Thanksgiving with Family and Others

Oh I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I did . My brother and his wife invited me to join them at Karen's sister; Denise's in laws . With the Hosts' ok first, of course. They always get together with Karen's parents, and her sister's family . Karen's brother- in- law's parents built a home in the same block as two of their four children, so it makes sense to have everyone gather there. Along with extended family. The house was planned for these family gathering and lucky me. I was asked to join them. I was pleased.

It had only been 18 days since the heart stents had been put in and truthfully I just wasn't feeling up for family and Thanksgiving. But my brother had taken me to the hospital and stayed with me and waited until I was back in the room. We didn't know , going in , if it would be stents or by pass open heart -so I was doing a little independent female " I can do this by myself "- which he ignored and stayed with me. I felt closer to my brother than I have in years and when he asked me to join them -I was touched and said yes. I was thankful.

It was very nice, food was great and healthy. This is a picture of my niece, Rachel (21) with her boyfriend in the background; and a plate of the Thanksgiving feast! They made me feel very welcomed. I usually help out in the kitchen , but this year I just didn't feel like it. Thankfully, there were plenty of helpers to go around. I was able to sneak away and call my Aunt, from one of the bedrooms. She usually invites this maiden lady to join her family and I was missing them. They passed the phone around and I was able to talk to a couple of cousins and hear all the family in the background. The rest of the day I spent on the couch, next to my brother watching football games and sleeping (well I was the one sleeping). I let myself feel very vulnerable and safe next to him that day. My immediate family took good care of me that afternoon. I was grateful.

The only down side was my missing niece, Heather(23) who now lives and works in Texas and wasn't able to make it North for the holiday. We will see her for Christmas and I will be able to find out how she enjoyed her first Thanksgiving away from family. I hope her man and his family made her feel as welcomed and safe as I was made to feel. Everyone really missed her. I am so proud of her, for following her dream. I am humbled.

There is no such thing as an unimportant act of Kindness. Which reminds me I have to get the Thank you card in the mail to my hostess. I am blessed.

Fun Monday/ Monday December 1,2008

Fun Monday this week host is 'Beyond My Slab" Ari_1965 ; Tell us about your all-time worst Neighbors from Hell. You know, the family of Irish clog dancers who once lived in the flat/apartment above you? Mrs. Next door and her banshee-like multiple orgasms? Mr. and Mrs. Hard-of-Hearing with their television on full blast? The guys across the street who set off 4th of July fireworks starting in March and didn't stop until the first real snowfall?

Ahhhh -I cant think of any -I have only lived with my parents /in the dorms at college/ in a religious commune / in an apartment with a roommate / in an apartment with myself and this house in a small neighborhood where I don't know hardly anyone after 30 years. I guess I have been very tolerant or very boring.

When I lived with people (I don't now) all but one bathed and she, to be fair, took showers -but didn't believe in deodorant, or shaving her pits. Well, she used corn starch it was more 'natural' according to her father. It didn't work. She also didn't wash her clothes that often, and would dress out of a pile in the center of the floor after smelling them. sigh . It was the 70's.

She shared her little efficiency with me, as a favor to my oldest male cousin and his girlfriend. I moved my twin bed and furniture in and was just grateful I had a place to stay, as I started my new job. I can't remember how long I was there until I found an apartment in the next town.

She is still a friend of my cousin and his wife. I saw an ex boyfriend of hers a few years ago when he and a new friend came to cut some firewood from my back woods. -He had lost his job and was using wood to heat their house. He was freaky -I am glad he didn't keep in touch either.

I wonder how my neighbors would classify me? Maybe I am the neighbor from hell -I do like my music loud and do not rake leaves or plant flowers or grass seed.

On the other hand, I do buy stuff I don't need from little kids that knock on my side door.

And in my humble opinion - THAT is the best definition of a GOOD neighbor!

Bucket List Detour

I just got out of Presbyterian Hosp in Phil. I got another three stents in my heart -the LA D to be exact -that artery already had two stents from the 2003 heart attack along with the two in the RAC? RAD? anyway I have seven (7) pieces of metal in my heart. It is amazing. I really thought it would be a by pass this time but I guess the stents still work. Since I am allergic to the dye -I had to take meds to counteract the allergic reaction -ok -but it left me with sugars of over 400 -Not good and i cant go back to the gym for a week. I have a feeling I am going to be on insulin for awhile until this sugar level gets under control. All this and I still don't feel that well and I have to loose the remaining 60 or 70 lbs. Oh and the surgeon said "Why didnt I know you were allergic to the metal nickel?" It seems these new drug coated stents have nickel in them. Oh well it is over with now.

Am I ok? Well I am still positive -sort of overwhelmed -but still have scuba diving on my Bucket List. But I have taken a couple of things off the list. I use to think -daydream -what ifs and somedays -but that doesn't seem to happen any longer. I seem to be having a day to day life. And plans for the 'future' don't seem to be more than a month ahead of time. I wonder if this is normal? or just temporary while my body rids itself of the anesthesia?

I cant remember really being asleep -laugh- I Do remember talking so much that the surgeon told me to stop asking him questions he needed to concentrate. I was asking him non stop questions and I couldn't remember the answers so i just kept asking the same questions ----again! Laugh Out Loud

Anyway, I recovered at the parents home near the hospital and near my brother and sister, for 5 days and now I am home. My own pillows/blanket/lumpy mattress/ house noises/ one TV channel (I only had one channel and my parents have cable -which is so overrated) . Oh you know the little special things that make a house your home.

I would like to go to Fl to visit the folks for a week and am waiting right now for the Doctors office to call me back and see if I can fly between now and dec 3 when I have my followup appt. I also have my third and last dentist visit to reschedule -I still have the temp. filling in and the surgeon said no dentist for a month and the Dentist said -AH No call them and get approval for this last filling. smile

The sun is out today and it is cold and very windy -I think I will go and kick some leaves around. Life is good.

Who are you? Jackie or Marilyn?

I just took this "Hello Quizzy" quiz of two questions -and it turns out I am an Audrey ? Go figure. Only two questions -? maybe it is based on the birth year. I dont know but it was cute. It was really like me -except for the caring to much what peple think about me. :)))))) I dont know about that. I think in my quest to be healthy and THINNER -the image I keep in my mind is one of Audrey Hepburn -I really dont know what she was like -but I like that thin woman body type -of course not even a year after death will I ever be that thin or have that body image -except in my dreams . LOL

I have accepted that -sigh -I am at peace with me.

What are you? http://www:Helloquizzy.com/

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me
* If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure
* I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this
* Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit
* Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally
* Ask me questions to help me get clear
* Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery
* Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings
* I like a good discussion but not a confrontation
* Let me know you like what I've done or said
* Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey
* being nonjudgmental and accepting
* caring for and being concerned about others
* being able to relax and have a good time
* knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
* my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
* my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
* being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey
* being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
* being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
* being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
* being confused about what I really want
* caring too much about what others will think of me (?)
* not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often
* feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
* tune out a lot, especially when others argue
* are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents
* are supportive, kind, and warm
* are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

FUN MONDAY / Saturday October 18, 2008

Today's Fun Monday is being hosted by Sarah, who set forth this task for us:
I would like you to take your camera (or your artistic talents!) on a day tour with you. I want to know where you go, what you get up to on a “normal” day (disclaimer - it doesn’t have to be “normal”!). All the details you would consider boring! You are free to make your FM posts as long or as short as you’d like.

OK , Here goes -I only had my cell camera phone with me so some of the shots are crappy -but I had a great day:

I was startled 10 min before I had to roll out of bed by a call from my part time place of employment -the Gym -wondering if I could spend the day with them working for money -- I am a substitute and rarely get called - YEA but NO - I have plans all day today -SORRY -please call again.

