happy summer days

this past weekend i travelled to Pittsburgh to host a shower with the other "hays girls" for my brother and his fiancee. I was only in charge of the invites but the other ladies did an awesome job to pull it off without a hitch, from making all the food to caring for all planned games and every tied ribbon 

homemade punch

homemade jelly

homemade hugs

hot buns

long time friends

neighbors

hostesses with the mostesses

As usual, we didn't spend as much time visiting as i would have liked but we did manage to see a few good friends, hang in the pool and get in a little "pre-birthday" cake

learning to fly

pa takes care

making a splash

staying afloat

spin with honey on raft

good friends

more happy summer days please

next stop: deutschland

 

Summertime in the city

friends, sunshine, good music, ocean, bbq, celebrations

I love the summertime.

we spent a lot of time with friends this weekend.  at a time of year when many new yorkers cityscaping, we were enjoying the "quietness" and time with friends

this was an especially notable weekend because we visited 

three of the five boroughs.

We went out on Long Island (queens) friday night for a Poison/Def Leppard concert.  I can't believe how many hits that were produced between the two bands 25 to 30 years ago. 

Oh, and people watching was totally awesome, but mostly we were were rockin' out reliving those high school days and had lots of fun doing it.

i made an attempt at a little iMovie to some Poison favies, a 45 second clip which took 2 hours to produce. the transitions are a little obnoxious but practice makes perfect

and NO saying that the people-watching goes both ways now….  :-)

Saturday we had a nice BBQ with our Canadian mates, who are living down the hall from where the now famed JZ lived growing up on State Street in BK (JZ references his old address in Empire State of Mind).

after little thought, it seemed obvious to name their flat "stash spot" and so it is.  

interestingly i made my first summer salad for such an event and it went down well -
Dasha's Quinoa medley

Yahtzee challenged the two year olds to scooting races around the courtyard - and later was found on the couch reading bedtime stories

it was very sweet.

and remember this little one?  here too!

well today we celebrated her first birthday in Astoria, Queens
time flies!

she was a perfect guest of honor and better, knows how to throw a pretty good party

i liked the Romanian tradition where all sorts of objects are put in front of the baby and whatever the baby grabs or chooses will determine the future occupation.

I think we are going to have a wise (owl) fun loving (monkey) writer (pencil) on our hands.

And of course we had a little something to celebrate right here in Manhattan with this guy!

Today marked 10 years at his job and i am very proud of him

(even though he spend most of the day like this at the kitchen table...)

we did manage to get out for an hour tonight for a celebratory glass of champagne

(and this is a better weekend style anyway, wouldn't you agree???)

More summertime weekends, please

Shine On.

 

Take me home, country roads...

well it wasn't our best driving time ever, but we made it to Pittsburgh for a day and a half of visiting with our family and it was quite relaxing. I still love it when we finally make it off the highway and get to roll down the windows and take in the fresher air and quietness. No beeping of horns, competing for greenlights and watching for bikers and boarders and joggers at every turn.  Just the rattle of the car, the wind blowing back my hair and the promise of a hug from mom in the very near future.

causing a few stares - strategy

Of course, we played things a little differently this time. First stop was the golf course where Yahtzee and my brother played a few holes with friends. Yahtz wore his lederhosen for good fun though i am sure that a few of those guys are under the impression all germans are running around like this 24/7.   Then I was off to the beauty salon - thanks to dad for the gift certificate at christmas.  I met my little sister there and together we got our locks done. I love it when they straighten my hair, but how come i have such a hard tie getting it so straight and smooth and shiny myself???  I have all the same tools and potions and lotions at home but no joy. My sister got a new look going on too with some highlights which i think look great.  She is still getting used to them 2 days on but i have a hunch she will go lighter still next time - and be a natural "dark blond" like me.

Once at the compound, the kids were already suited up and in the pool. i am not sure how they do it because the water is quite cold still, but they are certainly braver than me. I did not even manage to dangle my feet in the shallow end.

We somehow got quite a bit accomplished in the short time we were there, mainly because everyone was in one place for a change.  We talked through the invites for my brother's wedding and shower. My older sister is making the invites and i was reminded of how creative she has been since a little girl when my mom pulled out some of her earlier school projects later in the evening.  Her writing and artwork were well advanced from the get-go.  Lets see, i also got some interior decorating advice on what color to paint our cabinets that are currently being built.  I used to take a crack at Mom when she would have 30 carpet samples spread out and having a tough time making a decision, but this is exactly what i have been going through with my paint samples the past three weeks. We landed on After the Rain and was then rewarded with a tasty steak dinner.  I  also got to drive a "nice car" for a change and drove my sister's NEW Mazda over to my brother's NEW house.  didn't get to see the inside yet but I know he and his wife-to-be will quickly call it a home. Oh, and i sooo want a new car!

