May 21, 2010
3:36 PM
Well, here we are at the Marriott hotel near Dulles airport. Tomorrow morning we head out for Cancun!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We decided to mAKe the drive up tonight since we live so far from all the airports. We usually have to leave a 2 in the morning or some crazy time to get to the airport. I told Bob I can’t do that anymore—so he booked a room for tonight. I took today off and got a lot done before leAVing – laundry, dishes, bird seed and corn out for my little furry friends outside. We changed the sheets, cleaned bathrooms---got a lot done. It always feels good to get all that stuff done before the trip. So much more relaxing when we get home.
Now I don’t hAve all that stuff to come home to. I am SO looking forward to this trip. We have so many cool things polanned to do. Tomorrow at this time we will be checking into the hotel. We land around noon or so—they are an hour behind the eastern US. We will get our rental car, go tour Cancun, get lunch and then tour some more. By that time we should be able to check in.
Ok, next time I write it will befrom Cancun.
Bye for now!
6:55 PM
Back in our room now—we are wATching a pay per view movie—“The Blind Side” with Sandra Bullock. We went out for A pre – dinner walk then we had a wonderful dinner at TGI Fridays—followed by another long walk after dinner. Once we were back in the room we started the movie.
We get up early and get breaKFASt, and then we head to the airport.
5/23/2010
05:59---but really it’s 4:59 because we are in Central time—but mycomputer is in eastern time
Hola!
Having a wonderful time here in Cancun. We arrived safely yesterday afternoon. We took off and landed exactly on time. Our flight was 3 hours, non stop, from Dulles. I feel like I hAd’t been to Dulles in about a hundred years. The last time i was there it was one terminal with an arched roof. Now there are lots of terminals with a tram to take you from one terminal to the other. It’s a nice airport. We were smart and drove to herndon, va the night before. Then we only hAD aboout a 5 minute drive to the airport the next day. Usually, we have to allow 2 hours to get to the airport, plus extrra time for parking and security. We’ve left 4 hours before a flight before—which is ridiculous. I still think the base should offer shuttle service to the 3 big airports. They would make some good money and it would be a great service for the folks down there.
But, anyway, here we are in Cancun. I’m so excited to be here. After looking at the picture of the resort for 2 months, it’s fun to be here for real and to really be in the wonderful pool.
Our villA is wonderful. It’s a 2 bedroom, 2 story apartment, with a pull out murphy bed in the wall in the living room—so it would have been perfect for the 6 of us if all the kids would have been able to come with us. The views are beautiful—we overlook both the beach and the pools. The sand on the beach is white and soft. I could eaily adjust to this lifestyle—relaxed and easy—no worries about the time. Oh, I wouldn’t mind having a job—but something completely different from what I do now—like writing – something where I can set my own hours—and when I’m not working—just sit back and enjoy beautiful beaches and pools.
One thing we did find out was that biodegradable sunscreen doesn’t move around on your skin when you apply it. You put some in your hand and start to rub it on your arm and your hand moves across your arm—but the sunscreen just sits there—it doesn’t move.
We are getting Spanish lessons in a fun way. We went to the little market at the resort, and there’s all this food there that looks like our food—but you don’t know what it is by reading the label. For instance, I got some peach yogurt – but I had to rely on the picture of the peach to know which kind it was. (durazno) Same with milk—leche—now I’ve Always known leche was the Spanish word for milk—but I just stood there staring at the milk because I had no idea which one was low fat. Finally we decided that aT home the red label usually means whole milk and the pink ones are low fat. So, we went with the color—and turned out to be right! Some of the words are obvious—vitaminas—it was very clear the leche had vitamins A and D.
The menu was interesting. We sat down and opened our menus. Your first instinct is to say, “well, I guess I will lose weight here because I can’t afford the food.” Since it says something costs 495.00. our brains of course automatically think dollars. You have to remember pesos.
