We checked out quickly Saturday morning, with little fuss and basically no traffic on the way out of the city. The plan was to head for Fairfield, CT, to drop by and visit with Janie's cousins, Jen and Steve. They were actually the starting place for our family travels, as they were hosts to our first trip as a family stateside and dropped with us all their great tips on getting in and out of NYC. We still use the travel route they gave us four years ago down the Merritt / Hutchinson Highways across the Saw Mill and Cross County Parkways to the Henry Hudson and the West side for accessing the city. We've rarely had a hitch.

The hour commute went smoothly and before dropping by Steve's we visited one of our favorite shopping spots, Syms / Filene's in Fairfield. Did well, as there was a blowout bash and we snagged a few deals in regards to clothes for all of us. We spent about an hour and a half scootching around and finding the correct sizes, styles and colors. Good fun... interesting to watch Peter shop as he experiments with some new / funky colors and duds!!! Guys finished up first and we saved all the slips for the dash to the border.

All hands then made for Steve and Jen's for a visit. Steve was home tackling the chores (which we so rudely interrupted) and we settled in to catch up on family and friends. Jen arrived with "Hogan", a spunky new Lab Retriever pup, who kept all hands amused. Steve and I settled in the shed for the afternoon catching Jeter's 3,000 hit and having a few ales. Jen and Janie set out to check out a couple of other shopping destinations. Great, relaxing afternoon.

Jen and Steve built an excellent supper (thanks so much guys) and I think I probably had a couple more beer. Oooops. Great evening with lots of conversation and planning for the future!!! We snuggled in by 10:00 pm to get rested for what was to be a one shot trip home from Fairfield to Antigonish. Once again, our sincerest thanks for the hospitality we receive each time we drop by (sometimes announced, other times not) and the opening of their home to our family. Always appreciated!!!