INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (8017,1,'2011-10-23 19:16:06','2011-10-24 02:16:06','<strong><em>Editor\'s Note:  This is a guest post Mary-Alice D. aka Mom. </em></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHello everyone,  I am Michelle\'s mom, Mary-Alice.  Michelle asked me to be a guest blogger for today.     So what better way to keep the magic of Tuscany simmering than to simmer a big pot of Tuscan Bean Soup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMichelle flew home from Italy via Houston.  We had kept the grandpup, Bella, here with us while her mom was biking her way through the magic of Tuscany.  Michelle had to fly here to pick up little Bella and also spend a few days with her family.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe arrived here and was going to spend a few days with us which was a very good thing since she had a massive headache from her head colliding with the pavement in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.  She needed rest and some good nourishing food.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe told me she had tasted the best bean soup in the world in Tuscany.  Would I please make a pot of it, Momma Mia.  She might have said Momma Mia to add to the entire Tuscan experience.   She didn\'t yet have the exact recipe for it but Fabio 1 was working on getting it for her.  Instead she had a little cookbook that she purchased while there and surely there was a bean soup in it that we could use.  So, we opened her book, perused the recipes and found one.  A quick trip to Whole Foods aka Whole Paycheck to purchase all the fresh ingredients and we were ready to cook.  We even bought several loaves of their very best Chiabatta bread to have with the luscious soup and some expensive aged Parmesan Cheese to grate on top of the soup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI chopped, sautéed, simmered and made the biggest honking pot of Tuscan Bean Soup on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.  The rest of the family was invited over  to eat dinner that night.  Michelle\'s younger sister, Jennie,  the World\'s Best Son-In-Law, World\'s Most Precious Granddaughter and World\'s Most Precious Grandson arrived with great anticipation and tummies waiting to be filled and partake of this Tuscan feast!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGreat bowls of steaming soup were ladled out and set before the eager diners and then it happened.  It was not magical and it was basically tasteless!  Now I make the Portuguese version of this soup.  Portuguese babies are weaned from their mother\'s milk (mine were bottle fed) on Portuguese Bean Soup which is heaven in a bowl!  What went wrong?  Well I scanned the ingredients and I did put everything in that pot that the recipe called for.  However, there was nothing in that recipe to give it the flavor that would roll across the taste buds and make us groan with pleasure.  It was a huge disappointment!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMichelle and I were discussing how tasteless this soup actually was and World\'s Most Precious  Grandson who I might add now towers over me overheard us.  He said, \"Nana, I didn\'t want to say anything to hurt your feelings but it really didn\'t have any taste.\"   I told him thank you for sparing my feelings but all I did was follow the recipe.  I consider myself a good cook and it really bothered me that this was such an abysmal failure!  I vowed to try and fix this soup and make it yummy.  I would go to work on it again in a day or two by adding a few magic ingredients to the pot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMichelle flew home the next day leaving me in tears because I knew I would miss her and Bella terribly.  The next time I will see them will be Christmas.  I was also very worried about her massive headache.  I wanted her to go to urgent care here but she said no and that she would see a doctor at home if she continued to feel so miserable.  We just chalked it up to a really bad case of jet lag!  Little did we know that she had suffered a concussion!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe day after Michelle left for home  I vowed to fix that soup.  I needed to doctor it up and make it taste good.  I got out the leftover soup, poured it into my soup pot and brought it to a simmer.  I stirred in a big blob of Better  Than Boullon Chicken Base.  I opened my pantry closet up to see what else I had in there that I could add to the pot to make it speak to our taste buds.  Eureka!!!  I had a package of precooked bacon.  According to my grandson, everything tastes better with bacon.  Did you know you can even find chocolate bars with bacon!  I pulled out several slices and cut them up into bite size pieces and threw that in the pot.  It smelled divine simmering away.  I served up two bowls one for me and one for World\'s Best Husband aka Saint Larry to many of our friends and family members.  We sat down lifted the spoons to our lips and then it happened..........Magic in a bowl of hot steaming Tuscan Bean Soup......with a Portuguese twist!  Buon Appetito!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the recipe for the soup which I have changed to make a much tastier version of it. Please note that when I made it I had to double it to feed the crowd at my house.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTuscan Bean and Escarole Soup (Fajioli &amp; Scarole)\n\nCannellini Beans and Escarole\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIngredients:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n3 large escarole heads (about 2.5 lbs.)\n\n2 cans (15 oz. each) Cannellini Beans\n\n60 ounces chicken stock (use Swanson lower sodium)\n\n2 - 3 tablespoons of Better Than Bullion Chicken Base (It can be found by the bullion in the soup aisle)\n\n1 large stalk celery chopped in small pieces\n\n1 large carrot chopped fine\n\n1 medium onion chopped fine\n\n3 large garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)\n\n1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (look on the label.  Anything under .8 acidity is good)\n\n1 tsp dried red Pepperoncini flakes (red pepper flakes)\n\nsalt and pepper (added to your bowl of soup)\n\n1 entire package of the precooked bacon slices cut up into bite sized pieces.  (since it is already cooked just cut them up and put in the pot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn a large soup pot saute\' the onion, garlic and red pepper flakes until a nice golden color.  Then add the chicken stock to this and the cut up bacon.  While that is coming to a boil clean and chop up your carrot and celery.  Add that to the pot.  Let simmer one hour.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDrain and rinse your beans and add to the pot.  Simmer for 45 minutes.   When that has cooked take a potato masher or an immersion blender and puree right in the pot a small amount of the beans to make the broth a little thicker.  Don\'t puree it all just about a third or a little more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the meantime clean your escarole by removing the outer leaves and discarding.  Wash and rinse well.  Chop up the escarole.  This looks like a tremendous amount of Escarole but believe me it will boil down to nothing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the beans have simmered in the broth for 45 minutes and you have done the pureeing put in the escarole.  Cover and cook approx 15 - 20 minutes or until tender.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLadle into soup bowls drizzle a little olive oil on top and salt and pepper to your taste.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nServe with a nice artisan bread and a dipping oil* or bread and butter (real butter).    Don\'t ruin the experience by using margarine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*Dipping oil:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSlice 3 to 4 cloves garlic\n\n1/2  tsp sea salt\n\n1 tsp. fresh ground coarse pepper\n\n1 tsp dried basil\n\n1 tsp dried rosemary\n\n1/2 cup good Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (look on the label.  Anything under .8 acidity is good)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPour the olive oil in a saute\' pan.  Add the salt, ground pepper and herbs and garlic.  Saute\' until the garlic turns a nice golden color.  Turn off the heat and let sit for 1 hour.  Remove the garlic and pour into a dish to serve with bread.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMichelle, this is a link to a picture of the Better Than Bullion Chicken Base that I used:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhttp://www.superiortouch.com/uploads/products/product-31.jpg','Day 362:  Can The Magic Of Tuscany Be Re-Created In A Pot Of Bean Soup?','','inherit','open','open','','8001-revision-5','','','2011-10-23 19:16:06','2011-10-24 02:16:06','',8001,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/23/8001-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7462,1,'2011-09-05 01:11:10','2011-09-05 08:11:10','[caption id=\"attachment_7467\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I can&#39;t remember exactly from which Christmas Past, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7467 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/02/day-339-a-visit-from-my-fairy-godmothers/\" target=\"_blank\">BOTH fairy godmothers</a></strong> came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>HOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7468\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Fashionable Polycarbonate Durability. (Bonus: Spinner Wheels!!!!!)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7468    \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your shopping filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?  Wheels that make lugging easier?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista','','publish','open','open','','day-341-luggage-fashionista','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/02/day-339-a-visit-from-my-fairy-godmothers/','2011-09-04 20:13:44','2011-09-05 03:13:44','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7462',0,'post','',17),(7463,1,'2011-09-04 19:05:24','2011-09-05 02:05:24','I\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designer with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing, and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOf course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their personal belongings.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shopped for my own damn luggage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUltimately, I my decision by narrowing the choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want my luggage to look pretty.  Yes, I am a shallow luggage buyer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  ','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision','','','2011-09-04 19:05:24','2011-09-05 02:05:24','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7464,1,'2011-09-04 19:07:24','2011-09-05 02:07:24','I\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designer with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing, and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOf course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their personal belongings.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shopped for my own damn luggage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUltimately, I my decision by narrowing the choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*****\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your requirements\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  ','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-2','','','2011-09-04 19:07:24','2011-09-05 02:07:24','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7466,1,'2011-09-04 19:41:22','2011-09-05 02:41:22','I\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOf course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*****\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista ','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-4','','','2011-09-04 19:41:22','2011-09-05 02:41:22','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7465,1,'2011-09-04 19:07:48','2011-09-05 02:07:48','I\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designer with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing, and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their personal belongings.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shopped for my own damn luggage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUltimately, I my decision by narrowing the choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  ','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-3','','','2011-09-04 19:07:48','2011-09-05 02:07:48','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7467,1,'2011-09-04 19:59:02','2011-09-05 02:59:02','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','I can\'t remember exactly, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-555','','','2011-09-04 19:59:02','2011-09-05 02:59:02','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7468,1,'2011-09-04 20:02:05','2011-09-05 03:02:05','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Fashionable Durability.  (Bonus:  Spinner Wheels!!!!!)','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-556','','','2011-09-04 20:02:05','2011-09-05 03:02:05','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7469,1,'2011-09-04 20:04:30','2011-09-05 03:04:30','[caption id=\"attachment_7467\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I can&#39;t remember exactly, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7467\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nI\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOf course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7468\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Fashionable Durability. (Bonus: Spinner Wheels!!!!!)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7468\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*****\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your shopping filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-5','','','2011-09-04 20:04:30','2011-09-05 03:04:30','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7470,1,'2011-09-04 20:04:39','2011-09-05 03:04:39','[caption id=\"attachment_7467\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I can&#39;t remember exactly, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7467\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7468\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Fashionable Durability. (Bonus: Spinner Wheels!!!!!)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7468\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your shopping filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-6','','','2011-09-04 20:04:39','2011-09-05 03:04:39','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7471,1,'2011-09-30 17:20:52','2011-10-01 00:20:52','[caption id=\"attachment_7467\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I can&#39;t remember exactly from which Christmas Past, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7467 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/02/day-339-a-visit-from-my-fairy-godmothers/\" target=\"_blank\">BOTH fairy godmothers</a></strong> came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>HOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7468\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Fashionable Polycarbonate Durability. (Bonus: Spinner Wheels!!!!!)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7468    \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your shopping filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?  Wheels that make lugging easier?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista','','inherit','open','open','','7462-autosave','','','2011-09-30 17:20:52','2011-10-01 00:20:52','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7472,1,'2011-09-04 20:04:49','2011-09-05 03:04:49','[caption id=\"attachment_7467\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I can&#39;t remember exactly, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7467\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, BOTH fairy godmothers came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7468\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Fashionable Durability. (Bonus: Spinner Wheels!!!!!)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7468\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your shopping filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-7','','','2011-09-04 20:04:49','2011-09-05 03:04:49','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7473,1,'2011-09-04 20:10:59','2011-09-05 03:10:59','[caption id=\"attachment_7467\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I can&#39;t remember exactly from which Christmas Past, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7467 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/02/day-339-a-visit-from-my-fairy-godmothers/\" target=\"_blank\">BOTH fairy godmothers</a></strong> came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>HOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7468\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Fashionable Polycarbonate Durability. (Bonus: Spinner Wheels!!!!!)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7468    \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your shopping filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-8','','','2011-09-04 20:10:59','2011-09-05 03:10:59','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7474,1,'2011-09-04 20:13:13','2011-09-05 03:13:13','[caption id=\"attachment_7467\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I can&#39;t remember exactly from which Christmas Past, but this luggage is less than 5 years old.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7467 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI\'ve never purchased luggage in my life.  I\'ve always been the lucky recipient of luggage as a Christmas present from my parents.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few years ago, my mother flipped over a gorgeous 3- piece set of Kenneth Cole luggage at Macy\'s.  Merry Christmas!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBah Humbug!  The luggage looked worn after one round trip.  Heed my warning, and when you are luggage shopping, step away from the bags made my designers with their fingers in too many pies.  Stick with the companies who do one thing and do it well.  Late Bloomer hath spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith my upcoming trip to Italy, I wondered if the Kenneth Cole would hold up for another round.  I was also worried about the weight.  My big suitcase weighs a ton, and with a 50.5 lbs. limit on KLM, I need a suitcase as light as possible to bring back as many gifties as possible.  I\'m sure you agree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/02/day-339-a-visit-from-my-fairy-godmothers/\" target=\"_blank\">BOTH fairy godmothers</a></strong> came to my rescue and offered to lend their luggage to me.  I had to draw the line there, however.  As someone who travels a fair amount, I am fully aware of how hard travel can be on one\'s things.  I wasn\'t about to add wear and tear to their bags.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt 41, it was about time that I cut the Christmas present luggage umbilical cord and shop for my own damn luggage.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #800080;\"><strong>HOLY PRICE TAG, BATMAN!!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMom and Dad, if I didn\'t thank you enough the first few times, thanks again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sticker shock isn\'t the only thing that sent me reeling.  Are you aware of all of the OPTIONS that are available today?  Fairy Godmother Jean had suggested lightweight polycarbonate.  We thought this would be a snap.  Now there are bags that make polycarbonate seem heavy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUltimately, I narrowed my choices down through the filter of fashion.  If I\'m going to dish out some serious change on a non-fun item, then I at least want it to look good.  Yes, I admit it.  I am a <del>shallow</del> sassy luggage buyer.  Hey, it\'s Samsonite!  So the quality is there as well.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7468\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Fashionable Polycarbonate Durability. (Bonus: Spinner Wheels!!!!!)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7468    \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time that you purchased luggage?  What are your shopping filters?  Durability?  Lightweight?  Fashionable?  Wheels that lugging easier?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 341:  Luggage Fashionista','','inherit','open','open','','7462-revision-9','','','2011-09-04 20:13:13','2011-09-05 03:13:13','',7462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/04/7462-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7475,1,'2010-12-12 11:50:07','2010-12-12 18:50:07','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/signalnoise/1352407570/sizes/m/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2563\" title=\"north pole\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/north-pole-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>. </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  (I forgot to mention the other day that the publisher of the book is a competitor.  Does this mean that I committed corporate treason?? Oops!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Way up north in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Me:</strong> </span>\"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Laney</strong>,</span> still not taking \"no\" for an answer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Laney:</strong></span> We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Crap!</em> All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Sign me up.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After much anticipation, Day 74 arrived.  Laney and I finished work early and started schlepping up north with her 2 kids and tons o\' snacks.  We conveniently ignored all healthy snacks and solely concentrated on the junk food.  I am not sure if you are aware, but once you cross the Santa Barrier on your way to the North Pole, calories don\'t count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Surprisingly for me, we reached our destination with about an hour to spare.  