Side Aching Laughter

Okay, so there Mary is trying to get on the counter, and I am grabbing my sides, wetting my pants, laughing.  Then Mary puts one foot into the sink to rinse the exfoliate off (see photo below) and says, "Oh this is real relaxing".  I had just about gotten my laughter under control when I heard her say that and that was all she wrote.  I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard.  It was the kind of laugh that was infectious.  Donna started laughing and adding funny comments, and when Mary got both feet back on the ground continued with the hysteric's.  I think that who ever coined the phrase, "Laughter is the best medicine", was truly onto something.

Names Have Been Changed to Protect Moms

It's funny, when you have children you seem to give a sh_t about what they think. I thank God every day I opted to have dogs. In this entry names will be changed to protect innocent mothers.

When we get home from dinner we are all full and decide to watch a little TV. Donna once again goes into her "Girls Weekend" bag of treats, and pulls out foot exfoliating creme and then some soothing minty foot jelly. What a nice relaxing way to end the day. I have always prided myself on giving good foot, so offered to massage the jelly in once the exfoliation had taken place. We all could have rinsed off in the tub, but since the room had a kitchen "Mary" and I decided to take off the sand creme in the sink. I hopped on the counter and had both feet clean in no time. "Mary" on the other hand had a little trouble with the process. Her hands were very greased up with the excess exfoliate, which did not allow a good grip on the counter top.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

"Halloween" 28

After our wet romp on the beach, we get back to the room and Donna says,"Go put your warm jammys on" . It was not hard for any of us to be convinced to get our cold, damp clothes off. After we are all in warm, dry, comfy clothes, Donna breaks out "Girls Weekend" facial masks.

Kris chose the cucumber mask, so did not look like she was trying out for the role of Jason in the next "Halloween" production.

After the facials, we head to the outlets. What else can you do on a rainy day? Kris bought shoes from Merrill and Clark's, Donna got some great jeans from Calvin Klein, and I bought a polka dot skirt from Gap and 2 camisoles from Banana Republic.

I think its been 3 hours since we've eaten so we head to lunch at "The Cracker Barrel". For those of you not familiar with "Cracker Barrel" the portion sizes could feed a family of four. Kris and I split some sort of skillet meal that was served with both a biscuit and cornbread. I think that "The Biggest Loser" must get most of it's contestants from the parking lot. Do you think that stopped us from ordering dessert? NO WAY, we did however split it 3 ways. I am sooo full. We head back to take the dogs out and get ready for dinner.

Ever notice when you're on a road trip your schedule seems to be planned around meals. It's as if calories on the road don't count. On the suggestion of Obi, from our Belgian waffle breakfast, we went to "Confucius"for dinner. Donna had sake for the first time in her life. That can now be checked off her "Bucket List". The food was absolutely delicious, who cares if I wasn't even hungry. Thank God, the desserts were virtually non existent, vanilla ice cream only. Ho-hum.

After dinner we went to this great bookstore on Rehobeth Avenue then headed back to relax.

Rain, Rain Go Away.

We all woke up to a sky the color of milky grey and a constant drizzle. Nothing to bothersome, until you add 3 Large Dogs and the smell of wet fur. Our spirits were not going to be dampened. We headed out to breakfast and found this great Belgian waffle & fresh ground coffee place called Obi's. Once inside we ordered breakfast and got a small table in front of the fireplace. My pecan, banana waffle was to die for... and the coffee, out of this world. I would have been happy to spend the whole day there, but alas the dog were waiting for a romp on the beach. Weather be
damned.
If you put Harper and Winslow anywhere and add a tennis ball, you will have 2 frenzied dogs, at least for the first 100 throws. Bear on the other hand, being older, is more into collecting seashells. This was Winslow's first visit to the beach, he gave it 2 paws up.


I must say Kris was a really good sport. It was wet and cold and I'm sure she would have rather been in front of a fireplace doing cross stitch, but she hung with the Big Dogs. Thanks Kris.

