We've ...

Vacations are remarkable things. For a week now we've been in vacation mood.

We've been to a mining museum, where we panned for gold. Visited a ghost town, where we panned for gold. And watched my niece compete in an figure skating competition, where she won -- gold.

We've had the chance to strap on ice skates and took a lesson from one of the best coaches in the world. First we learned to fall. Then we all learned to skate forwards, backwards, stop, and spin. I've never had more fun on skates. We've all discovered that we want more.

We've listened to stories from the old country and weighed in on both sides of the discussion on which is better capitalism or socialism. I find I'm still on the fence. Seeing good in both courts. But life, in general, is like that.

We've had some wonderful home cooked Russian meals. Meals that even the picky little one loved and begged for the recipes -- "So my Mom can cook this at home."