girl at large

Sweater Weather

Suzanne took this shot when we were up in Door County for Pumpkin Patch Weekend a few weeks ago, enjoying the fall colors and layering up for the season.

Welcome to Edgar

Dad and I took a road trip together this past week to his hometown of Edgar, Nebraska. We swapped Starbucks for Sanka...until we discovered a cafe in Nelson that served fully-leaded, real coffee. Thank god for small miracles. Thank god for small towns.

Someone Will Eventually Create Frozen Beer on A Stick. Beercicles, Why Not?

I missed seeing one of my all-time favorite bands last night because....it was past my bedtime.
Erin and Doug came into town yesterday so we could all go to Summerfest. I've never been before, but from what I saw, it was your classic midwestern summer festival: beer, walking about, eating food on a stick, beer, people watching, sunburn, beer, beer, beer.

Erin and Doug had Kiss tickets, they aren't my kinda thing, so I didn't go. I found out in the afternoon that the BoDeans, the afore mentioned all-time favorite band, was playing later in the night--but not until 10:00. I almost made it back to the grounds last night to see them, but I was sun-tired, carb-overloaded and well, 10pm is my bedtime. And it was raining.

How pathetic?! Next time, I'm dragging my tired ass out no matter what.

And how could the The BoDeans, Milwaukee's GREATEST CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC OF ALL TIME, have a 2nd rate stage, lousy 10pm slot?

Happy Place

A big part of a Memorial Day Weekend in Door County is spending it with those you love. I really enjoyed my time with the likes of Pancake Pajama Peg, Mosquito Netting Mike, Jean the Salad Queen, and Grandma in a Blanket. Gotta love 'em, the characters.

But the best time of all was just being there at all, me and my dog.

The more things change, ...

My favorite place on the planet is the thumb of Wisconsin. I can't explain it. Maybe it's the smell of wood burning fireplaces, the sound of the waves of Lake Michigan, or the feel of sand in the sheets. All I know is I'm so lucky to be back.

Adventures in Turkey

Mom saw a Whirling Dervish. As a child, I thought that a 'Whirling Dervish' was an animal, perhaps related to the Tazmanian Devil.

On her blog, Mom worries about tidying up before Marco arrives on the boat---she worries about keeping house in between photos of camels and dervishes and boats on a stormy Mediterranean sea. I suppose some things never change, despite an exotic locale.

Wisconsin: It's Not So Bad

That's this year's motto. So far, in the "Not So Bad" column, mostly food:

-Sendik's
-the Butter Burger at Culver's
-Frozen Custard (take your pick--Kopps, Michael's, or Gilles)
-Milwaukee Art Museum
-the Lakefront
-Leinenkugel's

Cheese Head Travels Home

All Packed Up, Mount Shasta California, The Grand Canyon, Big as Texas, Grandpa Bunny

Ticking Off

It doesn't interest anyone else, but I'm a list person and an "achiever", so I feel better (literally physically better) when I can mark things off my to-do list:

Yesterday and today were "Technology" and "Tune Up" days respectively. I picked up a cheap-o cell phone for the road trip in case of emergency. Don't everyone get all excited that they'll now be able to reach me on my cell phone! I'll be lucky if the little piece of plastic lasts through the road trip. Though I will have to have a Blackberry for the new job, so my time of living Cell Phone Free is certainly coming to an end.

I also finally pulled the trigger on a Garmin Nuvi navigation system. I am IN LOVE. This little device with the pleasant voice and confident directions was MADE for people like me. In just two days, I've already tooled around more of Portland than I have in the past four years. I'm a confident driver, but unless the destination is off a flat, corn-lined highway, I can't find my way out of a paperbag. What was I waiting for, why didn't I get one of these gadgets sooner?

The little Jetta made it through her 50k tune up this morning, fairing much better than I feared. A new oil pan, tire rotation, the usual adjustments, a new headlight, and a repaired Cruise Control---and now I'm road ready. For an upgrade from the previous ghetto look, I also opted to replace the missing hubcap. So sexy. For being a good girl, I treated her to a wash on the way home.

The car insurance is up to date, I've updated my AAA membership and downloaded a list of must-stop roadside eateries from RoadFood. I am good to go!

Tomorrow is "Dealing with the City" (moving truck parking permits) and
"Awkwardly Saying Goodbye to Co-workers I'm Not Going to Miss" Day. Tick! Tick!

Equipment

I got my snow boots today. They are hideous, so of course they are warm, supportive and incredibly comfortable.

A Long Strange Trip

I'm planning out the road trip, and it's going to be a strange one...heading down to LA first to see Tom , and my friends Kristan and Steve...then across to Nebraska to visit Grandma Eileen and Grandpa Bunny, which takes me through Colorado, so I think I'll stop in Boulder. Then through the plains and up to Milwaukee.

Any stops I should make along the way, let me know!

You Can't Take It With You

I can't move everything with me across country (again), so here is installment one of "You Can't Take It With You". Bidding is now open, more items to come. Items in the "smaller than a bread box" category will be posted in a few weeks as packing commences. Email me at katemikkelsen@aol.com if you want something, first come first serve!

-Twin Bed--mattress, low profile boxspring and metal hollywood frame. (mattress pad and two sets of sheets included)
-Glass Lamp with mocha-colored silk shade, three way 12" d, 24" h
-Kitchen Butcher Block Cart 24" w, 20" d, 35" h
-Kitchen Table 42' d, 30" h white laminated wood top, aluminum base with leveling feet
-Outdoor Chairs set of two, stackable in weather proof woven vinyl
-Stone-topped Spot Table 13" d, 20" h
-Bookshelves 54" w, 12" d, 85" h dark brown rift oak, disassembles

A Message From The Universe

Dad sent me four pre-paid B&W photo development envelopes from A&I for Christmas this year, very thoughtful.

I have a dozen rolls of film in my kitchen junk drawer--rolls I have transported from home to home and state to state (and even abroad!) for years and years. They languished next to twist ties, duct tape and Ikea allen wrenches, forgotten and undeveloped. Back in December, I sent off four rolls I thought might be from five or six years ago.

The very same week that I returned from the World's Longest Interview in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two of the developed rolls arrived in the mail.

Both were all shots of Wisconsin! Pictures of barns, rows of corn, cows, the lake...all taken more than 10 years ago when I went on a 'farewell' tour of my favorite places in Wisconsin, including Door County (where I stayed at the Valmy Hotel).

It Will Be Good To Be Home

It's amazing--I never knew I still had so many friends still back in Wisconsin! What a perfect time to join Facebook---I've been 'friended' by so many familiar faces!

I'm searching high and low for an apartment in Milwaukee. Portland is so dog-friendly, I'd forgotten that other towns aren't so keen on your four legged friend sharing the apartment. The right one will come along, but it's frustrating to be turned away when everyone knows that dog owners are far superior people, and very desirable renters. Who else will pick up steaming poo first thing in the morning? Isn't that just the kind of person you want as a tenant?

