Curious Decorative Design

While touring Genéve, this lovely design caught my eye on one of the buildings in the Old City. A quick Photoshop later, and voilá, a new banner.

Swiss Photo Gallery

Check out more photos of the trip here.

Gruyére Switzerland

Still not enjoying the sleep for which I am generally accustomed, the bus departed at 9:00 am for an excursion to the Swiss countryside. After an hour ride, the GFSI spouse tour embarked upon a Gruyére cheese factory. It was so interesting to see how this yummy cheese is made. A hands on education center demonstrated the delicacies that the black and white cows enjoy while grazing on the rolling hills. We watched the cheese makers do their thing in a spotless "kitchen" with giant vats and equipment. Then we could peek into the cellars where the cheese ripens. The group was treated to a terrific lunch of fondue and wine before going off to tour the medieval village of Gruyére and enjoy the ancient castle. Everyone snoozed on the trip back to rest up for the black tie gala tonight at Portes de Iris.

Cost Saving Measures in Genéve

The hotel charges 32 SF for a daily interent connection. Hence, you
may have to suffer through some typos as I post from the free mobile
connection.

Le Chat Botté

The conference officially began with a lovely reception followed by
intimate dine-arounds at city restaurants. We were delighted to host a
client dinner at Le Chat Botte. Critics say it is among the best
restaurants in Europe. After a fabulous dinner, I would say it was
among the best in the world.

Patek Philippe Museum

Oprah may espouse the merits of travel in a private jet, but I humbly recommend travel with an iPhone. The GPS has helped us navigate around the little crooked roads and rues of Geneva. After an enjoyable walk through antique shops, boutiques and a park we found our way to Patek Philippe Museum. This museum houses some of the most beautiful works of art in the country. Time pieces from the 1500s to date are simply and elegantly displayed to reveal the art and craft of the Swiss tradition of watch making.

Old and New in Genéve

Amazing Toilet Seat Technology

The Bloghusband and I were talking about how things have changed in Europe over the years. Thirty years ago, many of my trips through Europe, traveling on BA benefits, were like visiting third world countries. Mind you, I didn't have the same travel budget years ago, but the technology was just not as apparent as it is today. Take, for example, this Clean Seat in the ladies room of a café in Geneva. Utterly impressed after my pit stop, I tried to explain the operation of the toilet seat to Wild Willy. Thank heavens for YouTube.

Geneva Sights

A cloudy day of strolling through Old Town Geneva. We had an early dinner at Café du Centre, an outdoor bistro in the center of a bustling, people-watching haven. We had ice cream along the river walk as we ventured back to find our bus stop. Back at the hotel, we struggled to stay awake in hopes of warding off another day of jet lag. We howled with laughter while watching Tropic Thunder in bed. Hilarious.

Cafe du Bourg de Four

In the heart of Old Town.

Bus Stop in Geneva

Nap, shower, bus passes and we have begun our touring on number 5 bus to Quai du Mont Blanc.

Global Financial Services Industry Conference

It is 4:06am body clock time in Geneva, Switzerland. After a seven
hour flight, taxi to hotel and breakfast, we're ready to take a nap.
It's 10:00am. The conference begins tomorrow.

Happy Mother's Day

After nearly a full week of daily rain, the sun is shinning in a big blue sky. The green of spring is vibrant. May flowers are in bloom. What a glorious day to celebrate life! Being a mother is one of life's most special privileges. The joy of raising and nurturing a body and soul is an honor, which extends throughout life. The bond between a mother and child lives forever in revered memories of tenderness and strength. Tonight, National Geographic channel is presenting Extreme Amimals: Life in the Womb. The program will explore the reproduction of four different animals with 4D ultrasound images.

Two Down

And one to go. For the second time this week I knocked over a newly planted flower pot while reversing out of the driveway. It's been a long winter!

Just Imagine if Apple Buys Twitter

Whoa. There's talk of Apple buying Twitter. Looks like Twitter could be more than a fad.

Danny Gans, RIP

In a former career, I planned sales and incentive meetings for top producing financial consultants at a major brokerage firm in NYC. In the early 90s, I came across an entertainer named Danny Gans. He was one of the most inspirational gigs that I ever booked. Danny had an amazing gift for impersonations. Recently, he had been performing in Las Vegas. I just heard the news of Danny's death. Danny died in his sleep this morning. He was 52 years old. RIP funny guy, you amazed millions!

Veratect Uncovered Swine Flu in Early April

Veratect, a company based in Kirkland, Wash., detected the first signs of swine flu in early April. The company's technique known as twitter "data mining" automatically searches tens of thousands of Web sites daily for early signs of looming medical problems or civil unrest anywhere in the world.

