Today we begin our adventure to Mexico! Just a trip to Chicago today to catch a flight tomorrow morning. I'm finally getting excited and am looking forward to some exploring and making some new memories.
It occurs to me this is the first vacation in 11 years that Guy and I will be on our own. The last decade we have had one or all of our children with us on our excursions...they definitely liven up the reality but hopefully Guy and I will remember what we do when we are alone!
Hoping to get to Tulum and Chichen Itza and a day excursion out to Isla Mujeres! This may be our only trip to Cancun (we don't usually repeat vacations) so these are my "hope we can make it work" day trips!
Our concierge at the hotel has been in contact and extremely helpful, you have to love people who still know what customer service is really about!
The weather looks great, maybe a little rain on Saturday but average temperature will be in the 80's.
Guy is already threatening shenanigans and Taylor encourages his whimsy but fingers crossed he will keep his clothes on. Lordy!
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Stung on the TONGUE
Yesterday was fabulous! Our visit to Lily Dale was really powerful. We could feel the energy almost as soon as we started our exploring. The town itself is quite quaint and everyone there is on a spiritual quest. We spent sometime at Inspiration Stump where multiple mediums would stand surrounded by a natural cathedral of trees and call out to random people with messages. The peacefulness of this place is hypnotic and we were physically and mentally exhausted when we leave.
Grabbed a sandwich at a renowned deli and stopped at the lake and ate. We could barely drag ourselves into the cabin and both of us napped. We woke refreshed and it was about 5:15 p.m.. We thought a wine tasting would be a great idea. We called one of the local wineries, Mazza, and 5 minutes later we were ready to try some vino. The wine was really quite good and as we switched from whites to red, I grabbed a cracker. The minute it hit my mouth I felt a burning sensation like no other! I coughed the cracker out along with a BEE! Venom all over my mouth and my poor tongue was pierced by the stinger! OUCH is not sufficient, poor Amy was so upset I thought she might be physically ill. As soon as I could speak I requested everyone stop fussing and toughed out 3 different kinds of red wine. A lesser woman may have given up but I was resolute and we bought our bottles, sat for a real glass of wine on the patio and headed to the grocer for supplies for our evening repast.
No sooner was my bottle of water empty that I realized how badly my mouth really felt. I make an emergency stop for cold water and downed two bottles in less than 20 minutes, the chill was what was alleviating the pain. Once we were back at the cottage Amy went into caretaker mode where I had 3 different kinds of beverages on ICE along with a glass full of just ICE.
Still having some burning sensation today but is localized and feels like I burned the tip of my tongue. If this is the only mishap on this trip I will be grateful.
I am a little leery of flying insects today but am sure this will pass.
Stay tuned, I promise to post our time in Port Huron, Niagara and more cottage and Lily Dale.
Grabbed a sandwich at a renowned deli and stopped at the lake and ate. We could barely drag ourselves into the cabin and both of us napped. We woke refreshed and it was about 5:15 p.m.. We thought a wine tasting would be a great idea. We called one of the local wineries, Mazza, and 5 minutes later we were ready to try some vino. The wine was really quite good and as we switched from whites to red, I grabbed a cracker. The minute it hit my mouth I felt a burning sensation like no other! I coughed the cracker out along with a BEE! Venom all over my mouth and my poor tongue was pierced by the stinger! OUCH is not sufficient, poor Amy was so upset I thought she might be physically ill. As soon as I could speak I requested everyone stop fussing and toughed out 3 different kinds of red wine. A lesser woman may have given up but I was resolute and we bought our bottles, sat for a real glass of wine on the patio and headed to the grocer for supplies for our evening repast.
No sooner was my bottle of water empty that I realized how badly my mouth really felt. I make an emergency stop for cold water and downed two bottles in less than 20 minutes, the chill was what was alleviating the pain. Once we were back at the cottage Amy went into caretaker mode where I had 3 different kinds of beverages on ICE along with a glass full of just ICE.
Still having some burning sensation today but is localized and feels like I burned the tip of my tongue. If this is the only mishap on this trip I will be grateful.
I am a little leery of flying insects today but am sure this will pass.
Stay tuned, I promise to post our time in Port Huron, Niagara and more cottage and Lily Dale.
Downtown, Chinatown, the Harbor and Kensington, or Why I LOVE TORONTO
Anyone who has had time to wander Toronto will understand why I will hopefully visit again.
