Sick Call

I've been battling a sinus and ear infection this week. When I couldn't keep my temperature or breakfast down, I decided to go to the walk-in clinic. I brought a book, anticipating a long wait, and was astonished to get in and out of the place in 30 minutes. As they were telling me how to use my new medication, they advised, "If you take the pill in the morning, don't drink a coupla beers with it. That would dilute the medication, and you might not absorb enough." Say what?!(Yes, you read that correctly, and I'm having a flashback to Dave Barry columns when he used to claim, "I'm not making this up.")

Best Breakfast

Folks here have strong feelings about where you can find the best breakfast. I’ve eaten at a few of the contenders, but I have found my favorite in an unlikely spot. Good Eggs is a hole in the wall—think surf shack—with limited seating and even fewer menu items, all wraps. The proprietor describes the options as “basic, standard, and deluxe,” albeit with countless variations. Just when you think you’ve made your selection, the barrage of questions begins: “Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or goat cheese? You want black bean salsa with that? Salt okay? What about a squirt of hot sauce? Flour, spinach, or tomato-basil tortilla?...” I marveled as he kept it all straight while preparing 6 wraps at once on a grill that was less than 4 square feet.

With all the seats at the only covered table occupied and a constant rain falling, I said I’d take my breakfast to go. He took my money and handed me a bacon, egg, and potato wrap the size of a can of beans. I thought about heading back to Home Sweet Home but made it only as far as the car before I dove in. I managed about half of it, bundled the rest, and stood it in my drink holder for the ride home. That’s 2 breakfasts for $6.75. Better than fast food (which we don’t have here).

In the evenings during season, Good Eggs converts into The Grilled Cheese Project. The concept is simple: choose from 3 breads, 3 cheeses, 3 meats… I bet it’s equally delicious.

Unavoidably Detained...

I returned to my hometown for a few days to continue cleaning out my childhood home. After loading the car this morning, I decided to grab lunch before hitting the road. What would be quick and easy? A pasty, the local favorite (pronounced with a short "a") that is something like a pot pie. To make things speedier--or so I thought--I brought one back to the house, along with the obligatory cole slaw and a fresh bottle of catchup. I was having trouble getting the condiment to dispense, so I gave it a massive shake and shot the cap and contents all over the room. It looks like a tomato massacre in here, with sticky, red goo covering the chair, wall, computer, and, of course, me. So we are hold on countdown while I reclean and do laundry. I'll get back to Home Sweet Home some day...

More Company, Another Sunset

Ann and daughter Abby were with me for a lazy weekend. We checked out the shops and galleries, ate more than was necessary, and went for the obligatory fish boil in a neighboring village. Afterwards we walked to the end of the street to join the community sunset gathering. While most of the folks sat contemplating the western sky, others built elaborate stone cairns along the beach, and one enterprising group of kids decided to construct a jetty to the sunset. When the big event occurred, everyone applauded, and people slowly dispersed into the twilight.

Social Climbing

I've had company for a few days, and we got a bit of a workout: 97 steps up the lighthouse, 109 up an observation tower overlooking the lake, and who knows how many up and over the dunes. The weather was spectacular and the views superb. Cathy had been here once before, so she introduced me to some of her old favorite places, and I showed her some of mine. More company arrives tomorrow, and there's still more to do around here. Yay!

Glorious Day

With most of the nation sizzling, we awoke to 70* and blue skies. A perfect day for kayaking! We headed out in 1-2' swells, dodging sailboat races and admiring all the blue and green surrounding us. The highlight was discovering caves as we paddled around a limestone bluff. When we used up breakfast, we called it a day and drove to a restaurant that specializes in wood-fired pizzas. Our "fun guy" was made with five different kinds of mushrooms, carmelized onion, and garlic cream cheese. Even the traditionalist--that would be Tom--thought it was excellent. Now we're off to the pool, and Tom will be playing grillmeister again this evening. Doesn't get much better than this...

Man o' Fire

Tom is visiting, and we are having an excellent time. (I'm sure he loves this place, but mostly he's relieved to be away from work and Florida's oppressive summer heat and humidity.) Yesterday morning we took on an ugly chore: consolidating five stacks of firewood into one. By the time we were finished, we were sweaty and grimy enough to justify joining kids' swim at the pool. Come evening, Tom set up a tripod grill, built a fire, and grilled sausage-stuffed mushrooms. I added spaghetti and sauce for a delicious dinner. Then we watched the fire and waited for the raccoon to visit.