Spending the day in Washington DC today was a terrific way to close out on our Baltimore/Washington experience. Sure, driving around looking for a parking spot wasn't terrible exciting, but the time soak was made up for by the ultimate proximity of the eventual garage to the 4th of July parade route on Constitution Ave. (about 4 blocks away!). Sure, the heat was overbearing at times, but seeing Olivia's face when she saw the baton twirlers, Hello Kitty in a tutu & Garfield was worth every aggravation.

Have you ever had a gut feeling that your pet was telling you something?  Have you been in the middle of reading a good book, oblivious to the world, and all of the sudden you're jolted back to the present with very clear, unspoken words like 'Time to take me outside' or 'The water bowl is empty'? Have you ever had an overwhelming hunch that your pet needs to visit the vet, even though, logically, everything appears to be OK?

Happy Fourth of July!

Summer is the perfect time to be outside with the family. Naturally, you probably like to cook outdoors too. We all love a family cookout--especially on the 4th of July. Somehow the food always tastes better when it's grilled outside. Unfortunately, using a gas or charcoal grill has risks.

I spent Canada Day in my hometown. I stopped by the local museum, walked along my favourite beach, had dinner with my best friend and her family (and took a dip in their pool) and ended the night watching fireworks with my boyfriend and my mother. A quiet but perfect day. I was completely unplugged when I was in my hometown so I'm just now getting caught up on what my fellow Canadian BlogHer's were doing for Canada Day.

Zesty did some daytripping in small town Ontario. There really is nothing like a small town celebration.

Once again, I find myself outside of the norm, not understanding the fascination, and not part of the excitement.  Having returned from an earlier outing, I am at home listening to the fireworks in my neighborhood.  They’ve been popping every night for the past few days.

When I was a little girl, my Dad would walk with my friend Sandy and me to the local fireworks display, where we would listen to the volunteer town band play patriotic songs. The night was all about fireworks, popcorn, watching the pre-teen boys watching us, and the fun walk home in the dark with a flashlight for light surrounded by fireflies and the sweet hum of a New England sultry summer night.

"Then followed that beautiful season… Summer…
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
lay as if new created in all freshness of childhood."
~Henry Wadwsorth Longfellow

Summertime.