First bike ride around Castle Island with the Carvalho Girls.
I seemed to have come down with Bea's summer cold, but Tara's kind voice lured me out to Castle Island and a little bike riding. I'm so glad we went. I drove the backway, which in Boston is saying through neighborhoods I've never driven through. I found myself falling in love with the city all over again. Nearly ten years here, and I can find my way, and I can finding something new.
Castle Island is a total dream. Both girls were so excited to see it appear out on Boston Harbor, jet planes roaring over head, big boats, ferries and sail boats drifting by. The breeze was cool, and the hills rolling green. We met and chatted with just about every senior citzen who crossed our path. The girls put on a show at the monument on the harbor side, singing Grand 'Ol Flag to every person who passed by.
Beatrice rode her bike with almost no assistance. A first. Josie would give her little shoves if she needed help to get going. A good pit crew. I am beyond proud of Bea, riding so well, and so happy.
Tonight I have such deep gratitude for who I know and where I live. My friends, the ones with children who play wth my children, the ones who have no kids, but love mine so very much, thank you. And Boston. Sigh. No place is as sweet as you are on an evening like this, the nearly longest day of the year, people out on their stoops, roses blooming, the sky only now turning pink. I love it here. This is home.