Well, I'd just about convinced myself that there was no need whatsoever to go out in the oven we call outdoors here to pick beans. Surely, surely, they were done or just about done and not worth picking. The vines are turning brown and I was ready to hand the whole bean project over to fate and stink bugs and Georgia Thumpers but no, I had to go out there today with my basket and by golly, I bet I got at least two pounds of the things.
I came in the house drenched in sweat and showed Mr. Moon what I'd picked and he, too, was astounded.
"These are the best beans in the world!" I announced.
We agreed this is true. So I can take beans up to North Carolina. They can go in the chicken and dumplings and other things. We know I have to make chicken and dumplings at some point.
I also picked some tomatoes and cucumbers.
I am shocked that we're still getting any cucumbers at all. Obviously, they are too weary to grow big. The vines look as dry and tattered as can be but they still have a little spirit. None of our tomatoes grew very large this year but we have gotten enough to keep us happy and that's not something we can say every year. Tonight I am making a Caprese salad with them. I looked up the recipe on the NYT's cooking app although of course I know how to make Caprese salad but I wanted to read their take on it. Same as I thought. Tomatoes, olive oil, mozzarella, basil, salt and pepper. Now I like to add a little balsamic and in reading the comments on the recipe I discovered that I am not the only profaner of the Caprese. I've said it many times but I really do love reading the comments because people get so uppity and high and mighty about how things should be made and how they shouldn't be made and it would appear that if you add some balsamic vinegar to your Caprese salad, all of the Italian nonas in the world will die immediately without even having time to remove their aprons.
One obvious defiler of the Caprese even suggested very thin slices of onion! Oh god. You'd think a priest would be needed to exorcise the demons from an apostate who dared utter such heresies.
One obvious defiler of the Caprese even suggested very thin slices of onion! Oh god. You'd think a priest would be needed to exorcise the demons from an apostate who dared utter such heresies.
Oh well. I'm just a big ol' rule breaker. Always have been, always will be. It's just that the rules I break now are not nearly as apt to get me into deep trouble or jail.
I got both my dresses hemmed. The blue dress was done very, very well and I am proud of it. The white dress? Not so much but whatever. I may not even take it. Over the years I have amassed a nice little collection of sleeveless linen and cotton dresses that do not touch the body except where they must. I am so grateful that I am not a man, constricted by societal norms (here at least) to wear pants or shorts at all times. The air flow while wearing pants is non-existent while the air flow while wearing a dress is free and unencumbered. I had a good friend who refused to wear underpants under dresses for health reasons which I always admired but I can't quite bring myself to go that far. I have several work-arounds to avoid wearing bras. It is no secret that I hate them with heat of a thousand suns. Men- imagine having to wear a tight, restricting garment on your manly jewels. One with WIRE IN IT TO KEEP THOSE PUPPIES WHERE THEY BELONG! Sounds ridiculous and horrible, doesn't it?
Yeah. Like that. Who says breasts are supposed to stick out in the right places and on the correct levels? I know that some women have very large breasts they feel they need to restrain and that's fine. I would never, ever tell a woman who wants to wear a bra that she shouldn't.
Yeah. Like that. Who says breasts are supposed to stick out in the right places and on the correct levels? I know that some women have very large breasts they feel they need to restrain and that's fine. I would never, ever tell a woman who wants to wear a bra that she shouldn't.
It is a matter of personal choice.
I hope I don't get arrested for saying that.
I hope I don't get arrested for saying that.
I have not been writing about, uh, the horrors, shall we say? But I would like to say one thing today. I cannot believe that what is enraging the Magas to the point where they are calling out their dear leader is the Epstein files. Who knew that lying trying to cover up pedophilia was the line that had to be crossed for them to finally pay attention to the true nature of their, gag, hero? I mean, they knew he was a rapist and a predator and really liked the fact that he could go into contestants' dressing rooms before beauty pageants and that he seemed to be inappropriately interested in his daughters' sexual attributes before they had hit puberty but it's the Epstein files that he won't release that are pissing them off?
But I so wish that none of those girls had ever been violated by those horrible, rich, old white guys, ever, ever, ever. They will never entirely recover. We know that. The sins of those who were involved in Epstein's evil, thinking that their positions and wealth would protect them forever are not forgivable.
I stand by that.
Ms. Moon
I am so tired of men who think it is their god given right to rape and abuse women. This has been going on forever it seems, as long as there are men and women I'm guessing.
ReplyDeleteThe world needs more of these devices.
https://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/06/20/south.africa.female.condom/index.html
I picked Saskatoons today, enough to make a pie and I may just pick more of them. They're small berries that are purple but the taste reminds me of grapes.
I could never live in Florida, for so many reasons, but the humidity and heat would kill me. It's only 23C here today and 55% humidity and I felt like I was going to combust on my walk today.
I'm with on bras. I rarely wear one anymore. If somebody wants to look at my 62 year old boobs, I will publicly shame them:)
I could not access the site you posted but I know about that condom. My worry would be that a man who encountered one might be apt to take his anger out on the woman by beating her or...killing her. Pixie, I cannot bear the fact of the patriarchy any more. Of course I have to- what are my choices? But my GOD I'm so angry.
