Best/Worse/What did I learn today..visit with friends #116

Nope....never been much of anywhere! OHHHH I am soooo excited. Both of those sound wonderful! I was in the back seat of parents car....driving through Nashville as a young girl....maybe 9...and again 14....and so wanted out to see it all.

Well Debbie, if we didn't stop to sleep, one drive, the other sleep and visa versa, just think all the sightseeing we could do...lol
Sleep is overated anyway..

LOL Betty don't let me forget my PJ's, if I'm going to forget something other than my camera it's going to be the PJ's. I Love pj parties!

Be back in a minute.

ROFL on the sleep. I am doing the google Nashville search also. Seems like the town never closes.


I

The Holiday Inn me, mom, and Dad used to stay at in the 80's every time we visited Nashville, which was 3 different times, we stayed there. LOL! It's still a Holiday Inn and has been completely redone, the outside of the building used to be silver, now it's beige, here, take a look

http://www.hotels.com/property.do?position=0&searchMtmPropertySupplierId=&propertyIdsToCompareString=&COMonth=8&PSRC=OT2&TSRC=1&numrooms=1&searchType=&usertypedcity=Opryland&alternateSell=&hotelName=Holiday+Inn&acDestinationId=BCE14EF6-AA2B-4929-B2DA-A189830027C4&newLandmarkDestID=BCE14EF6-AA2B-4929-B2DA-A189830027C4&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&COYear=2009&CODay=2&paging=1&acDestinationType=2&searchID=ABA8A203-FCC0-0912-2C52-437BCB901E11&CIYear=2009&mtnHotelID=279051&destination=BCE14EF6-AA2B-4929-B2DA-A189830027C4&roomOccupancyString=1||2|0|0&CIDay=1&sortBy=PROXIMITY&s=1&CIMonth=8

It's as dark as night here, absolutely pouring, and we just had a lightning bolt come between our building and the building across the street, that was a little loud!

Yup, that Holiday Inn is as nice as it used to be, and the lobby is still the same, just different colors. Doing a little reminiscing here.

Debbie you are going to have a ball in Memphis, I guarantee it. I just went for the first time 2 weekends ago. Memphis is a mini Nashville, except being all about the country music it's all about blues and 50's music. You'll love it. There's a slew of different tours you can take that tells you all about the history and drives you around, plus the zoo, botanical garden, some other garden, and many, many other things to see and do, it's incredible.

Debbie,
I can't believe you are so excited about Nashville. I just know you are going to love this trip. I am so used to Nashville and Memphis, I don't get very excited about either of them, but I can see how they would be fun for the first time. When Opryland was still there, we took the kids to that fun park at least once or twice a month, and there were so many great music shows included. I loved that place and hated to see it close. I don't go to the shopping center that is now in its place, because it is the same as every other shopping center. But I do like to go now and then for the music and for the fun down near the riverfront. And of course, I fly out of Nashville when I am going a long distance. I have a favorite motel there, where I can leave my car and they will take me to the airport and come pick me up with no parking hassle. That's part of the ease of flying out of Nashville, not having to leave my car in a parking lot. The motel has security, so I feel like my car is safe, and so far it always has been.

Not much entertainment around here, except the beauty of both lakes, but we'll find something to do. There is an extraordinary fabric shop, that is the center of all the hubbub during Quilt Show time in April. Betty will love it, don't know if Debbie is into fabric or not, but they also have other things for crafts and hobbies. And then there is Hobby Lobby, and Cracker Barrel...so I am sure we'll find something to do.
Might be at a point in time when they both are ready for a break and in that case, this is a good place to crash. My cats and I are very quiet.

Looking forward to it, ladies....just be safe in your travels.

Ohhh Sharran, I love cats! I love being by the water, grew up on the gulf of Mexico and miss it so much. And I love fabric shops. I don't sew well...but I am learning. I want to make a quilt someday out of my Moms clothes...but all I have are sweatshirt type things left. They are the pretty colors and cute pictures on them that is totally her I remember. And as long as I have my camera...I can make fun anywhere!

I will be happy for some down time...and am very flexible. I suppose you being excited about Nashville...is me being excited about Niagara Falls type. LOL

Yes, same thing. I grew up just north of Knoxville and that area, so that side of Tennessee is very familiar, now for almost 40 years I have lived near Nashville...so nothing new to me there. But you might like some down time right about then...we'll do whatever you want and need to do.

