Nissa and I headed up to Albany on the train Friday night to see Liz and Ed. They were hosting a big BBQ on Saturday and had invited me to attend. Vanessa and Justin with their baby were also there and good times were had by all. Vanessa and Liz picked me up from the train station and I realized I was famished so when we had to stop to grab some things for the next day I grabbed some quick, heat up food to eat. The amount of pasta being made for pasta salads was astonishing – there was quite the production line.
The next morning we were up chopping veggies and getting tables set up. I got to run errands – I forgot how much fun driving a standard was, I almost went on a bit of a joy ride, but managed to contain myself. Before two, when the BBQ started, Liz’s parents were over and we got everything outside and set up. It was an impressive amount of food complete with four grills, a fridge for the meat outside, a huge set up to keep the salads iced down, and Ed’s home brew kegs ready for the party. They even had the tractor out to give hay rides to the kids. In all, everyone seemed to have a good time and no one left hungry. The night ended with a bonfire – there is something captivating about a fire, you just have to sit and watch for a while. Even the dogs had a good time – a whole pack of them running around.
The next morning I got to try out the new kitchen and make waffles – the ones my dad used to make on the weekend. People seemed to enjoy them and Liz has a freezer full of them to heat up if she is ever hungry. The train ride back seemed a bit long, but I knew there was work to finish up and I was a little tired from the weekend. Hosting a party is exhausting, but even attending makes me a bit tired. Nissa slept well on the way back though so at least one of us got some rest.
Quote of the Post:
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils.
-Baltasar Gracian
August 15, 2010
The Family Returns
My parents hadn’t been down since they helped me move in back in January so my mom wanted to come see me now that I had settled in. Sara, my dad and mom drove down to visit Saturday. I had figured out where the suburban-style grocery store was so I was hoping to cajole them into a trip to a grocery store. But first things first.
My parents had gotten Sara a Leica camera for Christmas and she was hoping to fit it with a filter and light meter while in NY. A friend suggested B&H had a lot of new and old equipment so we headed towards Chelsea. First, Sara had purchased a large canister for flour when she was last in NY and found it was much too big for her apartment. She brought it back and we carried it back to the meatpacking district. After a bit of haggling, the store agreed to exchange it for a smaller canister and let her get something for $6 or less to make up the difference – a stressed few minutes followed while we all suggested items she might want for the $6.
This all took a bit longer than expected and we were famished. My dad’s old newspaper had been in this area and he suggested a steakhouse. Nearby was a diner that looked popular and won out when Sara saw a burger at the steakhouse was $40. The diner turned out to be really good and had a nice area to sit outside. While there, I discovered that B&H wasn’t even open on Saturdays, only Sundays, so we decided to head back to my place after dinner.
I started talking about the fact that corningware was finally making the original stuff again, instead of stoneware, and I was planning on buying some. My mom decided she’d like to get it for me for Christmas so we spent the evening online finding Corelle pieces to complete my dinnerware and corningware for my kitchen – it was fun.
The next morning, you guessed it, we headed back to Chelsea for brunch. Seating was faster than usual but service was quite a bit slower – had to chase them down for the check so we could get to B&H.
B&H was different, you don’t carry items with you. They put them in boxes and conveyer belts take them to the cashier line, where you pick your items up after you pay. Sara’s camera also was a bit different. Instaed of a 39mm or 40mm lens, it was 39.5mm, which is really rare so they didn’t have any filters for it but at least we learned the size. She also got a compact light meter for it at a good price.
It was mid-afternoon by the time we got back and so the grocery shopping did occur but it was a race. My dad dropped us off to go find parking and Sara and I ran around and got all the heavy, large items I usually avoid (gallons of milk, large boxes of cereal) so I wouldn’t have to them via subway later. We were fairly efficient and they got off towards home at a reasonable time.
A friend had wanted to attend a gay-oriented mass he had heard about and so I offered to go with him. I met up with him at the church. The sermon that day was about Mary Magdalene, but was more political then religious. An interesting experience, either way. Another of his friends had also attended and so the three of us headed to a wine bar to discuss the evening.