Well, that’s all for now—want to get showered and head out for a stroll before we set out on our plANned activities for the day.
5/24/2010
6:01 AM---but reALly it’s an hour behind.
Hola!
Yesterday, We drove down to Playa del Carmen. I hAve to admit, it wasn’t what I was ecpecting. Theyy way it was described to us was that it was a big city—and had a nice street there called 5th Avenue and it’s close to cars and pedestrians stroll up And down and there are restaurants there and it sounded really nice.
And it was nice—only it wasn’t quite what I pictured in my head. It is located right on the Caribbean and the beach was beautiful. Just like the ocean—people out catching the waves—beautiful.
But walking down the street was very different. You are acosted by everyone trying to sell you something. The store owners practically dragged you into their stores and are fast talkers—trying to sell you everything. We did buy some things—the stuff is nice—Bob haggled with them on the price—and it was fun—to a point. But, between that and the folks trying to sell you tours and timeshare vacation villas—they drained me. So after making some purchases—we left. I enjoyed it and I’m glad I went for the experience—but it was draining.
Once back in Cancun, we decided to pick up more groceries for our Apartment---and went to the Wal-Mart super store. They have everything there—and I mean EVERYTHING. If you need a motorcycle—they have it. Didn’t need a motor cycle—but for me it was another Spanish lesson. That is s great way to learn Spanish—you know what the item is—just read the labels and the signs—and you knoow what they are in Spanish.
In the US we all just get in—shop and get out. We don’t usually make a trip to Wal-Mart a social event. At one point they all were gathered around watching a futbol game. That was different.
Went back to our room—put away the food then headed out to the aquarium. We took the bus there. They are so nice—they help you to your seat once you get on the bus. Here is how it works. You get on, pay, and within a nanosecond, the driver goes from 0 – 60 mph, it flings you toward the back, and when you get up off the floor—you take the seat you are clutching. Simple. Easy. Works.
The aquarium was nice—typical aquarium. They are located at a local mall—and that experience was very different. Just like the US—you stroll, see a store you want to goo in—you shop, etc. the setting was beautiful—we took lots of pictrures there.
Bravely, we ventured back on the bus. Much easier this time.
Went back to our room, fixed dinner then went out to the pool for a moonlit swim. Perfect!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
10:49 AM---minus an hour
WOW! I haven’t checked in for 2 days—we’ve been busy! But the good busy.
MondAY we took a bus to the Aqua Tours dock to catch a ferry at 9:00 for an hour trip to Isla Mures—the island right across from Cancun. What a great time we had there. First thing we did was to go to Dolphin Discovery where I had a dolphin swim scheduled at 10:30. Those of us who were swimming with the dolphins had to check in a half hour early so we could get our instructions. Depending on what kind of swim you signed up for dpended on which group you were in. I was in group B because we signed up for the basic swim. Some people chose to have the dolphins tow them with their fins others chose to have the dolphins lift them up by their feet then push them back and so on. When I first got there, I was the only one who spoke English until finally a young honeymooning couple from Boston showed up.
So, we kind of hung together as a group. They were Jenna and Chris. We exchanged our experiences in Cancun so far. Chris knows where Mechanicsville, MD is---he races cars and has been to the race track here. Eventually 2 other ladies came who also were English speakers. Our trainer taught us a few things about dolphins, then told us when to do the different hand signals we learned in our pre-swim class. He had the dolphins give us a kiss, we posed for a picture—then we swam out into the water into 2 groups and he had the dolphins sowim over to us And using the various hand signals he gave us, they danced for us, sang, or just swam by and we petted them.
