Drove to NJ on Friday, dropped off dog and husband at in-laws. Then went to visit my college roommate, Chris Schwarz Berman, in Elkridge, MD (bout 10 miles south of Baltimore). She's one of those really low-maintenance friends who I can not talk to for a year, then when we do, it was like we spoke yesterday. Tried to visit her last year on my big trek, but her mother was hospitalized in DC when I was going to see her. Have had a gift for her daughter from Tiffany's in the trunk for the last year and a half.  Banged up the pretty bag and box, but the elephant bank survived.

Poor little Jules, diagnosed with Viral Encephalitis at 13 months old. Had 2 spinal taps and MRIs. Now at 18 months, she's doing well (although a little cranky in this photo).