INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (9086,1,'2012-01-16 10:45:03','2012-01-16 17:45:03','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during my Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nphoto\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-14','','','2012-01-16 10:45:03','2012-01-16 17:45:03','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(9087,1,'2012-01-16 19:44:00','2012-01-17 02:44:00','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options at the advice of Romeo Mio:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear my beloved boots while walking around the towns which (he assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-15','','','2012-01-16 19:44:00','2012-01-17 02:44:00','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(9088,1,'2012-01-16 19:44:00','2012-01-17 02:44:00','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options at the advice of Romeo Mio:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear my beloved boots while walking around the towns which (he assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-16','','','2012-01-16 19:44:00','2012-01-17 02:44:00','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(9089,1,'2012-01-16 19:44:06','2012-01-17 02:44:06','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options at the advice of Romeo Mio:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear my beloved boots while walking around the towns which (he assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-17','','','2012-01-16 19:44:06','2012-01-17 02:44:06','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(9090,1,'2012-01-16 19:44:06','2012-01-17 02:44:06','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options at the advice of Romeo Mio:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear my beloved boots while walking around the towns which (he assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-18','','','2012-01-16 19:44:06','2012-01-17 02:44:06','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(9091,1,'2012-01-16 19:45:16','2012-01-17 02:45:16','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear my beloved boots while walking around the towns which (he assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-19','','','2012-01-16 19:45:16','2012-01-17 02:45:16','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(9092,1,'2012-01-16 19:45:16','2012-01-17 02:45:16','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear my beloved boots while walking around the towns which (he assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-20','','','2012-01-16 19:45:16','2012-01-17 02:45:16','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(9093,1,'2012-01-16 19:46:25','2012-01-17 02:46:25','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong>my beloved cowgirl boots</strong> while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-21','','','2012-01-16 19:46:25','2012-01-17 02:46:25','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(9094,1,'2012-01-16 19:46:25','2012-01-17 02:46:25','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong>my beloved cowgirl boots</strong> while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-22','','','2012-01-16 19:46:25','2012-01-17 02:46:25','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(9095,1,'2012-01-16 19:47:02','2012-01-17 02:47:02','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-23','','','2012-01-16 19:47:02','2012-01-17 02:47:02','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(9098,1,'2012-01-16 19:47:47','2012-01-17 02:47:47','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-26','','','2012-01-16 19:47:47','2012-01-17 02:47:47','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(9096,1,'2012-01-16 19:47:03','2012-01-17 02:47:03','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-24','','','2012-01-16 19:47:03','2012-01-17 02:47:03','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(9097,1,'2012-01-16 19:47:47','2012-01-17 02:47:47','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-25','','','2012-01-16 19:47:47','2012-01-17 02:47:47','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(9099,1,'2012-01-16 19:49:41','2012-01-17 02:49:41','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-27','','','2012-01-16 19:49:41','2012-01-17 02:49:41','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(9100,1,'2012-01-16 19:49:41','2012-01-17 02:49:41','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-28','','','2012-01-16 19:49:41','2012-01-17 02:49:41','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(9101,1,'2012-01-16 19:53:06','2012-01-17 02:53:06','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-29','','','2012-01-16 19:53:06','2012-01-17 02:53:06','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(9102,1,'2012-01-16 19:53:06','2012-01-17 02:53:06','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-30','','','2012-01-16 19:53:06','2012-01-17 02:53:06','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(9103,1,'2012-01-16 19:53:26','2012-01-17 02:53:26','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-31','','','2012-01-16 19:53:26','2012-01-17 02:53:26','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(9104,1,'2012-01-16 19:53:26','2012-01-17 02:53:26','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-32','','','2012-01-16 19:53:26','2012-01-17 02:53:26','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(9109,1,'2012-01-16 19:57:37','2012-01-17 02:57:37','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-37','','','2012-01-16 19:57:37','2012-01-17 02:57:37','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(9105,1,'2012-01-16 19:54:58','2012-01-17 02:54:58','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-33','','','2012-01-16 19:54:58','2012-01-17 02:54:58','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(9106,1,'2012-01-16 19:54:58','2012-01-17 02:54:58','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-34','','','2012-01-16 19:54:58','2012-01-17 02:54:58','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(9107,1,'2012-01-16 19:55:26','2012-01-17 02:55:26','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-35','','','2012-01-16 19:55:26','2012-01-17 02:55:26','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(9112,1,'2012-01-16 19:57:43','2012-01-17 02:57:43','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-40','','','2012-01-16 19:57:43','2012-01-17 02:57:43','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(9108,1,'2012-01-16 19:55:26','2012-01-17 02:55:26','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9084\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The shoes pictured left are the only &quot;flats&quot; that I own. (If you don&#39;t count running shoes and hiking boots.