I am ecstatic that tomorrow morning Steve and I are beginning our vacation. We begin by driving to Boiling Springs, PA tomorrow. It's a beautiful and interesting town/area. Very American Revolutionary style of homes and buildings. And there is a fantastic river for fly fishing - which I'm hoping Steve will take advantage of.

Saturday we will drive to Bridgehampton, LI, NY. "The Hamptons". Steve's Uncle Dick just turned 97 and, though hard of hearing, is still quite clear thinking. He has self-published 3 books in the last 8 or so years. One historical about the weather of the Hamptons - he's been doing the weather since he was 17 - and 2 poetry books that are just fabulous. We get to spend the afternoon and night with Dick and his wife, Lillian.

Sunday morning we will take a ferry to Shelter Island and then drive to Greenport where we will catch an hour and a half long ferry to New London, CT ($47!! for the car & driver - I have to pay extra at the gate!, but it's worth the shortcut). Then we will drive to Freeport, ME.

Monday Steve will get to revisit (and likely mourn) seeing L.L.Bean (he was there 30+ years ago when it was the only thing in the area). Then we get to do the lighthouse photoshoot - there are tons of lighthouses in the area. And eat LOTS AND LOTS OF SEAFOOD!! And we will drive to Camden, ME.

We will actually be staying a few miles north of Camden in a cabin resort area where Bob Lacey (Bob & Sheri radio show in Charlotte & nationwide) stays a lot. Camden is supposed to be an incredibly picturesque harbor town. I am really looking forward to that. And more seafood.

Wednesday we will drive to North Conaway NH. We will see the something Birches- a big birch tree area. Looking forward to that. And some personal reasons for Steve wanting to visit.

Thursday - our 15th anniversary!!!- we will be in Manchester,VT. Another personal reason for visiting. It will be a special night for our anniversary, so I hope there's a good restaurant. If not, a good pot roast will do.

Friday - I hope we can drive to Williamsville to see Deirdre Scherer's studio. Susan's partner, Richard, gave me her phone number, as her open studios are generally on the weekend. He also gave me directions to his family's farm, which is nearby, and if we get to visit Deirdre, we will definitely drive by his farm. And then on to New Paltz to see my new great-nephew - Kelso Ronald Woodburn. From his photos, he's adorable. and Keith says he is very good.

Saturday - alas, we will drive home. But I will be much rested and fulfilled with nature, great food, incredible love, and the warmth of family.

So - now we begin that much-needed journey. Later.


Monday