CLD at the Yard

I have just returned from 10 days in Martha's Vineyard dancing at The Yard with Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance. I had a really good time and enjoyed dancing and meeting all the new dancers and relaxing. It was a much needed break and it made me really miss dancing more. Being in a house with 8 other dancers who are mainly under 22 years old was like being on some kind of reality show, except without all the fighting. We couldn't really go anywhere since we had limited transportation, so we ended up sitting around a lot. We had no tv, but managed to watch you tube, music videos and celebrity family feud (awesome) on the computers.

I may continue to do projects with Cherylyn in the fall, which would be really great. I miss performing.

Brian's Wedding

Last weekend, Ben and I went up to New York to go to Brian and Mary's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and a really lovely reception. Melissa F, Amber and Lil came too and we had a good time dancing and laughing as usual. Brian and Mary looked so great and happy and we got to hear the song Brian wrote for Mary .

After the wedding, we stayed with Marla in Long Island City and enjoyed spending time with her before she moves to London. We loved being back in New York and seeing old friends (and one new one!)

Pie

I love pie and I like making pie too. Last weekend I made a peach blueberry pie, and it did not turn out great. I think those fruits don't have enough fruit. I made a strawberry rhubarb pie a couple months ago and it was really tasty and beautiful - see picture.
Just thought I'd share my success.

Ice Cream Festival

Last weekend, Ben and I went to an ice cream festival down by the Delaware River. It offered all you eat ice cream for $5.00.
We went with our friend Cara and one of her friends, both who turned out to be as serious about ice cream as us. When we paid our money and they had given us a spoon each, we entered the tent filled with tables, ice cream scoopers from Ben and Jerry's, Haagen Dazs, Bryers, Edy's, Rita's Water Ice, and more. Also in the tent was a ton of people elbowing people out of the way and pushing small children out of their paths to get the cups of goodness - we joined right in. There is something about crowding around and jostling with hundreds of people over cheap sweets that just says "America" to me and it was fun fun fun. We'd all split up to scout out our favorite flavors and brands. (Melissa only took chocolate flavors, Ben filled up on fruit pops), and then meet up in the middle of the tent to eat and rest until we'd go back in to the foray. Apparently, it is an annual event, so next year, come join us!

So Philly

Last night we rode our bikes to the Mann Center to meet some friends to see the performance of The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra with Yo Yo Ma. The Mann Center is cool. Like Wolf Trap or Summer Stage, it is a big outdoor stage with a big lawn space for people to have picnics. It was the first city activity that we've really done here.
Which is especially important since now we own a bit of this city. Ben and I bought and moved into our new house last weekend. Living in a house with so many rooms and floors, that we own, is a concept that is strange to me. But it's been fun and great so far. My mom and sister came up for a few days to see the house and celebrate Ben's birthday, which was fun. All our friends have been really helpful telling us where to put stuff and filling up the house more. Ben is in 7th heaven, planting stuff, fixing up stuff and cooking on his grill. It's like we've become these whole new people in the last week. We cook on the grill and have a basement and a washer and dryer (which is one of my life goals fulfilled), and a backyard, and have to put the trash out.
It is also strange to live in our own house, but still be in the city. So far, city living for me and most people I know means living in an apartment. Philly is nice that you can buy a house, but still enjoy city life. All our neighbors have been very welcoming and friendly. Everyone says hello to each other on the block and has come over to introduce themselves to us.

We are thankful for this new blessing in our life and wish you all a great summer!