Because it's March 31

I can't let a month slip by without a single post.  I think the blog would collapse into a black hole.

So what have I been doing?  Well, I've begun teaching yoga classes, three so far.  The first was canceled due to snow.  And tonight, on the last day of March, it was canceled again...due to snow.  I am more unhappy about the snow on March 31 than the cancellation...though that isn't thrilling me, I'd rather be safe. Given that I watched a car stall out trying to get up our hill I think the cancellation was wise.

So, the happy making stuff is we have reclaimed the extra bedroom.  Diana moved out back in August but Calypso claimed that room for a period of time until we could paint her room.  We had stripped the wall paper only about a decade ago.  One must not rush into such things as painting walls.  Anyway, we finally painted her room so she moved back into it and we reclaimed the last bedroom.

Mr. Lime declared an intended use for it and I may have mentioned I thought it would be nice to have dedicated yoga space because nothing harshes a good yoga vibe like having someone try to step over you while in lizard pose, or stoop under you to ask a question while in downward facing dog pose.  He said, as long as I moved all the books out of the den and into this room I could also use it for yoga space.  so that also meant I'd finally get all my books out of boxes and back on shelves where they belong.  Win/win!  Although it was going to require a hard weeding of the book collection to fit them into the new space.  This was also a job I wanted to happen so painful as it was I was glad for the motivation to get it done.  Here are the results with one shelf yet to be built and filled on the floor.  I nearly halved the collection.  I have since gone out and purchased six more books but no one should be stunned by this.






I began referring to the room as the yogabrary.  It made me very happy.  I had lots of space to move.  No one was walking in on me or over me or around me.  My books we out of boxes.  All was well.  Then I came home after a particularly aggravating day and had more happy making when I discovered this sign on the door....








 ....which flips to this when I want to be alone.  Mr. Lime gets it.  One day I was so stressed several of his jokes went right over my head.  He patted me on the hand and said, "It's ok dear, go breathe and do your yoga stuff." 









So I did...

 And then I did some more...

...and more...



















It was very relaxing.

I am a happy Lime.

The Endurance of Friendship

My childhood was not one marked by permanence of relationships.  I won't go into the details but there was a lot of fluctuation due to my parents' divorce and the resulting introduction of new people who frequently did not hang around very long.  My own childhood friendships were a little tenuous as well.  Our family was regarded with a certain degree of suspicion so at times other kids were hesitant to become friends or once relationships were established their parents may have decided to put the brakes on.  I learned never to over-estimate my value in someone else's eyes.

My years in college were when I finally found friends who I truly believed might stick around for the long-haul.  I'm glad to say I was right since all these years later I am still in contact with a few college pals.  My time in Trinidad introduced me to people who felt like kindred spirits in a way no one else ever had.  I fell in love...hard.

It was extreme circumstances which necessitated our departure from Trinidad.  I couldn't deny the logic in leaving but I still left kicking and screaming.  Each visit there afterward resulted in me spending a significant portion of the return trip to the US in tears.  My husband never quite understood why my reaction was so strong.  When he finally worked up the courage to ask I told him it was because I was terrified that the friendships I had formed there would die due to the physical distance; I did not know how to love people long distance and imagining the loss of such nourishing relationships was exquisitely painful.

In the first few years after our return, there were two friends with whom I regularly exchanged letters.  It was reassuring that they'd take the time to write because I knew that was not really the norm for the culture.  I feared somewhat with my friends who were not inclined to keep in touch.  I was encouraged though when I'd go back to visit and be received with the same affection and warmth that had been shown when I lived there.  In fact, a couple friends specifically told me they were sorry they were not good about writing but they hoped I knew I was always in their hearts and there was always a space in their homes when I wanted to visit.

I've been blessed to have a few different Trini friends come visit me in the US.  Each time was a complete joy.  Being able to lavish back on them some of the love they gave us when we lived there was a delight.  There was a bit more confidence given to me that they'd spend the time and the expense to come to my house whether it was only for the day when someone was passing through or if they came for a week or more.

Nineteen years have come and gone since we moved to Trinidad.  Our closest friends from there have just spent a week with us over Christmas.  The husband was last here 11 years ago and this is the first time his whole family has come with him.  There was rejoicing at the reunion, lots of laughter as we reminisced and made new memories, and tears on cheeks other than my own when they left.  Though I am not happy about the separation that will now resume I am deeply grateful for the time we had together and for the proof that love and friendship can endure and deepen in spite of time and distance.  It is a gift I never dared imagine existing before and one that only time could have revealed.

