Jetting Through July

Well, I had my little sojourn back east, nearly 2 weeks of family, friends and fun. I found summer when I landed at Logan. There was no need to pack those jeans, long sleeved shirts or light fleece jacket. The entire trip was sunny and warm, with the occasional Tstorm threat that never made it through Boston...until I was on the Cape on the 4th. Then they had to evacuate the Esplanade during the Pops concert, pre fireworks because of severe weather. I probably would have been there with my sister, who left her bridge view spot for the tunnels on Storrow Drive. But I digress...

My first big event was our Waltham High School Class of 70 Turns 60 Birthday Bash on June 30th. A pre-party at the Marriott bar Friday night was a good way to break the ice. My sister Linda, class of 71, came with me. And dressed me, in a cute little black dress. She also dressed me for the Bash, in a long summery dress. Smashing. Thanks, Linda. And Alina took me out for a pedicure for my birthday present so my toes looked pretty smashing as well! It was good to see old friends, many of whom I'd not seen since graduation.

Enjoyed my time with Mom, had a great night at Linda's for Patrick's 27th Birthday on the 3rd.

I visited the Concords for their 4th cookout, then I left my laptop behind for a tech break, and headed with Alina to Chatham for a few days with Larry and Helen McKevitt.

We had such a great time, no internet, walking around town, and lazing at the beach, with short dips to cool off- white shark alerts kept everyone very close to shore.

We took a drive with Cassie in her convertible to Provincetown, taking in a drag queen show, eating oysters, drinking local brews, and sipping more than a few different wines and talking late into the night on the deck. Nothing like some good quality time with a daughter.

At the end of the week we drove to Falmouth for our Cape Cousin reunion, planned back in Feb 2011 at Dad's funeral. All 5 Cape cousins, spouses and most of their kids gathered at the old homestead, 31 Gayle Ave, now owned by cousin Jim (aka Tiba). Cousin Pat (aka Cookie) is doing his best Uncle Jim imitation. Uncle Jim used to wear that very hat and apron whenever there was a cookout at their place. So glad Cookie saved it. We had some good laughs about burned chicken.

We got everyone in front of 31 Gayle for a photo. The 'Walthams' were missing Carol and Mary, five out of seven ain't bad! Add Alina, Linda's three boys and Janet's Paul, and we had half our our kids there, too. Kevin's fiance Heather and Ryan's Soraya joined in the fun. Mom was the honored guest. It was a great day. I'm still smiling about that one.It's a keeper. Eat your hearts out, Concord Sullivans! To ensure you are in the NEXT one, you're hosting, haha.

My last night in Waltham, I boiled up some lobsters for Mom, Mark and myself. What a treat! Karen came to visit on Tuesday, and dropped me at the airport for my flight home.

I arrived home to find that summer had made it to the Gorge while I was gone. The radishes had gone crazy, the lettuce was up and needed thinning, the spinach and arugula were bolting, and the tomato plants finally had some blossoms and wee green tomatoes starting. And along with summer, we had guests! Our retired Chevron friends Steve and Bev Zalen stopped by for 2 nights with Ozzy, their Tibetan Spaniel. Welcome home!