I left for the Jersey shore on Tuesday morning to visit my parents and relax a bit. I also wanted to give TobyJoe some “time off”. That doesn’t mean he’s not still working—he’s very much at work and working—it means he gets to sleep all night long and wake up later than 6 AM (which is when I leave for the gym in the morning).
Incidentally, my stay here has a LOT to do with how I was able to completely space on what day of the week it was. I want to apologize to all of you who waited to read about Murray. I will make it up to you (and him). I gotta say, however, I am constantly heart warmed by the number of people who like Murray and look forward to seeing him. It always makes me happy whenever I get an email demanding to know where Murray is. (You have no idea how happy.)
So. Thank you for your email. Thank you for the comments. Thank you all for thinking of Murray.
Alas, what have I done while visiting South Jersey? I ran. I shopped. I ate fatty, caloric food. I sat around. I wrote. I took Em to the beach for the first time. We took him to Long Beach Island—a place I used to hang out as a kid. We vacationed there every summer. I also grew up deep sea fishing right off the island with my father. I have been doing that since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I used to ask him if there were skulls “down there” or big whales. I used to ask if there were treasures (not of the pharmaceutical waste variety either). I used to ask about dolphins. We used to catch flounder and blue fish. I grew up on that beach, more or less.
And so we thought it’d be nice to show that beach and its elephant ears to my son. We dressed him in a pumpkin shirt and took him to the sand. He loved it.
I was a little surprised that he’s so fearless. You see, there’s a storm brewing off the Atlantic (the same one making its way into Brooklyn on Friday and Saturday) and it’s causing some pretty rough seas off the coast. He loved it anyway—the wind, the sand in his face, the cold—he loved it all.
I love the fall. Right now, I’m wearing a wool sweater my mom bought for me. I’m sipping an ale and my belly is full of pasta. My feet are propped up. I’m reclined.
And my toes are stooping toward October.
Happy second day of Fall, my friends.
You know what’s funny? When I realized on the train the other day that the leaves were turning, I thought of you guys. We miss you. We should get together soon. xo
I’m so jealous. I’m in Arizona with the A/C whirring away behind me. I only wish I could wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt. One of these days…
Enjoy your time. Your baby is gorgeous and I’ve been watching you guys for a while now – you are a great writer!
Cheers!
A, I love reading about Murray every week. Whenever my boyfriend and I talk about getting pets, I occasionally say I am okay with a cat, and I can say that that statement is almost entirely due to Murray. B, Em is fricking adorable in that third photo.
Your photos are so sweet. I love the fall too and cannot wait to wear jackets and scarves and drink hot chocolate.
Enjoy your mini-vacation!
I love the fall too. I look forward to spring and fall every year. There is something about the season, I think when the weather feels that good, it makes me feel like everything else is good. Or will be. Not sure how to explain it, just feels good. :)
These are beautiful photos. It makes me happy to look at them. Thank-you for sharing! And WOW! you leave for the gym at 6am!!! I’m impressed! :-)
Live in Houston area and was out of power for a long eleven days. took another few days to restore cable and the internet so it seems like forever since I got to read your blog. Loved catching up and though I have lots to comment on, what I really want to say is that the beach pic of you looks great! You look tall and slender. So jealous. Yes, Em is as adorable as ever but you look amazing.
Hurricane Ike….so much to reflect on and will soon when my mind absorbs it all and can put it all into words.
Thanks for your writings. They always make an impact on me.
Cyn