Cindy on the go again...

Friends & Family - I'm off again on a crazy travel schedule and since I will be gone this time for (11) straight days, and knowing how you will miss me terribly, I have set up yet another blog with my partner in crime Tony Winston from the office! I am presently assembling my informational BINDER (remember from the Chicago trip) in order to keep all of you not only up to date on my excursions, but also of the interesting and fun facts of the various places I am traveling through.

I will now put an end to the suspense and let you now know where I'm off to... settle into your Lazy Boy and concentrate! Wednesday 9/2 my favorite traveling companion, Willie Simon and I will be flying off to Austin, Texas to visit with his girlfriend the infamous Katherine Richards and her fabulous mom Kim. They live in Houston, but have agreed to drive over and entertain us in Austin for (4) days of fun in the sun. On Saturday 9/5 Willie will kiss his lovey good-bye and return to Los Angeles, but I will head in the other direction to meet Lulu in Boston, MA to help her set up her new 4 girl dorm room (with wonderful new roommates) at Boston College. Note - Lulu has asked me to make a piece of art for her dorm wall, as she describes me to various associates as "my mother, the artist". I will need to get working on that asap.

THEN on Monday 9/7 Labor Day, instead of flying BACK to LA and having to turn around and return 3 days later with Willie, I will head my rental car up north to Kennebunkport, Maine where I will needlepoint, read books, and search for unique glass pumpkins which I hear are plentiful in that part of the country (btw - did anyone else notice the (2) HUGE boxes in Colleen's front hall the other evening...am told they are full of glass pumpkins...grrr...I asked Griffy to carry them out to my car while Colleen was busy in the kitchen, but he refused.)

AND THEN I drive back down to Boston to meet Willie at Logan Airport on Thursday 9/10 and we head off to Riverview School on Cape Cod, where he will settle into his 2nd year at the GROW program and Cape Cod Community College where he will focus on his chosen major of....Culinary Skills (who knew?)!

Then I will finally head back to LA on Sunday 9/13 (only to return with Bill to Boston for BC Parent's Weekend 2 weeks later, but that's another blog).

Sooooo stay tuned for what promises to be yet another entertaining travel blog from the team of Tony & Cindy!

Day One in Austin, TX

Howdy Y'All...Arrived in the beautiful sparkling airport in Austin, Texas
after an uneventful flight (remind me to tell you about the wicked flight attendant who was most rude to Willie - I mean all he wanted was a diet coke, but she wouldn't get it for him 'cause she was helping someone else who was barfing in the aisle...I mean wouldn't you agree Willie should have his diet coke first?) ANYWAY.. we quickly met up with the beautiful Katherine, and very fit mother Kim at baggage claim, and off we went to explore. Ladies you will not believe this, but Kim handed me a completely typed informational itinerary on Texas fun facts, and what she had planned for the next 3 days. I in turn showed her my BINDER. So alike...even to the point that with the GPS on, we got lost several times!

First stop was lunch at a diner called Counter Cafe "Local Food & Global Love". It was across the street from UT Austin, one of the country's largest public universities with over 50,000 students (distinguished alum Bob Sacks graduated from the law school a few years back..) We had a huge hamburger with a side of sweet potato fries, and off we went for a tour of the State Capitol building. This building is the largest of any statehouse in the country, and taller than the U.S. capitol building in Washington D.C. The tour guide was so interesting that I found myself looking at the door hinges which were quite beautiful...have included a photo!

Afterwards we drove to our wonderful resort Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (google it - you'll want to join us) where we jumped into the pool with a lazy river and floated into the sunset. We met 2 fellow travelers,
one who is a physical therapist (I immediately asked her about my sore shoulder) and the other a Texas police officer (good to have in the vicinity at any time of day). Off to bed early, we look forward to a busy day tomorrow...we have lots of things planned (just check the BINDER).

Of note: Texas is the largest producer of wool in the whole of United States, and in Texas it is illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel. It is also illegal to put graffiti on someone else's cow - I KNEW I loved Texas!!!

So long y'all for now...

Day Two in Austin, TX

Howdy everyone: Another beautiful day in Austin...it's hot but there's a nice breeze and the sun is shining. After a great breakfast at the HUGE Texas sized breakfast buffett (please note I ordered an egg-white omlett with veggies, perhaps due to the "sort-of guilt" I felt over last night's multiple offerings of hot off the fire S'Mores...) we jumped in the car to do a little local sight-seeing.

