Summertime Solstice

Hello, hello! Happy summer to you! Just one year ago, I kicked off the day by yoga-ing in Times Square. Today, on the other hand, I'm working from home home (am I the only one who repeats words in order to emphasize their meaning?) so I can see my sister off to her junior prom at the end of this very hot and very long first day of summer. How times change :). Anywho, being that the season has officially begun, I thought it appropriate to share what I'm most looking forward to: early morning runs, days at the beach, spinach smoothies, weekend getaways, best friend visits, farmers market bounty, weekly ice cream and gelato outings, rooftop parties, picnics in the park, vacation with my family, yoga al fresco, lunch/dinner al fresco, happy hours al fresco, and one huge announcement.
You'll have to sit tight for info on that last part :). In the mean time, let's reflect on a very special meal with my dear friend, Claire, shall we? As soon as she arrived in New York, we made plans to catch up in between family obligations. I suggested we meet at a lovely bistro, bakery and wine bar in Tarrytown, Chiboust.
We each enjoyed a refreshing glass of rosé and a piece of their fantastic bread. Then, as my entrée, I had the grilled Artic char served with truffled wild mushrooms and crispy leeks in a red wine reduction. It was exquisite. Her ratatouille seemed delicious as well. And when it came time for dessert...  we did that, too :). The best part of the meal though was being able to chat with Claire. It's amazing, really. Her and I just briefly met through blogging while I was road tripping through Ann Arbor, and something just clicked. Aside from our appreciation of wine, travel, and vegetables, she too is a twenty-something trying her best to figure things out and follow her passions (like many of you, I suppose). It's so nice to sit back, relax, and connect with a friend like that. Reassuring, even.
"Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quite people. For those few months, you're not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of the pool give you courage you don't have the rest of the year. You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out." -Deb Caletti, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart