Sunday Funday!

After a day or two of rest it was time to head out again. This time closer to home. Sunday Funday was a random trip to the Irish Bar in town with some new and old friends. I made a quick trip to hug my Aunties, one who had just landed from California, and headed back to my friends.

We were the loud people that no one likes in a bar/restaurant but we just didn’t care. We had a blast together, and our server loved us!

After buying some JoJo’s and hitting up Grants it was time to head home.

The evening ended with a delicious and entertaining dinner put on by my mother for a few guests. Dad did great on the dessert. I like telling and listening to jokes.

P is Getting Spontaneous

After sleeping in and making plans with a friend for Chili’s and a beer I went to visit my grandparents. After leaving my grandparents I received a text. For the first time in my friends life that I can remember she was spontaneous. I loved it! Instead of a relaxing night in CT we got dressed up and made our way to Boston. Once in Boston we hit up Eastern Standard for drinks and dinner and then Clink in the Liberty Hotel for more drinks and mingling. What a night, and what a city! The drive home the next day wasn’t so good, but it was worth it!

New York New York/ New Mommy for a Day

Because I am crazy as well as my mother and her best friend we decided to have a girls day to NY the day after I got home. Why not? Today my mommy was not my mommy and my auntie was not my auntie. We did a swap for the day to experience the Rockettes Christmas Show in style! Thank you auntie!!!!!!

We hired the driver and made our way into the city with almost no traffic at all. Our first stop was to The Plaza Condos/Hotel. It still looks beautiful but I loved the old set up better. The best changes were the shops that were added and the how they redid the basement to add these shops. I have now seen, what I think to be, the worlds fanciest food court.

We spent a few hours in the Plaza that morning. Between the Eloise store/party room, awesome hat shop, and designer headband counters we were happy. Well I was the happiest I could be stuck shopping. We dined in the Palm Court Restaurant which is not outrages for its location and being in NY. It is also a welcomed quite place in the city.

My Auntie, being the fabulous and generous woman she is, treated her adopted daughter to this great lunch and the show. (P.S. I love all my aunties). Before the show I took a walk in the park while the ladies headed to Bergdorf. What a beautiful day. Sun out and 60 plus degrees in November. Not the best weather for a Christmas show but for walking around its great. I got to see ice-skaters and saxophone players.

I now feel like a good United Statesian now that I have seen the Rockettes Christmas Show. This show is beautiful, fun, and a must see. My favorite outfit was the first one and favorite dance was possibly the drummer boy’s. I have never sat front row and thanks to auntie/mommy I have experienced it.

After the show we met up with the driver and headed to Bryant Park. I love Bryant Park, not shopping, but checking it out.

We headed out of the city and made our way home.

Just One Hour

All I wanted was one hour on the beach while in FL. Considering I did not have sun screen I thought that should be my limit. I know, I know, not smart. After breakfast at a diner/deli place, and an argument/ purchase of a towel, we were on the beach. Yay beach! There is nothing like sitting on the beach with perfect weather.

Side note, it is so weird to see Salvation Army Christmas collectors with bells in 80degree weather and palm trees. I did it once, but is still so weird.

After the beach we walked around downtown Delray, drove the A1A to do a drive by of The Breakers, saw City Place, and headed to Boynton Beach to visit a friend and supper. It was a relaxed afternoon, great dinner, and we had the best dessert of more fat free frozen yogurt.

Not wanting to leave Florida without seeing our family friend who missed out on dinner the night before we headed to his house. Some carrot cake was eaten and discussions had. It was a great ending to our trip.

We left the next morning bright and early to travel home. Well, once we finally made it through the rental car return line.

I Like Deli’s

Wake up and walk on the beach. What a great white sand beach. Tons to do, lots of room, a path, and at 9am not crowded at all. After we got a yummy yummy smoothie we headed to JR’s Deli. I freaken love delis and no one can do them like the Jewish can. Mmmmmmm.

Traveling along A1A we made our way up from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale. Got to see LOTS of hotels and apartments and some amazing houses. We cut inland to visit Morikami but had to stop for some awesome fat free frozen yogurt. Who cares if it is all chemicals, it’s yummy. What a beautiful place. I think I like Japanese Gardens more than Botanical Gardens . Along the way they had cultural stuff amongst the garden which was very informative. I liked it all and peeked in on a traditional tea ceremony. Too bad I couldn’t buy the vanilla cupcake made of towels for mommy. I like to learn new stuff. I just wish I retained info better.

After a quick freshening up at the hotel we were picked up by some old friends and went to dinner. It was really great to see them but a bummer the husband got called to work.

Bye Bye Keys, Hello Miami

Of course we had to stop at the southernmost tip of the U.S for a picture. Then making our way back up the same way we went down and it was still pretty. We made a brief stop at a flea market, tried to stop at some shops, and then got stuck in traffic in Miami. Lunch was had at a local diner in Key Largo and we were out of the keys. There are a few things I still want to do in the keys but they will have to wait until next time.