We used our time wisely and scouted out drive-thrus for more junk food.  Hey -- when you\'re getting in touch with your inner child, you either go big or go home.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then....there it was.  The Polar Express.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080187.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2564\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080190.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2566\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080190-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let the fun begin!  As we zipped through the dark forest on our way to the North Pole, we sipped hot cocoa, munched on cookies, watched and listened as the crew read us the book of <em>The Polar Express</em>, and sang Christmas carols.  Oh -- and unless you\'re a Scrooge, <em>everyone</em> wears their PJs.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We then made a pit stop in the North Pole to pick up some precious cargo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080204.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2565\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080204-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Santa handed out bells to the children.  Do you know the story behind the bell in <em>The Polar Express</em>?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years  passed, it fell silent for all of them.  Even Sarah found one Christmas  that she could no longer hear its sweet sound.  Though I\'ve grown old,  the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The bell still rings for me.  Can you hear it?</p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-22','','','2010-12-12 11:50:07','2010-12-12 18:50:07','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/12/2538-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(7477,1,'2011-09-05 11:03:53','2011-09-05 18:03:53','','IMG00600-20110903-2134','Def Leppard 2011 was fab.  But Heart!  HEART!!!  Be still, my Heart!  ','inherit','open','open','','img00600-20110903-2134','','','2011-09-05 11:03:53','2011-09-05 18:03:53','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7478,1,'2011-09-05 11:06:18','2011-09-05 18:06:18','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to go see Heart, GO!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  They\'ve got to be close to our parents\' age!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFriend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was able to find a recording on YouTube to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.  The fact that this version was filmed in Montreal make\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision','','','2011-09-05 11:06:18','2011-09-05 18:06:18','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7480,1,'2011-09-05 11:12:27','2011-09-05 18:12:27','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to go see Heart, GO!</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  They\'ve got to be close to our parents\' age!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFriend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-3','','','2011-09-05 11:12:27','2011-09-05 18:12:27','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7479,1,'2011-09-05 11:08:13','2011-09-05 18:08:13','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to go see Heart, GO!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  They\'ve got to be close to our parents\' age!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFriend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"345\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-2','','','2011-09-05 11:08:13','2011-09-05 18:08:13','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7481,1,'2011-09-05 11:12:47','2011-09-05 18:12:47','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to go see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  They\'ve got to be close to our parents\' age!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-4','','','2011-09-05 11:12:47','2011-09-05 18:12:47','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7482,1,'2011-09-05 11:18:46','2011-09-05 18:18:46','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  They\'ve got to be close to our parents\' age!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-5','','','2011-09-05 11:18:46','2011-09-05 18:18:46','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7483,1,'2011-09-05 11:19:07','2011-09-05 18:19:07','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  They\'ve got to be close to our parents\' age!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-6','','','2011-09-05 11:19:07','2011-09-05 18:19:07','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7484,1,'2011-09-05 11:24:42','2011-09-05 18:24:42','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-autosave','','','2011-09-05 11:24:42','2011-09-05 18:24:42','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7485,1,'2011-09-05 11:19:22','2011-09-05 18:19:22','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 was fab. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477\" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  They\'ve got to be close to our parents\' age!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-7','','','2011-09-05 11:19:22','2011-09-05 18:19:22','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7486,1,'2011-09-05 11:25:08','2011-09-05 18:25:08','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong (albeit a bit too \"pop\" for my taste) through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-8','','','2011-09-05 11:25:08','2011-09-05 18:25:08','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7487,1,'2011-09-05 11:27:54','2011-09-05 18:27:54','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-9','','','2011-09-05 11:27:54','2011-09-05 18:27:54','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7489,1,'2011-09-05 11:31:47','2011-09-05 18:31:47','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-10','','','2011-09-05 11:31:47','2011-09-05 18:31:47','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7490,1,'2011-09-05 11:34:34','2011-09-05 18:34:34','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had formal voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-11','','','2011-09-05 11:34:34','2011-09-05 18:34:34','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7491,1,'2011-09-05 11:42:02','2011-09-05 18:42:02','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  they\'ve all had voice training.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-12','','','2011-09-05 11:42:02','2011-09-05 18:42:02','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7492,1,'2011-09-05 11:43:37','2011-09-05 18:43:37','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  They\'re all naturally gifted,  but they\'ve all heeded the advice of their vocal coaches.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-13','','','2011-09-05 11:43:37','2011-09-05 18:43:37','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7493,1,'2011-09-05 12:22:31','2011-09-05 19:22:31','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  Heart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  They\'re all naturally gifted,  but they\'ve all heeded the advice of their vocal coaches.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed earlier this year in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-14','','','2011-09-05 12:22:31','2011-09-05 19:22:31','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7494,1,'2011-09-05 12:26:19','2011-09-05 19:26:19','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.heart-music.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Heart.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (You could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t sing the \"hard stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  They\'re all naturally gifted,  but they\'ve all heeded the advice of their vocal coaches.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed earlier this year in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-15','','','2011-09-05 12:26:19','2011-09-05 19:26:19','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7495,1,'2011-09-05 12:32:27','2011-09-05 19:32:27','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.heart-music.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Heart.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (Some could also argue Linda Rondstadt, except she didn\'t really sing the \"harder rock stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  They\'re all naturally gifted,  but they\'ve all heeded the advice of their vocal coaches.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed earlier this year in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-16','','','2011-09-05 12:32:27','2011-09-05 19:32:27','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7496,1,'2011-09-07 01:11:44','2011-09-07 08:11:44','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7497\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDusti from <a href=\"http://www.heartfelttherapiesaz.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartfelt Therapies</strong> </a>(masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon during my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took off my flip-flops and . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrayed that there were no scorpions lurking in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.  After that . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI feel better now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','publish','open','open','','day-343-barefoot-in-the-grass','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/','2011-09-06 14:23:00','2011-09-06 21:23:00','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7496',0,'post','',4),(7497,1,'2011-09-05 18:46:25','2011-09-06 01:46:25','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-557','','','2011-09-05 18:46:25','2011-09-06 01:46:25','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7498,1,'2011-09-05 18:45:46','2011-09-06 01:45:46','Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDusti from Heartfelt Therapies (masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon in my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took of my flip-flops and . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPrayed that there were no scorpions hiding in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter that, I hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI feel better now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*****\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','inherit','open','open','','7496-revision','','','2011-09-05 18:45:46','2011-09-06 01:45:46','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7496-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7499,1,'2011-09-05 18:48:46','2011-09-06 01:48:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7497\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDusti from <a href=\"http://www.heartfelttherapiesaz.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartfelt Therapies</strong> </a>(masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon in my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took of my flip-flops and . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPrayed that there were no scorpions hiding in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter that, I hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI feel better now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*****\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','inherit','open','open','','7496-revision-2','','','2011-09-05 18:48:46','2011-09-06 01:48:46','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7496-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7500,1,'2011-09-05 18:49:59','2011-09-06 01:49:59','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7497\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDusti from <a href=\"http://www.heartfelttherapiesaz.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartfelt Therapies</strong> </a>(masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon in my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took of my flip-flops and . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPrayed that there were no scorpions hiding in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter that, I hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI feel better now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*****\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','inherit','open','open','','7496-autosave','','','2011-09-05 18:49:59','2011-09-06 01:49:59','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7496-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7501,1,'2011-09-05 12:36:10','2011-09-05 19:36:10','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.heart-music.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Heart.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (I would also throw in Linda Rondstadt, except that she didn\'t really sing the \"harder rock stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  They\'re all naturally gifted,  but they\'ve all heeded the advice of their vocal coaches.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  She\'s 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed earlier this year in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-17','','','2011-09-05 12:36:10','2011-09-05 19:36:10','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7502,1,'2011-09-05 18:55:51','2011-09-06 01:55:51','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.heart-music.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Heart.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (I would also throw in Linda Rondstadt, except that she didn\'t really sing the \"harder rock stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  They\'re all naturally gifted,  but they\'ve all heeded the advice of their vocal coaches.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  Nancy is 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed earlier this year in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','inherit','open','open','','7476-revision-18','','','2011-09-05 18:55:51','2011-09-06 01:55:51','',7476,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7476-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7503,1,'2011-09-05 18:48:55','2011-09-06 01:48:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7497\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDusti from <a href=\"http://www.heartfelttherapiesaz.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartfelt Therapies</strong> </a>(masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon in my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took of my flip-flops and . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrayed that there were no scorpions hiding in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter that, I hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI feel better now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','inherit','open','open','','7496-revision-3','','','2011-09-05 18:48:55','2011-09-06 01:48:55','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/7496-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7504,1,'2011-09-06 14:22:04','2011-09-06 21:22:04','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7497\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDusti from <a href=\"http://www.heartfelttherapiesaz.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartfelt Therapies</strong> </a>(masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon during my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took off my flip-flops and . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrayed that there were no scorpions hiding in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.  After that . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI feel better now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','inherit','open','open','','7496-revision-4','','','2011-09-06 14:22:04','2011-09-06 21:22:04','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7496-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7505,1,'2011-09-06 14:22:08','2011-09-06 21:22:08','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7497\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDusti from <a href=\"http://www.heartfelttherapiesaz.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartfelt Therapies</strong> </a>(masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon during my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took off my flip-flops and . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrayed that there were no scorpions hiding in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.  After that . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI feel better now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','inherit','open','open','','7496-revision-5','','','2011-09-06 14:22:08','2011-09-06 21:22:08','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7496-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7506,1,'2011-09-06 14:22:12','2011-09-06 21:22:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7497\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9040020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Lately I have felt as though I will never get through my To Do List.  I am a wee bit Overwhelmed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, I bring some of this on myself.  What a bright idea to shop for luggage<strong> </strong>in the midst of this chaos!  I needed to do it though (<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">you saw the photo!</a></strong>), and I don\'t know when else I would have done it.  This year has been <em>packed.</em>  Ba-dum-bum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDusti from <a href=\"http://www.heartfelttherapiesaz.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartfelt Therapies</strong> </a>(masseuse extraordinaire!) once coached me at a similarly hectic time to find a patch of grass and walk barefoot.  It\'s a very <em>grounding</em> ritual.  Ba-dum-bum.  All kidding aside, it truly is powerful.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to walk barefoot in the grass all the time when I was a kid.  Now I don\'t because...well...I live in a desert where a typical backyard is comprised of rock and desert bushes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is a patch that I stumble upon during my nightly walks with Little Miss B, however.  On Night 343, I took off my flip-flops and . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrayed that there were no scorpions hiding in there.  They like moisture, and they like coming out of hiding at night.  After that . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hoped that all of my neighbors picked up their dogs\' poop, and then after <em>that</em> . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI feel better now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  What summer rituals make you go \"AHHHHHhhhhhh\"?','Day 343:  Barefoot in the Grass','','inherit','open','open','','7496-revision-6','','','2011-09-06 14:22:12','2011-09-06 21:22:12','',7496,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7496-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7507,1,'2011-09-07 12:11:40','2011-09-07 19:11:40','<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Doing-Nothing-Simple-Yourself/dp/0609600745\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7509\" title=\"412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>Day 344 was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is the purpose of Labor Day, anyway?  We\'re not supposed to labor, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI already had the day off from Noble Publishing Superpower, and I decided to take a day off from the blog as well.  Because I could.  It was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did Nothing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...not really.  I xeroxed copies of all important documents for my upcoming Italian adventure, reread my Travel Handbook for the umpteenth time (in case I missed something the other umpteenth times), caught up on <em>writing</em> blog posts, washed countless loads of laundry, talked to my family, walked Little Miss B, practiced yoga, listened to Heart, read a special email \"letter\", and watched Rick Steve\'s \"Italy\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy mother would tell you that I\'ve always failed miserably at \"doing nothing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was a noble goal.','Day 344:  The Art of Doing Nothing','','publish','open','open','','day-344-the-art-of-doing-nothing','','','2011-09-07 07:43:34','2011-09-07 14:43:34','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7507',0,'post','',5),(7508,1,'2011-09-06 20:44:07','2011-09-07 03:44:07','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','7507-revision','','','2011-09-06 20:44:07','2011-09-07 03:44:07','',7507,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7507-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7509,1,'2011-09-06 20:57:29','2011-09-07 03:57:29','','412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_','','inherit','open','open','','412mwfs93sl-_sl500_aa300_','','','2011-09-06 20:57:29','2011-09-07 03:57:29','',7507,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7510,1,'2011-09-06 20:59:43','2011-09-07 03:59:43','<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Doing-Nothing-Simple-Yourself/dp/0609600745\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7509\" title=\"412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>Day 344 was Labor Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is the purpose of Labor Day, anyway?  We\'re not supposed to labor, right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI already had the day off from Noble Publishing Superpower, and I decided to take a day off from the blog as well.  Because I could.  It was Labor Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did Nothing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...not really.  