Up and ready early enough to eat a multi grain Thomas' Low fat English muffin with Better n Peanut Butter Low salt PB -very ok for almost no fat ;along with 6oz of Low Salt V8 -I take my Am meds and off to the Avalon Library Writers Group, We meet every other Sat from 10 to noon. I read my 241 words from an assignment on the last words after being beheaded. (7 sec) On the Library i-pod , I record my new story 1 ? For now I call it : A Gift from the Salt Hay -(see http://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/ Virtual Exhibits -Robin ; in about a week to hear it). My sister thinks I should call it just Salt Hay Farm.

The Group facilitator Dr Sue J., talked about our Barrier Island Writers Anthology coming out in Dec. and book signings and a silk screened shirt we are getting to wear at signings. One of the woman asks me a question about an IRS Collection letter and I explain to her where the error originated on her 1040. It feels good to be able to help. Now that it has been over a year since I retired I can actually acknowledge my former employer. Before I retired I told people I sold life insurance, smile\

My mind is on the Pumpkin Festival in Cape May I am going to ,-instead of lunch with the group. I am meeting a friend from N. jersey along with her family that still lives locally. I will have dinner with them and celebrate my friends 50th upcoming Birthday. I look forward to this day all year. This family has adopted me into their hearts and I just love them all. I have to stop and pick up the balloons I ordered from the dollar store yesterday -it is windy and they are not going in to the back of my SUV -escaping every time I try to shut the door -i start to laugh and know somewhere someone is filming me and it will be on You Tube.

Get to Cold Springs Village -Great parking space because I have missed the little kids Halloween Costume Parade (darn ) Txt my friend and she meets me at the entrance. First things first : eat a Hot Dog - she buys popcorn from her father who along with her sister and mother and brother in law are in the Rotary and working the Festival. We walk the Village and visit the 48 crafters -usually more are there -crowd stills seems good -cold and windy day -I am looking for the sorority that sells soup -but they are not here this year. Hugs to her nieces and great nieces and take great niece Kate and Patty's dog Bogey to get a face painting (Kate not Bogart)

Bought a sweatshirt from Cape May Shirt Shops' table -it is bright pink and says Cape May -I am happy -Patty bought a pink hoodie and the owner gave us a good deal for two. We go into the Village store that is having a 50 % end of season sale. She buys a rug and a diffuser. They are out of the only diffuser smell I like: Mango -so I buy the sample bottle for a dollar -I will put More water in and turn the sticks upside down -wet side up and throw it away when I am done. I take a chance on the Chinese Aution table the Rotary runs with prizes from local businesses and most of the crafters. I want to win a gift certificate to a local resturant C&J in North Cape May or another sweatshirt or some neat wooden dyed roses that are made from scrap birch shavings. As we leave the Rotary Pumpkin Festival at Cold Spring Village I buy mini low fat cinnamon donuts, with the money I have saved.

We leave the Village and I sort of run over a GIANT orange Police traffic cone -that was in the middle of the road -I didn't ah see it. Thank God the policeman wasn't there (I later found out her was Patty;s second cousin) It sort of got squashed under my car -so I couldn't drive without it making a noise (ok I did TRY to drive and Patty would not stop laughing) I had to pull over and crawl on my hands and knees (which I could NEVER have done before I lost this 50 lbs) and really pull hard on the cone thingies and it came out all smashed -and rather than litter-i quickly opened the back door of my car -balloons are in the back -and throw it in .

Over to Patty's parents home and give her my present. Her mother is out the store -but we go out when she gets home to get her mother a Birthday cake also. See a woman from a class I am taking at Vo tech and then see my Paper Mache teacher from a class I am taking at the CM Library. small world -I never see anyone I know. Of course I am getting out more and more. I like this retirement.

Dinner is Pasta with Home made meatballs and gravy & salad & bread. Patty tells the story at dinner -and the cone thing bounced back to life!!! Of course the great nieces and nephews look at it closely (it is now in the house -Patty's mother is doing Eagles cheers with it as a mega phone) anyway the little kids are calling me cone killer and tell me it has tire track marks and it might be torn. Patty decided not to take it home to N Jersey as a 50th birthday present-(her husband will just throw it away) takes a picture ( I don't have) with the now perfectly fine cone and her parents promise to give it back to the policeman cousin.

Patty's daughter gets in from work in Atlantic City and has brought a lashing tiara for her mother and little tiara's and rings and put them on the tiny cup cakes she made -we all sing Happy birthday again and the 50th Princess Birthday party is in full swing. The birthdy Queen , Queen Mum, Sister and Niece, Daughter, Grand Nieces and the 'adopted' tallest Princess ,me. A Good time was had by all. Cell phone photographer great nephew -Jimmy K,

We end the evening with people coming and going and Captain Kate the pirate's mom arriving from work, as i am leaving. More Hugs and goodbyes. I follow a niece that lives near me up the Parkway to make sure my car is ok -It is so far.

I am home with so much sugar in my system I know I will be spending Sunday close to my own Princess Throne! There is a message on my answering machine. I WON a Chinese Aution Prize!!!!!!!!!!

Let there Be DSL

I have a DSL line -I don't know what it stands for - but it makes me HAPPY!

A call to the Verizon Help line and ANOTHER connection with India -almost put me over the edge -when i heard the voice on the other end say: " I can not help you , everything seems to be connected - but it just isn't working -we will have a Dispatch person come out to " -remember that word Dispatch - it is the magic word or power word.

I said "No" at first -knowing that my house looks like a tornado went thru it, at least two times and if the dispatch person got lost in my house-I could be charged extra -but finally after a couple hours I gave up -

"OK schedule me for a dispatch man" i cried.

Then he told me to wait at my house from 8am until 8pm on Thursday-and they promised to only call on my cell phone to confirm and let me know when they are in the area.


Thursday my dispatch guy ( Tom) called on my House phone about 10am and he was in the neighborhood. I told him about the house -he said he had probably seen worse.


He went back to the little computer room and promptly said 'Lady -how old is this computer? Is that Windows 98? ' No Windows ME I said-then he said " I don't know anything about windows ME and is it connecting by USB? -oh no this isn't going to work! You need a new computer." - No shit but it is NOT in the budget this year.


Then my cousin David comes in the back door -Holding a small package he says is an ether net. I introduce him to Tom and it was like the angles started to sing and the babble of a male bonding -computer hardware geek language filled the room. My cousin Dave gave me a hug then -opened the back of my CPU. Tom lent Dave a tool from a tool belt he was wearing. (Oh yes, at that point I was ready for Tom, the dispatch man to get lost in my house - I had decided to keep him). But since the little room was now very crowded with these two big men, I left the room.


The ether net card and cousin David; did the trick -well that and a couple of hours and using the ORIGINAL disc to talk the installation thru AGAIN. The guys installed the DSL line -we found out Tom had a girlfriend in CA and he was suffering from allergies but liked his job here in NJ. He said finding my computer was like finding a beat up 57 Chevy that needed a lot of work, in your driveway. Is that like having your Steve Madden shoes stolen and PAYLESS left in their place? OH


It was finished -Tom did his 'ping" test and he left - Dave stayed to help me load a cleanup program and cleaned up my old computer memory.


It is now faster than dial up and I have been retired long enough to have forgotten how a really fast computer, at work responded. So this is great.

The first thing I looked at was YOU TUBE and my friend's nephew!!!!!
What a HOOT. I like this so far.

Happy Halloween !

DSL Disc

I just called Verizon installation help line and spoke to Ian (?) in the Philippians. He spoke ok English -pronounced words like a computer would ........................so NO I couldn't understand him -but he was very nice. Forgot to ask if he was single.

I asked him where the disc was? did Carlos really order it sent to me? He said Yes and it will take 5 to 10 days. OK -so I wait. The 30 day cancellation period ends Oct 8th. I hope it is installed by then.

My friend Jennifer said when she got her DSL line she called them and asked when they were coming over to install it?