For those who don't know, I'm moving back to Wisconsin. I had to leave my current job, the market being what it is, and I've been wanting to get back to 'home' or at least near family for a few years now. I was originally aiming for Chicago, but the dart landed a little higher, and a little closer to a dairy farm. As it turns out, I'm probably going to love Milwaukee.

Because we lived in Fond du Lac, and visited Chicago so often for our 'big city' fix, we rarely went to Milwaukee when I was growing up. As a third grader, I toured a brewery on a field trip, but that was about the extent of my knowledge of the place. The more research I do, the more I see that it has a heck of a lot in common with Portland--they are such similiar cities in fact, you could call it Portland North. The same population (Milwauke is 20k bigger), similiar demographics, similiar industry/business base, similiar neighborhoods (Pearl District=Third Ward, Riverfront=Riverfront, Shorewood=Sellwood, Brady Street = NW 23rd, Downer Street = Hawthorne, and on and on). Swap the mountains for the lake, rain for snow, and you've got the same place!

Bonus, it's only an hour and half from Chicago...and all the Quinlans!

You Can Go Home Again

I'm going to need sweaters. Lots of sweaters.

Christmas Quotes

me: "Your shampoo did something weird to my hair."
Tom: "I don't know what you used, but I don't have shampoo in that bathroom."

Tom: "I don't know what 'gluten' is, but it sounds DELICIOUS! Can you just add it to stuff?"

Out Of The Snow, Into The Smog

It was still night, and it was still snowing. One change of clothes in a backpack, a layer of tights under my jeans, I made my way through a foot and a half of snow (sandwiched between two layers of ice) down the hills to the train station at 5 in the morning. I'll be damned if I'm not going to make it to Los Angeles for Christmas! And I'll be damned if I'm going to miss this train just pulling up because I don't have time to buy a ticket!

The flight to LA boarded on time. Those of us fortunate enough to have purchased last-minute, cheap-o tickets hung our heads, not in shame but to hide our glee, as we walked through the gate crowded with hundreds of holiday travelers who'd been stranded at the airport in some cases, for days. As we were being de-iced (that poor bastard, I hope someone filled his stocking), the white stuff began to fall again in ernest, one hundred squeezed-in strangers held their collective breath. As the plane took off, only 30 minutes behind schedule, it was the first time I heard an entire flight of passengers clap at departure!

Of course, I may have over-anticipated the joy of actually being in LA for Christmas --I spent most of Christmas Eve day cleaning my brothers house.

Anticipation Is Exhausting

Stella was soooo looking forward to the wedding, and then, three minutes into the ceremony, completely konked out.

A Broad Abroad

Mom's in Greece!

In Touch

Check out Mom's new blog!

Bachelor Aid

Tom adjusts to the new location of 'his spot'. Ruby stands guard.

Before

After

Tom's new place is great, big and light and roomy. All the family pitched in to send him furnishings--from Grandpa's prints to Mom's rug to John and Molly's redo of the chairs to Aunt Peg's couch, table and bed. He worked on Friday, so I spent most of the day cleaning, organizing and arranging furniture...sounds so familiar. Was I on a break or still at work? I have a problem--even 1000 miles away, I still want to put things in their right place.

Favorite conversation with my brother (aside from The Lightbulb Story):
Tom: sniff, sniff "Did you wash my sheets or something?"
Me: "Yes, I washed your sheets, the toss pillows covers..even your duvet cover."
Tom: "You can wash those?"

Did we not grow up the same house? At least I was spared the Easy Mac--he had that for lunch when I was out enjoying my time in LA...by visiting a furniture factory.

Next Time I'll Pack a PB&J.

There's nothing quite like hitting the open road with your dog--sun in your face, wind in your hair...
steering wheel gripped with your knees as you struggle at 65 curvy miles per hour to open a jar of peanut butter so your dog can lick it off your fingers when climbing through the pass at 4000 ft elevation so she won't whine about the discomfort in her ears she doesn't understand but knows she doesn't like...holding the jar with your thighs, flinging the lid on the floor where it lands sticky-side down, then holding the wheel with one hand as you contort your other hand--wiggling a peanut butter-gobbed finger behind the seat at the general direction of the back seat where the only other passenger is looking back at you in the rear view mirror like the crazy woman that you are.

California Is A Loooong State.

Favorite government-issue exit sign, near Stockton: "Rough and Ready Island"

Road Trip

I'm heading back to Oregon later today...been in sunny, smoggy Los Angeles for a long weekend with brother Tom. Managed to fit in a few factory and showroom visits too, so it's a working, write-off weekend. But it's been relaxing as well. Lunch with friends and their new gorgeous baby girl Violet (can a baby ever be old?) in Santa Monica, downtime with Tom's friend Devon.

I never get too far from work--there's email, the cell phone my boss made me take (though they didn't call, good for them!), and of course, one full day cleaning, organizing and rearranging my brothers new loft. It's a great place, comfortable with an interesting city view over the Staples Center. Ruby is terrified of the elevator and the stone-floored lobby, and check in later for an entry on Ruby vs. Roomba.

I'm off again in a bit, putting the little Jetta to the test on the I-5 (whew, she's dirrrrrrteee!)

Vegas Baby

Last week, I went to Las Vegas at the last minute to attend two days of the World Market Home Furnishings Trade Show. I went to Vegas, with my boss, to work. Contain your excitement on my behalf. We stayed at the Luxor, said to be visible from space. The Great Wall, the Amazon and ...The Luxor--what a planet.

In short, my impression of Vegas is summed up in this story:

One evening, walking back to the hotel from dinner, enjoying natural air and a moment devoid of casino-din, my boss said to me: "Wow, look up at that moon!"

It was full; perfectly round and full and glowing with celestial beauty.

My reply, with a tone of intense disgust: "Which hotel did THAT?"

dog day road trip

at last

Look Ruby,....sunshine!

sunshine and snow

Went down to Ashland and over to Crater Lake during my "weekend"; crazy gorgeous.

Coasting

When did Alone become a dirty word?

Checking in with seaside community rental/condo manager: "T'aw, just you? That's too bad!"

Excuse me?

Checking out at Safe Way, explaining that I don't need a discount card because I'm just visiting the area, and no, not visiting friends, just the area: "Really? By yourself? T'aw."

Is this a conspiracy?

This happens everytime I travel alone, even for just a 'weekend' getaway across county lines. And the worst part? It's from WOMEN. Only women. Men never ask, never comment, never "T'aw" (imagine sad puppy face).