I xeroxed copies of all important documents for my upcoming Italian adventure, reread my Travel Handbook for the umpteenth time (in case I missed something the other umpteenth times), caught up on <em>writing</em> blog posts, washed countless loads of laundry, talked to my family, walked Little Miss B, practiced yoga, listened to Heart, and watched Rick Steve\'s \"Italy\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy mother would tell you that I\'ve always failed miserably at \"doing nothing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was a noble goal.','Day 344:  The Art of Doing Nothing','','inherit','open','open','','7507-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 20:59:43','2011-09-07 03:59:43','',7507,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7507-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7511,1,'2011-09-06 21:01:46','2011-09-07 04:01:46','<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Doing-Nothing-Simple-Yourself/dp/0609600745\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7509\" title=\"412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>Day 344 was Labor Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is the purpose of Labor Day, anyway?  We\'re not supposed to labor, right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI already had the day off from Noble Publishing Superpower, and I decided to take a day off from the blog as well.  Because I could.  It was Labor Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did Nothing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...not really.  I xeroxed copies of all important documents for my upcoming Italian adventure, reread my Travel Handbook for the umpteenth time (in case I missed something the other umpteenth times), caught up on <em>writing</em> blog posts, washed countless loads of laundry, talked to my family, walked Little Miss B, practiced yoga, listened to Heart, and watched Rick Steve\'s \"Italy\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy mother would tell you that I\'ve always failed miserably at \"doing nothing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was a noble goal.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe I need to read the book The Art of Doing Nothing.  I\'ve owned it for 10','Day 344:  The Art of Doing Nothing','','inherit','open','open','','7507-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 21:01:46','2011-09-07 04:01:46','',7507,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7507-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7512,1,'2011-09-06 21:02:30','2011-09-07 04:02:30','<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Doing-Nothing-Simple-Yourself/dp/0609600745\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7509\" title=\"412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>Day 344 was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is the purpose of Labor Day, anyway?  We\'re not supposed to labor, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI already had the day off from Noble Publishing Superpower, and I decided to take a day off from the blog as well.  Because I could.  It was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did Nothing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...not really.  I xeroxed copies of all important documents for my upcoming Italian adventure, reread my Travel Handbook for the umpteenth time (in case I missed something the other umpteenth times), caught up on <em>writing</em> blog posts, washed countless loads of laundry, talked to my family, walked Little Miss B, practiced yoga, listened to Heart, and watched Rick Steve\'s \"Italy\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy mother would tell you that I\'ve always failed miserably at \"doing nothing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was a noble goal.','Day 344:  The Art of Doing Nothing','','inherit','open','open','','7507-revision-4','','','2011-09-06 21:02:30','2011-09-07 04:02:30','',7507,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7507-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7513,1,'2011-09-06 21:03:26','2011-09-07 04:03:26','<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Doing-Nothing-Simple-Yourself/dp/0609600745\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7509\" title=\"412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>Day 344 was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is the purpose of Labor Day, anyway?  We\'re not supposed to labor, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI already had the day off from Noble Publishing Superpower, and I decided to take a day off from the blog as well.  Because I could.  It was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did Nothing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...not really.  I xeroxed copies of all important documents for my upcoming Italian adventure, reread my Travel Handbook for the umpteenth time (in case I missed something the other umpteenth times), caught up on <em>writing</em> blog posts, washed countless loads of laundry, talked to my family, walked Little Miss B, practiced yoga, listened to Heart, read a special email \"letter\", and watched Rick Steve\'s \"Italy\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy mother would tell you that I\'ve always failed miserably at \"doing nothing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was a noble goal.','Day 344:  The Art of Doing Nothing','','inherit','open','open','','7507-revision-5','','','2011-09-06 21:03:26','2011-09-07 04:03:26','',7507,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7507-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7514,1,'2011-09-06 21:04:44','2011-09-07 04:04:44','<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Doing-Nothing-Simple-Yourself/dp/0609600745\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7509\" title=\"412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/412MWFS93SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>Day 344 was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is the purpose of Labor Day, anyway?  We\'re not supposed to labor, right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI already had the day off from Noble Publishing Superpower, and I decided to take a day off from the blog as well.  Because I could.  It was Labor Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did Nothing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...not really.  I xeroxed copies of all important documents for my upcoming Italian adventure, reread my Travel Handbook for the umpteenth time (in case I missed something the other umpteenth times), caught up on <em>writing</em> blog posts, washed countless loads of laundry, talked to my family, walked Little Miss B, practiced yoga, listened to Heart, read a special email \"letter\", and watched Rick Steve\'s \"Italy\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy mother would tell you that I\'ve always failed miserably at \"doing nothing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was a noble goal.','Day 344:  The Art of Doing Nothing','','inherit','open','open','','7507-revision-6','','','2011-09-06 21:04:44','2011-09-07 04:04:44','',7507,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/06/7507-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7515,1,'2011-09-08 01:11:58','2011-09-08 08:11:58','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7516 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2011-09-07 at 8.05.38 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"674\" height=\"311\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I completed 111-Day <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/22/day-235-global-trek-kickoff/\" target=\"_blank\">Global Corporate Challenge!</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith a daily goal of 10,000 steps a day, I averaged 12,320.  My virtual team crossed the cyber-finish line in Belgium, and consequently, I am now craving chocolate.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I leave you with my shortest blog post of the year as I continue to pack for a real trip to Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArrivederci!','Day 345:  I Crossed the Finish Line.  In Belgium.  ','','publish','open','open','','day-345-i-crossed-the-finish-line-in-belgium','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/22/day-235-global-trek-kickoff/','2011-09-07 20:13:05','2011-09-08 03:13:05','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7515',0,'post','',2),(7516,1,'2011-09-07 20:09:26','2011-09-08 03:09:26','','Screen shot 2011-09-07 at 8.05.38 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8-05-38-pm','','','2011-09-07 20:09:26','2011-09-08 03:09:26','',7515,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(7517,1,'2011-09-07 20:11:02','2011-09-08 03:11:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7516 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2011-09-07 at 8.05.38 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"674\" height=\"311\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I completed The Global Corporate Challenge!  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith a daily goal of 10,000 steps a day, I averaged 12,320.  My virtual team crossed the cyber-finish line in Belgium, and consequently, I am now craving chocolate.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I leave you with my shortest blog post of the year as I continue to pack for a real trip to Italy.','Day 345:  I Crossed the Finish Line.  In Belgium.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7515-revision','','','2011-09-07 20:11:02','2011-09-08 03:11:02','',7515,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/07/7515-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7518,1,'2011-09-07 20:12:02','2011-09-08 03:12:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7516 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2011-09-07 at 8.05.38 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"674\" height=\"311\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I completed 111-Day <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/22/day-235-global-trek-kickoff/\" target=\"_blank\">Global Corporate Challenge!</a></strong>  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith a daily goal of 10,000 steps a day, I averaged 12,320.  My virtual team crossed the cyber-finish line in Belgium, and consequently, I am now craving chocolate.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I leave you with my shortest blog post of the year as I continue to pack for a real trip to Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nArrivederci!','Day 345:  I Crossed the Finish Line.  In Belgium.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7515-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 20:12:02','2011-09-08 03:12:02','',7515,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/07/7515-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7519,1,'2011-09-07 20:12:26','2011-09-08 03:12:26','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7516 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2011-09-07 at 8.05.38 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"674\" height=\"311\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I completed 111-Day <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/22/day-235-global-trek-kickoff/\" target=\"_blank\">Global Corporate Challenge!</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith a daily goal of 10,000 steps a day, I averaged 12,320.  My virtual team crossed the cyber-finish line in Belgium, and consequently, I am now craving chocolate.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I leave you with my shortest blog post of the year as I continue to pack for a real trip to Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArrivederci!','Day 345:  I Crossed the Finish Line.  In Belgium.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7515-revision-3','','','2011-09-07 20:12:26','2011-09-08 03:12:26','',7515,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/07/7515-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7520,1,'2011-09-07 20:13:00','2011-09-08 03:13:00','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7516 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2011-09-07 at 8.05.38 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"674\" height=\"311\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I completed 111-Day <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/22/day-235-global-trek-kickoff/\" target=\"_blank\">Global Corporate Challenge!</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith a daily goal of 10,000 steps a day, I averaged 12,320.  My virtual team crossed the cyber-finish line in Belgium, and consequently, I am now craving chocolate.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now I leave you with my shortest blog post of the year as I continue to pack for a real trip to Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArrivederci!','Day 345:  I Crossed the Finish Line.  In Belgium.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7515-revision-4','','','2011-09-07 20:13:00','2011-09-08 03:13:00','',7515,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/07/7515-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7521,1,'2011-09-07 20:13:31','2011-09-08 03:13:31','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7516 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2011-09-07 at 8.05.38 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.05.38-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"674\" height=\"311\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I completed 111-Day <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/22/day-235-global-trek-kickoff/\" target=\"_blank\">Global Corporate Challenge!</a></strong>  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith a daily goal of 10,000 steps a day, I averaged 12,320.  My virtual team crossed the cyber-finish line in Belgium, and consequently, I am now craving chocolate.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now I leave you with my shortest blog post of the year as I continue to pack for a real trip to Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nArrivederci!','Day 345:  I Crossed the Finish Line.  In Belgium.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7515-autosave','','','2011-09-07 20:13:31','2011-09-08 03:13:31','',7515,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/07/7515-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7522,1,'2011-09-09 01:11:46','2011-09-09 08:11:46','<a href=\"http://www.nojetlag.com/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7525\" title=\"header_plane\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/header_plane.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"595\" height=\"299\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLook at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','publish','open','open','','day-346-just-say-no-to-jet-lag','','','2011-09-08 21:18:20','2011-09-09 04:18:20','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7522',0,'post','',7),(7523,1,'2011-09-08 10:27:16','2011-09-08 17:27:16','Look at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.  In the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYours in','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','inherit','open','open','','7522-revision','','','2011-09-08 10:27:16','2011-09-08 17:27:16','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/08/7522-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7525,1,'2011-09-08 21:15:04','2011-09-09 04:15:04','','header_plane','','inherit','open','open','','header_plane','','','2011-09-08 21:15:04','2011-09-09 04:15:04','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/header_plane.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7524,1,'2011-09-08 10:27:23','2011-09-08 17:27:23','Look at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.  In the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','inherit','open','open','','7522-revision-2','','','2011-09-08 10:27:23','2011-09-08 17:27:23','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/08/7522-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7526,1,'2011-09-08 10:28:16','2011-09-08 17:28:16','Look at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','inherit','open','open','','7522-revision-3','','','2011-09-08 10:28:16','2011-09-08 17:28:16','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/08/7522-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7527,1,'2011-09-08 21:16:11','2011-09-09 04:16:11','<a href=\"http://www.nojetlag.com/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7525\" title=\"header_plane\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/header_plane.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"595\" height=\"299\" /></a>Look at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','inherit','open','open','','7522-revision-4','','','2011-09-08 21:16:11','2011-09-09 04:16:11','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/08/7522-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7528,1,'2011-09-08 21:16:49','2011-09-09 04:16:49','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLook at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','inherit','open','open','','7522-revision-5','','','2011-09-08 21:16:49','2011-09-09 04:16:49','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/08/7522-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7529,1,'2011-09-08 21:18:17','2011-09-09 04:18:17','<a href=\"http://www.nojetlag.com/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7525\" title=\"header_plane\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/header_plane.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"595\" height=\"299\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLook at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','inherit','open','open','','7522-autosave','','','2011-09-08 21:18:17','2011-09-09 04:18:17','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/08/7522-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7530,1,'2011-09-08 21:17:14','2011-09-09 04:17:14','<a href=\"http://www.nojetlag.com/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7525\" title=\"header_plane\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/header_plane.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"595\" height=\"299\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLook at what I found at Whole Paycheck?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI approached the friendly consultant at the supplements counter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I\'m about to embark on an Italian Adventure, and I don\'t do well with sleep deprivation.  Does this stuff <em>really</em> work?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"YES!  We have people calling the store asking if we carry it.  We can barely keep it on the shelves!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDear Readers, I am going to be your Homeopathic Jet Lag Guinea Pig.  I will report back to you post-trip and fill you in on the Real World Effectiveness of this remedy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, please feel free to share any and all of your Anti-Jet Lag Secrets in the comment section below.','Day 346:  Just Say \"No\" to Jet Lag ','','inherit','open','open','','7522-revision-6','','','2011-09-08 21:17:14','2011-09-09 04:17:14','',7522,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/08/7522-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7818,1,'2011-10-11 20:10:22','2011-10-12 03:10:22','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-609','','','2011-10-11 20:10:22','2011-10-12 03:10:22','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7819,1,'2011-10-11 20:11:02','2011-10-12 03:11:02','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-610','','','2011-10-11 20:11:02','2011-10-12 03:11:02','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7820,1,'2011-10-11 20:13:42','2011-10-12 03:13:42','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-611','','','2011-10-11 20:13:42','2011-10-12 03:13:42','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7821,1,'2011-10-11 20:12:42','2011-10-12 03:12:42','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrash!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBoom!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSplat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhelmet photo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group is a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  Yes, this was a quiet street, but we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  \"They are same size -- not dilated!\", she announced.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nshoulder photo  owie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  Why had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this made balancing easier.  WHY????\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then there was also that night when we helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-7','','','2011-10-11 20:12:42','2011-10-12 03:12:42','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7817,1,'2011-10-11 20:07:42','2011-10-12 03:07:42','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrash!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBoom!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSplat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhelmet photo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group is a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  Yes, this was a quiet street, but we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  \"They are same size -- not dilated!\", she announced.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nshoulder photo  owie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  Why had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this made balancing easier.  WHY????\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-6','','','2011-10-11 20:07:42','2011-10-12 03:07:42','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7812,1,'2011-10-11 18:25:17','2011-10-12 01:25:17','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but SOMETHING happened in Italia that prevented me from updating the blog in\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"It\'s the American way.\"','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision','','','2011-10-11 18:25:17','2011-10-12 01:25:17','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7813,1,'2011-10-11 18:32:17','2011-10-12 01:32:17','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"It\'s the American way.