Bacchus

Every time I communicate with my organization's board member who spends her winters in Montpellier, France, I'm overcome with such longings to be in Provence. I especially miss being there this time of year, as January - May is when I went to school there in 2001 (all those many years ago - mon dieu!)

I've already missed the blooming of the mimosa in Bormes-des-Mimosa (one of the most picturesque, Provencal hillside villages you can imagine, with its tiny winding streets and mimosa trees covered in sweet-smelling, yellow flowers .... yummy).

And then at the end of March is the annual Bacchus Festival in Toulon. Vineyards from all over southern France are represented, and for a measly 4euros (at the most that's, what, $8?) you get your own etched wine glass and can spend the day tasting wines and eating delicious foods!

I try and remind myself that Toulon was not exactly heavenly but actually a bit dilapidated. But I cannot deny the beauty of beaches and the peninsula, and the mountains behind it.

If anyone wants to go to Paris or Provence and needs a tour guide, just let me know!

::sigh::

Milwaukee - Here I Come!

Oh yes, that's right ... I'm going to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home of Miller Beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Harley Davidson, Happy Days, and Lavern and Shirley.

It's just a quick weekend get-away. I fly out tonight at 8:20 p.m. and will be back in Boston by 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The occasion? Grandma and Grandpa Zanotelli (is that not a cool last name?) both turn 80 this year (I'll save you the math: they were born in 1923). Their present: all the family together for a Brewers game at Miller Stadium. The best part: they don't know all the grandchildren are coming. I'm part of the surprise! (I can reveal this because my grandparents don't even own a computer, let alone use the internet).

In addition to baseball, I plan to visit the art museum and attend the Wisconsin State Fair! It's been ages since I've been to the fair: cream puffs, pig races .... ah, yes. Quintessential Midwestern fun.

Vacation ... not in Wisconsin!

No offense.

I love visiting family and friends back in my home state. But I love traveling to new places ... and since moving to Massachusetts, almost all my traveling is back there. Not exactly new.

I am, therefore, very excited that I just booked three nights at a bed and breakfast in Portland, Maine.

We'll be staying at the Wild Iris Inn, located a couple blocks from the waterfront and the downtown district. More specifically, we'll be up on the 3rd floor in the cozy and cheerful Daisy Room.

Isn't it too cute? For Jon's sake - and my own, frankly - I did not choose one of the overwhelmingly pick rooms. We both like yellow and blue, and I thought that Jon could tolerate this decor.

I plan to have us spend most of our time exploring state parks, snapping pictures of light houses and ooh and awing at nature. I plan to scramble around on rocks, examine sea creatures in tidal pools, and breathe lots of fresh air.

I can't wait .....