June 7th - Right Back Where I Started

June 7th
I woke up still feeling bad this morning. Maybe I need an antibiotic? I can’t believe it…

We had quick “continental breakfast" at the hotel, before we picked up Ginny and hit the road. The first part of the trip….through PA and up through New Jersey was actually easy & fast (Ginny drove…per the advice/suggestion of my brother).

Then we hit New York. SOB…it took us one hour and fifteen minutes to travel 15 miles from just before the George Washington Bridge, over it, and after, until we turned north. The kids were wild…it was hot and Ginny was driving….heavy on the brakes. I almost tossed my cookies. Sucked, suck, sucked!

But then, the second half of the trip was a breeze, too…except for a few “Audrey moments”.
Once we hit Massachusetts, I can’t explain it…it just felt myself exhale…and not just because the end was near! Something about being back where it started. This is where I spent the first decade of my life. It was happy, it was simple, it was innocent. I can’t recall one bad thing that happened while I lived here. That’s pretty amazing. I haven’t spent much time here since then…but when I do come back, I just feel like I belong. Home. Although, I certainly can’t afford to live here – in the manner to which I’ve become accustomed!

Okay…so we’re at a Fairfield Inn in Dedham…in a nice area. However, the hotel…it ain’t so nice. But, thanks to Barb, it’s cheap and I’ve got four kids, so I will deal. I’ll also spend a lot of time outside the hotel!

Most of the day was wasted on drive. We had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant adjacent to the hotel, Vinny T’s. The kids were pretty wound up though…I think they were getting on Gin's nerves. She ordered a beer, which she never does anymore. Uh-oh. I really wanted her to show me around Newton where my dad grew up (and help in the city is going to be gratefully appreciated). I just hope she doesn’t end up disliking the kids (or disinheriting them…ha-ha!). After dinner I sent her back to the hotel by herself and took the kids for a drive.

It was gorgeous out. Sunny, 69 degrees with the sun setting. I opened all the windows, cranked the radio and hit Barnes & Noble for some books. It was just really, really cool.

Traveled: Adamstown PA to Dedham Ma 361miles/7 hours, 45 min (due to damn NY)
Silly Band Award: bagged it today…they irritated the hell out of me in the car.
Lodging: Fairfield Inn, Dedham (1/2 a star)
Quote of the day: Hunter, “How’s it look mom? This is what I’m wearing for the next 7 days.” – After he took off his JJ #48 hat this morning and put on a Red Sox hat!