\"','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-2','','','2011-10-11 18:32:17','2011-10-12 01:32:17','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7814,1,'2011-10-11 18:47:43','2011-10-12 01:47:43','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along\n\nstrada photo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmatthew mc pic and marco pic\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"It\'s the American way.\"','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-3','','','2011-10-11 18:47:43','2011-10-12 01:47:43','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7815,1,'2011-10-11 19:43:42','2011-10-12 02:43:42','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the Super Tuscans  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrash!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBoom!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSplat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nstrada photo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmatthew mc pic and marco pic\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"It\'s the American way.\"','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-4','','','2011-10-11 19:43:42','2011-10-12 02:43:42','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7816,1,'2011-10-11 20:01:42','2011-10-12 03:01:42','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCrash!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBoom!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSplat!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhelmet photo/shoulder photo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group is a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  Yes, this was a quiet street, but we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  \"They are same size -- not dilated!\", she announced.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 arrived and sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like a mother f**er.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmatthew mc pic and marco pic\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"It\'s the American way.\"','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-5','','','2011-10-11 20:01:42','2011-10-12 03:01:42','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7546,1,'2011-09-10 01:11:39','2011-09-10 08:11:39','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/26/day-332-would-you-like-to-help-please/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</strong> </a> When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!  Here she is . . . \r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"345\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','publish','open','open','','day-347-guest-post-from-worlds-most-precious-niece-2','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/26/day-332-would-you-like-to-help-please/','2011-09-09 20:14:55','2011-09-10 03:14:55','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7546',0,'post','',21),(7547,1,'2011-09-09 20:06:57','2011-09-10 03:06:57','','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision','','','2011-09-09 20:06:57','2011-09-10 03:06:57','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7551,1,'2011-09-09 20:08:51','2011-09-10 03:08:51','<strong><a href=\"<iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot;%20height=&quot;345&quot;%20src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ&quot;%20frameborder=&quot;0&quot;%20allowfullscreen></iframe>\" target=\"_blank\">Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</a></strong>  When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-3','','','2011-09-09 20:08:51','2011-09-10 03:08:51','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7548,1,'2011-09-10 23:53:37','2011-09-11 06:53:37','<a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7561 alignleft\" title=\"l\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/l.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"188\" height=\"200\" /></a>Since Houston is the hub city for my departure to Italy, I decided to fly in a day early to drop off Little Miss B with the parental unit and visit with the fam.  The first night of a visit, we always eat <a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\" target=\"_blank\">Pappasito\'s</a> for dinner.  There\'s no better queso on the planet.  Sometimes my cousins Bill and Rhonda even meet us there on the way home from the airport, but they\'re already waiting for me in Italy.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your There\'s No Place Like Home ritual?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 348:  There\'s No Place Like Home Ritual','','publish','open','open','','day-348-theres-no-place-like-home-ritual','','','2011-09-10 23:54:19','2011-09-11 06:54:19','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7548',0,'post','',1),(7549,1,'2011-09-09 20:08:14','2011-09-10 03:08:14','','Day 348:  Pappasitos','','inherit','open','open','','7548-revision','','','2011-09-09 20:08:14','2011-09-10 03:08:14','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7548-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7550,1,'2011-09-09 20:07:24','2011-09-10 03:07:24','<strong><a href=\"<iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot;%20height=&quot;345&quot;%20src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ&quot;%20frameborder=&quot;0&quot;%20allowfullscreen></iframe>\" target=\"_blank\">Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</a></strong>  When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"560\" height=\"345\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-2','','','2011-09-09 20:07:24','2011-09-10 03:07:24','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7552,1,'2011-09-09 20:14:35','2011-09-10 03:14:35','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/26/day-332-would-you-like-to-help-please/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</strong> </a> When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!  Here she is . . . \r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"345\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-autosave','','','2011-09-09 20:14:35','2011-09-10 03:14:35','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7553,1,'2011-09-09 20:08:57','2011-09-10 03:08:57','<strong><a href=\"<iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot;%20height=&quot;345&quot;%20src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ&quot;%20frameborder=&quot;0&quot;%20allowfullscreen></iframe>\" target=\"_blank\">Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</a></strong>  When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-4','','','2011-09-09 20:08:57','2011-09-10 03:08:57','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7555,1,'2011-09-09 20:10:20','2011-09-10 03:10:20','<strong><a href=\"<iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot;%20height=&quot;345&quot;%20src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ&quot;%20frameborder=&quot;0&quot;%20allowfullscreen></iframe>\" target=\"_blank\">Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</a></strong>  When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-6','','','2011-09-09 20:10:20','2011-09-10 03:10:20','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7554,1,'2011-09-09 20:09:44','2011-09-10 03:09:44','<strong><a href=\"<iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot;%20height=&quot;345&quot;%20src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ&quot;%20frameborder=&quot;0&quot;%20allowfullscreen></iframe>\" target=\"_blank\">Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</a></strong>  When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-5','','','2011-09-09 20:09:44','2011-09-10 03:09:44','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7556,1,'2011-09-09 20:13:09','2011-09-10 03:13:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/26/day-332-would-you-like-to-help-please/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</strong> </a> When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"345\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-7','','','2011-09-09 20:13:09','2011-09-10 03:13:09','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7557,1,'2011-09-09 20:13:55','2011-09-10 03:13:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/26/day-332-would-you-like-to-help-please/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</strong> </a> When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"345\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-8','','','2011-09-09 20:13:55','2011-09-10 03:13:55','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7558,1,'2011-09-09 20:14:28','2011-09-10 03:14:28','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/26/day-332-would-you-like-to-help-please/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Remember when I asked for a reader to take over the blog for one day?</strong> </a> When World\'s Most Precious Niece volunteered, everyone else was automatically eliminated from the competition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help, WMPN!  Here she is . . . \r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll around the world there are bullies. It’s just who they are. They entertain themselves by annoying and picking on other people. There are many different kinds of people. Everyone is different. Some hang in packs, some hang alone. Some people don’t even hang at all. But it’s who you are. I can’t change you. If you’re a bully, I can’t change that. But I can try. I’ve been bullied before. It doesn’t feel so good. To all the bullies out there, what if YOU got bullied? It wouldn’t feel so good, would it? So if you are a bully, take a life lesson on this video. If you aren’t a bully, I hope you enjoy it anyway!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"345\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ST96QNV9tkQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Day 347: Guest Post from World\'s Most Precious Niece','','inherit','open','open','','7546-revision-9','','','2011-09-09 20:14:28','2011-09-10 03:14:28','',7546,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7546-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7559,1,'2011-09-09 20:19:30','2011-09-10 03:19:30','','Man cub','','inherit','open','open','','man-cub','','','2011-09-09 20:19:30','2011-09-10 03:19:30','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Man-cub.m4a',0,'attachment','audio/mpeg',0),(7560,1,'2011-09-09 20:20:42','2011-09-10 03:20:42','What is your There\'s No Place Like Home ritual?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Man-cub.m4a\">Man cub</a>','Day 348:  Pappasitos','','inherit','open','open','','7548-revision-2','','','2011-09-09 20:20:42','2011-09-10 03:20:42','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/09/7548-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7561,1,'2011-09-10 23:48:26','2011-09-11 06:48:26','','l','','inherit','open','open','','l','','','2011-09-10 23:48:26','2011-09-11 06:48:26','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/l.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7562,1,'2011-09-10 23:50:39','2011-09-11 06:50:39','<a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7561 alignleft\" title=\"l\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/l.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"188\" height=\"200\" /></a>Since Houston is the hub city for my departure to Italy, I decided to fly in a day early to drop off Little Miss B with the parental unit and visit with the fam.  The first night of a visit, we always eat <a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\" target=\"_blank\">Pappasito\'s</a> for dinner.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is your There\'s No Place Like Home ritual?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 348:  There\'s No Place Like Home Ritual','','inherit','open','open','','7548-revision-3','','','2011-09-10 23:50:39','2011-09-11 06:50:39','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/10/7548-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7563,1,'2011-09-10 23:51:21','2011-09-11 06:51:21','<a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7561 alignleft\" title=\"l\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/l.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"188\" height=\"200\" /></a>Since Houston is the hub city for my departure to Italy, I decided to fly in a day early to drop off Little Miss B with the parental unit and visit with the fam.  The first night of a visit, we always eat <a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\" target=\"_blank\">Pappasito\'s</a> for dinner.  There\'s no better queso on the planet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your There\'s No Place Like Home ritual?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 348:  There\'s No Place Like Home Ritual','','inherit','open','open','','7548-revision-4','','','2011-09-10 23:51:21','2011-09-11 06:51:21','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/10/7548-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7564,1,'2011-09-10 23:51:39','2011-09-11 06:51:39','<a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7561 alignleft\" title=\"l\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/l.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"188\" height=\"200\" /></a>Since Houston is the hub city for my departure to Italy, I decided to fly in a day early to drop off Little Miss B with the parental unit and visit with the fam.  The first night of a visit, we always eat <a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\" target=\"_blank\">Pappasito\'s</a> for dinner.  There\'s no better queso on the planet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is your There\'s No Place Like Home ritual?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 348:  There\'s No Place Like Home Ritual','','inherit','open','open','','7548-revision-5','','','2011-09-10 23:51:39','2011-09-11 06:51:39','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/10/7548-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7565,1,'2011-09-10 23:53:37','2011-09-11 06:53:37','<a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-7561 alignleft\" title=\"l\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/l.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"188\" height=\"200\" /></a>Since Houston is the hub city for my departure to Italy, I decided to fly in a day early to drop off Little Miss B with the parental unit and visit with the fam.  The first night of a visit, we always eat <a href=\"http://pappasitos.com/home/\" target=\"_blank\">Pappasito\'s</a> for dinner.  There\'s no better queso on the planet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your There\'s No Place Like Home ritual?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 348:  There\'s No Place Like Home Ritual','','inherit','open','open','','7548-revision-6','','','2011-09-10 23:53:37','2011-09-11 06:53:37','',7548,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/10/7548-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7566,1,'2011-09-10 23:56:21','2011-09-11 06:56:21','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3087414641/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7567\" title=\"3087414641_018d3f01fb\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>My Italian Adventure has arrived!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\">9 hours later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Translation:  I can\'t upload photos for the blog.  Isn\'t that special?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPerhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  Perhaps I am meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll Carpe Diem Italian Style and then get back to you sooner or later.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','publish','open','closed','','day-349-arrivederci','','','2011-09-11 04:10:13','2011-09-11 11:10:13','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7566',0,'post','',12),(7567,1,'2011-09-11 00:16:25','2011-09-11 07:16:25','','3087414641_018d3f01fb','','inherit','open','open','','3087414641_018d3f01fb','','','2011-09-11 00:16:25','2011-09-11 07:16:25','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7568,1,'2011-09-11 00:14:04','2011-09-11 07:14:04','My Italian Adventure has arrived!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n9 hours later...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Isn\'t that special?  Perhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','inherit','open','open','','7566-revision','','','2011-09-11 00:14:04','2011-09-11 07:14:04','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/11/7566-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7569,1,'2011-09-11 00:17:51','2011-09-11 07:17:51','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3087414641/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7567\" title=\"3087414641_018d3f01fb\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>My Italian Adventure has arrived!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\">9 hours later...</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Isn\'t that special?  Perhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll Carpe Diem Italian Sy\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','inherit','open','open','','7566-revision-2','','','2011-09-11 00:17:51','2011-09-11 07:17:51','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/11/7566-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7570,1,'2011-09-11 00:18:02','2011-09-11 07:18:02','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3087414641/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7567\" title=\"3087414641_018d3f01fb\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>My Italian Adventure has arrived!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\">9 hours later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Isn\'t that special?  Perhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll Carpe Diem Italian Style and then get back to you sooner or later.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','inherit','open','open','','7566-revision-3','','','2011-09-11 00:18:02','2011-09-11 07:18:02','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/11/7566-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7571,1,'2011-09-11 00:18:43','2011-09-11 07:18:43','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3087414641/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7567\" title=\"3087414641_018d3f01fb\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>My Italian Adventure has arrived!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\">9 hours later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Isn\'t that special?  Perhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll Carpe Diem Italian Style and then get back to you sooner or later.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','inherit','open','open','','7566-revision-4','','','2011-09-11 00:18:43','2011-09-11 07:18:43','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/11/7566-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7573,1,'2011-09-11 04:10:02','2011-09-11 11:10:02','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3087414641/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7567\" title=\"3087414641_018d3f01fb\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>My Italian Adventure has arrived!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\">9 hours later...</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Translation:  I can\'t upload photos for the blog.  Isn\'t that special?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPerhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  Perhaps I am meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ll Carpe Diem Italian Style and then get back to you sooner or later.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCiao!\n\n&nbsp;','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','inherit','open','open','','7566-autosave','','','2011-09-11 04:10:02','2011-09-11 11:10:02','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/11/7566-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7572,1,'2011-09-11 00:18:51','2011-09-11 07:18:51','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3087414641/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7567\" title=\"3087414641_018d3f01fb\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>My Italian Adventure has arrived!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>As I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\">9 hours later...</span></strong></p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>HOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Hell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>If I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Oh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Isn\'t that special?  Perhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>I\'ll Carpe Diem Italian Style and then get back to you sooner or later.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Ciao!</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','inherit','open','open','','7566-revision-5','','','2011-09-11 00:18:51','2011-09-11 07:18:51','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/11/7566-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7574,1,'2011-09-11 00:20:08','2011-09-11 07:20:08','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3087414641/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7567\" title=\"3087414641_018d3f01fb\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3087414641_018d3f01fb-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>My Italian Adventure has arrived!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I write, I am at Houston Intercontinental ready to board my plane to Florence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am armed with my homepathic No-Jet Lag remedy, snacks, and reading material.  I thought I could publish right this post right here at the airport, but Houston Intercontinental does not have free Wi-Fi.  (Not cool, H-Town.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\">9 hours later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m on a layover in Amsterdam where I have 2 free 30 minute sessions!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did not sleep a wink on the plane.  Uh-oh.  I popped the No-Jet Lag like it was candy.  Perhaps I\'ll crash on the 1.5 hour flight to Firenze.  (That\'s Italian for \"Florence\", peeps!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THE KLM SEATS ARE HALF THE SIZE OF A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAT!!!!  