Here is a very special message from CatholicVote.org:
Dear Friend of CV,
What are you planning to do for the Fortnight for Freedom?
Not sure what's happening in your area?
We can help.
Today we released a national Fortnight events tool on our website where you can look-up and see what Fortnight activities are happening in your diocese or parish.
And if you know of an event that’s not on our website, you can let us know and we’ll update it!
Check out the Fortnight Events in your town!
Our Bishops have asked every Catholic to engage in 14 days of prayer, study and public witness for religious freedom.
The Fortnight is a powerful sign of solidarity for Catholics in the United States. You can attend Mass, go to prayer events, attend conferences, educational seminars or public events to show your support for religious liberty.
During this Fortnight, let’s recommit ourselves to fighting for our Faith and for our freedom!
This is a huge historic moment for Catholics in America.
Look up, publicize, and take part in a Fortnight for Freedom event right now at CatholicVote.org!
Sincerely,
Brian Burch
President
CatholicVote.org
25 Haziran 2012 Pazartesi
Events Schedule: Fortnight To Freedom; 6/21 - 7/4
Home Sales Fall Again; Home Ownership Down
Sales of single-family existing homes slipped 1.5% in May from a month earlier, according to data released today by the National Association of Realtors. Experts say the drop, which came during the historically busy spring season, suggests the housing market has a way to go to recover. If anything, the ranks of American homeowners are dwindling.The homeownership rate in the U.S. fell slightly from 66% to 65% during the first quarter of 2012 — the lowest in 15 years, according to the latest data by the U.S. Census.
Sphere: Related ContentObama Completely Ignores Constitution Anniversary
Thursday marked the 224th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. But there was no word out of the White House about this. None at all.
The White House website did not mention the anniversary in its blog or any other portion of its website. According to the White House schedule, President Obama was scheduled to deliver a speech about student loan interest rates.
This is hardly the first time that something like this has happened. Obama has come under fire for failing to celebrate other anniversaries, including the June 6 D-Day invasions that marked the turn of World War II.
Don't Miss Great Food At The British Chip Shop!
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner al fresco last night at The British Chip Shop.
The British Chip Shop celebrates the culinary traditions of the British Isles, serving authentic fish and chips, soups, stews, healthy salads, pastries, and seasonal favorites.
Located on beautiful Kings Highway in the heart of historic Haddonfield, NJ, this lovely BYOB restaurant is open seven days for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.Last evening we tried the fish 'n chips (naturally) and the Chip Shop salad. The fish 'n chips are available in three sizes ($9, $12 and $15). In honor of the Queen's Jubilee, we chose the queen size ($12) and delighted in market-fresh flaky white fish with tarter sauce and the fresh cut fries with malt vinegar. What we liked about it was this: the fish was tender and the crust was crispy and not greasy. The salad ($10) featured roasted chicken, Irish cheddar, walnuts, Granny Smith apples and greens. Perfect for a summer evening!Other specialties here include shrimp 'n chips, cornish pastry, ploughman's platter, chicken 'n mushroom pie, bangers 'n mash and a Big Ben burger featuring black angus beef, onion, topped with Sarson's mayonnaise, tomato, greens, cheddar or Stilton cheese and caramelized onion.We also tried the house shortbread -- buttery, sweet cookies that send you home on a cloud.The staff at The British Chip Shop is most attentive and the service is prompt and efficient.The local proprieters are happy to welcome you.This is truly rare: An authentic British eatery in South Jersey nestled in the center of a charming and historic town with a beguiling streetscape. It's wonderful!BTW: While you're in town be sure to visit the English Gardener Gift Shop across the street which offers a distinctive selection of British foods, pub decor and gifts for the home and garden.
The shop carries Barbarian rugby jerseys and licensed Guinness apparel, along with a large assortment of teas, sweets and biscuits from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Stu Bykofsky: A One-Of-A-Kind Philly Character
Stu Bykofsky is a Philadelphia treasure.