Nah Nah Nah Na Nah Na: A-Rod has B*tch T*ts

Moobs, that is. The Yankee's outfield enemies will have new expletives to shout at the former 'roids-user this season.
H/T From Allahpundit on Twitter

cdc.gov

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) may be a reliable source of information on the recent flu bug.

The Obligatory Swine Flu Post

The family pediatrician, Dr. Britt, once said about the potential pandemic bird flu, "It's not if, it's when." We all need to be prepared for a catastrophic event, and hopefully the hype about Swine Flu is just hype. Forever fighting cynicism, I can't help but think of the Swine Flu as the Capitalist Pig Flu and a great, fearless leader needs to seize an opportunity in this crisis and quickly initiate change...perhaps promote ram nationalized medicine or something. Quick...Urgent...Stimulus ....Ouick.

What a Glorious Sight

This picture is part of Brendan Loy's ISS flyover and Moon-Venus occultation collection on flickr. Check out the whole set.

Summer Arrives in the Northeast on Saturday

Expect 80's and sunshine this weekend!!! Who woo!

Sanibel Bean

Bill and I had a lovely breakfast at the Lighthouse Café before rousing the sleepy heads. The eggs Benedict had a hint of Key Lime in the Hollandaise sauce. Yum! The boys returned their rental bikes in town and we ran a couple of errands. We all met up at the Bean for drinks before heading over to Ding Darling Nature Refuge. It was a peaceful place to commune with nature on Easter and snap some pictures of wildlife (outside of the hot tub, as Bill said). We did go to the Bubble Room for a late lunch, but no one was really in the mood, nor even hungry. Ft. Myers airport hotel was our last stop for the day. A dip in the pool, a quick dinner and back to organize our bags and catch some zzzzz's. A restful week.

Territorial Window Strikes

One determined robin has been crashing into our windows for the last three days. A Google search reveals how common this annoyance is in the springtime. The bird is protecting it's territory from a predator (it's shadow). The consensus suggests pasting a silhouette of a hawk or an owl on the window to scare the bird away. To be continued.

Amelia in April

From Steph:

Amelia is doing great! She's 8 months in 2 days and about 14 lbs now. She is really developing her personality and has the sweetest disposition. She is rolling over, jabbering up a storm and loves her big brother! We saw the orthopedist yesterday and she can now have her brace off for 4 hours a day! She is loving the free time to move around! Each month we gain 2 more hours a day until she gets down to 12-14 hours (not determined yet) where it will stay for 4-5 years. She's making small advances forward with her eating but we don't think she will progress too much more until after her surgery. The surgery is happening on May 5th. She is having what they call a Collis-Nissen. They will essentially cut into her stomach to elongate the esophagus into the stomach which will take the tension off the esophagus which should stop her from gagging. Both surgeons agreed that this is what needs to be done. It will be an open procedure here with the surgical team that we have used with her other procedures. She will be in the hospital for about 4-5 days following the procedure. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers : )

Happy Easter Sunday!

What a glorious day it is in Sanibel, Florida.

Happy Easter!

It's Easter Sunday already! What a beautiful morning on the island. We were all sad to check out of the condo yesterday. We had to be out the door at ten, so the boys were rather zombie-like as we pulled it together for the departure. The few hours before check-in to the hotel was spent hanging around; the kids on bikes with their friends, and Bill and I in Captiva. The Holiday Inn Sanibel is a total dump, they upgraded our room after a battle, but we're still a little creeped-out. We're going to the Bubble Room for our Easter meal. The boys both heard that it has good cake. Have a great day!

Heads Up for Next Good Friday

The Twitter community is a fascinating place for news and socializing. It is the pulse of what's happening now; right now. It's where you find breaking news, comic relief and views & opinions on just about anything. I love Twitter, but it bothered me yesterday to read tweets offering a simple greeting of 'Happy Good Friday'.

To all the well-meaning tweeters, heads-up for next year:

Good Friday is a most solemn day.

It is revered as the day of crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Pizza Under the Full Moon

The two Deloitte families from Tuesday night joined us at the condo for a pizza party.  I thought it might be a little crowded with fourteen people, but it worked out just fine.  The kids did some swimming while the grown-ups chatted it up over wine and snacks.  Five pizzas arrived and we gobbled most of them down before a walk along the full-moon lit beach.  

Seashell Worship

On a six-mile fun run along the beach, I was totally entertained by a plethora of sand sculptures embellished with seashells.  Truly works of art, ranging from juvenile to sophisticated and elaborate pieces.  A very entertaining sideshow.  

