The End of the Year Travels

I was truly blessed this year with many places to see and experience.  In October I was able to go to Illinois, a place that I don't believe I have ever visited in the past.  On the way I sat next to a very nice elderly gentlemen that served our country in WW II as a Navy man.  He mentioned upon sitting down that his wife was sitting towards the front of the plane, I asked if he would like me to switch with her so they could be together, his reaction was priceless.  " Are you kidding me, I just got a free upgrade by sitting next to you.  I have been married to her for so long that a little time apart will do us good."  I cracked up over that and we preceded to talk the entire trip and he shared with me his long career as an accountant and also his long marriage to his wife, a very very long marriage.  Come to find out, his wife's dad worked with Walt Disney at the very beginning of Walt's career in making cartoons.  How cool is that, somehow Disney is always part of my conversations :)
After we landed he introduced me to his wife and asked for my contact information, I have not heard from him yet but I do not doubt that in the future I will.  It just goes to show you how reaching out to your fellow man and talking to them you can take a long plane flight into a eye opening experience.
While in Illinois I made so many friends from all over the world.  My biggest lesson of that week was.....we may live in a big world but its only as big as you make it.  I shared beers with people from Texas, Denmark, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and many others.  I learned so much that my outlook towards all these countries really has changed to be more positive.  Besides when a person from the Netherlands takes one look at me and says I must be Scandinavian it makes my heart skip a beat.  I can not tell you how often I am told I am Irish, which I don't recall seeing any Irishmen in my genealogy. 

The last big trip of the year was to......DISNEY WORLD.  In case you do not know it, I love Disney and all that it represents.  Hope, Make believe, dreams and an escape from reality.   I am very fortunate to have a friend who works at Disney and is willing to share her Pixie Dust with me and my boys.  Lisa is truly the definition of a true friend to me and to my boys, without her there is no way I could take the boys as often as I do.   This year we were there to see the grand opening of the new Fantasy Land, and wow is it incredible.  My favorite ride was Dumbo.  On our first trip to Disney six years ago that was John's favorite ride and in years past the line was always so long it was near impossible to get on it again.  This year though, the line was non existent and I was honored to ride it again with him.  He may be nine now, but to me it was going back to when he was three and it was our first time.  And for Mathew, this was the first year that I gave him more independence.  He wanted to do a ride there is no way I could do, Mission to Space, the orange card style, puke-o- rama if I rode it.   He road it two times all on his own and he felt like such a grown up when he walked off the ride and it made me proud knowing I could trust him to be responsible and to behave.  Oh and one more thing, I got to meet my princess, Merida from Brave.  It just goes to show you can never be too old to act like a child and be soooo happy to just meet a princess.

So as the year comes to a close I look back and think about all the wonderful places and people I have met and I wonder how can I top it?  I don't know yet,  but I am sure the man upstairs still has some great trips for me to go on and even more people to meet.  I hope you will come back and enjoy them along with me.

Vermont

Ahh the hills were alive and they looked beautiful as I traveled through Vermont.  I traveled from the Southwest corner to the Northeast corner in the matter of four days.  It was a whirlwind tour but it was so worth it.  Along the way though, I stopped to eat....alot.   So I am proud to say I ate and drank my way across the state. 

My favorite stop was the farmers market in Manchester.  What a great variety, I only wish I had a stove and refrigerator because there was so much fresh meat there that I could have gotten very creative.  But alas I did not so instead I purchased fresh apples, morning glory muffins, fresh fruit and wheat bread, and a funky new drink called switchel.  Switchel is a drink the farmers use to take out with them to the fields, it is made with vinegar, ginger, water and maple syrup.  Would you expect anything less for a Vermonter?  It took me a few days to get the bravery to try it, and once I did, I loved it.   It is the most thirst quenching, refreshing drink I have ever had, the soda companies should learn how to bottle this stuff. 
Another really yummy stop was The Pantry in Londonderry.  If you are ever in this small little town go to The Pantry.  They have a variety of sandwiches and pasta to choose from so you can not be disappointed.  I personally choose the Maisy.  Which is a breaded zucchini sandwich with tons of mozzarella, asparagus,  basil and roasted red peppers.   It took me two days to eat this sandwich, due to its size and wanting to elongate the enjoyment.  Plus I was able to pick up a local brew, a very soft and yummy peanut butter cookie and a cadbury egg, can life get any better?  I think not.
Now while your traveling through Vermont try and stop in Shrewsbury at the little country store there.  It is not very big in size but it is big in character.  To me it was like stepping into the store on the Waltons.  They have two chairs set up so you can sit and chat with the shop keeper, the glass cases are still there and being used.  You can pick up a little treasure for a gift or some homemade scones.  I choose the scones, apricot to be specific.  This is the second time I have stopped there and it has been worth it every time.  Although this time was more memorable, with all of my graces I decided that I would make a grand entrance.  I do really hate stairs, or should I say they hate me.  Anyhow, I fell face first, or knee first right on the old wooden stairs, and somehow I bounced.  Not only did I have one nasty gouge, but I ended up with two.  How this happened I don't know nor do I want to replicate it to find out. Needless to say it was a grand entrance and got everyones attention.

