With today's high gas prices, there are few reasons to leave Fairfield County ....but

if you're looking for a short trip that will leave your kitchen cupboards full head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.

I'm sure many of you know more than I do about the culinary wonders of this "gritty Little Italy" (a phrase used by the New York Times that fits) but let me share my favorites anyway.

My last visit was this past Saturday (6-21). On-site eating included freshly shucked clams and oysters served sidewalk style at Randazzo's Fish Market. From the store we bought soft-shell crabs for dinner and a bag of seafood mix for a future seafood pot pie. Excellent selection and fair prices.

Another future meal will be cheese ravioli from Borgatti's. Great fresh pasta. Of course you can't have pasta without bread and cheese. Lots of choices for both but we like Madonia Brothers bakery and Calandra's Cheese. And please don't forget the pork! Calabria Pork usually gets our business for all things pig. As far as other baked goods go...you can't go wrong at any of the fine bakeries. There are also scores of restaurants to enjoy.

Those are just a few personal highlights....I'd love to hear your recommendations. And if you have't been to Arthur Avenue yet....grab the cooler and go shopping!

You can find lots of information about Arthur Avenue online and the neighborhood has its own website arthuravenuyebronx.com. Wendy

Summer officially starts Friday....but we've had quite a taste of summer weather already!

The heat wave last week wasn't pretty and we've made it through what seems like August thunderstorms all in the first weeks of June. Of course our weird weather is nothing compared to the floods and storms in other parts of the country. All in all a warm but nice spring season this year with lots of flowers and plants to enjoy in the garden. Also lots of wildlife.

Any hour now the wrens that hatched in a house on my deck will be flying away. I'll miss their demanding chirps for food...but the hummingbird feeder will be going up next. Love my birds!

Even though it's still June it's already time to make plans for the Fourth of July....here's a few fireworks schedules to help: Stamford, Norwalk and Westport will fire their displays on the 3rd....Wilton, Weston and Rowayton on the 4th and Greenwich on the 5th. C

What a blast we had Saturday morning at Post Office Square in Westport. It was such fun to get together with the Coast ladies who joined me for a shopping experience at Beautiful Faces and Perfect Piece. We got the VIP treatment and fantastic deals at both stores!

We started at Beautiful Faces where Gail Sagel and her staff talked to us about skin care, makeup and hair care....and so much more. Want to look your best? Get to Gail and her staff ASAP! I was included in the group that got some great advice and yes I did some shopping and am pleased with the results. I'm going back for hair services in a few weeks.

Next door is Perfect Piece....OMG The best of the best for decorating the inside and outside of your home. Vickie Smith has the good stuff. You can get lost just looking around. Vickie can also tell you about the stories behind the products...where they come from and who creates them. This is not only a great stop for making your home more beautiful but perfect for gifts. (wedding or new home especially) I can't tell you what I bought there yet because its a surprise for someone special. Stay tuned

We also enjoyed mini quiche, muffins, cream puffs and fresh juice from Zest Cafe. Yummy!

Thanks to our hosts, our radio station staff and the listeners who shared this fun morning.

We'll have to do this again! Wendy

p.s If you were there I'd love to hear what you thought and what you bought