Afterwe got done at the dolphin swim, we took a taxi to Garrafon water park, which is basically the same park—the dolphin discovery section is inside the Garrafon park. We had lunch over in Garrafon, then we were free to stroll, snorkel, swim, sit and relax—whatever we watned. Bob paid for a boat ride to the downtown area of Isla Murjes. Once there we rented a golf cart—it’s the “thing” to do—and we rode all around the islAND OF Isla Murjes—then met “Shrek” back at the golf cart return. Shrek is the nicknbame of our tourguide onboard the ferry boat. He was a character—very entertaIning. He liked Bob because he had an easy name – and he remembered him. Whenever he saw hin he called him “Mr. Bob.” When we got back on the boat to head back to Cancun, he was taking roll to make sure he had everyone and he got to us and he just called out, “Bob.”
The trip across takes an hour. On the way back they had some Mexican music playing and some Mexican ladies got up and started dancing—they were doing the Zumba and got the place jumping. Shrek Had a tray full of beer that he was serving to the passengers and carried it to the table – on his head. It was a lot of fun. We took a taXI back to the hotel rather than deal with the bus. I hate their buses here. Riding the bus is not a good experience.
But our day was fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday was equally as fantastic. Bob had arranged an all inclusive tour to the Tulum Mayan ruins—which also included a beautiful beach!!
After our tour of Tulum, our tour conitnued on to Xel-Ha—a water park. They have a dolphin swim there, snorkeling, lazy river---all water activities. We had lunch there, changed into our suits and then tried our hand at snorkeling. Bob seemed to catch on to it right away—but I had more trouble. The biggest problem I had was once I got in the water, the life vest kept riding up in the back and it put pressure on my head, which in turn put pressure on my mask and I was in a lot of pain. It made it hard for me to concentrate on how to snorkel. I did see some fish and took a few pictures---but I have no idea of how they will come out. It seems like it would be fun—but I have to be comfortable doing it.
After snorkeling, we went toward the main entrance, did A little shopping then it was time to meet Thomas—our guide at the bus. He asked us if we had seen any of the rest of the family. He is very knowledable about the Mayan people—he is of Mayan decent.
It turned out to be a very long dAY. We were told we’d be picked up at the hotel at 7:15—but they didn’t arrive until 7:45—we were a little upset about that—but it all turned out to be ok. We had to “go with the flow” as they say. We didn’t realize that they hAD to go around to other resorts and pick up the other passengers. So, the trip to Tulum ended up taking 3 hours—and ofcourse—3 hours back—so, by the time we got back to the hotel it was about 8:30. But it was a wonderful day—we had a good time. Now we know that next time we come down here we need to do Xel-Ha on our own so we can stay longer. I even convinced Bob to take me on a moonlit walk on the beach when we got back—loved it.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010--9:06 PM—minus an hour
Phew, now I am finally up to today’s activities. We kept it close to the resort today. Went out this morning for a stroll. Went to the little church we kept seeing down the road. Plain and simple—and very beautiful. sometimes the plain and simple ones are the most beautiful. after seeing the church, we caught good old bus number R2 and rode it to Market 28—as suggested by one of our bellboys at the hotel. It was ok—but the same as Playa del Carmen --- all the merchants trying to get you into their stores—all offering a good deal. We did buy A few things, then we strolled back over by Wal-Mart and caught a taxi to the Plaza de America or something like that. It’s an American type of mall with American stores—hence the name. my main mission was to buy a Mexican cookbook—in Spanish. I had read it wAs a great way to learn another language—and it makes a great souvenir. So, we found a bookstore and found 2 cookbooks! Now I have to learn the Spanish and fix some of the recipes.
Before leAVIng the mall we decided to have lunch. We went to a California Pizza place and had a delicious lunch of individual pizzas and a beer for Bob and tried A raspberry mojito. MMMMMMMMMM. Very good! Was ok since we were taking a taxi back to Wal-Mart and from Wal-Mart, we took the bus back sort of to the hotel. Bob shouted – alto – stop – but the driver didn’t stop AND we ended up having to walk about 20 minutes back to the hotel. We were sticky, sweaty, hot and drained—but other than the bus trip, we had a good morning. Then we changed into our suits and went to the pool for a few hours. Then back to the room for dinner. Now we are listening to the karoke going on down at the bar. Fun, fun, fun. I love it here and am so ready to move here.