Along the way though I did get to see some beautiful churches.  There is nothing more peaceful then seeing an old church in the middle of nowhere and taking a moment to enjoy it.  Plus they have some of the coolest cemeteries. I have seen everything from dragons to pyramids and the burial site of a lady originally from England with a long title.  I am sure I would enjoy her story of how she ended up in a country cemetery surrounded by woods when she traveled so far from her native home.

I hope you have enjoyed my adventure in Vermont.  I did this go around, but I am also glad to be home.  It has been a long summer and now I am ready to travel only through my books for a while.  Who am I kidding, I only get a four week reprieve and then I am off to Illinois.  I can't wait to see what adventure awaits me there. 

Who is Big Brother

My goal lately has been to read all of the books on the BBC list of 100 books everyone should read,  http://www.librarything.com/topic/61828.  So far I have read or listened to .......drum roll please.......16 books.  That does not seem like alot but it really has changed my genres and point of view.  I must comment though, I wish they would add "The Grapes of Wrath" to the list, how is it this book did not end up on the list?  This book has turned into one of my top 5 books ever, it really opens your mind and heart to those that were affected by the dust bowl and those who may be affected again if the crops keep failing.
One of the recent books I listened to while traveling through Vermont was "1984".  Now that is a thought provoking book if I must say so, it really left me with many deep thoughts.  Although the world is not as predicted it would be by 1984, you have to ask yourself is it too far off the mark though?  One of the main themes throughout the book is that Big Brother is always watching.  Is he watching you right now?  Think not, try again.  As I was traveling I noticed the billboards for reporting underage drinking, who do you think that is?  Big Brother.  I noticed a billboard for you to report insurance fraud, who do you think that is?  Big Brother.  We are taught as a society to watch each other and encouraged to report on those we feel are not conforming to society or trying to get ahead by cheating.  That sounds alot like Big Brother to me.  In the book Big Brother does not really exist, he is a fictional figure to bring peace to everyone.   On all of those billboards not one has a picture of who to report to, but yet if we call in on someone it will bring us peace of mind to know we did a good service.  Big Brother once again is here and yet we don't recognize him. 
I also drove through Saratoga Springs while listening to the part where they are giving our main character an insight into what society will be like in the future.  As I drove through town, I noticed how everyone was dressed the same, everyone walked the same, and when they got in their cars, they were all the same.  The most disturbing item though was how in "1984" they mention that no one will care about anyone else, there will be no love.  Observing those walking on the street, I saw very little touching of the partners and many people went out of their way to walk around another person.  Have we really as a society started to make "1984" true or was this a one day observation? 
As I traveled all over this summer I have met alot of great people, and a few that were not so great, but overall it was a fulfilling adventure.  I would hope the events and feeling of "1984" do not come to fruition but I still wonder what kind of world my boys will grow up in and will they too conform to society to the point they loose their identity.  I hope not.  All along I have taught the boys one mantra, " its okay to be different" .  I hope it sticks with them forever and in the future they will not have to worry about Big Brother nor lack of love and feelings as predicted in "1984".  May their world be filled with love, adventure and joy; on their terms and not by someone else.

So how many books have you read from the list?  Maybe by this time next year I can say I have completed the list, or maybe closing in on the finish line :)  

Another Birthday

Alright I will admit that I am now 40 years old, where the 30's went I am not sure.  Every year I try and do something fun for my birthday.  I will go to chucke cheeses with the boys, go on a hike, or go to Canada.  This year I went to two places, work and the football field.  I was a mom this year, don't get me wrong I am not complaining.  Actually it was a very nice birthday and I spent it doing what I like most, just being a mom.  My travels may take me from here to there, but ultimately I do so love and enjoy just being a mom and spending time with my boys. 

