I'm-a lucky girl this summer. I've had the luxury of time to make a few trips around the US to catch up with friends before Peter and I take off on a more serious adventure, 10 weeks in Europe.
I thought I'd test this blog-thing before I go and catch up on the North American jaunts since April.
Mexico - with Sue Sheer and Rhonda Erickson, Mary Muzyka
Highlights: beautiful beaches and the stunning warm blue Caribbean, being lazy, great food, cocktails at sunset on the roof terrace, snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal (and catching a Collectivo to get there) and escaping yet another Spring snow storm!
Chicago - with June Ludewig
Highlights: Going to Book of Mormon and Second City, a walking food tour of Bucktown and Wicker Park and working out the Chicago public transit system.
Philadelphia - with Martha Philpott and family
Highlights: A genuine Philly cheesesteak from the 'home' of the cheesesteak, going to the Jersey shore, watching my first cycling criterium and going to a Philies game. The home town team won too!
North Woods road trip - with sis Linda Barker.
Highlights: Seeing Auntie Bette, cousin Susan and Denny in Faribault; wedding of Meaghan Rediske with cousins Jenny and Missy in Siren, WI; Duluth and the Tall Ships, North Shore of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse; Lumberjack Show, boating on Chippewa Flowage, kayaking the Namakagon River in Hayward WI; returning to my old stomping ground at Madden's resort and boating on Gull Lake in Brainerd MN; and lunch with Laree Breen in Benson.
Ate well and had a blast everywhere I went, but the best parts were catching up with so many people who are dear to me. 