Quote of the Post:
Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.
-Voltaire, on Religion
My parents had gotten Sara a Leica camera for Christmas and she was hoping to fit it with a filter and light meter while in NY. A friend suggested B&H had a lot of new and old equipment so we headed towards Chelsea. First, Sara had purchased a large canister for flour when she was last in NY and found it was much too big for her apartment. She brought it back and we carried it back to the meatpacking district. After a bit of haggling, the store agreed to exchange it for a smaller canister and let her get something for $6 or less to make up the difference – a stressed few minutes followed while we all suggested items she might want for the $6.
This all took a bit longer than expected and we were famished. My dad’s old newspaper had been in this area and he suggested a steakhouse. Nearby was a diner that looked popular and won out when Sara saw a burger at the steakhouse was $40. The diner turned out to be really good and had a nice area to sit outside. While there, I discovered that B&H wasn’t even open on Saturdays, only Sundays, so we decided to head back to my place after dinner.
I started talking about the fact that corningware was finally making the original stuff again, instead of stoneware, and I was planning on buying some. My mom decided she’d like to get it for me for Christmas so we spent the evening online finding Corelle pieces to complete my dinnerware and corningware for my kitchen – it was fun.
The next morning, you guessed it, we headed back to Chelsea for brunch. Seating was faster than usual but service was quite a bit slower – had to chase them down for the check so we could get to B&H.
B&H was different, you don’t carry items with you. They put them in boxes and conveyer belts take them to the cashier line, where you pick your items up after you pay. Sara’s camera also was a bit different. Instaed of a 39mm or 40mm lens, it was 39.5mm, which is really rare so they didn’t have any filters for it but at least we learned the size. She also got a compact light meter for it at a good price.
It was mid-afternoon by the time we got back and so the grocery shopping did occur but it was a race. My dad dropped us off to go find parking and Sara and I ran around and got all the heavy, large items I usually avoid (gallons of milk, large boxes of cereal) so I wouldn’t have to them via subway later. We were fairly efficient and they got off towards home at a reasonable time.
A friend had wanted to attend a gay-oriented mass he had heard about and so I offered to go with him. I met up with him at the church. The sermon that day was about Mary Magdalene, but was more political then religious. An interesting experience, either way. Another of his friends had also attended and so the three of us headed to a wine bar to discuss the evening.
Quote of the Post:
Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.
-Voltaire, on Religion
Adventures with Margaret
Margaret finally got to make it up to visit Nissa and me in NYC. Unfortunately Bolt bus was not all it was advertised to be – left late, didn’t take a rest brake, no real wi-fi, etc. But she did finally arrive in one piece down near Penn station where Nissa and I were ready to grab her and get her home to our apartment. With the late arrival we crashed and chatted for a bit and planned for more things the next day.
It was one of the nicest weekends of the summer weather-wise. July had record breaking heat with the humidity to match, but we woke up to a low humidity day with a high in 80s expected. What to do but enjoy the day. After a breakfast of eggs and toast we headed to Central Park so Nissa could join in the fun. We explored and meandered, ending up in the rambles where we followed the sounds of music to an impromptu concert on a hill overlooking the lake. We joined the audience and sat for a good while singing along with feel good songs.
We lost track of time, and realized it was well past lunch and we were hungry. Since we planned on enjoying a large dinner of Spanish tapas, we didn’t want to overdo it so we headed to Patsy’s, were I knew they had outdoor seating, and grabbed some margarita pizza to tide us over. We were quite done exploring so we grappled the subway down to Soho to check out purl’s new store. Sadly I got us totally turned around by listening to my phone – for some reason it kept changing the street. But we got to see a lot of Noho and Soho as a result, but purl was closed when we finally reached it.
We headed back home and Nissa got to call it a night, but Margaret and I were not quite done – we still had dinner ahead of us. Margaret had recently been to Spain and was looking forward to having Spanish food again. We took the bus to Queens which always stresses me out because I think I’m going to miss the stop but it always works out fine. We had a great meal and decided the night was so nice we should walk back to my place instead of hailing a cab. Turns out it’s only a little over a mile walking and it was a really nice night. Margaret’s iPod has a program which had calculated we walked over 12 miles that day. Not bad for 1 day in the city.
