ANNUAL FALL TRIP -- YELLOW SPRING, WV

Bob and I took our annual fall foliage trip to the mountains of West Virginia in October 2009. We were about 30 minutes from Winchester, VA. It was our first experience at a B&B and we loved every minute of our weekend.

Here are the sheep that live on the ranch.

View of the main house from our room in the Carriage House. This was our first B&B experience

A big rock in the middle of this stream flowing through the mountains of WV. This was down a back country road we stumbled upon.

A view from our room.

The same stream (river) as above with the mountains in the background.

Close-up of the leaves.

Driving along a country road.

A deer standing on the side of the road. These woods were filled with deer.

I loved this crumbling barn.

GREECE AND TURKEY

I took an armchair trip yesterday. I went with Rick Steves to Greece and Turkey. I had always heard that Greece was beautiful, but seeing the pictures sure made me want to go all the more. The scenery is gorgeous and I was just longing to jump into the water!

Now, Turkey is a place I had never really given much thought to going to visit. But, after traveling there with Rick, I changed my mind. It is a beautiful country, too. They of course have ruins that are from Biblical times. I would love to someday visit all the countries where the Bible stories took place. On this trip to Turkey, Rick visited the city where Noah and the Ark landed. And he also went to the city where Abraham lived. That is so interesting to me.

He went to the mountains where some people still live in caves. They keep them warm in winter and cool in summer.

It was a fun day and best of all, I was home in time for dinner!

Our summer 2009 vacation

Bob and I left in the very early hours of Friday, July 17th and our goal for the day was Cleveland. We had a lot of brief stretching, gas and food breaks and took one good break in a town called Butler, in Pennsylvania, not too far from Pittsburgh. We strolled up and down the street, did a little window shopping. And, of course window shopping leads to real shopping. We went into a couple of little shops--a bookstore and an antique store. I bought a teapot and a salt dish.

We arrived in Cleveland around 3:30 and after a brief stop at the hotel to drop off our bags and freshen up, we went to the mall that was conveniently located across the street from the hotel. We went over there to get in a good walk. I love to exercise and if my body doesn't get enough exercise during the day, I don't feel well. So, we got over there and walked around about an hour. Of course since it was a mall, I felt obligated to shop! But along with that walking, you need to lift weights, right?? What better way to lift weights than to carry around some packages from the mall???

From there we went to Therese and Kevin's--although Therese wasn't there, she was in the Soo. Dad had fallen and she went up there to help out. She took him to the doctor. He broke his hip and was going to need surgery.

Before leaving, Therese had fixed a fantastic dinner, which Kevin had in the oven. We saw Jason, Ryan and Kelsey and met Ryan's girlfriend, Kira and Kelsey's boyfriend, Cody. After dinner, while Bob and Kevin went to the store and Kelsey and Cody watched TV, I went for a walk to that wonderful park down the street from their house. When I got back, Kevin was fixing a fire in the fire pit. I love sitting around a bonfire.

Jeff and Stephanie had invited the whole family to their lake house on the 18th--so in the morning we headed out early to head toward Michigan and Montcalm Lake!

We drove along Rt. 2 and saw Lake Erie as we went along. We stopped briefly at the Ottawa Wildlife Preserve. We hiked on the few paved paths right near the building and then headed out on a few of the grassy paths through the trees in the hopes of actually seeing some wildlife. The only wildlife we saw was the teeny, tiny kind--called biting flies and mosquitoes. We didn't love them quite as much as they loved us. So, we booked it back to the comfort of the paved paths and settled for photos of the marshy grasses, wildflowers and one dragonfly. We listened to the sounds of the birds chirping and could hear frogs and fish jumping in the water.

Back to the car and back on our route to Michigan. We arrived at Jeff and Stephanie's house at Montcalm Lake around 2:30. (Saturday, the 18th) Doug and Candy were there already and around an hour or so later, Kevin arrived with Kelsey and Cody. We all greeted each other, then Candy, Stephanie and I settled in for a visit while Jeff took Doug and the kids on the boat, and Bob and Kevin set up their respective waterfront condos. (tents)

The only disappointing thing about the trip were the temps. I got colder and colder the farther north we traveled and while sitting on the deck, I had to keep adding layers. For July, it was pretty chilly--in the 60's during the day and upper 50's at night. I expected temps like that for the upper peninsula---but not for the lower peninsula. The lower peninsula is usually more like us--80's and 90's in the summer.

But the day we got there it just wasn't nice weather-wise. The sun was only out sporadically--it was mostly cloudy and I was so chilled.