Sharon, you know Betty is going to run me ragged (smile) can't tie that woman down.

Yep!!! But I am older than she is, so she has to listen to me sometimes.
However, I have been known to run nonstop quite often, too.

I remember when Opryland closed, not too awfully long ago, I loved Opryland, Loved It!! The first time we went we stayed 10 days, skipped a year then went back for two weeks, still hadn't seen everything Nashville had to see so we skipped another year then went back for 3 weeks. We finally saw everything on that trip. Whew! Of course we traveled around too, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, the whole State of Tennessee, Indiana, oh I need a map lol, almost went to the Virginia's but ran out of time. On the first trip we didn't travel much out of Nashville, the second trip we went to Indianapolis and Kentucky, the third trip we went everywhere Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, S. Carolina and N. Carolina. That's the trip we almost went up into the Virginia's but found our three weeks were up.

I'm used to being run ragged, Dave's like 4 people in one body! He says it's because he's Taurus on Gemini cusp, I'm sorry but there's more than one set of Gemini's in that body.

This message was edited Jul 29, 2009 4:29 PM

You guys are all too cute..

Not used to big grocery orders but got it done, am sure Cathy won't starve plus I made arrangements at the variety store that anything she needs she can put on a bill and I'll pay for it when I get home..makes it easy and convenient..lordy should have done same at the Pizza Palace restaurant and I'd not have to have bought groceries for her sp that's done with..



I washed my vehicle, omg was so white with dust as they are doing all the back concessions and with the rain you can well imagine ..I no sooner finished washing it and thought now why didn't I wait till tomorrow..I have to travel those roads to work in the a.m.

Shar, love seeing all kinds of country, haven't spent a whole lot of time in Kentucky so it will be thrilling regardless what we do..as you say, might need some down time..I'm travelling with a young one..lol

Going to tidy a few things around here and hopefully within the hour or so my guys will drop in so we can have a nice gab session before I go..

Talked to mom late this afternoon..she said she was in bed all week just not feeling well..says she's tired of not feeling good..told her as I said somewhere on the threads this a.m. - alternative isn't very good...

Best I get a move on..

Smile

The American Medical Association weighs in on the proposed Healthcare Plan

Apparently the American Medical Association has weighed in on the president's new health care package....

The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.

The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception. Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.

Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.

Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter."

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were peed off at the whole idea.

The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the butts in Washington.

Tubby...too cute..you wonder who writes these things..as soon as a subject somes up somebody has a poem or a joke...thanks for sharring

Was humid this aft. but seems to be cooling down, nice for sleeping..

Talked to the boys, they were having supper in Coburg, guess Kyle and Jeff were a little longer to make the last bit of the trip..Greg said they'd be late, still near a 3 hr. drive I think .. told them I'd wait up..welll maybe not quite wake up, I'll lay on the couch and rest my eyes till they get here...

Trisha, did you get the heat you thought you would have today..was listening to the news and they were mentioning your area and said that every fan regardless of the size had been sold out...hope you are cool and comfortable..don't be doing anything while it's that hot...

Coming home, 15 day adventure completed...

You never see Jeff without a Timmy's in his hand..bet he was thrilled to see this coffee shop

OMG...the finish line...looks a bit worn out..wonder why?

Kyle's 1st lake...

Betty, I bet he is so happy to be on dry land! Wonder if he will sleep in a bit tomorrow. LOL

Betty - faithful lurker here but I wish I had known Jeff and Kyle were going to be at Lake Ontario Park. We would have scooted down and brought them back here for a good home cooked meal and even a warm dry bed if they wished to stay. My DH and I have been following Jeff's Blog and enjoyed every stroke of the paddle. You must be so proud of those 2 boys!
Enjoy your trip with Debbie.... take good care of her please, I want to see Debbie have a blast and let her hair down a bit even if she has a funny tan!
Dianne

Hello To All;

Another good day at work...I made my first sale! So I was excited up until about 4pm ...back at office and trying to input the order and completely not understanding their system....then that negative talk picks back up...WHY can't I 'get this'....but hey.....it's just my second week...right?

Liz - I think I remember eating at Fishermans Wharf as a child! Lived in Sacramento from Kindergarten through 5th grade....and we visited around the area a lot...do you think it's the same one?

Tubby - I dmailed you! LOVE the Medical Funny ! Will send on later....