Tomorrow is our jungle tour AND more snorkeling.
5/27/2010, 4:33 PM—but reallly it’s 3:33 for us
Another great tour package. We didn’t go through a jungle at all—that was the name of the tours. We rode good old bus #R2 up to the marina by the Crab House restaurant. From there we picked up our lifejackets, snorkel equipment and directions on how to operate the boat and then our tour guides took us out into the Caribbean, slowing down as we went through the marshy area and passed some other boats, then we got to speed up again after we got through that. The boat ride was awesome—or as one young couple we met on this trip put it—wicked awesome. I tried the snorkeling again, but didn’t have a whole lot better luck than I did at Garrafon water park—with the exception that the equipment we used today seemed like better quality. I liked the equipment better—and the life jacket fit much better. It still put some pressure on the back of my neck and head but I didn’t feel the same pain as I did the other day. The hard part for me is the breathing through the snorkel thing—I keep wanting to breathe through my nose and then I get messed up and I start taking in salt water. Plus salt water got into my eyes and that bothered me, too. I kept a close eye on the boats to make sure I didn’t wander too far from the boats. Once I got myself to relax and breathe calmly, the snorkeling part is cool and I love seeing the fish and coral. That part is pretty cool. It was a fun day, though and I’m glad we went.
As we are actually traveling in the boats, they make you stay in one line. The tour guide gave us hand signals before we left and the passenger was responsible for signaling the other boats. Bob and I were first behind the guide, which meant that I was the one who had to watch the guide, and when he signaled stop, slow down or speed up, I followed suit and hopefully everyone behind us did, too. I imagine they did because no one got lost. Our guide was Jose and the other guide was Johnny. They each guided 4 boats. I think we had a good group. They were all young couples--and us—one couple was on their honeymoon and one had just gotten engaged. I took pictures for them on their cameras. The young honeymooners were from the St. Louis area and both had on Cardinals hats—and to Bob’s delight—big fans of the Cardinals. I got her to return the favor and take a pictrure of us.
On our way back we passed about 6 more groups of people heading out for more tours. Some of them had huge groups. I think keeping it small is better—especially for the guides when they are out there with novice boaters. We all left the pier at the same time, but apparently Johnny’s group split off from us at one point. He seemed to have the older folks. Not sure if it worked out that way or if it was just a coincidence—but anyway—I enjoyed our group.
Since we got back we’ve just been hanging out at the hotel. We Had lunch and now Bob is out by the pool—working on his tan. I was planning to go out—but felt kind of headachey—so decided to stay in and work on my journal, upload photos and my class. Hopefully I can get the Internet up and running soon so I can do email and download my next lesson to my thumb drive. I also want to be careful of how much sun I am getting. I’ve been out in the sun a lot.
The plan for tomorrow is to hang around the hotel and pack. :o(
I guess that’s all for now.
5/28/2010, 8:47 AM---but it’s really 7:47
Took some more sunrise pictures over the water. Today is our last full day—I hate the idea of packing to go home. I just started the laundry again. As long as I have to pack, it’s so much easier to pack clean clothes—and then there’s not so much laundry to do when we get home. At least we put clean sheets on the bed before we left so we don’t have that to do and I think I also managed to get the bathrooms cleaned before we left—so it won’t be too tough when we get home. The tough part will be going to work on Tuesday. I want to go in and give notice – pack up the house and come back here to live. We’d only be 3 hours by plane from the kids.
One thing I keep wanting to mention is they have a Bubba-Gump shrimp factory with Captain Dan’s bar and a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant.
