Everyday magic.

What's not to love about New York City. More specifically, Astoria, Queens. You can get anything for less than a dollar. We did visit this store and can vouch for the fact that magic is, indeed, available for just pennies. Sometimes it's in the form of a plastic thingy that keeps hair from going down your drain. Or a big pan to cook noodles in. The kind of pan that will go PING. And develop a warped bottom if the gas is too hot. But, the price. Magic.

Sometimes the magic is in the details. A day like today when everything seems to go your way. All the traffic lights turn green and you sail to your destination. You get a Princess Parking spot just steps from the door. Your sales clerk rings up your purchase and says, "Oh, there's been an additional markdown!" A trip to Target and you no longer have to visit the school supply department.



A weekend with absolutely no social obligations. You do as you please. Read the paper in your p.js. Water the damaged lawn. The weather's perfect. The end of day sun is golden. Ripe. But, best of all are August nights. The most magical of the entire summer. Warm days, but perfect, breezy nights. No air-conditioning needed. You sleep with the windows wide open and the sound of crickets fills the air. A sure sign that we are sliding gently towards Fall. Oh, so reminiscent of the sweet childhood on Pillsbury Avenue. Sleeping on the front porch. Enjoying those last days of freedom before heading back to school.

Listening to: Moondance, Van Morrison