Big local topic of discussion this week: the mega-sailing-yacht Mirabella V broke anchor and grounded herself on the rocks near Cap Ferrat during gale-force winds while in a dangerous spot (everyone else with any sense, or so they say, was moored in harbor or at very least, not sitting on that side of the point), sat stranded and damaged for two days before being shifted free and assisted-in for assesment and repairs. The incident was given a lot of attention–front page of the Nice Matin newspaper, full color picture, above the fold–because Mirabella V is the largest sloop in the world, just completed and launched this year, owned by the American gazillionaire-owner of Avis car rentals. He's never going to live this one down. Wonder what happens if I park my next rental car on a hill without the parking brake on?
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Mom's having a good time in Los Angeles (or as The Custard likes to call it, Smogville) this weekend, visiting Thomas and generally cleaning up his act, well, his apartment anyway. She's a dangerous thing in a Target.
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Gordon, Mom's gentleman friend, sent these pictures that he snapped during our dinner party when Mike and Matt were visiting last month. Check out that last one—Mom and Mike, all that love! Pity Gordon was too busy taking pictures to be in one! -
Miss Grace's love of snarling crocodiles and alligators aside, these Crocs look to be perfect shoes for kids, and, for adults who spend alot of time on their feet or in slippery (boat!) conditions. Made of a high-tech closed-cell rubberized stuff, they conform to your feet, maintain a non-slip grip and are highly ventilated, making them very comfortable–or so they say. I haven't tried them myself yet, but they are on my growing 'check out when back in States' list.
aside: little Grace and I spend alot of time imitating animals, making animal sounds and gestures, as you are likely to do with a nearly-two year old. The snarlier and nastier the beast, the better. (That's her opinion, not mine!) -
Mom's leaving the tranquility of Door County for the bright lights (and freeways) of Los Angeles this week to visit Thomas. Wonder what those two will get up to?
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I've started a new crochet project, after having found a new learn-to-crochet book entitled, appropriately enough, Learn to Crochet (by Sue Whiting, published by New Holland) at the local english book shop. It is a very helpful addition to my other teach-yourself crochet guide, Vogue's 1971 Guide to Knitting, Crochet and Macrame (!), found in the basement used book section of the same shop. Between the two, I'm getting the hang of it. I'd better be, since this is my fifth or six project. I know now why the blanket I made for my sister's baby shower was 'growing' so much–I had very carefully, erroneously, added a stitch to each row. Oops. This new blanket (something to keep for myself this time!) is coming along much better, especially as I've taken the time to block it out properly—Bert is bemused, though silent, about the large strips of crochet work pinned down on the dining table. As long as it's cleared away by dinner time, he doesn't say a word.
Maria, on the other hand, noting my speedy progress on such a big blanket, has suggested I might be in need of some male companionship. Duh.
note: In addition to the books, I've found a few online resources for crocheters (knitters don't get all the love anymore!), including patterns and help at crochet me and a friendly blog from yarngirl. -
this is the day, three years ago, that i learned of the insignificance of refrigerators. all my loving thoughts to those who know what i'm talking about, and a few more loving thoughts to those who don't.
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woo-hoo! The English bookshop had a hardcover copy of 'In the Company of Cheerful Ladies', the latest in Alexander McCall Smith's series of No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency tales. Pure, pure joy to read. -
I had to explain to Maria what a "McMansion" is today. Why have one of those when all you might need is one of these?
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–"Miami's airport was crowded with tourists whose vacations were ruined or interrupted by Frances. "I think it's a big fuss over nothing," said 35-year-old Geraldine Lamb, who was visiting from London."–
Right-o sweetheart.
"Nothing" being Hurricane Francis, just on the heels of last month's deadly Hurricane Charley.