DeleteA grape pie? That sounds pretty interesting.
Girl, this heat and humidity are going to kill me. I swear to god.
And obviously, bras are another gift from the patriarchy.
But, the magats are fine with BROWN babies and children being snatched and sent to God knows where!! They are disgusting humans and i’m having a hard time feeling anything but revulsion for them. I hate that their dear leader has made me feel this way but there you have it. I have three maga sisters and i’m barely speaking to them. Although, i’m sure they don’t know WHY i’ve backed away.. I just want nothing to do with them.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what i would do if I had family members who supported that shit. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about it although I have a suspicion that one family member (not necessarily my side of the family) might have leanings in that direction but she never brings it up nor will I.
DeleteThe Felon's supporters are finally waking up. They've been following the Epstein saga and horrors. PB once said she had a client list. Now she claims there is no client list.
ReplyDeleteThe Maga crowd put the Felon in office and now they face the hard reality of their decision.
I don't think most of them give a damn if Trump molested children except for the fact that they were the ones who started that whole conspiracy about the elites abusing and even killing children and they thought Trump was going to give them the names they wanted to see.
DeleteBut who knows?
"Oh well. I'm just a big ol' rule breaker. Always have been, always will be. It's just that the rules I break now are not nearly as apt to get me into deep trouble or jail." I don't know... you did "pluck" succulents. Hahaha! No judgement. I have plucked dead flower petals for seeds on property that wasn't mine. I'm still so tempted sometimes still, but...cameras. The damn cameras! :D
ReplyDeleteAs far as the powers that be, fuck them. I hate them. -Nicol
DeleteAnd, yes, bras fucking suck. Amen-Nicol
DeleteI know! Cameras make it much harder to get away with shit!
DeleteThe maggots are consistent i will give them that- there are no surprises! Evidence and fact can not sway their tiny minds. EVER!
ReplyDeleteItalian grannies dropping dead all of once over a salad improperly prepared is hilarious.
Oh, they're claiming they want THESE facts because they thought they'd reveal the disgusting libs that pedophiled all those children in that conspiracy.
DeleteI don't know.
I doubt I would threaten any of the Italian grannies by adding balsamic to that salad but some might curse me.
What is it they say about power corrupting? I guess this is a prime example. And also why head MAGAt will continue to fight tooth and nail to whitewash the whole appalling debacle. Your founding fathers must be spinning in their graves.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime keep growing and harvesting and making your little part of the world the beautiful place it is. Heat and humidity notwithstanding.
Well, our founding fathers were no saint. They owned people. They worked those people to death without pay or regard for THEIR rights for freedom while not even considering them truly humans. Also- Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most beloved of founding fathers? Have you read about him and Sally Hemings? And their children?
DeleteSome things never really change.
Girl, this heat is slaying me and getting out and doing anything in it is like asking for heat stroke.
I don't mind wearing a sports bra, all stretchy, no wires, no hooks. I've never worn the wired kind. But then I'm a compact size so I don't even think they make them in my size!
ReplyDeleteI don't say that I wear a "bra-like garment" for no reason. My bras, that I do wear to town except when I can substitute a tight, stretchy tank top under something, have very little structural integrity. Sort of like my bosoms.
DeleteI unfortunately, wear a bra because in my youth I was a mighty one, and now at 84 going braless means heat rash underneath and sweat pooling under and running down my belly, even with antiperspirant. Isn't THAT something to imagine!!! I have even tried tucking a pantiliner down in the cleavage in hopes of absorbing some wetness. Wow - you guys now know something my closest friends don't know. Oh my gosh, that means Steve and John Gray and all those guys who read your blog will know, too. (Blush)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Good for you, Ana! Why don't we share these things more often? We could learn a hell of a lot from each other if we weren't so damn modest and (I'll say it) shame-based. What the hell is wrong with a panty liner down a cleavage? I mean, if you have the cleavage. Good thinking!
DeleteI haven't worn a dress or skirt in almost 30 years. I really hate that feeling of thighs rubbing together as I walk and I hate pantyhose even more, so I'll wear shorts or long pants in appropriate fabris for the weather we have.
ReplyDeleteBras? I got to be 72 before I began hating wearing one and now when I'm home alone I go without, but not in the heat of summer. Even with the airconditioning running I still get damp and sweaty where the breasts hang down over my ribs area, so I wear one all summer until I go to bed at night, just to keep them "high and dry".
Well, all of that makes sense to me.
DeleteI've NEVER been able to tolerate bras. First thing I've always done when I get home is take that thing off. I will NOT buy bathing suits that have built in bras. Oh hell no. But I understand why you would want to wear one.
The Maggots are hateful and hypocritical. A skirt or dress would be great on these 108-degree days. But we get strong breezes off the mountains, so I’d have to wear underwear... and nice underwear at that. I cannot imagine having to wear a bra! At least it’s not 50 years ago when all ladies were expected to wear girdles, too. My sister didn’t have an ounce of fat or excess, but my mother was always lecturing her that it wasn’t proper to not wear a girdle. All I had to do was zip my fly.