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHell\'s Bells!  NO ONE slept!  Except maybe the lucky bastards in First Class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I remember correctly, it\'s approximately 4 a.m. Houston time right now.  I hurt.  I cannot wait for cappuccino.  And perhaps a brief nap at the hotel while I wait for Bill and Rhonda to drive down from the big beautiful lake that I cannot remember the name of because I\'m delirious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  And guess what I remembered on the plane?  I packed my camera.  I packed the charger.  I failed to pack the cord that connects my camera to my computer.  Isn\'t that special?  Perhaps I wasn\'t meant to blog along this trip after all.  Perhaps I\'m supposed to live in the dolce vita moments.  Perhaps I am meant to take all of my Italy memories home and then share them with you in a couple weeks.  Either that or I\'ll be at Bill and Rhonda\'s mercy to email me a photo or two a day to post.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ll Carpe Diem Italian Style and then get back to you sooner or later.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCiao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 349: Arrivederci!','','inherit','open','open','','7566-revision-6','','','2011-09-11 00:20:08','2011-09-11 07:20:08','',7566,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/11/7566-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7578,1,'2011-09-12 14:39:44','2011-09-12 21:39:44','','Day 351:  Siena -- the just right Goldilocks city','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision','','','2011-09-12 14:39:44','2011-09-12 21:39:44','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/12/7577-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7660,1,'2011-10-02 21:20:08','2011-10-03 04:20:08','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Me, Fabio 2 e Mia Cugina\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time in the lobby of our Florence hotel.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re World&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\" target=\"_blank\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting???  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 20 years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7702\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Baby M, Fabio 1, and Luigi\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','publish','open','open','','day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/','2012-03-21 00:27:49','2012-03-21 07:27:49','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7660',0,'post','',10),(7580,1,'2011-09-25 21:10:53','2011-09-26 04:10:53','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to gaze upon the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.\r\nUntil a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York, too.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7671\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','publish','open','open','','day-352-pleased-to-meet-you-david','','','2012-03-30 18:12:35','2012-03-31 01:12:35','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7580',0,'post','',5),(7581,1,'2011-09-13 15:03:43','2011-09-13 22:03:43','','Day 352:  museums, street performers, purses','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision','','','2011-09-13 15:03:43','2011-09-13 22:03:43','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/13/7580-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7582,1,'2011-09-13 15:05:17','2011-09-13 22:05:17','david\n\nreligious art\n\nhare krishna\n\nponte vecchio\n\nmore eating\n\nstreet performers','Day 352:  museums, street performers, purses','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-2','','','2011-09-13 15:05:17','2011-09-13 22:05:17','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/13/7580-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7583,1,'2011-09-14 14:33:59','2011-09-14 21:33:59','','P9110027.JPG','','inherit','open','open','','p9110027-jpg','','','2011-09-14 14:33:59','2011-09-14 21:33:59','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110027.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7584,1,'2011-09-14 14:35:33','2011-09-14 21:35:33','','P9110027.JPG','','inherit','open','open','','p9110027-jpg-2','','','2011-09-14 14:35:33','2011-09-14 21:35:33','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91100271.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7585,1,'2011-09-14 14:36:10','2011-09-14 21:36:10','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, The Fountain of Neptune at the Piazza della Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza della Signoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza della Republica with mia cugina (this is what I look like when I haven\'t slept for over 24+ hours)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n***************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','publish','open','closed','','day-350-ti-voglio-italia','','','2011-09-22 18:55:26','2011-09-23 01:55:26','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7585',0,'post','',1),(7597,1,'2011-09-15 08:09:22','2011-09-15 15:09:22','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHighlight of the Day:  the bells at the Duomo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 350:','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-2','','','2011-09-15 08:09:22','2011-09-15 15:09:22','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/15/7585-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7586,1,'2011-09-15 07:42:15','2011-09-15 14:42:15','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-558','','','2011-09-15 07:42:15','2011-09-15 14:42:15','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110025.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7587,1,'2011-09-15 07:44:13','2011-09-15 14:44:13','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-559','','','2011-09-15 07:44:13','2011-09-15 14:44:13','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110030.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7598,1,'2011-09-15 08:09:50','2011-09-15 15:09:50','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHighlight of the Day:  the bells at the Duomo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-3','','','2011-09-15 08:09:50','2011-09-15 15:09:50','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/15/7585-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7590,1,'2011-09-15 07:52:08','2011-09-15 14:52:08','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-562','','','2011-09-15 07:52:08','2011-09-15 14:52:08','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110031.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7591,1,'2011-09-15 07:54:18','2011-09-15 14:54:18','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-563','','','2011-09-15 07:54:18','2011-09-15 14:54:18','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110032.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7592,1,'2011-09-15 07:55:56','2011-09-15 14:55:56','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-564','','','2011-09-15 07:55:56','2011-09-15 14:55:56','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110033.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7593,1,'2011-09-15 07:57:32','2011-09-15 14:57:32','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-565','','','2011-09-15 07:57:32','2011-09-15 14:57:32','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110034.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7594,1,'2011-09-15 07:59:13','2011-09-15 14:59:13','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Don\'t get too excited.  This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria.  He looks just like the Real David though.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-566','','','2011-09-15 07:59:13','2011-09-15 14:59:13','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7595,1,'2011-09-15 08:03:40','2011-09-15 15:03:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-567','','','2011-09-15 08:03:40','2011-09-15 15:03:40','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110042.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7596,1,'2011-09-15 07:39:56','2011-09-15 14:39:56','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHighlight of the Day:  the bells at the Duomo.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nfile://localhost/Users/michelle/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Masters/2011/09/13/20110913-232629/P9110025.JPG\n\n&nbsp;','Day 350:','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision','','','2011-09-15 07:39:56','2011-09-15 14:39:56','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/15/7585-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7601,1,'2011-09-22 17:55:17','2011-09-23 00:55:17','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHighlight of the Day:  the bells at the Duomo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-6','','','2011-09-22 17:55:17','2011-09-23 00:55:17','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7599,1,'2011-09-22 17:53:42','2011-09-23 00:53:42','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHighlight of the Day:  the bells at the Duomo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery order=\"DESC\" columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-4','','','2011-09-22 17:53:42','2011-09-23 00:53:42','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7600,1,'2011-09-22 17:53:47','2011-09-23 00:53:47','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHighlight of the Day:  the bells at the Duomo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery order=\"DESC\" columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-5','','','2011-09-22 17:53:47','2011-09-23 00:53:47','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7602,1,'2011-09-22 17:55:21','2011-09-23 00:55:21','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHighlight of the Day:  the bells at the Duomo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-7','','','2011-09-22 17:55:21','2011-09-23 00:55:21','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7603,1,'2011-09-22 18:13:04','2011-09-23 01:13:04','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-8','','','2011-09-22 18:13:04','2011-09-23 01:13:04','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7604,1,'2011-09-22 18:13:09','2011-09-23 01:13:09','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-9','','','2011-09-22 18:13:09','2011-09-23 01:13:09','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7605,1,'2011-09-22 18:13:53','2011-09-23 01:13:53','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), cugini, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-10','','','2011-09-22 18:13:53','2011-09-23 01:13:53','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7606,1,'2011-09-22 18:17:53','2011-09-23 01:17:53','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSoul-Scintallating Bonuses (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVino, art (everywhere you look), the Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica with mi cugina\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\n\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-11','','','2011-09-22 18:17:53','2011-09-23 01:17:53','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7607,1,'2011-09-22 18:17:59','2011-09-23 01:17:59','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSoul-Scintallating Bonuses (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), the Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica with mi cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-12','','','2011-09-22 18:17:59','2011-09-23 01:17:59','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7608,1,'2011-09-22 18:18:09','2011-09-23 01:18:09','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSoul-Scintallating Bonuses (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), the Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica with mi cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-13','','','2011-09-22 18:18:09','2011-09-23 01:18:09','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7609,1,'2011-09-22 18:21:21','2011-09-23 01:21:21','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSoul-Scintallating Bonuses (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), the Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, fountain at Piazza Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza Singoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica with mia cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-14','','','2011-09-22 18:21:21','2011-09-23 01:21:21','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7610,1,'2011-09-22 18:23:57','2011-09-23 01:23:57','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), the Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, fountain at Piazza Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza Singoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica with mia cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-15','','','2011-09-22 18:23:57','2011-09-23 01:23:57','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7611,1,'2011-09-22 18:24:48','2011-09-23 01:24:48','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, fountain at Piazza Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza Singoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica with mia cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-16','','','2011-09-22 18:24:48','2011-09-23 01:24:48','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7612,1,'2011-09-22 18:26:24','2011-09-23 01:26:24','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, The Fountain of Neptune at the Piazza della Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza della Singoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza Republica with mia cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-17','','','2011-09-22 18:26:24','2011-09-23 01:26:24','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7613,1,'2011-09-22 18:28:11','2011-09-23 01:28:11','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, The Fountain of Neptune at the Piazza della Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza della Singoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza della Republica with mia cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-18','','','2011-09-22 18:28:11','2011-09-23 01:28:11','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7614,1,'2011-09-22 18:28:55','2011-09-23 01:28:55','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, The Fountain of Neptune at the Piazza della Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza della Signoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza della Republica with mia cugina\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-19','','','2011-09-22 18:28:55','2011-09-23 01:28:55','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7615,1,'2011-09-22 18:33:14','2011-09-23 01:33:14','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, The Fountain of Neptune at the Piazza della Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza della Signoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza della Republica with mia cugina (this is what I look like when I haven\'t slept for over 24+ hours)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-20','','','2011-09-22 18:33:14','2011-09-23 01:33:14','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(9750,1,'2012-02-22 19:12:17','2012-02-23 02:12:17','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-697','','','2012-02-22 19:12:17','2012-02-23 02:12:17','',9749,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120012.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9749,1,'2012-02-23 19:44:39','2012-02-24 02:44:39','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-698/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9759\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9759\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>You may recall my recent history with bicycling.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your memory is as poor as mine, or if you are new to this blog, you can read all about it at <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.  </a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/day-358-picked-myself-up-dusted-myself-off-and-rode-all-over-again/\" target=\"_blank\">I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and rode all over again</a> </strong>after the accident.  Once.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShortly after I returned home, a friend of mine who is practically a semi-professional cyclist -- we\'re talking spin instructor in her off time and road biking COMPETITIONS! -- was nipped by a car while cycling.  She was knocked unconscious and taken to the trauma center where she underwent numerous surgeries.  BECAUSE SHE WAS WEARING HER HELMET, she is still with us.  And because of her spunky spirit, she has miraculously recovered like a champ.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCall me crazy, but I\'ve had no desire to get back on a bike since I\'ve been back home.  My favorite outdoor activity is hiking.  Which means that I am firmly planted on the ground with my own two feet.  And since I don\'t hike during rattlesnake season, there is NO THREAT OF DEATH while I\'m working out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy dear friend and September 15 Birthday Twin, Sarah, now lives in a neighborhood where people ride their charming, colorful bikes (many equipped with baskets and bells) to cafes, farmers markets, and other leisurely weekend places of interest.  Kind of like what those lucky bastards in San Diego do, except that Sarah\'s hood doesn\'t have an ocean.  Darn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSarah had been itching for a bike riding playdate in order to better enjoy our stunning \"winter\" weather.  She invited me to bike down to a French bistro on a Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDeep breaths.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI chose to feel the fear and do it anyway.  After all, I had just come from this . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/03/photo-du-jour-im-in-italia-not-siberia/p1010175/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9437\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9437\" title=\"P1010175\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P1010175-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . and now I had the opportunity to soak in this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9750\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me and My Birthday Twin. We&#39;re alike in so many ways. Exception: Helmet Safety. (Look closely at the bikes.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-697/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9750\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9750 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120012-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCarpe Diem, sisters!   (And token brothers!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy Happy Discovery du Jour for all of my peeps who happen to reside in my fair city:  The croissants at <a href=\"https://www.vincentsoncamelback.com/bistro/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Vincent\'s Market Bistro</strong> </a>taste identical to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/07/photo-du-jour-petit-dejeuner/\" target=\"_blank\">those that I had eaten in France</a></strong> only one week prior.  Oo la la!  Vive la Phoenix!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-699/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9776\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9776\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/23/playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro/olympus-digital-camera-700/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9777\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9777\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2120009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe only difference was that Vincent\'s croissants were free of charge.  A complimentary surprise before the meal!  After the meal you receive yet another surprise:  a gratis petite dessert.  All for $8.50.  God Bless America.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did I learn from all of this?  Wherever you go there you are.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd sometimes wherever you go is warmer and much less expensive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd sometimes you are so wrapped up in the excitement of wherever you are that you forget to change the macro/super macro settings on your camera and your photos come out blurry.  Your blog readers are too kind to say anything, but you know deep down that you probably should explore the possibility of a photography class and a better camera so that your food photos will eventually evolve into <strong><a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/02/pots-de-creme-a-lorange/\" target=\"_blank\">this.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPhotography class.  Hmmm . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMethinks I smell a future blog post.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #7:  Bicycling to the Bistro','','publish','open','open','','playdate-7-bicycling-to-the-bistro','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/day-358-picked-myself-up-dusted-myself-off-and-rode-all-over-again/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/07/photo-du-jour-petit-dejeuner/','2012-03-29 08:11:09','2012-03-29 15:11:09','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=9749',0,'post','',7),(7619,1,'2011-09-22 18:35:45','2011-09-23 01:35:45','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, The Fountain of Neptune at the Piazza della Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza della Signoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza della Republica with mia cugina (this is what I look like when I haven\'t slept for over 24+ hours)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-21','','','2011-09-22 18:35:45','2011-09-23 01:35:45','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(7620,1,'2011-09-22 18:54:28','2011-09-23 01:54:28','Forgive me for the delay in blog posts, but it\'s a challenge to find time to blog when I\'m Carpe Diem-ing as much as possible in Italia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn order to catch up on posts, I\'ve come to the realization that I will need to play show and tell through sharing photos and telling a Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day.  (Note to self:  Ask an Italian how to say \"Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 350 blurred with Day 349, as 7 hours vanished as I headed east.  I also lost a night\'s sleep and was delirious with sleep deprivation.  But when you\'re in Italia, the sensory overload spurs you on for the remainder of the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn my first day in Italia, I met up with my cousins.  We then promptly ate and walked our way through Firenze.  I learned that it\'s the most walkable big city that I\'ve ever visited.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scintillating Highlight of the Day:</strong></span>  The bells tolling at the Duomo in Firenze.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0ebW_pswEM\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Soul-Scintallating Bonuses</strong></span> (because how can you possible pick one when you are in Florence?!):  Pictured from left to right, top to bottom:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVino, art (everywhere you look), Brunelleschi\'s dome of the Duomo, The Fountain of Neptune at the Piazza della Signoria, David (the fake one in the Piazza della Signoria), impromptu carousel ride at Piazza della Republica with mia cugina (this is what I look like when I haven\'t slept for over 24+ hours)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  This was written when I was in Italia.  The Internet access (the day that I actually had access) was so incredibly s-l-o-w that I couldn\'t upload the blog post.  For the remainder of my trip, I had no Internet access at all.  This was for the best, because Italia really should be experienced fully without the distraction of computers and cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am now back in the States (much to my dismay -- sniff, sniff), and I will begin recapping my Italian Adventure pronto.  Ciao!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 350:  Ti Voglio Italia','','inherit','open','open','','7585-revision-22','','','2011-09-22 18:54:28','2011-09-23 01:54:28','',7585,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/22/7585-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(7621,1,'2011-09-23 15:53:38','2011-09-23 22:53:38','Every day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-2','','','2011-09-23 15:53:38','2011-09-23 22:53:38','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7622,1,'2011-09-23 15:57:38','2011-09-23 22:57:38','Every day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is the Goldilocks of cities:  not too big, not too small, just right.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a new dream of making a living as a w','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-3','','','2011-09-23 15:57:38','2011-09-23 22:57:38','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7623,1,'2011-09-23 18:27:26','2011-09-24 01:27:26','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-560','','','2011-09-23 18:27:26','2011-09-24 01:27:26','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120047.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7624,1,'2011-09-23 18:27:53','2011-09-24 01:27:53','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-561','','','2011-09-23 18:27:53','2011-09-24 01:27:53','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120050.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7625,1,'2011-09-23 18:28:17','2011-09-24 01:28:17','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-568','','','2011-09-23 18:28:17','2011-09-24 01:28:17','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120057.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7626,1,'2011-09-23 18:28:40','2011-09-24 01:28:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-569','','','2011-09-23 18:28:40','2011-09-24 01:28:40','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120060.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7627,1,'2011-09-23 18:29:04','2011-09-24 01:29:04','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-570','','','2011-09-23 18:29:04','2011-09-24 01:29:04','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120067.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7628,1,'2011-09-23 18:29:31','2011-09-24 01:29:31','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-571','','','2011-09-23 18:29:31','2011-09-24 01:29:31','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120069.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7629,1,'2011-09-23 18:30:00','2011-09-24 01:30:00','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-572','','','2011-09-23 18:30:00','2011-09-24 01:30:00','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120074.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7630,1,'2011-09-23 18:30:28','2011-09-24 01:30:28','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-573','','','2011-09-23 18:30:28','2011-09-24 01:30:28','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120076.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7631,1,'2011-09-23 18:30:59','2011-09-24 01:30:59','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-574','','','2011-09-23 18:30:59','2011-09-24 01:30:59','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120085.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7632,1,'2011-09-23 18:31:30','2011-09-24 01:31:30','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-575','','','2011-09-23 18:31:30','2011-09-24 01:31:30','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120086.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7633,1,'2011-09-23 18:32:01','2011-09-24 01:32:01','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-576','','','2011-09-23 18:32:01','2011-09-24 01:32:01','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120094.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7634,1,'2011-09-23 18:32:26','2011-09-24 01:32:26','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-577','','','2011-09-23 18:32:26','2011-09-24 01:32:26','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120104.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7635,1,'2011-09-23 18:32:54','2011-09-24 01:32:54','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-578','','','2011-09-23 18:32:54','2011-09-24 01:32:54','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120115.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7636,1,'2011-09-23 18:33:26','2011-09-24 01:33:26','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-579','','','2011-09-23 18:33:26','2011-09-24 01:33:26','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9120121.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7637,1,'2011-09-23 18:03:18','2011-09-24 01:03:18','Every day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is the Goldilocks of cities:  not too big, not too small, just right.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-4','','','2011-09-23 18:03:18','2011-09-24 01:03:18','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7638,1,'2011-09-23 18:34:59','2011-09-24 01:34:59','Every day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is the Goldilocks of cities:  not too big, not too small, just right.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-5','','','2011-09-23 18:34:59','2011-09-24 01:34:59','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7639,1,'2011-09-23 18:35:18','2011-09-24 01:35:18','Every day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is the Goldilocks of cities:  not too big, not too small, just right.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-6','','','2011-09-23 18:35:18','2011-09-24 01:35:18','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7641,1,'2011-09-23 18:48:46','2011-09-24 01:48:46','&nbsp;\n\nEvery day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is a Goldilocks kind of city:  not too big, not too small, just right.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-8','','','2011-09-23 18:48:46','2011-09-24 01:48:46','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7640,1,'2011-09-23 18:44:03','2011-09-24 01:44:03','Every day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is a Goldilocks kind of city:  not too big, not too small, just right.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-7','','','2011-09-23 18:44:03','2011-09-24 01:44:03','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7642,1,'2011-09-23 18:49:31','2011-09-24 01:49:31','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEvery day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is a Goldilocks kind of city:  not too big, not too small, just right.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you want to enlarge the photos, click once, and then when the image pops up on a separate screen, click again!)','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-9','','','2011-09-23 18:49:31','2011-09-24 01:49:31','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7643,1,'2011-09-23 18:51:11','2011-09-24 01:51:11','&nbsp;\n\nEvery day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by Siena.  For me, this medieval hillside town is a Goldilocks kind of city:  not too big, not too small, just right.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you want to enlarge the photos, click once, and then when the image pops up on a separate screen, click again!)','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-10','','','2011-09-23 18:51:11','2011-09-24 01:51:11','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7644,1,'2011-09-23 18:53:10','2011-09-24 01:53:10','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEvery day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by <strong><a href=\"http://www.discovertuscany.com/siena/\">Siena</a></strong>.  For me, this medieval hillside town is a Goldilocks kind of city:  not too big, not too small, just right.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you want to enlarge the photos, click once, and then when the image pops up on a separate screen, click again!)','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-11','','','2011-09-23 18:53:10','2011-09-24 01:53:10','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7645,1,'2011-09-23 18:54:13','2011-09-24 01:54:13','&nbsp;\n\nEvery day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by <strong><a href=\"http://www.discovertuscany.com/siena/\">Siena</a></strong>.  For me, this medieval hillside town is a Goldilocks kind of city:  not too big, not too small, just right.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(If you want to enlarge the photos, click once, and then when the image pops up on a separate screen, click again!)','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-autosave','','','2011-09-23 18:54:13','2011-09-24 01:54:13','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7646,1,'2011-09-23 18:53:54','2011-09-24 01:53:54','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEvery day of my Italian fairy tale was filled with wonder.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s impossible to choose a favorite thing, but my soul was captivated by <strong><a href=\"http://www.discovertuscany.com/siena/\">Siena</a></strong>.  For me, this medieval hillside town is a Goldilocks kind of city:  not too big, not too small, just right.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a new dream of making a living as a writer and moving there.  What do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"4\" orderby=\"ID\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you want to enlarge the photos, click once, and then when the image pops up on a separate screen, click again!)','Day 351:  Siena, Ti Voglio Tanto Bene','','inherit','open','open','','7577-revision-12','','','2011-09-23 18:53:54','2011-09-24 01:53:54','',7577,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/23/7577-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7647,1,'2011-09-24 05:06:07','2011-09-24 12:06:07','david\n\nreligious art\n\nhare krishna\n\nponte vecchio  and Italian couple watching sunset.  Him.  Tender.  Sweet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOld couples dressing for dinner.  Men always have arm around.  love.\n\nmore eating\n\nstreet performers','Day 352:  I Met David ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-3','','','2011-09-24 05:06:07','2011-09-24 12:06:07','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/24/7580-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7648,1,'2011-09-25 20:54:27','2011-09-26 03:54:27','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-580','','','2011-09-25 20:54:27','2011-09-26 03:54:27','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130133.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7649,1,'2011-09-25 20:51:56','2011-09-26 03:51:56','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7594\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I did catch a couple of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-4','','','2011-09-25 20:51:56','2011-09-26 03:51:56','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7651,1,'2011-09-25 21:08:38','2011-09-26 04:08:38','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7594\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I did catch a couple of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-6','','','2011-09-25 21:08:38','2011-09-26 04:08:38','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7650,1,'2011-09-25 20:55:34','2011-09-26 03:55:34','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7594\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch a couple of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-5','','','2011-09-25 20:55:34','2011-09-26 03:55:34','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7652,1,'2011-09-25 21:10:08','2011-09-26 04:10:08','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7594\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch a couple of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-7','','','2011-09-25 21:10:08','2011-09-26 04:10:08','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7653,1,'2011-09-25 21:10:18','2011-09-26 04:10:18','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7594\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch a couple of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-8','','','2011-09-25 21:10:18','2011-09-26 04:10:18','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7654,1,'2011-09-25 21:10:47','2011-09-26 04:10:47','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7594\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-9','','','2011-09-25 21:10:47','2011-09-26 04:10:47','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7656,1,'2011-09-25 21:20:03','2011-09-26 04:20:03','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-11','','','2011-09-25 21:20:03','2011-09-26 04:20:03','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7655,1,'2011-09-25 21:10:53','2011-09-26 04:10:53','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7594\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe width=\"420\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-10','','','2011-09-25 21:10:53','2011-09-26 04:10:53','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7657,1,'2011-09-25 21:20:56','2011-09-26 04:20:56','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-12','','','2011-09-25 21:20:56','2011-09-26 04:20:56','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7658,1,'2011-09-25 21:21:29','2011-09-26 04:21:29','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong></span>  Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-13','','','2011-09-25 21:21:29','2011-09-26 04:21:29','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7659,1,'2011-09-25 21:22:08','2011-09-26 04:22:08','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-14','','','2011-09-25 21:22:08','2011-09-26 04:22:08','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7661,1,'2011-09-25 21:26:29','2011-09-26 04:26:29','allyson -- when was the last time you rode a bike?\n\nUmmm...isnt it just like the saying says?  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  \n\nbut this bike had shift controls on both sides.  \n\nhad to learn how to dismount ','Day 353:  1st day of bike warm-up','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision','','','2011-09-25 21:26:29','2011-09-26 04:26:29','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7660-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7662,1,'2011-09-25 21:26:37','2011-09-26 04:26:37','allyson -- when was the last time you rode a bike?\r\n\r\nUmmm...isnt it just like the saying says?  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  \r\n\r\nbut this bike had shift controls on both sides.  \r\n\r\nhad to learn how to dismount.  nearly fell into traffic.  ','Day 353:  1st day of bike warm-up','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-2','','','2011-09-25 21:26:37','2011-09-26 04:26:37','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7660-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7663,1,'2011-09-25 21:27:16','2011-09-26 04:27:16','allyson -- when was the last time you rode a bike?\r\n\r\nUmmm...isnt it just like the saying says?  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  \r\n\r\nbut this bike had shift controls on both sides.  \r\n\r\nhad to learn how to dismount.  nearly fell into traffic.  ','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Right???  And we\'re off!  Let the bike tour begin!  1st day of bike warm-up','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-3','','','2011-09-25 21:27:16','2011-09-26 04:27:16','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7660-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7683,1,'2011-10-01 12:06:40','2011-10-01 19:06:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-581','','','2011-10-01 12:06:40','2011-10-01 19:06:40','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7673,1,'2011-09-25 21:56:42','2011-09-26 04:56:42','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7671\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-20','','','2011-09-25 21:56:42','2011-09-26 04:56:42','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(7665,1,'2012-03-30 18:12:15','2012-03-31 01:12:15','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to gaze upon the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.\nUntil a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York, too.  (I am a Native New Yorker and proud of it, by the way.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7671\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\n\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-autosave','','','2012-03-30 18:12:15','2012-03-31 01:12:15','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7666,1,'2011-09-25 21:51:12','2011-09-26 04:51:12','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-582','','','2011-09-25 21:51:12','2011-09-26 04:51:12','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7667,1,'2011-09-25 21:22:40','2011-09-26 04:22:40','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-15','','','2011-09-25 21:22:40','2011-09-26 04:22:40','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7668,1,'2011-09-25 21:53:00','2011-09-26 04:53:00','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7664\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-16','','','2011-09-25 21:53:00','2011-09-26 04:53:00','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7669,1,'2011-09-25 21:53:46','2011-09-26 04:53:46','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7664\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-17','','','2011-09-25 21:53:46','2011-09-26 04:53:46','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7670,1,'2011-09-25 21:54:15','2011-09-26 04:54:15','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7664\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-18','','','2011-09-25 21:54:15','2011-09-26 04:54:15','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7671,1,'2011-09-25 21:56:23','2011-09-26 04:56:23','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-583','','','2011-09-25 21:56:23','2011-09-26 04:56:23','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7672,1,'2011-09-25 21:54:51','2011-09-26 04:54:51','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7664\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9130135-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-19','','','2011-09-25 21:54:51','2011-09-26 04:54:51','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7674,1,'2011-09-25 21:57:49','2011-09-26 04:57:49','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to see the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7671\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-21','','','2011-09-25 21:57:49','2011-09-26 04:57:49','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(7675,1,'2011-09-25 21:58:38','2011-09-26 04:58:38','Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of visiting Florence to gaze upon the art of the masters.  On Day 352, my wish was granted.  My cousins and I visited the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell\'Accademia, home to Michelangelo\'s David.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7594  alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P9110035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t get too excited. This is Fake David from the Piazza della Signoria. He looks just like Real David though.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVisitors are forbidden to take photos of the real David.  Although that didn\'t stop several ballsy New Yorkers who played dumb.  Oy vay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Soul-Scinitallating Bonus of the Day:</strong>  </span>Romance abounds in Florence.  One of the most poignant moments that I witnessed was on the <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio\">Ponte Vecchio</a> </strong>at sunset.  A middle-aged couple watched the sunset from the bridge.  During their short stay, the man continuously caressed the woman\'s back with pure tenderness in his touch.  I was completely and utterly entranced by their moment.  Until a couple of obnoxious tourists barged into the scene like 4 bulls in a china shop.  I wondered if they were from New York.