Independence Day

Today is the 4th of July.

I'm familiar with the holiday, and its origins - but whenever someone says "Independence Day" I can't help but picture the 1996 movie that we rented more than once, and saw at least as many times again when it played on TV.  Aliens, weddings, moving speeches, a crop-dusting hero, and Jeff Goldblum - the movie wants for nothing, and I may have to watch it tonight.

Fortunately our Fourth of July celebrations had no space alien invasions.  Unfortunately, Jeff Goldblum didn't play a role either. We both had the day off and decided to explore the neighbouring areas outside of Princeton.  With tea, an audiobook and the GPS packed, we were off.

 Our first stop was Pine Creek Mini Golf.  The consensus that it was the most beautiful mini-golf course we have been to, and also the hardest course we have ever played. No windmills or plastic pink flamingos (though, they have their place in my heart).  It was a big beautiful garden that was filled with birds and an abundance of plant life. There was a lovely pond and a stream that I managed to putt my little pink golf ball into more than I would like to admit. 

 Emotions ran high, and the scores were all over the place.  Dan was eventually crowned the winner (due both to his skill, and my repeated visits to the water hazard) and I graciously conceded.

A fair warning, anyone who comes to visit, you will have no choice but to come mini golfing with us.  I was so keen, I asked for a club card and they gave me a mitt full of coupons.

Next stop, the town of Lambertville.  Since moving to NJ, I've been told by loads of people that I'd love Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA.  They are across the Delaware river from each other and are both charming.  We stayed on the NJ side of the river this time, but we'll go again and check out New Hope next time.

Lambertville is filled to the brim with galleries, but my favourite was the Haas Gallery.  Many of the paintings were of scenes from around New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and he is clearly influenced by John Singer Sargent, which I think probably gets him a lot of attention.  I bought a little card, and will hopefully be back for a print some day.

There was a chocolate shop called the Chocolate Box that looked a little bit like Honeydukes from Harry Potter. We had lunch at a placed called Full Moon that only serves dinner on nights where there is a full moon.  We went into a rare book store that had cocktail recipe books for worldly gentlemen (circa 1940), as well as a strange collection of records.  

I found this Bruce Springsteen gem from 1973 in mint condition, and since there is a song called 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) on it I had to get it. It was meant to be.  I'm listening to it now, and it doesn't dissappoint.

All in all, a good day.  Now to go see if I can find a copy of Independence Day for evening viewing.