Sabbatical Day 22 | June 18, 2011
MAINE!
After I got out of the shower, my dad presented me with two choices and I had to pick one: Vermont Country Store or Maine. Of COURSE I picked Maine! Now I can say that I made it as far east as possible on my trip! Okay, well I know full well that Rhode Island would have put me even further east, but can you really call Rhode Island a state?! Kidding kidding!! For the purpose of this road trip, I made it as far east as I
could - and I touched ocean. So there - pbbttthhhh!!
.:ahem:. I digress. Aside from breakfast and potty stops, our first official stop was at Hampton Beach, NH where I first got to dip my tootsies into the ocean! We had great fun walking along the 'beach' (read: long stretch of land that was covered by ocean polished, slippery as heck when wet, rocks. Not sand. Rocks!) and 'rock picking'. Rock picking would be the equivalent of searching for seashells. Carolyn got soaked by an errant wave and I nearly did too - thankfully it was only the bottom pocket on my cargo shorts! Carolyn caught a wave right up the back! Eeek!
From Hampton Beach, we drove up the coast (GORGEOUS) and 'wish listed' all the houses that we wanted once we won the lottery. We stopped at the Kittery Trading Post in Maine and did some shopping - any by "shopping", I mean that I should have given Matt my wallet. I was able to exercise a lot of restraint though! I totally was on the fence about whether or not I wanted to get a pair of Vibram Five Fingers now or when I got back to Utah. My step-mom didn't help when she handed me a coupon either! I caved and bought a pair and wore 'em right out of the store!! I picked up a few other souveniers and some gifties and then we headed to Bob's Clam Shack for dinner.
Matt had the lobster roll and I got a seafood combo that I shared with Matt as well. After dinner we went back to Kittery Trading Post to pick up some of their homemade fudge for dessert. Yummmm!!
Not a lot to see on the way back since it was night time but it was fun to include the parents on our cross country adventure!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Cavendish, VT --> Windsor, VT
Sabbatical Day 21 | June 17, 2011
Cavendish, VT --> Windsor, VT
Today we went to Cafe at DeLight for 'brunch' though I was really the only one that got lunch. And of course I ordered the hot dog! For those that aren't aware, there are hot dogs back "home" called Ess'm hot dogs which are with their natural casings. I LOVE THEM! And I absolutely have to have them every time I go back east. YUM!
After we ate, we went to the Green Mountain Sugarhouse and if I hear that any of you were in Southern Vermont and you didn't stop at the Sugarhouse, we'll have words! (Just kidding - but seriously, you should stop in). At the sugarhouse, if you are there during the right time of year, you can take a tour and see how maple syrup (REAL syrup) is made. BUT if you are there during the warmer months, you HAVE to try a maple creamee - OH. MY. GOD! Think a soft serve vanilla ice cream with JUST the right amount of Vermont maple syrup!! .:dies!:.
Dad then took us along the back roads to Windsor, VT. What a great way to see a place - it was a gorgeous ride! When we got to Windsor, we went to see my grandmother. They are in the process of remodeling the apartment 'complex' that she lives in (the state of Vermont actually renovated one of the older state prisons into an apartment/assisted living complex for seniors), so she was actually in a different apartment than the one that she is normally in. It was actually quite nice, and bigger, than the one that she normally rents - but. I wasn't a fan of the kitchen. It was very closed off and kind of dark. She seemed to like that she has a bigger living room - temporarily anyway.
We had a good visit, and Matt seemed comfortable (he dozed off a few times lol!!) but we didn't stay too long since we had plans for the evening. We first stopped at Singleton's to get some groceries for dinner and then we headed to Springfield, VT for a family
barbeque/graduation party. There is never a shortage of energy once you get all 4 of my nieces and nephews together and they definitely did not disappoint this evening! They collect, connect, and then they are all off like a shot in different directions. I wish I could bottle their energy and then sell it. I would be BEYOND rich! First I got a tour of Jenna's new bedroom - she upgraded to Hello Kitty and I have to say, I liked it! Ty - oh, adorable Ty. Ever since Ty was a baby, he and I have had a different relationship than the one that I have with the other kids - at first, he would be all super bashful with me and it wasn't until recently that he started to actually talk to me. So, he and I went through our normal hellos and then he was off to hang out with Matthew who was outside finding critters. The critter of the evening was a garden snake .:shudder:. and if I had to say so, the garden snake took the encounter like a champ! But as with all things, it did come to an end. Unfortunately, not such a good one for the snake. But, boys will be boys.
Dinner was great and the company was even better! I love hanging out with them!
