33 years and Counting

July 2

Birthdays are special.  And I think they should be special enough that you can remember it many years down the road.  I've found that one of the best ways to make sure I can remember that day is to go someplace or experience something new.  


Shane and I didn't get to spend his last 3 years of his birthdays together because of work, so the pressure was on.  Well, pretty sure I delivered.... with a sunset sail!  He was very surprised when he opened his card on Thursday (his real birthday) for a sunset sail to the Statue of Liberty and back on Saturday.  It came complete with drinks on this beautiful sailboat.  


It was perfect for Shane's birthday because we haven't been sailing together before and being on a boat is one his favorite things.


But first we started Saturday with breakfast sandwiches in Madison Square Park.  Totally peaceful and less than a 10 min walk from our apartment.  We pledged to do go there more often.  Then we hopped on the subway and strolled around Dumbo in Brooklyn.  Shane showed me where he worked last summer, a very cool bookstore called Powerhouse Books, and the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park.  


I should probably also mention that I joined the iphone revolution the day before, so expect to see MANY more photos than I used to take with my lousy droid.

Brooklyn Bridge Park (although this is under the Manhattan Bridge)

 

From the park we caught the East River Ferry up to 34th street back on the island.  It may not be the quickest way back to Manhattan (there were about 4 stops along the Williamsburg side of the river), but it was by far the most scenic and coolest on a hot summer day.  And the $4 ticket doesn't hurt either!

Later that day we boarded the Schooners Adirondack on the other side of the city, dock 32 on the Chelsea Pier.  Once aboard they offered everyone soda, beer, wine, or champagne.  And you know I had the bubbly. 

I really can't say enough great things about the trip.  It was only 2 hours, but so relaxing I could swear it was twice as long.  The weather was perfect, too.   See for yourself...

 

After sailing we caught a cab to La Esquina - one of our top 3 restaurants in NY.  Mike, Kyle, Michelle, Tamara, and Mandy met us for Shane's Birthday dinner.  This place has THE best queso.  It's like sweet cheese with pumpkin seeds.   I know, sounds weird and NOT like Tex Mex, but I could seriously down the whole bowl.  The margaritas aren't bad either.  ; )

Shane said it was one of his favorite birthdays ever... Sweet success!