ReplyDeleteThere are always kilts, you know...
DeleteAnd I hear that the manliest of Scots don't bother to wear underwear. If the breeze blows, well...so be it!
Oh god. You are absolutely correct about girdles. Thankfully, by the time I was of that age, "panty girdles" had been invented which weren't as bad. And I don't think I really ever wore one except for the most formal of occasions. Prom, Cotillion, all that stupid stuff.
I shake my head in amazement now.
Mary, it may be wishful thinking, but I believe the least-bad MAGAs are getting horrified over the families being tear-gassed and chased down in the fields like animals, or drowned in floods, and they *can’t bring themselves to admit it* even in their own minds, so the Epstein thing is lighting up b/c it’s a way to break w tR without cognitive dissonance. Or do I hope. Travel safely to see your grands!!
ReplyDeleteI have had similar thoughts. That perhaps the Republicans in the House and Senate who are supporting him through hell and high water are starting to see the depths and dangers of what they've allowed to happen and that this is a handy way to break a few ties. But I have no real idea.
DeleteI don't even own a dress or skirt anymore. And I wear comfy bras so I don't sweat under my boobs. Nobody is looking at me anymore so I can wear what I want.
ReplyDeleteI will join another protest this week - Thursday July 17th - it's called Good Trouble Lives On. Organized protests all over the country - hope we get great turnouts!
I will just never understand how pants can be more comfortable than dresses. But each of us has a different definition of comfortable. And honestly- my dresses are more like nightgowns when it comes to structure.
DeleteIt is nice to know that no one is looking at me. I mean, sometimes I hate that (agism) but sometimes I appreciate it.
I had not heard of that protest. They better start getting the word out.
I tend to wear light cotton gathered skirts in the summer and often do not wear panties underneath. I have one light gauzy ankle length dress that I wear usually after I've come in sweaty from working outside because it doesn't touch me anywhere but the shoulders. And bras, I haven't worn a bra since I was 18. No need as a lifelong member of the itty bitty titty committee. In fact my boobs are the biggest they have ever been now that I put on about 25 pounds but still just one handfull's worth (each).
ReplyDeleteStrange what has finally sent some MAGAts over the edge, grown men raping 13 and 14 year old girls. That's some kind of sick male bullshit. Like you say, they know he's a sexual assaulter, has bragged about it but I guess in their minds that's fine as long as the women are adults. And torture and cruelty is also fine as long as it's directed at brown skinned people. The thing is, I think the only reason they are up in arms is because they think he's protecting LIBERALS!
If I'd had breasts like that I never would have worn a bra either. At all. Ever, ever, ever.
DeleteI think you're right, Ellen. The maggats do think he's protecting liberals. Why do you suppose they'd believe that instead of the way more obvious reason?
Entirely with you regarding loose summer dresses and no bras. Most of my summer sleeveless dresses have such large arm openings that any bra shows, and I am not one for visible lingerie.
ReplyDeleteYay for you!
DeleteThis Epstein thing is bewildering to me -- not because people are angered by the horrors of his actions, but because they seem to want a prosecutor-ready, detailed account of who violated those girls and how. I doubt very much that Epstein ever kept such records, as the DOJ now says. The "list" is imaginary. It doesn't exist. But hey, if all of MAGA wants to pound on Trump and Bondi for not releasing it, I can live with that.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a woman there's no way in hell I would wear a bra. I also wouldn't shave my legs. I've always admired women who go bra-less and razor-less.
Oh, I think there was definitely a client list. Several people who definitely would have known have come forward to say it existed. Have you heard about Ghislaine Maxwell saying that she's willing to testify in Congress about it? Wonder how that'll go over. If it ever happens which I doubt.
DeleteOh man. I hate shaving. I stopped when I was eighteen while in Europe. Those women didn't shave their legs or armpits and they seemed able to attract men even so. Since those days, I've gone back and forth with it but I have NEVER really understood why I would do it.
An Italian Nonna here. Just to say that I always put balsamic on my Caprese salad and I learned to do it from my Italian male neighbor. So there are some of us who know what’s what.
ReplyDeleteAll right! In my opinion, there is little that balsamic cannot make better.
DeleteI am afraid that my pendulous breasts need a bit of bind for the sweat and the whole hold that gravity has on them - however since I had BC I have gone wire free and have very unattractive but oh so comfy ones that zip at the front. I also blow in the wind on the leg hair front most of the year (but not pants free - I am a woman of a certain age and most ages for women have occasional need for barricading against what might happen). I shall not comment on politics as I am flying to your fair land in a smidge over 4 weeks to visit my MIL so am practicing holding my tongue.
ReplyDeleteYou have pointed out another very good reason for wearing panties. Any woman who reaches a certain age and who has had children (or even if she hasn't) fears the cough, the sneeze, the big laughter.
DeleteYes, m'am.
I fear that any bra is unattractive on me at this point.
Please do NOT hold your tongue. Let anyone who's interested know how you feel about the situation here in the States. At least to anyone you feel safe with.