2018 trip to NY

My nephew David and his wife were planning to head "home" (David's anyway) for a week or two in NY this summer. While there they planned to have a little party for friends and family, etc to meet the newest family member, their son Clarkson. John and I decided we would make a trip up for a long weekend to see everyone.
We also decided that one of these times when we went to upstate NY we needed to make the 3 (or so) hour drive to Niagara Falls. We don't know how long Ellen and Erik will be in New York....and it's not that far to the falls....so we just needed to make a plan

. Now to be clear...John made all the plans...dinners, hotels, car rental, flights....all I had to do was send the RSVP back...hahaha Reservations were made, flights were booked, and the trip was on.
Early June is not a bad time to head north. Kids here are out of school by the end of May and at the library programs were starting. Up north, however, kids were still in school, so our side trip to Niagara Falls was nice. There were people of course...but not the huge crowds I imagine they get in the summertime.
We had a great time with our family and enjoyed meeting Clarkson.

 He is a happy, content little boy. He was also at a good developmental stage...where strangers (like us) really didn't seem to alarm him. The day of the "Sip and See" ,we set up chairs around the perimeter of the  room and he happily crawled around the center of the room and played while we all watched. Many friends of my nephew (and my sister's family) stopped by during the afternoon. Everyone enjoyed a nice relaxed get-together. Having everyone come see them...saved my nephew and his wife from having to drive all around town trying to visit everyone. Much more of a vacation for them!
The day after the party John and I headed up to Canada to see the falls. We figured a Sunday morning would mean light traffic on the roads...and fortunately we were correct. John did the driving so I can't say for sure...but it seemed like a relaxing drive as road trips go.Before we knew it...we could see the mist rising off the falls in the distance.

 Again because there wasn't too much traffic on the roads...getting where we wanted to go was relatively easy. / I think we only made one wrong turn

Niagara Falls was pretty awesome. I can't say it took my breath away....but it's pretty awesome. I can only imagine what the first people who came across it thought....they probably heard it and then when they actually SAW it... they must have thought WHOA!!!! That's a lot of water! hahahah

We had a room overlooking the falls...which was pretty cool. I didn't close the curtains that night...I just kept watching the lights on the water, changing colors.

just in case you were thinking about getting a close-up!

 The crowd of people on the ground, got larger and smaller and larger and smaller again and again as the afternoon/evening went on...but even late into the night there were at least some
. people down there watching the water flowing.It was interesting to watch the people in the crowd. All ages, from all over the world...all there to see this wonder of the world. Cool. Now...would I rush back....probably not. Once was enough I think. Like most tourist sites,( The Keys, for instance) I don't like all the "junk" that comes with it. I know stores, shops, etc are always going end up where people are going to be...but I bet it was even more awesome 50 years ago! I am glad I went though. We opted out of the boat ride down by the falls....I did not feel like getting all wet...so I settled for watching the boats going up to the falls hahahaha.
We were in Niagara Falls for one day and night....then it was back down to NY. Skaneateles to be exact.

John had never been to that town. Martha, Ellen, Anna and I had made a trip there when we were in Cortland for training camp a few years back and it is definitely worth a trip back :).

from August 2014 trip...our Inn we stayed at is in the background

John made us a reservation a an inn right in the middle of the town.

view of the Inn from the park across the street, I loved all the GREEN trees!

.

 It was a nice treat! Since I had spent an afternoon in town once before, I had an idea of what was around and within walking distance.

We walked around by the lake, around town, shopped, ate lunch, got coffee etc and just enjoyed the area and the cooler temperatures. (down home things were already heating up...it was nice to be back where you actually needed a sweater or jacket at times!)
We had a reservation at the Inn for dinner. That was nice and very convenient! During the afternoon/evening there had been showers off and on...so it was no surprise that when the sun started to set...there was a rainbow. It was on view right from out street facing window. WOW it was an incredible rainbow! One by one almost everyone in the place ended up outside  trying to get a picture. It was funny and so much fun all at the same time.

one side

and the other...it was FULL and BRIGHT and had a golden glow with the reflection from the setting sun

Right behind the Inn was a Patisserie! They supplied all the breads, granola, some dessert items,  and more to the restaurant. Of course I needed to see what else they had in there! hahaha I tried a mini pie yum yum!

it was worth a visit!!!!!

