La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
WE HAD A COUPLE OF days of clouds and drizzle, and work crews have finally been moving the sand around on the beach. As you’ll recall, sand had been blown and washed all the way up to the pavement and beyond in many places. So now the work begins to put it back where it’s needed. Then new crews will arrive to sweep clean the rosy, new, concrete paving blocks on the beach. And through it all, we hope for several days of good, soaking rains. Of course, San Geraldo, demands a day of sunshine between each soaking. Two days without sunshine and he’s complaining.
The Kid Brother is fine. He challenged me to a bowling tournament. For money. He doesn’t pay if he loses. I declined. He’s excited about my visit, as am I. My days are getting booked up with great friends and family. I have to be sure to leave plenty of days exclusively for KB — and a couple of days by myself always help. I need to recharge, especially when spending so many days with him.
I just returned from the gym. Another great workout. I bumped into friends Jean and Ray on my way home and stood by the beach and talked for a half hour. The brain chemistry has resettled and I’m no longer filled with self-loathing. The last two days have been much better. Thanks for the kindness and all the words of support.
Two people I’ll be seeing my first night in New York are sisters, Sarah and Annie. I adore them. We met Sarah just weeks after I met San Geraldo; her mother had just begun working at SG’s company outside Boston. Sarah was only 4 and we fell in love immediately. Annie lives in New York, so I get to see her and her family whenever I’m there, and that’s always uplifting. I haven’t seen Sarah in more than 25 years. She’s flying in from St. Louis just for me. Those are going to be some powerful hugs.
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TUVIMOS UN PAR DE DÍAS de nubes y llovizna, y los equipos de trabajo finalmente han estado moviendo la arena en la playa. Como recordará, la arena había sido arrastrada y arrastrada hasta el pavimento y más allá en muchos lugares. Así que ahora comienza el trabajo para volver a ponerlo donde se necesita. Luego llegarán nuevas cuadrillas para barrer los nuevos y rosados adoquines de concreto de la playa. Y a pesar de todo, esperamos varios días de buenas lluvias. Eso sí, San Geraldo, exige un día de sol entre cada remojo. Dos días sin sol y se queja.
El Hermanito está bien. Me retó a un torneo de bolos. Por dinero. No paga si pierde. Rechacé. Está entusiasmado con mi visita, al igual que yo. Mis días se están reservando con amigos y familiares. Tengo que asegurarme de dejar muchos días exclusivamente para KB, y un par de días solo siempre ayuda. Necesito recargar energías, especialmente cuando paso tantos días con él.
Acabo de regresar del gimnasio. Otro gran entrenamiento. Me encontré con mis amigos Jean y Ray de camino a casa y me quedé junto a la playa y hablamos durante media hora. La química del cerebro se ha restablecido y ya no estoy lleno de autodesprecio. Los últimos dos días han sido mucho mejores. Gracias por la amabilidad y todas las palabras de apoyo.
Dos personas a las que veré en mi primera noche en Nueva York son hermanas, Sarah y Annie. Los adoro. Conocimos a Sarah apenas unas semanas después de que yo conociera a San Geraldo; su madre acababa de empezar a trabajar en la empresa de SG en las afueras de Boston. Sarah solo tenía 4 años y nos enamoramos de inmediato. Annie vive en Nueva York, así que puedo verla a ella y a su familia cada vez que estoy allí, y eso siempre es alentador. No he visto a Sarah en más de 25 años. Viene en avión desde St. Louis solo para mí. Esos van a ser unos abrazos poderosos.
• Sarah, Sarah, sittin’ and siftin’ sand [Sarah, Sarah, sentada y tamizando arena]. Con su hermanita, Annie, en Scituate, Massachusetts, Navidad de 1986. Comprenderá el comienzo de la leyenda cuando escuche la canción de hoy.
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• ¡Algunos trabalenguas muy divertidos para mis amigos españoles también!
I’m so excited to see you soon!!
Sarah:
And it IS soon! Can’t believe it. Sending you cyber hugs until then.
I can see why your city is so popular and thriving in summer…….it is very well maintained on a regular basis. People know they will be returning to a clean and tidy resort.
KB is not a good loser eh? Do you usually let him win to keep the peace? lol
Your friends sound delightful. Enjoy every second.
Jim,
They really do quite a job maintaining the city. KB laughs when he loses… usually. He just never pays up. I don’t usually let him win at bowling, although I did throw a game at the end the last time we bowled because we were so close. Anyway, my entire body ached after that match!
Glad to hear your feeling better. Hopefully, the trip and change of scenery will do the trick as well.
Bob,
Hate to be away from SG for 12 days, but I am looking forward to seeing people… and New York.
So exciting that your long-delayed trip is coming closer and closer!
Debra,
Suddenly, it’s just 3 weeks away. I’ve got my lists ready.
I couldn’t even read this without having Sarah doing something in the shoeshine shop other than sitting. No way could I sing it! I’m so glad the meds have kicked in and you’re back to your semi-usual happy self 🙂
I do hope you can meet up again. The hugs will be awesome!
Deedles,
I’m still a bit off… really low boiling point and anxiety that I’m managing to keep in check. But I am enormously better. I got so excited today thinking about being together with both Annie and Sarah. They were amazing kids and are amazing adults. Nice when it works out like that.
How great it will be to finally visit Sarah and Annie again. Love the picture from 1986!
Steve,
We spent a lot of holidays and good times together before they moved west and we moved all over the place. And now we’re blessed that they’re our friends and not just our friends’ daughters.
I wish I was in a better place, health wise, to train into NYC for a quick meet and greet. (we’re 3.5 hours away by train.) Maybe next time.
Sassybear,
I didn’t realize you were only 3.5 hours away by train. Thanks for thinking of it. Yes, maybe next time!
Glad to read you’re feeling better and with a trip to NYC to look forward to! Will SG be going with you or does he have to stay in Malaga to babysit Dudo & Moose?
Tundra Bunny,
SG is staying here this time. The cats will be relieved, although Isabel (house sitter and godmother to the cats) said she wouldn’t mind spending a couple of weeks in her apartment on the beach.
I agree with Bob. I think during and after the trip you will feel better. Getting out and back into the swing of things is going me a world of good…but I still need a huge trip abroad…then all will be right again.
Talk about go pile sand.
Mistress G Borghese,
You’re overdue for a trip abroad! Mine would be even better if SG were coming along. We’re overdue for a getaway together.
If I made it outside everyday, I would grump about two days of rain in a row, It is so pretty there. Huggs and lunch soon
David,
When we lived in Palm Springs, we had one and a half days of overcast and SG was trying to figure out where to go to escape ”this disgusting weather.”
I’m so pleased your trip is coming up in a couple of weeks and you’re going to see KB! I think it’s going to be good for both of you.
Jennifer:
Definitely good for both of us. I’m a bit anxious, but looking forward to it.
Your title had me thinking of Otis Redding and humming one of his most famous tunes. 🙂
Mary:
Except Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay wasn’t designed to cause embarrassment when sung quickly. And it’s now playing in my head! Waisting time…
All good things!
So… Sarah lives in St. Louis, too! (Like me!) Now, I’m so curious! Wouldn’t it be a hoot if I knew her!? Maybe she was a student of mine! 😉
Judy C:
Sara’s husband grew up there. She did not. But they’ve got two sons in school. I’ll send a private message your way.
Woo-hoo. Excited for you!
Have a wonderful and safe trip. Just don’t go bowling with your bro.
Robyn:
The last time we bowled with him, my entire body hurt for days after. Those heavy balls!