You can do that? Hmmmmmm

NO it would take me a year to clean my house well enough for a stranger to come in. I can do this myself -it is now a point of honor. If Sarah Palin can field dress a Bullwinkle moose, (why would you want to dress up a moose in your clothes ?-but Alaska winters are long I guess ?) I can do this installation !!!!!!!!!!!

How NOT to install a DSL Line

OMG I have just spent the entire fuc@+#* day trying to install a DSL line!

The goodies box for my new DSL line was waiting for me when I got home and YEA it had a large sheet in ENGLISH with PICTURES! Hot Dang we are in business now.

But wait the first thing it says is I need a fliter for my wall phone and it is not in the box. The picture page says to call. I talked to Verizon operator early in the week and they sent me a filter for my wall phone that they forgot to put in my box of goodies!

My filter is here , I am ready to start. So today: I called again and spoke with David? in India (who spoke beautiful English -I just could not understand him) -who told me I could use my long phone line since the one in the goodies package wasn't long enough to reach the computer from the phone jack. So far so good.

Wait what is an Ethernet plug and where is the port to plug it into? I then call Debbie's husband Barry in West Chester ,Pa; he told me to buy a new computer;- the plug didn't fit into my CPU , because my CPU doesnt HAVE a port for an ethernet.

Then i plugged the electricity back in ( Barry said I could and not blow up the computer) and then played the installation CD in my computer (I tried to play it on my CD player/ stereo but it made sounds like a fax line) . Then I read on my monitor , that if there is no Ethernet connection port in the back of the CPU ( oh - :)))) use the USB connector.

SOOOOO I have to use the USB cable.

But the the CD reads that the connection will not be as fast ( ok so FUC***G WHAT? I have dial up now) and the CD proceeded to install the modem drivers into my CPU - now that was cool I thought.

but wait it is two hours later =should it take this long?

I by now have called John, a friend in Las Vegas and made him calm me down -he asked me if I could do anything other than wait? I said no . Then he said so wait/ and told me to buy a new computer. Then he hung up.. Jeeze.


So I called Verizon AGAIN -this time got Mexico City and Carlos -whose mother and sisters are in HUSTON TX -yes I got the weather report from Mexico City- I kid you not -he said the power should be up in Huston this week -outside Huston ( Heather and Ryan are in Spring?) may take a week

OH and No the installation should not take two hours, my old computer needs and old installation disc and he will send it to me\

Hello -? - shouldn't there be some quality control questions asked when i first ordered this product -that would have eliminated this back and forth FRUSTRATION level?

But hey I spoke to four really nice men ( David, Barry, John and Carlos )--and Carlos said each time I call with an installation problem I get routed closer to home. First is always India/ then London (they disconnected me per his computer)/ then Mexico City / Canada and then ? Somehow I missed Costa Ricca which he said was also a call site. LOL If I ever get to the Canada site tech helper I am asking if he is single. I used to think I wanted a guy who would take care of the yard and fix things -then I got older and wanted a guy who could carry me up the stairs (LMAO) and not die. Now I think a computer geek sounds ok.

To make things worst I never did get to the gym today, good thing i have choc chip raw cookie dough in the refrigerator-

I know but this is was an emergency -LOL

I wonder how long it will take to get that disc -just in case I bought some raw carrots and bananas and got out my jump rope.



I am not taking any chances.

Westward Ho The Bucket List -week three VEGAS

It was OK

-Played $1.00 and I won $400 pennies and stopped while I was ahead

LOL

John and I did errands Friday night -I was asleep by midnight. He went out. Saturday we took the car back (808 miles) and John got tickets to a Cirque show ‘LOVE” that I have wanted to see for years -at the Mirage. It was WONDERFUL -we went out to dinner first and I had a lovely evening. Came back , he went out. Sunday he took me shooting at a range. It was fun. Then he dropped me off at the Luxor -where I was staying until I left.

Deb and Barry were there on Sunday night but she had a bad foot and didn't not feel like walking -so I met them for three dinners and a lunch and did Vegas on my own. Barry took me on a quick run to the CVS and showed me how to use the sky walks between the Casinos -Luxor -Excalibur-NYNY -MGM. They did take me on a "see the desert" trip all day Tues -that was different. Drove ON Top of Hoover Dam and Rt 66 and Lofton ? and saw JOSHUA Trees -they are cool! Barry said we were in California for a little bit (my first time in that state!)

LOL It is hard to do fun things on your own -I kept asking where do people my age go to dance? and people said: people your age are in bed or at the tables. NO WAY ??????? Deb and Barry tried to fix me up with a waiter at an Italian restaurant they found -but nothing sparked and I was on my way to do the sights. Alone

I did talk to everyone on the DUCE a bus that ran up and down the strip -all day $5.00. Except I made the mistake of riding it to the end of Las Vegas -beyond Fremont Street to Downtown Terminal -or to anyone who ever ended up there by accident -TWILIGHT ZONE -I mean like where people go to die -it was awful -but a great story setting -smile. Very scary. DO NOT GO THERE.

Monday -i went to see American Stars at the Stratosphere with John's friend Lorena Peril singing the Christina Aguilar role. She was great . If you go to Vegas -find out where she is (Belligio?) and see her act as herself. What a voice! I waited and introduced myself to her and she said if she had known I was in town, she would have left a ticket for me. John said she is really just that nice.

Tuesday I went to see the strip and loved the fountains at Belligio so much -i sort of stayed there the whole time.

Wednesday I checked out the Monorail (not worth it) and Ballys and saw the show Jubilee -also not worth it -but I wanted to see a ‘Vegas show” and so I did. see blog - FUN Monday things on your own.

Thursday, I checked out late and went to see the Aquarium at Mandalay bay. very worth it. That Casino/Hotel/ Conference center is huge !

Wednesday is the only day John was able to meet me for lunch at Golden Nugget on Fremont street. So I got to say goodbye and Thank him for the use of his guest room. He never went out of town for work until after I got home -but the time I 'killed' between my visit to CO with friends and my time in Vegas and flight home on the 1st -was a beautiful wonderful adventure -that I never in a million years thought I could do alone and saw things I only saw in books, drove roads that scared the tears out of me ; truthfully Vegas, my end destination (808 miles), was the disappointment But I was glad to see John and spend a little time with him and assure myself he is doing well and really loves it (?) in the land of the dry desert people. Go figure.

My sister and her husband went to Red Rocks that day I had lunch with John, so I never did get to see where she was married 3 yrs ago and they never got to meet John ( he was to busy to meet us for dinner) . Believe it or not Deb and Barry have a time share in Vegas and are going back in two weeks -they only arranged to spend the week with me because otherwise, I would have been alone in Vegas - they were hiking in Yellowstone. How nice was that? Thank you again Debbie and Barry!

I just wish my sister would have felt more like doing stuff not in a car.-If I ever go back I will see their Red Rocks marriage site and maybe Lake Mead. But NEVER in July -I think I fried my brains. :)))))))) However, I did melt 5 lbs off. LOL

Thank you Bonnie and Paul , Barry and Deb and John - This was a Great Bucket List ADVENTURE for this survivor!

Westward Ho The Bucket List -Week Two -Zion Park

Week Two - Zion ( last National Park )

On my way to a long lonely trip to Zion and the final Park. I came in from the North end of the Park -down a Mountain. that had switchbacks -so scary all I wanted to do was close my eyes and cry. As it was the WPA crews from the depression, made the roads red to match the mountain rocks and no guard rails.

So every pull off, I would stop and cry until I could stop shaking and drive on -I didn't like this at all. But I did it and didn't close my eyes or go off the road or hit the sides of the mountain. My heart is pounding even as I write this . It was horrible. Where are hitch hikers when you need them? Even a stranger in the car would have been better than alone. But I now have the setting for my horror story. Can you picture these huge campers swinging themselves back and forth on the switchback roads. One was behind me the first time I pulled over to cry.

If I am proud of myself for anything on the trip -it was driving that road. I STILL can not believe I did it alone!

