June 28, 2007
We didn't even have to unhitch the camper again, so we were able to get a real early start this morning. Had breakfast, packed up and on our way before 8:30AM. We knew that we were going to have a long ride to my daughter's in VA. We took Route 81 south through PA then broke off and took Route 15. What a breeze to get to her house from there.
We parked the camper in the drive way with the camper still hitched on. (I think we will probably unhitch, as Pete has some things that he needs to get that will fit in the back of the truck.)
It is great to see the kids again. (I was here only a week and a half ago.) Grampee couldn't wait to see the kids too. He is really good with little one's. Ty took a shine to him and they get along famously.
June 29th (sorry this will be out of order)
Today the kids are off to see a brand new baby cousin that was borne on the 27th. We are taking a few minutes of R&R. Brad watching TV and me typing on here. (Lucky for us Chris' neighbors must have wireless or I would not be on.)
To get the signal I have to be on the back deck, and actually it is getting rather warm, so I think I will sign off for now. We will be here till Monday, then we head WEST from here. Would like to stop in Culpepper and see the Duke's of Hazzard's place. There car is on display, and there is sort of a museum to go through. This is the original place, and if I remember correctly many of the scenes were filmed here.
More pictures of Murtle to come.
June 27, 2007
We got up at a reasonable our this morning, 6:30AM. Had a leisurely breakfast and checked the internet for possible routes. Our camper is so convenient. Cleanup is easy, everything is accessible, pack up takes no time at all.
While looking at the routes, we decided that we were going to need to go south before we headed west, so why not just go a tad more south than we thought and visit my daughter and family first. That’s all right with me. We have been concerned about camping around the 4th of July anyway. This way we can be with her the first weekend of the holiday. She is still on crutches so I am sure she still use some help.
When we headed out we were taking back roads, Route 30 from Greensfield, NY which is what I wanted to do in the first place. Somehow we got up on route 88 and NUVI told us there were 100 miles on Route 88 before we make a turn. We saw a rest stop and decided to stop for lunch.
So easy to do in the camper, open it up, take the things out of the refrigerator, make lunch, eat, then…Brad is now taking a nap while I jot down our morning adventure.
Murtle is perched in her seat on the passenger’s side of the truck. She watches every step (mile) we take. Keep watching for pictures, you never know where she might show up. We drove through Florida (New York) this morning.
After Brad got up from his nap, we headed out again. Thought we might make it to Scranton PA, but Brad's hip was really bothering him so we decided to find a campground fro the night. After some searching we found a place about 8 miles away. When we stopped at a rest stop we got some information on campgrounds and that is where we found the one so close. It was not in any of our books and NUVI did not even have it.
What a cute little campground. They didn't take credit cards (note to self to have enough cash to cover it.. ATM machines here we come. There were 50 sites and at least 25 of them were seasonals. There were only three of us that were transients. When we asked if they had a place for us they asked us how long we were going to stay. I said only one night. Thursday, night. If it were more we could not have stayed any longer.
We settled in for the night. No internet service there, so this is delayed.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
First day of our Journey!
Here we are at Whispering Pines Campground in Greenfield Center, New York! (Murtle is on the post beside me! She feels right at home, there is a small pond just across the road!)
What an adventure so far! It is great not having any particular destination. We started out about 8:30AM this morning. We had everything packed and ready to go. Stopped in Lisbon for breakfast, met Bill and said our good-byes.
Of course we had to stop at Rite-Aid in Woodsville for a few last minute things, then we can't go by without stopping at Blackmount John Deere Tractor Dealership.
Then on with our journey! We headed toward Hanover on Route 10. NUVI (our navigational device) decided to take us to Glens Falls NY (after I programmed it into her). We made one wrong turn, but since we were still in NH we knew where we were going. Thought that we would just follow her directions anyway, but she wanted us to go over a covered bridge. We thought our weight limit might be too much for the bridge, so we continued on further south and took another bridge.
We stopped for lunch at a rest stop in Vermont. There were two truckers with their rigs running, we figured they were napping. Bet their rigs had air, because the temperature was 97 degrees at that time. We ate quickly, guzzled down some ice cold water and headed on our way. The truck was nice and cool.