Before we could arrive in Miami I wanted to stop at the Fairchild Tropical Gardens. My luck I was in Coral Gables the one weekend a year they were having an event. Instead of seeing serene gardens I was able to experience a wonderful art, garden, and food show. The gardens didn’t seem very spectacular so maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

Miami seems like a cool city and it is HUGE! We spent our time in South Beach and that was fun. I got to see the ocean front hotel my grandfather used to own and that was way cool. We dined at Houstan’s in Coral Gables where I met a cousin for the first time and saw the Christmas light lined street. After dinner I walked around for over an hour on Ocean Drive just checking it out and people watching. I was surprised by the amount of people dining alone on a Saturday night on south beach at 11pm. Besides my grandfathers hotel all lit up my favorite was this one place where the security was so tough they wouldn’t allow people to stop and take a picture in front of it. Tough love.

To Key West We Go!!!

We awoke to drive. Slowly making our way down the keys occasionally stopping. Our first stop (besides the 7/11 to pee), was at the Coral Castle. The tour was a little too detailed and slow paced so we jumped off the tour to walk around. This place is amazing due to the science and impressive story behind it. Upon closer look it is really really cool but from far away you would never know the messy rocks are strategically carved objects.

Our next stop was at a local family style BBQ place that has been open for sixty years. I love places like this. Quick BBQ with lots of fried food.

We finally arrived in Key West after a beautiful two lane drive and seeing such lovely blue water. There was a mix up with the hotel so we ended at a not so fabulous hotel but it did the trick. Only bummer was that we got stuck in a smoking room. Oh well.

After checking in we made our way downtown to check it out. My first impressions were that I did not like the congestion. Roads are narrow, cyclist feel they are kings of the road, tourists on scooters think they are the shit, and they’re everywhere. After finding a lucky place to park it was Hemmingway House time.

I got to pet a seven toed cat and learned a lot about a very sad man. The house is nice but the compound is extremely impressive. I would love a beautiful open home with large pool and lushly landscaped grounds. Someday.

When the tour was finished we moved the car and began exploring the town by foot. Saw the shops, had an okay dinner in a great place, bought a t-shirt, and saw a boat show. The annual open water race boats were in town and were on display. What a crazy world. It would be cool to go for a ride in one of these babies. Talk about a rush.

We purchased a five dollar cookie and called it a night.

Sunny Florida, or Not

We arrived at 9pm so I did not get to see the sun. However, it was warm!!! We rented the car and hit the road. I couldn’t justify driving down to Key West and all the way back up again on the road trip since I had known so much of the Orlando area. Also, dad could always use a vacation. He had a few free flights to use so why not?

Day Of Rest

Because I am crazy I allowed myself one day in between trips. Just enough time to do some laundry, get a mani/pedi, write my blog, and pack again. The next morning I was off again. At least this time it would be warm.

I Got Stuck in a Hole

Mammoth Cave Wild Tour, Lexington, Old Frankfort Parkway, Dollar Movies, and Airport Luck

After my quick trip to Chicago I headed down to Kentucky to do some long awaited caving. I got to the airport and had some time before my friend could get to the airport. I was able to read, people watch, and fantasize about my life when I have my own private plane like the people at the Breeders Cup.

I was feeling like I caught a cold but didn’t let that slow things down. I had a good ride down to my friends, a delicious dinner with her family, and we called it an early(ish) night.

After some careful daylight savings/time change planning we made our way to Mammoth Cave, KY for the Wild Cave Tour. The three of us could not wait. After being suited up it was finally time to crawl. After years of wanting to do this tour, and failed attempts in June, it was time. We crawled for awhile, caught our breath, wiggled through an S curve and went through Bears Hole. This is where I got stuck. My little legs could not grip the gravel below me. After a few self doubting thoughts, and a little embarrassment I made it. Slowly I went side to side, tried to be pulled, went side to side some more, had a boost, used my elbows, had another boost and I was through.

After lunch underground one man bailed on the group and we continued another 4 miles 270ft below the surface. When I am rich I will buy out the tour for a few friends and me. People actually have done this because it’s amazing how much more you can do in a small group. A good portion of the tour is waiting for others to crawl and get through small holes. We had an interesting group. After the army crawl of my life we made it out of no mans pass. It’s amazing how quick six hours can pass underground.

After our drive back we went to my friends church life group, which was an experience. I am very glad they let me partake but have some opinions I’ll keep private. We went to feed the dogs but due to no furnace ended up back in Versailles, not Lexington.

I love the Old Frankfurt Parkway and the fact that my friend is used to driving it so we can go quick.

Man was I sore Monday. My cold was pretty bad the night before so my abs hurt from coughing. I hadn’t crawled in a while so the knees weren’t looking too nice. The worst was where I fell off the horse. I am too young to be this out of shape!

