The Call of the Beaches

What a hot summer this is turning out to be. I am inside for a couple of days working on some glass and it's a bit of relief. I had a trip to the beach last week and got sunburnt and a mild case of sunstroke or sun sickness. For two days I was completely drained with almost zero energy and that, my friends, is very unusual for me. My daughter's friend who was with us suffered the same fate but her skin blistered as well. We were at the beach too long basically - from before noon to after five in the sun with not a cloud in the sky and temps of 28 C.

We had an overnight rain once last week but none this week. Yesterday there were showers forecast but we recieved none - just more heat. I was wishing for rain and everyone thought I was crazy. I like the balance rain brings.

On Sunday I attended a twenty-fifth annual and final celebration of friendship, seafood and music that has been a mainstay of my summers. Our sons and daughters now have sons and daughters and three and maybe four generations were together. It was marvelous to see all the new babies and children. The oldsters played music in the early part and the youngin's took over the stage for the late night. I will miss this yearly event and tradition as I don't get to see a good many of the folks on a regular basis. I was always guaranteed a chance to catch up once a year and have a good time and wonderful food and music while doing it.

This song comes to mind every time I go swimming and I should play the real thing instead of the weird rhymes in my head. I always enjoy Loudon Wainwright III and The Swimming Song. The second song is for a friend who came over from Halifax for the party and also played a set on Sunday night. She does a GREAT version of this song, Deep River Blues done here by Janet Bean.

Why not a couple extra songs to make up for my lack of attendence here this summer. I love If It's the Beaches by The Avette Brothers and stupidity once in my life will not keep me away from the beaches. I am going down for a swim after posting as a matter of fact. Finally a request from the heavens said perfectly by Jo Dee Messina with Bring on the Rain. I'm only asking for one day or night, not a deluge.

Watery Days

I am having a different kind of dinner party tonight. I am bringing dinner to my colleagues at work. When my mother-in-law was alive, she always invited my sister-in-law and I to dinner when she made Orange Mackerel. No one else in our families liked the strong fish. I make it now and then and invite my sister-in-law but she can't come tonight as it is her son's birthday and she is having her family over for supper. I have five mackerel marinating and that's too many for just me so the perfect solution is to share with someone.

I have someone coming over for some flowers in the garden but we'll be out there in the rain. We've had thunder and some heavy showers this afternoon but the morning was nice. I so badly need some sun and am a little miffed that my days off are rainy and the others are to be fine. If it's not raining hard tomorrow I may walk on the beach anyway as I have a real need to get there sooner rather than later.

Today's music comes from The Avette Brothers. If It's The Beaches and Sea and the Rhythm are perfect songs for what's on my mind.