O's Personal and Deep Relationship with the Jewish Community

From The Washington Times:

"By hosting the first presidential seder in America's history, President Barack Obama shows the personal and deep relationship he has with the Jewish community," said Alexis C. Rice, the group's deputy executive director. "There is no question, Obama is a true friend of the Jewish community."

Hahahahaha.

Hump Day on the Island

After a breezy, cool Tuesday, today was simply gorgeous. The wind was calm and the temps were in the upper sixties. We continued with our lazy routine, and then drove to Captiva Island for a late lunch. The Mucky Duck restaurant is a must-stop for beach front dining. We all had fried seafood. Yum. And we are totally into Key Lime Pie. The boys hacky sack skills are getting better by the day, too. We can't decide if we like these islands better than the frequently visited island of Martha's Vineyard. A lively conversation ensues!

Dinner with Friends on Sanibel

Deloitte friends from Chatham are staying on Sanibel with one of Bill's partners from the San Francisco area. We were invited to join the party for dinner. There were eight kids among the three couples. We had a fun night in a beautiful island home near Ding Darling Nature Preserve.

The More Things Change

The more they stay the same.  Or something like that.  It's been years since we visited Sanibel Island, probably 16 or 17.  Bill used to frequent the island annually, for many years, from the Midwest.  In fact, most people we have met this week are from the Midwest, mostly Michigan (which was clearly evident from the NCAA support). Hurricane Charley took it's toll on the island in 2004.  The tree canopy over Periwinkle Way is gone, there is a new toll bridge, and Cheeburger, Cheeburger is in a new location, but that's it for the changes.

Bill's Photo Collection II

Bill's Photo Collection

Ignorance is Bliss

An unfriendly reader from the San Mateo, California area commented on my blog recently and basically told me to GET A LIFE. Perhaps the reader was offended by the blog's conservative views and the wealth of information provided about the president, which is not covered by the major news sources. It occurred to me this week, while vacationing in Florida, life is so much more enjoyable not knowing what's going on in the world. Change is good!

Scenes from Sanibel

All American First Day in Florida

Starbucks morning drinks, showers, Bob Evans for breakfast, Costco for supplies, a lighthouse photo-op, Dairy Queen stop, groceries at Jerry's, pick up house keys, unpack the car, unpack the suitcases, check out the beach, make yummy chicken on the grill, swim after dinner, basketball tournament on TV, blog...The condo lived up to it's internet photos.  Great start to the week, and loads of beautiful babes for the boys to check out, too.

Ft. Myers P.F. Changs

One of our all time favorite travel restaurants is P.F. Changs.  We discovered it years ago in Arizona and have been fans ever since.  Unfortunately, Changs really hasn't broken into the greater NY market, so we like to seize an opportunity to dine there when it's presented. Sure 'nuff, after checking into an airport hotel for a quick overnight, we discovered Changs across the street.  Woohoo! 

Spring Break on Sanibel Island

Blogging has been light as we travel south to Florida for spring break. I'll set up a traditional travel blog and provide a link here tomorrow. It's so nice to feel the warm sunshine of the sunshine state.

Hardcore Teen Behavior

A women in the TSA security line, behind the boys, was astonished to see Billy and Jack traveling with the XBOX. She simply said, "Now that's hardcore!"

Spirit in the Sky

The spring break adventure begins in the pouring rain.  We picked the teens up from the high school an hour and a half early and journeyed down the Garden State Parkway in torrential rain to Atlantic City airport (ACY).  We booked four seats on Spirit Air just days before our departure, because of the excellent value.  The sun broke through the clouds in route.  The terminal was empty.  We breezed through security, had a quick bite to eat, boarded the flight and wheels were up at the stated time of departure.  Flights from Newark, LaGuardia and JFK appeared to be delayed in RSW.  Gotta love that!

The 'ol Ant Eggs Prank for April Fool's Day

Here's a classic and easy prank for kids of all ages:

- one regular size rubber band
- one regular size bobby pin
- one small-to-medium size button
- one envelope

1. cut one snip in a regular size rubber band to make a straight elastic line.
2. thread a small-to-medium size button through one end of the rubber band and drag the button to the middle of the rubber band.
3. spread a regular size bobby pin to form about a 30 degree angle into a "V" formation.
4. tie each end of the rubber band to each end of the bobby pin.
5. twist and turn the button around and around and around until tight, creating like a spring release.
6. while holding the button tight, place the entire contraption in an envelope, remove your hand from the button and close the flap.
7. write "ant eggs---10 days old" on the front of the envelope.
8. give the envelope to an unassuming friend while asking if they care to see some ant eggs.
9. when they attempt to open the envelope, by spreading open the sides, the button will spring-release and rapidly unravel, making a very loud noise as it unwinds against the sides of the paper. People generally freak-out and throw the envelope, never seeing the silly contraption inside. Great fun and terrifying. Who knew ant eggs could be so scary!?!