No weekend in NYC would be complete without a trip to le grainee cafe for French toast, so Margaret and I headed there in the morning. Connie joined us there for yummy French toast and café au laes. OF course after all that eating you have to walk some, so we walked a bit but time was getting away so we needed to get Margaret’s suitcase so she could make her bus back. The NY bus left on time and seemed a more organized operation – she returned home more efficiently but was sold on the greatness of the bold bus.
Connie was more time since she could take any metro north train and I had a coupon from my sister to Coach. Since both of us had our eye on certain items we headed to the nearest Coach store and I got my new wallet and Connie got a fabulous purse in a midnight blue. I am hoping they come out with a wristlet in the blue color. I don’t need another purse right now but a wristlet would be great to have in that color. Sadly, back to reality and work the next day but a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend with friends.
Quote of the Post:
When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe.
-Henry David Thoreau
It was one of the nicest weekends of the summer weather-wise. July had record breaking heat with the humidity to match, but we woke up to a low humidity day with a high in 80s expected. What to do but enjoy the day. After a breakfast of eggs and toast we headed to Central Park so Nissa could join in the fun. We explored and meandered, ending up in the rambles where we followed the sounds of music to an impromptu concert on a hill overlooking the lake. We joined the audience and sat for a good while singing along with feel good songs.
We lost track of time, and realized it was well past lunch and we were hungry. Since we planned on enjoying a large dinner of Spanish tapas, we didn’t want to overdo it so we headed to Patsy’s, were I knew they had outdoor seating, and grabbed some margarita pizza to tide us over. We were quite done exploring so we grappled the subway down to Soho to check out purl’s new store. Sadly I got us totally turned around by listening to my phone – for some reason it kept changing the street. But we got to see a lot of Noho and Soho as a result, but purl was closed when we finally reached it.
We headed back home and Nissa got to call it a night, but Margaret and I were not quite done – we still had dinner ahead of us. Margaret had recently been to Spain and was looking forward to having Spanish food again. We took the bus to Queens which always stresses me out because I think I’m going to miss the stop but it always works out fine. We had a great meal and decided the night was so nice we should walk back to my place instead of hailing a cab. Turns out it’s only a little over a mile walking and it was a really nice night. Margaret’s iPod has a program which had calculated we walked over 12 miles that day. Not bad for 1 day in the city.
No weekend in NYC would be complete without a trip to le grainee cafe for French toast, so Margaret and I headed there in the morning. Connie joined us there for yummy French toast and café au laes. OF course after all that eating you have to walk some, so we walked a bit but time was getting away so we needed to get Margaret’s suitcase so she could make her bus back. The NY bus left on time and seemed a more organized operation – she returned home more efficiently but was sold on the greatness of the bold bus.
Connie was more time since she could take any metro north train and I had a coupon from my sister to Coach. Since both of us had our eye on certain items we headed to the nearest Coach store and I got my new wallet and Connie got a fabulous purse in a midnight blue. I am hoping they come out with a wristlet in the blue color. I don’t need another purse right now but a wristlet would be great to have in that color. Sadly, back to reality and work the next day but a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend with friends.
Quote of the Post:
When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe.
-Henry David Thoreau
Grandparents, the Yankees & Friends
A few weekend ago, my grandparents left the ADK to venture into the big wilds of NYC. Since they both grew up near NYC, stories of the old city came out as we navigated around. Our adventures started in the rat maze that is the new Penn Station on Friday at rush hour. Luckily, years of camping has made them light packers and so we quickly navigated the throngs of meandering masses and headed to the subways. A few stops later we were on my island and taking Nissa out for a walk and settling into their hotel room. I have to say it is nice having a hotel room in your apartment building.