Beach Babes

For those of you who know I'm only as happy as my next holiday, I am on the road again. We were going to stay at the boys beach house in Rehobeth, but they're trying to rent it so we settled on a hotel. On this trip we have left Kevin home, and added Donna and her sheepdog Winslow. Ever since Colombia I knew that I would take Donna on any road trip. I have adopted her in my heart as a sister, the jury is still out on Winslow. Kris has taken on the position of driver, Donna is the navigator and I am in the back of the Element with the pups watching luggage.
Donna made sure the road trip had all the essentials needed, Frito's, cheddar popcorn, travel size wine and mudslides. We only missed 1 exit. Once we got there and got the pups settled we headed to "Dos Locos" for dinner and had a deliciously over priced Mexican meal. When we got home we played a little Scattegories and called it a night.

Slowly but Surely

I've done it...  After taking a month and a half to fill you in on a 2 week vacation, I bit. the bullet and bought an Apple MacBook.  That's right... a travel blog keeper.  Apple is new to me, but as I get to learn more about her everyday, I have a new respect for technology.  Not to worry... I haven't got completely crazy,  I'm still without a cell phone.

Asheville & The Biltmore

We make it to Asheville after another 2 hours on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Terry is really a great travel companion. We never seem to run out of things to talk about. He has a wonderful sense of humor and actually seems to get me. It's a little scary how well we mesh, and this is after 3 full days together. Anyway.....

...we make it to The Biltmore. The largest home in North America. Now I must say this place is magnificent. The exterior has the kind of workmanship that seems to have vanished with the Old World. The intricacy in detail rivals

some of Europes finest structures.

After touring the home we went to the refurbished stables for lunch. Lunch was all Terry's because he lost a bet. In the movie "Same Time Next Year", he bet that Carol Burnett played the lead opposite Alan Alda. That, being a favorite movie of mine, was a no brainer.

"May I see a wine list please" and "I'm so full, but I've got to order dessert". Terry learned not to bet against me. haha ....and YES we're still talking. He really is a good sport.

Bue Ridge Parkway

Today we wake up, Terry heads to the gym, and I head to the pool, and YES we are still speaking to one another. After breakfast we head to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Now we probably could have gotten to Asheville in 4 hours if we had stayed on the major highways, but then we would have missed the spectacular
scenery that the BRP has to offer.
If you have some time to spend and have not driven the Parkway, I highly recommend it. My only advice would be hold off on the 3rd cup of coffee and 2 tall glasses of water at breakfast. Most of the scenic views don't have spot-o-pots.

We make it as far as Blowing Rock, NC. and call it a night. Terry has done all the driving. I guess he wants to make it to Asheville in one piece.

The Longest Third Date.

Terry and I have been getting along so well, that we decide to take an extended weekend and go to Asheville, NC. I think a thousand plus mile road trip is a great litmus test for any new relationship. I wonder if Terry knew what he was getting into.

We hit the road on Saturday morning and head to Charlottesville, VA and to the home of Thomas Jefferson. I have had a secret crush on Thomas Jefferson ever since watching the HBOspecial, "John Adams". He is a little stiff in this photo with Terry and I.

After saying our hellos to T.J., we walk the grounds until our tour of his beloved Monticello began. Monticello sits on top of a hill and has a magnificent view of UVA. The better for TJ to watch the progress of his plans for the college. The home was lovely. It's hard to believe that after his death the home fell into disrepair. You would never know it to look at it today.

After having an espresso at an outdoor cafe, we head to Lynchburg and call it a day.

Score One for E-Harmony!

Looks like e-harmony came through. I went to dinner with a gentleman before I left for Colombia, one of the widowers, and I am actually still seeing him. He passed the 60 day trial period. Luckily, for him, I was away 45 of those days.

Our first date was at Fisherman's Inn on Kent Island. He was charming, I actually sat through a full meal with him without once wishing I was still drinking. Trust me when I tell you that is a real feat in this dating world.

When I got back from Colombia we set up a date to go to Chestertown. We went to lunch, then we went to a few book stores and local galleries. He bought me a book. Could I have been any happier? We walked through the town and down to the water, the conversation flowed very easily. When he took me back to my car I was truly sorry the date was over.

