When I was a little girl, I loved nothing more than doing adult things like housework and lawn care. Now that I am an adult, the shine has kind of worn off basic chores like doing the dishes and mopping the floor. But for some reason, I have convinced myself that I still love to rake and mow the lawn.
That is until I actually have to do them.
I spent about an hour and a half doing hard outdoor labor on Sunday, the result of which was six tarp-loads of leaves and an aching back. But the good news is that raking burns 292 calories per hour, so it’s not such a big deal that I skipped going to the gym. At least that’s what I’m going to keep telling myself.
Before I get started with some of our goings-on this week, I’d like to give a big shout out to the publisher of The Press, Joe Louchheim, for throwing the best-ever holiday office party this past Friday night. It was super-fun and a great time was had by all.
I must have eaten two dozen appetizers in addition to my beef Wellington dinner and countless glasses of wine (holla to Colleen for being the designated driver). Thanks a million, Joe! I broke my diet for the day but it was well worth it.
Speaking of holiday parties, there are lots of fun things planned this weekend in observance of Hanukkah and Christmas.
All are invited to attend the Hampton Synagogue’s Preschool Shabbat Hanukkah Celebration, Friday Night Lively, on Friday, December 11, at 3:30 p.m., at the temple in Westhampton Beach. The party will feature art projects, songs, menorah and Shabbat candle lighting and Shabbat treats for children 1 to 5 years old. For more information, call 288-0534, ext. 13, e-mail yaldani@yahoo.com or visit thehamptonsynagogue.org.
Gateway to the Hamptons Real Estate on Montauk Highway in Speonk will host the second annual Holiday Cookie Festival on Saturday, December 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the kids to snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information, call 325-3449 or visit gatewaytothehamptons.com.
Also on Saturday, the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Winterfest in Westhampton Beach starting at 10:30 a.m. and lasting into the afternoon. Lots of fun doings are planned throughout the day. (The village’s annual tree lighting was postponed and rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, December 12—just fyi.)
During the festivities, Hampton Arts Cinema on Brook Road will screen two holiday films. Admission to the screenings is free for those who bring a canned good for the local food pantry.
There will also be strolling carolers throughout the village and a variety of events at the chamber’s office on Glover Lane, including story time with Mrs. Claus, crafts and Holey Moses Cheesecake. For additional information, call 288-3337, e-mail 4alli@optonline.net or visit whbcc.org.
Eastport Bible Church on Montauk Highway will host a live nativity on Sunday, December 13, from 4 to 6:50 p.m., at the church. Additionally, the church is collecting shoeboxes of toys and basic necessities (along with a $7 donation to cover shipping costs) for Operation Christmas Child, which benefits children in more than 90 countries around the world.
For more information on either program, call 325-8164. For packing instructions and a complete list of collection sites, call (800) 353-5949 or visit samaritanspurse.org.
The Choral Society of the Moriches will give a free concert of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” on Sunday, December 13, at 3 p.m., at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Main Road in Quiogue. For more information and to view the complete concert schedule, visit MorichesChoral.org.
on Dec 8, 2009