Oh no! You didn't fall for that scam?

There are lots of times in life when you want to impart some wisdom to your kids. And, there are times when you feel compelled to help them out. Not so thankfully, because of the later, I now have imparted wisdom upon my daughter, Jackie.

Jackie wanted what lots of people want these days. She was tired of her knockoff UGGS and wanted to pay the price for good and trusted quality. So, what did I do. I checked on the Internet to see if I could find any sales. I would never dream of spending $180 on a pair of boots, so I'm sure the cheap part of me (it's a pretty big part of my DNA) decided I could help her save some money. I was so excited when I found the particular UGGS she wanted for only $109.99. The website that came up was macysboots.com and looked real. I never in my wildest thoughts believed it would lead me down that slippery slope called "Internet scams."

Jackie went ahead and ordered a pair in black and chestnut and seemed happy. That was until I checked the website yesterday only to find it no longer came up as a valid site. I then typed in a google search on the company and found a fraud notice that someone had posted. In this day and age, it's so easy to find things online, including warnings about fraud and how to fix computer problems. I'm glad people take the time to post helpful tips on these subjects. It's just too bad I didn't check out the company before I told my daughter about the great deal I found.

Oh well, so as of now, she doesn't have UGG boots, but she has a $230 charge from a grocery store in China! And a international transaction fee to boot (no pun intended!). I told her to cancel her credit card and she's working on reporting the fraud. The sad thing is that her bank asked her if the transaction was valid a couple of days ago and she said yes. After all, the online sales transaction they were inquiring about she thought was for her boots. She had no way of knowing she was authorizing someone to eat well in China!

So now her mom has learned a valuable lesson. Stop being so cheap! Buy the real and trusted product.

The old adage, "if it seems to good to be true...." is true!

Lesson learned.
Sylvia

i-need this holiday season........

Today I went to lunch with my friend, Corinne, but it wasn't just a lunch date. It was a lesson on how to taste sample your way through Valley Fair. And, for good measure, we threw in a free massage.

Let me fill you in on how to spend a nice afternoon at Valley Fair and feel relaxed and content. Warning,  there is chocolate involved!

After getting great French Onion Soup at the Nordstrom Cafe, we went on search of some tasty samples. Corinne is experienced and took me to Williams-Sonoma where I drank mulled spiced Apple Cider and ate some peppermint bark followed by peppermint patties. Next it was on to Harry n David where they gave you samples of Moose Munch and free coffee and tea.

After our free dessert, we browsed through Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. If only I had a lot of spendable money!

Those just whetted our appetite for the finer things. What really set it into high gear was our visit to Tiffany & Co.We sampled taffy in Tiffany. So I didn't leave empty-handed.  I did a little market research and found that the cheapest thing is a $30 deck of cards! Corinne tried on a gold bracelet that cost over $600. But, it was the ring we looked at that cost more than $121,000 for a little over 2.25 carats that glossed our eyes over.

O.K. some people really do indulge!  We left and continued on our trek for free stuff.  We ended up in See's  Candies where we got a sample of California Brittle. It's so yummy.

With our stomachs full we didn't end the day before getting a free chair massage at Brookstone. It was so great that I bought the i-need lumbar massager. The packaging reads, " i-need to feel good. In a world of push and shove, stop and go, up and down, you need some real relief. Little soothing hands that knead away stress, make you feel better and help you relax. For life's little aches, you need i-need."

I do indeed!

In addition to my massager, I bought a cute little hat for $9.99. 

I also got to see The Beatles!  Of course, it was in front of the Apple Store.

All in all, I say I had a pretty inexpensive day of eating and shopping. I mean in comparison to a $121,000 ring, I spent a pittance!

I can't wait to go out again with Corinne. I wonder what other little secrets she has up her sleeve?

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
Sylvia

Does food heal?



Turkey and Vegetable Soup



Some say food has healing powers. I don't know about that. All I know is that the first week of December isn't over, and already I have consumed my entire list of Holiday yumminess! It starts with the Thanksgiving dinner, and most importantly, the leftovers. I even made homemade Turkey and Vegetable soup this year so my tidings of goodness will last longer.  Then I usually get a break from overeating, but not this year! This year Hanukkah was less than a week after Thanksgiving. So my stomach enjoyed Brisket and Potato Pancakes even before I had a chance to get off the Thanksgiving pounds.

