That’s right! At the tender age of 62, I will now admit that today, I am tired of “Adulting”.
That’s right. I’m not being an adult today…
I want to do things like shoot hoops in my driveway–which is what I did when the kids were younger and we lived in New Jersey!
Memorial Day Weekend can be blamed.
We have no plans for the weekend. I’m now convinced that the “Big Three”—Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day weekend, are reserved for children, the young, single adults, and families that have not reached the status of Empty Nest!
Yes it is–and I want that wig!!!!
When I woke up this morning, it hit me. There will be no cookouts.
Bonaparte and I both fear the grill.
Yup! Fear of the grill is one thing Bonaparte and I have in common. I would rather slave over a hot stove than grill!
There will be no parade action. 
From my years growing up on Long Island in Bay Shore to the years of living in Pennington, NJ, there was a sense of township pride when it came to events like Memorial Day parades. When you don’t “adult” you can enjoy these holidays more!
I have no idea what goes on in the town I live in. I live in a beautiful townhouse community but everyone stays in their own space. Between work, writing, cooking and all that other stuff, there is no time to discover the nearby downtown area of Phoenixville that I pretty much would like to discover!
Beautiful downtown Phoenixville. Home of “The Blob”! Phoenixville hosts a “Blob Festival” each year! Phoenixville is becoming more and more hip with every new building that is erected.
For now, I’ll rely on my memories of Memorial Day festivities past—especially while I still have my memories as well as my memory!
I may have been born in NYC, but when my parents moved to Long Island, they never realized that Memorial Day Weekend would be the opener for THIS. All. Summer. Long. I want to go back to that time–luckily I have a ton of great memories!
Bonaparte’s dad is very ill. He got the phone call a few days ago. Dany fell and broke his hip. At 97 years old, this is not a good thing. My Frenchman has been on edge. Selfishly, I hope Dany heals in time for our visit in three weeks. He has stopped eating and that is what worries me. What self-respecting Frenchman stops eating??? And Dany’s appetite is the eighth wonder of the world—I know this, I’ve dined with him!
Yeah. THIS guy! HE’s the adult–not me and I want him to STAY the adult for a while! He can out eat anyone!
There is a backstory here that I’ll keep to myself for now. But in the four years that we’ve been visiting him in St. Tropez, there is never a dull moment. I want those fun moments back. Now!! And yes, I am having a child-like and very immature tantrum about this! Adulting sucks at times like these!
Is Bonaparte “adulting” with his father?? Truthfully, he was born an adult. I will take the backseat and be the non-adult thank you!
Please allow me to stay in touch with my inner child and go back to when I realized that red was my color!
Speaking of ill, I’m tired of worrying about my health. The future does not look too good for people like me. I’m talking about those of us in our sixties and above and those on affordable health care which, most certainly, DOES work. I know this. I pay into it and can get healthcare.
Speaking of NOT wanting to adult, this moron is the acme. Well, now we won’t even HAVE healthcare –so the complication won’t even exist. I need to stop now..
Oops! I slipped into political darkness. Let me get out!
True dat! I want to curl up with a good book!
Sometimes I just want to curl up in a corner with a delightful book and escape for hours on end with words and my imagination. My mind’s movie theatre–where I can see words coming to life. Let the cooking and cleaning be the responsibility of someone else for a while. 
This is MY own little corner of the world. My space where I can let go of adulting momentarily. And YES, I still read Madeline..”In an old house in Paris, that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls, in two straight lines..” I can quote the entire book
The ironing awaits me. And as much as I find ironing a very relaxing and Zen experience, while taking a break from adulting, I don’t wanna iron today!
I’ll awaken early tomorrow morning to tackle the pile of ironing. Today, I just don’t wanna deal!
Yesterday I made a Crème Caramel. It steamed in a Bain Marie so that Bonaparte could take his mind off of adulting and be brought back to times when he enjoyed his favorite childhood dessert!
