Wishful Thinking

When we were in Pittsburgh at "The Strip" there was this most adorable biscotti bakery. It was tiny, with old stone floors, Old World display cases that reminded me of my dad's bakery back in the day. There must have been 30 different kinds all in big, clear canisters so you could see just which one you wanted. I have been known to make a decent biscotti, and I just made some yesterday. My friends at work always enjoy them and it is fun to bake for people that appreciate it. I was daydreaming and had an inspiration for a name, should I ever make my biscotti bakery a reality... "Berlea's Biscotti"! Deep sigh, maybe some day.

Outer Banks 2008

We're back from a week of sun and sand and togetherness. Why is it I feel more tired than when I left?

We spent one evening in Oregon Inlet where all the charter boats come in with the day's catch and throw it on the dock, kind of like a guy's show and tell.

We also spent one evening on the Dunes. It really is amazing. It's like I imagine on the great Sahara Desert, wandering across the dunes, no one in sight, feeling parched, except that this dune is in the middle of a town, with plenty of water near by, and dozens of people flying all kinds of kites. I think of it as a resort Sahara.

We ate a few breakfasts at the Nags Head Pier. A favorite of ours. Lots of food, great view, and friendly people.

Even with the fun, it's good to be home. My amazing friend and neighbor, Yonette, had a supply of food for us for breakfast, a toy for Kitty, and a sweet note waiting for us. I felt like I had called Guest Services and had every need met when we got home. She is good to me.

Tucker had fun at Pet Paradise, but I think he's tired, too much pampering.

Back to reality on Monday.

It's Official

Vacation has begun! We spent Thursday out in Pittsburgh because Chad had a football camp at Pitt University. He won the field goal competition which he kicked right in front of Dave Wannstedt, thank you very much! It was a great experience for him and he got noticed by their coaches. Garret went with us so he, Rich, and I spent the day wandering the city, going to the Pitt campus, going through Squirrel Hill, which made me think of cute Beth, who has been known to trip squirrel traps in the middle of the night, that's how much she loves squirrels, "The Strip", and drove by the stadiums. Chad really liked the city campus, so who knows.

Tomorrow we take Tucker to Pet Paradise, where they assure us he'll be massaged twice a day, will get plenty of walks, can swim in the two pools, yes two, and get two treats a day. Then we head to the Outer Banks. Sand and sunshine, here I come!

This and That

I love little unexpected surprises, they make life interesting.
At church on Sunday, I turned around to see one of my four best friends from high school, yes high school, smiling at me . Kay and her family have been coming to our church for 6 months, but usually come to the second service, and we go to first service. She is still as sweet and adorable as ever. It has probably been a good 15 years since I have seen her, it could be fun getting reconnected.

Then on my way to work today, I saw a HUGE turtle, it looked completely out of place.... I did a double take. Hopefully he made it across the road, that seemed to be the direction he was going. I may be able to tell you after I go home today, it was a turtle after all.

Garret's baseball team heads to the second round of state championships tomorrow. He and a couple of his friends from the JV team were selected to move up to Varsity for playoffs. It's been great for him, yeah Garret!

Vacation is only 9 days away..... I am trying to hang on. I cannot wait to plop on the beach, read a good book, and soak up some sun.