Some observations and highlights

Observations...

It is just beginning to dawn on us that we are not on vacation - this is our glorious life.

We've always suspected we could be the type of people to live in hotels.  We were right.

Want to know where the ice machine in a hotel is - step outside your door and listen for the hum.  Works every time.

We think we have the packing thing down after 4 reconfigurations.  We tossed the idea of a  shared bag to take into the hotel every night that held our toiletries and a few changes of clothes because we were not to put it politely, compatible bag sharers - Russell just throws everything in and I am very compartmentalized so we visited the local target - and contrary to what I thought there is not a target in every town but there is a walmart superstore - bought another duffel and separated.  It saved the marriage.  Most of our bag changes have involved getting rid of stuff - if you think you can travel with 1/2 the stuff you bring - try a third.  We really wear the same things over and over, wash them and do it again.  Russell has realized that the 11 pairs of pants he brought - most of which are EXACTLY THE SAME - he really does not need.  So the 4 hanging bags of stuff he brought are now down to 2 - I only have one - but I won't dwell on that because I'm not that kind of person.

Russell has always had stomach problems.  They are totally gone!  I mean non existent and we are only on day 13.  I guess he wasn't lying when he said lawyering really didn't agree with him.  That and the fact that all 3 kids are self supporting  and 2 out of 3 kids are employed with benefits and the 3rd very close to the same helps. Add to this that they are living Russell's dream of being in social service professions, he is happy and proud of them all - and we must include our son in law in this delightful scenario also.

Without a GPS we would kill each other.  Technology for a happy marriage.

The best A/C was not in our wonderful Marriott's - and they are wonderful - but in our little hole in the wall motel in N. Woodstock NH and it was 90` outside.

We ate dinner tonight sitting at the bar in a lovely restaurant in Portland ME.  We chatted with the couple next to us.  Russell broke his rule of never talk to strangers no matter what.   He was absolutely charming.  Really. He was.  I find him making small talk all over the place.  Barely know this friendly, glass 1/2 - all right maybe a third- full person.

Highlights...

Sitting on a porch in Franconia, NH on a sultry summer day reading the NY Times and eating one of the best salads ever.

Driving on the east coast and being constantly amazed at how much open space this country has.

Lunching at a nondescript roadside stand in ME and eating lobster drenched in butter on a toasted hot dog bun.  

Duckpin bowling with our kids. But Russell told you all about this but not about how I almost lost it with Josh because he was unruly.  Seriously unruly.  And he wouldn't stop.  Not nice.

Driving by our very first apt at 187 Bradley St in New Haven.  It looks the same!

Just knowing it's just us for awhile.  We like that.