The company, however, was OUTSTANDING! I love to visit with my family. Dinner was delicious and as the sun started to go down, Jeff started a bonfire. We all gathered around the fire and I was finally warm! There was a big party going on down the road--we could hear the music--and there was a general festive feel in the air. I thought the night was perfect. I was wrong--the night was about to improve. Someone across the lake started setting off fireworks. And, it wasn't just your average neighborhood firecrackers and sparklers on the 4th of July. This was a full-fledged fireworks display--a professional display. It was as good as, if not better than what we've seen in New York City or Washington, DC. And, it lasted a lot longer than what I've seen in the big cities. It was absolutely fantastic.

It was pretty late when the fireworks ended and I was exhausted, so, I went to bed and I was followed shortly by everyone else. I ended up sleeping indoors. Madelyn was gracious enough to sleep on the couch and let me use her room. I wanted to try out the condo with Bob--it was new and we hadn't used it yet--but I was SO cold--I simply couldn't warm up. So, when Stephanie offered me a bed inside, I accepted.

I was the first one up the next day and first to grab a shower. After that, I grabbed my jacket and camera and set out for a brisk walk. First, I stopped down at the lake and there was steam coming up off the water. I took some pictures then just soaked up the calm for a few minutes. I love moments like that--I felt like I was the only one up and had the lake to myself. (it was about 7:00 on Sunday, the 19th)

Then I set off on my walk, by the quiet, it sounded like everyone in the house--and outside--was still asleep. As I walked, I saw a handful of neighbors out and about--some walking and some driving. I walked with the hopes of seeing some deer. No deer, but one bunny. And, plenty of beauty. I stopped for a few minutes to take some pictures of the lake through the trees and I could still see the steam. Then, I continued my walk all the way down to the road for the public boat access then went back. My best guess is that I went about 2 miles.

When I got back the house still sounded pretty quiet, so, I made tea and found cereal, then grabbed my camera and book and went out to the deck. Jeff got up as I made my tea and shortly after that everyone else started to get up. Jeff and Stephanie fixed a big breakfast and after that the kids all found things to do until quiet hours were over.

Montcalm Lake observes what they call quiet hours. From 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 a.m. the boats can't make a wake. Power boats are allowed on the water, but they can't race along. It is a great time to use paddle boats and canoes. Bob took a paddle boat out and tried his hand at fishing from the paddle boat. I love the concept of quiet hours. I relish the peace and quiet. I wish we had a rule like that here. Not for boats but for motorcycles. Geez, some of those motorcycles are so loud.

Bob had a wonderful time fishing on this trip. He fished all afternoon Saturday and all day Sunday.

Right at 11:00, Jeff started getting the boat ready to take out. This time I joined the group out on the boat and had a great time watching everyone water ski, wakeboard and tube. After a while we went back to the house. Therese had arrived from the Soo and Jeff went back to pick her up.

We were out on the boat about 2 hours.

When we were all done boating, we had an early dinner because everyone had to get back home and get back to their normal schedules on Monday. Jeff and Stephanie were kind enough to allow Bob and I to stay over Sunday night and leave Monday morning.

After Stephanie left, Bob and I took down the condo and packed it up. We sat and relaxed a bit and at 7:00, we took the paddle boat out for a ride. We fixed a light snack and then watched a movie.

As always, I was the first to wake up and get a shower. I took a nice walk while Bob showered. As I was walking I passed a boy driving an Amish buggy. We waved to each other and we each continued on our way. After a few more minutes, I saw an older lady taking her trash out and as I approached her house she started chatting with me.

We both were irritated that we needed jackets in July.

I found out that she and her husband used to live by the lake, but in 1973 they moved to that spot because she wanted to have a garden. But, after her husband died, she quit gardening. (he used to work for Ford Motor Co) Her kids still live in the general area there near the lake, but her brothers and sisters all live near Detroit. She hates Detroit and was so glad when she and her husband moved up to that area.

When I got back to the house, Bob and I finished breakfast, packed up, double checked the house, took one last look at the lake and headed north toward the Soo.

We got a big stop in Mackinaw City for lunch and a lengthy walk.

Then, we drove to the Soo, and headed straight to the hospital to see Mom and Dad. Dad was in the hospital due to a broken hip and was in horrible, excruciating pain. The surgery was scheduled for Tuesday.

We stayed up there until the pain meds started to kick in and Dad felt a little better. He had dozed a few times and then around 6 or so he got some dinner. We left after we got him settled in with his dinner.

