We should have been making over him, as he's newly retired (sorta)! Over the visit we heard of some plans of his to enjoy some free time for a change, just the way he likes it...out seeing America on his Harley. It was also fun to have him on hand to watch the finishing touches being put on the pool...and the whole yard re-do come to a close!
Before nightfall, I had the pleasure of chatting at length on the phone with two other gals from 365, so in all, it was a most excellent day! Oh, and that cheesecake.. I had a nice-sized half wedge (that's my piece...Ken has one, also!) with an espresso for dessert, and let me tell you...moist, not too sweet, dense and perfection! Wow!
(Maybe I can add it to that already-double chin... It would be SO worth it!)
What a treat....both the cheesecake, and seeing you two together!! Ron, @stray_shooter, I forgot to mention that I had a little fall myself, and could really use a visit and a slice of that cheesecake!! Louise, it was so great to talk to you this afternoon, and let's make it happen for the end of the month!
@panthora mmmmm, Osia... I'm not sure "little" falls will cut it... You've got to do something really dramatic...and we know the "heights" you'd go to "to fall for Ron & his cheesecake"! ...LOVED the call, darlin'...and next stop before shutting down (which probably isn't eminent because of the espresso...two to be exact...) is to send out that invite! And it hit me, after we talked, I might actually be up on my feet by then! How great would THAT be!
@gilbertwood I just realized it might have sounded like he was from New York! Actually, he only works about 8 miles from us, but he'd been on a job assignment in NYC the last few weeks! We did meet him via 365 and what a great guy...a real pleasure to know him.
Love cheesecake, this one looks delish. I used to make one with chocolate crust, chocolate cheesecake and a ganache on the top. Lost the recipe. And 365 visits are the best, someone who understands our obsessions.
@Weezilou - new york cheesecake.... decadent... almost better than sex... i'm talking from memory because i've not had both in a thousand years. i suppose when you have lactose intolerance you give up everything that's equally good :-P okay, you must forgive this babbling old fool, i easily get distracted. hahahaha! in any case, new york cheesecake is the best on my list followed by my own icebox cheesecake. although don't hold me to that because the last time i made cheescake was in 1999 at Christmas; i have lost all my culinary talents when i started writing. in fact i have lost any and all talents concerning household chores and duties since then. i'm checking the whereabouts of lunenburg or lunenberg on the map. see if my client porter airlines fly there so i can get cheap ticket. glad to see your smile and nice to "meet" mr. @stray_shooter himself with his cheesecake. speaking of stray-shoo...oh, never mind! hahahaha!
Wonderful capture of both you and Ron Louise!! What a treat a visit and a huge chunk of cheesecake which sounded divine!! Your smile tells such a great story about your recovery!! Can we see the finished pool? Will you be able to go in it?
@pamknowler Pam it was all looking *so perfect* yesterday & I thought we were at close. I didn't realize there were plans to add a sealant to the deck today, and it made the colour horrible! Ken & I are both just sick about it & meeting with the contractor tomorrow to see what might be done. I hate complaining about things, but it's so soon before we leave, I want to be back on my feet & now this to deal with. You've been so sweet to ask. I may post the photo of how it was looking "just before"...and try not to worry about what's to come... Forgive me...I'd really hoped to be chipper about this... Truly though, thanks for your always sweet and thoughtful comments.
@Weezilou oh Louise how disapointing for you both! I do hope the contractor can sort it for you! Why would they do something so different without consulting you? Hope it gets sorted before you go or you will be worrying while you are away. When do you leave?
@panthora I've got your slice waiting for you, Osia! Very sorry about that fall. ;-) Hoping you can make it up this way - your real NY cheesecake (straight from Carnegie Deli) is waiting for you!
@dailypix 4 PM on Sat and I shouldn't be drinking while on pain meds. Methinks it's time for that second slice of cheesecake and a coffee, keeping in mind the adage to "eat dessert first!" :) Thanks, m'friend xo
@pamknowler I've set up a brunch at Duke's for our 365 circle to come up my way on June 28, the date that worked for most everyone. This is how much this circle means to me... We had the option to leave on the 26th, but since that last weekend works for the gathering (and I really want to see these friends!) we'll set the plans for July 3rd to fly to Nova Scotia. Thanks again, Pam. Have you yet met any of our fellow photographers? It's astounding the bond we seem to immediately share...
@summerfield Ken says Porter flies into Halifax...but if you're sincere, you probably already know that! Now to get Osia a ticket to join us! Tho you're of course welcome anytime and Partner as well!
@Weezilou - i know porter flies to halifax. i just didn't know where it is in relation to lunenberg. i looked at my map last night and i've seen the configuration of the two places. so osia @panthora dahling, get your burro in gear please and thank you and we'll visit louise & ken in NS!!!!
@summerfield Since Ron doesn't live far from us, we'd thought to meet a last time at the restaurant on the beach, Duke's. Seem's he won't be home until before the 28th date, so I thought to invite the other locals as well! Nothing like throwing my own going-away party! But these folks are so awesome, I was happy to postpone our departure if it meant we could get together one last time! Only @panthora hasn't checked in with me...hear that Osia? ... Everyone invited has said yes!
Yes, yes, YES!! @Weezilou Damn, I am always late to the party, but I do seem to make an appearance!! So, let me read all the comments above, and see when Vikki and I can make it to NS this year!!
@Weezilou - i thought if you were in san francisco or thereabouts i could go see my bestie in castro valley and join you guys, but i don't think that's where you are. so i'd best wait for late august or september when the pretty ms. strasner and i come and visit. in any case, my heart's all set on NS. the lobsters await my return, you know!
@summerfield@panthora I know of a couple of Aug 19 birthday celebrations that await... and our neighbour (Osia...the necessary "u" addition when speaking to the Canadians..) Billy is Aug 16, so we always throw a lobster dinner...he cooks them...I won't kill a living thing, but pass the drawn butter please! The only caveat in Sept is that we plan a trip back to see the kids over a couple of weeks that month, but even that is totally flexible...
Sorry, Vikki...I didn't realize you didn't know where Duke's was! It's in Huntington Beach, CA...remember the Beach Boys tunes?
Wow! Awesome that you are able to meet up with and chat with other 365ers! Even more awesome that they bring you cheesecake. Did you know each other outside of 365 too?
@ludgate No Megan, I didn't know Ron before a group meetup. Actually, when I first saw his photos, I thought he was Swedish as his pictures were from there. Was I ever surprised when, like you, they segued to Southern California and we discovered we lived only a short distance from one another! (He traveled A LOT on business!) We now get together with several others from Long Beach south to San Diego and we've really had a wonderful time together. One last gathering for a brunch before I leave town for Nova Scotia July 3!
@brigette and nothing beats a New York Jewish deli! It was amazing!
and where might june 28 be?
Sorry, Vikki...I didn't realize you didn't know where Duke's was! It's in Huntington Beach, CA...remember the Beach Boys tunes?
That's so nice to meet up with other 365'ers!