Nice Surprise

Today I got a call from a friend I met at Outdoor Retailer 3 years ago. I don't think I've spoken to him in over a year. He called to say he's back in the industry & hoping he''ll see me at OR. It was so nice to hear a friendly voice that understands how hard working a trade show is (even though it's fun) and that despite the fun, you'd rather be home with your family. It made my day.

I've introduced BubbaLou to the sport of slacklining (video introduction.) She can't wait to try it out and neither can I. I think it'll be a good way to work the hell out of my core and have fun. Get my skinny little waist back. She wants to learn to "do tricks like the people in the videos." I'm hoping I can get a deal on a Gibbon at OR, I've been told they're the best. They usually sell them at the show, so here's to hoping! I know I've always stopped to watch at their booth, wishing I could join in the fun.

I'm not looking forward to the packing, but I never do. In fact, I'm procrastinating right now. I have yet to not over pack and then bring back too much stuff. I'm traveling the lightest yet, so I may end up checking a well packed box on the way home. It's been done before!

Boston

Sy was on school vacation last week, so we decided to take advantage of the favorable weather forecast and headed to Boston.Day one was spent at the Aquarium. Bubba Lou especially loved the sharks. We ate lunch outside, even though it was a little windy and chilly. The sun would come out from behind the clouds every few minutes and give us a nice warm up. We spent the late afternoon in the hotel swimming pool and did dinner at the Hard Rock. I live less than 2 hours away, and I'd never been. I've been to Hard Rock's all over the country, but never close to home. It was fun...BL got a patch for her demin coat.

Day two, much nicer weather...the afternoon was about 70 degrees and sunny. We took BL to the Public Gardens to see the swan boats and island where "Make Way For Ducklings" takes place. She even met Mr. and Mrs. Mallard...several times. She loved seeing the staues of Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings and patiently waited her turn to sit on the next duck in line until she reached Mrs. Mallard.

B.L. and Mama outside Tadpole Playground visiting with the frogs. We played in the playground in the morning before it got super crowded. When we walked by it later, there couldn't have been room for one more child to play!

FYI, we booked our hotel through Hotwire and I am very satisfied. We ended up in a much nicer hotel than I expected (based on experiences with Priceline) and paid just over $100 including taxes. I checked, this same hotel was booking out our same type of room for over $200-before tax. I will definately use Hotwire again.