Mostly, we took special time today to remember those who fought for our freedoms and have sacrificed their lives in the process. There have been countless brave men and women who should be commemorated, and my Uncle Donny is among them.  We paid a silent tribute to our heroes.

Thanks again mom and dad, for making our trip so nice.  Wish we could stay longer and already looking forward to more homemade Jelly, warmer pool water, a bbq at bro's new place, morning talks over coffee and more shopping on the next trip!

And hopefully a record-time drive in with our own NEW car.    

I hope you all had a wonderful long holiday weekend.

                

Summertime, and the living is easy

I spent some time on Labor Day weekend to organize myself after such a whirlwind Summer, which according to my photos definitely made living easy.

For starters, and this one is 30 years coming, my Dad finished his dream to build a Babbling Brook which became a retirement project of sorts. Dad had a smaller version in mind back in 1980, but he likes to dream big for sure. This is why we love him. With the help of my brother, it really turned into a serene spot with water billowing over rocks and under a bridge into a small pond.  I can picture myself sitting there taking in a sunny day when I need to unwind or dream a little myself. 

Oh, and there were birthdays galore. 


I am proud to say I was invited in “the circle” once again this year to celebrate with this lady and her family. It was a late night, we had lots to celebrate…

Mom & my niece celebrated birthdays back in the Burgh.  My Aunt was also visiting so it was a really a treat to have her around.  We all wish she would move closer already! My niece has decided that holding out at 3 is better than turning 4, so she is 3…again.  I didn't get to go to the party, but I did help to pick out the dress!

Plus two 40th birthday celebrations.


We celebrated in style at Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social with my british jersey friend – we Americans were outnumbered for this one but held steady when it came to drinking, not an easy feat. 

Jersey girl

My bbf in the Burg had a nice backyard BBQ to celebrate. There were lots of kids, food and fun and the perfect summer night. 

Pin Up Poster Girl

As for me, I had a little happy hour rooftop shindig. It was very sophisticated until the whipped vodka showed up…you know who you are.  The evening was a dream(cicle), but the next day a nightmare.  But all was better when Yahtzee took me for my surprise! We spend a day at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, where we had a private room with sauna, dampfbad and Jacuzzi…topped off with a two hour massage from head to toe. That was heavenly.

Rock on Gold Dust Woman - Concert Night

Me and Yahtzee found some things locally to keep us amused. We took  a ride to Long Beach one afternoon to watch the kites and the surfers. I am always impressed at the patriotism in this country – it was not a holiday weekend but flags speckled the beach.

We saw Stevie Nicks live at Jones Beach and it was fantastic. I have loved her since I was a kid, and I still do now. She is a great storyteller and I love the way it comes out in her songs. Not to mention her independent spirit and bohemian nature. Stevie still rocks.

Naturally, I got in loads of Stella time. I put a few hundred miles on her just this summer alone.  Still getting comments about riding the man around town, but we take it in stride.  I got to pick up Yahtzee from work one night (after a little shopping), do you think this man loves me???? He’s adorable, right!

Yahtzee loves Dasha. Dasha loves Stella. 

And I am continuing with my guitar lessons, so am now thinking of writing a song about my love for Stella…and my husband.

We managed a few getaways too – in particular an awesome escape to Martha’s Vineyard.  We rented a house with two other couples who are not only great friends but wonderful housemates. 

Mastering the art of chillaxin'

The house was on Stonehenge Road and sat back in the woods. We kept the windows open and sat inside in the early evening reading, practicing guitar and cooking (well, not me but I provided some entertainment). In the evenings, we sat on the deck and enjoyed the company, the stars and a few drinks 

(should i mention Whipped Vodka again??)

I was not just relaxed, I was even lazy.

There was everything to do and nothing to do.

Yahtzee found time for running and golfing. 

I went for beach walks every morning and grew my rock collection. 

On the Ferry

And we were all on the search for a perfect lobster roll. Here we are at a local church as we watch on to the lobster preparations.

Without a doubt, MV requires a return trip.

Thanks for letting us in on your little secret, guys.

Me & Snug's BFF

The weather in NYC was a bit more unpredictable. Between an earthquake (I was off enjoying a ONE martini lunch and missed the seismic wave) and Irene, we EW left to question what is next. But we were in the safe zone for both, perched up high on the 5th floor. After the hurricane we took a look around and there was high waters and uprooted trees on the East River. But the sun came out shortly after the storm passed, and we had a little impromptu Jaggi-Q on the roof deck.

Speaking of unpredictable. Inabell is going to get 
married, but you would never guess it from this here photo.  Yes, this once conservative young lady really impressed us with her HEN NIGHT stunts ...Lets just say she put the Pop in Lollipop, and we keep it between us girls.

So as I said, Summer was a ‘happenin! 

I hope yours was just as long and sunny…

Shine on.