I had a wonderful father’s day weekend and hope you did too. Saturday, I went hiking in Clarence Fahnestock State Park, where mountain laurel in full bloom painted the forest white; swimming at Conopus Beach and (just escaped pummeling thunderstorms by) eating at the fairly affordable Cold Spring Depot in the 1893 Rail Road Station house. Sunday, my mostly grown children honored me with hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, chicken, and books about bicycles.

Here are two thoughts for next weekend, weather permitting:

Saturday, you can combine burlesque, bathing, hot-dogs & Iraq-war protest with Brooklyn For Peace at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade which starts at 2PM. Brooklyn For Peace marchers will meet at Saturday June 21, 12 noon: meet at NE corner of W. 8th St and Surf Avenue, in front of Aquarium Parking Lot . You have to pay to march ($9). If you go, also go to the Mermaid Parade Ball which starts at 5PM. I am sorry to say I can’t go because I will be at

Clearwater: The Great Hudson River Revival Festival at Croton Point Park . Sat June 21 and Sunday June 22, 10 AM to Dusk It’s a two-day festival of folk music, zydeco, big band, ska, dancing, swimming and leftish politics. Advance tickets for the day are $35, at the Gate $45. It’s easy to get there by Metro-North or by bike (the 5-boro Bike Club has an organized trips) and Time’s Up! has cue sheets for individual riders. (From lower Manhattan it’s about 45 miles, from the top of the Bronx -- at subway’s end -- about 30 miles. Much of the trip is pretty.) Click here for directions and biking advice. Bring sunscreen, bathing suit, bug spray and picnic fixings to ensure more complete comfort. If you need me, ask at the Reception Tent.