Bonaparte’s favorite dessert. I had none of this–it was made only for him and just for him and there is a sliver left over for this evening…
I burned myself taking the dessert out of the oven and had to take care of the injury myself. I didn’t want to adult that burn. I wanted my mommy! I kid you not!
Looking on the POSITIVE side, at least the blister wasn’t from sunburn!
Hey! Mom!! Can you come back to life and take care of me for a day or so????????
Ma!! Can you come back to life momentarily to take care of me for a day? I’ll be good!
Even though it drove me crazy with the thickness and unruliness, I want my hair back. Yeah. It’s my fault that it’s gone but I want that chance to stop the pulling and tugging and picking that left permanent damage. Well—on second thought if I hadn’t pulled and tugged and picked my hair, I could have ended up doing something worse. Besides. I get to wear cool wigs now!
Actually, the store-bought hair IS the hair I always wanted! Who am I kidding??
There is a pile of stuff that is half-packed for our upcoming trip to France. More attention is needed on what will be placed in my luggage. But for now, I just don’t feel like dealing with it!
This pile has doubled in a week! I’m not dealing with it today!
The sun is shining and I really, really should get in the car and go to the nursery to buy geraniums for the deck—but I can’t be bothered. Deciding on which pots of luscious, blooming flowers to get is too much adulting for me right now. I want to be indecisive today!
Truthfully, I could make a simple task such as picking out Geraniums into the most complex, indecisive moment in history. I’ll pass on it until tomorrow.
And as I sit here, with the contents of a bottle of hair dye plopped atop the locks that are thinning faster than one with an eating disorder, I am looking directly into our living room. And I love what I see.
I see a room in a house that is mine. After losing a home during my divorce, I thought I would never, ever own another home in my life. And through arduous work, not spending money, and paying off debtors thanks to the stern assistance of one particular Frenchman, I am able to enjoy a structure that is ours!
OK. So the walls need to be painted but that is another ADULT decision that is needed to be made soon and I keep procrastinating! But I love my chateau!
I also see a dog who is close by—he depends on me and he gives me unconditional love in exchange for food and a belly rub.
I like to think Chippy is looking at me with love for ME rather than what treats I will give him!
You know what? Adulting really isn’t that bad after all!
In the long run, Adulting is kind of fun–especially when your kids are adulting along with you!
Let me get that ironing done!
Have a wonderful holiday. And remember—it’s ok to not want to adult every now and then!
Happy Memorial Day. Country Before Party! I want my beautiful and welcoming America back!
Remember that song by Helen Reddy? Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)? Yeah. I was singing the chorus at the top of my lungs before I wrote the post!!
Oh my, I hope Dany will be okay! Love and hugs to you and Vincent xoxo
Hi Lori. We just received news that he is stable. In France, the doctors keep patients hospitalized until they are well enough to go home. Looks like he may be hospitalized for a while but we are glad that he is becoming stronger!! Thank you! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Good news! Will keep praying
I’m just back from a cruise where we docked in Marseille and have been catching up on all your blogs. When I read that you were hoping to go to Marseille I wanted to tell you about a restaurant there, but first I have to say how sorry I am to hear about Dany and do hope that he will be OK. I can understand Bonaparte’s concern and hope that all will be well until you arrive there.
If you have the chance to go to Marseille, La Grotte at Callelongue is the most wonderful restaurant and worth a visit – google it.
I do wish you a safe trip and hope that things go well for Dany.
SusanD
I, too, hope that Dany will recover soon. At least it’s not that long before you will be able to see him.
Yes, Catherine, escape into a great book; one of my favourite things to do. Sometimes this is my mantra (taken from my sons): CBA – can’t be arsed! Very useful when I’ve had enough of doing adult jobs. Take care. xoxo
Hi June! I like that CBA! I’ll be using it. Thanks for the well wishes for Dany. I’m counting the days. And I’ve already picked up a couple of books to escape into during our trip. Sitting under the PARASOL to protect my skin, I go through at least three books per trip. It’s one of my favorite things about vacation!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Glad you like CBA!!! I use it a lot… I’m with you on books and holidays. XOXO
Your blog makes me smile! Although I’m in a different country you strike a chord. I get fed up with being an adult too. All the time. Where did this serious person come from, I aak myself? Why do I spend public holidays clearing the garden and cooking? I should be at the fairground or a pop festival! One day.
