Thursday, April 29, 2010
April 29, 2010
Thursday, well Ken discovered while checking the bike in the trailer that the tie down straps had pulled out one of the bars on the bike and a rear light on the trailer is out and needs to be replaced so today is a day of getting things fixed, laundry etc. Then off to Neil's baseball game.
April 28, 2010
Wednesday, we left Santa Fe 8:00am for a long day of travel it was sunny but overcast about 58 degrees and 74 by noon driving just over the Arizona border. A very windy day going to Sedona, you could see the sand blowing across the plains. We stopped at an Indian Store and Kitty couldn't resist a nice turquoise bracelet from the Zuni tribe.
We traveled Rt 40 till we got to Winslow, Arizona as we were stopped because they closed the highway all the way to Flagstaff because of the sand storm. All the tractor trailers were all stopped as well as everyone else. All you could see were sand blowing for miles and miles. Checking the map we found an alternate route 87 which took us south towards Payson then route 260 through Camp Verde then we took route 17 north up to Sedona. It turned out to be a beautiful ride up through the mountains, we even saw snow. We were blessed again that we had the alternate route as the wind continued to blow even the next day and the highway was still closed the night. We arrived at Kitty's daughters around 4:00pm. Neil of course was waiting for us and Michelle cooked a wonderful dinner. It was so nice to not have to eat out in a restaurant.
We traveled Rt 40 till we got to Winslow, Arizona as we were stopped because they closed the highway all the way to Flagstaff because of the sand storm. All the tractor trailers were all stopped as well as everyone else. All you could see were sand blowing for miles and miles. Checking the map we found an alternate route 87 which took us south towards Payson then route 260 through Camp Verde then we took route 17 north up to Sedona. It turned out to be a beautiful ride up through the mountains, we even saw snow. We were blessed again that we had the alternate route as the wind continued to blow even the next day and the highway was still closed the night. We arrived at Kitty's daughters around 4:00pm. Neil of course was waiting for us and Michelle cooked a wonderful dinner. It was so nice to not have to eat out in a restaurant.
April 27, 2010
Another beautiful, sunny 70's day spent in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We started early, walking, visited the oldest church in USA, San Miguel Mission on Old Santa Fe Trail. Built in 1610 when Santa Fe was founded. Native Americans occupied site as early as 1300AD. Also next door we saw the oldest house in USA, it was not open but we took pictures. Next we walked to Loretto Chapel, build 1870's and best known for "The Miraculous Staircase". (Seen on Unsolved Mysteries) The legend is about the mysterious carpenter who appeared after the sisters prayed a novena to St. Joseph. There was a flaw in the building of the chapel as they didn't connect the choir loft to the church and a conventional staircase could not be built, so the sisters prayed for a solution. A carpenter arrived and his only tools on his donkey were a saw, carpenter's square, hammer and tubs to soak wood. His "Miraculous Staircase" contains 33 steps in two full 360 degree turns with no center support nor is it held from its sides. When completed the carpenter disappeared without seeking payment. The sisters went to at least pay for the wood, only to find out that no wood was ordered.
We then walked all around "The Plaza" visiting shops and looking at the many wares the Native Americans were selling. We toured the History Museum and the Palace of Governors. Lots of history and lots of walking. We really needed more time to see everything. If I get to come back I would love to drive up to the mountains, Taos area and see the ski resorts. We lunched at Coyote Cafe and of course purchased some small items to remind us of Santa Fe.
We then walked all around "The Plaza" visiting shops and looking at the many wares the Native Americans were selling. We toured the History Museum and the Palace of Governors. Lots of history and lots of walking. We really needed more time to see everything. If I get to come back I would love to drive up to the mountains, Taos area and see the ski resorts. We lunched at Coyote Cafe and of course purchased some small items to remind us of Santa Fe.
