Veranda Inn in Rhinebeck, NY

After a bit of a dramatic trip today, a wonderful time in this beautiful old inn and wandering in and out of the many shops here in Rhinebeck.  The trip got a bit longer than necessary when I missed an exit and had to drive about 40 miles to recover.  But, besides that, I thought I was on the east side of the Hudson River (where Rhinebeck is) and in fact I was on the west side!  Hard to explain how that happened except that I got eager to get off I-84 east and took the first thruway instead of continuing to the second one (river in between)  In any case, eventually I got the picture from a couple of guys at a marina and made it here still in under 3 hours.  THEN, after moving into my room and a quick visit with the English lady who is the proprietor, I had a short rest and then - then off to the shops.  Of course, I found bargains - I always do.  The most exciting - a pair of blue shoes (not navy) marked down from $148 to $30 (the last pair) Allegro, I think is the brand.)  Anyhow, couldn't turn those down.  Never had any medium blue shoes with ribbon laces AND arch supports!!!!  So, now that I know which side of the river I'm on - and have two, not one but two NY maps plus mapquest directions, my computer, AND the warning that I need to THINK about what I'm doing and at least follow some directions - I'm in good shape!  Actually, I think I'm off in lalaland somewhere besides Earth.  What a joy to be away from the usual environment for a bit.  Just finished off a good-sized pistachio gelato that has to be the best frozen dessert I've had since Ireland!  Remember the nightly ice creams, Jim?  Kathy: did you and I do that, too?  All is well here in the tiny town of Rhinebeck at the Veranda Inn.  Tomorrow afternoon I'll head out to Omega and begin my training at 3:00.  From then on, my blog posts will probably be scarce and shorter.