The morning came quickly after a short snooze. I had wanted to stay in Frostburg another day and evening, but I was committed to going to Vermont. I hadn't seen Liam since just after the New Year, so I was excited to see my son. I would tell him too about Brad, but I first had to make it to Randolph.

I left early after only four hours of sleep. As I started the car and brushed off just a it of snow from it, I wondered if Brad was up this early doing the same. I figured in my mind that he; on the other hand, was probably writing with a nice cup of coffee close to his typewriter or computer. Personally, I pictured him as a typewriter and pipe kind of guy.

After allowing the car to warm up, I loaded my bags into the trunk and off I went. To my surprise at exactly 7:12 AM, my phone rang. It was Brad. He had called to thank me for a wonderful evening of food, wine and conversation. And he was concerned with when we might see each other again. I had a thought, but kept it to myself for the moment. I wanted to see if his enthusiasm would keep him in touch while I was visiting Liam. If so, I would extend my trip a day and spend a day with him in Frostburg on the way back to Asheville.

The nice thing about the financial status I was in is that I had no concern over money. Now, you have heard it a million times before, but Brady's planning put me in a "position to win" in the category of finances. Even Liam and Isabella got salaries thru college and a lump sum at graduation. In fact, Isabella was starting to look at real estate in Baltimore, as she now knew the city enough to make an informed decision about a place. That would be my next trip; to Baltimore to look for a flat or town home.

I made it into Vermont by 4:00 PM. Liam was studying genetics and the effects of early childhood brain development. He had added some psychology classes as a minor in order to get some "development theory" education. I would stay for four days, and Brad called on two occasions and I on one. I had to get back to Frostburg, and Liam fully understood.