After dinner we had dessert and the kids had some fun with sparklers, and then it was time to head home for the evening.
Happy heart!!
Cavendish, VT --> Windsor, VT
Today we went to Cafe at DeLight for 'brunch' though I was really the only one that got lunch. And of course I ordered the hot dog! For those that aren't aware, there are hot dogs back "home" called Ess'm hot dogs which are with their natural casings. I LOVE THEM! And I absolutely have to have them every time I go back east. YUM!
After we ate, we went to the Green Mountain Sugarhouse and if I hear that any of you were in Southern Vermont and you didn't stop at the Sugarhouse, we'll have words! (Just kidding - but seriously, you should stop in). At the sugarhouse, if you are there during the right time of year, you can take a tour and see how maple syrup (REAL syrup) is made. BUT if you are there during the warmer months, you HAVE to try a maple creamee - OH. MY. GOD! Think a soft serve vanilla ice cream with JUST the right amount of Vermont maple syrup!! .:dies!:.
Dad then took us along the back roads to Windsor, VT. What a great way to see a place - it was a gorgeous ride! When we got to Windsor, we went to see my grandmother. They are in the process of remodeling the apartment 'complex' that she lives in (the state of Vermont actually renovated one of the older state prisons into an apartment/assisted living complex for seniors), so she was actually in a different apartment than the one that she is normally in. It was actually quite nice, and bigger, than the one that she normally rents - but. I wasn't a fan of the kitchen. It was very closed off and kind of dark. She seemed to like that she has a bigger living room - temporarily anyway.
We had a good visit, and Matt seemed comfortable (he dozed off a few times lol!!) but we didn't stay too long since we had plans for the evening. We first stopped at Singleton's to get some groceries for dinner and then we headed to Springfield, VT for a family
barbeque/graduation party. There is never a shortage of energy once you get all 4 of my nieces and nephews together and they definitely did not disappoint this evening! They collect, connect, and then they are all off like a shot in different directions. I wish I could bottle their energy and then sell it. I would be BEYOND rich! First I got a tour of Jenna's new bedroom - she upgraded to Hello Kitty and I have to say, I liked it! Ty - oh, adorable Ty. Ever since Ty was a baby, he and I have had a different relationship than the one that I have with the other kids - at first, he would be all super bashful with me and it wasn't until recently that he started to actually talk to me. So, he and I went through our normal hellos and then he was off to hang out with Matthew who was outside finding critters. The critter of the evening was a garden snake .:shudder:. and if I had to say so, the garden snake took the encounter like a champ! But as with all things, it did come to an end. Unfortunately, not such a good one for the snake. But, boys will be boys.
Dinner was great and the company was even better! I love hanging out with them!
After dinner we had dessert and the kids had some fun with sparklers, and then it was time to head home for the evening.
Happy heart!!
Cavendish, VT --> Springfield, VT
Sabbatical Day 20 | June 16, 2011
Cavendish, VT --> Springfield, VT
Today my dad and step-mom took a half day off of work so Matt and I made sure to be up and ready by noon when we expected them to be home. After they got home and changed clothes, our first stop was Downer's Four Corners for lunch (YUM) and then we headed towards Claremont, NH so that we could have ice cream at Wade's. Both the restaurant at Downer's and Wade's are "roadside" restaurants where you drive up, place your order at the window and then you can either eat in your car or at a picnic table outside that they provide. I guess you could liken it to a mom and pop version of Sonic except they don't deliver your food to your car for you. And the food is much better than Sonic =0)
After we ate, my step-mom had to go feed her sister Charlotte's cat (Emma) and being that I am pretty homesick for my little fuzzy friends, I went with her. Matt came too! On our way to her house (she literally lives just up the street), I saw a black body/butt dash off into the woods on my side of the road and I said "Was that a bear?!" just as my step mom was about to ask the same thing! It was a black bear cub!! Freaking cute!! Sadly I didn't get my camera out in time. We did try to find him again but he had already disappeared into the woods =( Matt doesn't believe that we saw a bear because he didn't see it and I didn't get a picture. Then he jokingly suggested that it was a cow since I told him that the "bear" he saw earlier in the trip was really a cow LOL!!
My step mom fed Emma while I spoiled her rotten (I think Emma thinks she's part dog - she REALLY liked having her tummy rubbed!!). I tried to give her a treat but she declined. Weird! Carolyn said that normally she can't get enough... but she definitely couldn't get enough petting!! Once Emma was fed and the litterbox emptied, we headed back to the house. On our way back from Charlotte's house, Matt spotted the fox family hanging out in the cemetary. I think there were maybe 6 running around up there? I did get some pictures of them, but the picture that I really wanted I didn't snap in time *pout*. I really wanted a picture of one of the fox that was running toward us to get away from some ladies coming into the cemetary and he looked up, saw us and froze for a moment and then took off like a shot into the woods. It would have been the coolest photo! Darn it!!
