A big weekend coming up! I am off tomorrow, and driving up to Philadelphia, where I'll leave my car, and get on a plane to Boston. Once there, I'll take the T to meet Charlie, and I'll bunk with him (and marie and the kids) for two nights while we (charlie and I and hopefully others) attend our, gasp, 25th college reunion. Of course, we barely look a day over, um, 38.

Then, bright and too early (7:30) Sunday morning, I board a plane back to philly. Once there, I pick up my car, and drive into town for danny's MBA graduation. Nephew Charles is coming up from NYC to see his fiance Amy get her sheepskin, so I hope to see him, too. Danny, in case you haven't met him, is my sister's nephew. his mom is Robert's sister, robert being my brother-in-law. Nancy (my sister) and Robert have been married since I was 9, so I've been co-opted into his family...which is a very nice thing to be.

Anyway, family dinner Sunday, then a drive home Monday. I was hoping to see my friends Nikki and Bob while I was there, but I haven't heard back from Nikki. I met them in Australia four years ago, and we've stayed in touch. Older than I, both retired from the insurance world, very well travelled (and well heeled, if I may say so). Lovely folks, who insisted on taking me to dinner in Sydney---kind and generous and fascinating, what a great combination!

It's going to be a busy week then---the big deal on Friday being Abby Washburn and company ( Bela Fleck, along with Casey Driessen, and Ben Sollee). My boss John loves abby, and has purchased six tickets for the show at a very tiny club. Mark and Rue think they can make it, too...as does Janet.

lee would love it, but I didn't ask her --figuring Sasha won't allow it. But, if that's not true, let me know! We can celebrate our birthdays....