Birthday Weekend!

I have no idea where the past 52 weeks have gone, and I can't believe I'm turning 27 on Sunday.

Parties and cake aren't really my jam. I threw myself an absolutely amazing 22nd birthday party at my favorite bar 5 years ago, and I'm pretty sure that's where I peaked.. As for cake, well I've never really liked it (save carrot cake, 'cause that shit is awesome). I'm an ice cream girl.

I celebrate other peoples' birthdays in all their party hat & streamer splendor, but for myself, when it comes to my birthday - you better believe I'm doing exactly what I want to do, and nothing else. Two years ago that meant a solo trip to my aunt's bay house on the Chesapeake for a few days. Last year E and I went to my spot in Lake George for the weekend, and I even rented a boat with the little bit of inheritance that serendipitously showed up right before our trip (Eight years after my grandma'd passed away.. crazy, right?)

This weekend, doing what I want means exploring a few more towns in the Hudson Valley. Driving home from Saratoga two weeks ago, fitting with my hate for thruway hum-drum, I took the long way home down NY-9W which runs along the western shore of the Hudson River. When we got to Saugerties, I damn near fell in love and swore we'd have to go back to explore. I'm thrilled the adventure will happen sooner than later!

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The general plan is to leave early tomorrow morning, get breakfast (ice cream) at the Kingston Farmers Market and then shoot out to Woodstock. I have no idea how I haven't been there yet, seeing as I've been somewhat obsessed with the Summer of Love as long as I can remember - but I have been to Bethel (where the original Woodstock Festival took place). Anyways, from there, we'll swing back to Saugerties and just figure out the rest of the day as it unfolds.

Tonight I'm craving raw clams and beer, so we'll probably make a little trip to City Island. Until then, I've got to clean this apartment as not to start my next year in squalor! Anyone else have anything fun going on this weekend? I'd love to hear about it.