Vacations, Vacations

So much has happened in the last few weeks, I don't know where to start. Partner and I just got back from a trip back East to Ptown. Actually, I was on the Cape for a few days before he arrived; I was driving up to Kingston to help paint the exterior of my sister's house. I lost two days because of rain, but I used the second of those to paint a bathroom that she'd wanted done for a long time. Because I have no fear of being on ladders, she really wanted me to paint the highest peaks, while my dad (and later Partner) agreed to paint the lower portions. Eventually, we hope, she and her husband will finish what we couldn't get done.

Partner came in on Friday, spent a night on the Cape with my folks, then he and I drove out to Ptown for Bear Week. We stayed at Tucker Inn on Center St which turned out to be a completely wonderful surprise. That evening they served their guests free appetisers and drinks for a "happy hour" from 4 - 7, something they do every week. We met some nice guys there as well; in fact, everyone who stayed there seemed to instantly become friendly. One of the guys was originally from Portland, so Partner was surprised to see him. It turned out to be a nice weekend.

Monday we drove back to my folks' and my family had a small party for me that night. The next day we drove up to my sister's and painted, then that afternoon Karl, his family, my cousin Ray, his wife, and my cousin Trish and her family came for a nice dinner. All the kids got to run around outside while the adults could have a mini Nantucket-reunion. My brother-in-law was not there (and thus wasn't helping with the painting) because he's on St. Marten's for the month of July working in a piano bar. (My sister and her kids left last Friday to visit him for a couple of weeks - I'd be jealous except tomorrow I'm on my way to Japan!)

The next day Partner and I drove back out to Ptown and stayed for the rest of the week. The Bear run wasn't that great (from our experience, it never is), but during that week we got to see shows by Paula Poundstone, Jimmy James, Varla Jean Merman and Leslie Jordan. All were excellent, but I thought Jimmy had the weaker of the shows. Yes he is an AMAZING singer, but I enjoyed laughing at the other shows more than just listening to his act. (More on the others later...)

We spent Sunday night with the folks and had dinner at a local restaurant. Monday (yesterday) we flew home. It's good to be back. However, tomorrow I fly out to Japan and meet my friend James. We're staying a couple nights in Osaka, then we'll be traveling north eventually to Hokkaido. Should be great, but I most certainly will not get a chance to update this until I return in August...when I'll be 40! No...