Gotta love that this realization comes on the cusp of two vacations. So even if I do start posting, there will be a hiatus somewhere in the midst of it.

Am I back? Maybe. Got to think about this a little more… and maybe get some blog-spiration from the animals or Goose.

See you soon…?

We hope yours was happy!

That’s Grammy giving Goose a smooch at the Cape last summer.

Heavenly…

I never tire of taking pictures of my sleeping Goose. From the first day he arrived, until now, I still think he’s a precious angel when he’s slumbering.

The night before, the Geek and I attended Auntie’s going-away party. After 15 years of living and working in Manhattan, Auntie is moving on. She’s ready for a change and will now acquaint herself with a new city–Boston. We’re thrilled for her, but sad to see her go. And, of course, now we’re realizing that we didn’t spend nearly enough time in the city with her as we should have. Suffice it to say that we will always think of New York as “Auntie’s City.” Even Goose says so!

This past Wednesday, Goose and I spent the day in New York with Auntie. She wanted to take one of the big open-topped-bus tours of Upper Manhattan. She was curious to hear what they would say about the Upper West Side, her neighborhood–turns out “it’s one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Manhattan.” We knew that!

Although she had seen all of the sights before, it was a nice way for Auntie to bid farewell to New York and usher in a new chapter of her life. We know she’ll do great!

She was born on October 1. And, yes, we’re a little delayed in posting a picture. Goose and I visited Grammy and Grampy last week, where we met, held, and snuggled her. She’s an absolute sweet pea and barely uttered a peep the whole time. She’s a big fan of sleeping–and we hope she stays that way!

Goose adored her–and asks daily when he can see her again! Very soon, I hope.

Here’s a recent picture of him and Goose from our visit to a local pumpkin farm last week…

It’s been forever since I posted. My aplogies. My trip to England was–as this post is entitled!–absolutely brilliant. I don’t think it was what my sister and I had imagined it would be, but it was a lot of fun. We stayed in a gorgeous cottage in Stafford, which I highly, highly recommend. From there, we drove around the country and explored–to Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon, Chester, and Stafford itself. We also spent two days touring London.

My sister and I had not spent that much time together since we were very little. But we survived! I think we got to know each other a lot better, and I know that we shared many wonderful adventures that are now terrific memories. Whenever I think of our trip, I can’t help but smile.

Here are a few photos…

The path leading to Stafford Castle, Stafford.

Aberdyfi, Wales

The Eye, Big Ben, and Parliament, London

A swan with a boat named Juliet, Stratford-upon-Avon

Clock tower, Chester

God save the Queen! Cheers!

Goose and the Geek are staying home. This will be the longest time I’ve been away from my “baby” ever. I’m sad. And I feel guilty. At the wonderful suggestion of my friends J and T, I made special postcards for Goose–one for each day I’m away. I used lots of stickers and bright colors and tried to convey just how much I love him. I’m not sure he’ll get it, but I hope he will enjoy receiving them.

The trip is bittersweet for another reason–my friend JB was supposed to join us. She broke her ankle last weekend and cannot make the trip. I think I’m still in denial. The three of us have been planning this trip for months now, and I still can’t believe she isn’t coming. You will be missed, JB.

I have lots of packing to do and last minute details to wrap up. And after re-reading this, I think I need to cheer up a little, too! I’m going on vacation! I don’t have to listen to crabbing and whining and demands for snacks and juice for an entire week. WOO-HOO!

Wishing our gorgeous, sweet, and very patient Pug, a wonderful 8th birthday!

We love you Alistair!