After that we headed across Vermont. We went by Okemo Mountain. Maybe some day I will ski there. I had seen it many times from our trip back from Marlow. From Okemo we went into Rutland then continued on to New York on Route 4. When we got to Glens Falls...(now I know you are going to ask, "Why Glens Falls?" and the answer is, " I mapped out about 150 mile blocks and that is where we ended up") we started looking for info on campgrounds.
The sky was getting dark and we really thought that we would have to set up camp in the rain, but lucky for us, we got set up with just a few sprinkles. We put the TV on and heard that there were thunderstorm warnings just below us in Albany. Sever warnings, but not here. Hope our luck stays this way for the whole trip.
We ate dinner, went for a walk around the campground and chatted with our neighbor campers. I hope to meet lots of nice people along the way. They were from New Jersey and photography was a hobby for them. There were on their way to a wedding where they were giving the pictures as the gift. (Oh, we introduced Murtle to them, and they will be checking the blog, too!) (Hi neighbors!)
Tomorrow we head out for the other side of New York. I am hoping that it will be a tad cooler. I think we are headed toward Elmira, but of course, that is subject to change at any time.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
OK, so it will be tomorrow that we leave
Just had too many little last minute details to attend to before we headed out, so TOMORROW we WILL be heading out.
Had to make a pit stop at the Doctors for Brad. He had been experiencing heartburn like symptoms for the past few weeks. He is on Nexium so he shouldn't be bothered. When explaining the symptoms over the phone the, Dr. wanted him to go to the emergency room. But Brad knew it was not a heart attack, so he whined at the Dr's office and finagled an appointment today at 2:40. As suspected, no heart attack, but indigestion. Possibly stress related. (Now that he knows and has more medication, symptoms are already better!)
After his appointment, we went shopping and got the food that we will need for the next three or four days. Then we came home and really packed the camper, the truck, and Murtle is even in the truck on her perch. She has front row seating!
Tomorrow we pack a few last minute items and off we go! I really can't wait! This will be a trip of a lifetime.
I believe that we will be headed south on 91 for the southern part of Vermont, then toward New York.
Will keep you informed of our where-a-bouts!
Had to make a pit stop at the Doctors for Brad. He had been experiencing heartburn like symptoms for the past few weeks. He is on Nexium so he shouldn't be bothered. When explaining the symptoms over the phone the, Dr. wanted him to go to the emergency room. But Brad knew it was not a heart attack, so he whined at the Dr's office and finagled an appointment today at 2:40. As suspected, no heart attack, but indigestion. Possibly stress related. (Now that he knows and has more medication, symptoms are already better!)
After his appointment, we went shopping and got the food that we will need for the next three or four days. Then we came home and really packed the camper, the truck, and Murtle is even in the truck on her perch. She has front row seating!
Tomorrow we pack a few last minute items and off we go! I really can't wait! This will be a trip of a lifetime.
I believe that we will be headed south on 91 for the southern part of Vermont, then toward New York.
Will keep you informed of our where-a-bouts!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tomorrow we leave
Yep, I think it is official! Tomorrow we leave. The truck is all set, the camper is almost all packed, we have everything that we need (for now, we can always get things on the road).
There are always details to take care of, but if we stayed to take care of them all, we would never get out of here. I am just going to take the "details" with me.
My last load of laundry is in the washer, so when that is done, I will be all set.
Murtle is all set. She has been watching all the things go out to the camper. I think she will ride in the truck with us.
I cleaned out the truck yesterday. Took out all of the unnecessary things, and will put in some of the things that will make our trip more enjoyable. A portable cooler, water, (still have to buy snacks), etc.
A few more phone calls to make to say "so long". Had breakfast with Grammy R. today (Sister Sue was home last night to say good bye), dinner with Grampa B. last night, (won't have to eat for a week)!
Well, will write more when we are on the road.
There are always details to take care of, but if we stayed to take care of them all, we would never get out of here. I am just going to take the "details" with me.
My last load of laundry is in the washer, so when that is done, I will be all set.
Murtle is all set. She has been watching all the things go out to the camper. I think she will ride in the truck with us.
I cleaned out the truck yesterday. Took out all of the unnecessary things, and will put in some of the things that will make our trip more enjoyable. A portable cooler, water, (still have to buy snacks), etc.
A few more phone calls to make to say "so long". Had breakfast with Grammy R. today (Sister Sue was home last night to say good bye), dinner with Grampa B. last night, (won't have to eat for a week)!