Next, I get to a tunnel -that is so narrow -built for old time cars - only one lane of traffic can go thru at a time and the real big motor home -I think- must pay extra to have a designated driver. I had to wait and talked to a very young summer ranger (GS-4?) she is friendly and I tell her about the Nevada Barr novels about a female Law Enforcement National Park Ranger and her adventures. She has heard about them. A line of cars and two piggyback campers come thru -it is time to move.

The tunnel is wonderful !!!!!!!!-But you can not stop and explore it -the WPA crews ventilated it by cutting large windows in the side of the mountain -it gave light and air and the most fantastic views -if you drive slow -and I did! it was worth the wait and almost the switch back road -ALMOST! .....................shudder.

I didn't even know when I drove past the history museum and the Visitor center -but I am now out of the park into the town. I find my motel behind the Bank in the center of a large asphalt lot. It looked hot -I get out of the car it is about 120 degrees and 6pm. This is the only motel I picked on my own, Barry didn't know it -they stay in the Park at the Lodge (which is VERY nice and I would recommend people only stay there).

The place is okay -my room is very small -I have a shower only which is fine, it is cement and the ceiling is falling down. Otherwise the room is clean -but I am glad I have my $1.00 store Bath mat. It has sliders going out to a patio with two chairs. It must be cool some other season , not today. Next door is a goat farm with a heard of about 10 goats (I kid you not- sorry LOL ) I am surrounded by walls of the canyons. The desk clerk is creepy and tries to get me to go to a western show that night -I say ok and he gives me a stub to hand to the ticket desk - with his name on it -i guess he gets a kick back. I decide to skip dinner and the show and go into the park for the ranger talk at the Lodge. To weird.

I take the free town shuttle into the Visitors center and take the free shuttle into the park -the only way you can see Zion is on the shuttle bus -that takes you into the park and stops at the Lodge and places you can get off and walk. It is late but the sun is still bright. So I ride the town shuttle into the visitors center walk across the bridge to catch the Park shuttle to the Lodge. It is a little empty but I was never in this park or took any shuttles and it seems very organized

Everything is red but I am just glad not to be driving down any more scary red mountains on red roads and away from the motel clerk. The Park shuttle driver is very friendly -it is her last shift for the night but assures me the shuttles run to 10 and the lecture will be over at 9:30. She has a tape playing that tells about the park -but since I am not hiking that night -i don't pay attention. We are talking and she is single and is starting to tell me things to do on my own. When an American senior citizen tells us ‘girls ‘ to stop talking so he can hear the tape. Believe me the tape was plenty loud enough and if he had said something earlier we could talked softer. I was upset -but the driver didn't say one more word. I guess a complaint from a tourist could cost her the job. Talk about ugly American tourist.

I will never know if she would have told me ZION is the darkest place on earth and that when I got out of the ranger talk -the lodge has only sidewalk lighting. That you have to find the shuttle to take you back to the Visitor Center across from the lodge where you were let off. That the Park shuttle lets you off at the Visitor center the parking lot - that the lights are out and you have to try to find the bridge in the dark (I could hear the stream) and hope the shuttle driver for town sees you. I would liked to think she would of told me all that -but she didn' t because of the the ugly senior and I was put in a situation that scared me very badly.

The last Park shuttle was full and everyone got off and went to their cars -parked at the Visitors Center. I was the ONLY one on the last town shuttle and he parked opposite the bridge and turned on all his lights -it was the only way i could see to find the bridge. When I said; ' all the lights in the parking lot were out' -he said ; 'oh yea they are -aren't they?'

I called Barry and Deb and she said -oh yea we forgot to tell you to take a flashlight for Zion it is very dark. HELLO! I was really freaked out -as a single woman alone -I NEVER put myself in these kind of situations. I always am aware of my surrounding and this scared me.

OK, I was probably not in any danger but..........I have another setting and situation for a short story. Always put a positive spin on the adventure!

My last day -I still have to ‘do’ Zion. But, I just want to see my friend John. I have been on my own enough. I am Rocked out. I decide to treat myself to an early breakfast. The restaurant is barely opened -i am the first one. My waiter is a local man -just out of the Army and home to help care for his parents. he says that most local people are really into outdoor sports. of course , the economy is tourist. I can relate -that is what it is like at home. I am a little homesick. For the first time on the trip I decide to eat breakfast -not just yogurt and bagel like normal.

I get so sick.

I check out at the very last hour for the motel. Drive and park my car at the visitor center. Nice bathrooms.

Go into Zion. Ride the shuttle bus throughout the whole park, but in this park unless you get off the bus and walk you can not see anything much from the road. I go to the History museum -which is neat and see a film about the park. Take the shuttle back to the lodge.

I have now found every bathroom in the park.

It is sooo hot. I am melting. Try to hike a little around the lodge but take a wrong turn and find my self going up a rocky sandy walkway to the upper pools

F*** this !!!!! I take the shuttle back to the Visitor center. Walk around -they have an air tower cooler -no air conditioner -it is hot.

Back to the car. The ice in the ice chest is melting and i want to put my head in the water and drown myself. Turn on the car -air at full blast -the overheating light comes on -are you KIDDING me .

Back into the visitor center -stop again at the bathrooms- find out where the Toyota dealer is -couple towns down the road -the one mechanic they use to have in Zion went out of business, Oh joy!

I am leaving this red town and red road. I get started -on my way to Vegas -the engine light goes out. I drink a pedalite and my electrolytes must balance -I feel better. I just want to be at John’s and not drive any longer. But “I have miles to go before I rest”.

The afternoon drive to Vegas is forever and boring. But about 4 pm I cross the Nevada State Line -stop at a truck stop to yes use the bathroom, and call John. He is on his way to the gym -tells me to get off the exit AAA recommended and then gave me a better direction. I get to a gas station around the corner from his house -call him -he is 10 min away and I get out to use the rest room. He meets me and I follow him 3 min to his town house.

Finally, I am with my best friend. I am so glad to see him -it has been almost 2 years since I last saw him during a trip to New Jersey. He was supposed to be out of town the week I was traveling in Utah but that trip was posponed to next week. He invited me to stay with him Friday and Saturday night. This is the reason I have driven 800 miles to Las Vegas! I have missed him very much.

Westward Ho the Bucket List -Week Two -Bryce

BRYCE -week two

Finally off to Bryce Canyon Nat’l park I skipped Canyonlands Park and Dead Horse Park. I need to get moving. Rt 191 to Rt 70 again -Then Exit 23 to US 89. They were paving RT 89 and all the signs were down -and it is very sparsely populated. Understatement of the century. I had to stop some campers and ask if i was on the right road. It was far -or seemed so. In country so forgotten only a crazy woman would follow her husband here to settle. It wasn't all that beautiful and I suspect I am getting rocked out.

I had a bought a Styrofoam cooler in Grand Junction and put it in the back seat of the rental with a case of water and pedalite nutrition drink. It forced me to stop and buy ice and empty the melted water. It was Bonnie and Paul’s idea. Thank you! I had also bought duck tape and Fix a Flat in Grand Junction -didn't need it but................ The little Toyota Rental was just fine but slow going up the mountains -speed limit is 75 -which i wasn't at all comfortable in the little car but i did ok -even when the trucks passed me on the hills. I was a little upset until I came upon a car and truck crash - both had just passed me. Debris was all over and I slowly went pass -lots of cars had stopped to help. I was just glad it wasn't me. That sounds horrible but I was really tired by that time and just wanted to be at Bryce

The motel I stayed in is outside the park called Ruby’s Inn. Bryce Park has a National Park Lodge that was located inside the Park , but it was old and smelled musty and booked a year in advance -I am glad I didn’t get in! So Ruby’s Inn is about 3000 rooms and camp sites and tent sites and restaurants and has built a whole town around itself and its buildings. I had a king size bed /room off in a building by itself with about ten rooms with their own doors. I parked my car right outside. Not a “Bates” motel but circa 1950. It needed to be updated. The best thing I packed was a bath mat from the dollar store -I used it everywhere and left it in Las Vegas -it served me well. I was across from a little canteen and ate about 8pm right after i unpacked. Took a shower (the tub NEVER emptied -so I soaked my feet at the same time - YEA!!!!!) and went to bed.

