Rome

After a wonderful time with the friendly, helpful people of London, our merry band of travelers headed to Rome--clutching our handbags and backpacks with fear.

You see, every guidebook, friend, stranger, salesperson and flight attendant marveled at our bravery for taking two young teenage boys to Rome...alone.

We couldn't trudge ten feet in our summer sandals without tales of theft. Pick pockets, purse snatchers, con artist cab drvers and swindling tour guides (just to name a few). They were all rubbing their quick fingers together and sharpening their purse strap slashing knives in excitement preparing for our arrival.

One article even told of moms with their babies being cornered by rascals and being forced to surrender their wedding rings.

You can imagine, gentle reader, how scared we were to clear customs and just leave the airport.

This is after an elaborate story from the British Airways flight attendant about her boyfriend's pocket being slashed open with a knife. Wow.

I am happy to report, so far so good. I will report back later!

All the World's A...Department Store?

We've been ticking off the London sights: Tower Museum, London Eye, National Gallery, theater, fancy tea, tube, bus and cabs. We wandered into Harrods yearly sale and got lost in a maze of madness for three hours!

My husband would be glad to know that we bought nothing. $2000 pound purses on sale for $1000 still seemed like too much of a commitment--plus that would cost more than our airfare!

It seemed silly and wrong to be caught indoors at such an event on one of only three days in London. At least I know now that the economy seems to be alive and well in London, considering the women fighting over $700 shoes in the shoe department.

Summer Solstice & They're All Asleep!

It was a long flight, and my traveling companions are exhausted. I'm the only one raring to go out and explore London. When I was here in January, I had a lovely view of the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and the Tower Bridge sprawling along the Thames.

Now I'm looking at the sunset over some concrete buildings--I could be in Toledo, Ohio instead of London.

I hope someone wakes up to go out and play with me, otherwise, this is a total waste and next time we are staying at the airport Holiday Inn!

Done with Graduation, on to London, Rome & Venice!

Graduation for our 8th grader was beautiful and touching. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the evening. We were so proud of our little boy who has grown quite big.

Now it is on to organizing and packing for a mother-son trip to London, Rome and Venice. We have two weeks to explore and are trying to pack everything for the trip in a small carry on.

On my last trip to London, I had two huge suitcases for five days. I took several pairs of boots, shoes and many changes of clothing. It was snowy and cold and beautiful...but an entirely different trip.

This down-sized travel is going to be a challenge, but it's better than checking luggage and hauling it around. We get to spend about 4 days in London and Rome, and 3 in Venice, so less luggage should also mean less stuff to keep track of.

We are travelling with our very good friends. We have travelled together many times before, and we are all looking forward to spending time together.

Two moms, two teenagers and an exciting itinerary. Stay tuned...

Graduation Preparation

We are hanging in over here. I am amazed at the intricate planning and preparation for an 8th grade graduation--who knew?

We are doing a class party that rivals my wedding. DJ, gambling, photo booth, valet parking, even the color of napkins is up for debate. It really makes me wonder what high school is going to be like.

So far, the household chores are on the back burner, that's nothing new if you know me, but it might as well be said. Bills lay akimbo unpaid. Only a few more days of madness, then we can shift gears.

The fact that we are shifting gears to packing for 2 weeks of sleep away camp is pounding a drum in the back of my brain...but I'm jumping in feet first to the event at hand.

New Diet

I just ordered a book about a new, healthy raw food diet. Like usual, much was promised. If you've read about my juicer angst, you know that I'm trying.

However, I read the first couple of pages and promptly made myself a cup of coffee. It was followed by a glass of wine.

There's healthy eating, and then there's survival.

I'm on the last 6 days of school, I'm in survival mode.

There is always healthy eating when school's out, right?