Secret Santa

Again, I asked Suldog to forgive me.  I am not advertising for the other holiday that comes AFTER our mutual favorite of Thanksgiving.  However, Mr. Lime was handed an envelope last week at work.  He was told it was from his Secret Santa.  He protested that names hadn't been exchanged yet.  The person giving the envelope repeated firmly, "This...is...from...your...Secret...Santa."  He brought it home and we found tucked inside two tickets to Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular and a gift card with some spending money.  We were both quite surprised by this generous gift.  The tickets were for the show yesterday....so ya know, since it was a gift generously given by an anonymous benefactor we didn't really have any say in the date and we are not ones to look a gift horse in the mouth we took the tickets and headed off to NYC to see the show.  We had perfect late November weather so the walk from Penn Station to Radio City Music Hall was quite nice.  Of course Boom-boom came along with me.



After the show we were hungry.  Mr. Lime was ready to start chewing buildings and would have eaten just about anywhere but was nice enough to tell me to pick the restaurant.  I have no interest in eating at some chain that has the same food in 150 locations across the US.  We also needed it to be reasonably priced.  This place looked interesting and affordable for two...as far as NYC prices go.  So in we went.





The Stardust Diner has singing wait staff.  Given that it's located in Times Square just off Broadway it makes sense.  It also makes for a lot of fun.  Each of the wait staff takes turns singing a song in between waiting tables.  They are really hopping in there so there's no rest.  The non-performing busboys are no slouches either.  It may be a touristy sort of thing but it seemed uniquely Broadway and I'd recommend it.  They do pass around a bucket and request tips for the wait staff to be able to continue taking voice and acting classes as they all aspire to leave the restaurant and make it to Broadway.  Yep, we threw a tip in the bucket.  I couldn't resist, they gave good service, with a smile, and they entertained us too.


On the way back to Penn Station we wandered across this street performer.  We caught the very last bit in his act.  He and his partner had a big build-up to it and were very funny guys.  So what do you think, will he clear all seven people?

 Nobody moves! Nobody gets hurt!

Ta-da!!!  He made it.  Yeah, I put some money in...erm....well.....uh....when they walked around with their bag for collecting I waved a couple bills from inside the crowd and the partner instead pulled out his waistband for me to tuck it in there.  I laughed like a loon, tucked it in there, and was treated to....ahem...an unexpected dance. 






So yeah, it was a terrific day all the way around.  A very early Secret Santa simply gave us one more thing we will be giving thanks for this week.

Slice of Lime-Unexpected Gifts

As you know I had (EDIT: as Craver noted in the comments this conjures redneck images. Yikes!) took care of my cousin's son Jacob last weekend. I enjoyed having him here very much. When Lisa came back she surprised me with the lovely necklace I'm wearing in the picture. The picture doesn't quite do it justice but it's all I have right now. It was a sweet bonus. I love it and I love my cousin (even if she didn't bring me jewelry, just so we are clear on that).

Yesterday I had a semi-spontaneous visit from Sweet Pea and her mom. That's always a nice surprise. I got to surprise them back. Some time ago I was informed that Sweet Pea had outgrown the first set of tie dye I had given her. I had some new psychedelic baby duds for her. Here she is in her newest ensemble.

Naturally, we had to pose together each in our tie dye duds. Looking groovy, baby!

Da Count-Bowled Over

I have a wise friend who often reminds me that expectations are really just premeditated resentments. It's a good reminder but I admit sometimes I argue about it. Certain individuals at Casa de Lime have gotten quite snippy over being expected to heat up leftovers for their own dinner or having their social lives curtailed since the doctor has told me to lay low. They've been incredulous over being asked to pitch in and make themselves useful around the house. As if a dizzy head isn't enough to make me wonder what's going on around me the attitudes make me think I've slipped down some crazy rabbit hole. Seriously, what is wrong with you people?

Yesterday, I was in one such moment of frustration when the UPS truck pulled up to the house and delivered a box addressed to me in a most artistic fashion. Well, I certainly wasn't expecting anything so I couldn't imagine what it was but even the outside looked pretty. I opened it up and found this little handmade envelope tucked in on top of the contents.

Really, look how pretty that is. It was almost too pretty to open but I was curious and excited. The note inside was every bit as lovely with all the lime swirls printed on the background and the contents warmed my heart. Embee explained she was clearing out some excess inventory of things she had made and thought one item in particular ought to come live with me. She wanted to make clear she expected nothing in return but was just looking to share a gift I might like.