Next day I explored Ruby’s Inn “town” found a store for the campers YEA and bought Yogurt and a Bagel that I could toast. I should have bought a couple of them in Moab or here in Bryce. They recommend a free shuttle to get to the park from the motel. But since I had my America The Beautiful Park , pass I decided to drive. Checked out of the Inn and packed up my car and started my day in the park. Stopped at the Visitors center first and found out they had no CD tour to rent (stupid marketing error -yes I told them about it!) so I left to drive the 18 miles to the end of the Park (all up hill) and stopped at each point (all on the left) on the way down. Bryce is the prettiest park /Pink rocks and pine trees and just beautiful. At the very top of the farthest point I was doing a little hike (I always wore a T-shirt from New Jersey or Cape May when I visited the parks -it helped start conversations) and a big guy in a white shirt and black pants came huffing on the path in from of me -then he stopped and said ‘I was born in New Jersey”. LOL he was working at the lodge.

I had lunch alone at the musty lodge (after I waited in line 30 min to use the smelly bathroom - YUCK) .I had finished seeing what I could at Bryce. Lunch was ok -a little spicy for my taste-and I thought the lodge was horribly camping rustic. Barry likes this lodge! The hostess was there with her husband -both were retired and doing volunteer work for the park to experience new things. I can see Barry and Deb doing that.

After lunch , went back to the visitor center spoke to the head ranger about a ‘fault line’ that ran under Ruby's Inn -Deb told me about these rift lines in the earth that show movement - in fact i think we went to a museum in London (instead of the wax museum) to see an exhibit on faults? Anyway - the Head Ranger was about 49 and very cute -so when he got so excited talking to me about the fault lines -I did my best impression of someone who knows what he is talking about -while I looked for a ring. Then I bought a map to show Barry -and went to find it on my way out to Zion park. Took some pictures of what I thought the ranger described. I very much would have liked to have seen the pictographs he said they just discovered in that same area -not yet for public viewing but as he described it -the Rock paintings were right above a large rattlesnake den -and they were waiting until Winter to explore it. I guess he saw my eyes light up -I don't know if it was true -but I packed for every contingency except rattlers!!!!

On my way to Zion in my little rental car. Thinking, I should have written that rangers name down and sent him a thank you here is my number and address letter. LOL yea that would have happened ......................................Rt 89 again . Turn off Utah Rt 9 at Mount Carmel -up the 'HILL' to Zion and the drive from HELL. For the rest of my life I will have nightmares about this place.

Westward Ho The Bucket List -Week Two

Week two - UTAH - from Grand Junction to Moab to Bryce to Zion

Moab

My brother in law , Barry, mapped out the route and planned my itinerary. It was wonderful I could deviate or follow his directions. I had made reservations ahead of time so I pretty much knew that i wanted to make Vegas by Friday night . My brother in law is an Earth Science Geology teacher married to my sister also an Earth Science Geology teacher. My brother also majored in geology in College.

I saw lots of rocks and no I am not a Geologist and never even liked them (rocks) much. But WOW. We sure do have an awesome country. About 90% of the tourist I met (and yes I do talk with everyone) were foreign. So I asked each one I spoke with, why they were here? I got the same answer- our dollar is so weak compared to their money; that they got a good exchange rate. And YES I thanked them for spending their vacation money in the US. smile .We may have a weak dollar right now but we still have the most beautiful country. And YES I offered to take pictures of every family that was struggling -I am (now) a harmless American and of course honest and I think this was my ‘give back’ to my fellow man - I got to meet alot of friendly people. I think between Utah and Nevada I took over 50 pictures for other people. It made me feel good!


I started in Grand Junction then on I 70 to Rt 128 to Moab. I can drive about 2 hours before I start to fall asleep -so i had to stop alot. Close to Moab the road started following a river and had No guard rails. Now with two people in a car this is no problem -but it is very ah difficult to drive a car and look at the mountains and river (Colorado) by yourself. So I had to stop alot. I got to Moab and a nice clean Super 8. Rt 191. This is a neat town and I had reservations for a family style dinner and barge cruise down the river at 7. Cannyonlands by Night. I had a half an hour to spare. The dinner and cruise were okay -not really healthy food but western stick to your ribs fare. I ate veggies and some chicken i think. The barge cruise was different. An old guy told some jokes and had us look up at the canyon walls and see images in the rock walls until it got dark. Asked us where we were from row by row about 60% of the tourist were from the US on this cruise. When it was dark a truck with lights on the road opposite illuminated the canyon walls and a narrated tape with sound effects told the story of the early Mormon settlers to the area. It was ok but not worth $60.00. Sorry Barry ! I did meet two woman (Suzy and Ann) who were about a day ahead of me hiking without their husbands. They told me places to see in Arches -my first National Park. I later saw them all over Moab town and they said they liked the cruise.


A light continental breakfast is included at the Super Eight -I met a family from Salt Lake traveling with family. Some of which were camping. Total 11 in all . They were really nice and very friendly -the husband was about 10 years younger than I was =a runner and good shape-he had just had three stents in his heart a month earlier. So of course we talked about that. He was so shocked that it happened to him who always ate right and exercised, not overweight and young, the wife was a nurse. I ,of course, shared my story and the damage the two heart attacks did and how I am reversing all that with diet and exercise and medication (which we compared). The only thing he didn't seem to share with me was the depression I went thru. Maybe I need to start running?


Arches National park was wonderful. I opted to buy the annual America The Beautiful pass for $80.00 -since I was going to three parks at $25.00 each. The pass is good for a year -at all National Parks and Recreational Lands. It covers the Pass holder and occupants of a single non commercial vehicle, or where per person fees are charged -me and three people over 16. So I have a year to use the pass -i think either way I got my moneys’ worth.


I stopped at the visitor Center first and checked it out. The BEST discovery was a CD that I could play in my car that took me all through the park and told me what I was seeing and when to stop the CD as I got out to walk/ hike around. It cost $10 to buy and $5 to rent -it was in the bookstore and I was VERY excited to find it -it is NOT advertised. Unfortunately I later found out -Arches was the only national Park that has this unique tool. Each park is apparently run differently. Oh they are all USA and have park rangers that wear the funny Smokey Bear Hats. But they are really missing the boat in Bryce -not having a CD to rent.


The CD says it will take about 3 hours -I took 5 and could have gone longer. I stopped and walked everywhere. Even checked out the camp sites (fee to camp not covered by the pass) on the side of the cliffs with unbelievable views. I saw a thunderstorm over the canyon -I later learned it sparked a lightening bolt that started a fire in the town. I took a great pic of the storm cloud with my cell and camera and sent it to my brother and sister in law. Now they are planning their trip for next year based on my picture. sweet. I found the Indian Rock art talked about on the CD and fell in love with this ancient form of expression. The town of Moab's Visitor center has a brochure for finding Rock Art outside the park. I decided to do Moab rock Art the following day.


That night, I ate dinner, by myself, at a restaurant across from my motel called ‘Sunset Grill” which was built on a cliff and the highest restaurant in Moab. I was the only one in the restaurant but half the town had come up to hang on the deck to watch the fire the storm had sparked and the helicopters scooping water from the Colorado river and dropping it on the fire. I was told it was pretty exciting for their little town. smile I imagine a lot of people had fish the next day. I had a great view -not so good Prime rib. I spoke to a guy fixing the pot holes in the road straight up the cliff to the restaurant-he was from Philly and vacationed in Wildwood. He seemed very nice -but I was very tired and wanted to get back to the motel. see blog about eating alone


The next day I went looking for pictographs -met up with the two woman from the Canyonlands Cruise and laughed when we couldn't find the ‘birthing rock’- did find some really great rock art and they headed home to northern Utah and me to Bryce Nat'l Park -about 5 hours away. BUT No wait -one more gravel road to find more rock art -smile -and here are the same two woman -we laughed and exchanged names and email addresses and they said next hike they go on they will call me. The only problem is they are about 2 years older and in very good shape.