Now that's a plate!

I also like to indulge in a few Tamales this time of year. I love the Mexican tradition of Tamales at Christmas. I don't have any friends giving me homemade tamales, but I have enjoyed several from El Pollo Loco. They aren't bad.

In the past, we have had lox and bagels on Christmas morning. My daughter and I have already consumed those too!  And for good measure, I've made and ate my Matzo Toffee Brittle!

Hanukkah Dinner

What's a girl to do now? Turkey-check. Brisket-check. Lox and Bagels-check. Tamales-Check. Matzo Toffee Brittle-Check.  There's nothing left on my must-have list. As far as I'm concerned, the Holidays have come and gone. Now, it's back to watching what I eat - I mean eating less, and more exercise!

Oh, I must not forget the libations. Wine-check. Hot chocolate-check. Cosmos-check. Egg Nog- never. I hate the stuff!

So, whatever your traditions are around food, I hope you enjoy. May your plates runeth over. And do save room after the appetizers for the main course!

Basil and Roasted Bell Pepper Spread

Orange and Avocado Salsa

Happy Holidays,

Sylvia

The Calm before the Storm!

Come out, come out wherever you are. No, I'm not trying to repeat the Good Witch's request to the munchkins!  I'm talking about all the pots and pans, silverware, and glassware that gets used during the annual Thanksgiving dinner!

I've started early this year. It kind of feels like the calm before the storm. So far today I have set the table, although I just realized I haven't put out any water or drink glasses, and I've started preparing the yam dish and the mashed potatoes. I've even diced the onions and celery for the stuffing. I'm feeling pretty proud, and my feet are tired. So, I'm taking a quick break to write this blog and then it will be back to finding all the pots and pans that I need.

I can't believe how much style demands pretty bowls, platters and serving pieces. And, I'm not even using my good china or real silverware!  Thank God I don't have to polish the silverware or remove the china piece by piece from each protective storing sleeve. No, I'm using my next best stuff. It's not my everyday dishes, but not fancy either.  You want fancy, go to Macy's and look at the displays. You want comfortable, come to my house.


Almost there. I forgot the glassware!


I'm preparing for ten people.That's not a huge crowd, but nonetheless, it's tiring. I can't believe how much prep work is involved so that 10 people can open their mouths, inhale, and consume an entire meal in about 15 minutes. Amortize the time spent buying groceries, finding serving pieces, cooking, and acting the part of the "host", and it's not a great deal. It's probably about twelve hours of work divided by 10 people equals more than one hour per person prep time for a 15 minute binge session. And, I'm not even calculating in the time spent cleaning up the meal, doing the dishes, and then putting everything away in a place you will be able to find next year!

So, is this time well spent?  I guess so. My husband tells me it's his favorite holiday. No presents involved.
And, my daughter tells me it's her favorite meal.  So, I guess that's enough of a reason to do this every year. My son, well, he doesn't care for the food all that much, except for the 10 or so dinner rolls that he eats each year. 

So, enough of a break, I need to get back to organizing for the big showdown.

I wonder if I will be the last one standing.  Oh, that's a stupid thought. Of course I will. I see visions of midnight dish duty. But, at least I can also get one last nibble of turkey in solitude. You know, that is absolutely when the turkey tastes its best.  When everyone is gone and I'm the only one standing in the kitchen. Why is that?

Happy Thanksgiving,
Sylvia

The second half of my century!

Well, I did it. I hit the big 5-0!  And life goes on.
I had a great time celebrating with my husband in Vegas. I saw the three "B's"- Bargains, Billionaires and Bums!  I also took the "Pay less no stress express" otherwise known as the monorail. It was a great way to see the strip and give my feet a much deserved break. There is no way around it, you have to walk in Vegas.

Vegas is a very bright and vibrant city. Just how I hope I am!  I received a card that read, "Congrats for hitting this major milestone in life. You've obviously done it with style, grace and creativity." I hope that's true too.

The card I received from my son, took another view, " Hey, look on the bright side. Okay, there is no bright side. There's a bright light, but you're gonna want to stay away from that."

And then there was the card from my twin, "The Dwarfs at 50: Squinty, Itchy, Gassy, Saggy, Cranky, Gimpy, Snoozy. Hope your 50th isn't short on Happy!" It wasn't!

