3rdof4

Trying to get back to some kind of home routine, one more time.  After my trips for work to California, I actually managed to take a vacation week.  It was planned a while ago, my annual trip to New England with my GA sister to see our NC and CT sisters.  There is nothing like getting together for memories and good old-fashioned giggle sessions.  

This time instead of me driving up and down the east coast, we took the Amtrak train from Raleigh, NC to New Haven, CT.  Yes, I will be planning to do this again next year, the train was comfortable, allowed us to stretch our legs, no traffic jams, no tolls or bridges.  It was great for people viewing (I'm one of those folks who go to football games to enjoy the other people, not necessarly the actual game).  The route we chose was to switch trains in DC rather than NY.  I adore DC's Union Sation, it has restaurants, stores, art exhibits, tourist information, cinemas and the light streams down thru 3 stories of marble.  We were there 3 hours going to New Haven and 3 hrs returning to Raleigh.  Well worth the waiting, we saw a cross section of families, college kids going home for the summer, school groups, international tourists, military, govt employees and as always were reminded of just how bad the economy has gotten.  Most packed their own food and drinks, we did too, to save money.  Much of the conversation around us, reflected the need to watch budgets and  try to find ways to keep the younger chidren entertained with objects brought along rather than spending for new.  Anyone who has a stable job and a place to live is so fortunate, I know I am, it wasn't that long ago that I had no job and was in danger of no home.  Just watching and reading about the election in Iran and the escape of the NYT reporter after 7 months as a hostage has me appreciating my life even more. 

On a lighter note, my two nieces also had a few milestones that I was able to help them celebrate.  One had their Junior Prom, the other graduated from 8th grade.  Lordy, I can't believe they are so grown up! 

As far as my fan stuff, I still miss my shows and are waiting for them to start again:  Burn Notice, Leverage, Castle and Bones.  A new show that sounds good is Warehouse 13, probably because Joe Flanigan is one of the guest stars.  I am very impatient for the end of June, SGA Season 5 DVDs will be arriving, the behind the scene features will be the first things I will be watching within minutes of getting them.

I also have some Dreamwidth invitation codes if anyone is interested, just send me an email and I'll reply with the invitation.

A picture of Union Station with the light just perfect:  http://family.webshots.com/photo/2094805300032984860GvHLSu
 
My two nieces all dressed up:  http://family.webshots.com/photo/2778126490032984860HBXYDk

One more picture with my favorite Team from a site I still check daily:  http://community.livejournal.com/face_of_joe/65796.html