What a fabulous two weeks in the Northeast! The first thing I realized as my flight was landing was how GREEN everything is- green trees, green grass- so much greener than Saudi Arabia. I had to stop myself and think about what time of year it is.
Day 1 with the New Jersey Duschangs was somewhat unplanned. I couldn't resist being so close and not rushing to see Cooper, Cole, and Lilly. (John and Melissa too.) Lilly was a bit cautious but both boys were almost as excited to see me as I was to see them. Spending the morning turned into spending the afternoon turned into staying for dinner. And what a welcome dinner it was- lobsters and linguine and clams compliments of Kate and Billy and their daughter Alex. Delicious! Day 2 in CT with Mom and Dad and straight to Ferris' Farm for ice cream for lunch. Luckily we made several trips to Ferris' over the course of my stay so I did not have to eat all of my favorite flavors in one visit.
Then I drove to Boston and the pace picked up. So many friends to see and so little time. Thank you for the hospitality Mary Beth! BU I miss you. And I didn't even get to the fifth floor. I am so sorry. It felt like time had stood still for me- Anne, please move into my office soon. Breakfast with best friends Jeanne and Chris from college. Thanks for hosting us Jeanne! Peter, Ruth, Annika, and Elena knew just what I needed for lunch- outdoor Mexican- fajitas and margaritas! A night out with the girls and guys followed by brunch at Eastern Standard (yes I ate three meals there in 5 days) with more college friends. Then to RI for a cookout with my Thomas family. Gourmet RI saugies with all and I mean all imaginable fixings compliments of my idol chef Eileen. Thank you Thank you Thank you... more coffees, lunches, drinks and friends. Last stop in Boston- Brasserie Joe's with Kelsey. And yes, the bar tender was most happy to see us after 7 months and treated us to our usual crepes suzette for dessert.
Polka Dog Bakery special dog treats in hand for Max, I returned to CT. A drive to Litchfield county for wine tasting at our favorite CT Valley Winery (yes we bought a case and there better be some left when I return in July ;-)). Lunch on the green and a few stops in the shops. I found a new floral/red reversable hat which I beleive will be quite handy in this Saudi summer sun and a new favorite pair of seersucker shorts- Thank you Dad and Mom!
Mark, Beth, Michael, John, Melissa, Cooper, Cole and Lilly arrived Friday night for the long weekend. Yeah for great weather and lots of time outside- croquet, kickball, catch, swings and grilling surf and turf- steaks and more lobsters! You can never really eat too much lobster. And more family- aunts, uncles, cousins. It was so good to see everyone. Oh, and another trip to Ferris'.
I was supposed to attend a conference in Kansas City this week but to make a long story very short, I did not. A couple of extra days to run errands and I was off again on my new favorite airline- Emirates. A mere 14 hours from JFK to Dubai. I know you are all going to be shocked but I fell asleep before our 11:00 pm departure and when I woke up it was 8:30. Yes, I slept for 9 hours. I guess I really was tired. A couple of movies and a meal and we were landing already landing. I spent a very quick but filled 24 hours in Dubai- oh my gosh they opened a Crate and Barrel in the newest mall! And landed back in the Kingdom last night.
Next update will highlight the beautiful carpets I picked up while in the Northeast... I rolled them out as soon as I got home and already my home is homier ;-)
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