This morning we had a preparatory lecture for the Vatican Museum, and did we need it in the afternoon when we were walking through room after room of treasures. There's so much to see you can't possibly take it all in. At last, we get to the Sistine Chapel!! Yes, it is amazing! It was also crowded with no place to sit down and look up at the ceiling. But we did see it, even though we left shortly because of the crowd and our fatigue. A gelatto break was declared before going on to ST Peter's Basilica. Again, it was beautiful and overwhelming. Then we took a taxi to Piazza Navona where we had dinner (pizza) at Tucci restorante. There were many people in the Piazza enjoying the mild evening and sights. We saw Bernini's ... read more

We're getting older and wiser as we travel. When planning a trip to Italy, we decided to make the long cross country and Atlantic ocean flight in two sections. So on September 8th we flew from PDX, (Portland, OR) to JFK, (NYC). We spent the night and adjusted, somewhat, to the 4 hour time change. Then on Sept 9th we flew from JFK to Rome! We were met there by our tour (Road Scholar) representative. After waiting for other group members to arrive, we were sheparded on to a coach to be driven into the city to our hotel. The first order of business was to go up to the roof garden for Lunch. Our luggage was gathered in the lobby because we couldn't actually check in and get room assignments till 2:00 pm. It ... read more

From Casa Grande Arizona we drove north stopping to have lunch at the Wikieup Trading Post - a road side stop, with every kind of tourist purchase one could want and a 50's style lunch counter. The BLT had just the right amount of crisp bacon and mayonaise on it. We continued on into Las Vegas and checked in to our room at The Monte Carlo. So many more people and cars here! The change is noticeable. The sun is out and everywhere you walk you are "batteling" the crowd. We had tickets to see the "O"show at The Bellagio (Cirque du Soleil O show) and Jersey Boys (the story of Frankie Vallie) at the Palazzo. The rest of the time we ate at various expensive restaurants, swam at The Monte Carlo pools and slept. Both ... read more

Today we got to meet and greet our grand nephew, Angus James Peiffer. Amanda & Chris (his Mom & Dad) live in Glendale and Angus was born 9 months ago. This has been our first chance to meet him, so Amanda made us a delicious lunch and we got to visit and play with Angus at their house in Glendale. Angus is a delightful 9 month old boy who is in the "cruise on the furniture" stage" with full out walking not far behind. Amanda is our niece, John's brother, Charlie's daughter and cousin to our children. We haven't seen or visited with Amanda & Chris since their wedding 18 months ago in Petaluma. It was good to visit all three of the Peiffers and we loved "playing with the baby".... read more

Solvang, CA is a little Danish town that is fun to go see. All the shops, restaurants, and the architecture have a Denmark theme. A perfect photo opp and tourist opportunity. We also went to Fess Parker's Winery which is very near Solvang. John did some wine tasting and Marty enjoyed picture taking.... read more