Hi Gail! And always happy to put a smile on your face. Even happier to know that I’ve stuck a chord with you. It’s nice to know I am not alone in not wanting to “adult” all the time!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
*nudging Catherine* Slide over underneath the fort, and let me in! Haha! I adore you, madame, and I feel the same way you do. We are living in scary-ass times, being “led” by even MORE scary-ass people. Dany will be in my prayers for healing, along with you and Bonaparte. I love the pictures of your family, both your children and your family abroad. Beautiful people with beautiful souls. Sending you love, whimsy and better times ahead! Terri Lee XOXOXOXO!!
P.S. “The Blob Festival”? Will Trump be the Grand Marshall? That’s a “blob” if ever I saw one! HAHA!!!
Come on in Terri Lee!! There’s room in my fort!! And thank you for your prayers and kind words!! Yeah, these certainly ARE scary-ass times and every day I begin to wonder more and more about what has happened to our mores. Remember when lying was a sin and worse was WRONG and intolerable? I can’t even…. “The Blog Festival” is named in honor of the old-school film “The Blob” it was filmed at the old Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville! LOL!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Lying, total lack of class, pompous attitudes..,oh, don’t get me started on how much I loathe and detest Le Dictateur Orange! LOL You always crack me up with your refreshing candor and honesty. You aren’t getting older, you’re getting better! XOXOXOXO!!
Hi Terri Lee! I’m so glad that we think alike on this one–LOL!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine,
First I want to say Dany is in my prayers. I hope he has a swift recovery and is home by the time you arrive:) My Dad is 92 and caregiver to my 91 year old Mom who has dementia so I know that when an elder goes down it takes a bit of time to heal. Bisous to that sweet guy!
Second, girl you need a holiday!! Working in healthcare I know a comet burning out when I see one. Spend some time everyday reading, hot baths or napping….living is harder on these 62 year old bones than when we were younger. I never thought so before but as I lay here fighting anti biotic induced nausea after two trips to ER to experience my country’s free healthcare ( not really free because we pay the CDN taxes to operate but they took good care of me) it’s taken me eight weeks to heal what used to take a month. Ya need to take care of yourself!! Ask my husband and 20 yr old, when the cook is down for several weeks even pizza and Subway get boring. They are actually attempting rice and salmon tonight !
I am also thinking you might have a case of the yaya’s! Yes that is a medical termed coined by my late aunt to describe how kids behave a few weeks before the end of school( verified by my retired high school teacher brother). Impatient, kinda bored, nothing looks right but with an undercurrent of excitement and THRILL. Your going on holiday in three weeks!!! Shake out the yaya’s!!! Luckeeeeeee you<3
when I get on my feet I am making mon mari creme caramel, his hands down fave.
Hi Momcat! It’s true. I have the “Yaya’s”!!! I need to shake’em out too! There is a room full of stuff that I still need to pack and I’m anxious and excited!! But, I’m really glad that Dany has stabilized for the moment. Thank you for your good thoughts! Oh please. I would trade healthcare places with you any day–and with those in France and throughout Europe. While I realize it isn’t “free” per se, and the taxes pay for it, I would gladly have my taxes raised in order for everyone to get universal healthcare. I think the time may be coming…let’s hope!
Hey, I want YOU to feel better and quickly. My issue is that I’ve started to get cramps in my feet at night every now and then and I can’t stand it. Ahhhhhhhhh the pleasures of maturing…what fun!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
I see from some of the comments that Bonaparte’s father is more stable – that’s good news 🙂 I do hope he continues to improve. I know how much we used to panic about my grandad’s falls and scrapes but he still battled on – often on his bike! We used to joke about his appetite and lead-lines stomach too. He could eat anything! Must be something about being a nonagenarian, they don’t make them like they used to!!
