s e p t e m b e r . 2 0 2 5

Fall is just around the corner ...

     ... but I feel like winter has struck.  thankfully not while we were with Finn, but probably from the flight home, I came down with RSV, and felt miserable for the rest of my sabbatical.  not the way I wanted to finish up what is probably my last sabbatical from work. 

     we have a new product in the garden ... a watermelon!  over time nine have emerged!  we watched the largest one grow throughout the month. 

     I'm not the only one enjoying the gardenias and the roses. 

     I got a new cookbook with recipes of African Americans throughout history.  the first one I created was my version of Charred Peach and Jalapeno Chutney, made with some nectarines that had seen better days. 

our sunflowers have been attacked, but the chocolate ones are still hanging in there.

we watched our second rosa bianca eggplant emerge and mature!

gardenias are still blooming and one last purple lysianthus needed to grace the dining table

     given that my 65th birthday is a month away, I had to make sure my driver license - which expires this birthday - was renewed, and I made a trip to the SSA local office to sort our my name questions and that I haven't been able to log into their website recently.  I was able to find out what their "my name" is, and schedule an appointment to talk to someone about medicare and benefits.  

     when I went to see Hunchback I texted with the music director who said he would also be MD'ing Sunset Boulevard next.  since this is a bucket list role, I try to see every production.  I went early enough to avoid traffic hazards, and had dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.  Kyle's music was tremendous, and most of the players were excellent in their roles.  Kyle came out to meet me afterward, and we had a lovely time catching up!  

     at the end of the month I went to my second hair styling appointment at the salon school.  Anabel was again my stylist, and she remembered so much about my last visit!  I mentioned I crocheted, and she said she would love for me to crochet cherries for her, since her friend said she would but never did.  I made them that night!  I have to keep my hairdresser happy :-) 

     that evening, I spent a little time in the garden and a little more time in the kitchen and made about a quart of fresh basil oil, for dipping or salad dressings.