Here's to a July summer

Greetings.

July is here, but seemingly the summer is not. When it rains it pours, and that has been the order through the month of June.  Then again, there is saying that water is a sign of blessing, favour and protection.  Finally, the sun did shine in June, albeit not in a physical manner. Some people walked the streets of New York with pride whilst others jumped through puddles of water and uncertainty and some were brave enough to boogie to the words of 30h3 hit song ‘Don’t trust me’. (For copyright and cleanliness purposes I will not be recording the lyrics in this post.)

Bernie Madoff got life (150 years in prison) for the ponzi scheme that he created. Michael Jackson took a different route and joins Elvis Presley (the details are still unclear what caused the death until autopsy findings are disclosed). Wimbledon is on, but really who cares, Roger Federer will win (I will gladly eat my words if my prediction is wrong). Election drama and chaos filled the streets in Iran, people were butchered and the state still does not know what to do.  Airplanes fell out of the sky, while a pilot died midflight. Swine flew around the world as the deadly pandemic continues its ruthless outbreak.

We sent off my cousin Daniel into his impending marriage with the traditional Bachelor party.  A weekend in Westhampton beach was organised and a success it was. It was a weekend filled with bachelorhood, hangovers, drunken windsurfing, pink elephants, and beer before whisky, vodka, zealousness and torturous sermons. But the sun did shine. On that note, I would like to wish my cousins Daniel And Elana a hearty Mazel Tov and congratulations on their upcoming wedding. May your lives be filled with love, laughter, bliss and contentment.

Family weddings are always good times, and it is good to have my family visiting from all over the world. The reunion of sorts and get togethers, have been filled with amusement and character. We walked the streets of the Lower East side, ferried across the Hudson River, trekked through Chinatown and used the fare increased subway system of New York city. A subway ride will now cost you $2.25, and you still get to your destination late.  The fun times continue. Gardens are opening and the winter roofs have been removed.

Unemployment has declined, while struggling bands get into gear for their big summer ahead.  The Decemberists will still be playing their music in the summer months of July and August.  The longer summer day brings a sense of gaiety, where outdoor activities including the barbeque, under the moonlight cinema and beach days can be had and enjoyed.

The Northern hemisphere summer always brings back good memories of my backpacking days in Europe. From the spectacular sights of Scandinavia, the vivacious atmosphere of Venice, pretty Prague and the bewitchment of Barcelona. And a whole lot more. The world is your oyster and there to discover.

Make the most of Summer 2009 in whatever you do, and I wish one and all a healthy, happy and sun filled summer.

Remember to bring a present back for your mother.

Let the sun shine.