Mom’s morning coffee crew showed up today with pizza and Pepperidge Farm cake in hand to visit the ‘invalid’ for lunch. Frankly, she’s not an invalid at all (way to go, Mom) and these ‘girls’ were a hoot. One of the friends is 87 and still goes tanning. They have designs on young men that assist them across the street. The gossip about the ‘old neighborhood’ or someone from church, or one of their own family members would make you blush. Or laugh. Lots of laughter. They have all seen their share of happiness, tragedy, loss, and love. They share their stories every day at 9 AM over a cup of 99¢ McDonald’s coffee, their friendships and laughter extending beyond their booth to whomever is sitting nearby with an Egg McMuffin or free wifi. I am reminded of my ‘lunch ladies’ or the guys from the ‘man’ table or all my friends from work. I miss you all, but I did get a good gossip fix from the Golden Girls version 2017.
I am in training for my second sprint triathlon June 24 in Tupper Lake. I was swimming regularly prior to the move, but not recently. The orthopedist recommended I stop running since my knee has no cartilage left ( due to an ACL tear and several scopes in my 40’s). Coincidentally, it’s the same knee as Mom’s new bionic one. As of late, the only training I’ve done is carb loading: Easter Cross bread, authentic rye bread, Wegman’s Marathon bread, cousin Carol Ann’s divine babka, homemade placzek, tea and scones with Jane, Buffalo style pizza (where the pepperoni curls up to cup the oil), chicken wings, and a number of visits to new, local microbreweries. To the rescue comes my dear high school and college friend and maid-of-honor Pauline to invite me to workout with her at her gym in Angola, NY. In the Garage gym, literally, a garage, I tried boxing for the first time and I will look for the opportunity again! My sister Terry invited me to a 4 hour volleyball session on Saturday, so YAY! Did some hiking at a few local parks. Add a couple hours playing with my 4 year old nephew William and some softball practice with niece Emily (reigning ‘Student of the Month’) and I should catch up a bit in the exercise column.
My new reality 