First things first. Happy Birthday to my love, Amanda.

Second. I'm in St. Lucia. The weather has been perfect. It was a warm, breezy 82 today. I have decided to go for the chaulky, pasty, death look. It works for me. Okay, well, my freckles have come out a bit. I am hoping they will all be connected before I leave so that I atleast look like I spent time in the sun. I guess the SPF 50 is working.

LONG flight in yesterday and then a very long (and bumpy) bus ride to the resort. It was worth the trip. St. Lucia is absolutely breathtaking. I can't wait to show you all pictures. Woke up today and ate a lovely breakfast on the deck (did I mention it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean?). Then lathered myself up in sunblock, grabbed a beverage @ 10:30AM (oh and they don't have umbrellas; however, they make a wonderful dirty martini and something with fresh banana called a BBC), and layed on the beach for a while and listened to some lovely music and had a private party in my head. Then off to have a burger at the cafe on the beach. Then had a relaxing pedicure in the afternoon followed by a refreshing nap. Just finished dinner (a buffet - had seafood chowder, salad, roast beef, turkey & stuffing with a delicious tropical spiced glaze).

Okay, only 5 minutes left on my Internet time so I'd better get back to my beverage. Will write again soon. Busy weekend though. Scuba diving tomorrow, Swedish massage Sunday, and horseback riding Monday. Oh and a little thing called the Superbowl. Go Pats! And of course, many more drinks to taste and certainly more sun to soak up. I know tough life. Ciao!

Woke up this morning around 7:00AM to let the dogs out. Contacts were all dried out and I stepped in a big puddle of wetness on the stairs. EWWW. Then the big dog wouldn't come back inside.

The big storm seems to be delayed. Although, it's snowing pretty hard right now in NH. Thank god for wi-fi in the middle of nowhere. Can you say, telecommute? I think I'll make us a little fire shortly.

Leaving for St. Lucia tomorrow morning. I'll try to keep you posted while I'm away, but don't count on it. I'm planning to spend most days on the beach, letting the sun draw out my freckles while sipping on some exotic drink with an umbrella. All of that, in between, the swedish massages and scuba lessons.

So where do you take a vegetarian to dinner? Delux. They have the most delectable grilled cheese in the South End. Oh and there is an Elvis shrine. Although, make sure you have a good hour or so. Their service is a wee bit slow. But that's to be expected there. Enough said.

Bought a wine rack last night. Have no idea how to get it from Nashua to Boston though!
But let's just say that it's worth the hassle!

Posted some pics of Sommersby:
http://www.sstrixie.com/photos/sommersby.html

Leaving for St. Lucia Thursday morning. I have no idea what I'm bringing. I suppose I had better start packing tonight!

Saw "Mr. Smith goes to Washington" last night at the Wilton Town Theatre (San Francisco was the weekend before). Okay, so as big a movie buff as I am, I have seen little of the classic movies. Caught a few on AMC, but for the most part, my love of the movies has been for those created in my lifetime. However, I'll be making up for lost time soon enough.

Just got back from Second Chance Animal Adoption Center. Picked up a playmate for Kennedy (AKA Grady). His name is Sommersby and could be Kennedy's mirror if not for the striking green eyes. He's still scoping out the place and trying to mingle with the other animals, but I think he'll adjust just fine. Don't worry, pictures to be posted tomorrow.

Okay, off to knit another fabulous hat.

Finally finished knitting my hat last night.

http://sstrixie.com/images/stitch_n_bitch/projects/gina_hat1.jpg

I'm going to start a new one this evening. It will be a nice start to the cold weekend ahead. That and the fabulous fire that I'm going to build as well.

It has been a long time since I have had shivers stemming from the pure sound of music. On first listen of DJ Micro's Frequency 001, I wasn't impressed. However, I think it was just my mood. Had the opportunity to maximize the sound and truly feel the music on my way in to work this morning. I still have goosebumps. Most of the songs start out a bit on the trance side, but the beats get heavier and vocals soon erupt. If you need/want a copy, let me know. I'd be more than happy to burn a few copies.

Did some more shopping. Not sure when it happened, but I no longer have to wear pants with a "teen" on the size label. Haven't worn a 12 since, well, freshman year of college. It's a nice feeling.

Also, found a lovely two-piece bathing suit for St. Lucia. Don't worry, there is no midriff showing and there is no skirt involved. Wouldn't want to scare off the sea gulls while I'm there.