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-36','','','2012-01-16 19:55:26','2012-01-17 02:55:26','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(9110,1,'2012-01-16 19:57:37','2012-01-17 02:57:37','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-38','','','2012-01-16 19:57:37','2012-01-17 02:57:37','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(9111,1,'2012-01-16 19:57:43','2012-01-17 02:57:43','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-39','','','2012-01-16 19:57:43','2012-01-17 02:57:43','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(9113,1,'2012-01-16 19:58:42','2012-01-17 02:58:42','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-41','','','2012-01-16 19:58:42','2012-01-17 02:58:42','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(9114,1,'2012-01-16 19:58:42','2012-01-17 02:58:42','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n99.9% of my shoes have heels.  Even my comfy winter clogs.  Are you tracking with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are my only two options in my current wardrobe (at the advice of Romeo Mio):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  I would wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-42','','','2012-01-16 19:58:42','2012-01-17 02:58:42','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(9115,1,'2012-01-16 20:44:58','2012-01-17 03:44:58','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-43','','','2012-01-16 20:44:58','2012-01-17 03:44:58','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(9116,1,'2012-01-16 20:44:58','2012-01-17 03:44:58','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-44','','','2012-01-16 20:44:58','2012-01-17 03:44:58','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(9117,1,'2012-01-16 20:45:07','2012-01-17 03:45:07','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-45','','','2012-01-16 20:45:07','2012-01-17 03:45:07','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(9118,1,'2012-01-16 20:45:07','2012-01-17 03:45:07','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-46','','','2012-01-16 20:45:07','2012-01-17 03:45:07','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-46/',0,'revision','',0),(9119,1,'2012-01-16 20:46:09','2012-01-17 03:46:09','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-47','','','2012-01-16 20:46:09','2012-01-17 03:46:09','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-47/',0,'revision','',0),(9122,1,'2012-01-16 20:46:43','2012-01-17 03:46:43','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-50','','','2012-01-16 20:46:43','2012-01-17 03:46:43','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-50/',0,'revision','',0),(9120,1,'2012-01-16 20:46:09','2012-01-17 03:46:09','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-48','','','2012-01-16 20:46:09','2012-01-17 03:46:09','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(9121,1,'2012-01-16 20:46:43','2012-01-17 03:46:43','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear those if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-49','','','2012-01-16 20:46:43','2012-01-17 03:46:43','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(9123,1,'2012-01-16 20:47:18','2012-01-17 03:47:18','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-51','','','2012-01-16 20:47:18','2012-01-17 03:47:18','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-51/',0,'revision','',0),(9124,1,'2012-01-16 20:47:18','2012-01-17 03:47:18','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking on a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-52','','','2012-01-16 20:47:18','2012-01-17 03:47:18','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-52/',0,'revision','',0),(9125,1,'2012-01-16 20:47:46','2012-01-17 03:47:46','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-53','','','2012-01-16 20:47:46','2012-01-17 03:47:46','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-53/',0,'revision','',0),(9126,1,'2012-01-16 20:47:46','2012-01-17 03:47:46','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-54','','','2012-01-16 20:47:46','2012-01-17 03:47:46','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-54/',0,'revision','',0),(9127,1,'2012-01-16 20:55:08','2012-01-17 03:55:08','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout, <strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-55','','','2012-01-16 20:55:08','2012-01-17 03:55:08','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-55/',0,'revision','',0),(9128,1,'2012-01-16 20:55:08','2012-01-17 03:55:08','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout, <strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-56','','','2012-01-16 20:55:08','2012-01-17 03:55:08','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-56/',0,'revision','',0),(9129,1,'2012-01-16 20:55:19','2012-01-17 03:55:19','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout, <strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-57','','','2012-01-16 20:55:19','2012-01-17 03:55:19','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-57/',0,'revision','',0),(9132,1,'2012-01-16 20:57:44','2012-01-17 03:57:44','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-60','','','2012-01-16 20:57:44','2012-01-17 03:57:44','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-60/',0,'revision','',0),(9130,1,'2012-01-16 20:55:19','2012-01-17 03:55:19','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout, <strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-58','','','2012-01-16 20:55:19','2012-01-17 03:55:19','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-58/',0,'revision','',0),(9131,1,'2012-01-16 20:57:44','2012-01-17 03:57:44','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-59','','','2012-01-16 20:57:44','2012-01-17 03:57:44','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-59/',0,'revision','',0),(9133,1,'2012-01-16 20:59:15','2012-01-17 03:59:15','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our side trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-61','','','2012-01-16 20:59:15','2012-01-17 03:59:15','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-61/',0,'revision','',0),(9134,1,'2012-01-16 20:59:15','2012-01-17 03:59:15','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our side trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-62','','','2012-01-16 20:59:15','2012-01-17 03:59:15','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-62/',0,'revision','',0),(9135,1,'2012-01-16 20:59:50','2012-01-17 03:59:50','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Please share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our side trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-63','','','2012-01-16 20:59:50','2012-01-17 03:59:50','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-63/',0,'revision','',0),(9136,1,'2012-01-16 20:59:50','2012-01-17 03:59:50','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Please