In between trips.

We got back home a week ago, and Bob is now on his way to Edmonton, Alberta, a much better destination than anywhere in the South during the summer. We continued following the World Cup, watching the Brazil-Germany debacle at the Pizza Pub. Frank joined us for the end of the game, so we watched some of the World Cup with our "German" sons and two of the matches (USA and Brazil versus Germany) with Frank -- fun!!

Bob also had time to make his brand of kimchee -- Assi, the best Asian market ever, re-opened after a fire, so Bob could buy his supplies.

We also had time to have dinner at Cantina Feliz before Bob left.

I had a day and a half to get ready for the AP conference in Philadelphia Friday and Saturday. More packing, this time for only one night.  I feel like George Clooney in Up in the Air -- I can pack that bag in 10 minutes.

The conference was, for the most part, quite worthwhile.  I attended six sessions, some on pre-AP topics and some on English AP topics.  One of my colleagues presented, and her presentation was really awesome. I contributed as well, reading a kick-ass version of Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.  Oh, yeah, I could BE that woman in a play somewhere.

On Friday evening, I treated myself to a night a Loew's Hotel and had dinner with niece Nicole and Charlie along with my sisters Fran and Judy.  We went to El Vez, a Stephen Starr gem, and had good food and lots of fun.

Saturday after the conference I met up with Nancy and her brother's family for dinner at Sabrina's in Fairmount.  Mark brought some yummy beer, and we all had delicious sandwiches (note to self - need to come up with more adjectives for good food!!).  Back at the MacQueen house, we had ice cream for dessert, and then Nancy drove me to the train station to pick up my car.

So now I'm getting ready for a birthday breakfast with my niece Alicia, who turns 22 today.

We hit Fred's for a birthday breakfast - yum.

Now I'm finalizing packing for tomorrow's sisters week at the beach.