1:35 PM---minus an hour
Just got back from having lunch at the restaurant. We had what they call a Mexican snack. It wAS a sampler platter and was enough for 2. It was delicious. Potato skins, chicken tacos, cheese enchaladas, and fish fingers. It had guacamole, dipping sauce and sour cream. Delicious!! Loved it. We also had a basket of the tortilla chips and salsa. I loved it—it was a great lunch. Can’t wait to get home and use my Mexican cookbooks to create some authentic Mexican dishes with Sarah and Keith and have our own Mexican snack!
I love sitting right neAR the beach—the breeze is fantastic—yet we were under the shade of the thatched roof—so it felt nice and cool. We saw the peddlers walking along the beach selling their wares.
Gotta finish packing now –maybe I will write more later.
We had a wonderful breakfast Saturday morning, took one last walk on the beach and strolled around the grounds, sat with our feet in the pool one last time—then it was time to head to the airpport and home. We hated to leave—we could go back to Cancun over and over.
link to photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11443252@N07/sets/72157624211635962/
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
LOCAL TRAVEL MAKES FOR A FUN DAY
It was the day before Easter, April 3, 2010. Bob and I did some local traveling and had a great time. We started our day with a big breakfast of omelets, toast, grapefruit, sausages, coffee and tea-- made at our favorite place--Donna and Bob's. (ie--our house)
After packing a nice picnic lunch of sub sandwiches, chips, grapes and carrot sticks, we head out on our adventure.
We went first to the farmers' market in Charlotte Hall, MD. We strolled past all the vendors, stopping once in a while to examine something that caught our eye. After seeing all the little shops, we stopped at the fruit and vegetable stands and filled our rolling cart with bananas, huge green grapes, lettuce and green beans.
Satisfied with our purchases, we got back in the car and headed to Gilbert Run State Park. We had never been there before and were pleasantly surprised. Its a very nice park with ample picnic sites, hiking trails, a nice big lake, paddle boats, and fairly clean bathrooms.
After lunch we again got back in the car and drove to the Dr. Samuel Mudd house. Dr. Mudd was the doctor who set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth, president Lincoln's killer. Dr. Mudd was accused of being an accomplice of Booth and was sentenced to life in prison. As you pull up to the house you are greeted by soldiers in period uniforms sitting around their camp. Bob and I were greeted by one of the Yankee soldiers and he took us to the exhibit that showed what a soldier camp would have looked like. It was very interesting.
While he was in prison the prison doctor contracted yellow fever and died. The prison officials asked Dr. Mudd if he could treat the sick--there was an epidemic of yellow fever. He agreed to help and because of that, he was released from prison after serving 3 years.
Right after Dr. Mudd was arrested and taken off, the soldiers held Mrs. Mudd and their 4 children prisoner in the bedroom the children used. They set their horses free, tore through all of their food, took their meat and in general, treated Mrs. Mudd and her children badly. They stayed at the house for 12 days and only left when they got word that a young soldier killed Booth in Virginia.
The house in Charles County is the original house of Dr. Mudd and his wife and most of the furniture is original. It still belongs to the Mudd family. There was also a game table and some other pieces that Dr. Mudd made while in prison. He sold them to the guards to have money to send to his wife. The museum eventually was able to buy the pieces.
After the tour, Bob got to fire one of the period rifles. The volunteer staff were all very knowledgeable and seem to really enjoy working there.
One of Dr. Mudd's great grandsons is the caretaker of the estate and one of his great granddaughters works in the gift shop.
It is a very interesting stop and well worth the $5 entrance fee. Check the website--their hours are very limited--open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
After leaving the Mudd house we drove through the country for a little bit, going up and down roads we have never gone down before. It was a lot of fun to discover areas of the county we hadn't been to before. While on our tour, we saw some HUGE houses.
The last leg of our trip was to stop at Lowe's on the way home. We bought an open pit fireplace for our other patio. We have 2 patios and love to sit out by a bonfire. We have a fireplace on the lower patio and now we have one on the upper patio.
After a nice dinner, we went out to the upper patio to enjoy our new fireplace and to watch the stars. A perfect end to our perfect day in the country.