On the day's agenda we had planned on going to the world famous Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, but alas due to the lack of rain we were told the gardens were brown-brown-brown...but to please come back in the spring. So we drove 6 miles (only getting lost 2 times) to Historic Downtown Bastrop whose Main Street is lined with buildings dating from just after the Civil War. We ladies went antiquing, and Willie zeroed in on an ice cream shop nearby to hang out in. Located front & center in Bastrop is a hopping salon called "Cindy's Gone Hog Wild"which features live music, karaoke, and Texas Hold 'Em. Hmmm...maybe tonight?

We returned to Hyatt Lost Pines for an afternoon of lazy tubing down the swimming pool's winding river, and chatting with the floaters-by. People from all over come to this resort - we logged in Denmark, Arkansas, Redondo Beach-CA, and Iowa.

Tomorrow, Labor Day weekend, the lady at the front desk whispered to Kim that 350 guests will be checking in! The pool will be packed! Tonight Willie and Katherine were scheduled for a rafting ride on the "right in our backyard" Colorado River, but alas the river is flat as can be and they were short 1 person. So we are heading back to Bastrop where we've been told there's a movie complex, putt putt golf, an arcade, and some Texas BBQ. There is also a Pizza Hut in town, but the ever-industrious Willie Simon already arranged delivery from there today for his lunch (the rest of us had salads and veggie burritos at the cafe). For sure we will be at the S'Mores firepit at 7pm. Stay tuned!!

Did you know:
* Some celebs born & raised in Austin TX include Lance Armstrong, Matthew McConaughey, Andy Roddick, and Sandra Bullock
* The movies Spy Kids, Dazed and Confused, and Miss Congeniality were filmed in Austin..
* Whole Foods was founded and is based in Austin.
* Austin is the only major Texas city that has NO ordinance against women appearing topless in public.
* Austin is the largest city in the U.S. without a franchise in a major professional sports league- thus the people in this city are crazy about the UT Longhorn football team

Breaking News!!!

Turns out the arcade in Bastrop had a BOWLING alley, so like bees to honey we zoomed over there. Willie was high score both games with 134, but I was close behind due to my spare and spectacular strike in the last frame. Willie has a special bowling technique (perfected years ago at the Pico Bowling League with the two 90 year old instructors) that seems to work for him - it's a grab the ball from the rack and in the same movement toss it down the lane with great speed and a huge bump.. literally it does not land upon the lane until 1/3 of the way down... but I must admit he is quite accurate and his scores prove it!

Katherine was not far behind us as she seems to be a star athlete at any sport she touches (Did I tell you she was one of only two female tennis players selected to represent Texas in the Special Olympics Nationals in 2010 - and by the way she qualified in golf too...) Kim, on the other hand...well, let's just say I was firmly told "A Texas lady does not reveal her bowling scores". As an aside, the young preacher in the lane next to us had a 211 game - 6 strikes in a row (Willie pointed out in bowling lingo that's a "double turkey")

Sticking successfully to my goal of dieting yet eating healthy, I had popcorn, Texas Root Beer, and hot-off-the-fire S'Mores for dinner last night. I heard Willie munching on peanut M&M's at 3:00am but of course I did not ask for a few as that is most definately NOT on my healthy diet.

Day Three in Austin, TX

Hey Y'all... It's a slightly overcast day today which is a big relief as it's still hot but there's a nice breeze and no sun beating down on us.

After we enjoyed a delightful meal at the breakfast buffett we headed out for horseback riding. Obviously Katherine & Kim were a tad more adept at this than Willie and I, but we city folk were able to keep up. I have attached a photo of me on the horse for Lulu's enjoyment in particular.

Afterwards I investigated the Hyatt spa, and then we all did a bit more tubing down the lazy river until it was time for rock climbing and zip lining. Willie made it all the way to the top of the rock climbing wall, with Katherine close behind. Kim (with a little help from the college student in charge) figured out how to video them on their zip line rides, so we'll see if that makes it on the blog (a challenge for Tony at the office!!!). Can't write any more as we are off to a boat ride under a bridge where we will see thousands and thousands of... well I'll let you know later!

OK back from our excursion, and I will now reveal where we were heading...albiet unsuccessfully. We had planned on a dinner river boat ride where we would eat fajitas and cruise under the Ann W. Richards Congress Bridge, which houses the world's largest urban population of Mexican Free-tailed Bats. Starting in February, up to 1.5 million bats take up residence inside the bridge's expansion & contraction zones, as well as in long horizontal grooves running the length of the bridge's underside, an environment ideal for raising their young. Every evening around sunset the bats emerge in search of food (insects)...this event is a popular one with locals AND tourists, with more than 100,000 viewers a year! PS - the bats migrate to Mexico each winter.

SO this is what we had PLANNED, but alas the skies in Austin had turned dark and it looked like rain...there was thunder and lots of spectacular zig-zaggy lightening, sometimes 4 or 5 at a time! So the hotel cancelled the boat ride (note: it never did rain). But the good news is we were pointed to a great Mexican Restaurant -GUERO'S. I have determined that I could never live in Texas - the food here is just toooooo good.

Tomorrow Willie heads west to Los Angeles, and I head east to Boston to meet up with Lulu to help her settle into Boston College for her Sophomore year. The journey continues!

Did you know:
* Texas is the second largest state of the US (Alaska is 1st, with California 3rd) and is also the second largest in population (California is first at nearly 37 million while Texas has 23 million)
* Austin is known as "Silicon Valley of the south" because of large number of tech companies located there (19 year old Michael Dell launched the now Fortune 500 company Dell Computers from his dorm room at UT)
* The official slogan of Austin is "The Live Music Capital of the World" and the unofficial slogan is "Keep Austin Wierd".

Day Four - Boston, Mass

Hello everyone - No more "y'all" but now it's "Where did I paaaaak the car?" Willie headed back to LA and I to bright & sunny Boston to meet Lulu. Lulu had a bit of misfortune at the LAX airport in that she accidentally packed in her carry-on her favorite lotions & make-up, and well...you know they don't allow those through security and thus they were tossed in the trash RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER EYES!(and then as I'm sure she passed through, they were taken out and divided amongst the various security workers...Federic Fekai creams, etc. etc.)

ANYWAY I told her life goes on and if that's the worst thing that happens to you, then you are a lucky girl. A new pair of sunglasses purchased at Faneuill Hall seemed to put a smile on her face...

After a delightful dinner at nearby Houston's, we have now retired at the lovely Marriott in Newton where I am doing some laundry, and mentally preparing for tomorrow at 10:00am when we will report to Walsh Hall at Boston College for a day of unpacking, organizing, and decorating her 4-girl dorm (her roommate has apparently already set up her end of the room in pink & green...)

I'm told her roommate's parents are taking us all out to dinner - hope it's not sushi. Until then...

Day Five - Boston College shopping day

Good morning friends & family:
Waking up to 70 degrees and clear skies, it's a beautiful day - rather chilly actually! Such a difference from last year at this time when we were moving Lulu into her dorm room in 95 degrees and humidity.

I'm staying at a big Marriott on the outskirts of Newton, and my room faces the Charles River where a boat house is located right next door. Early this morning the crew teams of various colleges zipped by - if only I had been outside with my camera. It's a magical sight!

Not much to report today as I spent 90% of my time in Bed Bath & Beyond. One of the workers there saw Lulu and I at 11am, and then again at 4pm, and he said as he passed us by "Still here huh? Yeah, it's a big store.."

We arrived at 11am and bought all the bedding, mirrors, hangers, etc. etc., and then went back to the dorm to begin work. Her roommates had already set up their rooms days before so they were out & about at the gym or getting their lattes. Really nice girls - we've got Lulu from LA, Claire from Rye NY, Brooke from Bermuda, and Allison from Darien CT.

We returned to Bed & Bath at 4pm to exchange some of our purchases, and buy a lot more hangers...well anyway I will fast forward to dinner that evening at Toscano (days later I will still be thinking about the artichoke risotto) in Beacon Hill with the roommates and a few of the parents. The restaurant was on Chestnut Street which is an area I need to explore more - lots of charming little shops, brick row houses with tiny garden alcoves and window boxes bursting with flowers, winding streets made of river stones. Right around the corner is the Massachusetts State House with the very dramatic and striking Golden Dome. Thank God for valet parking!! ...I don't know where anyone parks over there.

Following dinner I drove back to BC the roommates & one of the dad's (who is a very successful real estate guy from the midwest.. but upon arrival at Logan airport got to the Hertz Gold member counter where the fella looked at his driver's license and said "Hey this is expired...you can't rent a car") He and his daughter have spent a small fortune taking taxis all over Boston for the past 4 days!!!! Everyone was having such a good time chat-chat-chatting that no one (including me) noticed until it was too late that I had turned the car LEFT onto the "T" train tracks instead of staying on Comm Ave... It was only when I went over the curb and a large screeching was heard from the approaching train that I realized I needed to steer myself in the opposite direction.

Once I corrected this minor mistake (which I'm sure MANY people have made before pluuzzz...) and quieted down the girls in the backseat, I overheard the Dad say "At least it wasn't all 4 wheels on the track". I am sure my exceptional driving skills will be shared with others way into the evening...