I beg you, ladies, remember that we can be independent. We can travel alone. We can work, we can have mortgages, degrees, car loans, we can vote...and for crying out loud, we can drive a car by ourselves to a hotel and Enjoy Time With Ourselves!

p.s. What really bugs me is this....It never crossed my mind, not once, to be disappointed that I was alone for my getaway. I was thrilled. Driving curving, misty roads in my beloved little car, iPod loaded, puppy panting in the passenger seat, fuzzy slippers and hot cocoa mix in the back....excitment, happiness, calm was all mine....it never occurred to me that my enjoyment of these things should be diminished in some way because I was alone. It never does until I get "T'aw"-ed.

Mini Road Trip

Two days off in a row, a break in the rain and a little car languishing in park? I'm outta here!

Put a bow on that, I'll take it!

Mom's going home to her own gift....Marco (scroll down), her new boaty hired-hand.

back home

The windchill was below zero this morning as I walked down Armitage in search of a duffel bag for Mom of the Always Short A Bag When Traveling. The snow started falling as the plane rolled out to the runway at O'Hare tonight....Portland, at a mild 45 degrees, seems downright balmy.

gold vs. green

The long, straight drive from Los Angeles to Portland, up the I-5, wasn't as fun as I had hoped my roadtrip would be...I had original plans of enjoying the Pacific Coast Highway and 101, but time constraints changed that. The only two pics I got (low batteries) show an interesting change in scenery color between middle California and middle Oregon.

Despite myself.

Damn it, I'm happy. Portland, more clearly than ever after some time in Smogville, is becoming a very liveable, enjoyable city with lots to offer. My job is good, I like what I do and I seem to not suck at it. I've had the chance to travel to see beloved family recently. Friends have journeyed here to see me. My dog still greets me with enthusiasm. I'm not painting, but I'm ok with that--it will come back, when I have the time and inspiration in the future-and I like that, I like that it's my little thing to pull out when it pleases me and me only. I have friends all over the world, most of whom keep in touch regularly with stories of adventures great and small. My little apartment is looking like a proper home, only a few projects remain and who wants to be short of home improvement projects anyway? My health is good; a good friend just the other day said I look great, that despite what I say about living here, it must work because it looks good on me. Ha ha. I think I finally let the boy go, so I'm ready for the next new boyfriend (that was only five years in the making). With the good job and new wheels, I have new freedoms to enjoy and adventures to plan. I was even recently paid to write about my crocheting hobby (and the resulting bersitus). So, I'm good, I'm ready..bring on the next big thing!

Ok, so it's good here. I'm happy. Damn it.

In the eye of the beholder.

The jaunty angle of the melted antenna on my new (used) car is 'sporty', people, 'sporty'!

it's all about the comparison...

Ok, so I've been now to Los Angeles.

Portland? .....Not so bad!

I did too.

Rumor has it that my brother Tom enjoyed my visit.

breakin' in

I drove my new (used) car more yesterday, visiting friends in L.A., than I've collectively driven any car in the last two years. (cross-country trip excluded). Having to find your way in Los Angeles, capitol of cars, is a great breaking-in for the newly reinitiated to driving. I no longer mind at all that the Jetta is an automatic.

It's a kick that a mapquest approximation of 15 minutes is actually, in reality, an hour in LA time. I could never live in a place where people say: "You took surface?" (meaning, you took regular streets, not the freeway?")

german engineered wheels in need of loving home

I have not purchased a new used car. I have adopted it. I'm giving it a better home, I've saved it from a sad situation, am giving it the home it deserves. More on the story later. The story involves family scheming, rainwater, denial, the Land of Lincoln and a stray cat---it's a good one.

vroom vroom

woo-hoo! In less than a week, I'll have wheels!

How much Ikea can you fit in a Jag?

I rented a car yesterday to make the trip up to Seattle for an Ikea run. I know, not a good idea on a Saturday--the punters were out in full force for the Swedish meatballs, but it's a rare weekend off and I need more bookshelves (too much Powell's).

I had reserved a standard mid-size, in hopes of getting something with ok gas mileage and folding back seats. They had one on the lot, only the previous renter had failed to put the keys in the night drop box. So I was bumped up, free of charge, to...get this, a Jag! ha ha!

As it turns out, you CAN fit a heck of alot in the back of a Jag. Which is a good thing, because I found much more than I had planned on getting, of course.

Now, where's my allen wrench?

p.s. A note on the car itself; I'm never very impressed when a high-end version of anything is recreated in a lower-end version. When you start at the top and cheap out, the results usually disappoint (as opposed to starting with little and seeing how much you can create, which I greatly admire--a la Ikea now that I think of it).

The X-type Jag is no exception--aside from the pretty front end (that you can't see when parking!), it's a bummer of a design. The interior is anything but intuitive--I had to refer to the manual THREE times during the trip to locate and understand controls (cruise control, the gas cap release, the back seat fold down mechanism). Despite a dozen adjustment levers, the seat design also left my behind and back aching--for long trips, lack of lumbar support is a serious flaw that no amount of leather can cure.

And on the road? Speedy, but slushy. What good is pep if you can't control it? The steering wheel behaved like an pretty accessory, not a tool. On curves at highway speeds, it felt like the entire chassis was sliding out from under me. Not good.

I wonder what the 70 year-old lady in the fish bowl next to me had in her handbag.

My boss said something the other day that I will add to my list of favorite sayings:

"You've done a great job wallpapering the bedroom closet, but the fire that started in the kitchen is now in the living room".

It's a perfect analogy for the retail business--keep your head down too long on a piddly project, and you miss the bigger picture (usually sales). It also applies to my experience at the Portland Airport Security Checkpoint.

I had a metal card-holder in my back pocket (especially when traveling, I like to keep one credit card and form of ID in my purse, another set in my pocket--if a thief gets one, at least I have the other). I had forgotten about it when emptying my person of metal goods before walking through x-ray. I had removed my earrings, necklace, coat, shoes, even my belt. These security checks are humbling enough, does the container for my personal belongings really have to be a dog dish? Don't get me started.

So, the machine beeps at my card holder. I immediately realize my oversight and pull it out, "Oh, here, it's this, I forgot, so sorry." Not good enough.

I'm pulled aside into the clear-glass paneled exam area (the 'fish bowl'), told to stand with my feet apart on the diagram (designed for 6ft tall men) and then patted down by Attila. She didn't even want to look at the offending object. It was tossed aside, along with my passport (!) and ticket, onto a chair in plain view and easy reach of anyone still lingering at the exit of the security area--which was a lot of people. Putting on their shoes and buckling their pants. Out of context, it looked like the last five minutes of an orgy.

I don't mind being hand-scanned. I can spread my legs and open out my arms wide. I don't mind being cooperative. I do, however, mind the loud running commentary: "I'm going to touch your breasts now, How's that underwire working for ya?, Ok, free government back rub!" Free government backrub? Excuse me? No one can bear to hear lame attempts at funny when being stared at by fifty strangers, held in an akward physical position and fondled by a government agent in an ill-fitting uniform. Could we perhaps do this with some dignity??

