Little red ones....
Long green ones....
It's a chili jungle out there.
After surviving the red eye flight, we met up with Kent's friend, Crisette. She and Kent were friends during the law school days, but she currently lives in Boston with her husband. She oriented us with parts of the city then took us to Regina's Pizza (so delicious) and Mike's Pastries (not so delicious). I thought I'd like the cannolis at Mike's, but they were a bit overloaded with cream and chocolate. I know, I didn't think that was possible either.
We then found our way back to the Government Center and passed this lovely place -->
Durty Nelly's. That's right, dUrty nellY's. My friend, Katie, who lived in Boston for a while, told me this place reminded her of me when she would drive by. (I promise I'm not a hussy.)
We then began walking the Freedom Trail. Cruising around town by foot was great, but freezing. It was maybe 45 degrees. Maybe less. I don't know, but I do know that our Southern California faces were freezing.
One of the many brick and gold-domed buildings in the city. This is where the Boston Massacre took place.
There were a few cemeteries along the path which made my day. I have a strange obsession with them. I love the gravestones, the names of the deceased, the dates from so long ago-who were these people and what were their lives like? Old, old cemeteries are the best. I suppose if you locked me up in one at night, I wouldn't love it, I'd probably cry, but they're fascinating otherwise. If you're a graveyard connoisseur, the Hong Kong cemetery is probably the best, followed by one on the way to Coney Island.
Kent, frozen in a graveyard, wondering why on earth I'm taking multiple pictures there.
The Massachusetts State House, last place on the southern end of the Freedom Trail.
We made our way back up the trail and found this statue of Paul Revere. You know, the man who shouted, "The Redcoats are coming, the redcoats are coming!" (or "the British are coming", not really sure.) We tried to get into his house, but we were too late. Next time.
This is inside of the church where they hung the lanterns to warn the Colonists of the approaching Brits. It was a beautiful, quaint church. I love the staircase and window, but this is the best photo I could get.
Master Kent in the Sommer pew box.
Not really. It was reserved "for strangers and wardens". That works though.
Lovely Nameless Bridge. Okay, I just looked it up, it's called the Zakim Bridge. Interesting. I would thought it would be something like Hamilton or Westley.
I love the sun's rays creeping through that one spot, highlighting the leaves. A sublime sunset.
If you didn't get enough of the Zakim Bridge, here it is again, this time with the two of us in front of it.
We made it to the USS Constitution, but unfortunately, we were too late to tour the ship. We will do that, and hike Bunker Hill, next time. We completed our Boston sojourn at a theater where we watched Stomp. I wanted to see it back in 1990-something, but it was too expensive for my high school/college self. It was definitely creative, but I did nod off a couple of times-I just couldn't keep my eyes open! That's what the red eye does to people.
The next day, we drove to Connecticut to visit my brother's family. They live on a tiny island near Mystic and it is fabulous. It's everything you imagine when you think of the New England coast and more.
Here we are on the dock at their house. And yes, that is the Atlantic Ocean at their doorstep.
This is the view from the back porch. How lovely is that?!
And this is their daughter, Maddie. Such a cutie, even with the blood-shot Halloween eyes.
I had to throw this house in because I love it. It is on the island as well. I told Kent we might have to build something like it someday. I wouldn't mind the ocean view either.
On the way back to the airport, admiring the fall colors through the rain-covered windows. (We heard it was supposed to be 65 degrees and clear the day after we left-so sad.)
These guys (shoes) made it out of the closet today and that makes me happy. Their appearance signals the weather is changing and some great holidays are on the way. I know Ugg boots aren't the most attractive boots out there (there's a reason they're called Uggs), but they are comfortable and oh, so warm. Plus, I get to wear my trusty jean skirt with them, with tights even. I think Kent wants me to burn the jean skirt, I wear it way too often, but I can't get myself to get rid of it-my skirt and I have a bond. I think I found a replacement for it at the mall the other day though, but the current one has become a habit. It's so easy to put on in the morning.
Happy Birthday to Kent Merrill Sommer, my husband.
I love talking with him,
While I loved riding my bike to piano class, I didn't love wearing a helmet. I debated even wearing one because the bike is a beach cruiser, i.e. there are no gears to change and you simply have to push back on the peddles to stop. You just don't wear helmets on beach cruisers. I don't remember seeing anyone with one when I lived in Huntington Beach, but I guess we're not in Huntington anymore, we're in the LBC. We're also not by the beach.
Helmet and all, it was a great being out and about on a bike, going to a college class. It felt so liberating and youthful. 
And, I'm happy I wore the helmet, too.
and were able to witness the Angels beat the Rangers 11-0 to become the 2009 American League West Champions. I had no idea this was such a big game, I'm clueless when it comes to following professional sports, but I'm glad we happened to be at Angels Stadium that night.
The team was pretty excited and I was, too. I felt like a legit fan even though I rarely watch baseball. Kent loves all sports and follows them religiously, but I do not have the patience to watch them, especially baseball, on TV. The only games I view on a regular basis include the BYU Cougars. And even those are tough to watch sometimes.
Anyway, it was great to be a part of the celebration.
Sidenote: I was kind of disappointed in myself for taking pictures of the Angels celebrating instead of just enjoying the moment. Happy to capture it, but sometimes I feel like I miss out on the feeling of it all when I try to take too many photos. Oh, well. I didn't lose sleep over it or anything.
Here's the game crew: Kent, me, Zach and Lance -->
I have to say, watching baseball in person is much more enjoyable than sitting in our living room watching it on a screen. The hot dogs, the occasional beach ball, the 'wave' and cheering fans-it's amazing what the surrounding atmosphere can do for an experience. Our seats helped, too. -->
The zoom on my camera isn't the greatest, but that's Vladimir below. I love that he wears the old school baseball uniform with the knickers and high socks. Not a huge fan of the full-length pants.
All-in-all, a very fun night.
