va·ca·tion (v-kshn, v-) n. leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

i·de·a ) (-d) n. Something, such as a thought or conception, that potentially or actually exists in the mind as a product of mental activity.

I thought a dream vacation would be a visit to the East Coast, (how cosmopolitan) see a “Show,” do some museums, run up to Boston for a couple days and kayak the Statue of Liberty…..well lets just say that it sounds good is as far as it goes. The rain or alternating oppressive humidity really made the entire trip much more challenging than it needed to be. There was little rest and the pleasure was in spending time with our family.

My nephew, Kris lives in the West side of the Village. We enjoyed a great walking tour of “the village” and a killah meal at Extra Virgin. But Rich and I were plagued with a bit of vertigo (not the U2 kind!) after our 4 hour kayak around the Statue earlier in the day and while eating in the smallish restaurant, where we were literally tucked in the back where we where the wait staff had to delivery everything around a pole/column but the constraining surroundings, plus the post “sea legs” we were rocking and rolling until the Chianti hit!

The next day we were off to the Jersey Shore to see Rich’s dad, Delores, brother Jay-meet Adrianne, see his nephews (Daniel and David), niece (Jen and hubby Scott) and their babies (Dan’s daughter Julia and newest addition, Hazel-Jen and Scotts)! It was great catching up as it had been over 10 years since we had seen them. And again Jay cooked up a storm and the spread was fit for royalty-thanks for your hospitality (and the washing machine)

The next day we headed to Boston and had one glorious day, rode the Duck along the Charles, rooted for the Sox (sorry Daniel but the Yanks kicked some arse didn’t they? Ouch!) And got our drunk on….scotchy scotchy scotch! We both loved Boston, the history is phenomenal, the city is kind and clean.

Then we drove back to Jersey for the final leg of our adventure and drove through Rich’s hometown (who said you can never go back, its not hard…its just exit 157). He showed me his two homes growing up, grade and high school and some bar that holds some special meaning to him ;)

Well we couldn’t be happier to be home in sunny California with our furry family.