Specifics; Name- Terry John Age- 60 Lives in Royal Oak, MD 3 grown children

Breakfast and Goodbye

On Sunday we went to this funky, fun place in Louisville for breakfast called Lynn's Paradise Cafe. It's one of those really kitschy kind of place's that has faux palm trees with Christmas lights inside. Each table had a lamp on it, that looked like it had just had a run in with a Mexican garage sale. What's a place like that without a few cutout photo shots?

The things I do for my sisters. Does that pat of butter make me look fat?

REdecorating Kathy's

One of the best things about going to Kathy's is she let's me do whatever I want to her house.

Kris and I started in her TV room, we moved every piece of furniture including her TV which required more cable wire. Off Kris and Kathy go, with my measurement of 100yards, to buy said wire. 100 YARDS? Yes, I know that is the length of a football field. I though her closet was deeper than it was. Needless to say, 85 yards of wire are rolled up in the corner of her closet. Never let someone with a 7th grade math level give you measurements.

Then I hung her black and white photos in her stairway. Now I have poster size black and whites in my stairway. Kathy used all black and white family photo's in her hall. It required alot more photos, but the end result was really nice. Of course I don't have any photos to share.

After the redesigning, we all head out to get pedicures and manicures for the big surprise party.

The cake was really pretty, but they used this icing that might as well have been flavored candle wax. What ever happened to the really yummy, gooey, loose your finger to the first knuckle,tons of butter and sugar icing? I really didn't need it anyway.

On the Road Again!

No sooner do I touch down, unpack, do laundry, work 2 days, then Kris and I are on our way to Kentucky to see Kathy and go to George Poling's surprise 50th Birthday Party.

(Don't you just love the photos that you take of your self while you're holding the camera. So much for the theory that if you can see the lense, your in the photo). Anyway the girls are together again. We always have so much fun when we go down to Kathy's. On the first day we get there we head to Kathy's and she and Kris make a great dinner. We watched a movie and head for bed.

Travel Partners

May I just say that after 18 days with Donna and Jose; 14 days of which we were in the same room, I would go away with them again in a heartbeat. Donna was an absolute pleasure. When we checked in to our separate rooms in Bocas, I was actually a little lonely. All I can say about Jose is that he was a really good sport.

Now, I like to think of myself as easy to get along with, but who doesn't. I just want to personally thank both Jose and Donna not only for being great roommates, but friends for life.

I love you guys. WHEN'S OUR NEXT TRIP!!!!!!!

Island of Natives

Today we head to an Island that the native Indians live on. Getting there we passed through a small glade covered by palms and mangroves. As the river takes us deeper into the forest I feel like I've entered the Twilight Zone. Floating through this actually made you feel like you had gone to a third world country. Oh, We had!
Once there, we took a tour of their portion of rain forest. The vegetation was lush, and the mosquito's were huge and hungry. Thank heaven Jose brought "Off" and promised to share it with me if I promised to stop saying, "How Cool Is That". I did my best. Deeper in the jungle we saw monkeys, sloths, snakes, hummingbirds and even a cayman, which is a smaller version of a crocodile.
It was an experience to remember. As we finished our tour, the native children gathered around Donna for a final snapshot. Tomorrow we head home.

Bocas del Toro Abbreviated

You are going to get the "Cliff Notes" on Bocas, or else you'll be reading about it until July.

Remember every Island is a boat trip away, and every time we got on the boat it was 20.00 per person. One day it was Starfish Island, great snorkeling, thousands of starfish.

Next day, Bird Island. Donna commented that this looked like the Island they took King Kong from. It was breathtaking, so many different species of birds.

Closest I'll Get

Once we cleaned up we settled on the porch of our new digs and got to meet our host, Steve. Steve was from Chicago and liked to drink scotch in the morning and play guitar at night. What I did find interesting, was the whole time we took day trips to various islands, I kept thinking this would be a perfect island for survivor. Well Steve told us that his house was where the cast offs for the jury stayed. He had the Russian, French and Australian cast offs there. He said the French were the biggest pains in the ass. What a Surprise!