I received a dozen yellow roses at work from Jeff.  For those of you that are not acquainted with my favorites, these are them.  They smell very yummy still four days later.  I also had a nice surprise waiting for me on my front porch in between running from work and the football field.  Jenn Runge made me the most yummy and beautiful Mickey Mouse cake.

I will admit that it took me two days to cut into it.  Pathetic yes, but it was so pretty that I just did not know where to start.  Which after two days we decided that we would start with the feet.  And then Jack decided that he needed to try some as well, so Jack took care of that awkward place at the top of the legs. 
Now I did make a birthday wish.  And that wish would be, I wish to be blessed by the enjoyment of my two boys for many years to come and may all my birthdays be filled with joy and love forever.  I don't need things to make me happy, just my two boys being with me is enough for this old girl. 
By the way by the time I turn 50, I will not only have another mickey mouse cake, but I will also enjoy it while I am working in Disney World.  And if I am lucky Mickey Mouse will have a piece of cake with me. :) 

The End of a Trip

All this week I have been listening to a variety of books on CD while I travel throughout NY State.  My favorite was  Story Tellers Daughter by   Saira Shah.  What a courageous woman she is and she helped me to understand better what is going on over in Afghanistan.  This book was not what I expected and I am very glad our wonderful library purchased it and had it available before I left.  Put it on your list of books to read, I promise you won't be disappointed. 
But another book I listened to that really fit in with the scenes was The Hobbit.  Listening to it while I look out to the far mountain, which is Whiteface, and listening to how they are trying to break into the mountain; I found myself telling them to reach to the right don't they see the change in the rock.  I could see it right there in front of me, silly hobbits.  Also as they moved through the book and mentioned vast valleys I was situated at a lake that is an exclusive resort and this is what I saw:

 

Can't you just imagine the hobbits moving through this mountain range?  I know I could and it added to the enjoyment of the book.  Thank you Cindy for finding me that particular copy, because it really made the book come to life.  I also had the joy of going back to the site where the giants are playing a game of marbles, lets see if you can pick their next play.

But today I did see something that was incredible and yet very sad; but at the same time it made me appreciate what I have waiting for me at home.  I was on my way to another trap and as I passed a cemetery, which if you know me I do love cemeteries; and a stone caught my eye.  As I was passing it looked like a statue of satan with his big wings enveloping the stone.  I went to the next trap but I turned right around and had to get a closer view.  It was not a statue of satan, but a beautiful statue of a dragon.  It was so wonderfully done that it was a true piece of art.

The sad thing was the part for whom this stone was in memorial, it was for a 11 year old boy.  Close enough to the same age as Mathew, my heart went out to the mom of this precious little boy who had to make the choice on how to remember her own son.  I immediately went to my phone and tried calling my boy so I could let him know just how much he is loved by his mom.  Unfortunately I had just missed him because he was on his way to bible school with grandpa and his brother.  But I made sure that when I talked with him for bed time I told him how much I do love him.  So for tomorrow night we have a date where alot of cuddling will take place and lots of loving. 
Overall this trip has taken its toll, nine days on the road where I have drove approximately 2200 miles throughout NY.  I have listened to eight different books, read one book, wrote three times in the blog, met lots of people along the way but the worst part is missing the boys, my dog and my bed.   Although I do love traveling everywhere, I can not wait to crash at home and have my boys on either side of me and my dog at my feet.  But I can't get too comfortable because we leave the next day for a mini vacation.  Next week I will enjoy my bed.

Journey's End by J. R. R. Tolkien

In western lands beneath the Sun
The flowers may rise in Spring,
The trees may bud, the waters run,
The merry finches sing.
Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night,
And swaying branches bear
The Elven-stars as jewels white
Amid their branching hair.

Though here at journey's end I lie
In darkness buried deep,
Beyond all towers strong and high,
Beyond all mountains steep,
Above all shadows rides the Sun
And Stars for ever dwell:
I will not say the Day is done,
Nor bid the Stars farewell.

