Northern Exposure

I'm sitting at my father in law's desk in Bolton, MA, watching the rain and sipping on spiked egg nog. Marc is in the kitchen preparing a Lobster feast while a local radio station plays their "Big Band Brunch" segment. Tonight we will be driving into Boston to go to the Boston Symphony Orchestra's holiday show. There's no rush or strain in sight. I've got a peaceful, easy feeling, and I'm looking forward to returning to Austin tomorrow with a refreshed perspective.

Our trip has been wonderful.

We left last Monday for Philadelphia. When we arrived we quickly remembered how cold and gloomy Philadelphia Decembers can be. Poor Marc's face was completely swollen due to an infected tooth, and a fever left him feeling pretty miserable. I, however, felt great. Despite a rough start, everything worked out and we've had many an adventure since we've continued on.

Highlights:

*Roast Pork sandwiches with Provolone and Broccoli Rabe from Dinic's in Reading Terminal Market

*Complimentary Cider from the Warwick Hotel

*Upgraded Suite and Amenities

*A festive evening at The Locust Rendevous with my old UArts friends

*Driving around Philly with Jamison and finishing a very late night at our favorite haunt, Little Pete's

*A complimentary lunch at McCormick & Schmick's where Marc and I met in '08

*Stopping by UArts to visit with old professors

*Shopping at Macy's

*Dinner at the magnificent Parc restaurant

*Another fun filled evening at the Vous with many of Marc's friends

*A wonderful train ride into northwestern New Jersey

*A tour of Susex County and the lake community where Marc's sister and her family lives

*A festive traditional Swiss meal of Raclette

*Hanging out and being super silly with Marc's neice and nephew, Emma and Liam

*Drinking too much wine

*Taking a pleasant bus ride into NYC

*Canal Street

*Little Italy

*A fantastic meal in China Town

*5th Ave

*The Rockafeller Center and Christmas Tree

*The Broadway show, The Scottsboro Boys (tickets front row center)

*Drinks with good friends at The Art Bar in the village

*Late night chats with Brad and Emma at their adorable apartment in Washington Heights

*A trip to Boston on the Megabus with an insaine driver who almost killed us 4 times

*Relaxing in Bolton with Marc's dad, great food, classy drinks, and tons of music

*Seeing the incredible Boston Pops BSO show

Now we're relaxed and ready for X-Mas! We miss our little monsters at home, but we know they're in good hands, so we're going to enjoy the time we have left.