Well, will write more when we are on the road.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
I am getting excited!
Brad asked me today what direction we were heading in when we left. I said, "I don't know yet." How is that for no particular way to go? After that we sat down and at least plotted out the first leg of our journey.
I believe that we will head out toward 91 South, then cross over into NY through lower VT. Will probably stay in NY for the first night. Then who knows...I don't think it will be much of a problem, but I guess it would be a good idea to have some direction.
Maybe we will leave that up to Murtle! She hasn't made it to the camper yet. She is still setting on the dining room table along with the towels, maps, and food.
Tomorrow I plan on shopping and picking up the last minute things that we will need. As it stands right now we leave on Tuesday morning.
I just can't wait. I would love to leave today, but the truck has an appointment to have the breaks fixed, the oil changed, and front end alignment. (I guess those are necessary things to have done before a long trip.)
I just have a few last minute details to tend to, then I AM READY!
I believe that we will head out toward 91 South, then cross over into NY through lower VT. Will probably stay in NY for the first night. Then who knows...I don't think it will be much of a problem, but I guess it would be a good idea to have some direction.
Maybe we will leave that up to Murtle! She hasn't made it to the camper yet. She is still setting on the dining room table along with the towels, maps, and food.
Tomorrow I plan on shopping and picking up the last minute things that we will need. As it stands right now we leave on Tuesday morning.
I just can't wait. I would love to leave today, but the truck has an appointment to have the breaks fixed, the oil changed, and front end alignment. (I guess those are necessary things to have done before a long trip.)
I just have a few last minute details to tend to, then I AM READY!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Meet Murtle the Turtle!
Murtle the Turtle is coming with us on our trip. When I was in VA, my daughter gave her to me to take as a mascot. Syd thought she was cute, but Ty carried her all around. Now she will be coming with us. You will see her again.My list is getting smaller. I keep crossing things off. It's great. Such a sense of accomplishment!
I just don't know what happens to the day. All of a sudden I look up and it's 4:00PM. Then it is getting dark and this is the longest day of the year! Guess I need to use all of it.
Brad gets home tomorrow. Then we do laundry, then we pack the camper. Yippee! And off we go. I pulled some groceries out of the pantry today to take with us. That will save some shopping. I don't think Ry will be cooking this summer while I am away.
Just got a call from Brad. Didn't get all of the details, but he is in Canada with a broken trailer. Not sure what that entails, but he will be back sometime tomorrow. (Hopefully!) He said he does have an appointment for the truck on Monday, so we will be headed out first thing on Tuesday. Yahooy!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Getting closer to starting our journey!
I went to Wal-Mart today to pick up the things that we needed for our camper. I have most everything that was on the list. So, I believe we will be ready to head out as soon as the truck is serviced on Monday.
Brad gets back on Friday. We will do laundry, then final packing and shopping, rest a tad, then as soon as the truck is ready, we will head out.
I had such a great time with my daughter in VA. My grandchildren are just terrific. Oh, what fun we had. I can't wait to go back and see them again.
Last night I happened to look out my bedroom window about 8:30PM and there was Mrs. Bear. She wasn't a really big bear, but trailing behind I saw her children (yes, plural...there were three tiny little black things bobbing along, rolling in the grass and darting this way and that). They were not very big, but there were three of them.
I wonder what sites we will see on our trip?? We have a lot of wildlife right here without going anywhere.
Brad gets back on Friday. We will do laundry, then final packing and shopping, rest a tad, then as soon as the truck is ready, we will head out.
I had such a great time with my daughter in VA. My grandchildren are just terrific. Oh, what fun we had. I can't wait to go back and see them again.
Last night I happened to look out my bedroom window about 8:30PM and there was Mrs. Bear. She wasn't a really big bear, but trailing behind I saw her children (yes, plural...there were three tiny little black things bobbing along, rolling in the grass and darting this way and that). They were not very big, but there were three of them.