Since any visit to NYC isn’t complete without food, we took a zipcar into Queen to enjoy some fabulous Spanish tapas at El Boqueron. The sangria was good, the Chianti was great, and the food was fabulous. Everyone enjoyed the food and diets took a back seat for the night. We were enjoying ourselves enough that I even got to take advantage of my zipcar app to extend our use by an hour. I was so excited to have a car, I dragged my grandparents in a tour of Queens trying to find the suburban –style supermarket I had seen a few months ago to get a large bag of dog food but succeeded only in getting us a bit loss. Instead we stopped at my local Gristedes for an overpriced, small bag of IAMS. That was preferable to trying to drag it home via subway later though.
The next day we had tickets to the Yankees against Kansas City in the new stadium in the Bronx, which is right next to the old stadium that is still standing. First though, we headed to Chelsea for French toast at la grainee cafe. I love that place and tend to take all my visitors but it is crowded and hectic, so it wasn’t as big of a hit as the tapas place the night before. The tapas restaurant is very continental in style – dinner starts late with only one seating expected and staying for 3 or 4 hours is normal.
After brunch, we jumped on the subway and got an express all the way to the Bronx to see the bombers. Sadly, they were not in top form and Kansas kicked their butt from the first inning. Alex had a chance to hit his 600th homerun but instead didn’t even get a single. Scorecards were $10 so I found a free app for my phone to keep track of the game instead, it was pretty good. Yankee stadium hit a high of 112 degree that afternoon so it was a bit warm. Grandfather treated us to $5 waters – best water ever. I had gotten good advice from a co-worker on seats and so we were in the shade along the 1st base line which also helped. After realizing a rally was unlikely we jumped the queue and got to the subways quickly. Amazingly we got an express again and so were back at my place in no time enjoying the AC.
Nissa was happy to see us and we were having dinner at home. I had picked up fresh corn and Omaha steaks. We started with one of those yummy stuffed breads from Omaha with the cheese and pepperoni in it, then corn, summer salads and grilled steaks and finished with Skinny cows. (Cows are low calorie, high fiber ice cream sandwiches Liz introduced me too – they are really yummy and fairly guilt free). We relaxed with a movie and drinks; I think Ba watched my view more than the movie however.
Sadly the next morning they were off on the train back to the ADK, but overall a great weekend in the city for all involved. Luckily for me, there was still time left in the weekend, Liz and her mom were on their way in to NYC.
Liz and her mom arrived that afternoon and headed to tkts to see what was available that evening. They got us amazing orchestra seats, dead center, to In the Heights. It was a really fun musical, a bit of West Side Story without the gangs and more real people you could really understand. Very fun, I came away wanting a snow-pop.
It rained that day and really cooled off. So we decided to extend the evening with dessert. We headed to Harvey's. We started with fries and the largest chicken fingers I had ever seen and finished with some really tasty NY cheesecake. Liz was planning on getting French toast at “the place” the next morning but sadly I couldn’t join since I had work. Cest’e la vie.
Quote of the Post:
Take me out to the ball game ... I don’t care if I never come back.
-Jack Norworth
Since any visit to NYC isn’t complete without food, we took a zipcar into Queen to enjoy some fabulous Spanish tapas at El Boqueron. The sangria was good, the Chianti was great, and the food was fabulous. Everyone enjoyed the food and diets took a back seat for the night. We were enjoying ourselves enough that I even got to take advantage of my zipcar app to extend our use by an hour. I was so excited to have a car, I dragged my grandparents in a tour of Queens trying to find the suburban –style supermarket I had seen a few months ago to get a large bag of dog food but succeeded only in getting us a bit loss. Instead we stopped at my local Gristedes for an overpriced, small bag of IAMS. That was preferable to trying to drag it home via subway later though.
The next day we had tickets to the Yankees against Kansas City in the new stadium in the Bronx, which is right next to the old stadium that is still standing. First though, we headed to Chelsea for French toast at la grainee cafe. I love that place and tend to take all my visitors but it is crowded and hectic, so it wasn’t as big of a hit as the tapas place the night before. The tapas restaurant is very continental in style – dinner starts late with only one seating expected and staying for 3 or 4 hours is normal.
