Around the World--um--country in 8X days

Wouldn't you love to go around the world in 80 days? I never made it that far.

Well, at least I got to go across the country for 8 days. Just yesterday morning I was sitting on the balcony at my hotel in 85 degree weather...but nothing lasts forever.

Today it's time to start heading back to reality...and the rainy weather of Portland, Oregon--I keep reminding myself, "at least we get the four seasons."

I thought I'd share a few of my photos from my time in Boston, New England and Florida.


I'm not one to sit around for long, even if it is beside a pool, in a beautiful hotel like the Lago Mar or even on the beach. So, while my husband was busy at a business conference, I went on a ride on a water taxi. It was a lot of fun. The tour guides pointed out where Sonny and Cher used to live and Lucy Arnez and Ricky Ricardo. Also, the owner of the Miami Dolphins and the major Nascar owner. So, I got to see how the rich and famous (and some not-so-famous) people live, in their extravagant mansions and super-sized yachts.

The driver pointed out this particular point on the river - it's a little slice of paradise and where Jimmy Buffet used to hang out and sing Cheese Burgers in Paradise

Then I went back to my room where I sat and waited for my husband to get back. Don't feel too sorry for me because here's the view I got to enjoy while I waited, from my hotel room balcony...

When the hard-working hubby got back from the conference, we wandered down by the pool and started a game--a rather large game--of chess
Then we walked a few feet further to the ocean. Lars went for a swim in the warm water off the Florida coast. The water here, in Oregon, is not so warm. Our ocean water is the runoff from Alaska--bone chilling.


But, before we ever made it to Florida, we stopped in Boston to visit some friends. And we all drove up the New England coastline to the Hamptons. Not quite as warm as Fort Lauderdale, but we still enjoyed it.

This was the beautiful view of Boston we got to enjoy for the few nights we were in Good 'Ole Bean Town.

Plus, the Nine-Zero was so nice to us, they even had sparkling water and chocolate dipped strawberries waiting for us in our room.

And what trip to New England would be complete without some great seafood? You can't leave without trying a bowl of clam chowder or a Maine Lobster
Or...a little history?



I hope you enjoyed the pictorial memory-journal of my vacation. If you did, you might want to pop back by tomorrow for more about Mother Goose and her history in Boston.

Answer

Shegetz literally means little rascal. If you want to read more, check it out here.

shegetz

Usually I do a word for Wednesday but today is Tuesday and my word is Shegetz.

Hint: A friend told me this is what he was in class. And that he got in trouble for it more than once.

Guess what it means. Put your answer in the comments section then come back around 3:00 to see if you were right or wrong.

Miami Book Fair

The Miami Book Fair is happening now. And, I was thinking how much fun it would be to travel the world and visit all the different book fairs.

Anyway, lately, whenever I turn on the t.v., which admittedly isn't very often, I see George Bush talking about his new book or see Sarah Palin's Alaska advertisements for her new reality show. It seems like a Republican mediafest. And, I'm not complaining but I think we need to have "fair and balanced" news coverage. Maybe we need a few Democrats to write some tell-all books or have Arnold and Maria have a reality show... I'm just saying.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share a few of my ideas. How 'bout you? Any ideas for new reality shows featuring political people?

Boston Book Fair

This weekend, November 12th through the 14th, is the 34th annual Boston Book Fair at the Hynes Convention Center. So, if you're looking for a rare old book, you might want to check this out.

This could be just the place to pick up a few presents for the book lover(s) in your life.

Earth-Friendly Friday - THE WHEELS ON THE BUS

One way we can all cut down on cars on the road, gas emissions, pollution, and noise is to take mass transit. The Maryland Department of Transportation says that a full bus eliminates 60 cars on the road. Plus, you can read, knit or listen to music on the journey.

I haven't always taken the bus but I'm trying to make more of a commitment to living sustainable and this is one easy way to do it.

Orycon is Coming up

Don't forget Friday, Saturday and Sunday is Orycon. If you like Sci-Fi and/or Fantasy, you might want to check out this link.

There will be plenty of guest speakers to inspire all of us wannabe writers.