John enjoyed our day and night in Skaneateles and we both enjoyed our whole trip!
We saw and did a lot in just a few days. I'll go back any time.  :)

Catching up

I mentioned in the last post that it had been so long since I last got on the Blog, that I needed to create a new password. ....and it's easy to put things off when you just don't feel like making the extra effort. So, now I will attempt to "catch up" on various highlights of the first 6 months of 2018. (with a little help from my trusty calendar...I think I can remember 😉 )
My sister and my niece came to WDW for a visit in January..

 Anna got there first, and I went over for a day/evening when Ellen arrived a few days later. We enjoyed sitting by the pool and chatting, then going out for dinner before I headed home to Melbourne. It was a lovely day in January, not too hot, not too cold...and even though we didn't go into any parks that day...it was still nice to be there. When I left after dinner...I set out for home. I am notorious for making at least one wrong turn getting to or from Disney...and I did just that. Thank goodness directions are fairly easy from here to Orlando (and back) ...as in as long as I saw signs directing me towards OIA...I knew I could get home...but I managed to make it a scenic drive. (tooo bad it was dark! hahaha) I have NO idea where the heck I wound up...somewhere in Kissimmee/St. Cloud. BUT....there was a sign saying I was on the way to the airport   ✈....so I was good. My phone was about to die....so no GPS, it was a dark, moonless night and I think I added about 35 minutes to my trip...before I did indeed end up passing the airport and heading EAST to the beach.( If I lived in a big city....I think it would be bad news ....I would be lost at all times!!!!!!) It was ridiculous...and yet so typical...I just had to laugh at myself.
In February we had more visitors. John's sister Sandy (and Ken), and his brother Bill (and Kathie) had made plans to come for a visit us and Lucy and Mac and gang in Grant.It just so happened we were planning to have an Engagement Party

*I've been told that that dress was "Bright" hahahahah
I should wear it whenever people need to spot me in a crowd  😊

for Brenna and Josh and we were able to have it the same weekend everyone was in town; which was nice. February in Florida is always pretty nice...and we had great weather that weekend as well.We had a fun afternoon with family and friends. Music, laughs, beer and wine and got to meet some of Brenna and Josh's friends we hadn't met and see some of their old friends too. Good time.
We had dinner out with the family  at Meg O'Malley's and again another night at the Old Fish House...so it was a nice visit with everyone.

In March we attended our friend's crayfish party. They had done this party for many years, but it was on hold for a while after our friend Pat died (about 5 years ago). We were excited to hear that the party was BACK! I don't eat most of the crayfish, potatoes, etc...it's way too spicy for my palate...

the "race" was pretty pitiful...but one finally made a break for it

and the winners are....(not us !)

but there's always plenty of other good things to eat, and most importantly great to see all of their friends back together again.
In April, we celebrated Easter with old friends. Maureen and family decided to go on with the party....even though her husband and our dear friend Brian passed away earlier in the year. His passing was not unexpected...but death really never comes at a good time for anyone that you love and care about.It was nice to see the "gang".... those that made it anyway. No one is getting any younger...and each year the group gets a little smaller..☹
 Later in April, of course was David's surgery...which kept us all busy.
In May we celebrated John's sister's birthday. we had a nice time down at his niece's house celebrating 80! years!!!!

had to check out the newest addition to the family...Isabella

Happy Birthday Dear Lucy!

THe first weekend in May we decided to

drop by Founder's Day festivities in MB. Had a fun afternoon with one of the girls I work with. For about an hour she and I, and her friend sat on the porch of the Community Center and watched the crowd while we cooled off and had a bite to eat. and bitched about work. We all left and made plans to meet up again later for the annual Street Party. I went home to "freshen up" and then John and I went to a Kentucky Derby "party" at LongDogger's with a group of friends. (we did not Win hahahah) . We headed back to Melbourne Beach for a few hours. We saw lots of friends and had a good time...but as far as the music goes.....it wasn't my favorite group they've ever had. We wrapped up May at a friend's Memorial Day Party.