Stu Bykofsky has been a columnist with the Philadelphia Daily News since 1987. Prior to the column, his assignments included theater critic, TV critic, copy editor and general assignment features reporter. Stu is a native of New York City but you'd never know it. His love of Philadelphia is so true and so relentless that you could swear he was born and raised on one of Philly's neighborhood street corners.As a journalist, Stu's writing is in the tradition of Damon Runyon and H. L. Mencken. He can be outraged, funny, fearless, irascible, profane, compassionate or provocative at any given moment -- and sometimes all of these things at once. To be sure, he does not mince words.It should come as no surprise that Stu has won numerous public service and journalism awards. His professional affiliations include the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and Philadelphia's Pen and Pencil Club. And he supports civil-rights, human-rights and animal causes.He's been at the Daily News for 40 years now* and on Friday evening at the behest of Daily News columnist Dan Gross and Steve Esack of the Allentown Morning Call (both Bykofsky proteges) a group of Stu's friends gathered at Philly's Pen & Pencil Club to salute him. It was a wonderful evening -- full of funny stories, warm memories and keen observations on the state of journalism in general and the newspaper business (such as it is) in particular.Since Stu is an animal lover also on hand were some traveling treasures from the Philadelphia Zoo including a snake, a lizard and a wise old owl.We hope you enjoy these photos from a unique evening -- a happy collection of animals (human and otherwise) who are part of the legion of Stu's avid admirers. *BTW: Stu assures us that he'll keep on writing just as long as the Daily News keeps on publishing. Buy the paper!
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| Stu Bykofsky (left) Steve Esack and Dan Gross (right). |
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| Stu with a mock Daily News front page saluting his 40 years. |
24 Haziran 2012 Pazar
Stars Fell on Alabama
I've been spending this last week in my home state of Alabama and have been having a blast! I'm here for a very important reason that I will be announcing soon, but I am just not totally ready to share with the whole world yet.So while I've been doing plenty of top secret important things, I've also squeezed in time for fun as well. I finally got my hair done because I was tired of describing my hair color as, "dishwater blonde," or "dirty blonde." Heck, someone even had the nerve to call me a brunette the other day! The horrors! So now I'm more of a "sun kissed blonde." And I'm loving it.
I've been eating delicious Mexican food, pizza from Mellow Mushroom, and cupcakes from Gigi's (I die for Gigi's). And I've been spending time with my mother, old high school friends, and my baby sister...Just so you know, my "baby sister" is a lab named Carlee. And yes she is the most spoiled rotten dog on this Earth, she even wakes my mom up in the middle night for a midnight snack! But I guess she makes up for her rottenness by being pretty cute and pretty sweet most of the time.
I've sure been enjoying this slow Alabama pace of life, but I'm more than ready to get back to California on Thursday because I'm missing my husband something fierce. As I always do. Is it love or just stifling codependency? Just kidding, pretty sure it's just love.
Song of the Day: Stars Fell on Alabama by Jimmy Buffett
Mary Pat Christie Announces New Scholarship Program
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| First Lady Mary Pat Christie announces the New Jersey Heroes Heart of a Hero Scholarship Program at the Armory in Riverdale. Walmart is providing $100,000 for the scholarship program. |
First Lady Mary Pat Christie today announced a $100,000 scholarship program through her New Jersey Heroes initiative that will help military service members pursue a post-secondary education or vocational training. The Heart of a Hero Scholarship program will give New Jerseyans who have served our state and country another resource to draw upon in order to make their higher education and career goals a reality. Walmart is donating $100,000 for the effort to fund ten $10,000 scholarships to be awarded in time for the 2012-13 school-year.
“We owe so much to our courageous veterans for their sacrifice and service to New Jersey and the nation,” said First Lady Mary Pat Christie. “I’m proud that New Jersey Heroes has this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our military members with the Heart of a HeroScholarship - helping these service men and women to achieve their dreams for a successful career and future.”
“Private sector partnerships are vital to projects like Heart of a Hero,” added Mrs. Christie. “Walmart’s generous contribution of $100,000 for these student scholarships is going to make the difference for 10 of our state’s veterans to pursue college.”