I struggled with each degree of altitude and heat. What ever made me think excising at sea level in an air conditioned gym -would prepare me for this trip on my own?

FUN MONDAY -response

Fun Monday host is Mama Drama and the assignment is:
What funny trivial fact do you remember that you probably should have forgotten a long time ago?

This is funny -all my knowledge is important yet somehow trivial and surprisingly relevant to this age we live in. So here goes.

My Mother always told me that when I was in a car and in mixed company (boys and girls) and the girls had to sit on the boys' lap to make room for everyone to fit in. The girls must ALWAYS have a telephone book between them and the boys' lap.

See I told you this could not be verified by Snoops. To this day I have no idea why or what she meant -course I never married or had children. OMG is THIS where babies come from???????????

FUN MONDAY -response

Aug 18, 2008 FUN MONDAY Host question:
" What is one thing you would like to ask your readers? Come up with a question to pose to your visitors and throw it out there on Monday. As we’re all visiting each other’s Fun Monday posts we should answer the various questions we come across"

My Question is:
What is the one thing you cannot do alone or place you can not go alone ?

And my answer to that same Question is (of course) a story:

I traveled and taught for my employer before I retired and I am single -so i really don't have trouble doing things alone. Like movies, hotel rooms,airline flights or trips. I just got back from a Bucket list trip to CO, Utah and Vegas. 808 miles in a car alone, strange motels and three National Parks. When I got to Vegas , my sister was not able to explore with me and so I did Vegas on my own, also. It was not my first choice after a week of rocks and more rocks -but hey it is what it is.

I would have liked to have someone to laugh with when I discovered all the people in the six rows in front of me had been moved down to better seats. I was alone in my $50.00 seats in the last row of the Jubilee Theater at Ballys - 10:30 show. My first and only Las Vegas topless showgirl show and I was back so far they could have been headless for all I knew.

The only thing that did stand out from that far back was that they all appeared to be skinny and flat chested and all their nipples were the same color. I laughed out loud and wanted to share my hilarious discovery - which is when I noticed I was all alone in row U. Apparently the ushers don't move the cheap seat patrons forward. At least not with out an incentive. I couldn't be bothered, the show was ok but ???? I should have opted for a male review. smile But I wanted to see a real live Las Vegas feathers and showgirls show. This wasn't it but it was ok.


I am pretty proud of myself for doing all that on my own -but the one thing i set out to accomplish and did -still leaves me with the ‘weirdness fear‘. I do not like to dine in a resturant dining room for dinner alone. Oh I can do it -but i would rather pay twice what the meal is worth and have room service.

This trip i was determined to eat by myself -all alone and conquer this ‘weird fear’ I have. I had my creative writing journal with me and I was all set. I was shown into a dining room in the Sunset Grill restaurant in Moab UT. It was very nice -set on the top of a small hill. The highest point in the town actually. The driveway was straight up, no guard rails and I hoped I would be finished by dark. I was the ONLY patron in the room. This was going to be more difficult than I thought.

They put me at a table for four against a window with a wonderful view of the town and the river and the wetlands or dry lands along the river and wait -flames? A fire? A lightening strike, from a storm I had just seen in Arches National Park, had set the whole river side on fire.

This being big excitement for this tourist town , soon drew cars up the steep driveway to the Sunset Grill. They parked everywhere, all crowding around the outside of the restaurant porch and windows for a view of the fire. Meanwhile, I had a great view -still the only one in the air conditioned restaurant -of the helicopters scooping river water and dumping it on the now large fire. Of all the town spectators right outside my widow table- looking at the fire and peering in at me -all alone. No one talked to me except my waiter and he was mostly looking & watching outside also.

When I got over the awkwardness and stopped laughing to myself over the absurdity of it all -I finished the meal quickly. Do I tip for service/view or meal ?-I decided view -the meal was the worst prime rib i ever ate but frankly, the fire show and audience conversations (I could hear them all taking) was more than I could have hoped for.

I wonder how many families enjoyed fried /smoked fish the next day?

I am so thankful my sister and her husband were in Vegas at the same time I was . She wasn't able to hang out with me but we met for a few meals. Thank goodness -I wonder what would constitute town excitement in Sin City? and would I have enjoyed the front row window seat?

NO,I don't even want to know.

Wash day with Nana

On the way thru Vegas I stayed with a friend from work that had moved out there 3 years ago. We were talking about chores we hated -I said cleaning the toilet and he said drying the dishes from the dishwasher (Las Vegas water leaves streaks even with that special stuff you put in the rinse cycle) and he also disliked folding laundry after it is dried.

It reminded me of one of my earliest memories with my Nana.

I used to love doing wash with her . The night before we would gather up all the laundry in the house -nothing much -I seem to think she did wash once a week and towels went down to the basement daily. But she and I would make the trip thru the house upstairs and first floor. I think I carried the hand towel from the only bathroom. She carried the underwear and sheets. The wicker wash basket stayed with the washer- it was only for wet clean stuff. So we carried all the things to be washed down the stairs, down the four kitchen stairs, then down the basement stairs to the scariest basement ever built. Well not really, but to a little kid who loved to go down there it was wonderful not to be alone.

The basement had an alcove for the washer and utility tub. It also had partioned off areas; a small toilet room, an all purpose room., an oil tank room -with a door that was closed and my Grandfathers shop. The shop had the extra refrigerator they used, from when my mother was a kid. It was short and had a condenser on top. I remember being excited when i grew talker than it was. Next to it was a wood and glass cabinet that held all the board games and toys and metal toy soldiers my mother and her sister and two brothers had played with. We were not allowed to open it without my grandparents there. It had that real thin glass , I now realize , and my grandparents were afraid the glass would break and hurt us. It had a little scary closet that went under the steps -my Grandfather kept his wood and other stuff in there but the door was hard to open. On the side was a metal Coke Bottle Opener that we were allowed to use once a visit, when we were allowed to have a tiny bottle of coke. The door jam to the entry door was filled with measure lines from all the children and friends that had passed thru the house and of the Grandchildren as we visited. I think it was the hardest thing for us to leave after my grandfather died and they sold the house.

On the outside of the room was a chalk board with chalk and an eraser. It hung at just right height for visiting grandchildren. The shop was very organized and clean . My Grandfather was a retired cabinet maker and he had scrap paper there , that we (mainly the girls) could draw on, using the pencils he sharpened with his knife. The boys would be allowed to build things -once they had demonstrated their creativity with Lincoln Logs/Tinker Toys and erector sets. I don't know about the other boys but my brother was building with my Grandfather when he was five. My brother still likes to work with his hands and design, invent and build things. I was never jealous of his time with grandfather, just glad to get him out of our hair so Nana and I could wash.

Nana would wake me about six in the morning, if I wasn't already up, having met the sun with her. She had done most all the wash already and had it on the line -but left the towels for me to help with. The sheets were done first of course, so they could be hung on the outside lines. That way all the neighbors could see she had her wash out first. I kid you not. Then the underwear because the sheets hid them from view. They took a little longer to dry so when the sheets were dried the towels were hung in their place. Usually at the same time -I seem to recall -at all times protecting the underwear from neighbor view. Funny I never questioned her about this early morning ritual. I just knew for some reason the neighbors could not know my Grandfather wore underwear. This was weird because all the grownup boys and the little boys in my family wore underwear, how sad, I thought, that the boys in those neighbor families didn’t wear underwear. When I told my brother my underwear thoughts, he said they must be Amish and not have metal zippers. We always went thru Lancaster County on the way to the grandparents and talked about the Amish all the time. My brother knew about boy parts and metal zippers.

