Our trip to the Berkshires gave us a chance to get out of the city and breathe some fresh air. We stayed at Hampton Terrace in a private suite, enjoying fine hospitality, a huge breakfast, and our own jacuzzi and fireplace.

How did we spend our days? Well, I’ll tell you.

Friday

• Driving up the Taconic with Oscar at the wheel.
• Pit stop in Lee for some outlet shopping.
• Arrive at the b&b. Settle into our digs.

Saturday

• Big ass breakfast.
• Morning in the emergency room to deal with a nasty throat infection that decided to emerge overnight. Sweet.
• Stop at the wine and cheese shop for indoor picnic supplies.
• Sleep for hours and let meds work their magic.
• Head to Stockbridge for dinner and live music at the Red Lion Inn.

Sunday

• Big ass breakfast.
• On a tip from Stan, the innkeeper, we headed to the Clark Institute in Williamstown and the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.
• Music and a pint of Guiness (Coke for the invalid).

Monday

• Big ass breakfast.
• Check out of our palace.
• Drive down through Great Barrington and on to Millbrook to visit some friends and enjoy a little more fresh air before heading back to NYC.

If anyone is looking for a nice place to get away, try Hampton Terrace. I have stayed in a lot of nice places, and this one was far and away the best. I know I’m looking forward to going back when I can.

For my birthday, Oscar gave me a wonderful evening at the Met to see “La Traviata.” This was my first time at the Met and my first time at the opera, so basically I’m spoiled forever. The venue was stunning and the production was simply gorgeous. If this is what my birthdays are going to be like from now on, I can’t wait to get older.

Speaking of things that start with m-e-t, the METS had a great season opener on Sunday against the Cards. I am so psyched for baseball this year. This team is going to be really exciting to watch.

Last night my darling cousin Tamara treated us all to a sumptuous Passover feast. Her matzah ball soup was sublime, the brisket was like butter, and the flourless chocolate cake was an absolute triumph. Next year at Tamara’s!

Heading to the Berkshires for a little R&R before starting my new web design job. Four days at a bed and breakfast with outlet shopping nearby? Even the gloomy weather forecast can’t rain on this parade.