Happy Birthday America

July 4^th is a great holiday- it’s highlighted with barbeques, friends, family and fireworks.  It’s just a day you see people out and about enjoying a nice hot summer day. It’s also refreshing to see everyone you know dressed like the American flag. I would like to personally thank the founding fathers for not declaring independence in the winter- it just wouldn’t be as fun to celebrate in a sweater. My holiday embraced many cultures as I gathered with friends to enjoy the day. First stop was a German Bier Garden- which was a nice cool way to spend the day. Lots of games and revelry to be had, and everyone was decked out appropriately in their red, white and blue. Second stop was for a sushi dinner, celebrating the contributions of our friends from Japan and tasty treats. The final stop on this midweek holiday was to the fireworks along the Hudson River (yes, the benefits of living here, is that you can see the fireworks from your local park). It was definitely a lovely midweek holiday and I look forward to lots more fun this coming weekend.

days of summer

May I ask how we got to July already? Seriously, I think it was really just the start of June. My summer is off to a bit of a rough start - I have been in boot for 2 weeks now, with another 2 to go - laid up with a lovely stress fracture. This means I probably will not get to do one of the road races I've been looking forward to doing all spring in the beginning of August. This is very disappointing as I recruited my brother-in-law to do the race with me. I am hoping I am recovered enough to walk the race at least at this point. Some good news though, I did finally get the all clear to row at the gym and swim if I can find a spot - so watch out, I am ready to be back on the move, however slowly it goes.

(photo from cherry blossom girl)

weekend afternoons in the park

A few weekends ago, I spent a lovely afternoon playing games in Bryant Park. It was a lovely day to be out enjoying the sunshine, while also perfecting my scrabble game. It was great to catch up with a friend and her little one - who was napping like a champion during scrabble, play a little Candy Land, and have one of the most fantastic make your own ice creams.

Esther Williams

Esther Williams recently passed away, and I normally do not get into celebrity deaths. However, upon hearing of Esther’s death I couldn’t help but remember all things from childhood that had her influence. For those of you unfamiliar with Williams’ career she was famous for swimming in movies in the 1940s and 1950s. If you were a big Judy Blume fan, you might remember that Sally J. Freedman wanted to be in movies just like Esther (loved Sally, she is a great character – and I think I read this book when I was 12 and I still remember it). Perhaps though, my favorite Esther Williams tribute is Miss Piggy’s above. Granted I have always loved Miss Piggy- I was her for Halloween on year as child (thanks Dad for making one of the best costumes ever). I hope you enjoy!