According to an American Council on Education report, active-duty and veteran students represent 4% of all undergraduates enrolled in post-secondary education. The study also indicates that student-veterans tend to be older than traditional students with 85% aged 24 or older. In addition, 43% of students with military experience attended public two-year institutions, 21% attended public four-year institutions, 12% enrolled in private nonprofit institutions, and 12% enrolled in private for-profit institutions.
Military undergraduates face a variety of issues including transitioning from military life to student life and difficulty in financing their education.
“New Jersey Heroes recognizes and celebrates the inspiring work being done by individuals and non-profit organizations across the Garden State,” noted Mrs. Christie. “In that spirit, the recipients of the Heart of a Hero Scholarship will continue to embody these same ideals through volunteerism and community service.”
Applicants for the Heart of a Hero Scholarship must meet several program criteria: 1) be a United States citizen and New Jersey resident; 2) be a high school graduate or have a high school equivalency diploma (GED); 3) served in the military; 4) submit a letter stating goals and how the scholarship will be used; 5) enroll as a student at an accredited college/university or a vocational training school in pursuit of a degree for the 2012-13 school year; 6) demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and community contribution, in the spirit of New Jersey Heroes.
“Walmart is honored to join First Lady Mary Pat Christie in supporting the New Jersey Heroes Heart of a Hero Scholarship Program,” said Jennifer Hoehn, Senior Manager of Public Affairs for New Jersey for Walmart Stores, Inc. “As one of the nation’s largest employers of veterans and those on active duty, Walmart recognizes the important role that the military, veterans and their families play in our nation.”
Service members interested in applying for the Heart of a Hero Scholarship must fully complete the application form either online at the New Jersey Heroes website: http://newjerseyheroes.org by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2012 or submit an application via US Mail postmarked no later than July 20, 2012 and mailed to NJ Heroes, P.O. Box 95, Mendham, NJ 07945-0095. Application deadline is Friday, July 20, 2012.
New Jersey Heroes is an initiative of First Lady Mary Pat Christie that showcases the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities. To nominate a hero, go to http://newjerseyheroes.org and follow the application instructions to submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.
Sandusky: Guilty On 45 Of 48 But Not On Most Serious
Tonight, a jury in Centre Counrty, PA. convicted Jerry Sandusky on 45 counts of sexual abuse.
The jury’s verdict came shortly before 10 p.m. and the jury convicted him on all counts of victim Nos. 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
But, he was found not guilty of the most serious charge, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of victim 2 and a count of indecent assault against victim 5 and victim 6.
Jerry Sandusky looked down as the jury foreman read the verdict. So now, this verdict brings an end to a trial whose criminal case rocked Penn State and the community. This led to the firing of head football coach Joe Paterno and and university President Graham Spanier, charges against two university administrators, and the closing of the charity Sandusky started.
Click here to read more.
Seasons 52 Debuts Summer Menu, New Steak Dish
Seasons 52, the highly-acclaimed fresh grill and wine bar restaurant, introduced its new summer menu on June 19, headlined by the debut of an 11-ounce Piedmontese All-Natural Bone-In Strip Steak – a lean, tender cut of beef becoming popular in sophisticated eateries across the country. This distinctive entrée captures Seasons 52’s “right for the times” approach to dining by featuring fresh seasonal offerings and a diverse selection of ingredients. Seasons 52’s new summer appetizers, entrees and signature Mini Indulgence will be available for lunch and dinner through mid-September.
“We are extremely excited to introduce our guests to the Piedmontese All-Natural Bone-In Strip Steak on our summer menu. A unique offering for steak lovers to enjoy, Piedmontese beef is tender, flavorful and lean,” said Cliff Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52. “Along with the Piedmontese beef, the summer menu features a variety of grilled vegetables, seafood and poultry that depict the essence of the season.”
Named after a breed of cattle originally found in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, Seasons 52’s Piedmontese beef is range-raised in Nebraska and grass-fed with an all-natural diet. Seasons 52 will serve the Piedmontese Bone-In Strip Steak “steakhouse style” with a red wine reduction and cremini mushrooms and accompanied by grilled jumbo asparagus and fingerling potatoes.
