concrete beach

I love summer!  Officially my pool is open for the summer and I’m at it as much as I can.  Granted it is definitely not the same as a real beach with sand, waves, and breeze but it is my city version.  There are so many normal stresses in life that, for me, during the summer just disappear.  I head out to my concrete beach with a book in hand and lay there, sweat, swim, and soak up the rays.  Everything else just seems to melt away…

yoga/ballet fundamentals

Holy cow!  I’ve started taking up yoga and ballet…both separate classes taught at different places but both kick my butt each week.  Wow…either I was really out of shape (true story) or ,nay there is no or.  Anyway, both of these classes have captured my interest and I have decided to kind of rededicate my summer to participating in these activities.  Actually not even so much just my summer I’m looking forward to just becoming good at both of them.  It’s exciting…I even had to replace my old ballet shoes because when I pulled them out of the box they had holes in them.  Bottom line I’m just having fun relearning what my body will and will not allow me to do…

P.S. It appears that something has paid off because my doctor just told me that I lost 10 pounds and 2 inches. 

migration south

Every year, along with the birds, I migrate south.  Though my pattern may  not be dependant upon the seasons it is no less distinct.  I migrate south, at least once, for friendship and though we may be miles apart for the rest…this once a year trip is always worth it.  By all means…there is some free baseball, good food, and beach time…but it is amazing what one little weekend can maintain. 

This year we did all the usual stuff but added a twist…Camden’s old enough to join and take our attention!    I mean that in the most loving way because being at a Riverdogs game is nothing until you see it through the eyes of a three year old.  Not to mention how well he can spot Charlie from anywhere in the ballpark!  Or to fly a kite and blow bubbles on the beach at sunset…  Always a good time to head back ‘home’ to Charleston, but even better watching a friend grow and experience the joys of motherhood. 

Wait…I can’t talk about Charleston and not talk about the great food!   You all know I love to eat and sometimes like to cook but man when I’m in SC the food just keeps on coming.  Ben is a great cook and he pampers his family (and me) so well; such fantastic healthy food all the time.  Even better is when Johny Shu and Ben team up and ‘man’ the grill…wow!  I’m still tasting that corn…

Stacy’s house

the backyard

Stacy & I

the garden (I killed)

tickle attack

SC flag

blowing bubbles

first big swing

RiverDogs at sunset

the big bridge at night

embassy row

Every spring the DC embassies open their doors to the public for us to tour the buildings, learn about the culture, and, in some cases, taste food or listen to music.  So the day started off good but only ok by the end…we had some good places like the band, coffee, and beautiful sites but there were also long lines, a big crowd, and lots of walking.  I’m glad I enjoyed this but now its crossed off the list and yes, my body (aka knees) gave out long before Bob’s did (so we rejuvenated over frosty beverages at RFD’s).