...the Rest of the Summer

As creatures craving warmth and leisure, summer is the golden season of holidays, day trips, and beach time. In our case this year, it was a whirlwind of working overtime and making ridiculous travel plans to fit in seeing everyone.

Animal Tales & Birthdays

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in New England and thus is the last hurrah before school starts and work gets (more) serious again. My birthday typically falls during or near Labor Day, so I always treat it as an excuse to celebrate for three days instead of a measly one.

We kicked off the weekend at the freshly renovated Aquarium,

then took an inaugural ride on the new Greenway Carousel.

After adventures with our animal friends, we moved on to finding an appropriate birthday meal before the weekend is out.

A meander around town

When the sun is shining, there is nothing nicer than a walk through the Public Gardens,

snake your way through the cobblestoned streets of Beacon Hill.

Stop by a historic 19th century house museum for a private tour, 

and admire the butler's pantry; it's just as interesting as high society's tapestried rooms.

And when you feel a bit peckish, join the party in the North End (Little Italy) in honor of St. Anthony.

I'd recommend the pasta.

Sand and Salt

It's a family tradition to go to the beach in August.

Walk the shore and brave the frigid Atlantic...

go antiquing,

scope the wildlife (and not so),

eat some lobster,

and take it all in and remember the ocean is always there.

Juuuuuuuuice

I didn't set out to buy a juicer this weekend. I had wanted a juicer for months - years, even - but they were always too expensive or the size of a small family car.

But then, Mom gave me several thousand coupons and this Cuisinart compact beauty revealed itself to me.

I may never eat solid foods again.

The adventure began with the utmost goal of recreating my favorite beverage from a local bookstore / cafe.

Apple Ginger Seltzer 

 And a 'Green Monster', modeled by my assistant

A bunch of green grapes
Handful or two spinach
2 apples

Then a little bevy I like to call 'cleaning out the fridge'

5 carrots
large chunk of ginger
7-8 green grapes 
1 apple

A little fresh juice makes justifying dessert that much easier...