And speaking of that, after a full day of shopping and organizing and laying down carpets and assembling a vaccum cleaner (where was Griffy when I needed him?) the girls had plans to party on through the night --- oh to be young. I, on the other hand, returned to my hotel room just in time for Mad Men...only to discover that the TV at the Marriott did not have AMC ....luckily I've Tivo'd it at home. Tomorrow to Maine!

Day Six - Heading North to Kennebunkport, Maine

Good morning everyone:
Another beautiful and breezy day in Boston. Lulu and I had a quick lunch at Bloomingdales (some of you may know that Bloomingdales is in the Chestnut Hill Mall...)

Getting out of Boston after purchasing a few "necessities" for Lovely Lulu (and I'm not talking kleenex, but I'm also not talking Federick Fek...), I headed up North on Hwy 95 in my Volvo rental. About 45 minutes along my way, I see a sign "Historic Town of Newburyport". I decide since I am on my own and can do anything I want to do today, to veer onto the exit. It's worth mentioning that if Bill were traveling with me, I know he'd be up for a stop as long as I find him a cozy bench to relax at with his Blackberry or book "How to Increase Laypeople's Participation in the Catholic Church". It was the right decision, as Newburyport is the most delightful harbor town full of brick buildings and streets lined with shops, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants.. each one with window boxes full of flowers spilling over the sides. There was a Labor Day festival going on so lots of live music and food booths. Fun Fun Fun - definately a place to take Lulu when she wants to get outa-town!

Having spent more time than planned in Newburyport, I found a Friendly's for a quick dinner (those of you from NJ will recognize this fine dining establishment) and then headed up north through a teeny bit of New Hampshire, then crossed into Maine. Kennebunkport is just at the very bottom of Maine, and by the time I passed through the village it was 8pm, so it was dark but the stores were still lit (one with a huge
pile of glass pumpkins in the window) and the restaurants busy busy.

I don't want to go any further here without mentioning that I have officially figured out ON MY OWN how to work the GPS in my rental Volvo. Duly noted, if you follow the directions it's not difficult at all (Anne -stop it!)

The week ahead is supposed to be chilly and clear skies, so I'm looking forward to the next few days of R&R, as well as some exploring. I have attached some photos of beautiful Newburyport for your enjoyment!

Did you know: Maine has the largest toothpick manufacturing plant in the entire United States, producing over 20 million toothpicks in a single day! (this will be of particular interest to one of my girlfriends, who shall remain unnamed)

The donut hole maker, earmuffs, power drill and thermostat were all invented in Maine.

Maine has over 5,500 miles of coastline - more than California. The state bird is the Chickadee.

90% of American Lobsters are caught in Maine, and the springs in the western areas of Maine are the main source used to produce bottled water.

Finally, the infamous Appalachian Trail starts in Georgia and ENDS in Maine. I'll be on the lookout for you-know-who...

Day Seven - Beautiful Kennebunkport, Maine

HELLO friends & family:
I woke up in my cozy bed in my good sized baby blue room at The Breakwater Hotel in Kennebunkport, and walked onto my balcony to watch the little fishing boats putt-putt by on their way to find my lobster for dinner. After grumbling with the front desk about the internet not working in my room (the hotel is supposedly wireless), I glumly lugged my laptop down to the dining room and set up shop.

The Breakwater is a wonderful white shingle building, old with a swinging screen door New England-feeling. There are 4 floors with no elevator, but the breakfast is complimentary (however the restaurant - coffee - is not open until 8am), and the staff very nice (even with cranky LA divas).

Today my destination was the town of Kennebunkport so away I went - parking is pretty crazy but I found the one open spot in a lot where the sign said "Paying for Parking is on the Honor System.." I put $2.00 in the little box. There are all kinds of fun shops, ice cream stores, restaurants, and wonderful arts & crafts galleries all over the main drag which is Ocean Avenue. I will confess I found a "must have" glass pumpkin (ONE pumpkin Colleen), and a few this & thats.

There was an unusual store just across the bridge that sells these fantastical wind thing-a-ma-jigs (attached is a photo which will show you what I'm talking about). Bill and I saw the same artist's work
in Sedona, AZ years back, and we thought we should buy one for the backyard, but they are all so beautiful it's impossible to make a decision which to buy (kinda like glass pumpkins). Several months ago we had a pine tree taken out by our pool slide and have been looking for a replacement that won't drop leaves in the pool - I think I have found the perfect solution! Now ---which one? (hmmmm they really do look best clustered in 3's...)

For lunch I stopped into a corner restaurant and ordered up a cup of lobster chowder to start, followed by a lobster roll sandwich, and topped off with a root beer. With re-newed energy I decided to break away from the shopping and take a drive over to the nearby beaches. Unlike ours in LA, these beaches have very wide flat expanses and there are people and dogs everywhere enjoying the day. The water was supposedly unusually warm, but it sure felt freezing COLD to me. A local told me the ocean in Maine is only warm enough to swim in 2 weeks a year, but this year was amazing as it's been warm enough 3 weeks in a row! I took a long walk and took photos of seaweed ... another crafts project in the works.

