Thanks, Spumoni Joey! I haven''t had a pain pill all day (although I will have to cave in soon and take one.)

I hope to encourage all of you to get SKYPE and a microphone & speakers or a headset microphone . . .I think it has potential for conference calling although we haven't checked it out yet. . .it would be chaotic for all of us to chat at once. . .but fun, too. We might be able to get Vinny, Marie and Vito to use the computer if all they have to do is click a button and then chat for free. . .

I have been chatting with JoeMaha on SKYPE and he sounds like the trip is enjoyable for the most part so far.

I also got to chat briefly with Aunt Rosina and Uncle Lenny on his cell phone. What a blast! I dearly love this whole family but they hold a special place in my heart. We shared gardening stories this past summer and I have some cherished seeds stored from their garden: baseball bat squash and broccoli rabe.

I will probably call Berea Rose and Spumoni South on Thanksgiving. I am regretting my agreement to cook for the family reunion as they have changed the menu three times plus keep adding dishes they want me to prepare. I think I know why chefs have a higher suicide rate.

Good thing I am doing this once and only once.