Last year, we missed our chance to see Manhattanhenge–an astronomical phenomenon occurring twice a year when the sun sets in perfect alignment with the Manhattan street grid (first described by Neil deGrasse Tyson). Buildings along the East-West streets glow and crowds gather in the final moments of daylight. This time, we joined the fray.Yesterday was the first day this happens (July 12th is the other), but today (May 31st) and July 11th are also said to be spectacular.

Personally, I enjoyed watching the crowd–darting back and forth between light cycles, dodging traffic and then gaining critical mass such as to keep traffic at bay–just as much as the main spectacle.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend! It sure felt like summer here–hot, hot, hot! Can you believe tomorrow begins the month of June already?

Ashley is lucky to work right by Madison Square Park and–on nice days–has the option of spending her lunch there. In the past few weeks, she has frequented Madison Square Eats (a collection of food stalls open 11-9 daily through June 3rd); I’ve been trying to get over there for some time now, and finally made it for some pre-dinner… umm… dinner. There is so much to choose from–Ashley has enjoyed the pizza (spicy “bee sting” with honey and pepper and simple Margherita) as well as the Asia Dogs, but while the line for the Calexico truck is normally at least 25 minutes long (at lunch as per Ashley), there was hardly anyone waiting. We split the Carne asada and the chipotle pork tacos. Both were quite good! And while I enjoyed a beer from the guys at NuNu chocolates, Ashley had a P&H Soda Co. custom mixed soda: the Brooklyn based vendor poured her ginger and lime. I think she really loved the ginger, which had great bite, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a Soda Stream were in our future.

Have a great holiday weekend!
We’re looking forward to tackling some home projects in anticipation of the baby: clearing out more space, setting up the crib, and hanging our wallpaper…

Last week, I got a promotion at work (yay!), so Aron took me out to celebrate! Even though I would just have to live somewhat vicariously through Aron, I decided that nothing quite says “Congratulations” like a dozen oysters and some lobster (and a glass of prosecco, but I was equally happy to watch him enjoy a Manhattan).

Actually, the “Happy Hour and a Half” special at The Mermaid Inn is pretty wonderful whether or not one can nosh on raw bivalves and stiff drinks: I highly recommend the lobster sliders, shrimp corndogs. (And it was one of our first meals outside this season!) The virgin Bloody Mary tastes a bit too much like cocktail sauce without the vodka, but I imagine that’s a fairly rare problem at happy hour.

Some other exciting news: Be sure to visit baby mine today if you or a friend is expecting. I’m giving away a Simplisse double electric breast pump (regularly sold for $300)!