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7671\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301332-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P91301363-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Ponte Vecchio, Firenze\r\n\r\nRight:  Me and Mia Cugina on the Ponte Vecchio\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt dinner that evening, I noticed this sweet phenomenon over and over again.  While making my rounds of the stage-worthy street performers strewn across the Piazza della Repubblica, I observed couples my parents age and older dressed up for dinner and strolling through the Piazza.  Every time, the man had his arm around the woman.  Every time, these men exuded unconditional love and devotion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t snap photos of the lovers.  That would have been creepy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I did catch one of the stage-worthy street performers on video with my camera.  Key word:  camera.  I apologize for the sound distortion.  But hey -- if they sound this good with a crap recording device, can you imagine how they sounded live?!?!\r\n\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2xhZHK4Gn0\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\"></iframe>','Day 352:  Pleased to meet you, David. ','','inherit','open','open','','7580-revision-22','','','2011-09-25 21:58:38','2011-09-26 04:58:38','',7580,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/25/7580-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(7724,1,'2011-10-04 21:20:11','2011-10-05 04:20:11','[caption id=\"attachment_7729\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7729\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150062-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne year ago from Day 354, I took off the training wheels and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\" target=\"_blank\">started a big girl blog</a> </strong>on my birthday.  Stuck in a funk, I dreamed up an idea of Living Curiously each day for 365 days.  On September 15th, 2010, I never imagined that I would be celebrating my 42nd birthday by cycling through the hills of Tuscany with my cousins.  This Late Bloomer had never been to Europe, although I had always hoped for \"someday\".  Living Curiously magically transformed \"someday\" into \"now\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(If you\'re wondering why September 15th, 2011 was not Day 365, good catch!  You can find out why <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 354, our tour group met on the veranda of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong> at 8 a.m. for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCorrection:  The group met for breakfast each day at 8 a.m. while I swept in circa 8:11 wondering how <em>on earth</em> this early start-time fit into vacation parameters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy breakfast of choice each morning was a thick slice of hearty, whole-grain artisan bread slathered with protein-rich ricotta and a drizzle of honey.  And a cappuccino, of course.  The first of many throughout the day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 and Fabio 2 -- always \"on\", organized, and funny -- showed up at 8:30 for a debrief of the day\'s itinerary.  All of the other 16 tour members had their directions handy and ready to mark up for the journey ahead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaby M opted to continue to sip her cappuccino and munch on her new-found favorite breakfast because why <em>on earth</em> would I a) tax my brain with directions while I\'M ON VACATION and b) mess with directions when I had Fabio 1 as my personal tour guide???  (If you have no idea what I\'m referring to, please refer to <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/day-353-its-just-like-getting-back-on-a-bike-riiiggghhhht/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 353</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Following directions is a drag. Personal coaching is much preferred.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7726\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150060-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe set off to enjoy a 15 mile morning ride where we caught our first glimpse of the sea!  I\'m an ocean baby at heart, and I couldn\'t have hand-picked a more satisfying birthday present.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn case you\'re wondering whether or not this was a nude beach . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWalking our bikes along the shore, my cousin nearly threw his neck out whilst craning his head to watch a woman relax into her birthday suit.  She was probably around 70.  But she was naked as a jaybird.  That\'s all that mattered.  American men are so predictable!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would like to think that I am beyond that.  Here\'s what caught my eye:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7736\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150065-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere are numerous reasons why I love Italia.  Their dog-friendly culture is one of them.  If I lived there, I would take Bella down to the dog beach every chance I could.  Even the dogs are living La Dolce Vita!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the morning, after a pretty significant uphill (which I properly trained for with those \"hill\"-crazed spin instructors), we were rewarded with a view of yet another quaint medieval village, Casale Marritimo.  (The original settlement dates back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7737\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150089-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7738\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150078-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollowing our brief excursion into the village, we all gathered for a luscious picnic prepared by Fabio 2.  The picnic included some sort of Italian cake loaded with candles for birthday wishes, but since I was in the midst of this surprise, I didn\'t take a photo.  Ladies, hopefully Fabio 1 feeding The Birthday Girl pineapple juice will suffice.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7739\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150088-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7740\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150066-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith full bellies and a few sips of a REALLY POTENT Italian wine that I can\'t recall the name of, we headed into the pine forest for a cool and breezy 18 mile afternoon ride.  Our only stops were for water and G.O.D.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7741\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Water Break\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7741\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150064-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nG.O.D. = Gelato of the Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI tried the Fig and Ricotta along with the Vanilla Milk one that I can\'t remember the name of in Italian.  (Fongool!  What\'s the matter with me?!?!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs if all this weren\'t enough to make my birthday the Best EVER, how about . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHalf-naked Italian men unloading grapes back at Agrihotel Elisabetta (American women are so predictable!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7742\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na taste test between homemade limoncello and \"industrial\" limoncello (homemade wins!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7743\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150099-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\na Fabio 1 group tutorial on the wonders of grappa (I tasted it just as he instructed, and it didn\'t kill me!),\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7744\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150100-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nand a 2nd birthday cake and candle surprise!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150098-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurely when you are given the rare opportunity to make a birthday wish twice on one birthday, it means that your wish really will come true.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat do you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you dreaming of an Italian Escape?  If you would like more information on The Tuscan Coast bicycle tour, please visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.vbt.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.vbt.com.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 354:  What a Difference a Year Makes!','','publish','open','open','','day-354-what-a-difference-a-year-makes','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/15/day-1-look-mom-im-a-big-girl-blogger-now/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/to-be-continued/','2012-03-21 00:28:26','2012-03-21 07:28:26','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7724',0,'post','',4),(7677,1,'2011-09-29 20:29:07','2011-09-30 03:29:07','This is a 365 Day Project, and I\'ve been hovering at 352.  Yes, I\'m still here.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t want to reveal anything just yet, but SOMETHING happened on Day 358 that has delayed the writing of my blog posts.  It\'s a legit excuse.  Trust me.  And in true former theatre girl fashion, it\'s dramatic.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Insert music with \"foreshadowing\" undertones here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m hoping to post Day 353 on Saturday.  Please check back at that time.  If for some reason I\'m being overly optimistic, then I REALLY HOPE to update you on Monday.  Whatever the case, \"I will be back.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7678\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"To be continued: Nutella Madness!, Bike Tour, Helmet Cam and So Much MORE!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1000254.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7678\" title=\"P1000254\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1000254-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Yes, I\'m still here.  ','','publish','open','open','','yes-im-still-here','','','2011-09-29 20:29:38','2011-09-30 03:29:38','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7677',0,'post','',4),(7678,1,'2011-09-29 20:26:43','2011-09-30 03:26:43','','P1000254','To be continued:  Nutella Madness!, Bike Tour, Helmet Cam and So Much MORE!','inherit','open','open','','p1000254','','','2011-09-29 20:26:43','2011-09-30 03:26:43','',7677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1000254.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7679,1,'2011-09-29 20:23:59','2011-09-30 03:23:59','This is a 365 Day Project, and I\'ve been hovering at 352.  Yes, I\'m still here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI don\'t want to reveal anything just yet, but SOMETHING happened on Day 358 that has delayed the writing of my blog posts.  It\'s a legit excuse.  Trust me.  And in true former theatre girl fashion, it\'s dramatic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Insert music with \"foreshadowing\" undertones here.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m hoping to post Day 353 on Saturday.  Please check back at that time.  If for some reason I\'m being overly optimistic, then I REALLY HOPE to update you on Monday.  Whatever the case, \"I will be back.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Yes, I\'m still here.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7677-revision','','','2011-09-29 20:23:59','2011-09-30 03:23:59','',7677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/7677-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7680,1,'2011-09-29 20:28:59','2011-09-30 03:28:59','This is a 365 Day Project, and I\'ve been hovering at 352.  Yes, I\'m still here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI don\'t want to reveal anything just yet, but SOMETHING happened on Day 358 that has delayed the writing of my blog posts.  It\'s a legit excuse.  Trust me.  And in true former theatre girl fashion, it\'s dramatic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Insert music with \"foreshadowing\" undertones here.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m hoping to post Day 353 on Saturday.  Please check back at that time.  If for some reason I\'m being overly optimistic, then I REALLY HOPE to update you on Monday.  Whatever the case, \"I will be back.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7678\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"To be continued: Nutella Madness!, Bike Tour, Helmet Cam and So Much MORE!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1000254.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7678\" title=\"P1000254\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1000254-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Yes, I\'m still here.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7677-revision-2','','','2011-09-29 20:28:59','2011-09-30 03:28:59','',7677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/7677-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7681,1,'2011-09-29 20:29:07','2011-09-30 03:29:07','This is a 365 Day Project, and I\'ve been hovering at 352.  Yes, I\'m still here.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t want to reveal anything just yet, but SOMETHING happened on Day 358 that has delayed the writing of my blog posts.  It\'s a legit excuse.  Trust me.  And in true former theatre girl fashion, it\'s dramatic.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Insert music with \"foreshadowing\" undertones here.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m hoping to post Day 353 on Saturday.  Please check back at that time.  If for some reason I\'m being overly optimistic, then I REALLY HOPE to update you on Monday.  Whatever the case, \"I will be back.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7678\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"To be continued: Nutella Madness!, Bike Tour, Helmet Cam and So Much MORE!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1000254.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7678\" title=\"P1000254\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1000254-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Yes, I\'m still here.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7677-revision-3','','','2011-09-29 20:29:07','2011-09-30 03:29:07','',7677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/7677-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7796,1,'2011-10-10 01:11:21','2011-10-10 08:11:21','Day 353 was a \"hotel transfer day\" which meant our bags had to be packed before breakfast so that the van could shuttle our things to the next hotel while we were out biking.  Even though this meant a little more work for us vacationers, the bonus was sampling the intricacies of the various agriturismos and hotels.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was particulary excited about this night\'s luxury resort because it meant that I would enjoy a shower large enough to accomodate leg shaving.  As much as I adored the rustic charms of the agriturismos and smaller hotels, I did have to balance, contort, and yes, <em>stick my legs out </em>of the too-small showers to shave them.  Look at this photo and you\'ll see that I\'m not exaggerating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7797\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A typical in shower in Italia made me shout &quot;God Bless America!&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7797\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91300171-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut the shower \"thing\" was hardly a big deal.  I\'m flexible in both body and spirit.  What I was REALLY excited about was today was the first day of REAL beach time.  i.e., Rather than snapping a few photos while walking our bikes across the beach, we would walk out of our seaside resort and lounge on the beach.  i.e., Instead of this \"active vacation\" nonsense, we would take a load off and do nothing!  Vacationing the old-fasioned way!  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Private beachfront at Tombolo Talasso Resort\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7798\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600392-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7799\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My piece of heaven\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7799\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P91600361-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7800\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Nice view\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7800 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170054-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, the wonders of Italian men!  Between the \"views\", and Fabio 1\'s never-ending stream of compliments . . . \"Michelle, how can you possibly be turning 42!  I thought you were turning 30!\" and \"Michelle! How is that every time I pass you on the bike, you smell so good?  Do you always smell this wonderful when you sweat?\" . . . Life was good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 355:  Beach with a View ','','publish','open','open','','day-355-beach-with-a-view','','','2012-03-30 20:04:01','2012-03-31 03:04:01','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7796',0,'post','',4),(7684,1,'2011-10-01 12:08:11','2011-10-01 19:08:11','','Sample14','','inherit','open','open','','sample14','','','2011-10-01 12:08:11','2011-10-01 19:08:11','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sample14.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7685,1,'2011-10-02 11:15:58','2011-10-02 18:15:58','The day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oopsie!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmeeting in lobby\n\nbus ride/auto grill\n\nhotel elisibetta\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOrientation:  chose helmet Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI thought orientation would teach us how to shift gears, etc., but everyone else (parents age) had actually trained for this tour.  I thought an \"easy\" tour would be just that:  easy.  Isn\'t spin class harder than a leisurely stroll/ride?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbill and rhonda thought they would be the senior couple, but no.  I was the baby.  It felt great to be called \"kid\".  Women who are freaking about turning 40, go on a vbt bke tour\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  You don\'t have to balance in spin class.\n\nAnd a real bike has shift controls.  on both sides.  what the hell am i supposed to do with those.  It was covered in our orientation.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled a puzzled Marco aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 25 years.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\no.k.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-4','','','2011-10-02 11:15:58','2011-10-02 18:15:58','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7686,1,'2011-10-02 13:25:57','2011-10-02 20:25:57','The day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oopsie!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my new luggage, shouted\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmeeting in lobby\n\nbus ride/auto grill\n\nhotel elisibetta\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOrientation:  chose helmet Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI thought orientation would teach us how to shift gears, etc., but everyone else (parents age) had actually trained for this tour.  I thought an \"easy\" tour would be just that:  easy.  Isn\'t spin class harder than a leisurely stroll/ride?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbill and rhonda thought they would be the senior couple, but no.  I was the baby.  It felt great to be called \"kid\".  Women who are freaking about turning 40, go on a vbt bke tour\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  You don\'t have to balance in spin class.\n\nAnd a real bike has shift controls.  on both sides.  what the hell am i supposed to do with those.  It was covered in our orientation.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled a puzzled Marco aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 25 years.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\no.k.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-5','','','2011-10-02 13:25:57','2011-10-02 20:25:57','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7687,1,'2011-10-02 13:35:56','2011-10-02 20:35:56','The day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oopsie!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong>new luggage</strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmeeting in lobby\n\nbus ride/auto grill\n\nhotel elisibetta\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOrientation:  chose helmet Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI thought orientation would teach us how to shift gears, etc., but everyone else (parents age) had actually trained for this tour.  I thought an \"easy\" tour would be just that:  easy.  Isn\'t spin class harder than a leisurely stroll/ride?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbill and rhonda thought they would be the senior couple, but no.  I was the baby.  It felt great to be called \"kid\".  Women who are freaking about turning 40, go on a vbt bke tour\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  You don\'t have to balance in spin class.\n\nAnd a real bike has shift controls.  on both sides.  what the hell am i supposed to do with those.  It was covered in our orientation.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled a puzzled Marco aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 25 years.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\no.k.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-6','','','2011-10-02 13:35:56','2011-10-02 20:35:56','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7688,1,'2011-10-02 13:37:40','2011-10-02 20:37:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','No food on the bus!  But what if you\'re Word\'s Slowest Eater and didn\'t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-584','','','2011-10-02 13:37:40','2011-10-02 20:37:40','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7689,1,'2011-10-02 13:40:57','2011-10-02 20:40:57','The day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oopsie!