Neil's Still Got IT!!!

The Boston 4th of July tradition for many families is to camp out early in the morning, some as early as 2 AM to get a wristband. A wristband allows you access to sit around in the Esplanade in front of the Hatch Shell waiting all day for the performance of the Boston Pops and which ever special entertainment they come up with. Lucky for me this year the special guest was one of my all time FAVORITE pop singers of all time, Neil Diamond! Plus, aside from waiting in line for about 2 hours to get a wrist band we didn't come back until about an hour before the show and wiggled our way to great seats by a family from Philly!

One of the best singers, songwriters, performers and all around get musician Neil Diamond did not disappoint me over the 4th of July celebration in Boston. Yes, of course he did Sweet Caroline which has become a sort of anthem for the Red Sox's and by default the local fans. But Neil also delighted the crowd with Cracklin' Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans and America. I have video of Forever in Blue Jeans, Sweet Caroline and America in my photo album if you care to view. **Note: the quality isn't the best since we didn't have the stamina to wait around all day to have close spots and I was too excited to hold the camera still for a great video, if anything I suggest just listening to it! Happy listening!

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!

Things I've learned so far while in Boston:

1. There are only 4 ingredients in good beer. Hops, yeast, water and a grain and it's best to serve beer a little warmer so you can enjoy the flavor. I learned this on the Samuel Adams brewery tour where I got a free glass and three free samples of beer. Even though I'm not a fan of beer it was a good way to spend an hour!

2. J.P. Licks makes one hell of a brownie sundae! Two choices of ice cream (homemade of course) I picked coffee Oreo which was fantastic, two choices of toppings and then hot fudge and whipped cream. 

3. Bostionas are either hardcore about Neil Diamond or celebrating the 4th of July in large groups in public places. This was made evident when we showed up at 8:30 am to get wristband to for the free show tonight and people had clearly been waiting since dawn or before. It was also apparent when you see people hauling in tents, coolers and bags full of groceries! C-R-A-Z-Y!!!

4. Scrambled eggs and half a raisin bagel can be the best breakfast you've ever had if you've been truckin' it around the city for hours on an empty stomach to find your brunch destination is closed for the holiday.

5. These shoes AINT made for walking.... well so far I think my shoes have been a fine choice it's just my darn flat feet that are slowing me down. 

That's that, so far. We still have the rest of July 4th to celebrate! And whatever may come after that!