This is Nina's first week as the Dialog Day hostess this month. She says: So today I am hoping to hear a little bit about what YOU have been up to this summer. Where have you been and what have you been doing?

This summer I did something I've never done before; two things, actually!

1. Turned 50! It's a memorable birthday, to be sure. It makes me feel...well, I'm not sure how it makes me feel, to be honest! I think that since most of my friends are significantly younger than me, it might be embarrassing to them to have a friend who is now 50, and I'm not sure why I think that. Certainly, none of them have expressed such a thought! But there it is, I throw it out there for discussion.

2. Visited Las Vegas, a place I never had a desire to visit (The Stand, anyone?). What made me want to go? One thing; the Cirque du Soleil show, Love, which not only met but exceeded any expectations I might have had (I don't generally have expectations; it seems a sure fire way to get disappointed). It was HOT the 4 days we were there, hit 117 one day, I believe.

I've also taken quite a few day trips (mostly to NH) and a couple of long weekends, one to my cousin's and one to Vermont.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Portsmouth, NH

Hampton, NH

Newburyport

Vermont

Coming up are three weddings (and no funerals, I hope!) that I will be photographing, one in St. Thomas! Woohoo!

Summer?

Well, I havent covered as much ground as you.....but I hope to taking some time off here and there.

I recognize that store in Newburyport!

I'm not embarrassed to have a 50 yr old for a friend, I think it's cool! Plus you've got a different perspective that others around me my age and I like hearing it! :)

Over the hill. Old and decrepit. Senile.

To me, age is pretty pointless. It really is all a stage of mind!

I LOVE the photo of the water lily!

Well as a 38 yo woman who's best friend is turning 52 this year I can say that I never ever think of her as old.

btw happy belated bday!!!!!

Sounds like your having a great summer!! I love all the photos!

Mama Kelly

Happy big birthday! Don't know if I told you, but mine is next June.

Janet, you're the 5th person I've heard about this past week to have joined the 50's club.
Y'all are defining 50, as the new 40, that's for sure. I'm right behind ya, age-wise!
Happy Birthday!!

Ah, the stand....Captain Trips!
I started rereading this summer but was too swept up in Harry fever that I put it aside. After I finish Lightning, I'll take a walk with Larry and the gang and head to the old woman's house....It will be a challenge to do it before summer vacation ends, but it's worth a try!

My friend Rebecca is 49 now. We've been friends since I was a teenager; we get along great. I think that age is definitely a state of mind.