Thursday night was the monthly night out with some of my girlfriends. This time we ate at Tacqueria Veracruzana in South Philly. I do love their $6 plate of tacos al pastor.

Last night, after a fun dinner at Le Bec-Fin (their four courses for $40 deal) with friends Dan and Becca, Scott and I wandered into our neighborhood Barnes and Noble. Scott did what he always does when in a bookstore. He searches out his book and gives it more prominent placement.

I will admit, however, that this photo was somewhat staged. He is not normally so obvious about it (nor does he typically look like he could bore holes through the book with his eyeballs). But I was standing there with my camera, asking for an instant replay, so he gave me this.

Waking up this morning was tough, as the city was blanketed by a grey, sopping storm. My block and a half walk to work left me soaked, despite my enormous umbrella. However, by the time I returned home, the only traces of the massive rainfall were a few quickly diminishing puddles.

Several weeks ago, Scott and I were at Lowes. Looking at all the lovely tiles and new sinks, I was suddenly overcome with a wave of despondency about the shabby state of our kitchen. Scott asked me if there was anything we could do to in the immediate future to make it somewhat better. Through my melancholy I said, “well, I’ve always wanted under-cabinet lights.” And so we came home with two sets. Immediately my outlook brightened.

An evening cookout on Shay’s fabulous roof deck. There was abundant food, good beer and many laughs. We sat out there until long past dusk. The mosquitoes finally chased us in just after 10 p.m.

After spending the morning on my feet teaching ten people how to make peach jam, I treated myself to a pedicure. I like this place because they don’t use those scary razors to remove your callused skin (just lots of scrubbing) and they do a really good job with the foot massage. When it’s done, I am putty.

The swimming pool you see? That’s the one on the roof of our building, as viewed from the 43rd floor of the Comcast building. I had lunch with Scott today at Ralph’s, the Comcast cafeteria, and just happened to have my camera with me. I’m planning at least an hour of reading next to that pool for Saturday afternoon.

Lunch today was a press outing at Percy Street BBQ on South Street. Their brisket makes me a happy, happy girl.

Today’s lunch. A CSA cucumber peeled, sliced and salted. The very first ripe tomato from my community garden plot, more flavorful than anything I’ve had in recent memory. A very thin slice of homemade whole wheat bread, with a muenster cheese melted on top. Two generous sprigs of basil, plucked moments before from my Aerogarden. I just love summer!

Scott got some free tickets to tonight’s Phillies game through work and so, despite the heat, we trekked down to Citizens Bank Park. Happily, the seats were good and we were adjacent to an air conditioned space which offered some necessary relief. I had a very tasty hot dog (although it makes me sad that the relish didn’t come out of a large dispenser) and later ate an ice cream sundae out of a small plastic helmet. Because the food is really what sporting events are all about for me.