Where to Begin?

I have taken SO MANY PHOTOS that I want to post... but computer troubles abound.
Work computers have failing USB ports and suddenly my laptop isn't connecting to the Internet at all! Hmph. I'm going to have to use Dan's computer when he finishes the semester and load 'em all up!

Yes -- He's nearing the end of the first of 3 semesters. He's been working so hard and getting such little sleep.

Although I know Meg wishes he was more free to hang out, she understands that he's doing 2 years of work in 1 year...and when he's done this week she'll have him for the next two weeks. He starts classes again right when she leaves again. Sad and a bit frustratingly, I won't get time with him that is alone/uninterrupted and non-school-plagued. I'll have to wait until January at his next break.

These past three weeks Meg and I have had many an adventure and explored many many fun places! From our Amtrak train journey to Massachusetts for the pool party at my brothers, Stitch-n-Pitch, beach exploring in the Hamptons with our generous hosts (thank you Knoll family!!), Crafty Clubhouse where we made artist trading cards, The Secret Garden we were shown that really is a secret in Southampton, 2 weeks of Swim Camp (day) and 1 week of Art/Drama Camp (day -- lucky kid!!), Paper Bead Fiesta where my old friend Joe and his daughter came to stay for 2 nights and the girls hit it off like two peas in a pod -- we made tons of handmade paper beads! Now to string them!

We've explored new foods and restaurants -- Roppongi for sushi (and the best Terryaki steak Joe's ever had), Sri Lanken at Sigiri food for my birthday dinner, yummy pasta at my latest favorite neighborhood spot Gennaro, and OK pasta but good Calamari at Il Violino. Chinese dinners at 2 locations of Ollie's, Mexican at Taqueria y Fonda la Mexicana and some YUMMY Japanese food also at Sun Chan. Plus all of the nights were we cooked and grilled in!

We've also been working on a...shhhhh...secret project...code name: Flower Garden
I'll post photos when it's done (and can get them online!)

Birthday fun...
The night before my birthday Allegra took me to Loft for dinner/drinks, just we two. It was so nice to see her! Hadn't seen her in person since we were out on Fire Island! What can I say about Loft. It's a GREAT place for cocktails (The Red Berry Martini - YUM with it's fresh raspberry puree) -- although the bartender that night was both snappy and rude with a bitter personality.

It's one of those places where they turn the lights down too much (can't see your plate) and the music up too loud (can't hear your date.)

It's not so hot for dinner. It was both of our first time there and the salads we had to start with were YUM! (I'd consider going back for a salad and drinks.) The side dishes - especially the haricots verte - YUM. The main courses though... $31 for an overly tough piece of overcooked steak (came medium not med. rare)... I felt bad allowing Allegra to even pay for it! She got a fish special that she was less than pleased with (which I knew from watching her push it around her plate.) She did state that perhaps it would have been better with the addition of the crab meat that her allergy to shellfish made her remove. Although the main entrees weren't great, it didn't matter! I just loved spending time catching up with Allegra! Thanks Allegra!!!

Dan cleared his entire schedule for the night (Friday) of my birthday and met Meg and I at my house with an ARMLOAD of BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS! Then we dashed off for a yummy Sri Lanken dinner. NOTE: If taking children to Sri Lanken food - beware that 95% of the dishes are spicy so they will have limited choices. Limited doesn't mean NO choices. Meg had a nice rice dish that was spice-free.

Saturday morning Meg and I boarded the Long Island Railroad and journeyed out east to visit with the Knoll family and take them up on their invitation to stay for the weekend. What a beautiful day. A beautiful weekend!!
Darlene and Brent had us (The Knoll sisters and their friend in from Germany - Sven, and myself) over for S'mores with their S'mores maker. What FUN! None of the German Three had ever had them before! WOW! Darlene gave me a beautiful book too! I'll post more about this at a later time.

The office has only 2 of us here today and my lunch break is over!!!
I think we might see Underdog tonight after I pick Meg up from Camp.