a croatian, the beach, and a cherry limeade

It was a good weekend for Team Purple House. Our friend BZ was in town on Friday and the weekend started out nicely with dinner with him, Doug, and Katie, followed by a going away party for a friend who is headed to India for a year. We weren't out too late, but late enough that when the alarm went off at 5-something the next morning to go run, I turned it off and stayed in bed.

After getting up a few hours later and eating homemade cinnamon rolls, Doug and my wonderful wife took me to Rehoboth Beach for my upcoming birthday. As you may have read on the twitter, traffic was less than swell. But eventually we made it and found a parking spot within reasonable walking distance of the beach. The weather was nice, albeit a little hot for this midwesterner.

The piece de resistance was dinner and drinks at the Dogfish Head brewpub. It was outstanding. In addition to the usual suspects, we had 120 Minute IPA, Midas Touch, and Palo Santo Marron on tap. And Doug and I had them dig into the cellar for a 2004 Olde School Barleywine and a 2006 Immort Ale. There was even a band playing, which we all enjoyed. A good time was had by all, particularly the overserved ~55 year old lady who commandeered the drums during a break and opened the next set.

Sunday began with a trip to a donut store. Not just any donut store, but the Fractured Prune. They only make cake donuts, but they then take those little circles of goodness and dip them into any kind of flavor you could want. I didn't pick too well - the cherry and mint chocolate chip weren't the best - but everyone was impressed. We then hit the beach and baked in the sun. It was so hot that even Lelaine, who thinks it is too "cold" for the beach unless it is in the mid-80s, had to seek refuge under the umbrella.

Before hitting the road, we...and by we I mean Lelaine and Doug...had a brief pit stop for all-you-can-eat crabs. Three hours later we were on the road. Three hours and a stop at Sonic later we were back to the condo and ready for the impending workweek.