share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns  during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our side trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-64','','','2012-01-16 20:59:50','2012-01-17 03:59:50','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-64/',0,'revision','',0),(9137,1,'2012-01-16 21:00:45','2012-01-17 04:00:45','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Please share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our side trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-65','','','2012-01-16 21:00:45','2012-01-17 04:00:45','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-65/',0,'revision','',0),(9138,1,'2012-01-16 21:00:45','2012-01-17 04:00:45','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Please share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our side trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-66','','','2012-01-16 21:00:45','2012-01-17 04:00:45','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-66/',0,'revision','',0),(9139,1,'2012-01-16 21:05:56','2012-01-17 04:05:56','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9070\" title=\"4587873964_93fd37973e\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4587873964_93fd37973e-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nI apologize, but I am unable to share with you what I did for Playdate #2 at this time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy silence may seem pretty lame considering that this is only my 2nd entry of the year, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlaydate #2 involved the creation of a BIG and UNIQUE surprise for <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/26/and-the-winner-for-name-that-italian-is/\" target=\"_blank\">Romeo Mio.</a></strong>  And since Romeo Mio reads this blog . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhhh.  <em>Now</em> you understand.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a couple of weeks, I am off to the <strong><a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/\" target=\"_blank\">French Alps</a></strong> to visit Romeo Mio at his winter abode.  We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas together at that time, and this is when I will present The Top Secret Surprise.  If it\'s o.k. with him, then I will reveal to you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>HELP!</strong></span>  I live in the desert.  Are you a snow dweller?  Please share any and all of your cold-weather \"must-haves\" for me.  I\'m compiling a list and heading over to <a href=\"http://www.rei.com/\" target=\"_blank\">REI.  </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main concern is my feet.  Or to rephrase, what the heck do I wear on them?  You may laugh, but these are the shoes that I\'ve been wearing most frequently during this year\'s Phoenix \"winter\".  Something tells me that they\'re not going to cut it in an Alpine village.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-684/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9084\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9084 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter assessing my current shoe wardrobe, Romeo Mio narrowed my prospects down to these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/olympus-digital-camera-685/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9085\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9085\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1160002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThose are my hiking boots on the right.  I would wear them if we\'re walking across a snowy parking lot from the car to dinner.  When I gasped over the thought of WEARING HIKING BOOTS TO DINNER, Romeo Mio told me that I would need to throw fashion right out of that car window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would then wear <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/08/day-41-you-need-cowgirl-boots-not-plastic-surgery-let-me-explain/\" target=\"_blank\">my beloved cowgirl boots</a></strong> (pictured left) while walking around the towns during the day which (Romeo Mio assures me) are not snowy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fashionista by any means, but I\'m still grappling with the idea of traveling afar with only 2 pair of shoes.  And when I consider that 1 pair are ugly hiking boots, I want to shout <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/italian-swear-words-jessicas-8-favorites.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"MADONNA!\"</a></strong></em> just as Romeo Mio does when he is horrified by something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring our side trip to Romeo Mio\'s hometown of Torino, I will have the option to purchase Italian shoes and boots which are deeply discounted this time of year.  And I will have spare room in my luggage to accommodate!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSound like a plan?  Or do you have other thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMerci, peeps!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #2:  It\'s Top Secret','','inherit','open','open','','9068-revision-67','','','2012-01-16 21:05:56','2012-01-17 04:05:56','',9068,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/16/9068-revision-67/',0,'revision','',0),(9141,1,'2012-01-18 19:18:09','2012-01-19 02:18:09','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision','','','2012-01-18 19:18:09','2012-01-19 02:18:09','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(9142,1,'2012-01-18 19:31:46','2012-01-19 02:31:46','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of epic proportions.  I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had I bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-2','','','2012-01-18 19:31:46','2012-01-19 02:31:46','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(9143,1,'2012-01-18 19:33:46','2012-01-19 02:33:46','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of epic proportions.  