I wonder what sites we will see on our trip?? We have a lot of wildlife right here without going anywhere.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Kids are Amazing
June 16, 2007
I have to say, those grandchildren of mine are amazing. I think the kids are just smarter than our kids were and much smarter than we ever were. I told you about how my granddaughter is reading, well, today I took her with me when and we went to get groceries. Mom wrote out a shopping list before we went, it had about 25 items on it. When we got to the store she asked for the list. (Now, I have to tell you that my granddaughter was not around when we made out the list. She did not know what was on it. ) She read most of the items that were on the list to me and I did the shopping, then she crossed off the items on the list. I am just amazed? Oh, OK there were a few items that she did not know what they were. Lean Cuisine was one. She read Salsa, bananas, Mommy's cheese, bread, milk, ice cream, Juicy juice, Teddy Grahams, to name a few. Oh, yes, One-a-day, and ant traps.
We went shopping during quiet time. (That is two hours a day when she goes to her room while her brother naps.) It was such a treat, she didn't have to be quiet! What a help she was.
Ty is really smart too. He knows what he is saying, and actually can make you understand him. So I guess he does not have to say the words clearly. I am sure he will, someday, but for now, we can figure out what he means. He is very cuddly and gentle. What a love.
We went for ice cream tonight. It is fun to watch the little ones eat ice cream. You just want to do it the same way they do until you think about the mess! I guess that is why wet wipes were invented.
June 15, 2007
We went to Wal-Mart today. I remember why I don't want to live in VA. The traffic is terrible. Places are not that far away from here, but the cars, the traffic lights, the construction...you just can't get anywhere fast.
It was an chore to plan the trip between heavy traffic times, naps, lunch, etc. We did eat out, (our MacDonalds in Littleton, are not like the ones here! Or maybe I just haven't been to a MacDonalds in a long time.) I just don't remember some of the menu items.
My daughter was exhausted after we ventured out today. It takes quite a bit to crutch around. She did use one of those motorized chairs at Wal-Mart, that goodness for those. She thought it was fun! (Hey, Dad, you could give her a few pointers on how to park those things!)
The kids were troopers! We hunted for things and it kept them busy. Amazing what they see that we don't.
Oh, to be young again...
I have to say, those grandchildren of mine are amazing. I think the kids are just smarter than our kids were and much smarter than we ever were. I told you about how my granddaughter is reading, well, today I took her with me when and we went to get groceries. Mom wrote out a shopping list before we went, it had about 25 items on it. When we got to the store she asked for the list. (Now, I have to tell you that my granddaughter was not around when we made out the list. She did not know what was on it. ) She read most of the items that were on the list to me and I did the shopping, then she crossed off the items on the list. I am just amazed? Oh, OK there were a few items that she did not know what they were. Lean Cuisine was one. She read Salsa, bananas, Mommy's cheese, bread, milk, ice cream, Juicy juice, Teddy Grahams, to name a few. Oh, yes, One-a-day, and ant traps.
We went shopping during quiet time. (That is two hours a day when she goes to her room while her brother naps.) It was such a treat, she didn't have to be quiet! What a help she was.
Ty is really smart too. He knows what he is saying, and actually can make you understand him. So I guess he does not have to say the words clearly. I am sure he will, someday, but for now, we can figure out what he means. He is very cuddly and gentle. What a love.
We went for ice cream tonight. It is fun to watch the little ones eat ice cream. You just want to do it the same way they do until you think about the mess! I guess that is why wet wipes were invented.
June 15, 2007
We went to Wal-Mart today. I remember why I don't want to live in VA. The traffic is terrible. Places are not that far away from here, but the cars, the traffic lights, the construction...you just can't get anywhere fast.
It was an chore to plan the trip between heavy traffic times, naps, lunch, etc. We did eat out, (our MacDonalds in Littleton, are not like the ones here! Or maybe I just haven't been to a MacDonalds in a long time.) I just don't remember some of the menu items.
My daughter was exhausted after we ventured out today. It takes quite a bit to crutch around. She did use one of those motorized chairs at Wal-Mart, that goodness for those. She thought it was fun! (Hey, Dad, you could give her a few pointers on how to park those things!)
The kids were troopers! We hunted for things and it kept them busy. Amazing what they see that we don't.
Oh, to be young again...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Kids are great!
June 14, 2007
We were going to go to Wal-Mart today, but my daughter's hands hurt from crutching around, and it was rainy all day. Her foot looks a bit better, but I do believe that it will be a long time before she will be able to walk on it. Too bad that I am not staying longer. She will not be able to take me to the airport on Monday, that is for sure. I'll have to ride in with my son-in-law early in the morning and wait for my flight at the airport. Who knows, I might be lucky enough to get an earlier flight like I did on the way down here.