After another few humiliating moments, I was allowed to proceed. Which meant making my way back through the fray to pick up my belongings (out of the school desk tray and dog dish). My coat, shoes, and purse had not been further inspected, I was free to go.

In my purse? A lighter, a crochet hook and thread scissors. All contraband.

in flight

Downtown Chicago

Things I learned on this journey:

1) If you do it your 'self', it's not 'service'.
2) Always, always travel in cashmere.
3) Cell phone use on planes taxing to the gate should be banned.
4) My mattress sucks.
5) No one greets better than a dog.

...visit before the snow flies....

Only three days until I'm off to Chicago!

sightseeing for the soul

...a trip out of town did me so much good, am at last seeing images that inspire painting, itchy to pull out brushes and canvas again after so long...

the asian influence

more gorgeousness at Vancouvers Chinese Gardens.

Oh Canada!

Vancouver, BC
love, love, love this city!

on the waterfront

People-watching, old-school market shopping, sunshine and boats on Granville Island, Vancouver, BC. The boats did me good, didn't know how much I miss seeing them everyday.

p.s. at Granville Public Market, found my cheese!! Very much worth minor scuffle at border-crossing, 'suspicious cheese'...

me? scared of heights? never!

I swear to god, I would have gone up Grouse Mountain in the scary swinging basket-on-a-wire thingy, I swear! But sadly, we decided to skip it in favor of more time elsewhere exploring Vancouver, BC...

tossin' one back

Screw the Space Needle, I wanted to see the guys throwing fish at Pike Place Market!

above the grunge

Seattle, Washington

so perty

Japanese Garden in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon

have hook, will travel

I have this weekend off....never been to Seattle...but now I REALLY want to go...for this!
Sad? Maybe..but me and my yarn don't care!

hello govn'r

Dad's visit to London to see Peg, Ryan and Baby Stella

Oh Canada!

It's alot easier than you'd think to emigrate to Canada.

over there, over there

"Grandpa Mikkelsen" and "Noodle"

Dad just returned from a quick visit (four days! no jetlag recovery time!) to London to see Peg and Ryan and of course, the person of the hour--Stella. I can't get over how much little Stella looks like my sister (it's in the eyes) and how very much Dad looks like his dad, my Grandpa Bunny.

home sick for the southland

Browsing a copy of "1001 Places to See Before You Die" while waiting at the checkout counter; it fell open to "Savannah's Historic District".

Hm. Message in a point-of-purchase display?

the sequel

Mom and Bert on Tishie Mae I last summer, Mom one of the five lovely towns of Cinque Terre on the Italian coast last year

It's official, late last week Mom found the bigger boat! Tishie Mae II (a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey) smaller than I would have suggested for living in tight quarters on water with your brother--only 37 feet, but she swears they'll make it work. They've survived with only one bathroom in the apartment for this long, what's the trouble with one head? And as long as Mom keeps Bert fed, I think all will be well.

It's moored in Viareggo, Italy, near Le Spezia and the Cinque Terre area we loved so much last year. The "crew" will be based there for about a month for training and shake-down cruising before they head off into the horizon...

more of the same.

four month itch

a shot from the November roadtrip....wishing I was back on the road. any road.

The Mighty Pacific

"God pointing down at you" skies spotted frequently at the beach. Where's Uncle Bert when you need him to explain cloud formations?

Spent New Year's weekend on The Oregon Coast (in Neskowin, at Proposal Rock)---so glad to see open water again. I'd taken the Med for granted. The Pacific is grey and mean by comparison, but open water just the same. Driving out there (about an hour and half, give or take), we traveled through any number of entirely different weather systems--drizzle, fog and mist, pouring rain, clearish, drizzle, clear and sunny, fog and repeat.

visit to the middle

Miss Ruby enjoying the affections of Grandpa Bunny.

Things are much the same in Edgar, Nebraska as I recall from childhood---"the" school is still standing, the jello still wiggles, and coolwhip containers are just as handy as ever. bless.

I blame the pending 14-hour drive day for the poor quality of the only shot of me, Grandma Eileen and Grandpa Bunny's chin all together:

the square states

at last, images from my cross-country journey. enjoy. lots of square state stuff. corn. road. sky.
more to come later.

reflection

this just in from Anna's Thanksgiving visit with the family---"Cloud", the new public sculpture in Chicago's Millenium Park--but everyone's calling it the "Bean". great shot. I really, really miss Chicago--which is strange as I've not lived there in um, a decade? But to me, as I've said before, the holiday season will always be the Q clan and the big shiny city of Chicago. sigh.

What freakin' time is it?

Jet-lag is one thing---jet-lag confusion is quite another. I know I'm jet-lagged, I can feel it---thing is, my body can't figure out WHICH time zone to be je-lagged from!

some things never change, they aren't supposed to

Life in Savannah remains about the same---warm, muggy, relaxed and friendly---even as the storefronts on Broughton Street continue their revolving-business roller-coaster. The squares are lovely, the moss is hanging and cocktails flowing---and I can't help feeling that it's time for me to get going.

Savannah was good for me, it was the first big change that allowed me to make all the later changes, some smaller, a few much bigger. It was the first big adventure, the first new place, new culture, new fears, going out there without a rope----I will miss it: that moody, rough-around-the-edges spirit that welcomes kooks and eclectics and makes miracles of crab cakes.

I leave on Friday morning. I'll be back, but no, it won't ever really be the same.

storage units, saluting strangers

woo-hoo! All my belongings are safe and sound in the storage unit, and with some editing and creative packing, they should all fit in the rented minivan (not a uhaul truck, an actual minivan, much more comfortable!) without a problem. Now, just have to pick up the rental, get some maps and I'll be all set to hit the road....with some advice from my Dad, I should be in clover:

"Finally, remember when driving across Nebraska that it is considered polite to raise your index finger off the steering wheel to greet approaching tractors and pick up trucks, emphasis on INDEX."

What is it with dads and driving/car advice?

howdy!

I'm back! What a journey (!), and it's really just begining...

The huge suitcases (2) met the wieght limit (70 lbs each) by just a hair--after I removed a few things at the counter into an impromptu carry-on. Ruby was boxed and loaded, tagged and transfered, customs checked, off-loaded and re-loaded, lugged and finally, let loose. To pee on our keeper's carpet. Oops.

Flying over the eastern seaboard at night---an unexpected pleasure--the lights of the city grids, harbors and highways were gorgeous ---orange,white and blue designs on black out into the horizon. If only my seat mate had been so attractive.

Everything----everything!----is so LARGE. Cars, sandwiches, roads, buildings, --all of it, the scale--I'm thrown. Don't even ask me about the frightening muffins.

bye bye inheritance

Mom and Bert are back from their journey through Spain---I got the call before they arrived: "Have dinner ready!" Spanish food didn't agree with them.