All over town there are tall colorful street signs (see photo) directing you to this store, or that park. There are also trolleys you can jump on for a tour, and many boats that take you out in the harbor to cruise around looking for whales (which I'm told are plentiful this time of year) and BIG BIG beautiful houses.

Speaking of the later, I decided to take a drive up Ocean Avenue away from town & my hotel to get a look-see at President & Barbara Bush's summer home "Walkers Point". I stopped on the side of the road to take in this beautiful home, compound really as there are maybe 5 or 6 buildings that stretch across this slip of land that juts into the ocean. As I zeroed in with my zoom lense... what do I see - but a black boat trolling behind a motor boat that is pulling up to the dock...I zoom in a bit closer and realize the black boat is secret service detail for the motor boat which has President Bush in it (wearing a red jacket). He hobbled out of his boat, moving slowly and hunched over. He IS 85 or something, right? Anyway, Walkers Point is simply magnificient in every way - the home and it's dramatic location.

Next stop was the Lobster Shack across the road from my hotel, where I indulged in a $22.00 dinner of salad, blueberry cornbread, summer squash, and a 1 1/4 lb. lobster. It was all I could do not to grab a few more chunks of that cornbread for my midnight snack... The menu by the way stated "Lobster is highly nutritious and a dieter's dream - low in fat, calories, and cholesterol...lower than lean ground beef or skinless chicken" Hmmm... maybe I'll have another one tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, on the schedule is a 20 minute drive south to what I am told (by Denni at the office) is the picture-perfect postcard town of Ogunquit. After stopping in a few of the lovely shops, I plan on walking along The Marginal Way, the 1 1/4 mile paved footpath that meanders through the rocky edge of cliffs lining the Bay. I've been so blessed with nice weather - I hope tomorrow continues this trend as I'm charging my camera battery overtime tonight! Bye for now!
Until then...

Day Eight - Ogunquit, Maine

Hi everyone - I woke up to another beautiful & crisp autumn morning, and after my "complimentary" breakfast of the most delicious quiche & right out of the oven coconut muffin, and a quick reading of the Boston Herald to catch up on the news (front page focused on the nonsense about the criticism of President Obama's A+ motivational speech to our school children) I set off for the nearby town of Ogunquit.

Heading south of town, I saw a sign for Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and turned into the parking lot. Since the light was particularly beautiful this morning, I knew I'd be likely to get some
good photos. (quiz - who is Rachel Carson?)

The refuge stretches along 50 miles of Maine's coastline and was established in 1966"to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds". The Carson Trail is a one-mile loop that meanders through pine woods and offers beautiful views of expansive, tidal salt marshes. OK, I won't keep you wondering any longer: Rachel Carson was a world-renowned marine biologist who through summering in Southport, Maine as a child, became particularly interested in the beach and it's tide pools. She is famous for having written a book called "Silent Spring" (1962) where she linked the unrestrained use of post-World War II chemical pesticides with fearsome, biological consequences. The government pressured her to abandon her research, but she perservered...and we all can be grateful for that.

Resuming my travels to Ogunquit I thought I would never make it to this lovely little town, as the drive along Route 9 is simply lined with art galleries, and huge barn size antique stores. At the first barn called Antiques on Nine, I literally could have taken out a second mortgage and purchased half the store!! Colleen would still be there...I must say I was in there for well over a couple of hours myself. But as I am in the downsizing stage of life, I had to be disciplined and move on my way - but not without making my souvenir purchases for my neighborhood lady friends!!!

Back I get on the road for another 15 minutes, and I finally enter Ogunquit, which is a town similar to Kennebunkport but smaller...the real attraction here is Perkins Cove and Marginal Way, a mile long scenic cliff-walk that winds its way along the ocean. There are plenty of stone benches for one to rest on to take in the view, read a book, or just relax. At one turn I looked down on the rocky beach and someone had built over 20 tall towers of rocks... I attached a photo. It looked like a fun project and I would have liked to join them! On the one side of Marginal Way is the ocean and on the other side are big private homes. While the ocean is a beautiful scene, I will say that it is a junior cousin to California's Monterey or Big Sur.

