These streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you.

I feel I'm such a city girl, despite the fact that I've never lived in the city. I wanted to live in the heart of Philadelphia when I moved up here, but it just wasn't in the cards for me. For now, being able to see the city skyline out my 7th floor apartment window will have to suffice. Next move, I hope to be in a city, even if it means living in an apartment the size of a closet. Even in spite of my love for the city, I still love to visit small and quaint towns. I can see myself possibly living in a place like St. Augustine (one of my favorite places to visit in Florida) post-retirement. I also dream of living somewhere in Europe one day too and there is no shortage of charming towns with cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes overseas.

Mom, dad, and I went to St. Augustine during my last visit home. We stayed in a hotel that overlooked the main street. I love the shopping there and always manage to find unique treasures at the boutiques and antique stores that line their streets. The restaurants are great too. The dinners we enjoyed were some of the best meals I've ever had. I have an appreciation for fine dining and can thank my parents for that. I stopped ordering off the kids menu when I was 6- no mac and cheese and hot dogs for me! Instead, I ordered filet mignon, salmon, and swordfish. And thanks to my mom and dad, growing up I was afforded delicious meals out (one of many perks of going home and traveling with the 'rents). I tried duck for the first time while on this trip and it was delicious! Although, my parents cautioned that I be very selective where I order duck. This restaurant was voted best in the area, so I felt safe in my choice.

Eating outside at one of my favorite restaurants. Reminded my mom of California.

My parents. I think of them often, now that I'm away.

A beautiful church. There are a lot of those in St. Augustine.

No Fourth of July has ever burned so brightly.

I was invited to spend this 4th of July with a dear friend of mine in her hometown in Maryland. It was a small town, with a lot of charm. I had the opportunity to meet her family and friends from high school. It was a relaxing 2 days- floating in the pool, Maryland crabs for lunch, a barbeque, fireworks show from the dock, Kahlua, ice cream from the corner store, and good laughs.

Me and Erika

Erika's wonderful mom and step dad.

One of her mom's pups- she has 3 daschunds.

I had NO idea eating crabs would be so much work. They were good, but I think I'll stick to snow crabs in the future.

Dog at the beach.

During my visit home, earlier this summer, my parents and I took Chloe-bear to the beach. It was her second trip to the beach and this time was very different from the first. Last time, it was quite with very few dog encounters. This time, we went to a different beach and the beach was filled with dogs! Mostly big dogs, but all very friendly (with the exception of a yappy yorkie, go figure). We almost acquired an old retriever who thought he was our lap dog. It was the sweetest thing. He kept coming over to us to "visit." His owner had to practically drag him away.

Our new friend.

Chloe's favorite place, on a towel and NOT in the water. Just like her "sissy."

Our lil rat.

With her daddy.