Made it from Ontario to Boston, via Houston, which was close to 104 with terrible humidity. Of course I was the one who had to go outside and smoke, carrying a backpack weighing over 30lbs. Duh! What was I thinking? The 3:00 am awakening was not too bad, as traffic was relatively light, except for a fairly close encounter with a deer running across the road, and a truck driver veering into my lane, which scared the crap out of me, while thinking maybe this trip was not to be at all.

I had the misfortune of being stuck next to a lady on the plane, who whined about Europeans, and especially Rome. She said it was old, dirty, full of dog shit, and whatever other negativity she could portrait. I thought how lucky was I (pick me), especially since the flight was delayed! Yet I actually made it on time for dinner to meet with everyone. Yes Kathleen, I had delicious sauteed scallops in butter, with a sauce of chantelle? mushrooms, sugar snap peas, and plenty of wine to accompany this. The room was large, and echoed unbelievably so one could not really carry on a conversation. Yet a few tables away sat Jimmy Buffet, bald, older, yet truly recognizable!

Back at the hotel, went to the bar, but also very echosome, must be the tall ceilings, or large crowds of people, brought the wine to my room, showered, washed my clothes with shampoo, practicing for Europe. Tired, but must go outside and smoke before bed, wonder if I can just wear the bathrobe out there. Sorry, long winded, but love the idea of writing, and it hopefully will get more interesting. Please do not feel obligated to follow me, it just feels so damn good to be writing again! Comments please, if anyone feels like it.