After packing a nice picnic lunch of sub sandwiches, chips, grapes and carrot sticks, we head out on our adventure.
We went first to the farmers' market in Charlotte Hall, MD. We strolled past all the vendors, stopping once in a while to examine something that caught our eye. After seeing all the little shops, we stopped at the fruit and vegetable stands and filled our rolling cart with bananas, huge green grapes, lettuce and green beans.
Satisfied with our purchases, we got back in the car and headed to Gilbert Run State Park. We had never been there before and were pleasantly surprised. Its a very nice park with ample picnic sites, hiking trails, a nice big lake, paddle boats, and fairly clean bathrooms.
After lunch we again got back in the car and drove to the Dr. Samuel Mudd house. Dr. Mudd was the doctor who set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth, president Lincoln's killer. Dr. Mudd was accused of being an accomplice of Booth and was sentenced to life in prison. As you pull up to the house you are greeted by soldiers in period uniforms sitting around their camp. Bob and I were greeted by one of the Yankee soldiers and he took us to the exhibit that showed what a soldier camp would have looked like. It was very interesting.
While he was in prison the prison doctor contracted yellow fever and died. The prison officials asked Dr. Mudd if he could treat the sick--there was an epidemic of yellow fever. He agreed to help and because of that, he was released from prison after serving 3 years.
Right after Dr. Mudd was arrested and taken off, the soldiers held Mrs. Mudd and their 4 children prisoner in the bedroom the children used. They set their horses free, tore through all of their food, took their meat and in general, treated Mrs. Mudd and her children badly. They stayed at the house for 12 days and only left when they got word that a young soldier killed Booth in Virginia.
The house in Charles County is the original house of Dr. Mudd and his wife and most of the furniture is original. It still belongs to the Mudd family. There was also a game table and some other pieces that Dr. Mudd made while in prison. He sold them to the guards to have money to send to his wife. The museum eventually was able to buy the pieces.
After the tour, Bob got to fire one of the period rifles. The volunteer staff were all very knowledgeable and seem to really enjoy working there.
One of Dr. Mudd's great grandsons is the caretaker of the estate and one of his great granddaughters works in the gift shop.
It is a very interesting stop and well worth the $5 entrance fee. Check the website--their hours are very limited--open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
After leaving the Mudd house we drove through the country for a little bit, going up and down roads we have never gone down before. It was a lot of fun to discover areas of the county we hadn't been to before. While on our tour, we saw some HUGE houses.
The last leg of our trip was to stop at Lowe's on the way home. We bought an open pit fireplace for our other patio. We have 2 patios and love to sit out by a bonfire. We have a fireplace on the lower patio and now we have one on the upper patio.
After a nice dinner, we went out to the upper patio to enjoy our new fireplace and to watch the stars. A perfect end to our perfect day in the country.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Armchair travels
Well, I've been doing some armchair traveling lately. First, I went to the Alpine regions of Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and France with Rick Steves. I've seen pictures from the Alps before--but every time I see them they take my breath away. There is a lot to do in that area. I would love to have at least 2 weeks to see the whole area. It would be a good time to see a lot of countries at one time. You only have 3 languages to practice--French, Italian and German.
When that video was over I did some traveling in the United States with Lucy. Traveling with Lucy isn't quite the same as with Rick Steves. Lucy doesn't really take you out and about to see the sights--but she is funny. I went along with her on her California trip. Now, we are back in New York but soon we will be leaving with Lucy for Europe.
When that video was over I did some traveling in the United States with Lucy. Traveling with Lucy isn't quite the same as with Rick Steves. Lucy doesn't really take you out and about to see the sights--but she is funny. I went along with her on her California trip. Now, we are back in New York but soon we will be leaving with Lucy for Europe.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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.
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.
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.
A deer standing on the side of the road. These woods were filled with deer.
I loved this crumbling barn.Saturday, August 22, 2009
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!
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!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)