I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-3','','','2012-01-18 19:33:46','2012-01-19 02:33:46','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(9144,1,'2012-01-18 19:57:46','2012-01-19 02:57:46','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers have returned their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Heather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wo\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-4','','','2012-01-18 19:57:46','2012-01-19 02:57:46','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(9145,1,'2012-01-18 20:05:46','2012-01-19 03:05:46','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers have returned their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Heather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-5','','','2012-01-18 20:05:46','2012-01-19 03:05:46','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(9147,1,'2012-01-18 20:06:46','2012-01-19 03:06:46','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers have returned their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Heather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-7','','','2012-01-18 20:06:46','2012-01-19 03:06:46','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(9146,1,'2012-01-18 20:06:08','2012-01-19 03:06:08','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers have returned their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Heather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-6','','','2012-01-18 20:06:08','2012-01-19 03:06:08','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(9149,1,'2012-01-18 20:42:04','2012-01-19 03:42:04','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-686','','','2012-01-18 20:42:04','2012-01-19 03:42:04','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9148,1,'2012-01-18 20:09:11','2012-01-19 03:09:11','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers have returned their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Heather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-8','','','2012-01-18 20:09:11','2012-01-19 03:09:11','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(9150,1,'2012-01-18 20:47:44','2012-01-19 03:47:44','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-687','','','2012-01-18 20:47:44','2012-01-19 03:47:44','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9151,1,'2012-01-18 20:51:59','2012-01-19 03:51:59','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-9','','','2012-01-18 20:51:59','2012-01-19 03:51:59','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(9155,1,'2012-01-18 20:52:59','2012-01-19 03:52:59','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-13','','','2012-01-18 20:52:59','2012-01-19 03:52:59','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(9152,1,'2012-01-18 20:52:33','2012-01-19 03:52:33','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-10','','','2012-01-18 20:52:33','2012-01-19 03:52:33','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(9153,1,'2012-01-18 20:52:33','2012-01-19 03:52:33','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-11','','','2012-01-18 20:52:33','2012-01-19 03:52:33','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(9154,1,'2012-01-18 20:52:51','2012-01-19 03:52:51','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.  My word, those boots are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-12','','','2012-01-18 20:52:51','2012-01-19 03:52:51','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(9156,1,'2012-01-18 20:59:44','2012-01-19 03:59:44','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-14','','','2012-01-18 20:59:44','2012-01-19 03:59:44','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(9157,1,'2012-01-18 20:59:44','2012-01-19 03:59:44','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-15','','','2012-01-18 20:59:44','2012-01-19 03:59:44','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(9158,1,'2012-01-18 20:59:54','2012-01-19 03:59:54','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-16','','','2012-01-18 20:59:54','2012-01-19 03:59:54','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(9159,1,'2012-01-18 20:59:54','2012-01-19 03:59:54','On Tuesday, I had an Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-17','','','2012-01-18 20:59:54','2012-01-19 03:59:54','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(9165,1,'2012-01-18 21:08:22','2012-01-19 04:08:22','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends disagree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-23','','','2012-01-18 21:08:22','2012-01-19 04:08:22','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(9160,1,'2012-01-18 21:00:43','2012-01-19 04:00:43','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-18','','','2012-01-18 21:00:43','2012-01-19 04:00:43','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(9161,1,'2012-01-18 21:00:43','2012-01-19 04:00:43','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-19','','','2012-01-18 21:00:43','2012-01-19 04:00:43','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(9162,1,'2012-01-18 21:00:49','2012-01-19 04:00:49','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-20','','','2012-01-18 21:00:49','2012-01-19 04:00:49','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(9163,1,'2012-01-18 21:00:49','2012-01-19 04:00:49','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I bring my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-21','','','2012-01-18 21:00:49','2012-01-19 04:00:49','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(9164,1,'2012-01-18 21:02:18','2012-01-19 04:02:18','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told him that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but everyone disagrees.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-22','','','2012-01-18 21:02:18','2012-01-19 04:02:18','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(9169,1,'2012-01-18 21:09:22','2012-01-19 04:09:22','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-27','','','2012-01-18 21:09:22','2012-01-19 04:09:22','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(9166,1,'2012-01-18 21:08:33','2012-01-19 04:08:33','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-24','','','2012-01-18 21:08:33','2012-01-19 04:08:33','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(9167,1,'2012-01-18 21:08:33','2012-01-19 04:08:33','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-25','','','2012-01-18 21:08:33','2012-01-19 04:08:33','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(9168,1,'2012-01-18 21:08:47','2012-01-19 04:08:47','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-26','','','2012-01-18 21:08:47','2012-01-19 04:08:47','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(9171,1,'2012-01-18 21:10:22','2012-01-19 04:10:22','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-29','','','2012-01-18 21:10:22','2012-01-19 04:10:22','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(9170,1,'2012-01-18 21:09:36','2012-01-19 04:09:36','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThey are the most comfortable.  