To wash , Nana had this open type of agitator that would swish the clothes around. then we would take them and feed them thru this wringer thing on the top that she would swing around over the laundry tub.. As the washer would empty we (the wringer) would quish all the water out from the towels into the laundry tub, and make them flat as a board. Which Nana would grab and put into a metal tub that sat on a long wooden bench. I seem to think the washer would empty into a drain on the floor -because i remember alot of water on the floor. Then we would dump all the towels from the metal tub back into the washer and fill it with rinse water and it would agitate and we would quish them all again. We may have done that twice -I cant remember. But the whole time I helped and my Nana and I would talk and laugh and she even ‘glistened’ (ladies never perspired). Even when she glistened she smelled wonderful. Funny all my mother ever did was throw the clothes in the automatic washer and then the dryer, no fun.

With Nana it was alot of work but when it was done we would load all the towels in the wicker basket (I even had my own little basket) and take them up the steep stairs (sometimes she would ask my grandfather to carry it up for us) and out the basement door, under the Grape arbor, to the back yard. Then I would hand her towels or clothespins and knowing me, talking my fool head off. She would let me smell the sheets before we took them down and then smell the towels all wet. Then she would pull the line down for me to hang the wash cloths in my little basket, then she would say;” Thank you dear , I just couldn't have done it with out your help”, and then we would go in for breakfast. Me , I am quite sure, talking little girl nonsense the whole time.

When my Grandmother had her heart attack and stroke and my grandfather had to do the wash. My mother said the first thing he bought was an automatic washer and dryer. He apparently had been trying to convince my Grandmother for years to buy them.

But by that time ,most of the old neighbors had died or moved away and she was just to sick to ever care again about her wash being done and ready to hang .............

as she met the sun on wash day..

Westward Ho the Bucket List

Week 1 - Colorado - Denver -Vail-New Castle -Grand Junction

Hi just got back from a wonderful and exhausting 3 week trip west -saw a college roommate, Bonnie, and her husband, Paul, and spent some real one on one time with them and it was just like old times at Penn State. Saw three National Parks in Utah and drove on to Vegas, visited another friend and spent a 4 days at the Luxor. Whew!

My sister dropped me off at Philly airport /Frontier Airlines on Wednesday the 16th of July . Flew into Denver took a long walk and a short shuttle train ride to the baggage area / got my suitcase and went looking for the shuttle to drive me the two hours to Vail. Unfortunately it was dark and I didn't see much. We drove around the city and I saw where the Democratic Convention will be -well the area. Then we were off West -thru mountain road cuts and high elevations and I am the only one talking in the very full (7 with driver) Van shuttle. A nice man sitting next to me that was from CA but use to live in Vail and was visiting his married son who had had a bike accident? and was having an operation. He was very nice and answered all my tourist questions. But I will probably not pass this way again and even in the dark it was interesting. I told him I would say a prayer for his son's recovery. I cant imagine it in the winter snow -even in the summer it was a long 2 hour drive -I am glad someone else was driving.

Bonnie picked me up around midnight at the Vail Transportation Center we were about 10 min from her home. The next day, Thursday, we went to the top of Vail Mountain and saw the magnificent view and walked around town. Visited the museum for the WW II Ski Patrol that was trained there. Impressive. Friday we packed up the truck for another drive and I ended up with them about fours hours west of Denver and an hour east of Grand Junction, at their mountain log cabin.

Then I was on a real gravel road straight up the mountain but this was no rustic Daniel Boone cabin -more like Architectural Digest. Was I surprised . It was nothing like I imagined -total solar and propane, low flush toilet and cistern for water -Log house perched on the top of a mountain with views I could spend the rest of my days enjoying. This was Paul's dream since he was fourteen and WOW is the best description.

Saturday it was the 3rd annual picnic for all the mountain lot owners. I helped where i could and when Bonnie would let me -smile. But not even I or my super organized friend could anticipate the real estate broker/sponsor would forget to bring the hamburgers and Hot Dogs. An hour down the mountain and hour back to buy food, desserts eaten first, and lots and lots of laid back humor and good will - salvaged the picnic. Those that stayed, enjoyed a beautiful sunset together.

Sunday we did wash in a really neat little washer/.dryer that was in same compartment. I don't know how it worked but it did. It might have been from Australia? I think they use them in RVs. It was very cool. Paul, Bonnie and I also drove around all the mountain lots and checked to see if the gravel road committee (which just happens to be Bonnie, the realtor and Tim -an adorable neighbor) needed to have the roads graveled. Some of the roads to the lots were so steep I had to close my eyes. Paul drove. This is snow mobile country.

Monday we drove an hour down the mountain and an hour west to Grand Junction, CO. At the airport I rented, from Hertz, a little blue 4 cylinder Toyota for my BUCKET LIST Road Trip to three National parks and Las Vegas.

We said ours Goodbyes at lunch and I promptly got lost looking for a Wal-Mart to buy a ice cooler. Bonnie and Paul had given me a case of bottled water for my trip so of course I needed an ice chest. Which worked out wonderful -when I did find the store -it was near the interstate. I wasn't lost I was exploring the really nice town of Grand Junction. Yes, I would go back to visit Grand Junction for a longer time.

For six days I was treated wonderfully, safe with good friends, it was so very relaxing. Good thing because little did I know what was ahead.

A Fish Story -Bucket List

In 2006, I crossed ocean fishing off the BUCKET list -it was a riot of fun -but I do not think I want to EVER do this again. I had fish blood and fish puke - all over from head to sneaker and jumped in the shower after -with my glasses and sun glasses still on!

I fished in the 2006 Ladies Invitational Bluefish Tournament off of Atlantic City , NJ

My best friends sister was Vice President at the time (she is now President) and she helped me with all the arrangements and even set me up in a boat. I had no idea what I was getting myself into -i just knew I always wanted to go deep sea fishing.

The Blues fought like crazy -our heaviest one was 11.6 lbs and I don't think I caught it. The boat and the OCEAN never stopped moving all day except for a 20 min. lunch break!!!!!!!

I Started the day at 3am, met my (3) boat ‘TEAM” ladies at 5am/ Met the Captain ( FV Sea Gold?) at 6 am and we were fishing by 7 or 8 am-whenever the Tournament started. I sort of lost track because it took about an hour to get to the spot(?) in the Ocean that a thingie on the boat said some fish were under the boat. My team had been watching the local fishing reports and talking to locals and said the big fish were to the North of us and wanted to go there -but the Captain would not listen to them. Mutiny already? Turns out those ladies were right and the winning fish were caught right were they said the big blues were running.

I got to steer the boat twice and then I tangled the lines so badly the Captain had to cut them all and I was banned from driving.

The other three ladies and the captain had fished before and lots of stuff didn't make any sense -but who am I to question stuff -well ok I am robin and I question everything -but I was good -ok I was stoned on Dramamine but hey I was excited inside -it just never reached my facial expressions. But, I never got sick.

Because it was a tournament -no one can help you bring the fish ‘in’. My first blue hooked and I thought a whale was on my line and I almost went over the side of the boat! Man, are those little things strong. You wear this belt around your waist with a leather thing that holds the bottom of the rod in a little circle of leather-about at your ah lower tummy -below your navel.

Everyone was shouting directions -no one said don't fall out of the boat -but I picked up quick on that and the captain said don't loose my rod it costs over $500.00 . OH. We took turns -so every fourth time it was my turn to strap on the leather belt and pick up a rod (that I swear got heavier each time) and stand on the little rocking boat and try to catch a Blue. Have you ever seen a bluefish? they have a set of teeth like a four year old and by the end of the day I was slinging them in and out of the ice chest bins, in the bottom of the boat, by their gills -it was such a weird feeling. I touched a living thing’s gills. So by the third time up, I just wanted to go home and gave my turn away -a couple of times. Mostly to rest but once to go to the bathroom -oh “head“.

