On Monday, 23 June 2008, Janice and I began our vacation in Vermont. We drove up from Massachusetts to the sleepy town of Bethel, where we had lunch at the Cockledoodledoo Pizza Cafe. From there, we visited the state capital of Montpelier, where we got a personal tour of the impressive state house.

We liked the atmosphere of the relatively small New England city, and visited a few shops, including Rivendell Books, Bear Pond Books, and the Book Garden, before continuing on our way to the Black Bear Inn in Bolton, Vermont.

I had stayed at the inn with my family about 20 years ago, and had some fuzzy memories from that time. Janice and I were pleased to find that the inn was in good condition, the staff was very friendly, and the food was excellent (breakfasts and dinners were included). I would heartily recommend the Black Bear Inn to anyone.

From our lodgings in north-central Vermont, we made day trips in various directions. On Tuesday, June 24, we visited Waterbury and Stowe. The Von Trapp Family Lodge and grounds were indeed reminiscent of the Alps that partly inspired The Sound of Music, and the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory tour is of course a major tourist attraction.

We also stopped by the Cabot Cheese Annex, the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and the Grand View Winery Store. The cider was refreshing on a warm summer afternoon, and we were disappointed that we couldn't buy more cheeses and chocolates because they wouldn't hold up well over a long trip.

Janice and I strolled among the art galleries and craft shops of downtown Stowe, as well as Laughing Moon Chocolates. While wet weather that week kept us from doing more hiking or any boating, we managed to see quite a bit anyway, eating our way across the forested mountains.

The next day, Janice drove us to Shelburne, where we visited the cheese-making demonstration, artisan bakery, children's educational center, and wide grounds of Shelburne Farms. The Shelburne Museum was a fascinating mix of 18th century buildings and artifacts, 19th century vehicles, and art compiled by wealthy relatives of the Vanderbilts. That night, we played Scrabble back at the inn. (I've also been playing Scrabulous through Facebook online with Janice, grad school chum Erik B.L., my boss Michele L.D'F., and co-workers Ken G., Rob M., and Barbara K.) More vacation report to come!

I'm still catching up on work, gaming, e-mail, and blogs after my recent vacation in Vermont. Congratulations to my niece Jessica on the birth of her second son Elijah! I also hope that my mother's side of the family in the Philippines is able to recover after Typhoon Frank, and my thoughts are with sick relatives in both Janice's and my families.

After a long workweek, we were expecting to host some of her family, but they were delayed by illness. So, on Saturday, 21 June 2008, Janice and I ended up going into Boston by ourselves. We went to the Phantom Gourmet Barbecue Beach Party in City Hall Plaza. As I've mentioned before, the local television show is a favorite of ours, and the food at the festival didn't disappoint.

From there, we waddled to the Boston Common, where we browsed among the Cultural Survival Bazaar, which featured fair-trade goods (a progressive political and socioeconomic movement that I support), more food, and performers from around the world.

After that, Janice and I enjoyed the summer weather and walked down Newbury Street, stopping at favorite haunts such as The Fairy Shop, Newbury Comics, Borders Books, and The Compleat Strategist. I'd be lying if I said we left empty-handed. From there, we caught the Green Line of the "T" to the Woodland Station and drove back to Needham Heights, Massachusetts.

I must note the passing of author Robert Lynn Asprin, who is perhaps best known for his "Myth Adventures" comedic fantasy books. I enjoyed his work as editor of the gritty "Thieves' World" anthologies. In addition, Janice and I will have to rewatch our DVDs of late comedian George Carlin, whose profane observations amused many for decades. Joining the roster of those who have died too soon, including comic book artists Mike Wieringo and Michael Turner, is Stargate SG1 actor Don S. Davis.

As I've noted previously, even after the regular television season (truncated by the writers' strike) has ended, I've been enjoying a number of shows, including Doctor Who, Spectacular Spider-Man, Robin Hood, and Masterpiece: Mystery. Upon reflection, most of what I've been watch lately is either British or based on comic books!

Janice and I have been pleasantly surprised by Middleman, which is based on a comic book. The live-action genre comedy reminds me of Men In Black, with the paranormal investigations of The X-Files, the witty banter and parodies of Kim Possible, and the slacker geek cred of recent shows such as Chuck and Reaper. The female protagonist is both believable and intelligent, the situations are both familiar and absurd, and some of the jokes are rather adult for ABC Family.

Even as I'm looking forward to the half-season premieres of Psych, Avatar: the Last Airbender, and Star Wars: Clone Wars, not to mention assorted summer movies, I've made room for the fun Middleman in my viewing schedule (it's on Monday nights). See also my avatar above.

Speaking of scheduling, Damon F.P., Steve M.R., and I have been organizing a celebration for all of our cohort who are turning 40 this year. It will be in New York in early August. This coming weekend, Janice and I will be hosting some of her family from Upstate New York for Independence Day celebrations in Needham.

Coming soon: Vermont vacation report, gaming resumes, and comic book catch-up!