khaki pants seemed to be "uniform" of the day...hahaha

Good time with fun people and good music. (and since the party was on Sunday...it was nice to enjoy the Monday holiday!!!!) Tropical Storm Alberto was wreaking havoc on out weather for a week or two...but as luck would have it....it wasn't too bad the day of the party. Some rain off and on....but mostly it stayed away.
John and Josh made a trip to Michael's Men's Store the same weekend...to get outfitted for the big day. They both enjoyed meeting with Michael and his son and we were all very happy with their selections!! Josh got a great suit and tie....he's going to look very smart. John got a beautiful blue jacket. some light khaki slacks and the shirt and tie to finish the look. (Brenna may disagree...hahah but I think he's going to be the best looking one there. ) All the plans are coming along!
Next time I'll recap our June trip to New York and Niagara Falls.

I'm Baaaaaack

Well, It's been a while, but I'm back. I actually tried to log in to my blog a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn't remember my darn password and got aggravated and decided to try again another day.
It's been awhile and that's not because I was so busy or off doing exciting things all this time (...although I did do some exciting things and I was busy part of the time hahahahah)
In April my brother David had to have surgery to repair his Mitral Valve in his heart. He had been feeling pretty lousy for a long time, but I think we all assumed it was due to him being over 60,  overweight and not in the best health as a result of those things. While they were factors...it turns out that the heart issues were one of the main issues. The Dr. told him the damage was "not new" there's a possibility that it's been an issue for a long time, but it got to the point that the right heart could no longer compensate for the left side.(at least that's how I interpreted what he told us) He had been experiencing A Fib and shortness of breath and over the last year it continued to get worse and worse. Exercise was what we all thought he needed....but the last thing he was going to be able to actually do. Fortunately his team of cardiologists finally ordered the right test and realized that the irregular heart beat was only one part of the problem and the damaged valve was the BIG problem. Once he got the diagnosis it was a waiting game (about 2 weeks) until he could get in and have the procedure done.He was ready to get on with it. after a few stops and starts...he finally got it done on April 18th. Bridget and I spent  the day waiting for updates. She was there ALL day from 6am on...I arrived a couple of hours later. I have to say...what could have been a very long 5-6 hours really wasn't too bad. The staff gave Bridget hourly updates...they were doing 3 procedures...and we were updated after each one. Bridget knew some people working that day who happened by...so we chatted with them, I had a friend who passed by, a lady from Our Lady of Lourdes stopped by (she was such a nice, calming  break in the day too) and we just talked and laughed and I tried my best to keep her (and myself) distracted. I think it worked. We were both busy sending out text messages to family and friends...and Bridget was fielding phone calls. One guy tried to call several times, but she wasn't "up" for talking to him just yet...so he tried to get around us and  called the desk...hahah and claimed he was David's brother. The volunteer came over and asked" does he have a brother _______?" NO...but I had to give the guy credit for trying. hahaha
When the doctor came out he told us it had been a difficult case. He was happy with the way things had gone, but emphasized it had been difficult. I remember looking at Bridget and thinking..."So what does this mean exactly...is this good news...or is he trying to tell us something?" Neither of us could really tell.
Eventually we got in to see him in the ❤  Cardiac ICU and he was heavily sedated and on a respirator...all according to plan. We didn't hang around much longer...because...there wasn't much to do.we both went home and got a good night's sleep.
Due to some complications with pneumonia...they ended up keeping him sedated and on the respirator fora full week. That was hard.When they got him to where he was "awake"...at times he just looked like he desperately wanted to say something to us....and of course he couldn't. They kept him sedated as much as they safely could...because he was coughing...but without the medication he would have been in a LOT of pain...and actually it probably helped him heal a little more. If he had been awake...he would have been encouraged to get up and get walking. When they finally did decide it was safe to get him off the respirator...he was understandably very groggy, uncomfortable...and probably had a hell of a hangover....however...it was hard for us...and especially Bridget, because we were SO HAPPY...and he was to put it nicely a pain in the ass. BUT....when the Dr saw him...he couldn't believe it. He said "Im impressed!  Considering what you've been through .....I'm impressed!" Each day he looked better and better...but it was a slow process. He had some swelling and inflammation around the heart...pericarditis, but not enough to warrant draining it

this sign cracked me up-trust me...he wasn't that happy about taking it...but it did help

