Good morning!

Here are my books: When in French by Lauren Collins, A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston, You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein, and On Beauty by Zadie Smith

Here is my breakfast: croissant and cappuccino from Shakespeare & Co.

Come join me at the table:

This weekend I have an uncharacteristically long TBR (to be read) pile. I rarely read more than one book at a time. I like focus, and I am a fairly obsessive reader, meaning that once I get into a book, I tend not to put it down until I’ve finished. But this week I have dabbled. I have another recreational book on my iPad, along with a dozen submissions queued up to read. I’ll be lucky if I finish two (already half read) books.

Let’s start with the most exciting news of the week. After nine months of scaffolding and construction, my apartment terrace is finally finished. I could hardly wait to relocate my patio furniture and find my way outside every night after work. With the temperatures cooling in New York, the terrace will be perfect for fall.

The view directly across the way

My friends Bri and Kate were staying with me last weekend. Bri left Tuesday, and we celebrated her last night in town with dinner at my neighborhood favorite, Eats. We had burgers (their steak burger is the best in the city) and drinks. We came back to my apartment, and Bri helped me create this blog (Hi, Bri! Thank you!).

Last night (Friday), I strolled around the Feast of San Gennaro festival in Little Italy with my friend Yuliya. After snacking on cannoli, we left the crowds behind for dinner at an old favorite, Bar Primi. And by “dinner,” I do mean two sangrias, one burrata appetizer, and one tiramisu between us.

Today I plan to run some errands (groceries, outdoor plants, apartment cleaning), then watch Stanford football take on USC, either here at my apartment or downtown at Finnerty’s. Go Card!

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!