Hi Followers of our adventures. . .
I got in late Sunday night and hit the sack after a loooong flight. Some had me home sooner, but it was 14-20 Mar. Y'all talked a bit while I did my professional counselor thing. Lots of Beak room posts to answer. . .and 3 cups of relaxed tea.
It was BTW a learning conference in Budapest, Hungary with 8 major river cruise companies' execs and ceos. Brought in 11 ships for touring and discussion. There is no moving of ships; had to hike the pier to find topics presented in which we were interested. Lots of moving of people from point to point doing our job between 8 and 7 each day. Up front, admittedly lots of food, delicious food, breaks/presentations. Most notedly would be the dinner presentation at the new Spago Budapest. Seven years open, in the renovated Matild Palace. A noted Europian restauranteur and Wolfgang Puck owners. Yes, that Wolfgang. Guy is a hoot! Maybe the wine?? Had autographed books; he gave some out. Also gave info on sending a request. Attendees? About 750 pp. But let me stop and reply to the days of posting that you left for me.
Lisa Never tried USA store bought Irish soda bread. Have been Ireland maybe six times and had it there. Unless you have no qualms, go ahead and try it. I have to call it the way it is -- horrid. It in fact should not have caraway seed, raisins, and sugar. Basic flour baking powder and baking soda. Not Good.
What I and most Americans make is American Irish Soda Bread. I make, I got another agent's uncle's recipe. It gets great compliments. Usually make 8 loaves for a spoiled/grateful/super group people. Some told me I was not forgiven for going away; they would however accept a late offering when I returned.
Another tidbit of info frequently unknown -- Chicago area actually has two factions of Irish, northside Irish and southside Irish. Never the twain shall meet. There are
two Chicago Irish Day Parades, their bread is also a wee bit different.
Glad to hear
Amy again has mentioned the possibility of another clutch of NN.
Aryana has already started on a second egg supply. Yeah!
Phyl I've also finished part of my Rte. 66. Chgo does have the starting location (although it had to be adjusted years ago to pave in Lake Shore Drive) in the Loop and has a plaque of recognition. And now, I've been at the end. When in CA for the Rose Bowl festivities, I went over to Santa Monica and the S.M. pier. They also have a large surfboard monument noting the end of Rte. 66 as the "end of the trail".
Flights coming home were a challenge. You no doubt know that schools have started the spring breaks. Two encounters - 190 kids from Princeston Univ on the Bud/Mun flight and 90 on the Mun/ORD flight. Lots of kids, food, instruments, carry-ons, noise - well, you know...at least eventually each group had to take a siesta break.
BTW - I mentioned before somewhere - my heritage is Russian, German, Irish, Italian, and Cherokee. I claim me to be "American."
tsk knows - My PT hard story is two knee replacements, no not at the same time (2 years apart). Worst drug reaction ever. Vicodin. Weird, dark, scary nightmares when I did fall to sleep. Drugs did help when needed, they ween you off as soon as they can. We did home visit therapy Ton and I; that's easier, convenient, and more to my liking. As to tsks' driving. I went to garage with therapist and she said because I was OK getting in and out of the hotrod that I was cleared and could drive. First knee, also signed up for therapy pool time. Other mention is pain. . .Hard and serious maybe week or 10 days. Mobility eases fairly soon.
I'll be making corned beef and cabbage in honor of St. Pat tomorrow. Truth be told I don't do cabbage for me, never did. Ton had cabbage, carrots, potatoes; I have brussel sprouts. Cabbage is too slimy.
Phyl Same situation here - I don't do FB! Tried it a few months years ago; decided it wasn't what I wanted.
Two food facts learned while traveling: 1-Greeks do not put lettuce in Greek salad, use usual veggies though with oil/vinegar/spice 2- No caraway seed/raisins/sugar in real Irish Soda Bread.
Lori You mentioned it was Bandit's BD. How old?
Again, many asked for pics. . . Didn't take any really this trip; busy with the professional routine. But I'll tell you what - I'm even better prepared to help you get your own pics though
I have taken other river cruises: Amsterdam my first, Viking River (and Viking Ocean) cruises, and maybe 5 Alaska river cruisies.
Next, priority to do a Mississippi River Cruise. On the bucket list! Yes, advisors do have a bucket list, too.
Took a book for reading - 2nd "Bob" the cat. A Gift From Bob. Didn't finish. Have to finish that and read the newspapers delivered while gone, too.
Who mentioned "windy city" yesterday?
Clyn Ed? Yes, real sample of that yesterday with 40 and 50 gusts. But, did you know, it isn't a weather commentary. It refers to the blusterly talk of the politicians.
New entertainment on landing at O'Hare. LH has 3 outside mounted cameras. One on the belly looking down, one at the aft/top looking straight ahead, and the real good view is outside the nose at the bottom, looking forward. When landing you see the doors (?) holding the nose tire open, the landing gear goes down into position, and the pilot tries to hit the stripe on the runway smack center. Whew, made it!
E4E Loverly pics of Sheraton Kauai. Lots of "new" now. Really changed since first there - I'm guessing 1980. Last there about 4 years ago. I'm wondering if the road into the property still has the tunnel effect? I heard a lot of trees were lost during a hurricane a couple years back. They also had beautiful grounds of a cactus garden-type display. I see the've switched over to more plants and flowers. Loved your shot of the geiko. I have one there of a geiko hanging on the ceiling over our bed. Guess that didn't change.
Another Irish reply. . .Favorite pub in Ireland? Would be Durty Nelly's in County Clare at Bunratty Castle, est. 1600's. Also associated with adjacent dinner show at the castle. Nice dinner, show, singers, atmosphere. I'll also never forget the pianist, about 80 years old, singing away as long as he had the brews keep coming. We also have a local pub outside Chgo called Durty Nelly's. OK, but not as nice as the real thing.
OOps, missed
Lisa's BD. Sorry it's late. Still taking good wishes?
Found a new tea from Germany - haven't found it in suitcase yet. Favorite foreign tea is also an Irish product. Barry's Classic; not flakey more of a pellet-like leaf.
I've been a few times to Ireland. Local IL/USA sales rep and group gave me a cassette of their songs/singing that I play every year very loudly, and SING ALONG. He tries to make appearance each year at St. Pal northside restaurant/hall and give us an Irish music fix. They are a happy, smiling, people.
It's fun, too, to discover who wears what under their kilts. Not always the same.
Can you tell - my fav other country?
Missed Saturday. . .bummer
Again, sorry no pics. I'll just have to go back again.
I'm always willing. But, we really do work and learn what is new. Also make new friends and meet new contacts. Helps when I need something like a welcome basket for E4E/Kris if I can.
Remember next is to experiment/discover/enjoy one of the new Mississippi River cruises.
Signed autographs of this 1st edition will be given when published.
Thanks for your patience. If I missed anything I'm sorry. Seriously, email or private message me.
P
