Back in Savannah

We had a marvelous stay in Savannah again this past Spring. This trip, we met some old friends who now live in Virginia - they drove 9 hours to meet up with us and we stayed together for about a week. Our clans got along swimmingly. Here's a preview of what we did.

Happy Hour at the condo

Climbed the Lighthouse tower

Played in the water

Picked up slimy creatures

Got our nails done

Crabbed and frolicked

Dined on 5-courses chez Olivier

Found religion

Made new friends

Said goodbye, family style

It's 2013

It's 2013 and I'm still thinking about sending out Christmas cards. Maybe if I start now, I'll get them done by next December!

This was a low-key holiday for us. Family was scattered, with at least four who were sick with a flu of sorts. I still got the decorations out and filled the house with Christmas, took my eldest to the Nutcracker and baked up a storm with both kids.

Here's the year summed up with three of my favorite things.

1. Baking (or receiving baked bread).
2. Family chaos.
3. Travel (especially where there's sunshine).

I hope you had a fantastic end to 2012 and an even better start to the new year!

Lee's Fruit Bread, (figs, dates and nuts) wrapped in cheese cloth and soaked in rum before fermenting for 2 weeks at room temp.

E on a boat in Chelan

Me and the Goof Goof

L in her new hat

Peanut butter balls. Yes!

Band-aid nosed L with daddy

More baking!

Italy or Bust

This year, we've been considering how to make a trip to Tuscany fit within our budget and schedule. Although I've been talking about it now for over 6 months, I'm only now just beginning to "concretize" our plans. We want to plan something for Fall. Here's what I've figured out so far:

• Dates are filling fast in September. 
• Villa rentals are spacious - found one that fits up to 12 AND for a 1 week commitment, it amounts to $3,000.
• One villa I'm angling for has a swimming pool!
• Airbnb or VRBO might have other good options.
• Other venues in Italy or otherwise?
• Weather in Fall? Need to dig in to see if it's nice. Otherwise I'll base a final decision on SUNSHINE.

Here's a link. What say you?
http://www.rentvillas.com/PropertyAvailability.aspx?Catalog=13067

What's So Special About Exit 82?

Occasionally I need to drive to Portland (usually with a friend, thankfully) for a quick day trip. Client meetings tend to be a quick 1 to 2 hours, and it's the travel time that makes it a 10 or 12 or 15 hour day, depending on departure times and traffic.  Just two days ago my co-worker and friend, Christina, drove us to Portland via Interstate 5. We absolutely had to stop for a quick nature-break thanks to a syndrome called A-G-E (for me, not for Christina), and I had suggested we take exit 82 in Centralia where there is a Starbucks near the Safeway complex. A client once told me that 82 was the optimal exit every time he traveled to Portland from Seattle. Ideal for a coffee or gas stop, exit 82 is the half-way point to break up the monotony of I-5.  After heeding his advice, it's become a happy routine. So happy, in fact, Christina and I stopped there to and from Portland where we grabbed a cuppa and a bite and even did a little work. We had a great time with engaging conversation, almost no traffic (except for Tacoma on the way back), and the meeting was a success, too!

On the Road, Again

Food on the road can be an adventure. I was recently in NYC with a co-worker and friend, and we tried out a place called "Eataly". Clever way to say Italy like an EATALIAN. The specialty foods and eatery reminded me of some of my favorite places in the old country. Fauchon, Hediard or Galeries Lafayettes (on the 3ieme etage).

How was the food? I'd give it an 8. I'm not the foodie my husband is, so I'd be curious to know how he rates it. The company (and glass of rose) were fantastic. :)