Books and Boats (of the cardboard variety)

Alright I have once again been absent from my computer, but it's not my fault! It is summertime on Long Island and I was lost in the world of Game of Thrones, which had entirely engulfed my life (I am on book two). If you have not yet joined the Games of Thrones following, I strongly encourage you to, especially if you are a bit of a Science Fiction nerd, as I am. And when I say Sci-Fi nerd let me clarify--Star Trek, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Hunger Games, etc.--I have watched and read them all (except Lord of the Rings, that is number one on my Winter reading list). I love science fiction! I love books in general, but give me a book where I have a whole other world to fall into and I can be lost for days, as you have seen. 

Well luckily for my blogging a few things have come up which require me to turn on the computer and so hopefully I will stay focused for a week or so. But while I am on the topic of books, I have recently rediscovered goodreads and if you have an account, feel free to follow my reviews or add me. I am currently looking for my next book and would appreciate suggestions!

Last weeks highlights:

1. My sister went to prom, and looked very nice in a vintage dress.
2. My sister graduated high school, and as always she couldn't let me get off with grumbling in the bleachers--I received quite the sunburn and will not be forgetting that day anytime soon!
3. My jury duty case was settled and dismissed.
4. I finished the first Game of Thrones book.
5. And probably the oddest of them all, I attended Riverheads' 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Race!

Now while proms and graduations are exciting, what I know we both agree will make for better reading is the cardboard race. A few of the winery guys have gotten together the last two years to compete in a cardboard boat race down the Peconic. While last year I only heard stories, this year I was in attendance, however unfortunately was not able to see the race itself as graduation was conveniently scheduled for the same time. Let me paint the scene:

The Crew

The "Bottom of the Barrel"

Stepping out of our cars you would never know that a race was getting ready to start just down the street. The streets are quiet, calm, and deserted, however once Main Street is crossed the sidewalk comes to life and their is cardboard of every shape and color, people of all ages in costume, music, BBQs, carnival food stands, shouting, and more going on than a single person could absorb. Waking down the waterfront close to 200 boats of all shapes, sizes, and themes, manned and built from those ages 7 to 90 overflow from the sidewalk onto the dock, sidewalk, and grass. Tents are set up tailgate style with the smells of barbecues and beer coming from all directions. Wandering through the mess of boats I come face to face with Mr. Spock in front of the Starship Enterprise, "Just Keep Swimming" with the cast of Finding Nemo, meet the Swamp People, and so many more before finally reaching last years reining champions, defenders of the first prizes, and a bunch of friendly faces aboard their Viking style long ship "Bottom of the Barrel." Manned by nine 30 something year old men, they were quite a force to be reckoned with and once again beat out the competition. While this year I made it to the pre-race, hopefully next year I will manage to see the cardboard hit water!