I played hooky from work today. Well, technically, it was a pre-declared Vacation Day, it’s not like I called in sick or anything–which is actually something I’ve never done, with the exception, once, of the day my sister’s modular house was delivered sixteen years ago, and I took the day off from work to look after my at-the-time baby niece. I’m sure that I could, of course, have told my boss and taken a personal day, but I’d only been working there for a couple months and I couldn’t risk his saying “No,” so . . . I called in sick. The one and only time I’ve ever done it. (For that matter, I’ve only used one sick day in the 14 1/2 years I’ve worked at my current job–which I hopefully didn’t just jinx.)

Anyway, the relevant point is that I didn’t go to work today. Instead, I spent the day with my best friend, visiting home from California. I drove up to her brother’s house this morning to [quietly] pick her up, and then we took a long, meandering drive over Schooley’s Mountain, through Washington Township, and out to Historic Chester for lunch at a tea room. The ride was lovely, despite the sprinkles of rain. The back roads of New Jersey–despite my state’s undeservedly dismal reputation–are really so pretty. Hilly and green, lots of trees. Farms. Horses. Historic buildings made of stone and brick. Lots of antique stores (if you’re into that kind of thing). The tea room was filled with the cutesy, Victorian-inspired things you’d expect–along with price tags on almost every knick knack in sight, which we both thought seemed just a little tacky. The food was good, though, and the dessert selection very impressive, indeed.

After lunch, we retraced our route back to her brother’s house, and met these two little gentleman. Four weeks old yesterday. That’s Aidan on the left (he’s the younger one), and Alex on the right. Very cute, though they didn’t have much to say. I think they were trying out the strong, silent-type stereotype. Or maybe they were just shy, because their Mom assured me that they’re not always this quiet. Except for Alex’s justifiable complaint about his diaper, neither of them woke up for more than a couple seconds at a time while I was there. The two boys have very distinct little faces, and were easy even for me to tell apart. (I know this because in the two individual photos I took of them, I could tell right away which was which, despite having forgotten whose picture I took first.) Anyway, they’re very cute, and very sweet, and their Mom seems quite happy with them (grin).

I’ve been working on that Pine green, beaded project, which seems to be coming out pretty much the way I want it to. Quite a relief! I’m feeling my way through the design as I go, and am enjoying it, but am wondering if I maybe should be keeping notes, in case I want to try to recreate this pattern later. Oh well! The important thing is that I’m enjoying myself, right?

Incidentally, I’m enjoying my new, little camera and, guess what? My second one? The one that was back-ordered until September?? Yep. It’s on its way this very minute. Should be here tomorrow, I think.

Now, I’m completely beat tonight. All that driving, and laughing, and eating . . . plus, we got Chappy out for a walk tonight. That’s two days in a row, and we’re frankly a little in shock at the surprise. Chappy’s tired, too, from all the confusion–was it a week day? A weekend? Too hard to figure out! So, we’re both going to sleep now . . . see y’all tomorrow.

Tags: Family, Friends, General, Knitting/Spinning // 5 Comments »