The Palmer Johnson boat didn't work out, but on their last day in Barcelona a strong contender for the bigger-boat contest was discovered. A 40ft Island Packet, designed with the retired, gentle cruiser in mind. In addition to being quite heavy, solid and simple to sail (everything is controlled from the cockpit), the interior details have been designed with comfort in mind, for example, all the hatches and stowage bins have pneumatic hinges and interior lights---perfect. Seems she's finally found her personal Winnebago!

Mom's got some new claw-ended stick thingy, just arrived in this morning's mail, another thingmabob she bought for the boat. It scares me: the wierd claw-stick and the propensity for purchasing boat equipment both.

no siesta for the bigger boat search

Update from Mom and Bert, somewhere in Spain: The visit to see Pilgrim (I almost said the pilgrimage, but that's just unforgiveable) was not successful. They did manage to find it, to see it, but it didn't come up to expectations--as Mom said in our short phone conversation 'Nothing worked on it." Good call to pass it by if you ask me! So, they're stopping at a few more marinas on their way back, expect to see them here again early next week.

off their rocks

Mom and Bert are driving down through southern France and most of Spain to Gibraltar (a rock the inhabitants share with mean monkeys), determined to see the Pilgrim, a 48ft re-fitted aluminum cruiser originally built for racing by Palmer Johnson in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin back in '71. Bert swears he saw it being launched back in the day. I have a good feeling about this boat, this could be the one. Will the 'bigger boat' quest ever be over?

Oh!Photo!

Voila! Here's Mike and Matt's complete online photo album of their visit to Paris and Antibes---some great shots, those boys are so damn cute. Has it been nearly a week since they left already? Miss 'em so.

Bon Voyage!

Seeing Mike and Matt off on the train this morning.

two friends, three days, a tower, three trains, one bus, a boat, a dozen cafes and goodness knows how many bottles of wine....

taking a tour of the harbor on Tishie Mae (that counts as 'sailing', right?), doing time in the cattle car, taking in the view, tripping down pictureseque lanes and having a hellava good time!

quite a feat

I didn't think it was humanly, nor, mathematically possible for Mom and I to spend more time together. But, this past week in Italy, we did. And no one is dead. I've gained a post-skirmish-guilt handbag (the best kind), but no one is dead. Success!

Bert had to take the boat out into the harbor the day we left and has had it there since; all the berths in Port Vaubon are taken for the month of August. So, it's a row in and out for Bert each day, and sleeping on the balcony here at night. Remember sleeping porches? In this heat and humidity, it would be a nice thing, Bert's the lucky one tonight.

la dolce vita

A quick trip over the border: Based in the lively working city of La Spezia, on the large Golfo dei Poeti, we spent an afternoon in the nearby fishing village of La Grazie, another day in beautiful and popular Porto Venere, a long day enjoying the charms of Cinque Terre from land and sea (by ferry boat), and a last, quiet stop in the family-holiday seaside town of Loano.

quick thoughts on Italian life:
The people watching is outstanding: love seeing the genes go by as families stroll together in the evenings--Mom, Pop, Grandparents and bambinis. Sightings of grandfathers with grandchildren on bicycles too numerous to recall precisely.

Food, food and more food. If it's not a mini-meal of munchies served with every cocktail or glass of wine at a cafe, it's the gelato. Or the classic two plates plus an antipasti plus dessert (often gelato). We're still digesting.

You can never have too many different floral patterned textiles in a hotel room, that's just a given. And that strange scrambling, scratching noise last night? We're pretending we didn't hear it. Large rat dreams aside, it could have been anything, really. Probably just our imagination.

It's so nice to see smiles. And friendly faces unwary of strangers. And to hear the occasionally, proudly pronounced, "thank you" in English. Also "pleasethankyougoodbyehello" makes a fine greeting.

One good thing about excessive speed (oh, how the Italians love it): No time to even bother getting seasick on ferry rides.

Note to traveling Americans: Please, please, please use your "indoor" voice. They can hear you coming, trust me.

Maritime Museums (see second photo of Mom with Huge Anchor): Highly recommended, especially for the "Wall of Knots". On Bert's recommendation, we visited, and could just imagine him spending an hour studying that wall. Does he know how closely it resembles Macrame?

Yeah!

Savannah, 1999/ New York City, 2002......coming soon to this space, "Antibes, 2004"....

Mike is coming! Mike is coming! I'm so thrilled--- gorgeous, funny, lovely-in-everyway Mike is coming for a visit in mid-August--just in the nick of time while I'm still here! I better catch up on my sleep...Mike likes to have a good time. (and no, not what you're thinking.)

at last!

in Vintimilla or Ventimiglia

market day in Italy

one small handbag, one large tote (for someone else) and a large summer-weight scarf...how did i forget to get sunglasses? that's what i went there for!...just gonna have to go back next week... and Ryan still needs to get those mandals...

not meant to be

Ryan in Not-Italy

after hussling out the door to catch the 11am train we arrived at the station to find that the 11am train was a figment of my imagination (and the online train schedule). a cup of coffee and an hour later we're waiting on the platform for the 12pm train...which is delayed for in "indeterminate" amount of time due to an "electrical" problem....hmm..will we ever get to the market in Ventimille? is the goddess of new Italian shoes telling me that today is just not my day?

Tishie Mae update

mom called tonight---she and Bert are in Andorra, a town in Italy just 50 miles away--they've had to stay there a few days to repair a problem with the rudder, but already mom is love with Italy--a few quotes:

"The woman are fat!!" "They've got boobs and hips!"
"The kids make noise and the moms yell at them to shut up!" (frenchie kids are eerily well behaved and silent.)
"There's alot to be said for smiles!" (frenchies are notoriously straight-faced.)

i think my prediction was correct--fairly soon she'll be moving to Italy. for now, they are happy to be heading further down the coast, rudder repaired, tomorrow morning.

stock i wish i'd been able to buy

i'm so jealous. mom's had Krispy Kreme doughnuts in London.

done already?

Haut-de-Cagnes

we've been feeling a little house-bound lately, so mom and i decided to spend the afternoon in the medival village of Haut-de-Cagnes (above Cagnes sur Mer), have a little lunch and a wander around in the tiny, charming lanes. lunch was great--the town is dead quiet this time of year, though it wasn't much busier when i was there this past summer (the tourists don't know that much about it and head to nearby and over-run St. Paul instead). i took a few shots for some future work, i'll probably return soon for some sketching--i had done Rue/Haut de Cagnes some time ago from sketches/pics of one of the narrow, moody streets. lunch was great; enough warm sunshine to eat outside with a sliver view of the sea, enjoying a warm slice of apple and pear tart. our wander around was great--though steep--until we inadvertently wandered right out of town! so, we really only killed about three hours and are back in the house again already. oops.