Our hotel was right downtown and we walked everywhere. Such a beautiful city, here like some other big cities have incorporated ART into the urban landscape and it is a delight around almost every corner.
First night there we wander to the CN Tower, we think we will go up and have a cocktail. The man at the gate tells us it is only a 90 minute wait. Amy and I look at each and realize we are much to thirsty and I dislike waiting in line for anything. We say adieu to the CN Tower and head straight to the harbor, which is magnificent. We muse how wonderful it would be if Milwaukee had a waterfront like this! We stop at an Irish Pub with outside seating and marvel at the boats, people, dogs, kids and vendors. We are soon joined by Janna, who is in the city to pick up some Dulcimer CD's. We are intrigued and he is an interesting character who quickly becomes a compatriot and shows us a wonderful time and tells us about the city! We are in our element and soon 3 gentlemen at a table next to us are joining in the fun. Chaz, Steven and Mike are a hoot! Chaz is totally in jester mode and has a laughing until we cry! I do comment however that I have shoes that are older than they are and wonder why they aren't looking for more age appropriate comraderie. They love us and do not want to hear any advice. We leave them to their bottle service, vodka, and know they will make the blog.
The next morning we are ready to really do some exploring and Chinatown is a quick hop from our hotel. Always so interesting and familiar. Whether it is San Francisco, Amsterdam, Liverpool or London Chinatown is CHINATOWN. Fresh meat hanging in windows, fresh produce and vendors galore. Our real goal is Kensington so we make our way out of Chinatown and we are definitely with our compadres. Kensington is an extremely eclectic neighborhood with restaurants, bars, shops. People sit outside and there is music everywhere. We visit a few interesting stores and then we meet Carlos! He is wonderful and helps us navigate Kensington. His shop is fabulous and I find a moonstone necklace, I am ecstatic. I have been searching for just the right one for more than a year and it is perfect for this trip. Moonstone is for travelers, and I have miles to make before I am home.
Home, of course when I am on an adventure I want everyone I love to be with me, and then I realize that it is probably better to just wish they were here. I miss Guy and the kids and make a phone call. That will suffice and I feel like some more exploring.
Niagara on the Lake and the Falls are next.
Our hotel was right downtown and we walked everywhere. Such a beautiful city, here like some other big cities have incorporated ART into the urban landscape and it is a delight around almost every corner.
First night there we wander to the CN Tower, we think we will go up and have a cocktail. The man at the gate tells us it is only a 90 minute wait. Amy and I look at each and realize we are much to thirsty and I dislike waiting in line for anything. We say adieu to the CN Tower and head straight to the harbor, which is magnificent. We muse how wonderful it would be if Milwaukee had a waterfront like this! We stop at an Irish Pub with outside seating and marvel at the boats, people, dogs, kids and vendors. We are soon joined by Janna, who is in the city to pick up some Dulcimer CD's. We are intrigued and he is an interesting character who quickly becomes a compatriot and shows us a wonderful time and tells us about the city! We are in our element and soon 3 gentlemen at a table next to us are joining in the fun. Chaz, Steven and Mike are a hoot! Chaz is totally in jester mode and has a laughing until we cry! I do comment however that I have shoes that are older than they are and wonder why they aren't looking for more age appropriate comraderie. They love us and do not want to hear any advice. We leave them to their bottle service, vodka, and know they will make the blog.
The next morning we are ready to really do some exploring and Chinatown is a quick hop from our hotel. Always so interesting and familiar. Whether it is San Francisco, Amsterdam, Liverpool or London Chinatown is CHINATOWN. Fresh meat hanging in windows, fresh produce and vendors galore. Our real goal is Kensington so we make our way out of Chinatown and we are definitely with our compadres. Kensington is an extremely eclectic neighborhood with restaurants, bars, shops. People sit outside and there is music everywhere. We visit a few interesting stores and then we meet Carlos! He is wonderful and helps us navigate Kensington. His shop is fabulous and I find a moonstone necklace, I am ecstatic. I have been searching for just the right one for more than a year and it is perfect for this trip. Moonstone is for travelers, and I have miles to make before I am home.
Home, of course when I am on an adventure I want everyone I love to be with me, and then I realize that it is probably better to just wish they were here. I miss Guy and the kids and make a phone call. That will suffice and I feel like some more exploring.