After brunch, we jumped on the subway and got an express all the way to the Bronx to see the bombers. Sadly, they were not in top form and Kansas kicked their butt from the first inning. Alex had a chance to hit his 600th homerun but instead didn’t even get a single. Scorecards were $10 so I found a free app for my phone to keep track of the game instead, it was pretty good. Yankee stadium hit a high of 112 degree that afternoon so it was a bit warm. Grandfather treated us to $5 waters – best water ever. I had gotten good advice from a co-worker on seats and so we were in the shade along the 1st base line which also helped. After realizing a rally was unlikely we jumped the queue and got to the subways quickly. Amazingly we got an express again and so were back at my place in no time enjoying the AC.
Nissa was happy to see us and we were having dinner at home. I had picked up fresh corn and Omaha steaks. We started with one of those yummy stuffed breads from Omaha with the cheese and pepperoni in it, then corn, summer salads and grilled steaks and finished with Skinny cows. (Cows are low calorie, high fiber ice cream sandwiches Liz introduced me too – they are really yummy and fairly guilt free). We relaxed with a movie and drinks; I think Ba watched my view more than the movie however.
Sadly the next morning they were off on the train back to the ADK, but overall a great weekend in the city for all involved. Luckily for me, there was still time left in the weekend, Liz and her mom were on their way in to NYC.
Liz and her mom arrived that afternoon and headed to tkts to see what was available that evening. They got us amazing orchestra seats, dead center, to In the Heights. It was a really fun musical, a bit of West Side Story without the gangs and more real people you could really understand. Very fun, I came away wanting a snow-pop.
It rained that day and really cooled off. So we decided to extend the evening with dessert. We headed to Harvey's. We started with fries and the largest chicken fingers I had ever seen and finished with some really tasty NY cheesecake. Liz was planning on getting French toast at “the place” the next morning but sadly I couldn’t join since I had work. Cest’e la vie.
Quote of the Post:
Take me out to the ball game ... I don’t care if I never come back.
-Jack Norworth
July 14, 2010
Wow! So sorry loyal readers
I cannot believe I let all of June go by without a single post, especially with so much to catch up on. June marked 6 months in the Big Apple. I am really enjoying it here. It also marked 6 m at my firm, which has been a good time overall.
Since the firm came up, June was crazy. I went from a little over 50 billable hours in May to just under 250 hrs in June. July is looking to be in the middle, which would be nice. June wasn't just a boring doc review though. I had real work. I'm on a leanly staffed case which might actually go to trial and have been working on draft complaints and such. Sadly that is all I can share, but I am not a mindless drone which is nice.
As to the rest of my life. Many visitors have come by. I managed to leave two weekends. I spent memorial day weekend in the ADK for my Mom and Grandfather's birthdays and then headed south to the Albany area to see Liz. I also made it up MetroNorth with Nissa to see Connie and Ike at her place for a change. Despite the hrs I usually had some time on weekends and a few people made it to NYC to visit as well.
Most exciting (to me) is my new phone - the iPhone 4. While is has been maligned in the press, I have been wanted one since 2007 (iPhone, not the iPhone 4 in particular). This one is more reminiscent of the original in shape and style, which I love. My phone has dropped calls but only at high traffic times so I am still blaming AT&T. Overall I love it! It takes great photos, I haven't had to carry my blackberry in almost a month and will be giving it back as soon as my firm OKs the iPhone and I love having everything at my fingertips. I've even read court cases on it in a crunch. PS The screen resolution really is amazing.
I also turned older this month. The phone was my gift to me (my previous phone dated back 3 yrs to Nissa's phone eating days). My sister and Connie came to NYC to celebrate with me on my island and took me out for fabulous Italian food - Sara and I had the soft-shelled crab, yum. And then, of course, we followed up with my favorite french toast the next morning. The heat was deadly so walking was limited. I have to say - summer is my least favorite season. It means lots of tourists, heat and humidity - all things I could do without. As a kid I loved it, but looking back it was only because I didn't have to go to school.
My litigation matter has slowed but I have started working on a pro-bono matter which has been filed in NYC Housing Court. It has been interesting so far, I've really helped shape the answer we filed and I am working on the first draft of the Motion to Dismiss. I also got added to a long term doc review - hmm, can that be fun??? Guess I'll find out.