.Also had a swollen painful foot...determined to be gout. So there were lots of ups and downs...but he finally got to go home with a bag full of paperwork, three pages of prescriptions, etc.Since then he's made a couple of trips back to the hospital...the inflammation was causing pain and making him nervous...but last trip the Dr. said "You've got more of a chance of getting sick coming back here than you do at home." All test show the heart is working well and now it's just a matter of time till everything heals completely. It's definitely been a bit of a roller coaster ride...but he seems to be getting better. He LOOKS a lot better...and I was happy to know that a friend who ran into him somewhere talked to John after wards and said "WOW, we saw David...he looks great!"....so it's not just me.
Well...that's mainly what's kept me busy....so next time I'll tell you what fun things I've been up to.  😉

Trying to remember the time in December

That's not how the song really goes....but I needed something to get me started. 😼 After our stay in Kure Beach...
 .a group of us headed over to Bald Head Island for the week.

 Since it was December...before Christmas, there weren't many people around. It's a slow time of year to be heading to the beach/island, etc. It was cold!!!!!!!! But it was nice to have the place mostly to ourselves...actually think it was better that way. As the place grows and more houses get built, I think the original owners probably greet the new development with mixed emotions.

It is only accessible by ferry...

so you have to plan ahead, with shopping, supplies etc. Of course the house we stayed in was quite nice and had just about everything we needed., but we had lots of groceries and beer and wine to bring with us. Since the ferry and trams were relatively empty...it was a breeze! On a crowded Spring Break or summer day...I don't know how much fun it would be. Probably lots of waiting in line! (John would go nuts hahahah)

It was  a fun experience going on the ferry, and heading to the island. Luckily our group was organized. Also Martha and Tony and others had been there before so they knew the routine. That was helpful.

Once we got to our house we got to work getting our supplies sorted out. When you travel with Tony..it's like having  a personal chef....add to the mix Wim, Andy and John and we were set for the week. Cathy brought along a few treats. My big contribution....I brought along the ingredients to make a batch of Oatmeal cookies with cranberries and white chocolate chips for dessert one night. Ian joined us for a couple of nights since he was off. As I mentioned there was not much going on...so it was a lot of relaxing, reading, talking and playing board games.
 We went down to the beach each day.

steps and walkway were buried

Cathy and Maris were looking for "treasures" and interesting driftwood.

found this tiny castle all by itself way at the end of the beach....deserted, windy and cold down there....all by itself

looking down the beach -coming up over the dune

 I just went along for the walk. Martha went golfing with the guys. We ventured out in the golf cart each day to check out the island and check things out. There was a sea turtle center and store, and a  few shops were open. Good for souvenirs and seeing what was on sale. Enjoyed getting a cup of specialty coffee each day too. :) Martha, Maris, Cathy and I took a walk each day...nice loop around through the woods,

 past the market, etc. We were lucky the weather cooperated! It was great without a lot of people around. Each time we stopped in for our daily coffee...all I could think was that in the summer it would be a madhouse....since they also sold ice cream. I"m sure the regulars love it...the kids feel right at home and can run around and play, ride bikes, etc without having to worry about cars (on service vehicles and golf carts) or anything really. I am curious what it's like in season....because like every where else...it's growing bigger all the time.

nice view from our house at different times of the day

One morning a fishing boat was not too far offshore....the guys got excited and decided to try to catch a fish....one small problem...no gear to do it. They rigged some kind of line or two and hoped they might get something (the fish were probably not impressed) They were unsuccessful but Wim sure had fun trying!

lots of birds..........

cool clouds one afternoon....like kites with tails

We had a nice relaxing week. We enjoyed our time with Martha and Tony and Tony's sisters and their spouses. It was a fun group to "hang out" with. They were okay with not doing anything....or deciding to hop on the golf cart at a moments notice, or "take a quick walk"....good travel companions!
 Thanks to Martha and Tony for asking us to join them....while Martha, Andy, John and I all celebrated our December birthdays!