The kids were so cute today. I had forgotten what two and four were really like. And being a Grammee, I really do not have any uncontrollable urge to make them behave. I know I have said that before, but I don't. We played Mr. Potato Head, we watched a puppet show, this morning Syd and I had a date to watch Poka Dot Shorts. Both of us are early risers. We were up about 6:00AM. Plenty of time to watch a movie before the rest of the house is up. Of course Dad leaves for work about 6:00, but the rest of the house is quiet.
Tomorrow we are headed for Wal-Mart. Ty's birthday pictures are ready, and we need to drop off some more film. Maybe it will not rain tomorrow.
Brad leaves for Canada tomorrow after he attends the funeral of his friend. What a sad situation! It is never an easy thing to have to go through. I am sorry that I will not be there to be of support.
June 13, 2007
We put a teva sandal on my daughter, armed her with crutches, and we headed off for Toddlin' Time with the grandchildren. What a great time they had. There were balls, mats, blocks, bouncy things, spinny toys, just everything that little kids like to do. The oldest one there playing was probably six.
We grabbed a chair for my daughter and I was the one dragged around to help on the blocks, to run after the balls, and rescue when the going got to scary. There must have been about 45 kids all running around at one time. My daughter was having fun chatting with all the mom's from previous sessions. Not sure if Toddlin' Time is for the kids, or for the Moms?? Maybe a little of both.
The kids both took a two hour nap when we got home. Or as the four year old would say, "Quiet time, not a nap!" "Mom" and I needed the quiet time ourselves.
We were going to go to Wal-Mart today, but my daughter's hands hurt from crutching around, and it was rainy all day. Her foot looks a bit better, but I do believe that it will be a long time before she will be able to walk on it. Too bad that I am not staying longer. She will not be able to take me to the airport on Monday, that is for sure. I'll have to ride in with my son-in-law early in the morning and wait for my flight at the airport. Who knows, I might be lucky enough to get an earlier flight like I did on the way down here.
The kids were so cute today. I had forgotten what two and four were really like. And being a Grammee, I really do not have any uncontrollable urge to make them behave. I know I have said that before, but I don't. We played Mr. Potato Head, we watched a puppet show, this morning Syd and I had a date to watch Poka Dot Shorts. Both of us are early risers. We were up about 6:00AM. Plenty of time to watch a movie before the rest of the house is up. Of course Dad leaves for work about 6:00, but the rest of the house is quiet.
Tomorrow we are headed for Wal-Mart. Ty's birthday pictures are ready, and we need to drop off some more film. Maybe it will not rain tomorrow.
Brad leaves for Canada tomorrow after he attends the funeral of his friend. What a sad situation! It is never an easy thing to have to go through. I am sorry that I will not be there to be of support.
June 13, 2007
We put a teva sandal on my daughter, armed her with crutches, and we headed off for Toddlin' Time with the grandchildren. What a great time they had. There were balls, mats, blocks, bouncy things, spinny toys, just everything that little kids like to do. The oldest one there playing was probably six.
We grabbed a chair for my daughter and I was the one dragged around to help on the blocks, to run after the balls, and rescue when the going got to scary. There must have been about 45 kids all running around at one time. My daughter was having fun chatting with all the mom's from previous sessions. Not sure if Toddlin' Time is for the kids, or for the Moms?? Maybe a little of both.
The kids both took a two hour nap when we got home. Or as the four year old would say, "Quiet time, not a nap!" "Mom" and I needed the quiet time ourselves.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
This is great!
June 12, 2007
What fun it is to be with the grandchildren! There is no uncontrollable urge to make them behave (not that they are misbehaved children) but if they want to take all the toys out of the box and spread them out to see what there is to play with, well, that's OK.
If they want to take all of the shirts out of the draw to find the perfect one to wear for the day, well, that's OK too. They laugh, they are happy, they are a pure joy to be with. We made heart shaped sandwiches, had pure whipped cream from the can, what more can I say about the fun that I am having.
We walked outside today, but, boy it's hot down here in Virginia! It doesn't feel hot inside because of the air conditioning, but outside is 90 something. Even a tad too hot to play outside. We were going to go out for a bike ride this evening, but wouldn't you know, a thunderstorm came through. There were warnings about severe storms in the area. Thank goodness they weren't that bad. The kids had their hands over their ears as the thunder boomed around.
