Just some discoveries and observations from 10 days in New England:

(x) I am still allergic to walnuts and they still make me puke.

(x) The Italian Job isn't a bad movie if you like 1) heist capers and 2) Edward Norton as a villain, both of which I do.

(x) You're still going to hit traffic on I-93 through Boston.

(x) Black flies suck.

(x) Casey hates one-mile climbs up mountains, even with a spectacular view at the top. Note to self: Keep walks and hikes to no more than 20 feet elevation.

(x) Red's Eats on Route 1 in Wiscasset is still damn tasty, and the lobster rolls still the best in Maine. At least according to Casey, who's had exactly one lobster roll in Maine, but that, along with all the accolades should be enough, no?

(x) Gritty McDuff's is a great name for a brewpub.

(x) If you're a horse, you can't win the Belmont Stakes if you jump out to the lead before the first turn. But you can still get people excited up until that final furlong.

(x) Weathermen are as good at predicting rain on Saturday in Boston as "our leaders" are at finding WMDs in Iraq.

(x) "I'm/you're/we're on vacation" is one of the best phrases ever. "If I feel like mozzarella sticks and french fries for lunch, is that bad?" "Yes ... but you're on vacation."

(x) The morning before your first day back at work will suck.