Open Thread and Links

To those who celebrate it: happy almost 4th of July! We have some friends in town and are hosting a little get-together at our place tomorrow, where we hope to have a good view of the NYC fireworks from our rooftop deck. Saturday we’re throwing a 4th birthday party for Joanie, and Sunday is her actual birthday, which will definitely involve sushi, some new Calico Critters, and maybe Coney Island. So I’m signing off DW for now, but will be back on Monday when the kids start a three-week stretch of both of them being in camp every day, something I’ve been looking forward to literally for months. Until then, adios, and here are a few things from around the web that may interest you:

Should We All Take the Slow Road to Love?

Somewhat related: What You Lose When You Gain a Spouse

Why Spending Time With Friends Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Health

Related: “I paid $47 an hour for someone to be my friend”

Also related: Friends Make a Pact To Retire and Die Together

For my fellow memoir lovers (or those who just love a good book): The New York Time’s books critics recently published their list of The 50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years. (A bunch of my faves are on the list, including the very first one listed which made me fantasize about moving to New York City may years before I actually did. Currently, I’m reading this one, which isn’t on the list, but probably should be).