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong>new luggage</strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Ci\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmeeting in lobby\n\nbus ride/auto grill\n\nhotel elisibetta\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOrientation:  chose helmet Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI thought orientation would teach us how to shift gears, etc., but everyone else (parents age) had actually trained for this tour.  I thought an \"easy\" tour would be just that:  easy.  Isn\'t spin class harder than a leisurely stroll/ride?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbill and rhonda thought they would be the senior couple, but no.  I was the baby.  It felt great to be called \"kid\".  Women who are freaking about turning 40, go on a vbt bke tour\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  You don\'t have to balance in spin class.\n\nAnd a real bike has shift controls.  on both sides.  what the hell am i supposed to do with those.  It was covered in our orientation.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled a puzzled Marco aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 25 years.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\no.k.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-7','','','2011-10-02 13:40:57','2011-10-02 20:40:57','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7690,1,'2011-10-02 13:41:57','2011-10-02 20:41:57','The day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oopsie!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong>new luggage</strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nmeeting in lobby\n\nbus ride/auto grill\n\nhotel elisibetta\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOrientation:  chose helmet Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI thought orientation would teach us how to shift gears, etc., but everyone else (parents age) had actually trained for this tour.  I thought an \"easy\" tour would be just that:  easy.  Isn\'t spin class harder than a leisurely stroll/ride?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbill and rhonda thought they would be the senior couple, but no.  I was the baby.  It felt great to be called \"kid\".  Women who are freaking about turning 40, go on a vbt bke tour\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  You don\'t have to balance in spin class.\n\nAnd a real bike has shift controls.  on both sides.  what the hell am i supposed to do with those.  It was covered in our orientation.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled a puzzled Marco aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 25 years.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\no.k.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-8','','','2011-10-02 13:41:57','2011-10-02 20:41:57','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7691,1,'2011-10-02 13:45:44','2011-10-02 20:45:44','The day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oopsie!  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong>new luggage</strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nmeeting in lobby\r\n\r\nbus ride/auto grill\r\n\r\nhotel elisibetta\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOrientation:  chose helmet Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought orientation would teach us how to shift gears, etc., but everyone else (parents age) had actually trained for this tour.  I thought an \"easy\" tour would be just that:  easy.  Isn\'t spin class harder than a leisurely stroll/ride?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbill and rhonda thought they would be the senior couple, but no.  I was the baby.  It felt great to be called \"kid\".  Women who are freaking about turning 40, go on a vbt bke tour\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  You don\'t have to balance in spin class.\r\n\r\nAnd a real bike has shift controls.  on both sides.  what the hell am i supposed to do with those.  It was covered in our orientation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled a puzzled Marco aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 25 years.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\no.k.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-9','','','2011-10-02 13:45:44','2011-10-02 20:45:44','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7692,1,'2011-10-02 18:27:12','2011-10-03 01:27:12','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Pit stop at the autogrill','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-585','','','2011-10-02 18:27:12','2011-10-03 01:27:12','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7693,1,'2011-10-02 18:44:24','2011-10-03 01:44:24','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-586','','','2011-10-02 18:44:24','2011-10-03 01:44:24','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7694,1,'2011-10-02 19:11:52','2011-10-03 02:11:52','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oopsie!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAgriturismo is huge\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, and fiddle- faddle around with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\no.k.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-10','','','2011-10-02 19:11:52','2011-10-03 02:11:52','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7695,1,'2011-10-02 19:12:52','2011-10-03 02:12:52','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oops!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAgriturismo is huge\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, and fiddle- faddle around with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, Italia is overflowing with cyclists.   Motorists pay attention and beep while steering clear of American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\no.k.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhad to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLuckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-11','','','2011-10-02 19:12:52','2011-10-03 02:12:52','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7696,1,'2011-10-02 20:00:02','2011-10-03 03:00:02','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-587','','','2011-10-02 20:00:02','2011-10-03 03:00:02','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7697,1,'2011-10-02 20:22:08','2011-10-03 03:22:08','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oops!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, an agristurismo </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car they pay attention.  I.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, we pulled back into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  The pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling so tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-12','','','2011-10-02 20:22:08','2011-10-03 03:22:08','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7699,1,'2011-10-02 20:22:59','2011-10-03 03:22:59','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.   \"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"   Allyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"   Damn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oops!  It was too late now.   I stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.   \"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"   Allyson burst out laughing.   I defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"   Allyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"   **********   On Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!   To protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.   I knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"   All 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.   Since the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a></strong>.   Agriturismo is huge   After checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.   NOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.   But that\'s o.k.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!   The leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.   <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>   We then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.   I pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"   He looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!   What I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!   Fortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car they pay attention.  I.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.   I took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once we were free and clear.     At the end.   I sheepishly explained to Claudio, \"listen.   \"You stay with me tomorrow.\"   o.k.     had to learn how to dismount. nearly fell into traffic.   Luckily, there was plenty of vino to ease my nerves after the ride.','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-14','','','2011-10-02 20:22:59','2011-10-03 03:22:59','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7698,1,'2011-10-02 20:22:15','2011-10-03 03:22:15','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oops!  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, an agristurismo </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car they pay attention.  I.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, we pulled back into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  The pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling so tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-13','','','2011-10-02 20:22:15','2011-10-03 03:22:15','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7700,1,'2011-10-02 20:24:02','2011-10-03 03:24:02','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oops!  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, an agristurismo </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car they pay attention.  I.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, we pulled back into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  The pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling so tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-15','','','2011-10-02 20:24:02','2011-10-03 03:24:02','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7701,1,'2011-10-02 20:43:40','2011-10-03 03:43:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-588','','','2011-10-02 20:43:40','2011-10-03 03:43:40','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7702,1,'2011-10-02 20:46:03','2011-10-03 03:46:03','','P1000225','','inherit','open','open','','p1000225','','','2011-10-02 20:46:03','2011-10-03 03:46:03','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7703,1,'2011-10-02 20:24:08','2011-10-03 03:24:08','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oops!  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI defended myself with a sheepish \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me with an unconvincing \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, an agristurismo </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car they pay attention.  I.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, we pulled back into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  The pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling so tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-16','','','2011-10-02 20:24:08','2011-10-03 03:24:08','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7704,1,'2011-10-02 20:47:02','2011-10-03 03:47:02','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDamn!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oops!  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school? No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!  Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix.  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group and leaders for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner.  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling so tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-17','','','2011-10-02 20:47:02','2011-10-03 03:47:02','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7706,1,'2011-10-02 20:57:13','2011-10-03 03:57:13','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-19','','','2011-10-02 20:57:13','2011-10-03 03:57:13','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7705,1,'2011-10-02 20:55:54','2011-10-03 03:55:54','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met at the water cooler and talked about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson burst out laughing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI kept on with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-18','','','2011-10-02 20:55:54','2011-10-03 03:55:54','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7707,1,'2011-10-02 20:58:20','2011-10-03 03:58:20','[caption id=\"attachment_7693\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Mia Cugina, Fabio 2 and Me\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140038-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe day before I left for Italy, my colleague, Allyson, met me at the water cooler to talk about my upcoming trip.  Allyson was especially curious about the bicycle tour portion of my Italian adventure.  She asked me if I had been training.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...you know...I work out.  I\'m fit.  I\'ve taken 3 spin classes to reacquaint myself with a bike.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson skipped to the next logical question:  \"When was the last time you were on a real bike?  One that requires balance, shifting gears, etc.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops!  I forgot about those minor details.  Oh, well.  It was too late now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI stopped to think about the last time I mounted a real bike.  I couldn\'t remember for certain.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Well...ummm...25 years ago?  When I was in high school?  No, wait!!!!  I rode a bike to campus when I was in grad school!  20 years ago!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson burst out laughing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI sheepishly defended myself.  \"Doesn\'t the saying tell us that it\'s just like getting back on a bike?!?!  How difficult can this be?  The trip is ranked easy to moderate!  Spin class is much harder than a leisurely bike ride!.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI kept  with the defense.  \"Plus, it\'s been averaging 116 degrees in Phoenix!  It can\'t possibly be healthy to train in those temps!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAllyson attempted to comfort me.  \"I\'m sure you\'ll be fine.  Can\'t wait to hear all about it!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe didn\'t sound convincing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 353, my cousins and I met with our tour group for the first time.  I was pleased to learn that we had not one, but two Italian men as our tour leaders.  Benissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo protect the identities of these incredibly talented and professional leaders, I will herein refer to them as Fabio 1 and Fabio 2.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI knew that it was going to be an anything-but-boring trip when Fabio 1, upon seeing my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/05/day-341-luggage-fashionista/\" target=\"_blank\">new luggage</a></strong>, gestured wildly while exclaiming, \"Michelle!!!  This looks just like Italian luggage!  Che bella!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll 19 of us boarded the bus and headed out from Firenze to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince the trip was approximately 90 minutes, we stopped half-way in for a food/cappuccino stop.  Italians need to refuel with caffeine and calories often.  Lucky for me, I grew up in an equally food-obsessed Portuguese family, so it took me exactly 0 seconds to adjust this aspect of the Italian lifestyle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7692\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pit stop at the autogrill\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAn \"autogrill\" is a roadside gas station/food mart in Italy.  Sort of like a Circle K in the States.  Except imagine a Circle K serving homemade gelato, high quality espresso, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, and a menu of hot pasta dishes.  Lining the walls, you won\'t see Doritos and candy for sale, but artisan pastas, breads, olive oil and of course, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7688\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"No food on the bus! But what if you&#39;re Word&#39;s Slowest Eater and didn&#39;t finish your pastry in the autogrill?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7688\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n45 minutes later, we arrived at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.agrihotel-elisabetta.it/elisabetta/english/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Agrihotel Elisabetta</a>, </strong>a working vineyard, farm, and hotel.  (If you are planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend researching<strong> <a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/agriturismo\">agriturismo</a> </strong>for an authentic experience.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter checking into our rustically charming rooms, our leaders summoned us to the veranda for an orientation and a cycling warm-up.  YES!  This is where I would get back on the bike, find my balance, learn how to shift gears, etc.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNOT!  You see, the other people on this tour actually <em>trained</em> for it.  They didn\'t need remedial instruction.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that\'s o.k.  I had youth on my side which certainly gave me some smattering of physical prowess.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYep.  I was the baby in this group.  With a few 50-something exceptions (including my cousins), this tour group consisted of peeps my parents\' age.  On my last day as a 41 year-old, I was repeatedly called \"kid\".  Isn\'t that the best 40-something birthday present ever?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe leaders directed us to choose a helmet for the duration of our tour.  I picked my Lucky Number 11.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7683\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140035-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe then made our way to the parking lot for an 8 mile test run on our bikes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pulled Fabio 2 aside.  \"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  What the heck to I do with these gears?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe looked puzzled, and then patiently walked me through the gears.  Basically, I was not to touch the gears on the left, but I could fiddle- faddle with the ones on the right until I was cycling easily.  Piece of cake!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I forgot to ask for in my Cycling One-on-One was how to dismount without nearly falling into traffic.  You see, to get to those Tuscan hills, one must navigate through traffic just like anywhere else.  Were you expecting a completely pastoral setting?  I was.  Oops again!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFortunately for me, practically every Italian rides a bike.  Therefore, when they\'re behind the wheel of car, they pay attention.  i.e., they beep their horn while steering around American novices.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took deep breaths and focused on the beauty of my surroundings once I stopped dodging cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9150068-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter our refreshing, easy ride, I was the last to pull into the Agrihotel Elisabetta.  So much for youth.  I mused that my 65 year-old father is a marathon runner, and my fellow tour group members are cycling ANIMALS!  The 60s are obviously the new 40s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for me -- the group baby -- I needed a tricycle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe pool beckoned.  But first, I needed to learn how to dismount properly.  I didn\'t remember a bike feeling this tall.  Only my tip-tip-toes touched the ground when I stopped.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI called Fabio 1 over for a post-ride debrief.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Listen.  I need Cycling 101.  I haven\'t been on a bike in 2o years.  How the heck to do I gracefully get off this thing without killing myself in traffic?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 smirked, shot me \"the look\", and then patiently taught me how to safely stop and get off my bike.  I never had this issue in spin class.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then informed me that he was the cycling leader for our first ride the next morning.  He would hold up the rear, and since we all knew that I was officially the weakest link, this meant that I would receive one-on-one treatment for the entire day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"You stay with me tomorrow,\"  Fabio 1 commanded.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"O.k.,\" I replied, as any bright American woman would.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat night, I eased my nerves with vino, vino, and more vino during a tour of Elisabetta\'s wine cellar with owner, Luigi.  Fabio 1 offered translation while Fabio 2 stood in the background looking like an Italian Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9140045-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter two glasses of wine, I knew that tomorrow\'s ride would be just fine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7702\" title=\"P1000225\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1000225-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;','Day 353:  It\'s just like getting back on a bike.  Riiiggghhhht.  ','','inherit','open','open','','7660-revision-20','','','2011-10-02 20:58:20','2011-10-03 03:58:20','',7660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/02/7660-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),