The Custard Then and Now

going through the pics from my trip to Savannah, i've realized that The Custard hasn't really changed a bit in three years, aside from the occassional facial hair experiment and the recent bleach blonde madness. take a look.

cooking up some goodness: that is the exact SAME rooster t-shirt, still extra-extra large. i call it 'the dress'. the kitchen environment has improved, mainly because that's now mine (i am admittedly house proud).

that goofy face: every time someone tries to get a nice shot of us together, he makes that silly face! i have like two decent pic of us out of hundreds. ugh!

the beer: same beer, different day. though it must be said, he's upgraded from only the old school PBR (or Natty Light!) to others, including the occassional rather impressive Guiness.

Georgia Gators

one last night out, Southern Style, to The Crab Shack on Tybee Island.."Where the Elite Eat in Their Bare Feet". and apparently the $1 souvenir beer coozies are the hottest thing going. Bert should be able to make use of it on the boat i think. i got my Low Country Boil and deviled crab. i'm a happy girl. check out the new 'water feature' -cum Gator Lagoon. only in Georgia.

around happy town

Mr. Grant T. Nelson joined us on many nights for cocktails around town..and we were able to pop by his most recent art opening after the rehearsal dinner..conveniently located across the road. Savannah seems so small and quiet to me now. i can't imagine that folks still drive as much as they do there..we drove from my house to Vinny's for heaven's sake! that's like six blocks away. i walked home whenever possible..just to keep the blood flowing.

to combat all that Vinny's pizza (nothing like a slice and a beer for four bucks) Chris and i walked all over town, through nearly every square, and even down by the river with a stop off at the Waving Girl. out for our morning stroll, we were once waylaided by a classic Savannah parade (Veteran's Day i think?)..and couldn't get across the street to my coffee and muffin shop. now i NEED my coffee, and when i'm there, i NEED my Big American Muffin. as yet another highschool majorette strolls by, me: "In about two minutes I'm gonna be a bitch!" i got my coffee. and the muffin. whew. at least i give warnings these days.

no pictures to document, but Miss Dawn and Miss Sony and i enjoyed catching up over curries (ooh, yum) and cocktails..but not nearly enough time together! Miss Dawn and i had a just enought time for another night at Vinny's as well before she had to head off to attend a wedding of her own. on our way back through City Market, there was a set of the usual horses and carriage..and one of the horses was making a big banging noise and then water was splashing out of his trough:
me: "What IS that horse doing?"
Dawn: "I think he's kicking the bucket."
both of us and a number of bystanders--laughing out loud-ha!

that's a girl in trouble alright

Kevin took this one of Me and The Ex..um, The Boy, um..oh, i don't know. let's just call him The Custard. (more on that later too). i think my exact words when viewing this pic that night on the digital cam were "Oh shit, I am so screwed."

note: it's pretty scary when even your mom can spot the FF.

dum-dum-da-dum

we didn't quite get the timing right on this first one, but here we are just about to head off to the wedding reception for our dear friends Angel and Dan, but i remember it more fondly as The Day We Met Bob. (in deference to the couple's big day, i'll save the Bob story for later and concentrate on the nuptial bliss). there they are..Dan and Angel, the newlyweds. And there's Kevin and Chris and Roxann having a little too much fun together. and Kevin with the happy couple. and me with the happy couple. and Kevin and Rox and Angel. me and Rox. Rox and Dan The Groom. then Chris and Kevin enjoying the eats and drinks. me and Blondie (Chris). and Kevin again with Jen..that Kevin gets around. but where's Jamie? how did i not get a picture of him? he had us laughing all weekend. especially when he figured out that indeed i was NOT making it with my Blonde Gay Brother.

reception dinner: i haven't seen a plate of food piled up high like this in ages. my god! go ahead and laugh, it's no weirder than my previous shots of french cheeses.

toast: Miss Angel had invited me to give a little toast at the wedding, despite my previous toasting horror stories, and i think i pulled it off. it goes without saying, it was easy to do-it's a great story. "I'm Kate, I met Angel here in Savannah at work, though I'm a native of Wisconsin like Dan. I had the priviliege of being with them on their first date, she didn't know if it was a date-date or a friends-date and said "You're from Wisconsin, you'll understand him". We had a great time at a place down by the river, and when Dan went up to the bar to pay the tab, which was substantial (!), Angel turned and said;"So, what do you think? Is he looking for a girlfriend?!" and I said, no lie: "Honey, he is looking for a WIFE!". So, to Dan and Angel, all my love--I knew it all along!". kinda gets ya right there, doesn't it?

happy damp town Savannah

the weather was gorgeous--unseasonably warm even for Southernland, some days in the mid to high 80's. i'd forgotten about that wall of humidity that hits you the minute you leave the airport in Georgia..remember the pool room of the YMCA? or the school trips to the Aquarium? it's like that..thick. and see how green? in November! and the hanging moss..everywhere, Live Oaks dripping with silver green gray moss. MossBoy lives on! one day, it rained for twenty minutes..a downpour, while the sun was still shining. i'd forgotten about that. tried to capture it from the balcony, but i don't think i was successful. but my red chairs still look nice. we enjoyed many a happy night drinking wine (how much for that bottle?!? i've been spoiled, no three euro bottles of vino in the US unless you go for the screwtop--eww) on my beloved little balcony. too bad the balcony is about to fall off. gee thanks for the info, Bob. (more on that later)

what day is this? what's this flight number? where am i now?

a technical malfunction diversion to La Guardia (rather than the planned JFK), a missed connection, a number of hours waiting for a new flight to Paris instead and then another connection to Nice..oh, and then, the lovely last-leg bus ride into town. but i'm back! in one piece, a little groggy but glad to be back in France..glad to see Mom and Ruby both doing well. oh, i missed my little doggie. missed you too mom, don't worry. (between you and me, what i really missed were her meals!)

sorry to have been blog-less this past week, was having way too much fun to keep up! wink wink

tails

cocktails are bad things. old friends, jetlag AND cocktails? very, very bad.
cocktails, jetlag and seeing your ex-boyfriend? priceless.

will have disco-nap to prepare for repeat performance tonight. woo-hoo!

some things never change

Mr. Grant Nelson still has an endless supply of enthusiasm and energy...when he wears green, like he did last night, i am always reminded of that hyperactive Lucky Charms leprachaun bouncing and leapy about, tossing little bits of colored marshmellow happiness over the world.

Miss Dawn, with that sweet exterior, can still knock you flat with a totally honest statement out of the blue. i mean totally honest. about things like your tarty past. and usually in front of a dishy guy you've just met.

Miss Sony is not at all high maintainence. really, she's not. not one bit.

