Something That Says "Summer"

On my way to and from the neighborhood park to read this evening, I took some pictures of what says "summer" to me for the LGRAB Summer Games.  I have more than just hinted at it before, but dusk/sunset is definitely one my favorite things about summer.  There is just something in the energy of the air at this time.  The crickets are loud, the street lights are coming on, and the lightning bugs are all in sync with the glow of the sky.

This is also the time of day that if I have spent anytime outside whatsoever,  I start to feel the affects of summer on my skin.  The sweat starts to dry or the freckles start to show up.  Of course I am a loyal wearer of sunblock, but the light of the sunset is when I begin to see the lack of color on my skin disappear.  Which reminds me of the song Summer Skin by Death Cab for Cutie. -A

P agrees and the first picture is from her evening.

Test Riding A Different Bike

As our first event in the Let's Go Ride A Bike Summer Games we jumped at the idea to “test ride a different bike” which for us would be commuter bikes.  Both A and I have had a love of bikes since our youth. My order of bike ownership started of course with the tricycle, moving on to a banana bike, 3 speed, 10 speed, mountain bike, and then to my current two bikes.  I have a 1999 Cannondale hybrid bike and a 2006 Cannondale road bike.  Bike riding has been a love of mine from the start.  It ranges from being either for fun or form of exercise.  I am just as happy riding my bike 1 mile or 100 miles and I know A would agree with that.  We've had off and on discussions regarding bike commuting over the years.  We like the idea and have made some trips by bike for the sole purpose of not using our car, and of course getting to spend some extra time with our bikes.  Her most recent trip was made on a day off she took a couple of weeks ago.  I have made a few trips to the grocery store, as well as the post office, the coffee shop, and a friend’s house in the past couple of years.  Although they are minimal I felt happier on each trip. 

That being said we decided to meet after work last night to test ride a commuter bike at a local bike shop.  They had a few true commuter bikes but we got the idea and now want to try more.  The manufacturer of the bike we tried was Giant.  A noticed the difference in the ride as opposed to her mountain bike and commented on how comfortable it felt.  I thought the ride was similar to my hybrid.  We absolutely loved the rack on the back as well as the fenders and kickstand.  I could picture myself carrying groceries on the back, as well my morning coffee.  The sales person did point out that any bike can be a commuter bike if you outfit it just right.  We aren't quite ready to give our current bikes a rest but we can certainly picture adding another bike to each of our households in the near future.  We were already talking about a weekend in NYC for me to test ride a Retrovelo Paula at AdelineAdeline which would be absolutely fitting for me.   To finish the evening off, we took our current bikes out for ride in the park and enjoyed every moment. - P

Nice New Wednesday Ride

 It was a hot hot summer day, but a wonderful one for an after work bike ride.  P and M untypically met at my place, which automatically mixes up the choices in the routes that we have.  We decided to head north and loop around passed the lake and the beach.  It was hot, but it wasn't as uncomfortable as the weather report said.  Perhaps it was because of the breeze off the lake.  We also got to enjoy the bake path on one of the streets. Those bike paths make riding on the streets so much more comfortable in terms of safety. Of course we stopped to grab some food, then ate it back at the picnic table.  Apparently falafel wraps and curry steak wraps are too delicious to for us to bother with gathering photographic evidence of their actual existence.  But dinner was yummy! -A

Biking and Yoga and Cupcakes, Oh My!

This day started about a week ago when I realized that I had to take my car into the shop before I could renew my plates.  Instead of dropping of the car and figuring out a ride to and from work, I decided just to take the day off with a little nudge and confirmation from P that this was a good idea.  The plan was to drop my car off, then ride my bike to yoga class. This was the first time I did the HOT yoga flow class, it was about 8 degrees hotter in the room than the flow class I am used to.  Since this was yoga, and not bike riding or running, I couldn't count on convection to help with sweat control.  It was very intense, but felt even better. I was drenched!  I will have to remember to bring a shirt to change into after the next class I attend.    The yoga studio happens to be very close to the local cupcake shop.  That is what serendipity is.  So, I picked up a four pack of yummy cupcakes and got back on my bike to return home.  On my way I decided to stop at the bike shop.  For safety reasons, as well as general stopping reasons, it was definitely time for me to get more back brake pads on my bike!  I am back at home now watching a movie after a nice bike trip and I do have to say that the first watermelon cupcake I've ever had will definitely not be my last.  Yummy!

I am glad I took the day off of work. -A

The Final Harry Potter Adventure

As most people probably already know, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 debuts this week.  Although I am looking forward to seeing the movie, it is bittersweet.  After enjoying each movie I would savor the moment but took for granted that yes, there will be another one.  It will be odd to see the movie and say ok, that’s it.  Luckily there is Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando. My husband and I went on a family trip to Orlando with my parents, sister and family this past April.  We of course used my niece and nephew as a good excuse to go see it for ourselves.  We weren’t just two adults going to see Harry Potter on our own, although I really probably wouldn’t be too opposed to that.  I think the fact that they really like Harry Potter was a bonus.  We had a lot of fun that week.  Enjoy the movie. - P

Anniversary of a Date

My husband and I went out to celebrate our first date this past weekend. Amidst all of our house guests this month we managed to find a night that everyone had other plans to continue our yearly tradition. It was a beautiful July night. Toasty warm outside and perfect night to wear a dress.

While relaxing at dinner I did see several people ride past the restaurant window on bicycles. The one that made me smile was an older man on a adult tricycle transporting some groceries. I rarely see those bikes anymore but it was nice to see an elderly person still pedaling along. I also caught a glimpse of a little girl riding on the handlebars of I assume her brother’s bike. I found this very familiar as this was very acceptable when I was growing up. Although we would deem that as a very unsafe practice now, I still thought it was sweet since they both looked so happy riding by.

Dinner was at a restaurant that specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and always makes a point to use seasonal ingredients. I am glad the restaurant hasn’t changed in the years we have been going there. It is also nice to head back to the city for a night out. I apologize for my lack of photos of the bike riders and my dinner but I decided to keep the camera tucked away and just enjoy the moment.

Does anyone else still celebrate random anniversaries like that? - P