We went to Ontario to find the house we were going to stay in for a week. It was located west of the bridge, about 15 or 2o minutes away--right near the Soo, Ontario airport. We loved it there--right where the St. Mary's River and Lake Superior came together. We had a view of the bridge.

We settled in, unpacked then went outside to explore and get pictures.

Tuesday morning after clearing customs, we went right to the hospital and arrived just as they were moving Dad out for surgery. Actually, they were moving him to the waiting area. It was around 11:00 and his surgery wasn't until 12:50. We sat in the waiting area for families and read. Bob found out we could get the internet from there, so, he brought his computer in. I was able to send out some emails to keep everyone posted. Mom arrived around 1:00 or so and around 2:30 the surgeon came out and said Dad came through the surgery with flying colors.

Just before the surgeon came in, Bob and I had gone to get Mom some lunch since she hadn't eaten. After we found out Dad was done and would be in his room at 3, we headed out to Mom and Dad's for a while. Mom stayed at the hospital for a while.

Our routine for the week was pretty much the same--we got up and went out to the hospital to see Dad for a while, then we'd have dinner with Mom and visit with her a bit and see what she needed and so on.

Wednesday Wayne, Julie and Cameron arrived in the Soo. We had a nice time catching up with them--eventhough most of our visiting was in the hospital with Dad. We did go to the Lockview for lunch and afterwards I did some shopping in the touristy shops and Bob went to the locks.

We all got to see Dad walk with the physical therapist and that was good.

We set off for home before daylight on Friday, the 24th. We drove along Rt. 23, along the shores of Lake Huron and arrived in Cleveland to spend the night. We had another terrific dinner at Therese and Kevin's. Later, Therese and I took Lucy, their dog, for a wonderful walk to the park down the road. When we got back, Kevin had the bonfire going and once again, we had a fun visit around the fire.

When you cross the Mackinac bridge, you cross over Lake Michigan. Since we had stayed on the shores of Lake Superior while in Ontario and saw Lake Erie on the way up, that meant we saw 4 out of 5 Great Lakes on this trip.

We finally walked back in the door of our own house on Saturday evening, July 25th. It always feels good to get back into your own home.

VACATION TIME

Well, we're packing our bags, we put the mail on hold, we have our cat/house sitter all set up. All that can only mean one thing....we're going on vacation!

This time we are heading out to visit family. We're going to Ohio, Michigan and Canada. We don't have family in Canada, but since we are going to be so close to Canada when we go visit my parents, we are going to stay at a lake house there. The house is owned by one of Bob's friends and his wife, and they invited us to stay at the house. Staying in a lake house for a week sounded pretty good to us.

Before staying at that lake house, we will be at Jeff and Stephanie's lake house. While we are there, we will see Doug and Candy and Therese and Kevin. We will also see Therese and Kevin at their house in Ohio. That is always our stopping point after driving about 8 hours.

Be sure to stay tuned for a trip report during and after our trip. And, as always, plenty of pictures!

ROCKY MOUNTAINS, COLORADO, APRIL 2009

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11443252@N07/sets/72157616924397537/

For all my Colorado photos, click the above link.

COLORADO

Colorado was beautiful! Will post pictures soon!

COLORADO TRIP

Bob and I got up at 2:00 am EST and got ready to leave for our trip to Colorado. We left at 3:00 and arrived at BWI by 4:30 and greeted our fellow sleepy travelers.

On our way to the airport, Bob and I laughed about another early trip we took several years ago when we headed to England. It was a morning just like this morning, a little chillier, perhaps since it was October, but a very early start just the same. We waited for the shuttle in long term parking lot, boarded and rode with our fellow passengers toward the terminals. On the way to the terminals, the driver spotted 2 more passengers standing on the side, waiting for a shuttle. He was about to keep going and then, maybe feeling a little guilty, he decided to stop for the 2 additional passengers. Imagine the shock we all felt when suddenly the doors to a van burst open, and HUNDREDS of people got out of the van, along with HUNDREDS of suitcases. We all kept exchanging looks--and the poor driver--you could tell he wanted to kick himself. I turned to the man next to me and said, "And my husband thinks I take too much stuff."

When I told Mom this story, she said the scene with the van exploding and all those people coming out reminded her of the clowns coming out of the little tiny car.

Anyway, we didn't have anything like that happen today. But the airport seemed so JAMMED for that time of day. As I looked around at the crowd, I realized that most of the passengers looked like college kids--probably headed out for spring break. And there were a lot of families, probably also headed out for a spring break trip with their kids.