Watched Bruce Almighty and Legally Blonde 2 last night. Bruce Almighty was a classic Jim Carrey movie that made me laugh. If you need a good laugh after a long day, it's a good movie to start with. Now, I really wish I hadn't paid $22.99 for LB2. I think I might sell it on eBay. Any bidders?

Off to find a fabulous outfit for work tomorrow. What shall I wear from my new wardrobe?

Steamed a 7.88 lb lobster last night and don't believe what your mama said about size. It doesn't matter in this case. It was just as tender and juicy as those little 1.25 lb chix lobsters!

Bought a few new CD's today.
1) DJ Micro - My Frequency 001
2) New Dance DC v. 6 - mixed by Mike Rizzo
3) Tracy Young remixes Living Theater
4) Peter Malick Group - Chance & Circumstance

Music reviews to come at a later date - need to properly sample them in the comforts and acoustics of Miss Anthony (my Acura for those just tuning in).

Oh and while we are on the car subject. Does anyone work for the state? I need to put in a request for less salt usage during winter months. She needs a bath soon!

Did anyone by chance tape the premiere of "The L Word?" I'll probably have to wait until it comes out on DVD. Oh and bought Bruce Almighty today based on the animated review from Keith at Aquataine. Review to come.

And lastly, what a great game last night! GO PATS!

Snow is falling softly here in NH. It's cold, but I'm going to build another fire shortly.
Just finished my morning bowl of Capt. Crunch and fresh apple cider.
All the animals are napping. Grady is now in the bathtub hiding. At least she comes out when I go in to check on her.
And, I have a beautiful woman sitting next to me reading the sports section of the Sunday paper.
I don't think I could possibly be happier.

Just finished breakfast: a bowl of Peanut Butter Capt. Crunch!

Now on to some swedish Fish, only the red ones of course.

Did I mention that I'm in NH, at an 1840 mill dog & cat sitting?

I could get used to waking up overlooking snow covered trees, hearing wind chimes, and having a couple of cats purring on my head all night. Oh and just so you know, Grady made the trip and she's hiding under the plants in the sunroom. Yes, there is a sunroom!

Been on a bit of a shopping spree recently.
1) Clothes (since my wardrobe has been trimmed and everything is too big)
2) DVD's (when I bought a new stand, my 120+ collection suddenly seemed small. I had to compensate.)
3) Wine & Bourbon (I'm still looking for Classic Cask, a fantastic rye whisky)
4) Music (Newbury Comics has created a special discount card, just for me)
5) Dinnerware (bought a service for 8 - I don't even have a dining room table, let alone 8 chairs)
6) Car (finally bought it... Acura 3.2 CL Type S)
7) Bed (Tempur-pedic all the way)
8) Couch (French Accent Sofa - Ultra Suede of course)

My Horoscope for today:
Everyone feels rich on payday. Put a cap on your treats and indulgences before they eat away your entire budget.

Anyhow, the gist of this blog entry is that my shopping spree is complete. I'm going to listen to my horoscope (at least until the end of today).

5 things to be happy about:
1) a hot shower
2) starting a new book
3) hiking a steep trail
4) warm pockets for cold hands
5) falling in love

Doesn't that just make you all warm and fuzzy inside?

Working from home today. Back to my regularly scheduled "at home" day.

Have to admit, it's much nicer looking out my window and seeing the Prudential Center and the John Hancock Tower opposed to hearing the sounds of a dying duck in what I used to call a duck pond (back in Webster).

Although, I do miss my usual lunch menu: large ham grinder and greek salad from Royal Pizza. Delivered of course.

Who am I kidding? I just ordered from Dining In. I think my loyalty to Royal Pizza will quickly diminish.

Just because I sit behind the printer doesn't mean that I know how to change the toner, nor do I know how to fix a paper jam. Okay, well I do, but I'm not letting on.

Daily Horoscope (I'm a true Taurus):

Strength and beauty are out of control. Your effect is devastating, but maybe you were going for some lesser form of damage. Be careful what you wear and what you say. Some people just aren't ready for you.

My mother has been telling me for years that people are just not ready for me.

5 things to be happy about:
1) a heart-to-heart talk
2) dewy skin
3) a walk at twilight
4) happy, rumbling furnaces
5) a letter written on beautiful stationary

Okay, so my first blog entry is cribbed from a daily calendar, but I thought it was a nice way to start off the morning. That and a fabulous hot chocolate from Appleton Bakery.