What's new with me? Glad you asked, if you did. I turned 40 on Friday. So far, it's exactly like being 39 but with added relief at having just gotten it over with. I wasn't bugged in advance about it, I had a ball at work what with the black balloons and the general goofiness of my co-workers, and I felt not even one twinge of regret as I left my fourth decade behind. I mean, what can I do about it, anyway? I'm no Nigel Richardson to make a work of art out of my milestones. To me, it's just an excellent excuse to either party or get out of town. I didn't feel like organizing a party so I got out of town.

We went to Williamsburg, VA, and did a weekend's worth of exploring famous American historical sites. Unfortunately, it was dangerously hot and humid, about 98F in the shade, with a heat index in the triple digits. We walked a bit of the battlements at Yorktown and discussed the slow pace of warfare in Cornwallis' day. We drove through Newport News and Norfolk (and I personally hope we never have to live in either place as they are unpleasantly decayed and devoid of personality). We stayed on site at Williamsburg which I highly recommend because the Williamsburg experience involves a lot of walking and you might as well start out as close as possible.

I love recreations, re-enactments, and revivals. I missed my chance to see a performance of The Rivals, to my infinite regret, because I fell asleep in my wonderfully air-conditioned room before arranging a ticket. I consoled myself by chatting to the People of the Past (the Williamsburg employees who portray actual former residents of the capitol) hoping to hear some 18th century vernacular. They mostly smiled and said things like, "Good day, Madame, will you buy of my fine ale?" I enjoyed the whole spectacle, and then I went to find the nearest Baskins and Robbins so I could attempt to stave off heat exhaustion. It was good, colonial fun.

Now I'm back in town and trying to drum up a bit of new business at the travel agency. I have thoroughly enjoyed a client I shall call Clue Lass. She and her Momma want to go to Hawaii. They've never been out of the South in their whole lives, and they're pretty darned excited about this whole thing. They called and wanted to hear all about the islands. I wove a pretty picture of azure seas, golden sand, luaus, green cliffs, leis, and all the sights.

"Oh, that sounds wonderful, " Clue Lass said enthusiastically over the phone. "By the way, do I need a passport to go to Hawaii?"

My mouth opened and closed silently three times before I could trust myself to answer her with a clear tone. "Hawaii is a state," I said solemnly. The other agents looked around at me, none of them being on the phone at that exact moment. "Yes, ma'am, it's been a state for many years now," I replied to her next question. One of the agents started to laugh; I shushed her in case Clue Lass could hear over the headset. "No, ma'am, you cannot pick up your car on Maui and drop it off on the Big Island," I said, and started to giggle myself. I tried heroically to turn my giggle into one of general fun and high spirits, but I don't honestly know if she bought it. I hope she takes the trip. It'll be a real education for her.