In addition to the Piedmontese Bone-In Strip Steak, guests will also delight in other new summer menu items, including:
Organic Tomatoes with Warm Crusted Mozzarella* – organic tomatoes and warm-crusted Mozzarella, micro greens, basil, pesto vinaigrette
Chilled Lobster & Shrimp Spring Rolls* – cool salsa verde, aromatic lemongrass, sweet-hot red chili
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Cavatappi Pasta – caramelized garlic, organic tomatoes, fresh broccoli
Summer Vegetarian Tasting – “grains of life,” soft taco, chili relleno, vegetables, cedar roasted tofu, mango chutney
Berry Cheesecake Mini Indulgence* – cheesecake, fresh blueberries, raspberry sauce and graham cracker crumbs
Seasons 52’s Master Sommelier George Miliotes has added a new wine to his “Drink These Before They Become Famous” list. Jam Jar Moscato 2011 Western Cape-South Africa joins George’s handpicked selection of must-try wines for the season.
“Jam Jar Moscato is a refreshing and approachable wine for summer,” said Miliotes. “With flavors of peach, apricot, lychees and orange blossom, it is a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.”
Seasons 52 changes its menu four times a year with weekly fresh features to truly capture the flavors of the season. Each valued guest can be guaranteed the highest quality fresh food, prepared without compromising great taste or a rich and complete dining experience. Nothing on the menu is more than 475 calories, from the signature flatbreads and appetizers, to all entrees and the popular Mini Indulgence desserts.
*Denotes items that we have tasted and particularly recommend.
We also highly recommend the Wild Alaskan Copper River Salmon available for a limited time.
About Seasons 52
Seasons 52, which debuted in 2003, is a fresh grill and wine bar that provides guests with a fresh dining experience, enabling them to celebrate living well. The menu is orchestrated by award-winning Chef Clifford Pleau, and is inspired by the seasons and the fresh appeal of the farmers’ market – 52 weeks a year. The award-winning wine list created and developed by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – one of over 180 Master Sommeliers worldwide – is consistently praised for its diverse international selection of 100 wines, including more than 52 offered by the glass. Seasons 52 is recognized as a forward-thinking restaurant concept that is “right for the times” and always offers guests something new to discover.
Seasons 52 currently operates 23 restaurants in 13 states across the country and will open additional restaurants in Santa Monica (Ocean and Broadway), and Los Angeles (Century City), Calif., as well as Dallas (NorthPark Center), Texas in autumn 2012; Houston (Westheimer), Texas, Sacramento (Arden Fair Mall) and San Diego (Westfield UTC), Calif., as well as Edison (Menlo Park Mall), N.J., in spring 2013; Memphis (Crescent Center), Tenn., in autumn 2013; and Princeton (MarketFair), N.J., in spring 2014. For more information, please visit Seasons52.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Don't Miss Great Food At The British Chip Shop!
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner al fresco last night at The British Chip Shop.
The British Chip Shop celebrates the culinary traditions of the British Isles, serving authentic fish and chips, soups, stews, healthy salads, pastries, and seasonal favorites.
Located on beautiful Kings Highway in the heart of historic Haddonfield, NJ, this lovely BYOB restaurant is open seven days for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.Last evening we tried the fish 'n chips (naturally) and the Chip Shop salad. The fish 'n chips are available in three sizes ($9, $12 and $15). In honor of the Queen's Jubilee, we chose the queen size ($12) and delighted in market-fresh flaky white fish with tarter sauce and the fresh cut fries with malt vinegar. What we liked about it was this: the fish was tender and the crust was crispy and not greasy. The salad ($10) featured roasted chicken, Irish cheddar, walnuts, Granny Smith apples and greens. Perfect for a summer evening!Other specialties here include shrimp 'n chips, cornish pastry, ploughman's platter, chicken 'n mushroom pie, bangers 'n mash and a Big Ben burger featuring black angus beef, onion, topped with Sarson's mayonnaise, tomato, greens, cheddar or Stilton cheese and caramelized onion.We also tried the house shortbread -- buttery, sweet cookies that send you home on a cloud.The staff at The British Chip Shop is most attentive and the service is prompt and efficient.The local proprieters are happy to welcome you.This is truly rare: An authentic British eatery in South Jersey nestled in the center of a charming and historic town with a beguiling streetscape. It's wonderful!BTW: While you're in town be sure to visit the English Gardener Gift Shop across the street which offers a distinctive selection of British foods, pub decor and gifts for the home and garden.