After we got back from that errand we hung out for a minute we went to my nephew's 5th Grade graduation ceremony and reception. Unfortunately there was a "structural issue" with the chairs (they weren't really made for 6' 5" guys apparently) so Matt and I hung out in the back but we were still able to see everything! At the reception I actually ran into a friend that I used to teach skiing with at Okemo and I haven't seen him in 10 years! It was great! I also ran into my high school Spanish teacher ... Okay, he teaches Spanish at my high school. I took French ;0) ha ha What makes it kind of funny is that he lives across the street from my dad but I never see him when I come to visit. Go figure.
Once the reception finished, it was dinner time so we headed from Springfield into Ludlow and ordered pizza at the Village Pizza. Which, is where I ended up running into even more people that I knew LOL It was nice to see them though. While they made our pizzas, we ran to the grocery store really quick. Then, we picked up the pizzas and headed home!
Cavendish, VT --> Springfield, VT
Today my dad and step-mom took a half day off of work so Matt and I made sure to be up and ready by noon when we expected them to be home. After they got home and changed clothes, our first stop was Downer's Four Corners for lunch (YUM) and then we headed towards Claremont, NH so that we could have ice cream at Wade's. Both the restaurant at Downer's and Wade's are "roadside" restaurants where you drive up, place your order at the window and then you can either eat in your car or at a picnic table outside that they provide. I guess you could liken it to a mom and pop version of Sonic except they don't deliver your food to your car for you. And the food is much better than Sonic =0)
After we ate, my step-mom had to go feed her sister Charlotte's cat (Emma) and being that I am pretty homesick for my little fuzzy friends, I went with her. Matt came too! On our way to her house (she literally lives just up the street), I saw a black body/butt dash off into the woods on my side of the road and I said "Was that a bear?!" just as my step mom was about to ask the same thing! It was a black bear cub!! Freaking cute!! Sadly I didn't get my camera out in time. We did try to find him again but he had already disappeared into the woods =( Matt doesn't believe that we saw a bear because he didn't see it and I didn't get a picture. Then he jokingly suggested that it was a cow since I told him that the "bear" he saw earlier in the trip was really a cow LOL!!
My step mom fed Emma while I spoiled her rotten (I think Emma thinks she's part dog - she REALLY liked having her tummy rubbed!!). I tried to give her a treat but she declined. Weird! Carolyn said that normally she can't get enough... but she definitely couldn't get enough petting!! Once Emma was fed and the litterbox emptied, we headed back to the house. On our way back from Charlotte's house, Matt spotted the fox family hanging out in the cemetary. I think there were maybe 6 running around up there? I did get some pictures of them, but the picture that I really wanted I didn't snap in time *pout*. I really wanted a picture of one of the fox that was running toward us to get away from some ladies coming into the cemetary and he looked up, saw us and froze for a moment and then took off like a shot into the woods. It would have been the coolest photo! Darn it!!
After we got back from that errand we hung out for a minute we went to my nephew's 5th Grade graduation ceremony and reception. Unfortunately there was a "structural issue" with the chairs (they weren't really made for 6' 5" guys apparently) so Matt and I hung out in the back but we were still able to see everything! At the reception I actually ran into a friend that I used to teach skiing with at Okemo and I haven't seen him in 10 years! It was great! I also ran into my high school Spanish teacher ... Okay, he teaches Spanish at my high school. I took French ;0) ha ha What makes it kind of funny is that he lives across the street from my dad but I never see him when I come to visit. Go figure.
Once the reception finished, it was dinner time so we headed from Springfield into Ludlow and ordered pizza at the Village Pizza. Which, is where I ended up running into even more people that I knew LOL It was nice to see them though. While they made our pizzas, we ran to the grocery store really quick. Then, we picked up the pizzas and headed home!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Um... huuulloooooo??
Well, for someone that likes to document her life, I have been a little behind and I apologize!! But, I promise that I have been seeing lots of fun things and have been taking a LOT of pictures to share with you!!
Why the delay you may ask?
With a fair amount of embarassment, it is because I got a little behind on journaling and then when I went back to get caught up, I totally drew a blank on what I did and what day I did it - and for the life of me, I can't remember!! *.:EMBARASSING!!:.* Normally, I would go back and use Facebook or my camera to remind myself but conveniently, those two days? No photos and no Facebook!! EEK!