Their moon bounce in the basement is a great alternative to going outside in the heat. Ty turned two last month and the theme was "balls" so the moon bounce is filled with beach balls. Probably about thirty of them. They just have a ball in there...
It is quiet now that we have tucked them in for the night. It will start all over again tomorrow about 7:00AM. I can't wait.
June 11, 2007
It was up at 1:30AM to shower, and jump in the car for the three hour trip to Logan airport. Suzie's flight was to come in at 5:30AM and she was flying with two of her children. We met her at the baggage claim and toted her bags back to the car as she pushed the two strollers with the kids.
We got the kids strapped in to the car seats, gave my husband a kiss goodbye and waved to the car as it exited the airport garage. Then went back into the airport to wait for my flight at 4:45PM. I went to get breakfast, a bagel and coffee. That killed 25 minutes! Walked around to find my terminal to fly out of. That killed another 25 minutes. So what was I going to do for the next 10 hours???
I saw a sign at the United terminal that said something about "Catch an earlier flight by flying standby", so I asked. The next flight was going to Dulles at 9:00AM. I went to check in, the flight was overbooked and they asked people to give up their seats for free tickets some other time. So I thought, "Well I guess I might as well read my book (which I actually started and maybe I'll finish this one on my trip, it's good!)
The next flight for Dulles was leaving at 9:50, so I moved to the next gate, checked in and there were three other people looking for standby seats also. I didn't think I would have a chance, but there was a whole family that did not show up for the flight so just as they were ready to take off, we were all told to board the plane.
I did not have a cell phone with me, nor did I remember to bring my daughter's phone number with me. You would think that I would know what it is, but they moved to a new home and I have her number on speed dial on my home, and cell phone. For the life of me I didn't know her number.
When I arrived in VA at 11:00AM I figured that I could use my phone card and call my daughter knowing that her husband was home taking care of her. Well, first I had to find her number. Thought I would use the phone card and call 411. The card didn't work. Too old, out of date, or expired, not sure what it was, it just didn't work.
I took a chance and looked her up in the phonebook. She was listed! Great! Then I went to call on the regular phone. Oh, yes, you need change. I had dollar bills, no change! I had to buy lunch and ask for change. When I called, they were so surprised to hear that I was in the area so soon.
I sat and read until my son-in-law and grandchildren came to get me. Then we had a great ride back to their new home. My granddaughter is 4 and had a lot to tell me. My grandson is two and pretty quiet, but I know he was glad to see me, too.
What a nice home they have. Nice neighborhood, great location, not far from the airport. The house is very interesting. Not exactly the typical layout. Lots of space, lots of great features, and plenty of room for everything that they want to do now.
After being up for so long, I was ready to crash before the kids did at 8:00, but I hung in there untill 9:30.
What fun it is to be with the grandchildren! There is no uncontrollable urge to make them behave (not that they are misbehaved children) but if they want to take all the toys out of the box and spread them out to see what there is to play with, well, that's OK.
If they want to take all of the shirts out of the draw to find the perfect one to wear for the day, well, that's OK too. They laugh, they are happy, they are a pure joy to be with. We made heart shaped sandwiches, had pure whipped cream from the can, what more can I say about the fun that I am having.
We walked outside today, but, boy it's hot down here in Virginia! It doesn't feel hot inside because of the air conditioning, but outside is 90 something. Even a tad too hot to play outside. We were going to go out for a bike ride this evening, but wouldn't you know, a thunderstorm came through. There were warnings about severe storms in the area. Thank goodness they weren't that bad. The kids had their hands over their ears as the thunder boomed around.
Their moon bounce in the basement is a great alternative to going outside in the heat. Ty turned two last month and the theme was "balls" so the moon bounce is filled with beach balls. Probably about thirty of them. They just have a ball in there...
It is quiet now that we have tucked them in for the night. It will start all over again tomorrow about 7:00AM. I can't wait.
June 11, 2007
It was up at 1:30AM to shower, and jump in the car for the three hour trip to Logan airport. Suzie's flight was to come in at 5:30AM and she was flying with two of her children. We met her at the baggage claim and toted her bags back to the car as she pushed the two strollers with the kids.
