Turning 30 at The Grape

It happens now and then that my birthday falls on Labor Day weekend. It would seem that my 30th would be more tolerable if it passed discreetly during the middle of the week without much fanfare or notice. But surprisingly, turning 30 during a holiday weekend has been quite pleasant. Mihir and I went to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, where we perused their ongoing Impressionists exhibition. I suppose Monet is the most famous Impressionist painter, but my personal favorites are van Gogh and Gustave Caillebotte. I can't say this often enough--I love D/FW for giving my opportunities to see art like this once in a while.

For dinner we tried a new restaurant--The Grape . I love to try to restaurants. This one was no disappointment. My appetizer was crispy corn and peeky toe crab patties; Mihir had mushroom soup. Our entrees were quite unusual for us because we both had meat. I ate steak and bistro frites (French fries) and Mihir had a pork chop with a habanero/Dr. Pepper glaze. And dessert--warm apple pie for me, creme brulee for Mihir. It was a great meal. Our constant point of comparison for restaurant meals, however, is Nick's Fish Market in Maui. Even though the Grape was fantastic, Nick's still reigns supreme for us. But Dallas has so many great restaurants, I'm sure someday we'll find something to top it. I can't wait to try!

Campion Trails

Finally, some relief! This past weekend finally saw the temperatures dip into the low to mid-80s. We took advantage of the break by heading to one of our favorite places in Irving--the Campion Trails. Part of the Irving Parks system, Campion Trails are approximately 7 miles of natural area right in the heart of Irving. It's the only place I can think of where it's actually possible to smell nature--leaves, grass, water, etc. We even saw a snake! We normally cycle the entire route two times around, which is approximately 20 miles. Sunday, however, we walked the more lengthy section of the trail, which was probably about 5 miles. It was fun. Words can't express how nice it felt to be outside for the first time in weeks.

Update from Texas

Hello All: I know it's been a long time since I updated, but it has been a pretty quiet summer for us. Currently we're enduring the highest temperatures I have ever experienced in my life. At this moment it is 105 degrees, and it feels like 109. Apparently. I wouldn't know, because I have not ventured outside the confines of this air-conditioned house since this morning. But it was 100 degrees at 11:30, when I came home from the gym. It's CRAZINESS!

I'm continuing to do some fascinating work with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and Human Rights Initiative. I stay busy. I am representing a young man who is seeking asylum in the United States, and his trial is coming up in September. I'm excited and nervous, and above all grateful that I believe in the work I'm doing. It's certainly not making me rich, but I enjoy every moment of it. It's easy to forget that sometimes. I have to make an effort each day to reflect and count my blessings.