Our flight took off on time and landed early in Cincinnati. We had enough time for bathroom breaks in Cincinnati and then it was time to head to our gate. Again, we took off on time and landed on time.

During the flight to Denver, which was about 2 1/2 hours, they offered us a chance to buy a meal if we wanted. I chose the fruit and cheese plate. It came with crackers. It was very good. That was the first time I was on a flight where they offered the chance to buy a meal. Usually they just toss out the microscopic bags of peanuts or pretzels. That has been one of my biggest complaints about flying lately--they don't serve meals anymore. The average person needs regular meals. I don't do well on just 2 pretzels in an 8 hour (or longer) day.

I had heard that airlines were offering meals to purchase, but I hadn't seen it until today. I was glad to pay. I just wanted a meal. I felt better today because I wasn't starving to death when I arrived in Denver.

After getting the rental car we went for a drive to see the city since it was too early to check into the hotel. We did a little shopping, had lunch then checked into the hotel. We relaxed for a bit, freshened up then headed back out. We found a nearby mall, and decided to go stroll around the mall for a bit. We bought a few things, then I turned around and couldn't believe what I saw--a Godiva chocolate store. I had to go in there. I came out with dark chocolate covered cashews. Mmmm.....

After that we decided to come back here.

So, that was our first day of our trip. We are relaxing in the hotel room now with a movie.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Well, Bob and I are planning another trip. This time we are going to Colorado. Bob is going to Denver on business in April and I am going with him. Only, I'm going to spend most of my week in Durango--about a 7 hour drive south of Denver. I'm going to visit Maryanna, Pat and family. I'm SO excited. I have never been to Colorado before and I haven't seen Pat and Maryanna for such a long time.

A DAY IN DC

What a great day we had yesterday!

Bob and I did one of our favorite things -- went into DC for the day.

We took the metro and arrived downtown just about 9:00 when the museums open. Today we chose to go to a new museum called the Newseum. It is a museum dedicated to guess what--the news. When you walk into the main lobby, there is a news helicopter hanging over the lobby. The building itself is very modern looking, lots of windows and very bright inside. Great views of the city out the windows. They have newspapers from the 1600's to today--the front pages covering all the big stories of the day. They have a room dedicated to the FBI--famous cases such as the arrest of Dillinger and the Lindberg baby kidnapping.

They have a room dedicated to journalists, such as Daniel Pearl, who lost their lives while reporting the news. In that section there is a white Chevy pickup riddled with bullet holes -- it protected the reporters who rode in it. There is a 9/11 room with a piece of one of the transmitting antennas from the towers of the World Trade Center and a piece of the fuselage from flight 93.

They have a piece of the Berlin wall and one of the watch towers the East Berlin guards used. Lots of footage of the wall coming down. There is an interactive news studio where kids of all ages can pretend they are reporters and their image show up on the TV monitors. Film clips of the biggest news events over the years.

The door from the room that was broken into during Watergate is there.

On the 6th level there is a wonderful outdoor observation deck with terrific views of the city. We could see people ice-skating, planes landing at Reagan National.

All in all, a great museum. Very helpful employees. The cafe was very good. Kind of pricey to get in. It's not part of the Smithsonian--so it isn't free. My one word of caution would be for folks with younger kids--while there were quite a few things for them to do and see -- some of the film clips could be disturbing. It was very interesting, but I did feel that I needed to do something cheerful after being reminded of one sad story after the other.

For anyone who is familiar with DC--the Newseum is located right behind the National Gallery of Art. It can be reached from several metro stops. We walked from the Smithsonian stop--which is a good long walk--which was what we wanted. The Smithsonian stop comes out right at the Mall.

We got to the Newseum just as it opened and were done by around 1:00. So, we walked over to the American History Museum--which used to be my favorite. They shut that one down for about 2 years for renovations/remodeling. It just re-opened in the fall of 2008. I was expecting something spectacular and have to say I was somewhat disappointed. It may just have been because we were there in the afternoon, when the museums are more crowded--but it seemed like there were long lines for all the exhibits when there never used to be before. We never did find my favorite exhibit---the MASH martini glasses, Fonzi's jacket, Dorothy's ruby slippers and so on. But we did have a nice time. We found the transportation exhibit--that shows transportation from horse and buggy to now. I have always liked that one and enjoyed walking around it a few times. Fortunately, we live close enough to be able to go back to find the stuff I wasn't able to find today.