My older sister sent me this, " may the second half of your century be joyous and expanding and illuminating and wonderful." Was she referring to an expanding waistline? Or perhaps, the introduction of grandchildren? Let's hold off on both of those prospects for now.

While in Vegas they promote "Flashbacks" otherwise known as skimpy showgirls' behinds. I must also add "Flyovers."  Mitch and I went and saw "Vegas the Show" and it was an homage to the old Vegas. The stars impersonated Elvis, Sonny and Cher, Elton John, The Rat Pack and others. In one segment the showgirls got on little swings and literally few over us in our second row seats. No need to leave anything to the imagination.

I guess it's true that Vegas has something for everyone. Where else can you see Buddha, Elvis and a stripper pole? And, yes I have the pictures to prove it.

So Viva Las Vegas!

And Viva me!



Buddha and Me!



Viva Elvis and Me!




I had to do it!



50th Birthday dinner at Spago's with my husband, Mitch



Tony and Tina's Wedding, a great dinner show!



Drinking an Eiffel Tower!



Wine contemplation!

Wow, I don't know if it's the Menage a Trois (wine) or the fact that 50 is right around the corner, (well two days away,) but I have that feeling that I need to stop and think and contemplate!

I'm very lucky!  I have my health and a great husband, daughter, and son. What I don't have yet is the ability to speak my words correctly. I always seem to mess up something. I think I have dyslexia of the mouth. Napa and Sonoma will come out as Sanapa Noma even before I have had any libations!  And, Swedish Meatballs will become Meatish Sweetballs!  Yum!

I wonder as I grow older if my words will actually make more sense. That would be different!  I wonder what will happen to me as I gracefully age.  I do hope that 50 is the new 30! 

I'm going to Las Vegas to celebrate my 50th birthday.  What better way to do that than to get crazy with a bunch of Italians. I'm going to see Tony and Tina's wedding. It's a comedy dinner show that takes place at their wedding and we get to be part of the wedding reception. I see dancing on tables, lampshade hats and tons of red wine. O.K. I'm probably not even close but it sounds as if it will be fun.

I'm sure I will have more to say after I come home from Vegas. Of course I won't be able to tell all. Remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

So until I next write with my 50 year old hands, tonight I'm contemplating, happy, and enjoying my Menage a Trois!

Cheers to the years!



Sylvia

New Firsts!

There comes a time in every mom's life when she gets to experience new "Firsts" with her daughter. There's the first "Ma Ma", the first crawl, the first walk, the first graduation (kindergarten), elementary, middle and high school graduations, the first day off to college, College graduation, and then there is the first Wine Tasting!

The "Skinner Party" was cordially invited to a private VIP wine tasting at Ledson Winery. It was a premature happy 50th for myself and my twin, Becky, and an opportunity to introduce my daughter, Jackie, to the finer side of wine tasting. No propping up at a bar with a million other commoners. No, we were upstairs in the private rooms. Ours even had a bathtub that would come into play later.

I have to say that I liked a $26 2008 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc as a white wine choice. But, there was no competition when it came to the red wine. The clear winner was the 2007 Sonoma County Cepage for a steal at $86.00.  Jackie liked it so I had to buy it. I also purchased the 2009 Carneros Chardonnay for its buttery taste and $38 price tag. 

So I learned that my daughter has an appreciation for the pricier wines! That's my girl! She especially likes them when mom is paying.

Part of my wine tasting experience is a bit of a blur. O.K. I consumed a lot of wine. But, the pours just kept coming. I was taking notes on napkins. I have to admit they seemed funnier at the time. But, my favorite line was from Becky when she was telling the Wine Consultant, Guy Lasky, about her preferences for wine. She said, " I like my wines to be stressed, just like I am." Very profound!

Anyway, I have more notes on my napkin and on the wine list, but I think pictures tell a thousand words.
I can't decide if I want to call these "Guy and Dolls"  or  "Three T's, Two Twins in a Tub!"






Guy and Dolls!
Rebecca Skinner, Guy Lasky, Sylvia Loran




No watering down this wine!

 

 

 

 



CHEERS!

Til the next "little pour"
Sylvia



Go Crazy!

