Peas 'n Carrots
THE REASON
Whenever I am in the NY area, I make it a priority to hang-out with my friend Amanda. A long time ago, a friend said about us, "You two are like peas 'n carrots." It's true! We just go together. It’s been almost two years since I have seen her. I met Amanda in Hermosa Beach about 20 years ago. Just a few short years later, she moved to San Francisco and met her mate Jonathan. From there, they moved to Topanga Canyon CA, then Brooklyn NY and they are presently in Rumson NJ for the past 7 or so years.
THE BEGINNING
Wednesday.
I flew Virgin America to Newark. From there, I hopped on the AirTran and took a NJ Transit train to Red Bank station via Woodbridge connection.
Amanda picked me up at Red Bank. She was adorable as ever with her distinct perfectly round face. Like a happy little moon.
Our chatter was an animated thread of this and that, punctuated by how annoyed we were the train schedule cut our time short. My flight into Newark arrived during a time period where trains did not go straight to Red Bank. I had to get off at Woodbridge and wait nearly 30 minutes for a connection.
I adore Amanda’s 19th century house. Her home would be mine for the next two nights. Lilly her 12 yo was home. She had done a lot of growing-up since I saw her 2 years prior. She shares her mom's precious round face. Sometimes it's like a happy moon – and sometimes, well – the opposite. She’s on the verge of her teenage years after all. It’s tough not be pissed off about something at that age. I feel you girl!
After a time with Lill, Amanda and I freshened up, buttoned up and headed out.
The seaside town of Sea Bright is walking distance from her home. It was a bit chilly, but I liked the idea of this warm blooded Californian tackling the elements. Our first stop was Amanda’s favorite place Woody’s, where a roaring fire greets you as you enter. Woody’s is one of many places to be completely remodeled post-Hurricane Sandy. Belly-up we went; martini for me, margarita for Amanda and ALWAYS chips and guacamole to share (that’s our thing).
Amanda’s plan was to bar hop, so we hopped-off to Harry’s Bar & Grill. It was formerly Harry’s Lobster House, a family owned business in operation for 82 years! I assume the new tenants wanted to ride the wave of the beloved Harry’s name. Apparently, this incarnation is nothing like its namesake. To me, it was a great looking bar. I was happy to spend time there. We bellied-up (I see a pattern forming); pinot noir for me, hard cider for Amanda. Would we ever run out of things to talk about? Never. I love my ‘lil Amanda. She’s the baby sister I never had. Our drinks were done. However, we were still on our pub crawl – let’s do this!
We went for “one more, no more” at Tommy’s Tavern, but the front door was locked and none of the patrons got up to let us in. Hello? Anyone?!
That was a clear enough message to head home. A nasty chilling wind had whipped up. We leaned into it and started our walk.
The Navesink River separates Rumson and Sea Bright. The Shrewsbury River Bridge gets you from one side to other. It’s a drawbridge. Just like the inevitable train causes you to stop at the railway crossing, a boat caused us to stop and wait for its passage. There we waited in the relentless cutting wind for the itsy bitsy boat to pass. Whyyyyyyy???????!!!!!!
THE MIDDLE
I slept hard. When, I woke, it was very quiet. I went down the guest room’s private stairs (likely servants quarters in the early days); they lead straight to the kitchen. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. I helped myself to a cup.
Where was Amanda? I took some pictures of her lovely dining and living room. Then, got cozy in a comfy chair, pulled up an ottoman, and got on my iPad. About 30 minutes later, Amanda casually walked in the room.
Amanda: “How long have you been up?”
Me: “’bout 45 minutes.”
Amanda: “Why didn’t you come downstairs?”
Me: “’Cause I forgot you have a downstairs.”
You see, Amanda’s ground floor was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Post hurricane, homeowners were required to lift their homes, and place them on stilts if they wanted to be covered by flood insurance. Now, Amanda’s renovated ground floor is on the second floor. The ground floor acts as a mudroom with direct access to the garage, as well as a den, and Amanda’s knitting space. She likes to watch Lifetime down there and knit allll daaaay looooong.
We laughed about my brain fart. But now, bagels. It’s raining – so, it’s a sweat pants kind of day. Amanda takes me to Bagel Masters. We grab bagel breakfast sandwiches, run a couple errands and head home.
It was a lazy afternoon of doing nothing. Halloween was in a couple days, so there were lots of scary movies on the tube. We went downstairs (the new downstairs), got under blankets, ate our bagels and started watching Psycho. I fell in, and out, of sleep. I was conscious for the shower scene, which never fails to horrify.
By now, it’s 3ish. I awkwardly force myself to a seated position. I asked Amanda, “Is it sending Lilly the wrong message to see us lying here like lumps when she gets home from school?” She laughed, shrugged her shoulders and said, “Currently, everything I do or say to Lilly seems to be the wrong message, so, I wouldn’t worry about it.”
THE END
Thursday.
Later that night (my last night), Lilly, Amanda and I went to Rum Runner restaurant. The original Rum Runner was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Their website says of the original restaurant, “The excitement surrounding this new eatery was only amplified by the arrival of Bruce Springsteen on a nearly daily basis as he used the banquet room to rehearse his upcoming "Tunnel of Love" tour. Thus began a 25-year run, interrupted occasionally by some vicious storms, but then concluded with Superstorm Sandy's destruction of this beloved landmark in November of 2012.”
The newly built Rum Runner in Sea Bright is grand. Beautiful décor, water views, a large fireplace and a piano player made for a warm environment, despite the size. HUGE. Jonathan, Amanda’s husband, met us there straight from the ferry. I saw him only in passing the night before. He’s a great guy, an Englishman – always fun to talk to. He’s a 30 year veteran of the fashion industry - a creative director. It’s interesting to get his insight and hear about the tough world of fashion and retail.
Amanda and I at Rum Runner
Our quite tasty meal was enhanced with a bottle of Pinot Noir. Lilly was adorable, but a bit self-deprecating – is that a teenage thing? I don’t remember that about myself. Although, I do recall always wanting to be thinner...
Anyway, when we got home, Jonathan and I shared more wine, Amanda had her usual cider, Lilly went off to her room. We decided to watch the movie “Now You See Me.” Cue sleeping Amanda. Cue sleeping Kathleen.
THE GOODBYE
Friday.
I had a 12pm train to catch. We decided to eat at a little place we passed the day prior called Edie’s. First, coffee at home of course – then, I got my things together and we headed out. It was a gray day that was slowly shaping-up to be quite alright.
In 1930, when the buidling was a general store.
Edie’s is a joint. No airs, no frills, no bullshit. The restaurant was clearly a former residence, a cute little house with a history beginning in 1849 as a tenant house for the farm across the street.
We took stools at the red Formica counter. You know – the kind affixed to the floor with a stainless steel pedestal and a red pleather swivel seat. I had the traditional 2 – 2 - 2 (two eggs, two bacon slices, two pancakes). It was all good. Amanda and I talked about the upcoming holiday season among other things. Amanda frequently mentions her angst with acquaintances and some friends she has through Lilly’s school and the neighborhood. Real petty goings on – having to do with who you are, how much you make, what sports your kid is in, the car you drive, etc. It gets her upset because she is not wired that way (obviously) and it makes her miss her more down to earth west coast friends.
Next stop was our last together - the Little Silver train station. As always, Amanda cried just a tad as we hugged goodbye. I love her to smithies, but this was not the end of my trip, so I wasn't sad at all. Next stop Ronkonkoma, where my junior high school friend Christine would scoop me up and take me to her Southampton home (yippee).