During my peaceful walk amongst nature at it's finest, I received a phone call from Bill (who is doing an exceptional job holding down the fort at home I must say) reporting that he took Willie to the ENT and he has a terrible ear infection. For some reason his ear bothered him 2 days ago and he did the smart thing by going next door to Auntie Teresa's for some medical advice, but then yesterday when Cary suggested to take him to Disneyland for the day miraculously his ear was FINE! But alas today it was hurting, so now he is on antibiotics and can't fly back to school until FRIDAY...sooooooo I'm in Maine for another full day on my own. Oh I have a lot planned...but I digress.

After a quick tour of the little Ogunquit Museum of American Art and it's wonderful outdoor sculpture garden (see the tall wooden horse photo ), I drove back to Kennebunkport, but not without stopping for dinner at a homemade ice cream store where I ate 2 scoops of cappuchino crunch in a fresh waffle cone. It was a delicious dinner, and very healthy.

Maybe it was the sugar in the ice cream but I got lost finding my way back to the hotel but ended up fortuitously at Cape Porpoise just as the light over the bay was at it's most dramatic. There were many people relaxing on the deck at restaurant Pier 77, watching the red and
orange sunset. I on the other hand decided I had better get back to the hotel before it was dark and I'd really be lost, so I headed back after getting directions, making one quick stop for a visit at the local Franciscan Monastery which holds outdoor services on Sunday under a stone Madonna lit up with Christmas tree lights.

After coming out of my sugar induced stupor and realizing that an ice cream cone is not a proper dinner after all, I stopped at The Clam Shack where the Bush's longtime chef orders all his seafood (according to the magazine article prominently posted on the door). I felt much better after a basket of fried shrimp and side of cole slaw - forgoing the french fries naturally.

So I arrived back at the hotel safe & sound, and checked in on the home front to see how Griffy's first day of school went at HW as a Junior ("fine...I gotta go"), how Willie was feeling (Anne dropped off Matzo Ball soup), how Lulu was adjusting at BC ("Mom you won't believe it - my psychology teacher looks just like Colleen! She was wearing a fancy black dress, and fancy black shoes, and has lots of blond hair"), how Cary survived a full day at Disneyland with Willie yesterday ("When can we go again?"), how the doggies and kitties were (after a visit from Brad Nelson, the carpet cleaner), and finally how Bill was holding up ("Great!"). I know exactly what my FULL day tomorrow will consist of...a visit to the BIG CITY. What big city? You'll have to log on tomorrow to find out... (but then you would anyway)

Did you know:
Margaret Chase Smith (1897 -1995) the first woman elected to both houses of Congress, was born in Skowhegan, Maine
Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (1908 - 1979...and we remember where HE died) former NY Gov & VP of the U.S. was born in Bar Harbor, Maine
Stephen King (1947 - ) writer whose novels often were made into major motion pictures (The Shining, Carrie, Pet Sematary...)
was born in Portland, Maine
Percy Lebaron Spencer (1894 - 1970) inventor of the Microwave oven, was born in Howland, Maine

Day Nine - Portland, Maine

Hello everyone: Today is my last FULL day in Maine, as tomorrow I drive down to Boston to pick up Willie at Logan Airport and we go to Cape Cod to get him settled into his second year of the GROW program at Riverview School. This year his dorm is OFF campus, as is typical with the older students. He's just down the road about 1/2 a mile (and it has a pool!) but they are always on campus or at Cape Cod Community College so it's not that big a deal. In any event, time will tell.

So this morning was glorious and I put on my walking shoes and hiked up the bike path along Ocean Avenue with one side big beautiful stately homes, and the other side the crashing ocean. Many people were out & about, most with their dogs. I would describe the homes as some old and big, and others new and big...but all BIG. Most have wide front porches and upper balconies, and some have "widow walks" on the very top. I attached a few photos.

Today I took a drive to Portland, Maine which is about 45 minutes north. Portland is the largest city in Maine with 64,000 people. It was named the state capital in 1820, but then in 1832 it was switched to Augusta. The city is a pennisula that is surrounded by the Casco Bay, and began as a vibrant fishing and trading village. Interesting to note that in 1851 a law was passed prohibiting the sale of Alcohol, and 18 other states quickly followed. On June 2, 1855 the Portland Rum Riot broke out !!! -not surprising since rum was it's #1 import.

The section of Portland that I visited was the Old Port, one of the country's most successful warehouse revitalization efforts. Apparently in the 1990's this area was in a big decline, as the Maine Indoor Mall was built just over the bridge and drew people away from downtown (I guess I'd rather be inside shopping during a Maine winter!). Luckily the city did not let this area sink into oblivion, and instead developed it into a Soho kind of feel with many art galleries, small shops, children's boutiques, and restaurants. The streets are original graystone brick (a bit hard to walk on), and the buildings are red brick - it's really quite charming. One of the stores though took me aback - it was located next to a quaint garden shop, and was called CONDOM SENSE (www.qualitycondoms.com) EKKKKKK!!! A whole store - I peeked inside...it was kinda packed...