We got the kids strapped in to the car seats, gave my husband a kiss goodbye and waved to the car as it exited the airport garage. Then went back into the airport to wait for my flight at 4:45PM. I went to get breakfast, a bagel and coffee. That killed 25 minutes! Walked around to find my terminal to fly out of. That killed another 25 minutes. So what was I going to do for the next 10 hours???
I saw a sign at the United terminal that said something about "Catch an earlier flight by flying standby", so I asked. The next flight was going to Dulles at 9:00AM. I went to check in, the flight was overbooked and they asked people to give up their seats for free tickets some other time. So I thought, "Well I guess I might as well read my book (which I actually started and maybe I'll finish this one on my trip, it's good!)
The next flight for Dulles was leaving at 9:50, so I moved to the next gate, checked in and there were three other people looking for standby seats also. I didn't think I would have a chance, but there was a whole family that did not show up for the flight so just as they were ready to take off, we were all told to board the plane.
I did not have a cell phone with me, nor did I remember to bring my daughter's phone number with me. You would think that I would know what it is, but they moved to a new home and I have her number on speed dial on my home, and cell phone. For the life of me I didn't know her number.
When I arrived in VA at 11:00AM I figured that I could use my phone card and call my daughter knowing that her husband was home taking care of her. Well, first I had to find her number. Thought I would use the phone card and call 411. The card didn't work. Too old, out of date, or expired, not sure what it was, it just didn't work.
I took a chance and looked her up in the phonebook. She was listed! Great! Then I went to call on the regular phone. Oh, yes, you need change. I had dollar bills, no change! I had to buy lunch and ask for change. When I called, they were so surprised to hear that I was in the area so soon.
I sat and read until my son-in-law and grandchildren came to get me. Then we had a great ride back to their new home. My granddaughter is 4 and had a lot to tell me. My grandson is two and pretty quiet, but I know he was glad to see me, too.
What a nice home they have. Nice neighborhood, great location, not far from the airport. The house is very interesting. Not exactly the typical layout. Lots of space, lots of great features, and plenty of room for everything that they want to do now.
After being up for so long, I was ready to crash before the kids did at 8:00, but I hung in there untill 9:30.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Oh, how things change
Yep, still getting ready for our long journey, but there have been some bumps in the road. Our plan June 1 was to do our test camp. Which we did, then we were going to head out to VA to see my daughter in Warrenton. That was put on hold for a bit.
Chain of events so far:
- My daughter had surgery on her foot last Friday anticipating that we would be around to help out. (We didn't make it, her foot is really sore and could use some help, chasing a two year old on crutches must be a chore!)
- My husband's friend passed away on Saturday. The service is not until Friday. His daughter is flying into Boston tomorrow morning 5:30AM. We are going to go pick her and two of her children up at the airport.
- I decided if I am going to get everything done to go on this trip, be able to help my daughter, see my grandchildren, and make the most of my time off, I need to do it now.
- I booked a flight out to VA tomorrow from Boston, so when we go to pick up the kids, I'll hop out and catch my flight and the kids will hop in and go home with my husband.
I'll leave my husband home to attend the funeral, help the family, pack his own things for his fishing trip to Canada, and take care of details.
So, to bed early tonight to be up by 2:00AM to leave to get to Boston by 5:30AM. My bags are packed, my clothes are layed out for tomorrow, and I am ready for this leg of my journey.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Still getting things ready
The camper now has 4 new tires. Didn't want to take a chance with the old ones. When changing the tires there was a problem discovered with the wheel bearings?? I don't know about such things, but something that needs to be taken care of now, so we won't have a problem later.
I still need to find all the items that we identified that were missing and put them in the camper. Some other things that will make our lives easier will need to be added also. A toaster, a blender, you know, all the conveniences of home.
I have been looking over the routes and discovered that there are just way too many things for us to see on this trip. We just will not have enough time to see them all. No way! Just won't be able to fit them all in. I think it will take us two weeks to get through the state of Vermont!!!!
We will have to choose wisely. There are lots of places to stay. The campgrounds look like great places to stay for weeks at a time. Too bad we didn't have a year for this trip.
We found a little travel cooler that will plug into our truck cab. It will not hold much but a couple of bottles of water and maybe some cheese and grapes. Too bad it won't keep ice cream.
Oh, I forgot, I wanted to diet on this trip. I wonder how many apples and carrots it will hold?
