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I've been from The Bridges of Bennington County to the Saltwater Flats of South Portland.  And I've had a wonderful time.  Thank goodness for today - the Buffer Day.

Despite the Gray Condition - a continual blanket of soggy grey clouds that covered most of the Mid-Atlantic states up to the coast of Maine - it was a great vacation; the best I've ever had.  And I have pictures!

I didn't get pictures of the Bridges because I was the navigator and not the photographer, but it was so amazing to see them through new eyes.  Note to anyone visiting Vermont - skip Woodstock.  Blech.  But, as Navigator, it gave me the luxury of schmoozing with the tourists.  I met a lovely couple from north of Oxford, England and another lovely couple from outside of Hamburg, Germany.  I got to practice my Dutch which is similar to German.  And then I got to warm up in front of the fireplace!  There are some very big pluses in standing around in the cold and damp - when you have a nice fire to come home to, with no worries about commuting to work the next day.

Then it was off to South Portland, Maine to visit Sylvie.  It's been a long while since I've taken a road trip by myself.  I forgot how much I loved it.  I forgot how much I loved so many things.  My parents, worried that I would undertake the long trip in Lulabelle, the intrepid Ford (now sporting 205,000 miles!), handed over the keys to their Lincoln.  I was going to have a picture taken of me in front of the car with the caption:  "Does this car make me look old?"  At one point on the trip over, I made a quick pit stop and found myself elbow deep in Lincolns.  I was the youngest driver by about 20 years.

View from Hog Back Mountain, VT with the GC.

Once I hit SoPo (I feel so much like a native), I was immersed in art.  Sylvie and I went to the Winslow Homer exhibit, then to the theater to see "The Sisters Rosenweig".  It was all so completely amazing.  And please forgive the overuse of "amazing".  'Cause it was.  And is.  There was, of course, the things that warm the cockles of my heart - a trip to the SoPo Goodwill, where I got two pairs of great jeans and a beautiful suede jacket for under $20.  Then there was a trip to Reny's, a department store only in Maine - where you can get snowshoes, toothpaste, motor oil, a housecoat, and 'name' brands for deep discounts.

SoPo bay.

Rising Cairn - through window at the Portland Museum of Art.
I should have scaled the fence for a better shot, but I
was on my best behavior.

Then, of course, there was the conversation and laughter, the good food and wine, and my very favorite BFCF, Grayling. 

Three of the four kiddlings - Eli, Ramona and Zuzu



My BFF and my BFCF



That face.  That face.

This little foray out into foreign lands was made possible by another friendship - Rosie - who house/farm sat for me and gave me total peace of mind.  And, when I got home yesterday, she had a pot roast in the oven, with Brussels sprouts (she makes the BEST), and baked potatoes.  I mean, how much better can it get?

So, now, here I am back at the Little Lucky (aptly named).  Bernie forgave me for leaving.  I have to continue waging my war with the Ratz, who are still among us, bloody rodents.  The Pearlies are still disconcerted that I left and now I'm back.  The goaties are disappointed that Rosie is not here to play with them.  Flora is still Flora.  And squeezing amongst the hay bales, I felt a 'pop' in my pocket - a forgotten egg....  All is right in my world.  I'm off to do laundry.