After a quick lunch of chicken curry at a small Indian restuarant ($7.95 buffet all you can eat!) I visited a few wonderful "made by Maine artists" pottery shops - the best in my view was the Edgecomb Potters Gallery. Feeling it was time for a little culture, I walked a few blocks over and took a very quick tour of The Portland Museum of Art. Founded in 1882 it is the largest and oldest art museum in Maine, and is full of Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer among many other world reknown artists.

After buying a few postcards I headed back to Kennebunkport. Am I glad I visited Portland, Maine? Yes. Would I go again? No. I must say that despite a real effort on behalf of the city government and local chamber of commerce to create a vibrant and happening vibe, the city just has that old, dull and dreary industrial stuck in the past feel. There are so many colleges in the Portland area - Bard, Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby...I think Lulu should be grateful that she has hopping Boston to party in as Portland is just not happening. (Although I am sure this would not matter to Lulu who spends most of her time in the library).

Upon entering Kennebunkport, I stopped by St Ann's Episcopal Church, a beautiful stone church located right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. What a setting - it was really quite spectacular. There is also an outdoor chapel where the congregation sits on wooden chairs that face the ocean, and the pulpit is situated so that the priest has his back to the ocean. So you are listening to God's word while gazing out at the sparkling ocean and crashing waves. Pretty special! A local told me that "rumor has it young Barbara Bush (age 27) is perched on the edge about to announce her engagement to longtime boyfriend Jay Blount ", and the townsfolk are hoping the wedding will be held here (the stained glass windows are by Tiffany).

Soooo tomorrow's day is pretty much up in the air. My #1 duty is to be at Virgin Airways baggage claim at Logan airport by 7:00pm to meet young Willie. I think Bill is ready for a little R&R this weekend!

Did you know:
Portland is 91% white...there is large Muslim population

The movies The Preacher's Wife and Message in a Bottle were filmed in Portland, Maine

I neglected to mention earlier that another famous person from Portland is Kevin Eastman, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Breaking News!!

Hello Everyone.. Tony Winston here. Cindy wanted me to let everyone know that she is experiencing technical difficulties with her I-Photo program at the moment and cannot add photos to the blog. But she is busy working on solving this glitch so do not despair!!

Day Ten - Salem, Massachusetts

Hello Everyone - I woke to overcast skies and drizzly gloomy weather. No problem - I'd been blessed with quite a run of spectacular weather and I was leaving Maine today anyway to drive down to Boston to pick up Willie at Logan Airport.

I am sure my blog fans have read of my problems with my new laptop - not only has the I-Photo now completely quit, but my hard-drive has blown up (per the diagnosis from the tech-guy at the MAC store outside Boston ) Thus I am sending you this update from the business center at the Marriott Courtyard, Hyannis!

Willie's Virgin airlines flight was arriving at 7pm so I had a full day ahead of me. Having had my full of antique stores and art galleries I decided to drive down to Salem, Massachusetts and explore that village... especially being as it is autumn and Halloween is close at hand, I thought this was a good choice. I took the 1 hour tour of the Salem Witch Museum which had an interactive display detailing the history of the Witch trials. The Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692 began during the winter when some girls fell ill and blamed members of their community for their afflictions. Hundreds of innocent people were accused and in the end 19 men and women were hung, and one man was "pressed" to death (where they lay him down on his back and continue to add heavy weights to his chest until he dies!!!).

The Museum had a great gift shop, and I had to make a few purchases there to enhance my Halloween decorations (since Colleen abscounded with my huge witch doll a few years back, I bought a new decoration for my front door). There were many other witch tours you could take, but I decided I'd better not be late for Willie's flight so I headed to the airport with enough time for a delicious dinner of grilled scallops at Legal Seafood.

Oh - also right in Salem's historic downtown is the Peabody Essex Art Museum. It was founded in 1799 by Salem merchants who sailed the world in search of international trade, and during their travels brought extraordinary works and culture back home. The museum features a spectacular collection of American art and maritime art & history, plus art from China, India, Japan and beyond. Located on the museum's grounds is "Yin Yu Tang", a 200 year-old Chinese merchant's home brought over from China (16 bedrooms!). The current special exhibit was all kinds of arts & crafts made out of "used materials" such as tin cans, plastic bottles, etc. This museum is definately on my agenda for a future visit to Boston (Salem is only a 1/2 hour north of Boston).

