The Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Hot Air Balloon Festival here in New Jersey is always the last weekend in July.

 We, the hubs decided we should go on Saturday morning, 

with the balloon ascension beginning at 6:45 a.m.

That meant getting up at 4 a.m., FOUR A.M.!

I want you to know I have not seen 4 a.m. on my clock since my partying days,

which were very few and a long time ago.

And on those days I was coming home at 4 a.m., not getting up.

But, I knew it was the best choice, 

it would be cooler, less crowded and a there'd be a better chance of the balloons being able to fly.

I got up, only whined a little, we got ready...and off we went.

We arrived with plenty of time to spare, picked our spot, settled in then heard the words we were dreading,

it was too windy and the balloons were not going to fly.

They did blow up a few of the balloons for pictures, but nothing flew.

I used my Zinger, we walked around a little, most of the booths were closed, so we headed home.

Here's what they shared with us...

 I met the nicest woman who took this picture.

Her family was sitting in front of us and I always watch for someone who looks nice,

to ask if they would take our picture.

She was so sweet, she took my phone and I felt like I was in a photo shoot.

She took a total of six pictures, even switching to portrait mode,

getting this picture that I love.

After I looked at the pictures I did go over and thank her again, for me this is a treasure.

We go every year, except last year, so I was just happy to be able to be there.

- appreciate everything -

Mary Poppins

Our small local theater, The Algonquin Arts Theater, has great shows, 

amazing sets & costumes, and a live orchestra.

We went to see Mary Poppins a real favorite of mine from my childhood, and the show was magnificent.

The tickets are very reasonably priced and we had excellent seats.

Made even better because a "giant" did not sit in front of me.

No photographs were allowed during the show, but I always snap a few during the curtain call.

They were awesome!

I cannot say enough good things about these two young ones, Jane and Michael Banks...

They both have a wonderful future ahead of them if they pursue acting or theater.

And then there was Mary Poppins...

she was "practically perfect", do you remember that musical number from the film?, in every way!

Here we are, we had a wonderful time.

Algonquin always sets up these cool posters, to take pictures in front of!