Back from vacation...

Oh, it's so not good to be home!  Yes, you read that correctly.  I stayed with some friends in upstate New York for a few days in a town named Chittenango (translation:  where the river runs North).  It's the birthplace of Frank L. Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz.  The town is quaint with yellow bricks lining the insides of the sidewalks.  There used to be stores there named The Wizard of Oz Cream and Toto's, but they have gone the way of progress.  Tsk, tsk.

Immediately upon arrival, we plunked the lobsters in the pot to boil -- a rarity for our New York friends -- fresh lobsters!  Here are a few pics before and after and then those who consumed these critters.

Here are the little fellows on the patio.  That's a 3 pounder on the left and the two in the front row are 2 pounders and followed up by 1-1/4 pounders in the rear.

Now THIS is what they should look like!

And THIS is how to enjoy them - with wonderful friends around the kitchen table.

On the far left is my friend, Joyce, who was our hostess for the long weekend.  She lives in a lovely refurbished farmhouse.  Here's a pic of the outside portion of the house.

The Gator is always gassed and ready to run us up thru the properties when we visit a neighbor or just to visit the peaceful countryside.  Here are some shots of the wonderful flowers Joyce grows.  She's a wonderful gardener!  

This is just a small sampling of how beautiful it is around her house.  She also has a vegetable garden that we raid before we leave.  The tomatoes were to die for!

And here we all are.  That's Agnes on the left next to her sister, Martha, then me and Joyce.  The Gator always plays a big part in our pictures!

So, I'm back and ready to get back into the saddle of the rat race again.  Thanks for stopping by.  Ciao for now!

Ciao Bella!