Bryan and I celebrated the 4^th of July in Connecticut.  It was a wonderful way to ring in the summer season.  Cooler weather, sun, swims at Tobey Pond, bike rides, tennis, dinner on the deck and JAMES TAYLOR all made it a memorable weekend.   I have attended every concert JT has given at Tanglewood for the past 10 years.  It is an annual event that my friends and I start planning for in February when tickets go on sale.  Growing up, my parents used to go every year with their friends and I have enjoyed creating my own tradition of attending.

This year we were accompanied by Kailyn and Ben, Kailyn’s sister, Megan, Kate and Chan (his first JT concert) and my sister Lindsay and brother-in-law Patrick.  The crowd on the lawn of Tanglewood takes things pretty seriously; it is not uncommon to see white table cloths, real china, and LOTS of yummy looking food and wine.  Over the years we have become more and more sophisticated ourselves, always trying to “out do” what we prepared and feasted on the year before.   We usually plan potluck style and everyone brings something to contribute.

This year we had:

–          Pesto and Mozzarella Bruschetta

–          Cheese and Crackers

–          Grilled Flank Steak with Bloody Mary Tomato Salad

–          Grilled Lamb chops with Rosemary and Thyme

–          Mixed green salad with apples, cheddar and ham

–          Bock Choy Salad with Soy Vinaigrette

–          Mini Red Velvet Parfaits

–          Carmel and Chocolate covered pretzels

–          Chocolate Peanut Caramel Tart

With the threat of rain subsiding we set up our spread.  We received many “ooh that looks good” comments as people passed by our blankets – the sign of a job well done. If any of you ever get the chance to attend a concert at Tanglewood, you should (even if it isn’t James Taylor).  It is an incredibly beautiful venue nestled in the heart of The Berkshires and encompasses everything that is wonderful about the summer in New England!