Like I was saying, August posts have been a little light because August days have been a little busy… Part 1 here, and Part 2 here…

What I want to know is what happened to the “lazy days of summer”? Am I just a girl who can’t say no, or are we all just doing 72,000 more things than we used to do? And yet it’s all good. What’s going on?

August 9: We took off for Santa Fe to go to the opera, which is just spectacular. I mean look at this building.

I’ve been wanting to do this since I could spell Poochini. A whirlwind trip with Preacher,  Partner, and their son Tanase, who used to work at the opera. We saw the impressive premier of Oscar, about Oscar Wilde. Tanase made an Opera Survival Kit for His Grace (aka my husband for new readers).

We did not buy fabulous art like they have in Santa Fe, but I did buy a cutting board. Even the cutting boards in Santa Fe are art, this by Julie A. Medow, whose colorful work you can see at Art and Tile of Santa Fe.com.

We also saw a leopard limousine.

Tanase visited the Loretto Chapel with the mysterious and striking spiral staircase.

Btw, see Tanase’s up-and-coming cooking blog ChezTanase.com here.

Back home we went to the Ballantines, who are great hosts. Molly sets the prettiest table. I love her fearless mix of warm and cool colors, like a California sunset.

August 11: Slept through historic, once-in-a-lifetime, Stephen Hawking-gawking Perseid meteor shower.  I will have to take their word for it.

Meanwhile, blog deadline …

August 17: Annual Los Olivos Quick Draw! Woo-hoo! Local artists set up their easels in town and complete a work in one hour. The pressure.

Then they auction them off for charity. Good people-watching, too.

SWAT team family picnic at the pond. The rest of the year they practice brave and daring stunts at Rancho La Zaca. I would tell you more but they would have to kill me afterward.

Oh, and family in for the weekend. Sadly I have to log some desk time. But I can only get so much done because for the first time in I cannot remember, I get sick.

Meanwhile, Veranda article looms … It’s about holiday decorating, just what I want to be thinking about right now.

August 19: I actually go to the doctor, which I never do (touch wood) except for check-ups. I tell him I am either 8 months pregnant or I swallowed a goat, either of which happened entirely without my knowledge. I am sure to require emergency surgery which is why I pack an overnight bag and bring my computer and Veranda file. JIC.

A once-over and blood test later I am home. Tummy bug. But do I lose one single solitary ounce of weight? Nosirreebob. Who do I call about that?

August 20: I am half-well and by Tuesday we’re off for Los Angeles. August is “the season” in L.A. Much as I love New York, it is not an August-friendly place.

In a great hotel city, the Peninsula is our favorite, and Room 102 is terrific because of its terrace …

… and pretty seating area with hot pink cushions.

We visit friends, including my huckleberry Alex Hitz, who entertains sooooo beautifully–and cooks, too.

August 22: Return home with few friends in tow, for yet another house party.

More horsing around.

And our sunflowers are blooming.

August 31: And now here it is Labor Day. Margaritas and mariachis, but mercifully not at our house.

Has your summer been as crazy as ours?

September 1: Go to New York to rest.