FLAG DAY 2025
Peaceful Protests Here & Across the U.S.
Yesterday was Flag Day, typically a time to celebrate the Stars and Stripes and the principles of freedom for which it stands. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the American flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. When I was growing up, my father, a Navy veteran, very purposefully hung a flag on the front of our house each year. As did many of our neighbors.
Yesterday was Flag Day with a difference. Yes, there was an event in D.C. Many of us chose not to watch or celebrate it. Instead, in large cities like Philadelphia and Chicago, in medium-sized ones like Atlanta and Tallahassee, and even in some of the smallest towns from Morrisville to Pittsboro to Seneca Falls, ordinary Americans gathered to protest the actions of the current administration. Called “No Kings Day,” it was an opportunity to rally against the deportation of law-abiding individuals, to call out the unwarranted firing of public servants, and to stand against the brutal attacks on science, healthcare, and higher education. These protests were peaceful ones.
The Chief Penguin and I participated in the “No Kings” demonstration here in Cary. It was our first demonstration. We carried our homemade signs and waved at the passing cars, appreciating the many drivers who tooted their horns in support. When I had read that 800+ people had signed up to attend, I was a bit leery about what to expect. I went prepared with my phone and ID cards and was happily surprised by how much larger the crowd was and impressed that everyone seemed to be enjoying the experience.
Dressed in red or blue and white, some holding kids by the hand or pushing strollers, all ages were represented. Yes, there were a few speeches, but most of the action took place at the intersection, extending well beyond the four corners of this heavily traveled thoroughfare.
Some folks even chanted. We were very glad to have been part of it all. Power to the people and the power of the people!
POPULAR FICTION
Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of several novels including the commercially and critically successful The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Her latest one, Atmosphere, is set in the 1980’s and features astronauts training for a mission on the space shuttle. Joan Goodwin is a self-proclaimed nerd who has always loved the stars and dreamed of going into space. Unappreciated by her sister and a loner, she is an astronaut when women were still a novelty. Yet Joan becomes friends with both the men and women astronauts in her group. In the process, she learns new things about herself and discovers love where she never expected it.
Reid did her homework; the space program details, and the shuttle flight are realistic and gripping. The characters are well drawn and fleshed out, especially Joan’s delightful young niece Frances. Some of the philosophizing about God and the place of humans in the universe is a bit heavy-handed. Nonetheless, the action is fast-paced, and I raced through the book in less than a day. Just right for a beach vacation.
DINING DELIGHTS
This was a week of dining treats. The Fenton for dim sum, a nearby Indian restaurant, and a popular ice cream parlor.
Brewery Bhavana in Fenton
Last fall, we liked very much the lunch we had at Brewery Bhavana, a Chinese restaurant in Raleigh, and even sampled two of their beers. This time, we made our first visit to the Fenton complex and the new branch of Brewery Bhavana.
At 5:30, the restaurant was full of couples and families, and just two tables were free. I was glad I’d made a reservation.
This dining room is smaller than the Raleigh one and the menu shorter, but we loved what we ordered. Refreshing cucumber salad with its hint of heat; light, almost fluffy buns filled with curried chicken; and pork and chive dumplings. There are two chicken entrees and Peking duck if you reserve ahead for it. Add in a cocktail or a glass of wine or beer and you’re set. We will be back to dine but also to explore Fenton’s other dining options. Not to mention being tempted by the goods in the Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn stores.
Saffron in Cary
Saffron is in a nearby mall with both Harris Teeter and Walmart stores. The Chief Penguin and I had poked our heads into Saffron one time but not eaten there before. Lunch this week was the best Indian food we’ve had since moving to North Carolina! We shared an order of samosas and rosemary naan and sampled the garlic naan.
He ordered lamb vindaloo, and when it wasn’t quite spicy enough sent it back to up the spice level from medium to hot. Success! I ordered the chicken curry medium, and it was simply delicious. The portions are very generous and come with jasmine rice. We each took some of our entrees home to savor again.
Andia’s Ice Cream
One of us is a big ice cream fan, the other an occasional indulger. We joined a group for the first round of an ice cream rating competition, Scoop of Approval. Andia’s has several locations in the Research Triangle including the one in Cary we visited. Smart tasters purchased the six-flavor sampler, while the Chief Penguin and I stuck with one scoop each, French vanilla for him, the prize-winning double dark chocolate for me.
Started and run by Andia and her family, Andia’s ice cream has won many awards. Andia herself is the only female Grand Master Ice Cream Chef and one of just 15 of such chefs across the U.S. As for the ice cream, the vanilla was excellent and the chocolate good, but not as deep dark as I would like. Andia’s creates many more flavors besides these, including summertime options such as lemon poppy and lavender lemonade. The perfect treat for a hot day.
Note: All unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.). Header photo is a view of some of the people participating in “No Kings” in Cary.
