Leaves are Falling Down Down Down

We had a very nice weekend! I went into Boston to see Mike late Friday afternoon. We popped around to some of the better known tourist areas to take some requested photos for Nicky (editor of N magazine). Then we headed to McCormick and Schmicks at Faneuil Hall for an appetizer and drink.  We got a crab, shrimp, and something else dip that came with pitas. It was ok; not spectacular for $14, but ok.

We walked around a little more, then decided on dinner at Scollay Square. Mike got the Kobe Meatloaf, which he seemed to like; I got the Grilled Citrus Soy Glazed Salmon Fillet. I was a little filled up from the appetizer we had earlier, so I only ate about 40% of my entree (a like a good little old lady in training, I took the rest home for another meal). We decided to head home around 7:30.

We decided to end the evening by watching a movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Maybe it was just us, but we thought it was awful. Harrison Ford is showing his age, the acting overall was so so, and let's face it, Indy Jones' days should be over. As we headed to bed, I was completely blind-sided by feeling unwell and was horribly ill. **Mom and Dad -- you may recall the lovely incident in the front hall in the house in Derby when I was about 4 -- it was on that order. I have no idea what the origin of my upset was, but I thought about how terrible morning sickness must be, and felt for expectant mommies -- Melissa -- who are plagued with morning sickness. I am so glad I had Mike to take care of me.

I was all better on Saturday morning, right in time to do lots of yard work! We cut back all of our plants, raked a bit, and cut the grass. It sounds so simple and matter of fact, but the work kept us busy all day! We got all cleaned up when we were done, and had Pat over for a nice dinner of Chicken with Apple and Tarragon (and steak for Pat), asparagus, salad, french bread, and Dove bars for desert. It was yummy. The rest of the night was devoted to watching the Red Sox win game 6 of the ALCS. Woo hoo!

One thing of note came up in our dinner conversation. Pat had been at a local business and talked with a college student about the upcoming election. He shared some alarming (and untrue) candidate information with her, and we all were astounded. She suggested that he visit FactCheck.org to get the straight story on both candidates for President. It is a great site if you want to verify information.

We enjoyed a lovely breakfast out with Pat at AJ Tomaiolo's Sunday morning, then Mike and I decided to take a drive. We drove up into Bolton and stopped at Bolton Orchards for a coffee and walk through the store, then continued on to the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard. The Fruitlands is an interesting place. It offers historical geographic information about the people who lived on the land over the past several hundred years. The grounds include a seperate building for each of the following groups: local Indians, Shakers, the Alcott family (Louisa May, who wrote Little Women, and her family lived there for 7 months), and views of the Hudson River valley from Clara Endicott Sears' personal collection. The views of the area are beautiful, particularly in foliage season.

Later Sunday afternoon, Pat and I went to the Nicholas Michaels Spa re-opening. The spa was destroyed by a fire on October 18, 2007 and has undergone significant restoration so that it could reopen. I have to say, it is fancy... As we walked around I kept thinking, "I can't afford this place..." That is probably why I have never been before :) It is, however, a lovely place for a day of pampering. The design is very elegant and the environs are beautiful.

We wrapped up our evening with game 7 of the ALCS. The Red Sox lost the series, so the Rays are headed to the World Series. The Sox have been underdogs -- up until 2004 -- so I appreciate the importance of the win to Rays' fans.

Now we are back to work and a busy week!

Smiles!