Today's paper reads, "Go Crazy" in reference to the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series!
Check. I did that last night. I was born in San Francisco so I have birth rights!  Actually I was only born in San Francisco because the Kaiser hospital wasn't built in Santa Clara yet. But, that's a small detail. I'm sure plenty of people are calling themselves, "San Franciscans" today!  I don't even get into baseball that much. But, I watched this series. I loved all the misfits, and I think it's great that our young pitching staff had such composure and poise.  I also like the fact that the "old man" of 35 was the MVP. How fitting! I haven't really followed baseball since the old days of Catfish Hunter, Rollie Fingers, Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson... oh that's the other team on the bay!  Yes, I was an Oakland fan years ago.

Anyway, baseball's done and now it's Election Day.  I know this because I got an 8:30 a.m. robocall!  I've already voted by mail, yet politicians show no mercy. They have to bombard you with emails, voice messages, and campaign literature till you want to hold up your hands and scream, "enough already!"

I got the message. Over and over and over again.  I wish some of that money spent could go to substantial programs like feeding the hungry children, or vaccinating, or a million other things besides ending up in my waste basket.

I think the Politicians have Gone Crazy!

So let us rejoice! The Giants are the World Series Champs and I won't have to get campaign literature, emails, and robocalls after today!

They say the Giants were the team of torture! I can say that about the politicians. I vote, I care, but I hate the overkill! 

Sylvia

Love is in the air!

Yesterday I was taking out the trash when I went into my backyard and saw some birds perched on my backyard fence. I snapped their picture before they flew away. I didn't mean to scare them. I just wondered if they were "Love Birds." Were they having a nice moment, or were they discussing something? Were they enjoying the moment, or getting ready to ruffle their feathers? It's funny how we can snap a picture and then make up a story in our mind never knowing what the real truth is. I'd like to think they were Love Birds! But, maybe not!  You read in the paper all the time about the crumbling of marriages even after many years. So, nothing seems to last forever anymore. But, for this moment at least, they are my "Love Birds" making pretty music!

Speaking of music, in the afternoon I was watching Oprah when I started to cry uncontrollably!  It was during the Sound of Music reunion. The Von Trapp great grandchildren were singing "Edelweiss" and I just lost it. My husband thought I was sad about my father (who was German), but I was actually thinking about my mother. I have a few "real" albums still and one of them is the Sound of Music. It was always one of my favorite plays. I was Louisa in my middle school production.  I was very proud of  this since my twin sister played Brigitta, my younger sister! I still remember one line, "I fleet, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly....."

I don't fly, but those "Love Birds" do.  Fly free and happy.

Sylvia

I fixed what's wrong with the world today!

I fixed what's wrong with the world today, well at least starting at my own front door!

I can't remember how long I have had a door knocker in the upside down position. I've always been a little off, so I kept it thinking it was perfect to allow my friends to see my quirkiness before they even saw me.

So today I went to check the mail. I had no intention of fixing the door knocker. But, I saw that our name badge was starting to slip.So I went to reattach it, and then got motivated to grab a hammer, a screwdriver, and fix the bad installation. 

So, now my friends won't see my quirkiness at my front door. But, rest assured it still lies within me.

Sylvia (in her left-handed but right side up world!)

I spot a ...............

Today I took a brisk morning stroll to pick up some photos from my local Walgreens. It was about a 3 mile round trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The weather was perfect- a slight mist and around 64 degrees!
On my way back home, I spotted a sight that was a little off!  I took a second glance and figured out what it was. A house was decorated for Halloween and so were the bushes. Boo!

As I continued home, I spotted a beautiful array of fallen leaves. There were hues of red, yellow and orange. I picked up some for a  new fall collection! I put them on a leaf platter and covered it with plastic wrap.
And voila!  I  brought the outdoors, indoors!

So Happy Halloween, Happy Fall and may you spot your own delights!
Sylvia

Don't you love it when everything coordinates?

I've been getting into the fall season. I've "harvestized" my house. That means I have put out decorations and made my house a sea of yellow, orange and red!!!

Yesterday I took my daughter to lunch and was enjoying the outdoor view of a beautiful tree and the mountains. Three women were eating at a table in front of us. I noticed how they coordinated with the season-two in orange, one in green! 

I asked them later about their choices and one said she wore orange for the Giants, the other said for fall!

You have to love women who accessorize for an event or season.

I don't have much orange, but I do have some of those ridiculous Christmas sweaters. 

Look out,   it's only a matter of weeks.......!

Sylvia

  

Six degrees of separation!