Now that was a riot -I am sitting down and now finished -so I try to get up -there are no bars to hang onto and the ‘head’ is very, very small -so every time I try to stand up the boat bounces down or up -anyway I was laughing in the head and in there so long -they were getting worried. I finally pushed myself up using the toilet and the walls.

Then tournament ended and I fell asleep on the way back. I was exhausted. I could never have done this if I hadn't been going to the gym for 2 years. What would it have been like to fish where the ‘big’ Blues were running? I was happy to learn that the fish were sold at a fish market in Philadelphia and the proceeds were donated back to the Charity Tournament Fund Raiser. I also heard that some of the Blues went to a local Kitchen that feeds the homeless.

I fought 5 fish and brought 3 into the boat. I lost two back to the ocean - after a good fight at the very end when I let my rod drop. I thought that was pretty good for the first time I ever went fishing. Some of the guys from the gym said I should have started with flounders in the back bays or on a party boat -but then, honestly, I probably NEVER would have gone on this adventure! LOL
Anyway, it was for a good cause and I am so very proud of myself for actually doing this very scary but very fun thing.

Curious about the Ladies Invitational Bluefish Fishing Tournament? http://www.fishlibt.com

This is a cut and paste from a 2006 article -I did not write this:“An interview in the AC Press, a local paper, with the then president B. Gates reported :The Ladies Invitational Bluefish Tournament event benefits the AtlantiCare Ruth Newman Shapiro Mobile Mammography Assistance Fund. In 2006 a record $60,000 was donated to the fund. The Bluefish Tournament raises money in a variety of ways for the Mobile Mammography Fund — from entry fees, corporate sponsors, raffle tickets throughout the year and donations. Helped by good weather, the tournament in 2006, attracted a record 69 boats and 315 women anglers. It helps women without insurance to receive a free mammogram, or get them on a sliding scale. No woman is turned away. The money really stays in Atlantic (and) Cape May (counties) and southern Ocean County, the route of the (the Mobile Mammography Unit).
The boat that caught the biggest single bluefish in weight, The Odds Maker, was the 2006 tournament winner and received the first prize of $1,600. The Odds Maker was captained by John Hartnett, and the anglers were Carole Goss, Carole Connelly, Jackie Moss and Marilyn Abrahms. The boat's top bluefish was 16.02 pounds. The Odds Maker also won the second prize of $1,100 with the day's second-heaviest bluefish, a 14.84- pounder. The top seven bluefish in weight received a cash prize.
The tournament was headquartered at the Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City, and at Seaview Harbor Marina in Great Egg Harbor Inlet in Longport. Fishing was within a 40-mile radius from the 1A Buoy in the Absecon Inlet.”

Family

Last night I went to an open air free concert sponsored by the Greater Wildwoods tourist authority and Coastal Broadcasting. The band was Changes in Latitudes a tribute band to Jimmy Buffett. No I am not a parrot head but i do like music and this band was great. The crowd was great /the food great (J. Otten Caribbean from CH -owned by a little girl, and her husband, from my street all grown up ,married with 2 children)/ beer on tap and a family crowd. Parents dancing with kids /kids dancing alone/beach ball pass/ FIREWORKS and well, just summer fun. Not much cigarette smoke, but I love the smell of cigar smoke and yes they were there also. The best part was picking up my cousin and his wife and Coast Guard son, in the Crest. We all had chairs and sat together /sang the songs /clapped and OK we all stood up and danced together too. smile The most expensive thing about this free concert was the parking (my cousin treated-I drove) $15.00 at the convention center -it was across the street from Fox Park and a great spot.

I spoke later to my best friend and he asked if I would have gone by myself and I said yes, but then i said; ' well, I would like to think yes but I don't know and I don't know if I would have had so much fun.' ( We never lie to each other). I am usually OK on my own and sometimes choose to spend Holidays by myself. This Holiday -July 4- I was feeling sort of lonely by myself. Oh I could have reached out to any one of my friends but I had just had a wonderful weekend past with my girl cousins and a girls only sleepover and then the big WONDERFUL family reunion - and didn't feel like it. I am the only unmarried/un-partnered older cousin and have always been OK with that -well mostly -but since I retired, I thought something is missing. I think I am to young to be retired and I am aware of my age for the first time. weird

Anyway , since the family reunion i realize -nothing is missing-i am exactly where I am supposed to be - in the midst of a warm and loving family. My bucket list keeps me pushing my comfort zone and doing things I always wanted to do.

So the question is could I have rocked on my own in WW in my Penn State collapsible chair?
I would like to think so - but ; I didn't have to .................................my family surrounded me.

It was a HOOT !

Creative Writing Class -Favorite Present

I cant think of one present that i can recall as being the best. I do remember one present that I really liked more than most. A Cinderella watch I got when I was 4 or 5. 1956 or 1957. My mothers youngest brother and his wife were home from Texas where he was stationed in the Army and she finished nursing school. I don't know if I had ever met them before , I am sure I had, but I didn't remember it. Their oldest daughter wasn't born until 1958, so i know they were childless at the time.
They were about 23 or 24, and seemed so strange to me. I remember I thought my aunt was a teenager, and had the most wonderful , really high curves in her feet. She wore these high spike heels which she kicked off and sat with her feet under her -on my Grandmother’s couch. My mother said she was family because she was her brothers wife, but I thought she must be a guest because NO ONE in the family was allowed to put there bare feet on the couch or sit on their feet.
Or maybe it was just family under six.
Anyway she smelled like perfume and was very gay and happy and everyone was happy because they were home and everyone was laughing. My Uncle brought his dog , a Great Dane, Sandy. The dog was as tall as my Uncle when it stood up and my Uncle was quite the tallest man I had ever seen. 6’4”. The only space the dog could lay down and still be in the room, with my Uncle, was in front of my Grandmothers baby grand piano. All the younger cousins would pet Sandy, But I was afraid. My Uncle would always talk quiet to me and hug me when i was close to him and so he bent down real close to me and took my hand and patted Sandy along with my hand. it was wonderful, scary and wonderful. I don't think I had ever touched such a large living thing before in my life.
Then it was time for presents they brought for the children. My two boy cousins and my brother and my girl cousin and me. It was close to my birthday so the grown ups said it was a birthday present for me. I wondered why the other kids got presents also. Then I opened the box and saw the Cinderella watch with the pink band. I loved it. My first watch. I had no idea how to tell time and my mother had been practicing with me -I now realized she must have suggested the gift.
I have no idea what the boys got -I am sure something from the PX exchange on base -my brother thinks it was a compass or a flashlight -something neat from Uncle. Our Connie, 2 years younger, didn't seem to appreciate the watch like I did. She was a spoiled only child that lived near my grandparents. We were all jealous of her that she could go to the Grandparents whenever she wanted. Connie decided she wanted Sandy the dog and we cousins were worried the grownups would give into her. But her mother said no. She was allergic to dogs and chocolate and anything else her mother didn't want her to have, or so it seemed to us kids. We were glad she didn't get Sandy. Now we all could love Sandy the dog when they visited. Connie grew up to be a wonderful, loving person and Mom. My brother still teases her about the chocolate.
I still have my Cinderella watch , now with a white band. It doesn't work, I don't think. I am getting rid of most of my stuff, downsizing. But I keep putting the watch to the back of my top drawer. I now realize the memories of that evening are just as precious as the watch. It makes me smile each time I see it.
I will have to ask Connie if she still has her Cinderella watch? But of course she does, no one in my family throws anything away!


I read this on the Avalon Library .org ipod writers site -you may be able to pull it up and listen to it -my computer will not make the link.

PS:
At the family reunion I asked Connie if she still had the watch -she didnt and barely remembers the watch or the occasion.. In fact when she read this story -she only wanted to know if she really was spoiled. I told her: not after her brother and sister were born. I love my family. I am so blessed.