April 17, 2010
Saturday, The Lamondo's, Bonnie & Joe had us to a farewell dinner along with Lonnie & Tom Stevens and their other neighbors, Marla and Frank, Butch and Jean joined us for desert. They served a wonderful seafood dish with fish, scallops and shrimp.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
April 26, 2010
Today was a travel day driving from Alpine, TX to Santa Fe, New Mexico about 400 miles.
Leaving Alpine we took scenic route 118 over mountains with just beautiful views, lots of cattle ranches. We have been so blessed with nice weather today was clear, sunny started out at 55 degrees went into the 40's through the canyons but by late morning we had 70's. Arrived in Santa Fe checked in to Hampton Inn then walked to dinner...we really needed to stretch our legs after driving all day but we get to spend the whole next day in Santa Fe.
Leaving Alpine we took scenic route 118 over mountains with just beautiful views, lots of cattle ranches. We have been so blessed with nice weather today was clear, sunny started out at 55 degrees went into the 40's through the canyons but by late morning we had 70's. Arrived in Santa Fe checked in to Hampton Inn then walked to dinner...we really needed to stretch our legs after driving all day but we get to spend the whole next day in Santa Fe.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April 25, 2010
Sunday, We left San Antonio at 8:15am on a beautiful, sunny day in the 70's. We have been very lucky with the nice weather. It was a long day driving Rt 90 all the way to Alpine, Tx. Through Del Rio we stopped for great donuts in a place that was an old Dunkin Donuts. Stopped in Wal Mart then heading west we were stopped for a traffic accident and told the road was closed and would be closed for a couple of hours. We went back to Wal Mart to do some errands and had lunch. After 2.5 hours later we were back on our way on 90 west. At the Pecos River Bridge we did make a scenic photo opportunity stop and took pictures of the highest bridge in Texas. Stopping at the Visitors Center, Judge Roy Bean, center of Law west of Pecos we found out the accident that closed the road was a oil tanker truck that went over the guard into a river. We did see what was left of the burned road and missing guard rails. We heard that the driver survived but the passenger did not.
We arrived about 6:30pm at the Hampton Inn in Alpine, Tx. Every Hampston Inn has been real nice and we are enjoying our stays.
We arrived about 6:30pm at the Hampton Inn in Alpine, Tx. Every Hampston Inn has been real nice and we are enjoying our stays.
April 24, 2010
Saturday, We spent the day in San Antonio, visited the Alamo, I was impressed, it was more that I expected, lots of history. A perfect weather day, sunny, not humid in 70's. We were fortunate catching the tail end of "Fiesta", their week long annual celebration of independence from Mexico, becoming the Republic of Texas. The afternoon we spent down on the river walk with all the outside cafe's, restaurants and shopping, and took the boat tour of 2 1/2 miles of the river walk. Had lunch sitting right on the river at Casa Rio's a great mexican food restaurant. We did take a cab from the hotel to the city because of the Fiesta and the parade that was being held that evening.
April 23, 2010
Today was a very long, long day on the road driving from Baton Rouge to San Antonio, Tx. It was all highway driving Rt10, some rain showers otherwise a boring ride arriving at Hampton Inn at 6:00pm.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22, 2010
Well Kitty can cross off New Orleans from her bucket list.
We decided to stay two nights in Baton Rouge so we could visit Oak Alley Plantation and Kitty could see New Orleans. We drove down to the Plantation which is a National Historic Landmark which began with the trees. In early 1700's an unknown settler planted 28 evenly spaced oak trees in two rows leading to his humble cottage towards the mighty Mississippi River. In 1839 a wealthy Creole sugar cane planter built this spectacular mansion. The opulence of the home has been authentically restored to its original grandeur. We took the tour, walked the grounds, had the famous Mint Julep on the veranda. Then we walked on top of the Levee and viewed the Mississippi River.
We then drove to New Orleans and spent the day walking around the French Quarter and had lunch at the famous "Court of Two Sister's Restaurant out in the courtyard. Of course we had to have Beignets (french donuts) at Cafe Du Monde.
Tomorrow we will drive to San Antonio, Texas.