Betty - Well selling is the same but I have to learn TV...since I don't really watch TV (I'm on the computer!) I think it's going to take me a little extra time to learn...

DS in Band Camp this week, DD1 at Dance team camp, DD2 just 'hanging out" ...school starts 8/7...crazy...on a FRIDAY! This Saturday is the Band Car Wash...then a Pool Party at our house immediately after.... :)

I have a Tim Hortons coffee mug somewhere around here....from my trip 23 years ago!

Who is on this wonderful trip....and will we still have posters on ? Or will the thread come to a complete stop? If you all don't have time...you could possibly appoint a "Reporter" to tell us about what you are all doing?

Sharran - They closed Opryland? I remember singing there in Middle School! (Okay - it was a choir competition...I was with the middle school choir...)

We sang at the Roy Acuff Theatre..... :)

Debbie - (Triplet) where did you live near the Gulf of Mexico? I lived there growing up as well....you probably left before I moved there....

Hugs to all,

will check back in a bit.....

Mary

Mary, school starts August 7th? Are they nuts! Ours doesn't start until Sept. 3rd I believe...then they get Monday off for Labor day anyway.

I was born in Florida, lived in Venice area until I was 14. The beach was my get away, my saving grace in life...let me forget everything. I miss it so very much, the smell of salt water...and the sand on the feet, picking sea shells.

Dianne, now, you are not being very nice talking about my Ooompa Loompa tan like that! Good heavens, I have scrubbed my legs...LOL They are going to need sunglasses if I end up in capri or shorts with these white legs.

I finally started working on my laundry. So hopefully will be set tomorrow.

I think I need to turn in early tonight. Another day of finishing things up, getting food in the house for DH & kids....and making sure the animals are set also. DH has his sleep follow up....not sure I am going up there with him or not...but probably will.

Debbie

(((HUGS))) Debbie! We definitely ARE Twins... (Or Triplets...eh.....Judy!).....There is something about the BEACH that completely relaxes me.... I just LOVE the sound of it...

Will miss a beach vacation this year...but maybe next year...If all works well... (well - we went in April but doesn't count, right?)

Yes kids start 8/7....they do get a 3 day weekend Labor day...would be nice to do a beach visit if that is a work vacation as well...

Hugs,
Mary

Welcome Dianne, yep the boys just left here, I can sleep better knowing they are safe..all going to Greg's for hot-tub I decided as I was half asleep that I'd bow out...got to tell you the cutest...

Jeff, 39, good looking guy, musical, great job, everything going for him..gone, away from civilization, no female companinship..ho hum....

So we're sitting and he's just on a 'high' from the trip, gab/gab/gab so I say "Jeff, are you going to be home tomorrow night, up for company, I'll come and spend the night'

This being said because I'd be 1 1/2 hrs. closer to the border so when I leave on Friday morning I can be across the border in just about 1 /2..

Jeff says quietly " yes, I'll be home mom'

LOOKS at his brother who says....

"mom, he's up for female company but NOT his mom, he already has his girlfriend coming over'

Jeff pipes up...'mom, I can change that, you come spend the night' so being the good mom I am, I pass on his offer, so laughing, guess I'll be going to my MOM's...

You just got to do what you got to do...

Speaking of my trip, my boys always get confused as to what I'm up to..Jeff says, 'oh, you are going to visit with your church group? huh? Because of say I'm praying for this one/that one they don't associate me being part of a garden group, think I'm in a church group..pretty much the same right...all concerned about the next person....

After Greg/Kyle left for home, Jeff weighed himself, didn't want to do it at Greg's incase he'd put on weight..he actually only loss 9 lbs. - he had thought he had put on quite a bit..maybe it's more muscle..

Just before he left I said I was tired, he said he was tired as well, didn't sleep well last night..said he was in a deep sound sleep, of course used to be alone the 12 days...said he rolled over, hear a noise (Kyle) and scared him out of his wits then couldn't go back to sleep...

You can tell I'm tired, I'm rambling...so it's bed time..

But before I go I just want to tell Mary, no more negative thoughts, you are an extremely bright individual..don't be so hard on yourself..takes time to learn new process..I'm sure they are thrilled with the sale....

Dianne..no more lurking, come join us..

I'll go back and read the posts in the am when I can focus..

