My Sister Hailey

Didn't you know that I had a sister? Yes, her name is Hailey. She's what my mom calls a "designer dog". My dad carries pictures of her in his wallet in lieu of me or my brother. And why not -- she worships him! Not like us troublesome kids who give him a hard time for being a Republican.

Whenever I tried to take her for a walk in Greenport, she cried and cried to be taken away from her "parents". This little dog can really pull your arm off. On one walk though, I did manage to get her to go a few blocks down to the park next to the beach. There were a bunch of kids there at a day camp who hundled around to visit Hailey. Imagine seven little girls petting her belly all at once while she lies on her back in bliss. Yup, that's my sister.

Dad the Kayaker

Since biking didn't work out too well, we got back to Dad's prefered activity of kayaking. One of the best aspects of the house in Greenport is that it's just a few blocks from Pipe's Cove which has an ideal beach for putting in the kayaks and a nice bay to paddle in with views of Shelter Island.

Dad's First and Last Ride

Dad hesitantly agreed to go biking with me today on his new Schwinn. He's very busy "relaxing" out here in Greenport with gardening, cleaning, walking the dog, swimming, kayaking, etc. and has viewed the whole idea of biking as an unwanted imposition on his already full schedule. But since my mom went to the trouble of buying him a bike, he reluctantly agreed to give it a try.

We biked the half mile into town and made one stop at the grocery store to pick up Stella D'Oro cookies to bring back to my friend Jess in Colorado. Apparently, all the pedestrians and ferry traffic were t0o much for a man trying to figure out how to shift gears and remember how to break. He's vowed to stick to his other more pleasurable pastimes. So for any guests to Greenport -- there's a new bicycle for you to use!

The Other Hamptons

In case you thought The Hamptons was the only chic summer locale in New York, think again. Greenport, on the North Fork of Long Island is giving The Hamptons a run for their money, and for less of our money! Yes, an affordable summer vacation on Long Island. Ok, for me it's practically free since my parents have a new summer home here. It may not have the waves of the ocean, but it has all the seaside charm.

My good friend since high school Michelle visited us here this weekend. We had a wonderful time shopping, sunning, and swimming. She's a real pro at navigating pool floatation devices. I think she might be awarded certification soon.