Like most people living in Cleveland, my weekend started off with the announcement that LeBron James was returning to his home- Northeast Ohio. The news hit the town pretty strong; I was outside grabbing a late lunch shortly after the announcement and there was an undeniable buzz in the air. You could feel the excitement in the streets, as people smiled and high-fived complete strangers. I ended up having to work a little later than usual so I didn’t get to join the gazillion people who seemed to show up downtown for happy hour in LeBron and Cavs gear to celebrate, but the night was still young and I ended up with other plans.

B surprised me with an impromptu date night. Shortly after I got home from work, he told me to get ready, bring a light jacket and we were heading to dinner. We ended up at Flaming Ice Cube, a favorite of mine that we hadn’t been to in a while. I of course got my usual – the Kalebouli Wrap and Black Bean and Corn Salsa.

After dinner, B surprised me and suggested we keep walking – and we ended up making it to the river and caught the tail end of the sunset. It was pretty gorgeous and there were quite a few people out and about in their Cleveland gear and a few boats as well.

Then, after the sunset, music began and Sara Bareilles came onto the stage across the river. B had planned an evening watching the concert and hadn’t even told me. It turned out to be a great way to spend the evening, enjoying a free concert in the beautiful weather.

And don’t worry, we still caught some of the LeBron madness on our way home.

Saturday morning started out bright and early. And by early I mean 5:30 a.m. ick! The bridge near our apartment was being blown up shortly after sunrise and we decided to meet up with B’s sister and roommate Koli to watch it, along with hundreds of other crazy Clevelanders. I mean, who gets up that early on the weekend?

Explosion!After the explosion, B, Mary and I went for a run because what else do you do when it’s 6 a.m. on a Saturday and you’re up?

Then we decided to drive around and check out the destruction. Do you see the bridge pieces on the ground?

 

After that, we headed to the West Side Market, first stopping at the Ohio City Farm Stand to stock up on more produce for the week.

And then it was time to head to the Cleveland Flea! The Flea has gotten bigger and better and was at a new location. We did some shopping, tried a local beer, sampled some homemade pickles (yum!) and B got a burger.

After the Flea it was only 12:30 p.m. I guess that’s what happens when you wake up before 6 a.m.? So I snuck in a little baking (blueberry scones!) before it was time for our evening plans, Shoes and Clothes For Kids fundraiser, Luau on the Lake.

Here’s a sneak peek at the Luau on the Lake festivities – it was such a great event that I wrote all about it in a separate post!

After Luau on the Lake, we headed to a friend’s house in Ohio City. He has a gorgeous house with a great backyard and it was a perfect night to just hang out on his porch. I’d say Saturday was a success.

Sunday was just as amazing. The day included a pool party at B’s grandma’s house AND my first trip to Blossom, the Cleveland Orchestra’s summer home. For those non-local readers, Blossom is an outdoor venue for the orchestra. There is an outdoor area with lawn seats where people can bring picnics, chairs, blankets, etc. plus indoor seating. It was my first time at Blossom and the venue was gorgeous, plus we had gotten tickets and food for free because we were there for B’s work event.

The Jetsons!

How was your weekend?

• NEOhioans – did you celebrate LeBron’s decision? Have you been to Blossom before?
• Did you get to spend some time outside?
• Scones – yay or nay? What kind of scone do you like?
• Do like outdoor music?