Well, I was just bowled over by the completely unexpected thoughtfulness and generosity. Embee, thank you for such a special surprise.


In other news, I have received the CT scan report which states I have an unremarkable brain. In just this one instance an unremarkable brain is also very count-worthy.
The doctor and I agreed it was much better than having an abby normal brain.

Surprise

Well, If you were here last week you know I was somewhat less than pleased that Mr. Lime let my 40th birthday pass by with no more acknowledgment than a card and two boxes of Count Chocula, and a really crappy mood from the husband. Now money is tight so I kept my expectations low...card, cake, a nice dinner I didn't have to cook or clean up after....heck, I'd have settled for spaghetti sauce and noodles out of the pantry that he cooked and cleaned up after so long as it was served with some love. I was less than pleased that Mr. Lime effortlessly limboed right under even those low expectations. More than a couple of you seemed to express a willingness to exact revenge on my behalf. I was nearly ready to consider the various offers made.

Well, I must say I was taken entirely by surprise on Friday night when 14 people showed up at my house for a party. First I caught Mr. Lime sneaking this cake into the house. I will admit I was still not suspecting a party. I was still irked enough to figure it was a sad, day late and dollar short attempt to assuage his own guilt....even though it was a tie dyed cake. Cool huh? Who knew they could tie dye a cake?

Then my mom and stepdad showed up, which didn't really surprise me since she said she wanted to come up anyway to bring some video she took of the homecoming floats from the previous week. Next, I heard my dad and stepmom's voices. They showed up in some tie dye I had made for my stepmom. I had to document that my dad actually was willing to wear this for my benefit. See how happy he is about it?

Eventually, 10 other people showed up but the last to arrive really shocked me and just about made me spill tears. It was my best friend who lives kind of far away. She turns 40 next month and she is pregnant with her first baby. I haven't seen her since before she got pregnant and now she is all round and cute.

So there were several funny gifts implying that decrepitude is upon me. You will have to come back for Thursday's Slice of Lime to see the one which both made me laugh the hardest and made my children flee in horror. I also got some nice things including a 5 pound Hershey's bar which included a "golden ticket" to this place. Uh, yeah, never expected that one. So it looks like I will be crossing #33 on this list. I'll let you all know how that goes. Woohoo!

The guests were a bit horrified to find out he had let me stew all week but in the end he did well.

Slice of Lime-Mona's Guide to Style

Before I get into the main post and to answer the question about the last picture in yesterday's post....they are apple peels. Congrats to those who guessed correctly.

A couple months ago Susie posted pictures about a Jaipur Salwar she enjoyed wearing. I left a comment admiring it, which Mona saw. Mona then emailed me saying if I would give her my size she'd send me a salwar kameez. I said I'd like to send her something as well. Imagine my surprise on Tuesday when a package arrived with not one but THREE salwar kameezes and matching dupattas (scarves).

Heck, I was impressed with the package itself. I liked that it was sewn into a muslin bundle with the seams sealed by wax. Yes, I am very easily charmed by simple things. I almost hated to disturb the even stitching.

First I will show you the salwar kameez I bought many years ago in Trinidad. I liked it because it is an Indian garment but it is tie dyed, which is popular among the Trinis of African descent. I loved how the garment showed a blending of the cultures. Alas, I have grown a bit large for my old salwar and it is a bit tight in certain spots.

Now onto the lovely gifts from Mona.

The repeating pattern reminds me of tiny quilt square patterns and I love the effect of the tight multicolored pattern. I also like that it's sleeveless for warmer weather. The dupatta ties it all together by combining the patterns from both the top and the bottom.



Next is a gorgeous rose one with gold trim. I love the color and simplicity of this one. The pants are a new style to me too but I like them. They are super long so they are meant to bunch up around your ankles. I am very partial to this one.



Finally, there was a lovely white organza salwar kameez with applique, embroidery, patchwork, and a crocheted trim. I had to take a close up of the details just on a sleeve to show you the beautiful handiwork. I wonder, did Mona choose the particular shade of green for Ms. Lime? ;)

This one felt elegant when I put it on, like I just should be carrying myself a bit more formally and with greater femininity.

They are all so comfortable and so pretty I just wanted to share them with you all and again say thanks to Mona for her sweet generosity toward me.