Now we’re talking Jersey summer weather: hot, humid, oppressive. Today’s a bit less hot than forecasted, happily. The paradoxical sameness of winter, where despite the thermostat moving in the opposite direction, the upshot–staying inside–becomes preference. Friday started out sweltering, but turned into a memorable evening. Once the pool is open, we’ll be inclined to spend the day in our tiny oasis in the blaze. For me, today, though, I’m smoking some baby backs. See you on the other side of an Aperol spritz.

Auburn Road Winery

I am as much a creature of habit as I am an explorer. Routine has its delights, yet novelty beckons. To obey the latter, we found ourselves at the delightful Auburn Road Vineyards recently. We tried the barrel reserve Chardonnay and the dry rosé, along with the burrata salad and a pizza. The Chardonnay was surprisingly bright and crisp, not as much to Rhonda’s taste (she digs “buttery” wines), but I enjoyed it. The rosé is an exemplar of the local style. The vineyard is quietly ensconced among the wandering fields of Salem County, said terroir a common sight for me in middle school when my parents would drive to and from the Eastern Shore each weekend to sail.

And we still roll through on our way to Delaware and other Eastern Shore locales.

The whole experience was a blissed-out delight.

2022 Mini Cooper S Hardtop

Poor Aaron: our youngest son got a taste of freedom in getting his drivers license and a car to enjoy for the last three semesters of his high school career. An otherwise uneventful accident saw his car eventually totaled by the insurance company, after months of repair attempts, during which time he was reliant upon the largess of friends with wheels.

Nevertheless, insurance money in hand, we hit a local Mini dealership Friday to check out a 2022 hardtop coupe. I didn’t realize it was an S until we got there.

Aaron drove the car and loved it and I did, too. It looked great and was a good for fit Aaron. We made the purchase and it’s been fun snapping pics of this cool little go cart in the driveway.

I got a chance to drive it briefly after the ride home and it’s a very nice car indeed.

Ruchi Indian Restaurant

After many hours of car shopping, Aaron and I hit Ruchi Indian Cuisine for a late lunch. We both had the lunch special. I love an utterly mysterious dish that you may not identify before, during, or even after service. Just try everything.