Niagara on the Lake and the Falls are next.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sunrise over Lake Michigan, sunset on Lake Huron
Friday morning we are up at 3:30 a.m. and heading to the Ferry at 4:45, Amy and Maggie meet me on their sidewalk, they are ready to load up and get going! We stood on the ferry and watched the sunrise over the lake, it is dramatic and we were excited to get moving.
The ferry is great. We have families and Harley riders and men on bicycles, a nice diverse group. The Harley riders start conversing with a woman who grew up in Niagara Falls and I eavesdrop with interest, taking notes for our time there.
Off the boat and on to Detroit to leave Maggie with her Aunt Kit! Long drive but we are curious to see if Mary, Kit's daughter, has brought the new baby "James" into the world. She was on day 3 of labor. We stop at the hospital and the baby has yet to make an appearance. Kit leads us to Kaysie's house and Maggie and Charlotte run to each other like long lost pals, squealing and hugging, it is heartwarming. Charlotte is Kaysies' oldest daughter, she is 7 and she is darling. Little Flora is 1 and cute as a button. We leave Maggie in "girl heaven" and we make our way to Port Huron for the night.
The Thomas Edison Inn, is much nicer than their web-site and my room looks out at the bay. Giant cargo ships and smaller recreational boats are constantly giving me a lot to watch.
Have to go...will definitely blog about the Port Huron escapade soon.
The ferry is great. We have families and Harley riders and men on bicycles, a nice diverse group. The Harley riders start conversing with a woman who grew up in Niagara Falls and I eavesdrop with interest, taking notes for our time there.
Off the boat and on to Detroit to leave Maggie with her Aunt Kit! Long drive but we are curious to see if Mary, Kit's daughter, has brought the new baby "James" into the world. She was on day 3 of labor. We stop at the hospital and the baby has yet to make an appearance. Kit leads us to Kaysie's house and Maggie and Charlotte run to each other like long lost pals, squealing and hugging, it is heartwarming. Charlotte is Kaysies' oldest daughter, she is 7 and she is darling. Little Flora is 1 and cute as a button. We leave Maggie in "girl heaven" and we make our way to Port Huron for the night.
The Thomas Edison Inn, is much nicer than their web-site and my room looks out at the bay. Giant cargo ships and smaller recreational boats are constantly giving me a lot to watch.
Have to go...will definitely blog about the Port Huron escapade soon.
Daybreak at the lake
We are here! Lake Chautauqua,New York, the sunrise over the lake was stunning, and two rowboats are making their way to a favorite fishing spot. We have a gang of ducks searching for breakfast and tipping their "fannies" into the air, we are charmed.
Long day leaving Toronto yesterday, we LOVE Toronto. The city and people will be long in my memory, more on this later.
Our hostess at the cottage is Julie Holland, couldn't be nicer or cuter. She met us on the road last night and escorted us to cottage #7. Our new "digs" are perfect. We have a large screened porch, then our main living area/kitchen, two bedrooms flank the back and a sweet bathroom. The cottage is all white and green, we are feeling at home. That being said, we made short work of getting settled, and make a fabulous meal of jerk shrimp over a bed of pasta with "summer" sauce, a little wine and we are headed for bed.
We will go to Lily Dale today, and are anxious to get a feel for the place. If you aren't familiar with Lily Dale,you can google some info, this is going to be pretty interesting.
Amy is working out (she has been able to run every morning) YEAH AMY!
We finally have internet and I promise to catch up and give you a run down, of our crossing to Michigan on the Ferry, Detroit, Port Huron, Toronto, Niagara on the Lake and our stop in Niagara Falls.
This trip has been remarkable and magical and we are at the halfway point of our excursion with 5 days until we are home!
Long day leaving Toronto yesterday, we LOVE Toronto. The city and people will be long in my memory, more on this later.
Our hostess at the cottage is Julie Holland, couldn't be nicer or cuter. She met us on the road last night and escorted us to cottage #7. Our new "digs" are perfect. We have a large screened porch, then our main living area/kitchen, two bedrooms flank the back and a sweet bathroom. The cottage is all white and green, we are feeling at home. That being said, we made short work of getting settled, and make a fabulous meal of jerk shrimp over a bed of pasta with "summer" sauce, a little wine and we are headed for bed.