Luckily Monday was a relax day. I watched my friend interpret a shortened play version of Anne Frank’s Diary and walked around the Frankfort Historical District. Afterwards we relaxed in the cold house with the dogs and then headed to our back to back movie selections. I still loves this theater. For three dollars each we saw The Switch, and Toy Story 3 in theaters. Because it was Monday we could have bought a drink and popcorn for $2.50. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. I love this theater and every city needs one like it.

The night came to a close at Abuelos for dinner. We fed the puppies and headed back to the farm.

Tuesday was an early rise and I prepared myself for some time at the Lexington airport. What a cute airport. Luckily the guy at the Security check point was too informed and wouldn’t let me through with my travel document. I had to go back to check in and that’s when the magic happened. My original flight was overbooked so they complexly changed my plans. No waiting two hours in Lexington, no layover in Chicago and I got home three hours earlier than planned!

After a good dinner at home, laundry done, and planning for Florida made, it is nice to rest.

A Free Flight

If you can, when asked at an airport, especially O’Hare, you should take the bump. I received a four hundred dollar travel voucher, night in a great hotel, a little money to spend, and time with my friends. With that I was able to make a trip back out to Chicago and Kentucky. I would have to change planes in Chicago anyways so why not spend a few nights to see my friends.

Once in town I got to hang out with my favorite family in Willowbrook and some famous animals. I hung around a few barns, rode a good horse, got a great shake, saw Uncle Bob, walked around the North Side of Chicago, fell off a good horse, and hung out with my friends. Besides my friend not feeling well, and being neglected at a restaurant after waiting over two hours, the trip was great. We all wanted to call Tango Sur and complain about their horrible system and organizational skills. Who cares how popular a restaurant is, they should have a good system in place. I was glad to see us all patient so patient but enough was enough. We ended the night at the Piggery and I would recommend that bar/restaurant over a place who had no respect for its clients. Boo Tangosur.

All in all another great trip to the Chicago area. Thanks Cass and Hills

To Boston

While my friend Vinnie was studying I took the train into Boston. I visited Quincy Market, Nathaniel Hall, some other places, and pretty much just walked around the city for the night. Around 9pm it got rather chilly and I made my way back to Waltham to meet Vinnie and her classmates for a drink. I forgot how much I love Boston and it’s nice to see it is getting more diverse!

The next day I slept late in the nice hotel, visited the Jacuzzi, took a walk, and entered a very busy Costco. Since my cell phone died I thought it better to wait in the lobby than venture out for food. I love that while Vinnie is studying on Friday night and Saturdays I have the option to take the drive in and play.

The evening was not over yet. Once back in CT I got ready for a very important 60th birthday party. I had never been to The Wood N Tap in Hartford and got to see tons of people I have not seen in literally years. After a little wine and a lot of mingling the day was over. Good times and a great Halloweens Eve.

Why not spend Halloween moving out of Newport, it was a Sunday. At least kids were polite when they got full size candy bars.

Thanks P

Today I put up an electric fence, visited a winery, and dined at Morton’s Steakhouse in Hartford for the first time in my life. I rather like my life. Thanks P.

The CIA

Vanderbilt House, CIA, Hyde Park, Small Town, New Shoes

After being home for a few days, it was time to head out again. It was VERY nice to do laundry and rest a little. Some small country drives were made and a forced trip to the mall. Although cranky I left with some comfy shoes (that will hopefully not blister me) and a few new winter sweaters.

I had always wanted to eat at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. I checked their hours and made a day of it with mom and a friend. Having passed on the Vanderbilt House earlier in the month I thought it would be perfect to combine to the two activities.

Luckily for all of us I had a National Parks Pass and we did not have to pay entrance for the tour. We spent awhile in the gift shop (they had a great selection of fun books) and took the tour. Like all Vanderbilt houses it was gorgeous. Our Ranger guide Uncle Bob had an interesting way of speaking and presenting information but I liked how we got to explore. If I had a detailed question he would answer it instead of having to hear a lot of facts I didn’t care about. We all enjoyed the tour and grounds very much but it was time to eat.

The American Bistro was closed that day so I chose the Apple Pie Bakery Café over a fancy Italian Restaurant. The Hyde Park area has some beautiful college campuses and this one was no exception. After waiting in line we ordered our feast and then went to enjoy. Some food was amazing like the potato salad and other food was just really yummy, like my sandwich. All in all it was definitely worth the drive. I don’t know if the two hour drive for food alone is worth it but it helps that there are two National Parks nearby.

We ended the day winding through gorgeous back roads of New York. We stopped briefly in Rhinebeck to walk around and see “America’s Oldest Inn.” We’ve decided they all say that so how can you actually know? I guess it doesn’t matter that much. The history and oldness of the buildings are cool to see.