Saturday was non-stop as well. Early was my niece's 3rd birthday at the Boys and Girls Club in Tonawanda. We went to the North Tonawanda one by mistake at first, who knew there were so many locations.

Honestly it's pretty fun just running around throwing a basketball around in a gym with no goal.

The decor of these places are wild though. So many random signs of rules, and this wolf mascot costume that stank from feet away.

On the way home we stopped at the vegan grocery store in Tonawanda. (e:terry) was able to stock up on soy curls which we haven't found anywhere else, even the mega Asian mart on the boulevard.

In the evening we went over to hang out at Tyler's garage with some cheese plates and drinks leftover from pride. (e:mike) and (e:libertad) were there too, it was a good time all around.

I am feeling increasingly busy and stressed out lately. There isn't enough time for everything that needs to get done.

Main Street reconstruction has began. First step was cutting down all the trees, even ones that were just planted in the past few years. I can't wait for it to be done.



For Friday evening we took Paul's mom out for Tony's birthday to OG Dumpling House on the Boulevard. It's busy and a bit messy inside but the dumplings are so good.

Across the street we stopped to look at couches from Raymour and Flannigan. Weirdly the cheaper couches they had were all full of things that would break or become a mess in our frat house. Cup holders, coolers, heated seats and lighting and then the more expensive couches had none of that.

On the way home we stopped at Lake Effect Ice Cream on Hertel. The way to do it is to order the sampler scoops so you can get 5 flavors in the size of 1 regular scoop.

This year I started eating mussels. It's may be surprising for me but some have argued mussels are the most ethicial seafood to eat, since they are low carbon, take next to no resources to grow, and have no pain receptors.



They are also only ~$4.50 for a package of frozen cooked Canadian mussels at the coop.

But regardless I have really been enjoying eating them once a week with (e:paul). We make a quick broth out of sauteed onion and garlic, veggie stock, and herbs de provence. With some vegetables and garlic bread it's such an amazing dinner.

Took Monday off after pride weekend.

After some cleanup the three of us went on a relaxing bike ride with Tyler and Jai. Stopping at Canalside and then Riverfest park.

On the way home we stopped at Falafel House in Niagara Square. I love the location on Hertel, so I was excited when the windows said coming soon over a year ago.

Well, now it's open. It's definitely decorated and finished nicer than the Hertel one and the food was just as good.

They also have juices and maybe a coffee bar, open 9 weekdays and 11 on weekends. Hope it lasts, it's nice to have a new thing downtown.

What a weekend. I still say it's one of my favorite days of the year.

We woke up at 9, and Tyler accidentally backed into our garage door. In a sleep-deprived frenzy, Paul and I sped off to the co-op, got snacks, and prepared for family and friends to arrive.

Both my nieces came to the parade which was very cute.

Later after the parade ended, we fiddled around at our house before walking down to Allen. The festival ended at Canalside a couple years back and now it's back in Allentown. I honestly thought it would be lame but it was packed and looked fun. I was spent though and went home not long after. Next year they should close at least Main to Delaware though.