I know there was a graduation, a fun bbq, a bear, some fox, a grandmother, and a lake but where what goes where eludes me and I wanted to keep this as chronological as possible .:sigh:. BUT!! As I sit here and enjoy my meal at Friendly's, I think I may have figured it out and I am going to go with it! Just bear with me a little bit longer and I'll get you all caught up again!
Miss you all and I should be home soon! ... Unless I win the lottery in Ohio or New York ... someone ruined my chances in Michigan! =0p
Why the delay you may ask?
With a fair amount of embarassment, it is because I got a little behind on journaling and then when I went back to get caught up, I totally drew a blank on what I did and what day I did it - and for the life of me, I can't remember!! *.:EMBARASSING!!:.* Normally, I would go back and use Facebook or my camera to remind myself but conveniently, those two days? No photos and no Facebook!! EEK!
I know there was a graduation, a fun bbq, a bear, some fox, a grandmother, and a lake but where what goes where eludes me and I wanted to keep this as chronological as possible .:sigh:. BUT!! As I sit here and enjoy my meal at Friendly's, I think I may have figured it out and I am going to go with it! Just bear with me a little bit longer and I'll get you all caught up again!
Miss you all and I should be home soon! ... Unless I win the lottery in Ohio or New York ... someone ruined my chances in Michigan! =0p
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Rotterdam Jct., NY --> Cavendish, VT
Sabbatical Day 19 | June 15, 2011
Rotterdam Jct., NY --> Cavendish, VT
Today I got my computer back!
Matt and I spent the first part of the day relaxing (read: I spent most of the day dragging my feet because I was having a hard time leaving my grandmother's house). The computer guy finally called around 4:15 so I started getting packed up and we headed out to pick up my computer. Unfortunately, when we got there, I realized that I had left my debit card on the dresser at my grandmother's :0( and they didn't take personal checks. Thankfully, my husband was able to pay for it so that we didn't have to drive all the way back to my grandmother's to get my card (thanks honey!!). We made a quick pit stop at Spencer's again to pick up another Domo blanket for Karl where we had the pleasure of seeing some officers dealing with a shoplifter (tsk tsk!!). We grabbed the blanket (AND paid!) and headed back to my grandmother's where she had made us dinner (ugh - more food! .:groan!!:.). After eating, I finished packing and Matt loaded the car. Then it was time to head to VERMONT!
We had originally planned to be in Vermont by 7:30ish... we arrived around 9:30... whoops! Sorry dad!! But it's so stinkin' good to be back! I thought that the stars in Texas were gorgeous but I had apparently forgotten how amazing they are here too!
Rotterdam Jct., NY --> Cavendish, VT
Today I got my computer back!
Matt and I spent the first part of the day relaxing (read: I spent most of the day dragging my feet because I was having a hard time leaving my grandmother's house). The computer guy finally called around 4:15 so I started getting packed up and we headed out to pick up my computer. Unfortunately, when we got there, I realized that I had left my debit card on the dresser at my grandmother's :0( and they didn't take personal checks. Thankfully, my husband was able to pay for it so that we didn't have to drive all the way back to my grandmother's to get my card (thanks honey!!). We made a quick pit stop at Spencer's again to pick up another Domo blanket for Karl where we had the pleasure of seeing some officers dealing with a shoplifter (tsk tsk!!). We grabbed the blanket (AND paid!) and headed back to my grandmother's where she had made us dinner (ugh - more food! .:groan!!:.). After eating, I finished packing and Matt loaded the car. Then it was time to head to VERMONT!
We had originally planned to be in Vermont by 7:30ish... we arrived around 9:30... whoops! Sorry dad!! But it's so stinkin' good to be back! I thought that the stars in Texas were gorgeous but I had apparently forgotten how amazing they are here too!
June 14, 2011 - Rotterdam Jct., NY
Sabbatical Day 18 | June 14, 2011
Rotterdam Jct., NY
Laaaaaaaaazy day!! Absolutely nothing has been accomplished today other than taking my computer into the store to see if they can fix it. When we dropped it off, the guy said that it would take a few hours before he could take a look to see if it was something that he would be able to fix so we left it there and headed back to my grandmother's. We waited at her house for a while and then decided that we should just go get dinner so we made a family field trip to O'Leary's. Just as we were walking up to the restaurant, the computer store called and said that they could fix the computer but it would be a little pricey. It was a little more than we were planning on spending (basically they were going to charge us the same amount that Best Buy was going to charge us) but he would be able to have it done by the next afternoon - and to ME, paying that much to have it done overnight was worth it. Paying that much to have to wait 5 to 7 business days? Not so much. So, we told him to go ahead and work on it and we would pick it up tomorrow!