Actually Nissa got to go to work with me this past weekend. I took her to the groomers in the morning and went to work but wasn't even close to done by the time she was ready. I asked (ie begged) the security guys to let me bring my dog back with me and they agreed so long as she was in a bag. Good thing Nissa compacts well. She looked very lawyerly in my chair (courtesy of my iPhone).
Since the firm came up, June was crazy. I went from a little over 50 billable hours in May to just under 250 hrs in June. July is looking to be in the middle, which would be nice. June wasn't just a boring doc review though. I had real work. I'm on a leanly staffed case which might actually go to trial and have been working on draft complaints and such. Sadly that is all I can share, but I am not a mindless drone which is nice.
As to the rest of my life. Many visitors have come by. I managed to leave two weekends. I spent memorial day weekend in the ADK for my Mom and Grandfather's birthdays and then headed south to the Albany area to see Liz. I also made it up MetroNorth with Nissa to see Connie and Ike at her place for a change. Despite the hrs I usually had some time on weekends and a few people made it to NYC to visit as well.
Most exciting (to me) is my new phone - the iPhone 4. While is has been maligned in the press, I have been wanted one since 2007 (iPhone, not the iPhone 4 in particular). This one is more reminiscent of the original in shape and style, which I love. My phone has dropped calls but only at high traffic times so I am still blaming AT&T. Overall I love it! It takes great photos, I haven't had to carry my blackberry in almost a month and will be giving it back as soon as my firm OKs the iPhone and I love having everything at my fingertips. I've even read court cases on it in a crunch. PS The screen resolution really is amazing.
I also turned older this month. The phone was my gift to me (my previous phone dated back 3 yrs to Nissa's phone eating days). My sister and Connie came to NYC to celebrate with me on my island and took me out for fabulous Italian food - Sara and I had the soft-shelled crab, yum. And then, of course, we followed up with my favorite french toast the next morning. The heat was deadly so walking was limited. I have to say - summer is my least favorite season. It means lots of tourists, heat and humidity - all things I could do without. As a kid I loved it, but looking back it was only because I didn't have to go to school.
My litigation matter has slowed but I have started working on a pro-bono matter which has been filed in NYC Housing Court. It has been interesting so far, I've really helped shape the answer we filed and I am working on the first draft of the Motion to Dismiss. I also got added to a long term doc review - hmm, can that be fun??? Guess I'll find out.
Actually Nissa got to go to work with me this past weekend. I took her to the groomers in the morning and went to work but wasn't even close to done by the time she was ready. I asked (ie begged) the security guys to let me bring my dog back with me and they agreed so long as she was in a bag. Good thing Nissa compacts well. She looked very lawyerly in my chair (courtesy of my iPhone).
Now that visitors have slowed, I am finally getting together with friends in the city again. Kristal and I just grabbed dinner and caught up. Amy and I are getting lunch next week.
Oh, my random NY moment. I was walking on the upper east when someone stopped me and asked if I had attend my alma mater for undergrad. Yep, and we confirmed graduation dates. Turned out he had been in a fraternity back then and remembered me. Gotta love it.
Well, that is the short version. I'll post some details if I get time but more likely will just try to keep up better in the future. Hope summer is treating everyone well.
Quote of the Post:
Trent: Have dinner with me.
Meredith: Look, I'm not going to sue you or anything.
Trent: I'm not asking as a pre-emptive strike against litigation, I'm asking--
Meredith: I'll have dinner with you.
Trent: What changed your mind?
Meredeith: Anyone who can say 'pre-emptive strike against litigation' with a straight face deserves a dinner companion.
- Playing By Heart (film)
Well, that is the short version. I'll post some details if I get time but more likely will just try to keep up better in the future. Hope summer is treating everyone well.
Quote of the Post:
Trent: Have dinner with me.
Meredith: Look, I'm not going to sue you or anything.
Trent: I'm not asking as a pre-emptive strike against litigation, I'm asking--
Meredith: I'll have dinner with you.
Trent: What changed your mind?
Meredeith: Anyone who can say 'pre-emptive strike against litigation' with a straight face deserves a dinner companion.
