We had a great time on our trip to Niagara Falls and New York City, but I am really glad to be home.

Things I really enjoyed on vacation…

• The wonder of Niagara Falls (specifically the view from right at the top of the falls where the water is so clear and peaceful just before it falls over the edge)
• Perfect 76 degree weather for an entire week
• The huge Nacho Libre sign in Times Square
• The view from the observation deck at the top of the Empire State building at night
• A beer from the Brooklyn Brewery
• Winning a huge pot from a Yankee who was sure that a person with a southern accent couldn’t possibly know how to play poker better than him
• The view of New York City from Ellis Island and wondering what it must have felt like for immigrants as they saw America for the first time.
• The Charles Darwin Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History
• Visiting a Buddhist Temple
• The feeling that my life is so small and the world is so big and wonderful

Things I really enjoyned when I got home…

• The peace and quiet of a small town
• A cup of coffee on my deck first thing in the morning
• The little pub across the street from my office where the bartender knows exactly what I want to drink without asking
• Fresh Air that doesn’t smell like exhaust fumes
• A day without an airport or a taxi cab
• Friends that have become closer than family
• The feeling that the world is so small and my life is so big and wonderful