The weather outside? SO not frightful in my opinion!

It SNOWED yesterday! So Santa must be reading my blog...I was down in D.C. visiting Kelly and Laurie when both of my parents started calling me to tell me that it was snowing and I should hurry home. I guess I am 16 again. The visit with the ladies (and the new little man!) was great, we ate and shopped and had a wonderful time. I headed home around 2:00, missed the GW Parkway turn (typical), took a ride around the Washington Monument (Look kids! Big Ben!) and then got back on the road home. It was fine at first, the roads were dry and then they got wet and then they got icy. I was fine, just stayed in my lane. But I did see a few cars that had run off the road! I came home to the winter wonderland that I've been dreaming about for the past few months. The trees are white and icy and beautiful. Kids got to go to school late and I am writing to you from the Panera Bread in Camp Hill, Pa where I am happily nestled in an armchair with a mug of coffee next to a fireplace. I have a pedicure in a couple of hours that will hopefully undo what four months of Cairo has done to my feet. I am a happy girl. But I miss Ira! Hurry home, husband!

"Home Again, Home Again Jiggety Jig"

That's what my dad would say after we arrived home from a long car ride somewhere. I don't know what to say after a long plane/bus/cab/train/car ride! I will give more details soon, I just wanted everyone to know I am safe and sound in my little hometown. Things are exactly the same and completely different all at the same time. Like I said, I'll write more soon. Off to meet the new baby tomorrow!! Pictures to follow...

Dear Santa

Santa,

I have been very good this year. I hope that I'm still on the Nice list. My list is kind of long this year, but hey, it can't hurt to ask, right?? Oh, and a BIG thanks for taking care of the "Make Obama president" item on my list from last year!

1. World Peace (no, I'm not sucking up)

2. A safe flight home

3. Decorate the Christmas Tree with Connor

4. yarn

5. sit by the fire with Ira

6. sushi

7. cupcakes

8. Tea

9. Coffee

10. a new yoga mat

11. a Domani Star dinner (maybe 2?)

12. lots and lots of time with my family

13. lots and lots of laughs with my friends

14. fresh air

15. SNOW!!

Al-Azhar Park

Yesterday Ira and I went on a date to Al-Azhar Park. It's a green space that sits high above the city. It's landscaped beautifully with trees, flowers, and fountians. There are many walking paths, a theater, and a few cafes. We sat on a blanket and played cards until it got dark and then we made our way to one of the cafes for dinner. The food was good and the view of the Citadel was lovely. It was nice to feel like we were away from the city for a few hours. Enjoy some pictures!

T-Minus one week...whatever T-Minus means

A week from today I'll be in the air heading west...I think, maybe we go north first I'm not sure. Anyway, I'll be crossing the Atlantic in a mere TWELVE hours. Twelve hours! What the HECK am I going to do for 12 hours? Now, I know there people who would kill to have 12 hours to themselves to read or listen to music. But I have to say, it makes me twitch a little. From the time I was kid, I would pack all of these things to do a read and I would never touch any of it. It always happens. I'm only a 1/4 of the way through Orhan Pamuk's Snow, I could finish that. I do have a few Fresh Air episodes downloaded as well as over a week's worth of Rachel Maddow's two shows. But I have to say most of the time when I'm on a plane, I end up staring at the back of the seat in front of me. I don't know why! I can't sleep, I can't read, when I'm not staring at the seat back, I'm annoying Ira and he's not going to be there. Sigh. And it doesn't help that I am SO EXCITED to get there. That's going to make the time go even slower. I know there are going to be some folks on the ground that are anxiously waiting my safe arrival as well. And then I have to get through customs (see previous posts) Stay tuned for a list of the things I am most looking forward to when I get home...