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-28','','','2012-01-18 21:09:36','2012-01-19 04:09:36','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(9173,1,'2012-01-18 21:12:22','2012-01-19 04:12:22','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great clearancsweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-31','','','2012-01-18 21:12:22','2012-01-19 04:12:22','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(9172,1,'2012-01-18 21:11:19','2012-01-19 04:11:19','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-30','','','2012-01-18 21:11:19','2012-01-19 04:11:19','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(9177,1,'2012-01-18 21:14:57','2012-01-19 04:14:57','&nbsp;\n\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  <strong>Little Michelle</strong> lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-35','','','2012-01-18 21:14:57','2012-01-19 04:14:57','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(9174,1,'2012-01-18 21:12:34','2012-01-19 04:12:34','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-32','','','2012-01-18 21:12:34','2012-01-19 04:12:34','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(9175,1,'2012-01-18 21:12:34','2012-01-19 04:12:34','On Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-33','','','2012-01-18 21:12:34','2012-01-19 04:12:34','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(9176,1,'2012-01-18 21:12:53','2012-01-19 04:12:53','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-34','','','2012-01-18 21:12:53','2012-01-19 04:12:53','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(9179,1,'2012-01-18 21:15:57','2012-01-19 04:15:57','&nbsp;\n\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-37','','','2012-01-18 21:15:57','2012-01-19 04:15:57','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(9178,1,'2012-01-18 21:15:50','2012-01-19 04:15:50','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and brand-spankin&#39; new!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-36','','','2012-01-18 21:15:50','2012-01-19 04:15:50','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(9180,1,'2012-01-18 21:19:22','2012-01-19 04:19:22','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-38','','','2012-01-18 21:19:22','2012-01-19 04:19:22','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(9181,1,'2012-01-18 21:19:22','2012-01-19 04:19:22','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-39','','','2012-01-18 21:19:22','2012-01-19 04:19:22','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(9182,1,'2012-01-18 21:19:38','2012-01-19 04:19:38','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9150\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-40','','','2012-01-18 21:19:38','2012-01-19 04:19:38','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(9183,1,'2012-01-18 21:19:39','2012-01-19 04:19:39','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/19/these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-in-the-french-alps/olympus-digital-camera-687/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-41','','','2012-01-18 21:19:39','2012-01-19 04:19:39','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(9184,1,'2012-01-18 21:20:08','2012-01-19 04:20:08','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/19/these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-in-the-french-alps/olympus-digital-camera-687/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-42','','','2012-01-18 21:20:08','2012-01-19 04:20:08','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(9185,1,'2012-01-18 21:20:09','2012-01-19 04:20:09','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/19/these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-in-the-french-alps/olympus-digital-camera-687/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-43','','','2012-01-18 21:20:09','2012-01-19 04:20:09','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(9186,1,'2012-01-18 21:26:40','2012-01-19 04:26:40','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you, dear readers, gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/19/these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-in-the-french-alps/olympus-digital-camera-687/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-44','','','2012-01-18 21:26:40','2012-01-19 04:26:40','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(9187,1,'2012-01-18 21:26:40','2012-01-19 04:26:40','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you, dear readers, gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/19/these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-in-the-french-alps/olympus-digital-camera-687/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-45','','','2012-01-18 21:26:40','2012-01-19 04:26:40','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(9188,1,'2012-01-18 21:28:30','2012-01-19 04:28:30','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I had an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/17/playdate-2-its-top-secret/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions</strong></a>.  Without my blog readers, I was destined to suffer from frostbit toes and/or another concussion had this clueless desert dweller bit it on icy pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy feet and brain would like to thank you for coming to my rescue!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOriginally, Romeo Mio suggested that I hunt for deeply discounted Uggs or cheaper Ugg knockoffs.  So last weekend, I hauled my cookies across town to Last Chance for a disappointing and Uggly visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy word, Uggs are hideous!  They make my size 6 feet look monstrous!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/08/22/day-328-last-chance-or-no-chance-in-hell/\" target=\"_blank\">And when tacky Nordstrom shoppers return their used Uggs, and Last Chance puts them out for resale</a></strong>, they are even Ugglier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio, seeing my Skyped frustration, sweetly suggested that I pack my hiking boots until we find a proper pair of boots in Torino.  He\'s incredibly thoughtful that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then posted my Alpine Adventure Shoe Dilemma of Epic Proportions.  This is when you, dear readers, gently guided me towards Romeo Mio\'s original suggestion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided that I would give Nordstrom Rack a try one day this week.  I wouldn\'t find as good a deal as at Last Chance, but hey -- at least The Rack doesn\'t sell boots where someone\'s sweaty, toe-jammed feet were lurking for 6 months.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYesterday at lunch, I ventured out to Nordstrom Rack and found the least Uggly of the Uggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9149\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"40% off and toe jamless!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-9149 \" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to say, they may not be the sexiest boots, but . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWOW, are they the most comfortable!  It was Love at First Fit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho wouldn\'t want their tootsies wrapped in swaddling lambs wool?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeather and Stacey, I also purchased waterproofing spray.  