Wow, I guess you can make anything connect if you work hard enough. I have recently discovered connections to my past, that make my present that much more intriguing. I was a Journalism major in college, and wrote for my student newspaper in high school. In college I moved away from print and concentrated in Broadcast Journalism. But, I have deep roots in Print Journalism. My great-great-great grandfather, Samuel Mickle Fox (1763-1808) was the founder and editor of the first English language student newspaper, the Student's Gazette.

Another family connection involves golf. Both my husband and son are avid golfers, and my son plays for the Cal State San Marcos Men's Golf team. Well, guess what country club has the oldest continuous golf course in the United States-Foxburg Country Club. Foxburg was founded by distant relatives. My second cousin twice removed, Joseph Mickle Fox (1853-1918) in 1884 built a five hole course on his property after returning from cricket tournaments in England and Scotland where he picked up an appreciation for golf. In 1887 he donated more land to build a nine hole course and Foxburg Country Club was organized.  The American Golf Hall of Fame is located upstairs in the clubhouse.

I wonder what else lurks in my past!!!!!

Sylvia

Happy Menopause Day!

Wow, we celebrate almost anything.

I just read that today is World Menopause Day. Let us rejoice!
This event actually started back in 1984, and was instituted by the International Menopause Society and the World Health Organization.

Anyone feel like dancing? Oh, that probably wouldn't be a good idea. I might get too hot!

So, bring on the hot flashes, the crazy moods, but don't forget the ice cream and cake!

This is a party!

Should I do as Fortune Cookie says?

Nine words on a fortune cookie insert. Nine insightful words. Nine simple words. Complex message:
"Don't worry about the stock market. Invest in family."

Wow, that was deep.

Now onto the other fortune. Yes, I had two cookies:
"You would prosper in the field of wacky inventions."

Great, anybody have any ideas for me?

So, I should stop putting money into the stock market and put it all into designing a wacky widget!

In other words, Family first, famine second!

Sylvia

The Three "B's" of Cambridge!

They call Cambridge, Boston's "Left Bank" and note in their pamphlets that it's just a bridge away from Boston. I found it to be a lovely town. We had two meals there. We had dinner at a place called, "Casablanca's" with Moroccan tapas, and the next day after a walking tour through Boston on our way to Harvard, we stopped and ate at a sandwich shop called, "Flat Patties."

As I was soaking in the atmosphere at an outdoor table (next to a flower shop) I spotted a sight that I knew I had to capture on film.  I call it the "Businessman, the Bicyclist and the Bloke! " All enjoying Cambridge in their own way.


A pamphlet reads, "Cambridge. One word. One city. So many different experiences. It would be easy to try to categorize Cambridge as just another college town...but we know better.
It's all here--in Cambridge."

Yes, indeed!

Sylvia

I'm a peeper- a LEAF peeper!

Being from California and living in an approximately 10 mile area my entire life (49 years!) I have always wanted to see true Fall colors. Now, I can mark that off my "bucket list."
My husband, Mitch, and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on July 28th, 2010, but decided to defer our celebration trip until October when we hoped the true colors would be out.
Our plan was to visit Boston for four days and then drive the five hours to Bar Harbor, Maine.
I didn't know what to expect, except that I didn't visualize tree lined roads for the entire road trip. So gorgeous!

Here's a brief rundown of our fantastic trip:

Day 1: 10-5-10- travel to Boston's Logan Airport. I didn't know that was where the 911 terrorists originated from until my return trip when a friendly stranger told me. Mitch said he knew but didn't want to alarm me. I wasn't alarmed. I figured it must be one of the safest airports anywhere after that claim to fame!
After we settled into the Doubletree in Chinatown, we went to Legals for dinner. My order: New England Clam chowder, a salad with added scallops, and a must-have, Boston Cream Pie for dessert! Yummy.

Day 2: 10-6-10- It was raining this day so we did our in-door stuff as much as possible. First we did the Duck Tour which I highly recommend to do in any city that offers it. Next we went to Samuel Adams for a beer tour. On the way we met two young ladies who turned out to be from San Jose as well. Later we met another couple who was also from San Jose. I guess the San Joseans know what to do in the rain. Take shelter at a free beer tour! I don't even like beer but found the tour very fun and interesting. We got to taste different grains, crush hops in our hands, and then get three seven ounce pours!
After our libation, we went to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. 

