Chiva in New York City

A couple of weeks ago, my former roommate, Paola, organized a Chiva bus birthday party in NYC for her boyfriend Peppe. Pao, who is from Colombia, said that the Chiva is created from an old school bus with the seats taken out. Inside and on the roof, people dance to music. Of course, we couldn't dance on the roof of the bus, but they did let us sit on the hood for a photo.

Watching the World Cup in Williamsburg

A bunch of us got together to watch the America v. England game at a bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was so much fun. Can't wait to watch the next game.

Small Party at Heather's

We had so much over Memorial Day weekend that I decided to try to recreate it in my little studio apartment last Saturday. I frantically cleaned my apartment on Saturday and threw together some appetizers.

I was very proud of my appetizers. I made cucumber-mint tea sandwiches, spinach dip in a bread bowl, veggies and dip, artichoke-olive crostini and had hummus and pita chips. I could only invite 8 people because my place is so small. We were all crowded around my giant coffee table.

Despite the limited space, we ended up managing to have a little dance party. Not everyone could dance at the same time, but we did our best.

The party went on longer than I anticipated, but no one complained, luckily. Teva and Jeff stayed over and then we went out for brunch in the morning. It was fantastic!

Shara's Visit

Shara came into town and I got to see her when I got back from the farmhouse. We went out for a drink and she crashed at my place before heading back to Illinois. I wish she was still living in NYC.

Weekend in Milan...New York

For Memorial Day weekend, a bunch of us went up to Milan, NY where a friend of mine has a farmhouse called the Feather Farm. We go up there from time to time to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the frogs, eat fantastic, fresh good, sit around the bonfire and fend off mosquitoes.

Last time I was there was in March, and it was still very cold. We mostly stayed indoors around the fireplace and cooked and ate a lot. It was very relaxing.

This time, we were able to hang out outside and go for walks. Well, we only went on one walk late at night to see the "haunted house."However, we got about 10 feet from the house when something moved in the bushes and we screamed and ran back to the house.

We arrived on Friday night and while the others were at the grocery store, Bill and I washed the herbs, prepared a cheese plate and opened a bottle of wine. Larry, everyone's favorite Boston Terrier, followed us around the kitchen hoping for scraps. Then, we headed to the front porch to wait for the everyone and help carry in the groceries.

The menu was worked out ahead of time and emailed to all of us, so we knew what excellent vittles were in store for us. We ate sausages, burgers wellington, ribs, egg bake, pork tenderloin, potato salad, coleslaw, artichoke dip, bruschetta, strawberry shortcake, cupcakes, cream puffs, etc. It was amazing.

During the day, we hung out on the porch and talked. In the evening, after dinner, two of the boys would make a bonfire and then we'd drag the Adirondack chairs up to the fire pit. The first night was hilarious. Teva had us all singing and laughing for hours. Jeff recorded some of it. Andrew sat on a cream puff. We imitated the frogs and tried to visit the haunted house.

The group got along really well and we had a blast. Teva and Jeff had to leave early, which made me sad, but we rallied on. After they left, cousin Jeff came to pick me up so that we could go visit Uncle Jim in the hospital. I was hoping that Jeff could stay for dinner with us, but it was late and none of the food was vegetarian.

On Monday, we cleaned everything up and packed up the car and left. We were all sad to leave because it was so much fun. Can't wait to go back!

AIDS Walk in NYC

This year, a bunch of us got together to form a team for the AIDS Walk in NYC. Though it is only 6.2 miles, it is really tough due to the crowds and the heat and the stopping and starting. It took us most of the day to walk it.

Near the end of the walk, we were dehydrated, hungry and a little giddy. One of my friends said something extremely funny and I started to laugh so hard that I cried. This happened exactly when we were walking past the finish line, so it looked like I was crying because we made it. I'm sure I'll be part of the brochure next year.

After that, we headed to the East Village for brunch at around 2:30 or 3. Usually the are food and drinks along the way, but it was all gone by the time we got there. Needless to say, we were starving!

Our team raised a bunch of money for the cause and it was a very memorable day.

Mark's Memorial

My cousin Mark passed suddenly about a week or two ago. We were all shocked and sad to hear the news.

We gathered at Pete and Liz's house and then drove to

the beautiful little white church near their home for the service.

It was a beautiful day

and the service was held outside in a little, private garden inthe woods next to the church.

We stood in a circle while the reverend gave the sermon. I, along with several others shared some memories of growing up with Mark. I had fun with him as a kid and remembered some funny stories from then. I didn't mention it, but later realized that he was one of the most dedicated readers of this blog. I guess it helped to keep him up to date on our goings on in the US since he was so far away.

At the service and the lunch afterwards, we all got together and caught up and shared stories. It's always nice together, but I wish this was under happier circumstances. In addition to Kathryn, Jim, Jeff and Pete and his family, Patty and Kitch were there along with lots and friends of the Asheys.

I was thrilled to finally meet Nancy and Neema. Nancy, although

clearly upset and sad, was very sweet and nice. Neema, who is 3-years-old, is the cutest little thing. She is friendly with just about anyone and loves to play and run around.

Jill and Paige are nearly all grown up. Jill and I played with Jeff's iPad for a while after he read the Cat and the Hat to Neema. In the afternoon, Paige was off to wash, Chief, her horse with her friend. She got all of her equipment ready for a rally she is having soon.

After leaving the Asheys house,we visited Patty and Kitch at their hotel. We had some appetizers and drinks and continued to catch up. We wished they could stay a little longer.