Stay tuned for future developments...
I still need to find all the items that we identified that were missing and put them in the camper. Some other things that will make our lives easier will need to be added also. A toaster, a blender, you know, all the conveniences of home.
I have been looking over the routes and discovered that there are just way too many things for us to see on this trip. We just will not have enough time to see them all. No way! Just won't be able to fit them all in. I think it will take us two weeks to get through the state of Vermont!!!!
We will have to choose wisely. There are lots of places to stay. The campgrounds look like great places to stay for weeks at a time. Too bad we didn't have a year for this trip.
We found a little travel cooler that will plug into our truck cab. It will not hold much but a couple of bottles of water and maybe some cheese and grapes. Too bad it won't keep ice cream.
Oh, I forgot, I wanted to diet on this trip. I wonder how many apples and carrots it will hold?
Stay tuned for future developments...
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Test Camp
June 3, 2007
We packed up the camper today and brought it home. It doesn't take us very long to pack things up and get moving. We have tried to streamline things to make it easier on us. A tub for this a tub for that. Everything with a place.
The new coffee pot works great.
Now it is a matter of getting things together that are on our list and packing them all away for our journey.
We may postpone our trip to VA for a while. There is a greater need for us to be here right now.
June 1, 2007
I won’t be able to get to the internet every day, so I thought that I would keep up to date and then just cut and paste into the blog.
This is the first official day of my journey! Boy, it feels weird not to have a work computer to check for emails or cell phone to check for work messages. Maybe I will have withdrawals, but I am sure it will be short lived.
Today we spent cleaning the camper, putting it all back together, stocking it with things that we thought we would need. Of course we brought a big pad of paper and pen to write down all the things that we forgot.
It was misty and damp when we hooked on the camper and drove to the Crazy Horse campground in Littleton, NH. Nice campground, wooded sites, lots of seasonals who have not arrived yet, so our neighbors are far and few between.
We set up camp and then headed out to visit a friend.
June 2, 2007
What a thunder storm last night! It wasn’t all that close, but boomed around for quite some time. I was afraid that it would be raining in the morning, but I was able to sneak out early for a walk.
Our list of things to remember for our long journey is growing. There must be 25 things on the list already. All things that we could do without for now, but things that would make our life easier later. We did purchase a big electric coffee pot last night. Our standard camper coffee pot was only a 2 cupper. Definitely not big enough for this trip.
The camper seems to function well. Had plenty of hot water for a shower. Things stayed dry during the rain last night. Sinks work, heater works (just had to try it to make sure). We should be all set.
Today we will finish up some details that need to be taken care of and just enjoy the time.
We packed up the camper today and brought it home. It doesn't take us very long to pack things up and get moving. We have tried to streamline things to make it easier on us. A tub for this a tub for that. Everything with a place.
The new coffee pot works great.
Now it is a matter of getting things together that are on our list and packing them all away for our journey.
We may postpone our trip to VA for a while. There is a greater need for us to be here right now.
June 1, 2007
I won’t be able to get to the internet every day, so I thought that I would keep up to date and then just cut and paste into the blog.
This is the first official day of my journey! Boy, it feels weird not to have a work computer to check for emails or cell phone to check for work messages. Maybe I will have withdrawals, but I am sure it will be short lived.
Today we spent cleaning the camper, putting it all back together, stocking it with things that we thought we would need. Of course we brought a big pad of paper and pen to write down all the things that we forgot.
It was misty and damp when we hooked on the camper and drove to the Crazy Horse campground in Littleton, NH. Nice campground, wooded sites, lots of seasonals who have not arrived yet, so our neighbors are far and few between.
We set up camp and then headed out to visit a friend.
June 2, 2007
What a thunder storm last night! It wasn’t all that close, but boomed around for quite some time. I was afraid that it would be raining in the morning, but I was able to sneak out early for a walk.
Our list of things to remember for our long journey is growing. There must be 25 things on the list already. All things that we could do without for now, but things that would make our life easier later. We did purchase a big electric coffee pot last night. Our standard camper coffee pot was only a 2 cupper. Definitely not big enough for this trip.
The camper seems to function well. Had plenty of hot water for a shower. Things stayed dry during the rain last night. Sinks work, heater works (just had to try it to make sure). We should be all set.
Today we will finish up some details that need to be taken care of and just enjoy the time.
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