I got a kick out of a button that read, "If I were 21 I'd vote for Kennedy."  While at the museum we also got to see a piece of the Berlin Wall.

Day 3: 10-7-10- This was a day to put on our walking shoes and go. I think we must have covered seven miles! First we walked to Fenway and had a great tour. Then it was off to MIT and Harvard. I can now say, "I went to Harvard!" Of course I didn't pick up an education, just a leaf off the hallowed grounds!

Sylvia having an intellectual chat with her peers!

After our long walk we made our way to where everybody knows your name... CHEERS!  It's a total touristy things to do, but we had fun!

We ended the evening by eating Chinese food that was near our hotel. It was the most food I have ever been given. They say you eat Chinese food and then you are hungry again in an hour. I don't think so. We ended up searching and finding a homeless man to give our leftovers too!

Day 4: 10-8-10- Major cities have Grey Line bus tours to give tourists a great overview. Well, Boston does too, but even better, they have the RED LINE!  It's the most clever thing. To mark the Freedom Trail the city has created a series of contrasting bricks, red paint, and distinctive signage. You just keep following the red line on the historical walk featuring such places at the Old State house, where the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston, the site of the Boston Massacre,  Faneuil Hall ("The Cradle of Liberty"), Paul Revere's home, and the Old North Church.

State House- Samuel Adams and Paul Revere laid the cornerstone in 1795

Old State House-Site of the Boston Massacre

Faneuil Hall



Paul Revere's House

  

Paul Revere and the Old North Church



One if by land, two if by sea

 

Bunker Hill



Charlestown Navy Yard/USS Constitution

After an exhausting walk through history, we met friends and headed to the West End for a real Italian dinner. The food was scrumptious and the cannelloni with fresh cream and chocolate chips was the perfect end to a fulfilling day.

Day 5:  10-9-10- It's off to Maine we go! That had to be the most scenic route I have ever taken. And, it latest more than five hours. Mitch and I enjoyed the ride and stopped in Augusta to view the state Capitol.

Sylvia and her matching tree near the State Capitol

Maine's State Capitol

Our journey took us through Massachusetts, a bit of New Hampshire, and Maine. We experienced toll roads, and a new concept- State Run Liquor stores in New Hampshire.  All the liquor you want tax free! Along route 3 we discovered our ABC's. We kept seeing signs for Antiques, Book Stores and Chiropractors!
We arrived in Bar Harbor close to dinnertime and had a nice visit with my Uncle Sam and his wife, Mary Alice.

Sylvia, Mary Alice, and Uncle Sam

 Day 6: 10-10-10- My uncle met us and drove us around Bar Harbor.  He is a retired doctor, but could be a great tour guide! He took us up to Cadillac Mountain where you get a great view of the water and all the cruise ships docked for fall foliage trips.

Downtown Bar Harbor

Lobster claws with Pizza and Coffee! Unique!

Garlic Ice Cream has nothing on Lobster Ice Cream!

 After a day of exploring Bar Harbor, my first cousin, Betsy, invited us to her home for a lobster dinner. It was wonderful and I learned the difference between a hard and soft shell lobster. I also learned how to get every last tidbit of lobster. Thank you Betsy!

I'm ready for my lobster dinner, Meow!

Long Pond

 Day 7: 10-11-10- Betsy was kind enough to drive us around and we also did some hiking. The hike was a moderate 1.6 trek over slippery rocks, brooks, and stone. But, I'm happy to report my right knee (injured  six months ago) held up just fine!

Japanese Garden

Hiking Beech Mountain in Acadia National Park

 To end our stay in Maine, Mitch and I did the only sensible thing- we had Surf and Turf. We had a lovely steak and lobster dinner at the Chart Room.  That brought my total intake on this trip to three lobster meals, two servings of New England Clam Chowder, and an expanding waist line! But, it was most definitely worth it!

Day 8: 10-12-10- It was sad to say goodbye to the East Coast. We made our five hour trip to Boston, got on the plane, had some "Plane Cookies" as a snack, and then rushed through Chicago Midway airport to catch our connecting flight. We missed the "A" boarding line (sorry Mitch) but managed to still board in front of the B group and get seats together. A smooth ride and we were back in San Jose.

I will always remember the beauty that I saw. The fall colors I've dreamt of seeing. "I see your true colors shining through........."

Sylvia