I’ve been on a semi-vacation for the past week, which means I’ve been taking a lot of daytrips and trying to stay out of my own way. There will be photos. Actually, the new image header at the top of the page (leave the reader and see website) is among them, taken of Hartford from Heublein Tower on a day that didn’t seem hazy until I climbed up Talcott Mountain.

Amy Bergquist has information about the sidewalks in the West End, which seem to have a life of their own and for which homeowners are responsible for maintain. In case anyone was curious about what bloggers talk about when we get together for coffee, it’s sidewalks.

Jude, who has been paying attention to the development along New Britain Avenue, writes about new restaurants that should be opening in Elmwood any day now. I know that I remember someone dubbing Elmwood as “honorary Hartford,” so it fits here. Maybe we can start a movement to annex Elmwood?

Meriden is also honorary Hartford, but is too far away for that to work; however, the new Springfield-to-New Haven commuter rail will be closing such distances. Helder Mira has information about a fundraiser for this project (the railway, not my fantasy of annexing Meriden).

If it’s important for you to have control over your transportation, there are two events coming up that might be of interest. First, the monthly Bike-To-Work event will be happening on August 29th. Some of you might already bike or walk to work regularly, but during this event, you can get breakfast. Even though very elderly riders put me to shame last year, I suppose I should mention that the Discover Hartford Bicycle and Walking Tour is scheduled for September 13th. It’s not a race, but I recommend training if you are deficient in muscles as I was for the tour last year.

Okay, back to my pseudo-vacation.