The shop carries Barbarian rugby jerseys and licensed Guinness apparel, along with a large assortment of teas, sweets and biscuits from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
23 Haziran 2012 Cumartesi
March
I haven't posted all month. Wow. I suck.
It was a pretty good month, besides today (the last day of it) I got water on my iPhone and it died. I think it's done. It's in a bag o rice right now. It was still working after the water got on it and was luckily able to write down my crush's phone number. Then it went dead.
Oh well, I can use an upgrade and finally get the iPhone 4. It all works out. I'll just be short $200 bux. I will just have to not spend much next paycheck to get back to my saving for my convertible mini cooper. <3
I saw my crush today but he did not talk to me. I got a wave. His co worker, who has a crush on me, talked with me though. I guess you want what you can't have. Although, I am still trying to figure out why the hell I would want a player.
Work is going good. It's busy and stressful, but I am learning a lot and feel more confident in myself.
Here are photos from the month of March:
made cupcakes
my buddy played at the ventura theater
morning sunrise
beautiful sunsets
sharon tate inspired make up
got my hair did!
st. patty's day!
my friend painted a photo of me!
happy bday to two of the greatest guys!
goodbye iPhone 3GS
“There’s no need to miss someone from your past- There’s a reason they didn’t make it to your future” – Unknown
It's been really sunny and warm outside (or rather hot!) and it's another reminder that summer swimsuit seasonis on it's way. I need to get my butt to the gym and work it out. I want to actually feel confident in a bikini and actually wear one this summer.I had a fun weekend. Partied all Friday night and slept all Saturday.If I didn't love to sleep, i'd be pissed for wasting my whole day off in bedbut I love to sleep.
I am offically not wasting my time on guys anymore.I really am just through.What I will do is go on dates if i am askedbut I will not have any expectations.I also need to learn to not be so quick to say no.Just because they are not a certain someonedoes not mean it isn't meant to be.Obviously, me and a certain someone will never bebecause he has changed and become someoneI do not recognize.It's sad when that happens.Esp when you just really adore 'emand look up to 'emand then they morph into a jackass.
So from now on, I am going to be the best I can beand just be.
P.S. Loving my Iphone 4 :)
SUMMER
It's starting to feel a lot like summer! Although, I am not one who likes the heat much, I do miss wearing dresses and open toed heels. :) This summer I will...*make an effort to go to the beach*get some color on my white legs!*go swimming*keep on workin out so I can feel comfortable in shorts. (if i get the courage to wear em in public)*drink lots of lemonade!*take lots of photos (with my cam not only my iphone)*KEEP SAVING FOR MY MINI COOPER !!!it's a beautiful mornin'
I watched Time Travelers Wife which was pretty good. I am a sucker for Rachel McAdams movies. Love her. I walked to the local Chinese food place, picked up some Kung Pao and then walked home and enjoyed the deliciousness.
Monday night I went to Target to see if they had Never Let Me Go. Figured they wouldn't, since it's a British film. I ran into my friends younger brother and as we were talking in the DVD section, when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted it!!! I bought it and immediately went home to watch it! It was so good and so sad. I kind of want to watch it again. I am a sucker for any Keira Knightley movie. haha.
Last weekend I went to a BBQ birthday party for a friend. I took Greg with me. Good times. We drank Polish beer. Nom. We went out to Cho Cho San's that night and devoured sushi.
Friday was Good Friday and we had no work, so I went vintage shopping with Shawn out in Hollywood on Melrose. We ate lunch at the Snake Pit Ale House (and enjoyed a couple ale's). I found the cutest vintage leather vest from Argentina and the cutttest 70's baby doll dress with pretty flowers on it. Love.
Jerry's Deli is so yum
I got my hair done this weekend! Lightened it up a bit for summer. I like it. Thankfully I've got a tan now, so it helps to not wash me out. Speaking of tan...I got St. Tropez self tanner from Sephora. It works AMAZING!!! I am loving it so very much! :)
Hung out in Westwood with Katie last weekend. Here are some photos..