We decided to stay two nights in Baton Rouge so we could visit Oak Alley Plantation and Kitty could see New Orleans. We drove down to the Plantation which is a National Historic Landmark which began with the trees. In early 1700's an unknown settler planted 28 evenly spaced oak trees in two rows leading to his humble cottage towards the mighty Mississippi River. In 1839 a wealthy Creole sugar cane planter built this spectacular mansion. The opulence of the home has been authentically restored to its original grandeur. We took the tour, walked the grounds, had the famous Mint Julep on the veranda. Then we walked on top of the Levee and viewed the Mississippi River.
We then drove to New Orleans and spent the day walking around the French Quarter and had lunch at the famous "Court of Two Sister's Restaurant out in the courtyard. Of course we had to have Beignets (french donuts) at Cafe Du Monde.
Tomorrow we will drive to San Antonio, Texas.
April 21,2010
Left Panama City Beach and drove the coast road enjoying the Gulf ocean and fine, white sandy beaches, walked the beach and the water was crystal clear. Panama City Beach is well know for Spring break and fortunately spring break was the week before. There are several very large not so attractive hotels on the ocean, it is a very touristy area. As we drove west towards Pensacola around Destin, Fl. there were more upscale homes and marinas.
We then decided to program the GPS for a famous restaurant Ken had seen on TV, it was on Regis & Kelly, Southern Magazine, Diners, and won many awards for best BBQ. It is The Shed restaurant in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. How do I describe it??? For my Florida friends all I can say is it is "Stan's" without being on the water, but next to a campground. It had dollar bills attached to everything, number plates attached to everything...my picture does not do it justice. But FANTASTIC ribs, pulled pork, beans, cold slaw etc. All awards well deserved. After pigging out we continued driving along the gulf coast through Biloxi, Gulfport, La. We were totally amazed at the loss of property from hurricane Katrina. Miles and miles of whole city blocks leveled, some foundations but vacant land with "For Sale" signs. This was where large stately homes overlooking the ocean once stood. Some of the casinos have been rebuilt and there is some construction going on. The rest of the afternoon was highway travel to Baton Rouge.
We then decided to program the GPS for a famous restaurant Ken had seen on TV, it was on Regis & Kelly, Southern Magazine, Diners, and won many awards for best BBQ. It is The Shed restaurant in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. How do I describe it??? For my Florida friends all I can say is it is "Stan's" without being on the water, but next to a campground. It had dollar bills attached to everything, number plates attached to everything...my picture does not do it justice. But FANTASTIC ribs, pulled pork, beans, cold slaw etc. All awards well deserved. After pigging out we continued driving along the gulf coast through Biloxi, Gulfport, La. We were totally amazed at the loss of property from hurricane Katrina. Miles and miles of whole city blocks leveled, some foundations but vacant land with "For Sale" signs. This was where large stately homes overlooking the ocean once stood. Some of the casinos have been rebuilt and there is some construction going on. The rest of the afternoon was highway travel to Baton Rouge.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20,2010
On the road again! We set off this morning after visiting the post office and mailing out Kitty's IRS letter on her 2008 tax problem.
We had our longest day yet driving about 600 miles staying tonight in Panama City Beach, FL.
Other than a couple of downpours on Rt.#10 it was an uneventful ride on I75 with sunny weather in 70's. Tomorrow's weather looks good and we will see some of the gulf coast, through Pensacola, then towards New Orleans.
We had our longest day yet driving about 600 miles staying tonight in Panama City Beach, FL.
Other than a couple of downpours on Rt.#10 it was an uneventful ride on I75 with sunny weather in 70's. Tomorrow's weather looks good and we will see some of the gulf coast, through Pensacola, then towards New Orleans.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14, 2010
The date, April 19th is set for leaving Naples and starting the next segment of our adventure, driving to Arizona. Today we started getting the condo ready to close up. It is another beautiful, sunny day and we will go to the pool this afternoon and planning to have dinner this evening with Kathy Walsh and Bridget from Ireland.
