July 4th

Plenty of time to write today. We had to cancel our trip to New Bern as David the Reno Man has way too much to do before the place is habitable. He is a very nice guy and is apparently quite meticulous, so we will just wait until he is finished to his satisfaction. He has completed stripping the ancient wallpaper and painting the place one uniform light beige color, and has installed the neutral beige tile, although he had to reset a couple of tiles he was not happy with. But he has not installed the bathroom sink and counter, or the kitchen cabinets, counters and appliances, or the ceiling fan. He did say the place was much brighter now. So we will wait another week or two before heading for the coast. I am excited to see the results, especially after we put the bed in, with all the beige and chocolate brown and reddish accent colors. And the multicolored rug. And the metal wall decor I picked up at the Home Depot clearance corner and must spray black. I want to see if it all blends. BUT most of all this weekend I wanted to go to the pool, rent a boat, go bike riding, sit in the hot tub, eat at Morgan's Tavern again. Before they close it, sigh.

I say that because after three years of eating there at least two weekends a month, they closed the Armadillo Grill. This little fresh Mex cafe was our favorite casual eatery. We could schlepp in wearing our rattiest old shorts and flip flops and feel right at home. The place was always dark and cool, the tvs were everywhere but no sound, you could order a beer and an enchilada plate and know that you would not get any foreign objects in your food, like the metal nut I found in my food from Three Caballeros in Jax Beach. We knew it would happen. The place was never crowded, not even during furniture market. We really didn't expect it to stay open the first year. But after three, we figured they must somehow be making a profit, maybe in the bar. So I admit we were shocked to find it closed permanently, with a sign on the door to try their Raleigh and Carrboro locations. A bit far for a quick bite, I think.

So, still on the subject of food, since we had to stay in town, I decided we would at least have a cookout, just us. So I have chicken marinating in lime, garlic and cilantro, and we will also have grilled corn and pineapple, a salad and watermelon.I don't think we will be braving the traffic this year to try and see the fireworks at Oak Hollow Park. Last year, when Devon and Ray and the kids drove down on the spur of the moment and gas was two dollars a gallon cheaper, we tried to see the fireworks but ended up cruising up and down Eastchester, hoping in vain to find a parking spot.I really miss the days of watching from the beach, or even from my mother's houseboat in Palatka. I hope next year we will be in New Bern, or Jax Beach, or DC. We will have a better plan. Spending holidays alone is no fun, even if it is relaxing..who needs relaxation, unless it is by a pool, or floating up the Trent River?