P.S. We ate at Jerry's deli for lunch. I ate the yummiest mushroom, grilled onions and motzorella cheese pinini on cheddar cheese bread. <3
21 Haziran 2012 Perşembe
The Reception
When we first arrived it was sunny, but cold as the wind was starting to blow. This photo was actually taken on the way out, but you can see what a gorgeous house it was.
As we were walking up to the house, I tripped over the edge of the sidewalk & down I fell. Just call me Grace. Luckily nothing was hurt except for my ego.
The reception was to be held in the backyard, but the weather was turning bad real fast.
They placed all the tables as close to the house as possible. Trying to keep them all under the patio overhang.
There was a chocolate fountain. Which was great fun once the wind kicked up. Chocolate ended up getting everywhere.
It was so cold outside that everyone ended up inside. We mostly hung out downstairs in the game room/home theater. This room was fabulous. The seats for the home theater were so comfy. Mike & Brandon had front row seats. In the 2nd row we have Cathi (bride's mom) talking to Tyler's friend, with Tyler talking to his aunt from his mom's side of the family. Sorry but I don't remember her name right now.
This is their TV. It was huge. Perfect for watching a movie. The fireplace was pretty fab as well. It was a gas fire & made the room nice & toasty. Julianna was goofing off a bit in this photo.I was so enamored with this house that I mostly took photos of the house & not of the family.
The basement had a basketball court of all things. Doesn't everyone have a basketball court in their basement?
And they keep their pool heated to 85 degrees. When it started raining later, steam was rising up from the pool.
And because it was so cold outside, the favorite place to hang out was the outdoor fireplace. And I have no idea who these people are. But I'm sure Daniella and Dusty do.
Finally the bride and groom arrived. Daniella looks so happy.
This little girl was so happy to see Daniella. But she forgot she had chocolate on her hands. So chocolate got on Daniella's dress. But Dusty was so cute. He made sure that someone helped get the chocolate off. So all was well.
The cake was originally outside. And it didn't have these flowers on it when we first arrived. It seems the flowers that were on the cake when I first saw it were all wilted. They wilted from being in the fridge or freezer. So Dusty came to the rescue again. He took apart one of the bridesmaid's bouquets and placed the fresh flowers on the cake. Another tragedy averted.
Everyone gathered in the kitchen for the cake cutting. I did take a video, but the photographer was in the way the whole time so it's not worth posting as you can't see a thing.Then I took a video of Daniella & Dusty feeding each other the cake, but for some reason my camera didn't focus. Another video that was a dud.
But I did get this photo of Dusty's toast. Too bad I took the photo when the glass was in front of his face.
Here is the view from the living room area looking into the kitchen. And by the way, I'm in love with this black buffet. I need it in my house.
Isn't this the best photo? It was taken the night that Dusty proposed to Daniella. He set up the camera & put it on a timer. That way they still had a very private intimate moment, but had it documented forever as well. I love how they are in silhouette.
When the reception first started everyone was downstairs here in the game room. But once the cake was to be cut, everyone moved upstairs so I was able to get a better photo of the gameroom. And I have no idea who these kids are either.And have you noticed that I haven't really taken any photos of family members? I told you I was more interested in taking photos of the house. I need a house like this.
I never did get any photos of Mom, Dad, Jodi or Todd. Mom, Dad & Jodi ended up leaving early as the weather had turned really bad. The wind was howling and the rain poured down.
Here are a couple of videos that did turn out of Daniella throwing the bouquet and Dusty throwing the garter.
A little story about the throwing of the bouquet. Todd's oldest daughter Mari really wanted to catch the bouquet in the worst way. But she started out at the very back of the pack of girls. Mike saw her & knew because she was short that she didn't have a chance in catching the bouquet. So he grabbed her & moved her to the front. And lucky for Mari that he moved her as she was able to catch the bouquet. Mari was one happy girl after that.
Well that is the end of Daniella & Dusty's wedding and reception. Tomorrow I'll share what we did on the rest of our little vacation.
Kim