April 13, 2010
Great motorcycle ride on a beautiful, sunny, 80's day up to Ave Maria. It is a new area developed as a complete community with a large university and the Ave Maria Oratory is a fantastic Catholic church in the heart of the community. It is a 27,000 square foot building which seats 1,100 in a traditional church plan. Ave Maria is out in the farm land, large orange orchards, on the road to Immoklee. We have visited before and went out to view the progress of the community.
We continued our ride to Immoklee and visited the Seminole Casino....didn't win any money.
Just a beautiful ride through the countryside. A day of contrasts from Religion to gambling.
We continued our ride to Immoklee and visited the Seminole Casino....didn't win any money.
Just a beautiful ride through the countryside. A day of contrasts from Religion to gambling.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 10, 2010
WELL, this is a recap of the last week. We had a busy week with fantastic weather sunny in 80's all week, no humidity, cool nights and no need of air conditioning.
Last Friday after we took Alice to the airport we then had a fabulous day out on the boat with sister Mel & Bob out to North Captiva Island, lunch on the beach, next to the nude beach section, (we gave one old man the prize for best dried arrangement...comment from Ken) then shelling. EVEN KEN ENJOYED THE BEACH.
Saturday a real nice motorcycle ride up to Fort Myers, we bought new motorcycle helmets and adopted the sales girl. We had our Easter dinner at "Famous Dave's Ribs", one of our favorite restaurants, we go to the one in Manchester,NH.
Not quite the Easter dinner Ken is used to, he missed going to his daughter Mel's for Easter dinner.
Easter Sunday we spent the day at the beach watching all the sights and let me tell you there were sights...Ken didn't even take time to read there were so many sights.
Monday early 7:00am ladies league golf at Golden Gate Golf course. Lonnie and I golfed then joined the rest of the ladies at First Watch for breakfast.
Ken and I then checked out tiles at Angela's and took home samples for the condo.
Tues. Gus our new tile installer came and gave us an estimate for doing tile for the entire condo.
Wed. We went and visited one of Gus's customers to see his work and they had him install the same tile Kitty picked out. Kitty loved the tile and Gus's work so we went right to Angela's and ordered the tile.
WE ARE FINALLY COMING INTO THE 21st CENTURY...we broke down, gave in and bought a GPS. We now have a new toy and it gives Kitty something to do so Ken can drive. Today we also made arrangement to have the power source added to the motorcycle so we can use it in the car and the motorcycle.
Yesterday, had lunch with sister Mel & Bob at Shrimp Shack in Cape Coral as they are leaving on Saturday for the 15 day cruise through the Panama Canal then flying back from LA, Calif.
It was a good long day ride (9:30-5:00) up Bonita beach, Fort Myers beach then on to Cape Coral and back, good practice for the long days we will be on the bike out west. Our new motorcycle back support belts work well and the new helmets feel great.
We almost have had some set backs about continuing the travel when we were not sure if we should return home. First FEMA was looking for our availability to work as there are so many New England declarations, Ma., Maine, NH, RI from the flooding and so many DAE's were already deployed to Alabama, DC, etc. for the snow storms. We talked and decided that this trip was a priority as we had planned it for 2 years and we might not ever have the opportunity to take this adventure and we are not getting any younger.
Now Kitty has a letter from the IRS regarding her 2008 tax return. Carol has been checking the mail for us and this unexpected letter turned up. Carol is forwarding the letter and hopefully Kitty can get an extension to answer the problem.
Last Friday after we took Alice to the airport we then had a fabulous day out on the boat with sister Mel & Bob out to North Captiva Island, lunch on the beach, next to the nude beach section, (we gave one old man the prize for best dried arrangement...comment from Ken) then shelling. EVEN KEN ENJOYED THE BEACH.
Saturday a real nice motorcycle ride up to Fort Myers, we bought new motorcycle helmets and adopted the sales girl. We had our Easter dinner at "Famous Dave's Ribs", one of our favorite restaurants, we go to the one in Manchester,NH.
