Travel – Page 24 – Blondie Birdie

Happy First Day of Summer!

I’m celebrating the Summer Solstice with an ice cream party at work today, but before I go crazy with the toppings- I wanted to share some details from my weekend!

Father’s Day has, obviously, not really been the same for me since my father passed away in the Summer of 2012. While I admire and always send my love and best wishes to all awesome dads everywhere on such a wonderful and well-deserved day of appreciation- it goes without saying that I miss my own dad very much. I fully admit that I get emotional from time to time when I think about him- and this past Sunday was no exception. I had a good cry- but I didn’t let it ruin my day.

My dad would have wanted me to push through any sadness and make the best out of my day- just like he always did- and what a beautiful, sunny and warm day it turned out to be! The weather this past weekend was originally supposed to be on the rainy and cloudy side- but by the time Sunday afternoon rolled around, the temperatures were soaring and the sky was clear. I headed up to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire (one of my dad’s favorite spots to visit) to soak up the sun and the sand- and I arrived at the coast just in time for high tide and some pretty big waves.

I’m not a good surfer by any means- but I do give it my best on occasion. It’s a really fun and challenging hobby I hope to master someday- although Sunday was not that day. I got knocked off of my board more than once (okay- I got knocked off of my board a LOT) before I eventually retreated to the rocks to watch some other enthusiasts give it their best shot.

When the tide eventually started crashing dangerously close to where I had stored my gear- I took a quick drive along the water to grab an Almond Joy ice cream cone at one of my favorite spots, The Beach Plum, and then started to make my way back towards the city.

This weekend is going to be spent at another beach (again!) with friends, but overall- I had a really good Sunday. I think my dad may have been there in spirit- at least it felt like he was- and I hope he enjoyed the day as much as I did.

– Ashley –

I’m a straight woman who was fortunate enough to be raised and currently reside in Massachusetts. I say fortunate because Massachusetts- and most of New England, really- is one of the more liberal and progressive areas in the country. Our impressive list of schools and businesses bring in so many different people from all races, religions, cultures and orientations that my state is like a big mixing pot of never-ending educational and growing possibilities. If you spend any significant amount of time in any of the neighborhoods around Boston- you get to know some of the most incredible individuals and can learn so much from them at the same time.

So when Boston has it’s annual Pride celebration for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, you know it’s going to be a fun time and that all are welcome with open arms- no matter what- compared to other areas of the country where homosexuality/bisexuality or being transgender is either not properly understood, accepted- or both. I’m grateful I get to be in a city that celebrates the variety of life instead of trying to suppress it or refuse to acknowledge it’s existence. People say a lot of things about Boston- some good and some not so good- but you can’t deny that we are a city that takes care of our residents and look out for one another.

I have a wonderful group of longtime friends from the LGBTQ community, and every year I like to meet up with them while they hop to and from multiple events around the city for the celebration. While I missed the parade this year due to a prior commitment- I was able to head down to Back Bay for a huge block party with plenty of drinks and dancing. The weather was absolutely perfect- so much that when our group eventually dispersed from the party, we were able to enjoy a delicious outdoor dinner in the shade at nearby TICO.

If you stop by, be sure to try their truffle guacamole and watermelon margaritas. You won’t regret it (and yes- that’s a side dish of macaroni and cheese. A girl has to get her carbs when she’s having a little bit of alcohol in the sunshine!) TICO is a bit on the pricier side for tapas- but it’s worth the splurge every now and then. I certainly don’t have any regrets- and the view from their outdoor patio where we were seated was pretty spectacular.

The party eventually made it’s way- and winded down- at Dillon’s on Boylston Street where we once again found ourselves lounging on an outdoor patio and sipping refreshing, chilled (and fairly strong) cocktails under the sunset. When more of our friends arrived from their own dinner reservations elsewhere around the city- we all started to head in different directions. Some friends went to a drag show in Cambridge, others went to a different bar, and I headed home to get some much needed rest after a busy day and an even busier work-week.

Exciting, I know- but I had a lot of stuff to get done and errands to run around Downtown Crossing on Sunday!

Speaking of getting things done- I’m headed off to the office for the day. Have a good Hump Day, everyone!

– Ashley –

Tag: Travel

Surf’s Up…

All You Need Is Love…