


The Rewards of Persistence
Planning continues for our three month year end adventure. For years I’ve collected hotel reward points from business travels, and we pretty much run our life on American Express, so our plan to avoid sticker shock is to put them to good use. Like anything that saves you money, there is often a trade-off that involves more time, and I accept that. I also accept that I have a tendency to be an over-researcher and would often do well to stop thinking and pull the trigger.
Just when I’m building momentum, though, I have an experience that rewards my paranoia. The latest example involved booking a flight from Madrid, Spain to Nice, France (for sure a first world problem, but stick with me, because the same thing could happen in less exotic places).
First, those rock bottom airfares you hear about are largely an illusion if you want to carry more than a toothbrush and have the option to cancel.
Option One was to book the flight on the American Express travel web site and pay with points, possible because Iberia airlines is a partner. That would take about 37,000 points for a refundable fare. Don’t ask me why, but I felt compelled to check directly with Iberia, and guess what – Option Two, same flight, same everything, 18,000 points! Yes, it involved joining another loyalty program, another password, and a couple of phone calls because it seemed too good to be true.
Seriously, do you have any idea what I can do with an extra 18,000 points?

Meditation on the Road
As attached as I might be to my little nest at home, one of the great things about having a regular meditation practice is that you can take it with you anywhere. Having travelled quite a lot in my life, it’s nice to have a practice that really doesn’t need any special surroundings or any special equipment.
I’ve meditated on airplanes, often during the time between takeoff and when they make that “10,000 feet clear” announcement. Clearly these days, there is plenty of reason to seek some internal peace if you find yourself in travel chaos. I’ve meditated in more hotel rooms than I can count. In fact, I’ve just finished a nice little sit in a hotel in Lexington, Kentucky.
Wherever I am, there I am.

Mixed Media from Montreal
The series continues. This “window” collage is from the Montreal Botanical Gardens, a really magical place, and is my interpretation of a view from inside a little pagoda-type structure in the Japanese Garden, I think. I highly recommend spending a half-day or more here – it’s vista after vista of differently themed gardens, and our visit in early July was particularly well timed this year – beautiful weather and beautiful blooms.

July’s Jaunts
It’s hard to believe a year ago I didn’t own a car, hadn’t owned one for five years, and now we have over 20,000 miles on our little Accord. July was another cross-country month, starting with a quick lunch with the family in suburban Detroit, then across the Port Huron bridge for a ride through Ontario and Quebec. Our ultimate destination was Bar Harbor, Maine, but we took a winding route. Just outside London, Ontario, our first night’s stop, we took a break at a little butterfly sanctuary – mostly little kids and us – just perfect.
I already wrote a bit about Montreal, and leaving there took us in to Vermont (I know, there was a more direct route to Maine, but long story, we were going to Boston first). Anyway, Vermont scenery was spectacular even without the leaves changing color. Downtown Burlington was full of people and music and charm – I can only imagine how much move lively (crowded?) it would be if school were in session.
After a catch-up visit with our grown-up niece in Boston, we overnighted in Portsmouth, NH – another charming downtown with people and music – Irish this time, my favorite.
After a combination of scenic routes and interstate travel, and a great grilled cheese and chowder lunch harborside in Portland, we landed in Bar Harbor. Supposed to be there for two days in the last availble room at the Bar Harbor Inn, but plans changed and we would up staying four. Great seafood, but my favorite meal was Italian – La Vita Bella. Of course we went to Acadia. I know I’m not a big hiker. I don’t really completely understand when a walk turns in to a hike. But I’m pretty sure that climbing over boulders for a half hour, even if they aren’t vertical, crosses the line, so I felt pretty accomplished.
Amazing how in every town you can find that place with the great row of outdoor restaurant options – Italian again in Albany.
Next stop was a bucket list one for the boyfriend/husband – the National Comedy Center in Jamestown New York. Driving across the state was beautiful, and the stop was perfectly timed. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth it – both the subject matter and they way they have designed the museum are impressive and engaging. And, with my economic development hat on, you have to be impressed at how they have worked with the legacy of being Lucille Ball’s hometown to hustle up some economic activity.
I love road trips, but I love Chicago summers too; I think it’s time to be a homebody in August.