Savannah is muggy and warm..80degrees today, some sun, and lots of humidity. it rained at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon..just out of nowhere, downpour! i'd missed that. i hadn't missed that Savannah smell though..we could even catch a whiff of it in the airplane during our descent! pulp factory, salt water, horse shit. yum.

i've returned to the land of:

NON-DAIRY CREAMER -just think about that for a minute. eeew.
ONE SIZE FITS ALL -sure, right.
LAST CHANCE FOR STARBUCKS BEFORE TERMINAL TWO -at JFK, i laughed out loud.
STYROFOAM CUPS -i swear, that's what's causing all the cancer.
MUFFINS BUILT LIKE MISSILE SILOS -they are unbelievable huge. hm, wonder how i got fat?
BEVERAGE MAY BE HOT WARNINGS -now, that is just funny. hm, it's a cup of HOT coffee?!?!
WE USE REAL MARGARINE -honest, that's what the sign said, and so proudly!
THE TO-GO CUP -ok, this one's handy..not finished with your cocktail, friends want to leave? take it with you!

tart it up to toke up

after a nine hour flight to NYC, making my way through customs, getting my suitcase re-checked through to Savannah and i still had two hours to kill. what do you think i wanted more than anything else? a cigarette of course! i know JFK airport..near gate 15 there's a bar, i can have a smoke! and maybe a cocktail, what the heck. wait! NY passed that no smoking anywhere ever law. no smoking--not even in a BAR. you must be kidding me, i just came from France where you can smoke in the doctor's office waiting room!

you should have seen me..scrambling up and down escalators, through mouse maze corridors desperate for a way to the outdoors! finally, a glimmer of sunlight through sliding glass doors, and there in the distance, yes..the elusive, secretive creatures known as 'smokers' dejectedly huddled together. now, how do i get out there? that's right, charm the security guard.

lesson? always wear a low cut sweater when flying in the American north.

by comparison: the Atlanta airport? the stewardess on the flight ANNOUNCED the location of the smoking lounge as we taxied to the gate!!! i love the south! :)

back in the USA

i've arrived safe and sound, despite a 9 hour flight (and that was just the first of three flights) seated next to Louisiana's answer to the Missing Link! i've even managed, to my pleasant surprise to get online at home! the apartment is all in order..very well cared for, the lights are on, i don't know what i was worried about. so...the blog continues...

au revoir, bon voyage!

well, i'm off to America tomorrow morning. to my loyal public, my apologies..blog entries and updates will be few and far between the next ten days. rest assured that when i return there will be loads of pictures and amusing anecdotes, more than a few embarrassingly alchohol related no doubt.

bye!

only four more days

it's cold and rainy again today, not at all what i signed up for people! and guess what? it's 75 in Savannah! and i'll be there soon, i leave on Sunday. damn, i've got a lot to do before then. like drop another dress size.

Salut Savannah!

i'm going home! well, for a short visit anyway. i've booked my flight..i'll be in Savannah for Angel and Dan's wedding Nov.2 through Nov. 12. i can't wait to see everyone i've been missing! and i even get to stay in my own happy little home...i've missed my little balcony (pictured above) and view of the square..what's the name of that square again? i never can remember that....

cross-cultural cotton candy

we went to the Cirque Arlette Gruss Thursday evening...a great show, though none of us could understand the bit with the spangly-leotard-clad girl jumping about in a large plastic bowl of water. something was lost in the translation. and much to Bert's disappointment, no midgets (P.C. Peg: "little people! little people!"). but the boys flying about in those pants..now there's a spectacle!

the shindig at the boat last night was a big success, but we forgot to bring the camera..we've been negligent in the picture taking department all of this week i'm afraid to say, so here are two shots (sorry, sans flash in consideration of the current hung over state of a certain subject) of our exciting night life at home.

i'm gonna have to wear a sign or something

Ruby and i enjoyed our regular stroll up to Fort Carre this afternoon. the weather is beautiful, the old town is less congested--September has been a big improvement over August. only some people seem to think i'm a lingering tourist: a little french boy saw me with my camera, pointed at me and said to his parents "That tourist brought her dog". thanks alot kid. that's 'artiste', not 'touriste'.

is it a good thing or a bad thing that i'm begining to really understand what the frenchies are saying?

15 minutes or 20 euros, whichever goes first

we hopped the 200 bus to Cannes yesterday for a change of scenery and to pick up a few things at the well-stocked art supply store there..or so i thought..mom will use any ruse to go gambling.

this cool old house

my maternal grandfather built this earth-berm concrete dome house in the late 70's, just down the road from the original cottage (a beloved mid-century classic itself) he and the family built some twenty-five years earlier. my brother Thomas and I are both enamored of it (he blogs about it here) and have visions of bringing it back up to snuff (it's been standing vacant for years, no longer in the family) and getting in on some of that Door County goodness. i'd kill to paint up there (the same grandfather was a monumentally talented artist, my favorite works of his were done in that area and era). i'm getting really home sick. must stop thinking about it now.

is this the way to the Kennedy compound?

the family cottage. Grandma Mickey and her pseudo-Riviera sunglasses look (um, i think we might have to do something about those hon) with Uncle WillyBird..has he ever been seen in anything other than khakis and a white shirt?. Aunt Suzanne and Aunt JeanieBird...you look less sweaty Suzannie. Cousin Jack..yes, Ruby does love you and that is why she gave you kisses. Uncle Tom..slouch-master. Cousin Alice..what a cutie! (and i bet grouchy ol' Uncle Mike won't take away HER walkman in a rage against teenagerdom). Aunt Peg enjoying the morning (oh, if only you guys knew what a good thing she's got goin' on in Menton). Tom, Suzanne and Jack's house down across the dunes (look how much the dunes have come back! fantastic).

now THAT'S a beach!

another flight back to Boston, yet another to Chicago for a few days and then a short drive up to the family cottage in Door County, Wisconsin. it's hard to convince folks here that indeed, though the Riviera is lovely, the (crowded) local beaches ain't got nothin' on good ol' Wisconsin! of course, being usable eight months of the year versus three is one concession i must make to the Cote d'Azure.

have credit card, will sail

when she wakes up, i'm sure there will be more details and funny stories to share..there are more pics too-the other crew member is sending hers via email or cd soon..i'll be sure to post for all those interested in the adventures of Madame Capitaine. evidence enough of a good experience=she's already signed up for a two week version of the course in the British Virgin Islands in February.

three flights, seven days and nights, charts, gizmos, blisters and all she gets is this lousy t-shirt?

the boat they were on is some special, highly-desirable design built by blablahblah and blah blah that i'm supposed to know but have forgotten..i'll get the details later and fill you in. note the ever-present cigarette in second pic..the Captain (another Pat) was a smoker too! i suspect Mom knew that before she signed up. enjoying traditional fresh Maine lobster. good thing my brother Thomas wasn't there (who out there remembers the "It has eyes!! It's a monster!" incident from our previous and only family trip to Maine oh so many years back?) the crew was small...Mom was the only client for this trip, but a crew member brought her sister along as well for company..looks like the girls enjoyed the adventure (and those t-shirts) together.

fair weather on the Eastern seaboard

after a jet-lag adjustment in Boston, Mom was off to picturesque Camden, Maine to join captain and crew in her SeaSense women's sailing course. surprisingly good weather...no foul weather gear required. (i think she was secretly disappointed not to have to have donned that intense outfit).

guess who took mom to dinner?

