our week end whirling from place to place. Loved the pics of your sisters and the kids. We missed you at Sam's but I am glad you got to see your little ones.
Posted by: terry | August 13, 2009 at 07:39 AM
That is a fabulous picture (especially of my mom)! Sounds like a hectic but good trip. Wish you could have come when we were there, maybe next year!
Posted by: Samantha | August 13, 2009 at 03:19 PM