- Playing By Heart (film)
May 17, 2010
West Philadelphia, Born and Raised ...
Ok, well I wasn't actually in West Philly this past weekend but my NJ Transit/SEPTA trip to Philly took me past the West Philly stop and of course I had to start humming the theme song from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It also took me past the home of Paddington Bear (well the real home is London's Paddington Station, but this is the PA equivalent) and the Scarborough Fair. So why were Nissa and I headed to Philly for the weekend? The Big Red Wine reunion of course.
Big Red Wines were a group of 5 of us from Law School. We started spending time together dining and enjoying wines on the banks of the Seine in Paris during the summer international law program our school hosted at the Sorbonne. Well, with a start like that, wine became a vital part of our get togethers, thus the name. Sadly, this trip was missing Jen (she had the best excuse, her little sister was graduating from medical school!), but Jillian hosted at her fabulous house and Margaret and Paul made it (along with Nissa and myself of course).
First, transport was needed to get to some local vineyards so Margaret and I grabbed a zipcar at the 30th Street Station (beautiful old station by the way) and headed out to Jillian's to make our escape to wine country. Turns out the vineyards of Bucks Country were better then expected, though we only got to visit 3 due to a late start. Most of them have a interesting tasting set up - it's totally self-pour. There is an attendant to be sure you don't abuse the privilege and to answer questions about the various wines but there is a line of about 20 bottles from dry to sweet in front of you and you can just keep pouring until you are ready to move on. We tasted about 10-16 wines at each place unlike the 3-8 wines typical in the Finger Lakes region. Margaret kindly DDed, so we could all indulge. We found a few worth buying and headed back to Philly to start our band, a Beatles Tribute band.
We grabbed food to go near Jillian's where they had the AC cranked so high we all turned into ice cubes and needed to put the heat on from the drive back to Jillian's. Jillian had saved a nice bottle of Hermann J. Wiemer's (one of my favorite vineyards) Pinot Niors which was great with dinner then off to the Wii for the Beatles. Turns out she has a drum set, two guitars and three microphones so we are able to rock out together for hours while enjoying the better wines from our trip to the vineyards. We even reached Jen on the phone so we could serenade her with a resounding rendition of "With A Little Help From My Friends." Exhausted and hoarse, we headed to the many bedrooms available and woke ready for mimosa's and brunch in Philly.
We headed downtown to dump the zipcar and went to the Continental for brunch, were it was sunny enough to sit outside so Nissa could join us. Then I dragged everyone to a gourmet doggy store to Nissa some cookies and Paul found a nice mug with a picture of his Australian Shepard on it for his wife. Then we meandered around to enjoy the nice weather and parks in Philly before returning to the start of all our adventures - the 30th Street Station. Jillian and Margret headed off for their trains and Paul and I took of for the North - NYC and Boston.
Sadly, the George Washington Bridge took us captive for many hours to travel about 7 miles but we made it to the city and Paul had clear sailing (though late) the rest of the way to Boston.
All though this adventure is over, I am already looking forward to Big Red Wines second reunion this fall - hosted by yours truly here in the Big Apple. Now where should I drag everyone?
Quote of the Post:
What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
- The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends"
Big Red Wines were a group of 5 of us from Law School. We started spending time together dining and enjoying wines on the banks of the Seine in Paris during the summer international law program our school hosted at the Sorbonne. Well, with a start like that, wine became a vital part of our get togethers, thus the name. Sadly, this trip was missing Jen (she had the best excuse, her little sister was graduating from medical school!), but Jillian hosted at her fabulous house and Margaret and Paul made it (along with Nissa and myself of course).
First, transport was needed to get to some local vineyards so Margaret and I grabbed a zipcar at the 30th Street Station (beautiful old station by the way) and headed out to Jillian's to make our escape to wine country. Turns out the vineyards of Bucks Country were better then expected, though we only got to visit 3 due to a late start. Most of them have a interesting tasting set up - it's totally self-pour. There is an attendant to be sure you don't abuse the privilege and to answer questions about the various wines but there is a line of about 20 bottles from dry to sweet in front of you and you can just keep pouring until you are ready to move on. We tasted about 10-16 wines at each place unlike the 3-8 wines typical in the Finger Lakes region. Margaret kindly DDed, so we could all indulge. We found a few worth buying and headed back to Philly to start our band, a Beatles Tribute band.