Rotterdam Jct., NY
Laaaaaaaaazy day!! Absolutely nothing has been accomplished today other than taking my computer into the store to see if they can fix it. When we dropped it off, the guy said that it would take a few hours before he could take a look to see if it was something that he would be able to fix so we left it there and headed back to my grandmother's. We waited at her house for a while and then decided that we should just go get dinner so we made a family field trip to O'Leary's. Just as we were walking up to the restaurant, the computer store called and said that they could fix the computer but it would be a little pricey. It was a little more than we were planning on spending (basically they were going to charge us the same amount that Best Buy was going to charge us) but he would be able to have it done by the next afternoon - and to ME, paying that much to have it done overnight was worth it. Paying that much to have to wait 5 to 7 business days? Not so much. So, we told him to go ahead and work on it and we would pick it up tomorrow!
June 13, 2011 - Rotterdam Jct., NY
Sabbatical Day 17 | June 13, 2011
Rotterdam Jct., NY
Today I got to sleep in a little bit which was way super nice. I got up and showered and then my cousin and her boyfriend came over to take me to the mall so that Julie and I could get pedicures (YAY!). It actually turned into a family field trip because we convinced my grandmother to come along, and Matt so that we could all go out to lunch. Since the whole gang was going, and since it was lunch time, we decided to eat first so we went to Ninety Nine (http://www.99restaurants.com/). I had the salmon ceasar salad and it was delicious! The salmon was so filling I could barely eat half the salad!
After lunch, Julie and I went to get our nails done and everyone else left to walk the mall. Once Julie and I finished, we joined them to browse the mall. While he was waiting for us, Matt found a computer shop in the mall that said that they would be willing to look at my computer and if they were able to fix it, they would either do it same day or guarantee to have it done by the next day (YAY) which is TONS better than the crap that Best Buy was telling me!! I also stopped into FYE where my grandmother decided to fuel my Domo obsession by pointing out all the Domo stuff to Matt - who, in turn, pointed it all out to me. My wallet officiallly wept. My Domo collection officially grew. Bwa ha ha ha We also stopped by the pet store where I got to fall in love with a bunch of dogs that Matt won't let me have and I got to pet some bunnies. And since I know that Spencer's Gifts likes to carry Domo items, we stopped in there too - and I found a fleece Domo blanket! Whooooo Hoooooooo!
We then headed home because my grandma needed to make sure Lily (her dog) got dinner and then we went out to Friendly's for supper. I still haven't ordered my usual Fishamajig... I think I am going to have to make my dad take me to Friendly's now... hmmm. I DID order a yummy Reese's Peanut Buttercup sundae which was GREAT! Now it's time to just flop around and enjoy the rest of the night!
Rotterdam Jct., NY
Today I got to sleep in a little bit which was way super nice. I got up and showered and then my cousin and her boyfriend came over to take me to the mall so that Julie and I could get pedicures (YAY!). It actually turned into a family field trip because we convinced my grandmother to come along, and Matt so that we could all go out to lunch. Since the whole gang was going, and since it was lunch time, we decided to eat first so we went to Ninety Nine (http://www.99restaurants.com/). I had the salmon ceasar salad and it was delicious! The salmon was so filling I could barely eat half the salad!
After lunch, Julie and I went to get our nails done and everyone else left to walk the mall. Once Julie and I finished, we joined them to browse the mall. While he was waiting for us, Matt found a computer shop in the mall that said that they would be willing to look at my computer and if they were able to fix it, they would either do it same day or guarantee to have it done by the next day (YAY) which is TONS better than the crap that Best Buy was telling me!! I also stopped into FYE where my grandmother decided to fuel my Domo obsession by pointing out all the Domo stuff to Matt - who, in turn, pointed it all out to me. My wallet officiallly wept. My Domo collection officially grew. Bwa ha ha ha We also stopped by the pet store where I got to fall in love with a bunch of dogs that Matt won't let me have and I got to pet some bunnies. And since I know that Spencer's Gifts likes to carry Domo items, we stopped in there too - and I found a fleece Domo blanket! Whooooo Hoooooooo!
We then headed home because my grandma needed to make sure Lily (her dog) got dinner and then we went out to Friendly's for supper. I still haven't ordered my usual Fishamajig... I think I am going to have to make my dad take me to Friendly's now... hmmm. I DID order a yummy Reese's Peanut Buttercup sundae which was GREAT! Now it's time to just flop around and enjoy the rest of the night!
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