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I would add the following line:

Because soon we shall be back again 

Memories of Summer

It has been a hot few days during this last travel week.  Very Hot.  I have been working in Saratoga and Washington County for the past two days.  The area reminds me so much of home, lots of farm fields and lots of friendly people.  My favorite people are those that have either allowed me to use their dumpsters or have directed me to a transfer station.  It seems a little pathetic when one of the highlights  of my day is when I can find an area to throw out my garbage.  
But truly I have taken the time this trip to really look for the small farmstands and the mom and pop places along the path.  Yesterday I got some really yummy strawberries, banana split trail mix and a yummy cantaloupe.  They did have some really good sounding sandwiches, but the line was huge and the prices were a little too high.  So I passed on the sandwiches.
Today I found another small farmstand that does not appear from the outside as anything grand, but let me tell you it was very grand.  I had the most delicious Tomales, stuffed grape leaves and a tomato and mozzarella salad.  They made a wonderful dinner.   But the one thing they did have that I did not try was homemade bread.  It smelled wonderful but at the time I did not want any, big mistake.  Now I wish I had some of that bread.

Earlier today though I did have that cantaloupe from the farmstand the day before.  As I was driving around checking the traps and sweating like crazy I enjoyed that sweet juicy cantaloupe.  But part of me was not all there, part of me was going back in time to my grandmothers kitchen.  I started to remember how during the summer we would have lunch at grandmas and she always seemed to have cantaloupe.  Not that I am complaining, I do love cantaloupe.  But I also started remembering many other things that happened during the summer at grandmas, such as the day she would not let me into her house until I was hosed off outside.  I had gone for a walk in the swamp, and lets just say I did not return looking like I was going to the royal ball. The water from the hose may have been cold, but she did not scold me, I believe she actually laughed with me.  My favorite treat though was either  the Rhubarb in the spring to chew on raw  or the sour apples in the fall as we walked back home.  Come to think of it maybe this is why I still love sour candies and food.  I don't remember a summer where my legs did not have cut grass marks all over them, the swamp was full of that grass and somehow I always managed to get cut by it.

At the time many of our small  life events  don't seem significant, but later in life we can look back and say those are the experiences that made us who we are today.  Grandma taught me many things, but the  lessons of the summer were, to eat healthy, and if you get dirty don't even think about tracking that mud into her house.  But truly I did learn that it is okay to get dirty and to play hard, and then to take the time to clean up and still look like a lady.....I am still working on that part. 
 I still eat cantaloupe and think fondly of my grandmothers kitchen.  I still get dirty and  sometimes wait to see if I will be allowed inside or if I have to wait for the mud to dry first.   Grandma always had the radio on during lunch and we would listen to Paul Harvey.   And as I finished the last bit of cantaloupe today I think I heard  Paul Harvey say...'Good day'. 

On a Quest

I believe that everyday we receive messages.  Not just on our phones or our emails, but messages from the world around us.  For example I may stub my toe on a chair, well if I had put that chair away I would not have stubbed my toe, thus the message is 'clean up after your self'.  Well this summer I have been receiving alot of messages, and quit honestly I am not sure what the message is or what  I should do about them.
During the first part of my many road trips I came across a small sign of where Joseph Smiths boyhood home was located.  For those of you who do not know who Joseph Smith was, he founded the Mormon Church.  Okay so the first sign was no big deal, but it was really cool to see it.  Did you know that he grew up in a small lowland area, otherwise known as a swamp.  Hmmm, I have something in common with him, very cool, maybe I can start my own church also.  NOT.
The second big road trip, I see Joseph Smiths birthplace and the very large granite stone at the site.  Did you know it is the shiniest  and most polished stone in the world?  Neither did I till I saw it.  So now there are two signs or messages.  My interest is peaked.
Third and current trip, I see where Joseph Smith got married.  Okay now this is getting a little to repetitive.  I think I should start paying more attention. 
But the last one is a real hmmmm thought, Jeff is going off to Utah next month for vacation.  Now wait a minute does this mean that with all this messages and signs and with him going away, are we turning Morman and I do not know it?  Am I on a pilgrimage?  Because if I am, then I am not so sure what I am suppose to learn. So far I have learned that Smith came from humble beginnings and ended with a church that I hear is covered in Gold.  Maybe I could have the same fate?  Wouldn't that be nice.  But probably not and the last I checked we are not converting.  But I am interested in what others think all of these signs are and what they mean.  Because I am completely puzzled.
I do know though that my end result would not be decorated in gold.  It would be decorated in Mickey Ears  and all things Disney :)


I look forward to reading your opinions and thoughts.