Trip blog 1

 We have arrived. After a long delay at the Fort Wayne Airport, we made it to Dallas with 25 minutes to get way across the airport to our flight to Buenos Aires.  Thanks to my wonder spouse who had mapped it all out before we landed we made it. We were the last people on the plane. The overnight flight was uneventful, just like you want a flight to be. When we landed here in Buenos Aires there were Viking people holding signs (it seemed like every ten feet or so) to guide us through every step until we were safely on the ship. Since then we have been eating way too much, meeting lots of friendly people, seeing a marvelous Tango show and generally having a great time. This afternoon we tour the city and this evening we sail. 

PS miracle of miracles, our luggage also made it.

Ship ahoy

 Since my mind is on ships today (we leave for our cruise tomorrow), when my west coast brother posed the question 'why is the ocean called the "Main?  What exactly is the Bounding Main?"  I did a little research and here's what I discovered.

The bounding main is the mass of water occupying all of the Earth's surface not occupied by land, but excluding all lakes and inland seas. So I guess, since we will be sailing on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, we will indeed be sailing 'over the bounding main.'  

Sing it with me: "Sailing, sailing over the bounding main..."

PS It turns out that the Bounding Main is also the name of a singing group.  So, if you aren't handy to an ocean, you can listen to their music.  

but I want to...

 Today we finished packing for our cruise.  We leave on Monday, so I think we're doing pretty well to be packed this far in advance.  Even better, the bags to be checked are not overweight.  There have been times in my life when I was still packing at midnight for a flight leaving at 7:00am.  But not this time.  We are ready to go, except for the inevitable last minute stuff that will go in our carry-on bags.  While I was packing, the phrase that kept running through my head was "You can't take it with you."  And my response "But I want to.  I need it all."  Eventually, I was forced to admit that I really couldn't take it all.  My good old well-traveled blue, green and white checkered soft side suitcase was stuffed to the gills (whatever that means).  However, I did not unzip the zipper that gives me an extra two inches of depth.  I will save that for the trip home.  Things never seem to fit quite the same way coming home.  Thinking about what I could and could not take with me inevitably led me to remember the play I was in at Arena Dinner Theater three years ago.  The play was, as you might have guessed, "You Can't Take it With You."  One of my most enjoyable roles ever.  I played Gay Wellington, a drunk over the hill actress, and spent about a third of the play 'passed out' on the sofa, after my memorable line "When I see snakes I know it's time to lie down."  This was also the only play in which I sang a solo.  

                "There was a young lady from Wheeling,

                 who had an incredible feeling.

                 She wasn't quite sure his intentions were pure,

                As she lay gazing up at the ceiling." 

Maybe you had to be there to really appreciate it.

Here I am in all my Gay Wellington finery.  Such a role is not easily forgotten.
 

decisions, decisions...

 As I may have mentioned once or twice (a week) my spouse and I will be departing next Monday for a cruise around the Horn of South America.  Packing for such a long cruise (and yes I am almost finished) has entailed lots of decision making.  How many pairs of shoes do I really need?  What should I carry in my carry-on bag and what is ok to check?  After this evening though, I believe we may need a break.  I came to this conclusion after supper when we took at least 25 minutes to decide which of two almost identical jackets (one light gray and one light tan) my husband should take on this trip?  

Since we are also in the throes of having our kitchen remodeled, and really needing a break from thinking about clothes, we then decided to do some on line shopping for a new kitchen table and chairs.  Not buying yet, just looking at possibilities.  Three hours later, we found a table we both agree on, and appropriate chairs.  We also agreed (we are such an agreeable couple) that we really need to see the furniture in person before we make a purchase.  

Right now I have decided that it's time for bed.  Good night.

Viva Italiano

 This evening my spouse and I went to dinner with my son and daughter-in-law.  It's a pleasure to spend time with them, but I must admit I wasn't too excited when they suggested we have Italian.  Don't get me wrong, I love Italian food.  It just happened that we went to dinner last night with my spouse's  brother and their cousin. The cousin, who doesn't come to Fort Wayne often suggested Italian, and we agreed.  

So last evening four of us gathered at Ziano's, where we eat frequently, and I enjoyed my favorite dish, stuffed shells.

This evening then, as part of our second foursome, we ate Italian again.  But this time, at their suggestion, we went to Salvatori's, a first time for me. 

I am happy to report that I had the best manicotti I have had in years. Absolutely delicious. I also had an excellent tomato and cucumber salad.  Besides the food itself I was delighted that all the entrées were offered in two sizes. I had the smaller size, which was more than enough. I ate it all, felt comfortable but not over-stuffed.  Believe me, I will be going back. 

Meanwhile, go to Salvatori's and have the manicotti with meat sauce.

Happy Birthday Abe

 Today is Abraham Lincoln's 216th birthday although we don't really celebrate it.  Ever since it got mushed together with Washington's birthday we have just celebrated Presidents' Day, which gives some school children and postal workers a day off, and, for some reason, inspires lots and lots of mattress sales.  But some of us still remember "Honest Abe."  Some more accurately than others. 

Here's what Congressman Danial J. Flood (1906 -1994) had to say about him.

"It is fitting that we pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, who was born in a log cabin that he built with his own hands."  

good for me

 Today, according to my west coast brother, is "Grandmother 
Achievement Day."  As far as my grandmotherly achievements are concerned, I have raised two fine children who are productive members of society and who, in their turn have each parented two fine children.  No pressure here but I'm beginning to think that it would be fun to be a great grandmother.  Congratulations to all you other grandmothers out there (no surprise that many, many of my friends are grandmothers).  Have a great day and keep on achieving.  

PS Today is also Extraterrestrial Culture Day which seems appropriate since the lifestyles of my grandchildren and their contemporaries often seem strangely out of this world to me.  From clothing to music to technology their world is not the one I grew up in.