Good Lord willing we'll gab tomorrow,

Night /night





This message was edited Jul 29, 2009 11:17 PM

morning all,

mary, yes thats the same place, nothing like it! smelling the fresh crab cooking and all that fresh sourdough french bread smell in the air oh great now im starving!

debbie, lol thats ok we all got white legs ...
im still waiting for summer weather to get here, now you all packed?
i havent even begun oh this should be a riot come saturday!

oh crissy, giggling away i know what your talking about im a gemini cancer cusp
quite the hands full arnt we lol

tubby how are you doing feeling better?

LK, that was good news wishing you a speedy recovery, sounds like a comfortable peice your wearing.

betty, i bet he is glad to be home looks tired but what a acomplishment, oh we leave here sunday at 6.10 am should arrive in chicago around 12.30 or so and here we were stressing on the few things in the garage where to put them,
to put the car in the garage well duh!
in the big pick up truck its empty we'll stash them in there its covered with a camper shell so hurray for a storege place for now lol.
boss comes back from vacation today, so i will have to tell her the fight the girls got into on friday, and called the district mgr behind it.
just childish both of them, i made them talk it out before i left nothing like having to babysit!

judy, oh i just cant stand myself, better wear cement shoes i might knock you down when i see you with all my excitement! can you believe 3 more days omg ok no more talking about it im getting butterflies in my stomache, judy do you need a traveling cage? i have one i,ll take a pic it folds down nice for storage if you want it its yours..

trisha, send the heat down, how are you doing?
hows all the plants doing with your heat wave, hows your mom doing?

hello to all i missed have a wonderful day.

Morning all,

Liz I can hear the excitement in your words...giggle/giggle..
your description of the market place is calling me..next year I have to head your way..know those big birds fly west..lol

Bit of a headache this a.m. but it's most likely from the weather..going to have rain again..sorry Trisha/Laura..we're as tired of the rain as you are with the heat...

Up early, checking my list twice to see if I've missed anything then will leave early so that I can pick up a few things..

Must call mom to tell her I'm coming to spend the night tonight..imagine, beeing cut out of the loop for a younger chick..

Don't you think animals know when you are leaving..Sailor keeps walking from room to room with me and the kitties just want to purr and rub themselves against my leg...sorry guys, can't take you with me...

Guess Jeff couldn't sleep last night for the excitement of being home..he managed to do a post...

Can't wait for his final summary...




Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day 15/3 - The finish line

Big day, today I finish the trip I started 14 days earlier, seems like a lifetime ago but I can vividly recall each day, amazing actually.

We have breakfast and start packing up camp for the last time. My travel companion is definitely not a morning person, takes some coaxing to get him fired up and I keep telling him I really don't want to pack up in the rain, we get the first kayak down the rocks without issue and the rain starts, I don't need to say anything to kyle at this point and I think he can tell by my sigh I wished we would have moved faster.

We left Sydney lock at around 10:30 and passed under the 401, Andrew said it best, there are points on the trent where worlds collide and you can almost miss it if you aren't looking, 401 is pretty innocuous as you pass under it. Few minutes later we arrive at lock 1, trenton, pretty much a let down after such beautiful journey, lots of vandalism and the chevy dealer across the street, once through the lock you pass the paper mill spewing some nasty odors into the air.

We get to the Bay of Quinte at around noon and it's flat like glass, perfect, weather has been perfect all day so far. The jets from the air force base are flying around and you can feel the vibration in the kayak as they fly close over us.

We cross in an hour and enter the murray canal, skies are still clear but there are storm clouds looming to the north west.

Minnow is slowing down and figure he is getting hungry. Stop for lunch at 1:30 and we are off again by 2:15. Second last time getting into kayak and last time cooking by little stove, really wanted those ravioli.

With only about an hour left in murray canal the rain sets in, we put on rain gear and keep moving, I get a text from my brother and he has arrived to pick us up.

We reach the end of the canal and I'm texting to figure out where to meet brother on the other side, kyle rushes past me and I'm like wow, fastest he had paddled in three days, then it dawns on me, he is trying to beat me into lake ontario. Oh no you don't, I kick it up a notch but he's got a big lead. It's a literal race to cross the end of the wall and we are both trash talking, it was a photo finish but hats off, he beat me by less than an inch according to the guys on the pier. Haven't lived it down since then.

Takes a few minutes to figure out where my brother is and we finally sync up and head in the general direction of gosport on the opposite shore, few k away. We stop at our navigation aid, a huge channel marker, great photo opportunity. Finally got word from my brother, he could see us and texted to tell us it was no time for a break.