New Lingo on the Golf Course

Some new lingo to use when you're out on the course...

A 'Rock Hudson' - a putt that looked straight, but wasn't

A 'Saddam Hussein' - from one bunker into another

A 'Yasser Arafat' - butt ugly and in the sand

A 'John Kennedy Jr.' - didn't quite make it over the water

A 'Rodney King' - over-clubbed

An 'O.J.'- got away with one

A 'Princess Grace' - should have used a driver

A 'Princess Di' - shouldn't have used the driver

A 'Condom' - safe, but didn't feel very good

A 'Rush Limbaugh' - a little to the right

A 'Nancy Pelosi' - Way to the left and way out of bounds

A 'James Joyce' - a putt that's impossible to read

A 'Ted Kennedy' - goes in the water and jumps out

A 'Sonny Bono'- straight into the trees

A 'Mickey Mantle' - a dead Yank

H/T Melissa

The Secret: Aim High

No more effort is required to aim high in life, to demand abundance and prosperity, than is required to accept misery and poverty. -Napoleon Hill

BYOB to Brunch at Ann Sather's

Grapefruit and vodka sure beats running 5 miles in Chicago's spring
snow shower.

Chicago Race Day Weather Disappointing

After weeks of training for my sixth annual 8k run in Chicago, I am
presented with a race day decision this morning. Run in the snow and
wind, or have brunch with family and friends.

West Egg

Breakfast at the Best. Diner. Ever.

Sweet Home Chicago

It was a truly shocking on time departure and arrival into O'Hare. We
were escorted by the blogfriends, Maggie and Kevin, to a fish fry at
the Irish Heritage Center on the northwest side. Then on to the
Affinia Hotel on east Superior, a lovely little boutique hotel at the
center of our weekend actitivities. All the runners in Sunday's
Shamrock Shuffle race are dreading the forcasted weather: cold and wet.

Smokin' Hot Dude

The lastest in function, design and surge protection.
H/T Manolo for the Home

41 Degrees, Shorts, T-Shirt, 5.25 Miles

Feeling way cool. Priceless. Today was my final training run before Chicago's 8k on Sunday. It was more a mental exercise rather than physical. I warmed up on the treadmill before hitting the hills outside. It was nice not having the excess clothing.

Buy the Rumor, Sell the News

Stocks look sharply higher for the opening. All ears waiting for Geithner.

Avocado Spring Rolls for the Start of Spring

We're going to a Thai themed dinner party this evening. I am bringing avocado spring rolls with sweet Thai dipping sauce for an appetizer and mango sherbet with a tropical fruit medley for dessert. Such an adventure in culinary preparation! I felt like I was transported to the Far East for the grocery shopping excursion. Happy Spring!

Quadruple Witching Day

Fasten your seatbelt. Futures, options on futures, equity options and single stock futures all have quarterly expiration today. Oh, and happy Spring!

Align your Spine and Cop a Fast, Fun Swagger

There are no magic workouts. It's about a willingness to cross boundaries.

-Peter Tegen, coach at the University of Wisconsin

Oddly as it may seem, Wii Fit yoga has been a great cross-training activity between runs. It really does help with centering, balance and posture. Who would have thunk?

RIP Natasha Richardson

The tragic story of Natasha Richardson's freak ski accident and now death is very sad. I loved watching Natasha in the remake of Parent Trap. She was a talented actress. RIP.

Sláinte!

To your health, as they say in the old country. Here's some rebel rousers wishing you a good day.

In Pursuit of the Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie

After my 5.25 mile run yesterday, I celebrated π day by trying to improve on my lemon meringue recipe. Oh, so close to perfection.

Young Amelia: The Brave One

From Steph and Jeff: As of last week Amelia was up to 13 on 4 ounces and has reached the 3rd percentile! All else was good and they were very pleased with how she looked and acted. Yesterday Amelia had an upper GI test and a swallow study to see how the hernia at the top of her stomach has progressed. It was clear that what was swallowed went down the right tube and not her airway. The hernia looks worse when compared to the last upper GI. The esophagus is having trouble draining into the stomach which could be cause for her gagging. She will most likely need surgery. Here she is pictured with mama Steph.