Not quite the Easter dinner Ken is used to, he missed going to his daughter Mel's for Easter dinner.
Easter Sunday we spent the day at the beach watching all the sights and let me tell you there were sights...Ken didn't even take time to read there were so many sights.
Monday early 7:00am ladies league golf at Golden Gate Golf course. Lonnie and I golfed then joined the rest of the ladies at First Watch for breakfast.
Ken and I then checked out tiles at Angela's and took home samples for the condo.
Tues. Gus our new tile installer came and gave us an estimate for doing tile for the entire condo.
Wed. We went and visited one of Gus's customers to see his work and they had him install the same tile Kitty picked out. Kitty loved the tile and Gus's work so we went right to Angela's and ordered the tile.
WE ARE FINALLY COMING INTO THE 21st CENTURY...we broke down, gave in and bought a GPS. We now have a new toy and it gives Kitty something to do so Ken can drive. Today we also made arrangement to have the power source added to the motorcycle so we can use it in the car and the motorcycle.
Yesterday, had lunch with sister Mel & Bob at Shrimp Shack in Cape Coral as they are leaving on Saturday for the 15 day cruise through the Panama Canal then flying back from LA, Calif.
It was a good long day ride (9:30-5:00) up Bonita beach, Fort Myers beach then on to Cape Coral and back, good practice for the long days we will be on the bike out west. Our new motorcycle back support belts work well and the new helmets feel great.
We almost have had some set backs about continuing the travel when we were not sure if we should return home. First FEMA was looking for our availability to work as there are so many New England declarations, Ma., Maine, NH, RI from the flooding and so many DAE's were already deployed to Alabama, DC, etc. for the snow storms. We talked and decided that this trip was a priority as we had planned it for 2 years and we might not ever have the opportunity to take this adventure and we are not getting any younger.
Now Kitty has a letter from the IRS regarding her 2008 tax return. Carol has been checking the mail for us and this unexpected letter turned up. Carol is forwarding the letter and hopefully Kitty can get an extension to answer the problem.
April 10, 2010
New picture is in front of Shrimp Shack, Cape Coral where we had lunch with Mel & Bob.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April Fool Day!!
Another beautiful sunny day! Looks like we brought the sun. We are just relaxing. Friday we take Alice to the airport for her flight back to New Hampshire which will be a short stay as she starts work with FEMA in Massachusetts on Monday.
Ken & I will visit Melanie & Bob in Cape Coral after we drop Alice at Fort Myers Airport.
Last Monday Alice and I went to the Golden Gate Ladies Golf luncheon...we didn't golf as it was raining but had a real nice luncheon over at Fox Fire Golf Club' dinning room. Got all up to date with Bonnie, Lonnie and the rest of the golf ladies. I sat beside Mary Peters, Kelter, Strom (Ken went all through school 1st to high school with Mary) and she updated me on her family and our mutual Peter's family.
Cuz Tom Peters still in Michigan.
Ken and I have been taking some nice rides around Naples and Marco Island on the motorcycle...it feels great to be back on the bike.
Another beautiful sunny day! Looks like we brought the sun. We are just relaxing. Friday we take Alice to the airport for her flight back to New Hampshire which will be a short stay as she starts work with FEMA in Massachusetts on Monday.
Ken & I will visit Melanie & Bob in Cape Coral after we drop Alice at Fort Myers Airport.
Last Monday Alice and I went to the Golden Gate Ladies Golf luncheon...we didn't golf as it was raining but had a real nice luncheon over at Fox Fire Golf Club' dinning room. Got all up to date with Bonnie, Lonnie and the rest of the golf ladies. I sat beside Mary Peters, Kelter, Strom (Ken went all through school 1st to high school with Mary) and she updated me on her family and our mutual Peter's family.
Cuz Tom Peters still in Michigan.
Ken and I have been taking some nice rides around Naples and Marco Island on the motorcycle...it feels great to be back on the bike.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