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/19/these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-in-the-french-alps/olympus-digital-camera-687/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9150\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9150\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1180007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I\'m almost set!  Little Michelle lent me her down-filled jacket with a furry hood to keep me snug, and I now have Not-So-Ugglies for cozy feet.  I still need warmer gloves and as everyone tell me, a hat.  I think the hood is enough, but all of my friends who hail from snowy climates disagree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found some great sweaters and warm layery tops on clearance at REI, and Romeo Mio treated me to ski socks and some other cold-weather surprises.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if I\'m still cold after all that, I\'ve got my Love to keep me warm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','These Boots Are Made For Walkin\'.  In the French Alps.  ','','inherit','open','open','','9140-revision-46','','','2012-01-18 21:28:30','2012-01-19 04:28:30','',9140,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/18/9140-revision-46/',0,'revision','',0),(9192,1,'2012-01-23 19:51:39','2012-01-24 02:51:39','I am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Gadget#1:  The iPad 2.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.  I have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why on earth would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons and Safer Car Travels','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-3','','','2012-01-23 19:51:39','2012-01-24 02:51:39','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(9193,1,'2012-01-23 20:04:39','2012-01-24 03:04:39','I am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.  I have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why on earth would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"Mindsnacks French\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-4','','','2012-01-23 20:04:39','2012-01-24 03:04:39','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(9194,1,'2012-01-23 20:09:39','2012-01-24 03:09:39','I am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"Mindsnacks French\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-5','','','2012-01-23 20:09:39','2012-01-24 03:09:39','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(9195,1,'2012-01-23 20:16:54','2012-01-24 03:16:54','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-688','','','2012-01-23 20:16:54','2012-01-24 03:16:54','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9196,1,'2012-01-23 20:19:10','2012-01-24 03:19:10','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-689','','','2012-01-23 20:19:10','2012-01-24 03:19:10','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9197,1,'2012-01-23 20:23:31','2012-01-24 03:23:31','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-690','','','2012-01-23 20:23:31','2012-01-24 03:23:31','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9198,1,'2012-01-23 20:27:51','2012-01-24 03:27:51','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-691','','','2012-01-23 20:27:51','2012-01-24 03:27:51','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9199,1,'2012-01-23 20:36:39','2012-01-24 03:36:39','A kool aid cup photo?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nvideo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing a a free MindSnack either???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-6','','','2012-01-23 20:36:39','2012-01-24 03:36:39','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(9201,1,'2012-01-23 20:46:39','2012-01-24 03:46:39','A kool aid cup photo?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>file://localhost/Users/michelle/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nvideo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaird.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-8','','','2012-01-23 20:46:39','2012-01-24 03:46:39','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(9200,1,'2012-01-23 20:37:08','2012-01-24 03:37:08','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nvideo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing a a free MindSnack either???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-7','','','2012-01-23 20:37:08','2012-01-24 03:37:08','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(9205,1,'2012-01-23 20:52:43','2012-01-24 03:52:43','A kool aid cup photo?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nvideo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaird.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-12','','','2012-01-23 20:52:43','2012-01-24 03:52:43','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(9202,1,'2012-01-23 20:49:39','2012-01-24 03:49:39','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>file://localhost/Users/michelle/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nvideo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-9','','','2012-01-23 20:49:39','2012-01-24 03:49:39','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(9203,1,'2012-01-23 20:49:39','2012-01-24 03:49:39','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>file://localhost/Users/michelle/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nvideo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-10','','','2012-01-23 20:49:39','2012-01-24 03:49:39','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(9204,1,'2012-01-23 20:50:46','2012-01-24 03:50:46','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>file://localhost/Users/michelle/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nvideo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-11','','','2012-01-23 20:50:46','2012-01-24 03:50:46','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(9207,1,'2012-01-23 20:58:49','2012-01-24 03:58:49','A kool aid cup photo?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHmph.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaird.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-14','','','2012-01-23 20:58:49','2012-01-24 03:58:49','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(9206,1,'2012-01-23 20:55:15','2012-01-24 03:55:15','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nvideo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-13','','','2012-01-23 20:55:15','2012-01-24 03:55:15','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(9208,1,'2012-01-23 20:58:53','2012-01-24 03:58:53','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-15','','','2012-01-23 20:58:53','2012-01-24 03:58:53','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(9209,1,'2012-01-23 20:58:53','2012-01-24 03:58:53','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-16','','','2012-01-23 20:58:53','2012-01-24 03:58:53','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(9210,1,'2012-01-23 20:59:01','2012-01-24 03:59:01','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-17','','','2012-01-23 20:59:01','2012-01-24 03:59:01','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(9211,1,'2012-01-23 20:59:01','2012-01-24 03:59:01','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-18','','','2012-01-23 20:59:01','2012-01-24 03:59:01','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(9212,1,'2012-01-23 20:59:06','2012-01-24 03:59:06','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-19','','','2012-01-23 20:59:06','2012-01-24 03:59:06','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(9213,1,'2012-01-23 20:59:06','2012-01-24 03:59:06','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-20','','','2012-01-23 20:59:06','2012-01-24 03:59:06','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(9214,1,'2012-01-23 20:59:46','2012-01-24 03:59:46','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-21','','','2012-01-23 20:59:46','2012-01-24 03:59:46','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(9215,1,'2012-01-23 20:59:46','2012-01-24 03:59:46','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObservations of a Late Bloomer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember when I crash coursed in Italian the semi old-fashioned way?  Through audio CDs and music?\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\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-22','','','2012-01-23 20:59:46','2012-01-24 03:59:46','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(9216,1,'2012-01-23 21:05:31','2012-01-24 04:05:31','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s right.  I filmed my MindSnack lesson demo with my low-tech Olympus camera.  Sideways.  (Unintentionally.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought about staging a \"Take Two\" until I realized how this mishap would prove my non-gadgetness and make you laugh at the same time.  I\'m always willing to take a hit to entertain my troops.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 -- Numbers in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\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\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-23','','','2012-01-23 21:05:31','2012-01-24 04:05:31','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(9217,1,'2012-01-23 21:05:31','2012-01-24 04:05:31','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s right.  I filmed my MindSnack lesson demo with my low-tech Olympus camera.  Sideways.  (Unintentionally.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought about staging a \"Take Two\" until I realized how this mishap would prove my non-gadgetness and make you laugh at the same time.  I\'m always willing to take a hit to entertain my troops.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 -- Numbers in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\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\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-24','','','2012-01-23 21:05:31','2012-01-24 04:05:31','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(9218,1,'2012-01-23 21:06:27','2012-01-24 04:06:27','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9195\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9196\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9197\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s right.  I filmed my MindSnack lesson demo with my low-tech Olympus camera.  Sideways.  (Unintentionally.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought about staging a \"Take Two\" until I realized how this mishap would prove my non-gadgetness and make you laugh at the same time.  I\'m always willing to take a hit to entertain my troops.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 -- Numbers in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9198\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-25','','','2012-01-23 21:06:27','2012-01-24 04:06:27','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(9219,1,'2012-01-24 09:47:10','2012-01-24 16:47:10','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/carbonnyc/6053333742/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-9220\" title=\"6053333742_cfea2607cc\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/6053333742_cfea2607cc-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>I am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong></a> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure?  (Next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived for his <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/11/15/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Thanksgiving visit</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Romeo Mio and I had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  </span></strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Hmph.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>I then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that.  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>I just heard this one on the radio this morning and couldn\'t believe it:  Need to know why he hasn\'t called you back?  There\'s an app for that.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMamma mia!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-688/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-689/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-690/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"></iframe>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat\'s right.  I filmed my MindSnack lesson demo with my low-tech Olympus camera.  Sideways.  (Unintentionally.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI thought about staging a \"Take Two\" until I realized how this mishap would prove my non-gadgetness and make you laugh at the same time.  I\'m always willing to take a hit to entertain my troops.  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI mastered Level 1 -- Numbers in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-691/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\">Hmph.</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\">Maird.</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suppose imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more educational fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.  I\'m hoping that the next level includes key phrases such as \"Where is the bathroom?\" and \"May I have a chocolate croissant, si vous plait?