Willie and I drove straight out to the Cape in the pouring rain. It was kinda scarey as it was very foggy and the Boston folks are much more used to driving on their freeways in bad conditions than I was. I was very relieved when we pulled up to the Marriott.

Willie hit the pillow and was fast asleep by 9pm, and after doing some laundry I was too. Tomorrow promises to be a busy day with Riverview registration, setting up yet another dorm room, and visiting the Hyannis Mall for a new robe for Willie. Two more days and I'll be on American Airlines flying back to LA! Until then...

Day Eleven...Riverview School, Cape Cod

Friends & Family:
RAIN RAIN RAIN all day today...and of course we had no umbrella. Willie and I got to Riverview to register him by around 11am, and despite the bad weather, everyone (especially the parents?) were in a great mood! Willie loved seeing all his friends again, and I was introduced to many parents I had not met before. One new family is from New Jersey and are friend's with Bill's sister Aimee. Willie is very proud of that! After a clam chowder lunch on campus, the parents had their orientation meeting where the head of school counseled us about not worrying about our children as they will be well taken care of when we depart tomorrow (I saw NO parent worrying, but many checking their watches with a countdown...!)

The campus looked drastically different this visit, as the administration has embarked on a big building campaign. The charming Cape Cod white washed clapboard building that served as the front office has been torn down, and right now all that is in it's place is a huge hole (full of a lot of water today). By this time next year a brand new library, auditorium, and student center will be in it's place. Despite the horrible economy, Riverview parents stepped up and committed over $3 million dollars to make this happen. It will certainly transform the school. Very exciting to watch the transformation.

Willie is in a new building off campus this year. It is located about 1 mile
down the road from the school, and used to be a motel. It is REALLY nice and once again Willie has his own room with lots of closet & drawer space. He even has his OWN TV! The dorm counselors are in the midst of organizing a room on the first floor that will have a ping pong table, pool table, and a big TV for video games. I don't think any of the young men will want to go to school.

During the day I skipped out and visited The Sandwich Glass Museum which has a beautiful collection of antique glass and lots of paperweights. The museum was hosting a large glass fair where over 40 dealers from all over the country exhibited their wares. NO GLASS PUMPKINS however.

Duly noted ladies - Before dinner I dropped off Willie at the Cape Cod Mall and told him I was running an errand at Bed & Bath, where in reality I rushed over to pay a visit to my favorite store "The Christmas Tree Store". Alas, as is common with these type of discount stores it is hit or miss. This visit was not an award winner... but then remember I will be back for parent's weekend October 15 !!

Tomorrow I head home on the 7:30pm flight. I wonder if Bill will meet me at the airport with a brass band & balloons? After 13 days of being on the road, I will confess I am ready to come home...but it has been a WONDERFUL journey.

Once I get home I will add some great photos...so don't think this is the last day for you to check the blog... you'll want to stay tuned for a few more days!

Here's to clear skies and strong headwinds heading West! xoxo

Day Twelve...Goodbye to Cape Cod and Hello LA !

Hello everyone - Is it really possible I will be heading home today??

I woke up early and had breakfast while reading the always informative Cape Cod Newspaper. The obits noted that Gertrude Baines, the world's oldest person at age 115, died in Los Angeles. She had remarked that she enjoyed life so much she wouldn't mind living another 100 years, saying "I enjoy eating and sleeping!" Gertrude attributed her longevity to a steady diet of bacon, fried chicken, and ice cream. Upon reading that I made a second trip to the breakfast buffet.

It was cloudy and gloomy as we made our way from the Marriott to downtown Hyannis to buy Willie a second pair of shoes. The JFK Museum was open and people were lined up outside. I suppose with Ted's recent passing, that Kennedy curiousity was at a peak. The flags all over Boston were flying half mast the entire time I was back east. Then we headed over to Riverview School, and after a few final room decorating touch-ups, Willie was practically pushing me out the door. He was very busy working with "the guys" on setting up the internet and didn't really need Mom around any more. So after a lot of ---

Mom to Willie: "Don't forget to brush your teeth every day...by the way when was the last time you shaved???"
Willie to Mom: "When I saw Katherine"
Mom to Willie: "That was over a week ago!"
Willie to Mom: "Unfortunately"

As I walked out the front door, the sun had broken through and the puffy bright white cloud formations were spectacular, I suppose as a result of last night's rain. I drove over to the Sandwich Boardwalk
and took some photos of the steam coming off the marsh, then headed down the wooden plank walkway to the beach. It had really turned out to be a beautiful day, but I was ready to be heading home.

As hoped, Bill met me at LAX happy as a clam! I hope you enjoyed my travel blog... and I can't wait to write the next one. Thanks for reading, and for responding - I am certainly blessed with great friends and family.