Philadelphia - Anna does Philly

We had a good group - Anna, Greg, Dana and me for a day in Philadephia.
As we zoomed into Trenton Anna took her best guess and proclaimed Duck Island the capital of New Jersey. The quizes throughout the day provided a wide range of interesting answers and laughs for all of us.
Mom, Neil and Ed cheered the Vikings on to a victory.
We saw it all and topped it off with Philly cheesesteaks at lunch - with the onions and cheese whiz finisher.
Home in time for Ed's pasta dinner and a quick visit with Sherry and Mike when we took Lara home.

Little Silver/Long Branch - Anna does New Jersey

We made it to Neil and Ed's. We split up to spread the joy. Lara joined us for the weekend so it we a a good crowd.

Lunch at the beach and a great bbq dinner in the evening. Plenty of sun so we all ignored the chill and wind.

Christopher must have gotten 10 miles in just running in circles around the house - and everyone took their turn chasing him.

Twin Cities - Anna does MSP

Off to the East Coast to spend the week with the family in suburban NYC. Both Anna and Greg decided to join us for the adventure this year.
Anna is on her first memorable plane flight. Keeping track of the phone and the boarding pass was the biggest job at MSP while we all gathered together for a little dinner before the flight.
Clear at both the start and finish of the flight so the window seat was the perfect spot to check it all out.
We arrived in Newark on 2 different flights within in minutes of each other - and amazingly early.

Saint Paul - catching up with the Mac guys

An evening full of laughs and stories.
We had to get caught up on the Econ classes, the world in general, the roommates, Danny's rubgy and weight lifting regime and just life in general. And of course Dawit's band of ocean pirates!
We had more than enough to cover and never enough time to do it. Scott and Lindsay were able to join in the fun.
Some contacts with Greg as well.............but not lots of news.

New York - hot and cold

Mid-November and I am wandering the streets of New York in a t-shirt. It was warm enough and humid - and rainy. And icy cold by MOnday morning.
An unexpected few days when a whole trip got changed a few days before the flight was leaving.
Had a shopping list from my sister I was wandering looking to get my duties completed.
Despite the wild economic ride we are on, there were tourists and visitors everywhere.
Back again next week as well!

Moscow - the long short week

A three day work week - but certainly the longest three days I have had in some time. Cold winds blowing all over.
Fortunately, with over 10 million people there are still streets I haven't wandered and discovered what they have to offer. It was a bright sunny day which let the additional coolness sneak in. And there is always a breeze, if not a gust, from the north to let you know it is only going to get uglier.
A sunny day, no matter how cool and windy, is enough to get me out and wandering for most of the day. Once on the street you have to pay too much attention to not being hit by vehicles to have anything else on your mind for balance of the walk.
As a walker in Moscow, you have to understand that the cars will hit you - no regrets. If you think they are looking for you or will slow down and stop - it means it is your first day here. A good way to get your attention completely focused!