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons on the iPad','','inherit','open','open','','9189-autosave','','','2012-01-24 09:47:10','2012-01-24 16:47:10','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(9220,1,'2012-01-23 21:17:04','2012-01-24 04:17:04','','6053333742_cfea2607cc','','inherit','open','open','','6053333742_cfea2607cc','','','2012-01-23 21:17:04','2012-01-24 04:17:04','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/6053333742_cfea2607cc.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9221,1,'2012-01-23 21:06:27','2012-01-24 04:06:27','A kool aid cup photo?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a gadget person.  Romeo Mio is a gadget person.  Therefore, I am now learning how to play nicely with gadgets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Gadget du Jour:  The iPad 2.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould I ever buy an iPad 2?  Heck, no.  <strong>I may be drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</strong> but there\'s still a trace amount left at the bottom of my dixie cup.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a MacBook Pro which is beyond A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  It does everything that I want it to do and oh so much more.  Why <em>on earth</em> would I complicate my life with yet another gadget that isn\'t as functional as my most cherished treasure (next to Romeo Mio, my family, my friends, and Little Miss B, of course)?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI won the iPad 2 at work for a sales contest.  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt sat in the box unopened for about 3 weeks until Romeo Mio arrived.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRomeo Mio and I actually had our one and only spat over that bloody iPad 2.  It started with me whining about emails.  Something to the effect of . . . . I am under a steady email stream at work, at home, on my Crackberry (See? I told you there was some Kool-Aid leftover!), and now I am expected to manage emails on my iPad 2?!?!  ARGH!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy temper tantrum annoyed Romeo Mio to no end.  Romeo Mio, who consumed every last drop of his Kool-Aid years ago, reprimanded for me behaving like a selfish wench.  If I wasn\'t grateful for my FREE iPad 2, then he would gladly take it off my hands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized that it was a tad silly for me to get ornery over a gadget that so much of the world coveted.  There must be something to all this fuss.  Why not play with it and see for myself what all this fuss was about?  After all, I could disable the email deluge from my iPad.  I sweetly asked Romeo Mio to help me with that task.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then journeyed into App World.  Ooooo.  Ahhhhh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou could easily become lost in App World because there\'s an app for everything.  Need to play a game?  There\'s a zillion apps for that.  At the grocery store and need a dinner recipe accompanied by the shopping list of ingredients?  There\'s an app for that?  Want to turn your photos into pop art so you can look cool on facebook?  There\'s an app or two or more for that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former teacher, I\'m always a fan of play that is educational in nature.  Last week, I gravitated towards the \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" app.  Other people, including the app\'s creators, call this app \"MindSnacks French\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOo la la!  J\'adore snacks!  I couldn\'t wait to feed my brain with all things French!  For FREE!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-688/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9195\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9195\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170007-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-689/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9196\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9196\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170009-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat describes my current French?  We\'ve already been over that.  \"I\'m leaving for France in 10 days and I barely remember any of the French that I studied for a year in college\" wasn\'t an option.  I chose the closest thing:  \"Jumbled up words without any structure\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-690/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9197\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9197\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170010-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNeat?  Did you seriously just say that?  Well, gosh oh golly, aren\'t you swell!  Wait a minute.  Am I talking to a computer?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd hold on a sec.  Shouldn\'t I review my numbers first?  Kindly take me back to Level 1, per favore.  (I could only remember \"please\" in Italian at the time.  At the time of this writing, I\'ve just remembered that \"please\" in French is \"si vous plait\".  I\'m quite pleased with myself.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/AbDh25_T_Yk\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s right.  I filmed my MindSnack lesson demo with my low-tech Olympus camera.  Sideways.  (Unintentionally.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought about staging a \"Take Two\" until I realized how this mishap would prove my non-gadgetness and make you laugh at the same time.  I\'m always willing to take a hit to entertain my troops.  :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI mastered Level 1 -- Numbers in no time flat!  Woo hoo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/playdate-3-gadget-girl-tackles-french-lessons/olympus-digital-camera-691/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9198\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9198\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1170013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWait a minute.  Are you kidding me?  I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.  Now you\'re telling me that there\'s no such thing as a free MindSnack???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaird.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  Imaginative people deserve to be paid for their creations.  I dished out the more than reasonable $4.99 for more fun and games.   I am now reacquainted with my colors in French.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank goodness I have a built-in translator aka Romeo Mio when I descend on the French Alps in 4 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #3:  Gadget Girl Tackles French Lessons','','inherit','open','open','','9189-revision-26','','','2012-01-23 21:06:27','2012-01-24 04:06:27','',9189,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/23/9189-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),