Arrive at gosport just outside of brighton at exactly 5pm. Stepped out of kayak for the last time. Walked over and shook Kyles hand for a job well done. There wasn't much fanfare, I didn't expect ticker tape parade but is a tims coffee to much to ask? And where is my free toaster? Packed up all gear into truck and loaded kayaks.

While bro strapped down "coffin" I went for my first swim. Washed up with biodegradable soap and we were off, 5:30 and heading home.

Toronto at 7:30 and stopped for quick bite, we arrived at swift kayak at 9:30 and locked up the kayaks as we had arranged for after hours drop off. I give my little kayak a little pat on the way by and am rewarded with my fist mosquito bite of the trip, let's get out of here.

I stop in at my mothers for a chat, let her know I'm back safe then hop in my truck for the few blocks to my brothers place, felt weird to be driving but the hot tub was calling me, did it feel good.

Now lying on couch watching tv and just relaxing, good to be home but miss my tent, open spaces and spectacular views.

The last few casual days (for me) really let my body heal up, I feel perfectly fine now, not bad considering what I did. I only lost about 10 pounds, surprising seeing as I feel heavier and was burning between 3,000-5,000 calories a day.

Tomorrow I will pack up and head for home and my bed!

I will be doing a few reviews and a final summary tomorrow then putting a nail in the coffin for this trip.

Got up much too early, did a garden walk-around..

Rain has done a number on quite a lot of my taller plantings...hugging the ground

This straggler is pretty..a type of lilly I would think?

Flocks are starting to bloom, some white/blue/pink..although they called this one 'red' looks more deep pink to me..back in search of red flocks

Everything always looks so pretty first thing in the morning don't they..

More pretties

Morning All
Three hrs sleep..1 more then the last two nights..Piddled around yestrday..Made 26 tomato cages..Need 16 more.Made from concrete reenforcement wire..I really don't fill bad...A little winded..Legs a litle weak...No foot race.LOL..

Working with our new dog..She is such a lover..Bad habit she likes to jump..On everyone & cars when you get home 7 company..Run right up Shirley, jumped up with both feet on hood a said STOP right here..LOL She is getting better..
Just open door a little before you get slowed down to much. has to have ateast one foot on your lap when you are sitting.
Hungery for attention.. Vet say he thinks she is a Black smooth coat Retrevier..Her name is Morgan..If she was red she would look just like Scamp Our Golden Retrevier..I just couldn't let DS put her down..I'm a softy...Shirlry put her foot down..No more..LOL She was so matted..Shirley was a had a
Beauty shop but you never know if you seen Morgan's hair cut.LOL Didn't have a choice..


You all have a great time onyou trip and get together.

My hosta's are pretty much all in bloom..wish it lasted longer..

Tubby maybe you are working too hard and your body is in a go/go mode...slow down...another doggie..omg..you are so like my mom, if she can't take them in then she finds someone who wants a dog but can't afford a dog and pays for their keeping...she hasn't conned me yet.. was it your son's dog or one he came across...I'm sure once the hair returns a show dog you'll have...seems to have taken to you all..any photo?

Well still be on the thread Tubby, other than maybe a couple of days with no computer but we can post from Bonnie's, Shar's etc.

Well it's time to get moving...maybe a few excedrin migraine would be in order...

While I had my camera out, took photo of the cainet I made / painted insert for mom many years ago...found it in a corner at her house where she was putting 'purging' items...now to find somewhere to put it in my house...

Betty She show up at my brothers.He took her to Sisters..No matter how miserable the weather..She could not get her to come in on porch..Walked right in our house like she belonged here..LOL

I'm sure your happy that your boys are home..What a wonderful trip for them...

You have terrific time on your trip, All of you...


Wait till you see my next Addition..No more info..
Suprise.LOL Shirley knows..

betty, is that a lovely peice! now you havent said when your leaving and what are your stops?

tubby oh a new furry baby! have any pics yet?

A quick good morning and I am off to Dr. with DH.

Liz, NO I am not packed...have mercy! I have "piles" all over the place to put somewhere...and forget where I put them.

I am on the run....so will talk more when I get back.

Betty, I was pacing your gardens with you in my dreams. I will Dmail you later when I get back.

Tubby, maybe a nap is in order today. I might take one in your honor...just to help you out. However if I do that...I won't ever get packed! AHHHHHH


Enjoy your day, I will be back hopefully around 1:00.

Debbie