Happy Independence Day 2023

Proud American progressives!

Tabled at the Madhatter Independence Day Festival in downtown Vallejo, which followed the Madhatter Parade. They also had a dog parade which began in front of the booth for HSNB.org. There were amazing kites and a reptile exhibit next to us.

Rowing July 3

Weekend evening rows are special because often (Wednesdays and Thursdays) we see tons of sailboats with whom we share Carquinez Strait, which can sometimes be fun and daunting. It’s also warmer than usual on weekend mornings, as it should be in the summer months when we have far more daylight and can do evening rows.

Rowing the last day of my early Fifties

During breaks between intense rowing on a whaleboat, I get to enjoy the views of the Carquinez Strait, San Pablo Bay, Crockett, Benicia, Martinez, the greater Vallejo Watershed, and of course my own neighborhood behind me Glen Cove, Vallejo. Tomorrow I turn 55 so no more bragging that I’m “only” in my early fifties!

Early 55th birthday celebration

My daughter and my brother weren’t able to make it, but my nephew (who turned 16 three days before my 55th), my niece, sister and brother-in-law joined Shando and me today. Someone had given me a princess tiara, so I adorned that as they sang over a pride cake.

I joked that since it was technically the day after pride month, they should have insisted on half-price!

Brooke, Ken, Nicholas, Sabina, me and Shando.

My nephew and niece are so big!