As for admiring, everyone’s allowed a day or two off from the mundane. I hope so anyway, I don’t intend on giving up playing tag around the house anytime soon! 🙂
Hi Haylee. I think Dany and your grandad are from the same mold!! That was a generation of people who learned to grow up quickly due to the war–and they weren’t lazy or spoiled.
Yeah–I’m continuing my non-adulting through today!! I ran around the house after chippy when he grabbed a bag of mine. It definitely was tag time here!!! XOXOXOxO!!!
I cannot believe you live in Phoenixeville. I have family there. We truly have spent a lot of time in the same zip codes.
I hope Dany is doing better.
All my best.
Jane
Jane! Are you kidding me? This is too much!!!! We are destined to meet up with one another in the near future!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Oh Catherine I do love your posts, and the nostalgic ones remind me of so many things about my childhood – I’m with you in sometimes wanting NOT to have take care of things all the time. I am glad that Dany is stable and hope that he will be well enough to join in with all the food and fun you three are going to have when you get there.
Take care of yourself – we need you!
xxx
Hi Judy! Thank YOU!!!! I think we all want to shirk responsibility at times–and it’s good!! Bonaparte doesn’t think Dany will be well enough to join us for lunch, but at least we will (God willing) be able to visit him!!!!!
I’m taking care!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Sorry to hear that Dany has had a fall and I hope his condition continues to improve, he looks such a fun character. I’m pleased that you have a trip out there soon.
God, your crème caramel looks divine!
What did you make of the Macron/Trump meeting? It looked to me as if Macron has zero respect for your president.
Porte toi bien Catherine.
Hi Fiona. The more I see of Macron, the more I love him. I was pleased as punch when I saw that snub Macron made with Trump. Bonaparte had to hold me from running to the TV screen to kiss Macron!
I’m not done with my reply yet Fiona. This damned laptop! Anyway, Macron, as well as all the other European leaders should have ZERO respect for Trump. Trump has Zero respect for everyone except his wallet. I have absolutely no respect for him or the presidency anymore.
He has disrespected my Pope and good ol’ Pope Francis cannot stand Trump. Oh…Pope Francis rocks–he rocks!!! I need to step down or I’ll turn this into one of my rants.
But thank you for your good wishes for Dany!!!! I’m getting very excited to see him!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
I guess talk about adulting, we took our baby and her husband out to dinner for her birthday-she was 36 yesterday! I hope Dany mends and you have quality time with him when you visit. I am amazed at folks who live well into their 90’s. He’s done something right, that’s for sure. I live out in the middle of nowhere (an hour from Kansas City which I drive to a lot) so can relate to never knowing what is going on in the community.
Hi Terri! Happy Birthday to your Baby!!!! My oldest baby will be 34 in October!! So far Dany is coming along–he’s had an incredible life. I swear he should have written a book! My grandmother left us on her 98th birthday–she came around full circle and that is a beautiful thing.
It’s weird because even when I lived in Manhattan, I was so in touch with the community. Now I feel like an outsider looking in!!!!! I’m glad you can relate to what I am talking about!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
You make me want a pair of dark round glasses. 🙂
I am so with you on adulting today. I don’t want to work (but have 10+ years to go to retirement).
As an aside, I would rather iron than do any other household chore.
I hope Dany is mending well, I have to admit most days I wake up and my initial thoughts are basically amazement that I am no longer 8 (8 must have been a really formative year). I am so not into adulting – it is boring, dull, hardwork and thankless usually, and my offspring have given up any hope of me doing that sort of thing these days. Oh I tried when they were growing – I sort of managed – well we managed, and they have turned out fine. Now they sort of adult me 🙂 which involves a lot of eye rolling for some reason
There needs to be a day when we can all not be adults… just for onnne day!!!
Hi Dawn. Let’s make that a week!!!!!! XOXOXOXO