Mom's home! (and Patsy if you're out there..don't you know the first thing she did was hunt for that 5x mirror!) and my first order of business, while she naps..pictures! (and small prayer of thanks for the safe return of beloved digital camera. yes, i did miss you too, Mom). my darling Mike took her out for dinner during her stop over in Boston..those are some pretty big grins..wonder what they were talking about?!

les-boat update

just got word from Mom that she has successfully completed her week's women-only sailing course in Maine and is back in familiar lands (Chicago) today..she loved the course! "I've never laughed so hard in my life" she says, sounds like she really hit it off with the captain and crew...there were no other students booked for that week, but they didn't cancel the trip because Mom was coming all the way from France! more details to come...

as for me, i spent the day on a foot-paddle (pedalo) boat with three other gals and two wet dogs in Gorge du Verdun...beautifully cool fresh water. Miss Liz, in a moment of sheer brilliance, repaired an annoyingly squeaky peddle axel with suntan cream..."I didn't go to finishing school for bloody nothing!" she said.

very nice outdoorsy (especially for this rather indoorsy gal) day, Ruby is still recovering in the armchair.

other British worthy mentions

i got a kick out of Bill Bryson's insight, from an American's point of view, into England in Notes from a Small Island, particularly his ditty regarding the vast difference in the Tube map's depiction of London versus the actual geography of the city. i found it to be very true.

i am absolutely crazy about The Office. i watched the entire first series on DVD twice when i was house/dog-sitting at Rach's week before last. and then, on our van tour to Stonehenge/Salisbury/Bath, we actually drove by the town of Slough. i laugh to myself just thinking about that show, it's just like every office i've ever worked in. you must see it. again, love that BBC. and it's even better in person.

London pros and cons

PROs:
the cooler weather, but not so much the spittles of random rain
the Tube is convenient
the Pubs
the Cream and High teas (though we did tea in place of our usual naps..it's a tie)

CONs:
the rain, though the cooler weather was enjoyable
the Tube is really crowded and kinda dirty (is that where the black boogers originated?)
very, very early last call at the Pubs..11:30pm. (mom swears our reduced wine intake is responsible for our, um, how to word this delicately?..back ups)
the coffee (sorry, but French cafes just have that beat hands down)

London tid-bits

other notable outings:
the yummily morbid Titanic Artefact Exhibition at the Science Museum. we were given boarding passes at entry, told to check at the end if our passenger shown survived or was lost. mom thought it was telling that though we checked for "ourselves", neither Peg nor i checked on the status of our "husbands"! oops.
i could have stayed all day at the National Portrait Gallery. but i don't think mom could listen to me whine about the average birthyear ( '81?! '84?!?!) of the current BP Portrait Award winners any longer.
cream tea at the famous Fortnum and Mason. great tea, but why do they serve it with day-old KFC biscuits?

a lone plastic Sheep in London

i can't even begin to explain. let's just say it's good way to pass Tube-time..my personal fav, sister Peg's: Woman's Wool Daily. oh, and The Silence of the Lamb was good too.

London Eye

organizer-extraordinaire Anna had pre-booked a private pod (there is achampagne and strawberries option, can you believe it?) on the London Eye for Friday afternoon. (thank goodness for that itinerary of hers!). Ryan skipped out, begging height issues, which i completely understand. it moves very slowly, but there were a few moments when i had to hug that wooden bench in the center of the ALL GLASS pod. Alice and Patsy did not have that problem at all, note the full-body press against the glass in the last shot. we were having such a good time chatting and goofing about with the camera, i suspect we missed some of the splendor...the views were spectacular. as the girls and i discussed, this ain't no Six Flags Great America.

ok, busted..i had a little too much fun with the self-portrait setting on the digital camera.

on the Tube, birthday, etc.

we were finally able to meet up with Peg's husband Ryan on Friday night..he's working long, hard hours. we spent alot of time on the the Tube. note little Peg's head turtling up for the picture, that's a classic pose in our family album poor thing. the happy married couple. (i can't even go into it or i'll pee myself laughing, but my dear sister Margaret actually used the phrase "the sanctity of the marital bed" seriously, without sarcasm, bless her heart.) out for an Italian birthday dinner (did we only eat pasta as teenagers too?) where Peg happily received two of my paintings as gifts..Interior with dog from me that she had requested ages ago and Coursegoules from Aunt Anna. i also hand delivered Anna's purchase, La Tishie Mae, which i am happy to report she loves. they cut the lights to sing Happy Birthday..but there were no candles on the cake/pie, so why no lights? funny.

spending some time with Peg at her temporary company apartment in the Islington/Angel area, note mom and i having our smokes out the window. with Peg at a pub in our hotel's neighborhood; Earl's Court in Kensington and Chelsea.

in the Bath

"that's pronounced Baahth girls". "thanks Per". gorgeous city, much larger than we all expected and well worth the driving time. it's made entirely of the same golden colored stone..really looks very much like some French towns we toured when i was younger. Anna and Peg take a look at the pool. sorry, i missed the shot of Alice's sunglasses falling in. Mom and Alice taste test the water from the Roman Baths. Alice's verdict: "It was rank". Patsy's got that posing bit down pat, except when she and Alice are zonked out in the back of the van on the ride back.

on to Salisbury

Salisbury Cathedral; a really big church (i'll remember all my life that the spire is 404 ft. high, thanks Per) in a small town. cute shops. great gardens. Peg's question has yet to be answered; something about the origins of the name of a popular American grade school hot lunch. this is one of only two complete group shots, lucky we had Per to take this one for us. pick up some sandwiches, back on the van again!

i'm forgetting things, we did so much

forgot to mention, the evening before our van tour, we did all meet up for the Jack the Ripper Haunts Walking Tour. it was rather creepy, the guide was a good story teller. and the weather cooperated for the mood..gray and drizzly.

Stonehenge

day one, when all parties (Aunt Anna and Cousin Alice via Chicago, Cousin Patsy via Paris) had arrived, we took a van tour first to Stonehenge. it was a cool, gray day..a nice change from the French heat wave. Sister Peg and Mom concentrate on their audio lesson in preparation for the end of tour exam. i found the contraption interferred with lighting cigs, holding an umbrella and brushing away little no-see-ums; it made in interesting bracelet though. Peg balances a stone on her head. "Hey Patsy!" (glamourous head turn, swoosh of hair into wind, big smile):"Yes?" that kid can sense a camera a mile off. hmm..wonder why that sounds familiar? Me and Peg..or as it appears, me and mini-me. back on the van kids!