We will go to Lily Dale today, and are anxious to get a feel for the place. If you aren't familiar with Lily Dale,you can google some info, this is going to be pretty interesting.
Amy is working out (she has been able to run every morning) YEAH AMY!
We finally have internet and I promise to catch up and give you a run down, of our crossing to Michigan on the Ferry, Detroit, Port Huron, Toronto, Niagara on the Lake and our stop in Niagara Falls.
This trip has been remarkable and magical and we are at the halfway point of our excursion with 5 days until we are home!
Monday, August 15, 2011
WOW Disaster with no internet
Good morning All. Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, we have been experiencing INTERNET HELL.
We are having breakfast at Starbucks in the Beaches neighborhood of Toronto as we head for Niagara Falls. WE LOVE Toronto!
Will post more later.
Having a blast!
Amy and I have been experiencing bouts of hilarity (big surprise).
We are having breakfast at Starbucks in the Beaches neighborhood of Toronto as we head for Niagara Falls. WE LOVE Toronto!
Will post more later.
Having a blast!
Amy and I have been experiencing bouts of hilarity (big surprise).
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Packing for the "p"act
I have to give props to Jill for helping me with the title for this grand adventure, her "sister act" suggestion definitely got my creative spirit going. Thanks to all the other suggestions, Sean's were "broads abroad", "childless road trip of peace", (definitely gave Amy and I a moment of realization),"4 wheels, 2 girls, and 1 good time traveling" and "Amy and Paula's Fantastic Voyage." Of course I looked to my cohorts at MU for help and oddly enough (or just plain spooky), Tom Quinn quipped, with no pause, "Milwaukee Broads Abroad", quickly followed by Doug Hynes, "Milwaukee Broads Broadcasting Abroad!" Very interesting!
We are counting down for this grand adventure and on Friday morning we will board the Lake Express Ferry at 5:15 a.m. with Miss Maggie. So here's our itinerary, such as it is: Ferry to Muskegon, we will continue to Detroit where we will leave Miss Mags with her Aunt Kit. Continue to Port Huron Michigan for the night and stay at the Thomas Edison Inn. I have booked Tom and Ron there so many times that I absolutely have to see this place. We head to Toronto on Saturday for two days and then a stop at Niagara Falls before we land at Chautauqua Lake where we will spend 4 days in cottage #7. If you want to check out our digs the web-site is www.irwinbaycottages.com/. We have already sent our necessities to Julie (our host) in a UPS box. On to Cleveland where I am hoping to see Edna Basurto, a favorite student, who has graduated and is doing service work there. Next stop the Plant Peddler, check out this web-site, http://www.pplantpeddler.com/, this will be a blast (more on that later), then to Sandusky, Put-in-Bay, and our last night before we are back in Detroit to collect Maggie and then to Muskegon to catch the Ferry and enjoy the last day of Irish Fest! We will travel over 1000 miles and probably have just as many laughs.
Now I need to finish packing and get organized, gratefully there is no weight limit so I can pack without editing.
I will update when I can, hopefully daily, so stay tuned.
We are counting down for this grand adventure and on Friday morning we will board the Lake Express Ferry at 5:15 a.m. with Miss Maggie. So here's our itinerary, such as it is: Ferry to Muskegon, we will continue to Detroit where we will leave Miss Mags with her Aunt Kit. Continue to Port Huron Michigan for the night and stay at the Thomas Edison Inn. I have booked Tom and Ron there so many times that I absolutely have to see this place. We head to Toronto on Saturday for two days and then a stop at Niagara Falls before we land at Chautauqua Lake where we will spend 4 days in cottage #7. If you want to check out our digs the web-site is www.irwinbaycottages.com/. We have already sent our necessities to Julie (our host) in a UPS box. On to Cleveland where I am hoping to see Edna Basurto, a favorite student, who has graduated and is doing service work there. Next stop the Plant Peddler, check out this web-site, http://www.pplantpeddler.com/, this will be a blast (more on that later), then to Sandusky, Put-in-Bay, and our last night before we are back in Detroit to collect Maggie and then to Muskegon to catch the Ferry and enjoy the last day of Irish Fest! We will travel over 1000 miles and probably have just as many laughs.
Now I need to finish packing and get organized, gratefully there is no weight limit so I can pack without editing.
I will update when I can, hopefully daily, so stay tuned.
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