Hiatus Highlights

Starting a blog before vacation was probably poor timing. Inspiration is not always convenient. The wide open space of "vacation" is shrinking. Thursday is my last available day to see friends and family in and around Plattsburgh. Friday through Sunday will largely center around a 7 hour car ride one way to my cousin's wedding. I leave so early Monday morning Eastern time that I'm home 12:30 in the afternoon PACIFIC time.
The whole trip has been a blur, but here are some highlights:
1. Spending time with my other half. Best friends since 7th grade, I do not know what I'd do without her. Catching up and soothing silence. No need for bells and whistles.
2. SLPs gone Wild. I was able to connect with 2 friends during my year of catch up at Plattsburgh State in 2005-2006. Now that was girl talk like no other. 3 bottles of wine, lettuce wraps, cheese, crackers, bruschetta, cookies, glowsticks, and dancing in the rain. It was the carefree fun I felt as a child.
3. Connery came to 'hood. I introduced him to the culinary delights of the areas (e.g. hot dogs with special sauce, the best meatball sub EVER, poutine, and a local ice cream stand). It's a good thing I only visit once a year! We went hiking, explored Montreal, hit golf balls in the backyard, and he met the extended fam. We survived being together for a week 24/7 ;-)
4. Connery and I went wine tasting. Another reason why I love upstate NY: hospitality. The vineyard was in the guy's backyard. A sign said every bottle of wine was 10.80 (including tax) and 4 tastings free. TWENTY tastings later there's no charge and we buy 3 bottles of wine we know we liked. In between that we get a tour of all the fruit he's growing including a sampling of gooseberries, currants, and blueberries. I think I need to make a stop before I leave for a red wine and a plum wine that I can have my parents deliver in December.
5. A favorable exchange. A thrifty trip to Montreal left me with $45 Canadian and an exchange rate of .89 cents to the dollar. I hand the woman 45.80 and she gives me 120.75. Now I'm very confused at this point and she's very certain. I take the money and take a few steps away staring at the all the $20 bills and scratching my chin. I discuss with Connery. The greedy muddled cloud finally lifts. I originally exchanged $60 this cannot be right. I return to the counter and the woman is very happy to see me. "Did you give me $45?" she asks. Yup.
6. Aside from touring with Connery, I go for a walk with my Mom, hit some golf balls with my Dad, eat delicious food, and see as many people as I can. I don't book trips across the pond or even somewhere new on this continent, but I do recharge my batteries.