I'm disappointed that you can't make it, Aimee, but I also know exactly where you're at when it comes to unexpectedly having to live by your parents' rules again as an adult.

My schedule is pretty slammed until after September, but after that I may try to make it up to A2 for dinner or something and get you guys out of the house for a few hours.

I look forward to that Shrift.

shrift, could you let me know when you do get time to go? I'll see if I can swing a weekend out there, too.

Kristin- Since I never drive this area of Boston, I don't have any directions that wouldn't come from Google Maps. Here's a link to a Google map that points out where the Boston Beerworks is (112 Canal Street) and how to get to Joe Tecce's from there (61 N. Washington Street). Rt. 93 goes right into that area, so it's just a question of getting off at the right exit and finding a place to park.

Also, I mapped driving directions just so you could get a perspective where the 2 places are in relation to each other, but one wouldn't drive to Joe Tecce's from the Beerworks, it's walkable.

shrift, could you let me know when you do get time to go?

Sure! It'll have to be after Labor Day, but after that, my schedule opens up like whoa.

Just a note for future reference, for travel between most midwestern cities, this just can't be beat. It's like that new Columbus airline - the earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Milwaukee to Chicago goes as far down as $1. Chicago to Ann Arbor I think can be $10 or $15.

Nora, thanks. It all looks good.

phew! I realized yesterday that I am quite useless with driving directions in Boston, but then remembered that 93 runs right in the middle of the area, so it should all work out!

I realized yesterday that I am quite useless with driving directions in Boston, but then remembered that 93 runs right in the middle of the area, so it should all work out!

I've not done a lot of driving into Boston either, but I know there's a North Station exit off of 93 just before or after you get out of the Big Dig (I can't remember which because I usually travel coming from the north), but before you get to the bridge (you'll know it when you see it, and if you're on it, you went too far).

If not, I'll probably just hang at the Beerworks for a spell before heading over to the North End.

I believe I'm sensing a pattern develop in Nora's week.

Aimée, I wish I could lend you my parents to possess yours. The anticipatory glee with which Mom greeted the news that I might be forced out of my home if my building goes condo was exasperating in the exact opposite way that your parents' ground rules are. (I had to burst her bubble and remind her that if I move back to Jonesboro, it will be with 3 rooms' worth of heavy furniture and I will actually be renting a place rather than moving in with her and Dad again.)