Some Happy Scribbles...
Some Happy Scribbles...
jorts and tennis, anyone?
Hello and happy Friday!
It’s been all tennis all the time around here for the past few days - with a brief break to celebrate July 4th with fireworks and some vintage dance floor moves that deeply embarrassed 15-year-old Sadie. Another cause for celebration was the receipt of a hand-written note from Teddy at sleepaway camp: he says it’s hot in his cabin but the meals are good.
When it comes to tennis, doubles is my game: I love the camaraderie of being on a team, and the excitement of having four players on the court, all with different styles, strengths, and weaknesses. If you have never paid attention to professional doubles, this NY Times piece delightfully describes the joy of watching it.
And did you see the priceless moment at Wimbledon, when Prince William, future King of England, appeared to swear, while watching the British player Cameron Norrie play? Not very kingly!
My nonstop tennis talk has led to that creepy phenomenon when Instagram starts suggesting things for you to buy: I’m constantly seeing ads for racquet bags and clothing. I haven’t yet succumbed to the evil algorithm and bought anything, but I do love the look of this brand of British tennis clothing - which is perfectly on point for Wimbledon, but pricey.
Or, there’s Jorts.
No less an authority than Vogue says that jorts, aka jean-shorts, are back. The following comment rang true for me…until I read the last five words: “Once you’ve seen a jort, you can’t forget it. It burrows into your brain and most likely your closet.” Sorry Vogue, not my closet. For me, jorts will forever be associated with Tobias from Arrested Development, and his rare psychological affliction as a “NeverNude.”
If you require a palate-cleanser after all that jort-exposure, please enjoy this tour of Nancy Meyers’ house (aka the woman responsible for It’s Complicated, Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, etc) in Architectural Digest. It’s the epitome of Coastal Grandmother chic. And if that hasn’t erased the jorts from your minds-eye, you can follow the Instagram account, Nancy Meyer’s Interiors, for a regular dose of calming #nancystyle.
Back at my non-coastal home, I finally decided to do something about the weeds growing through the bricks on our patio. I was initially skeptical when the helpful guy at the hardware store sold me 30% vinegar, although I was on board with using something that wouldn’t poison our dogs (or the chickens who’ve been joining me for cocktail hour each evening and pecking around on the grass near the patio). It did smell like salad dressing for half an hour or so, but the vinegar worked beautifully, and our patio is now happily weed-free.
Speaking of vinegar, have you heard of Healthy Coke? It’s a TikTok craze (explained below) that claims that mixing balsamic vinegar with flavored sparkling water creates a drink that tastes just like Coke. Sadie made it this week and I took a sip. It’s something, but it’s not Coke.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
With all the tennis playing and watching, I’m in the mood for quick and easy recipes, so this weekend, I’m looking forward to making this simple halibut ceviche, followed by Ali Slagle’s excellent chicken smashburgers.
On the topic of cooking, have you ever seen or heard of recipes on gravestones? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them since I read this NY Times piece. It’s such a creative, inspiring - and joyful - way to celebrate someone’s life. I’m pretty sure my mother-in-law, Susie’s, headstone could showcase the recipe for her incredibly addictive “Christmas Candy” which she’s been making for around 50 years. Which got me thinking about what my gravestone recipe would be. Truffle popcorn? Pavlova? Chicken thighs? Chimichurri? I’m going to work on this…
With that, I’m going to leave you to enjoy your weekend - whether you’re wearing jorts, drinking healthy Coke, or lobbing high class f-bombs at the tennis on TV!
Thank you so much for reading!
xoxo
Amelia