On a warm July Sunday, Ollie and I set out to climb Windy Hill with no particular expectations. Leaving from our house on Town Trail, we gradually started to climb through the trees, which opened up at this familiar old corral. But today’s hike was special because the sky was amazing–full of wispy, swirly clouds. When we reached the first water stop, a bench with a view in the shade, we could see the twin peaks of Windy Hill in the distance but the sky stole the show (above picture). I thought to myself: “Ollie, hope you like this kind of Sunday church service!” ...

One of my favorite spots on the North Fork of Long Island is the historic seaport of Greenport, established 1838. From Mattituck, it’s a 20 minute drive through vineyards, farmstands and the small towns of Cutchogue and Southold. As a boy, I always loved visiting Preston’s Marine Supply, a real boating and sailing supply shop. On this visit to Greenport, I was attracted to the rusty old shipyard. At first I saw the shop buildings and wandered over. Then I found lots of decaying old boats, apparently permanently housed on land. I particularly liked the peeling paint on one sloop. Finally I noticed the wild running, drippy colors on the hulls. ...

Bass players do not often lead bands, but then again, Marcus Miller is not your average bass player. It was a treat to bring Audrey’s brother’s family—Gene, Laem and Cliff—to the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA to see Marcus Miller lead a long and energetic set. A rendition of Mr. Pastorius was a high point of the set, although it was also the only swing jazz tune. More typical to the set was Detroit, a funky, energetic composition which Marcus renamed “Detroit DMV” for the evening. ...

The best young jazz drummer in the UK played DC’s historic Howard Theater, and this was the perfect occasion for 13-year old Charlie’s first concert. Charlie is Audrey’s nephew and an aspiring drummer. After fortifying ourselves at Ben’s Chili Bowl with Half Smokes, we join a young and diverse crowd waiting through a DJ’s set to get to the main show. We positioned our selves in the standing-room-only crowd with some space by the sound board. ...

A night at the opera! Audrey and I took Mom and Paul a double first: their first time at the Kennedy Center and our first time at the opera. The night was warm and beautiful, so we enjoyed people watching outdoors before the show. We also really enjoyed the opera. It was unexpectedly funny, and of course, romantic and tragic. The sets and costumes were not overdone, but still made for a spectacle. Audrey was ready to go again. ...