The Bulls Mouth

In Bocas del Toro we were greeted at the small airport by Patricia, she got us into a cab which took us to a dock for our next mode of transportation. This little green boat,and Captain Leroy would become indispensable for our entire stay in Bocas. This type of boat is what took tourists to all the adjoining islands. More of that later. When we arrived in Bocas it was raining, not just a sprinkle but a healthy drip. By the time we got out of the boat we were drenched. Then we had to get our luggage the 500 yards to the Bed and Breakfast. Now even on a paved walk it would not have been an easy climb, but since there was no paving the entire walk was in slippy mud. The kind of mud that squishes up between your toes and ruins any type of shoe you happen to be wearing. Luckily for Donna and I, "The Hulk" was there to carry our bags. Now these bags were easily 50 pounds each, and I'm whining about mud between my toes.

Off we go with our Sherpa in tow. I only almost slipped 16 times. By the time we got to "Soltare" I was muddy from head to toe.

Welcome to Shangri la.

Longest Vacation Ever

I've been back since January 31st and I'm still filling out my vacation blog. I'm sure you're getting as bored with it as I am, so Panama will be done in "Cliff Note" Style.
Check in to hotel, tour Old Panama, tour Older Panama, have lunch, taxi to the mall, Jose looks at cameras, Donna and I get our nails done. I need to tell you that this was the very first transsexual salon I had ever been in. While the young lady working on my feet was as normal as one can be in that environment, the stylist were anything but. It made for great conversation later.
Next day... Go tour the Panama Canal. Watch water rise and lower depending on the lock they're in. Fascinating engineering feat. Go into ship stimulation room. Find out I could be making a fortune as a boat pilot. Back to hotel and the pool. Pack for early morning flight to the Island of Bocas del Toro.

Panama Here We Come.

Well after all the good byes, Donna, Jose and I board our early morning flight for Panama. Good bye Colombia.

Donna booked us a room in a hotel right on the Panama Canal. Before booking we discussed the cost being high, so we would share the room. Now this discussion was only between Donna and I. Needless to say after 9 days in the same room at "The Club", Jose was ready for a little one on one with his lovely bride. SURPRISE!! 2 more days with yours truly. I only wish I had my camera ready for the look on his face, you guessed it, PRICELESS. I'm sure there's a VISA commercial in there somewhere. Anyway, after reviving Jose we checked in to our new room.

The view from our balcony window was great. All the ships heading through the locks lined up. It was as if we had a front row set for a cargo parade.

Here We Go!

Before boarding "The Chiva", we had a election for "MISSion Congeniality". The award went to Chantelle and rightfully so. She was a breathe of fresh air. After sashing her, and having her say a few words, we loaded the bus.

Now this was a bus you did not want "Shotgun" on. That would have put you in the Mariachi band's lap, and unless you have a thing for trumpets....

We have all now boarded the Chiva, the band strikes up a little ditty and off we go. Yippee!!

My friend Tom Crusse came up to me and said,"Is it just me, or does all this music sound alike"?

It was not just him, trust me. Okay, by about song 4 I was ready to get off "El Chiva".

I had a seat for the first few songs, but was swept away, not by the music mind you, but by some sugar free swilling party boy. I kept imagining "El Chiva" going up and down the streets in Annapolis as it was in Bucaramunga.

As our glow-in-the-dark bus continues its journey, the music got louder, people got sugar-freed up higher, started hanging out windows and then it was time to make our first stop. We pull in a little alcove where a white car was parked. Now, picture yourself in the backseat of your dad's car with Mr. Right(now),and this wild, mariachi band blaring, people hanging out, glow in the dark Chiva pulls in. All 60 of us pile out and continue the dancing all around the unsuspecting couple. Talk about birth control, that pretty much did the trick.

We stayed and danced here for about an hour. A bunch of the guys took some of the local Spanish moss and used it as a wig. Once the lipstick was applied, I thought we might have another vote for a new MISSter Congeniality. The party continues until our time comes to an end. Thank you baby Jesus. A few of the die-hards opted to be let off at a Disco, having a very early departure I decided to skip that party. We said our farewells and blared our way back to "The Club". I may have kissed the ground when we got there.