Wintry Mix

[A dab of color, Habit Wildlife Sanctuary; 3:30 pm, 12/2/07]

The cold began settling in this weekend. It was gloomy and raw all day and tonight it's snowing, with predictions of sleet in the morning or some mixture of the two. I checked the trunk of my car for implements of snow/ice removal and found them under the two sand chairs and the beach umbrella, which I hauled off into the basement. Sigh. This week when I saw Maddy for a hair appointment I asked if she was interested in going someplace warm this winter (we've traveled together in Mexico a couple of times in recent years) but she said she was thinking of staying around here and (at the time) I kinda felt the same way. But I'm not sure we'll still be saying that after a few weeks of winter weather.

[Potting shed, Habitat; 3pm, 11/25/07]

One thing about staying around here is that I'm still reveling in my newfound proximity to civilization. There seems to be no end to the things to explore (sounding like such a rube!). Though I wasn't more than a 40-minute drive away before, it's not the same as living here, where spontaneity can dictate any number of things to do. Friday night after work, my friend Martha stopped by and we walked to a new restaurant down the street, an elegant little Mediterranean grill with very good food and friendly service. It wasn't cheap, but we shared two appetizers and one entrée, plus wine, so it wasn't exorbitant. Our waiter told us about a pub not far away that he and the staff like to hang out at, which we're looking forward to trying out. Across the street from the restaurant, a new wine and gourmet foods store opened last week, with weekly wine tastings. And these are just within walking distance from my apartment out here in the burbs.

Late this morning, I took a short drive to go check out Russo's, a huge farm stand turned food emporium in Watertown that reminded me a bit of La Grande Epicerie at Le Bon Marché in Paris -- not nearly as elegant of course (this is Watertown, not Paris!), but with an incredible array of fresh produce (including all kinds of Asian greens I've only seen in recipes), imported cheeses, meats, a bakery, shelves of condiments and jams (many of which appeared to be locally produced). All of it at prices well below Whole Paycheck Foods, Wilson's Farm, and even the local chain grocery stores. I had to laugh, though, thinking about Dick Jones' The Fruit and Veg poem I read last week. It was completely overwhelming. And packed with people as colorful and varied as the store's offerings. (I had my camera but was too shy to take any pictures. Maybe next time.)

[On the Highland Loop Trail, Habitat; 12/02/07]

Last winter I dithered awhile trying to decide about a winter vacation and then J invited me to visit her in Paris in April-May. So I might just wait and see if something comes up. If not, I may save my money and consider a trip for my big 5-0 birthday next fall. We'll see. Meanwhile, I'll try to stay warm right here without getting too crabby about it.

 

Comments

[Bob Eggleton]

Always, always an engaging read Leslee. I'm getting over a freak Staph infection in my left forefinger! Started by a hangnail of all things..became life threatening in a very short time, but with massive antibiotics at the ER, I should be okay. It already looks better.

Not at all into Xmas this year. Xmas songs get turned off, usually...been reading your past posts so I know how you feel this year. I'm not even putting up a tree or anything. Weird. I used to like Xmas too.

[leslee]

Geez, Bob! That's scary. You're not the first person I've known that that's happened to either. Gads. Hope it continues to clear up and you're well soon.

We'll put up a tree here - given the cold and dark, it makes it cheerier. It is a lot harder though.

[Ana]

I have yet to check out Russo's although I've heard raves about it from friends. I'm really going to have to try it now!

[leslee]

Ana: It's pretty impressive. I'm going to try to go back at some off time next time - it was pretty crowded. Although I have to say I didn't spend much time in the checkout line - they have a lot of them. It would just be nicer to be able to stop for a second and look at things without being constantly in someone's way.

[mm]

Well if you can hold on I can't think of a better place to be than Paris for the big five-oh. Or any other birthday.