Trip to the Bookstore

Well, after I have just put a big box of books together to bring to the library book sale, where do I go? To Barnes and Noble naturally. Why? For one thing I now have some space on my book shelves. I got David Pogue's Digital Photography, the Missing Manual. Although I already know half the stuff in this book, I really want to learn the other half. And what better way than with David Pogue who is one of my favorite tech authors. He is so clear and readable and never wastes my time with jokes as do the authors in the Dummies series. When I read one of Pogue's I learn something.

I also got iLife '09 (Portable Genius series) and Weber's Charcoal Grilling by Jamie Purvianc. We all love his Weber's Real Grilling that I figured we'll like this one too.

Newport, Rhode Island - July 4, 2009

Ceremony honoring William Ellery who signed Declaration of Independence 1776.

What a Fun Week It Has Been

It has been a hectic week. School ended. Young and Maddie redid their kitchen. Bruce went to Rhode Island and I am taking advantage of a very cold late June by staying home to catch up on house repairs and organizing all the stuff I have accumulated and left build up. So far I have done very little cleaning work but have been busy reading, playing on my computer and seeing the family.

On Sunday I went along on a trip to Target where I picked up one of those baby computers. The EEE PC weighs a little over 2 pounds and fits in a pocket book. At only $249, I thouoght it would be very useful for checking email on the road. Well, what a surprise! This cheap little device does a lot and then some. It's loaded with features including the ability to make a movie with Flip video clips and upload a movie to YouTube. See for yourself.

A Stop at Federal Hill in Providence

On the way to the Navy Day celebration in East Greenwich we stopped at Providence's Federal Hill. Such a very pleasant place to visit. The pineapple arch welcomed us as we drove into the Italian section. Although the cannoli we bought at a pastry shop was tasty, it did not compare to the cannolis at Mike's or Modern pastry shops in Boston's North End. Costantino's Venda Ravioli is one of the most beautiful markets I have ever visited with displays of cheeses, salamis, gorgeous pottery. The food looks really scrumptious. We passed by the Blue Grotto Restaurant, where Young worked in the mid-80's. Back on the highway, you will see we passed Rhode Island's beloved "Blue Bug".

Bruce's Circular Garden

Bruce has created the most delightful circular garden in our front yard. Photos or video do not do it justice. So come see us when you can.

Mic Got Sick

Every now and then fate brings about a good event. Last night was the case for me. With Bruce in Rhode Island, I was all settled in ready to eat some rice and chile when I got an "emergency" call from Young. He was giving a dinner party and one of the guests could not go. Mic was sick. Could I fill in? Awful news for Mic. Two strokes of bad luck. To be sick plus miss Young's dinner party. As it turned out, Mic's misfortune was very beneficial for me.

The dinner was absolutely divine. Perfectly grilled veal chops with a red pepper pesto, accompanied by Maddie's exquisite Asparagus Risotto. A side dish of roasted tomatoes was also very tasty. Bruce served white and red wines. The company, Marijke and Po, were fun too.

Meanwhile, I do hope Mic is feeling better. Really I do.

Lots of Good Stuff Happening

There has been a lot of good stuff happening.

Sean called today with some really good news.

Meanwhile, yesterday, June 2, was an exceptionally fine day. It was Maddie's birthday and we had a fun time eating barbecue plus watching the kiddies play on the computers and with their building kits.

Young and I went on a trip to the Apple store where I discovered a new Apple device, the iTouch. It is more fun because you can go on the net, check email, and a zillion other things that I do not know about. Apple never ceases to amaze me. They keep on designing such sweet machines and accessories to go with. :-) Apple always gives me confidence in America.

Big Bruce has been spending a lot of time at the garden. Summer is coming up fast. Thank God the awful snow is gone. The days are sunny and long. Tonight we go to eat ice cream with Pat and Dave.