We grabbed food to go near Jillian's where they had the AC cranked so high we all turned into ice cubes and needed to put the heat on from the drive back to Jillian's. Jillian had saved a nice bottle of Hermann J. Wiemer's (one of my favorite vineyards) Pinot Niors which was great with dinner then off to the Wii for the Beatles. Turns out she has a drum set, two guitars and three microphones so we are able to rock out together for hours while enjoying the better wines from our trip to the vineyards. We even reached Jen on the phone so we could serenade her with a resounding rendition of "With A Little Help From My Friends." Exhausted and hoarse, we headed to the many bedrooms available and woke ready for mimosa's and brunch in Philly.
We headed downtown to dump the zipcar and went to the Continental for brunch, were it was sunny enough to sit outside so Nissa could join us. Then I dragged everyone to a gourmet doggy store to Nissa some cookies and Paul found a nice mug with a picture of his Australian Shepard on it for his wife. Then we meandered around to enjoy the nice weather and parks in Philly before returning to the start of all our adventures - the 30th Street Station. Jillian and Margret headed off for their trains and Paul and I took of for the North - NYC and Boston.
Sadly, the George Washington Bridge took us captive for many hours to travel about 7 miles but we made it to the city and Paul had clear sailing (though late) the rest of the way to Boston.
All though this adventure is over, I am already looking forward to Big Red Wines second reunion this fall - hosted by yours truly here in the Big Apple. Now where should I drag everyone?
Quote of the Post:
What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
- The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends"
May 14, 2010
Flashback ... to A-Phi
So this past weekend I was in town without guests - what to do. A friend from my firm, Rodrigo, and I decided to explore our city. He hadn't been to Central Park in about 10 yrs so Nissa and I decided to show him around. First I sent Nissa to a new groomer so she'd look snazzy, but the groomer totally butchered her cut, but I'll save that rant for another day. Anyway, we headed into the park and met a ranger (yep, they exist in a city too). She told us how to figure out where we are in the park so Rodrigo could post it on foursquare (he's a bit obsessed). Turns out that every lamp post in the park tells you which cross-street you are at and some even tell you if you are West, Central, or East. Amazing, now I'll never be lost. After that we headed to the Rambles near the Lake, before stopping at a cafe for some Sangria in the Park.
Next, he convinced me I should come to a house party in the lower east side. I have to say I felt like I was back in college at a frat party or apartment party. There was the token, very drunk, preppy guy spraying everyone with champagne, the drunk giggly girls hanging on the guys, music that was only missing Aqua's Barbie Girl (which I played when I got home just to complete the night), and my friend and I were on the dance floor belting out I Will Survive (along with the slightly newer Single Ladies). Yep, just like college. It was a lot of fun to dance again, but I forgot how sticky alcohol covered floors get.
Sunday was a little less eventful, with a bit of sleeping in and finishing up some work for Monday, but one has to be able to pay for their life. ;-)
Actually, speaking of paying for life, I have a finance guy - really. They kept calling my office so I finally met with one and despite not having much money he's looked over my debt/income ratio (way too much student debt - it's half my take home, ugh. It is even more then my rent). Beside the 401K (which we spiced up with some additions) and paying of student debt, we are setting up short-term and long-term savings plans and tax-shelters. Yep, I get to have a tax shelter - not sure exactly how yet. It turns out you need about 3M to set up a trust which amazingly I don't have. Though I felt really lucky when I got my lottery ticket the other day. ;-) Apparently, it is within a life insurance policy but I haven't had the time to figure it all out yet. We met this past Monday and finalized the 401K strategy and started my tax-shelter paperwork. I'll keep you posted, since I need to be approved for life insurance before we go any further.
More flashback for the coming weekend and a shout out to Big Red Wines, most of who I will see this weekend in Philly. Can't wait!
Quote of the Post:
I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation
- Aqua, Barbie Girl
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