5th Annual Birthday Bike Brigade Pub Pedal!

Another year, another AMAZING bike brigade! Happy Birthday to Nelia, Jay, Nate, Joanna (and Neil too)! This year's ride didn't disappoint. We started at Jay and Maegen's place for some delicious apps and drinks. We hopped on our bikes at around 8pm and headed towards the bike path just in time to see the sunset. Destination: The Old Northender. While we were there, we spent some quality time drinking pitchers of Budweiser and catching up with each other. Then we packed up, realized the single roller blader in the bunch had no skates (stolen while we were inside-lame) and continued on to T. Ruggs. I bought Nelia and Laurel a shot. It was supposed to be Nelia's choice. She reluctantly said, "Is whiskey okay?" Laurel and I said, "Sure...but, how about a Kamikaze instead?" Bullet dodged. Finally, we were packed up and read to head to our 3rd and final location. JP's. For the last few years we've traveled to JP's via Church Street, even though cyclists aren't allowed to ride their bikes there. People weren't as welcoming this year as they have been in previous years but, it was still pretty epic. We parked our bikes on Main St. and headed inside. It was a good crew. We enjoyed lots of laughs before the group decided to head to Juniors for late night pizza. It was a great night for a ride! Thank goodness, since it only happens once a year for me.

Jeffé is 28 years young!

Last night, we celebrated with Jeff (left) over flatbread and two kinds of birthday cake made my his lovely GF Cristina, carrot cake and german chocolate cake. YUM! Here are a few pics from the evening.

I'm getting up there...

... figuratively and literally! I've just celebrated by 32nd birthday. I am THIRTY-TWO. Wow, time flies, (so tempting but, I'll go easy on the puns this time). This year, I didn't really make plans for my birthday. I just wanted to enjoy the day and let things happen. My friends and family really made this birthday special. 

Thanks to Jay, Maegen, Marin and Nelia for putting together an amazing picnic spread on Monday night. What a treat it was to dine at the top of Mount Philo and watch the sunset. 

 

Our cupcakes were filled with personality.

 "The Mastermind" of this genius plan, Jay Curley

Lots of yummy food to nibble on...

Miss Nelia and I  

The evening's entertainment couldn't have been any better. 

Yesterday was my actual birthday. Things were pretty standard until I popped out of the office early to meet up with Isaac. He had asked if I was able to leave work by 4pm to meet him for a birthday adventure. We drove south. Along the way I hypothesized about what this, "experience" might be. I made a few guesses finally stumbling on one that seemed, possible. Then I said, "No, you know me better than that. You wouldn't...would you?" Well, a few minutes later we drove into the Morrisville Airport for a ride in a glider, thanks Isaac!! The weather was perfect and the wind was light. We were towed up to 3,500 feet in an engine-less glider with  one wheel. The plane towing us dropped the line and then we just slipped back down to the earth a few feet at time...for the most part. After consulting with us, our lady pilot took a couple of crazy turns that were SUPER fun. But, I know me. I would have lost my cookies if she kept it up.

Here is our approach to the runway. You've only got one shot in this thing...you can't go back up.

Here is the plane that towed us up...then, let us go.

crazy turns=crazy laughter

Isaac and I after the glider ride

Yes, that's right. A golf cart on the runway is part of protocol. 

After our 20 minute ride was over we hopped in the car and headed back to Burlington, at least that's what I thought we were doing. Fooled again. Isaac asked if I wanted to grab a quick drink somewhere before heading to Burlington for dinner with friends. I said sure and suggested, The Alchemist in Waterbury. I called up Steven to let him know when I would be back to meet him. Little did I know that Steven and Rucchi were already inside The Alchemist waiting for me to arrive. Haha. "I thought I picked this restaurant??!!" I said.  So, the four of had a lovely surprise dinner! When I arrived home at 9:30pm I was exhausted and so happy. What an amazing couple of days. Even little Gretchen sang Happy Birthday to her Auntie Kimmy. Thanks to everyone who made my day special! xo