one thing today

 

  I know it sounds goofy stupid WTF but I'm gonna say it anyway. I am at a new level of happy today - that stupid word. No today. Happy. 

Gary is a grand ole guy out here whose husband just died. Every evening close to sunset, he stands at the top of the stairway to the beach with an amber colored cocktail in his hand and wishes everyone who passes by "cheers."  Most mornings he lugs two beach chairs, an umbrella and a wooden side table to the beach and stakes a claim. The second chair for any company that may appear. Bryan and I helped him with his stuff this morning and got a local lowdown hoedown. He told us lots of people here think our cottage is the best house in Groveland. 

what a night of it ... like the Titanic only the opposite  ... one to remember. just might be the fun filled dinner soirée I ever mounted, at least out here. Seven years on. Bryan makes a "boll,  a Louisiana kinda shrimp sausage corn and more high score galore stockpot taste sensation jamboree. Asa and Ry and charming son Carpenter come and we sing, well Asa does, Poor Johnny One note along with Judy Judy Judy. And then later, a little with Marvin. Sexual Healing. Yum .   We begin outside. too windy. I bring in a table from the back porch and marry it to the coffee table. Bryan wears the Perry houses goofy hat and stands sentry, once in a while, serving up a well crafted bon mot. Noreens' mug grows brighter brighter from late day sun.   We talk about  the kidney packed in ice chest delivered to Channel Thirteen instead of Roosevelt Hospital across the street,  Pavarotti, Ray Charles, Blossom Dearie, Bob and Barbra, Rickie Lee, lots of Joni. Asa sweetly...

  My friend Brynne is here at the beach house with a couple of other of my peeps - longtime friends from thirteen ...  from way back in the day. She told me something funny last night. She said when she went to the market she really wanted to buy a watermelon but didn't because she makes it a rule to not do that when she hangs will all white people. I told her I never eat mayonaise when I'm with all blacks.  We bought here a watermelon today.

old smiling woman on the walk at the eastern end of the Grove. Right before the Meatrack. Fat, show offy bushery deep green and preening. We say good morning. She tells me its easy to be happy with this all around us. She's one of the few year round residents. I tell her I've been coming out since 1972 and have only missed two summers. She takes a photo of a cloud, waves goodbye and says "well don't miss another."   I do recall my first impression of here ... way back then. I was with my college housemate and some other folks and we walked along the full moon boardwalk, stoned, at night, with the high greenery making a lush arch around us. Music played everywhere, homes, the bar, the sky. We were on our way  to dancing, laughter, maybe kisses and touch.  It was just the most wonderful full of wonder moment flush with anticipation, friendship warmth, future, promise, right life.  ----------------------------- oh and btw, my friend Lynda can't comment on my po...