The Pressure Is Off

I always figure I'm writing this blog so the family can keep up with my activities. There are times when I have a hard enough time keeping up with my activities, so I have decided to keep you as updated as possible.
After 3 back to back trips, I have finally caught up with laundry, my dogs know who I am again and I'm about to change my summer/winter clothes out. Ho-hum.
Last weekend Terry's son Christopher, got married. After months of planning, the girl that I had lined up to work for me, called and said she couldn't. Okay, so now the scramble is on. I called everyone to see if they were free. Short of flying Ryan home I was stuck, so I broke the news to Terry who was not pleased. So the plan now is after closing on Saturday, I will head directly to The Omni in Philadelphia, arriving just in time for the rehearsal dinner. At the 12th hour Tricia called and said they were not taking the trip, so she could work after all. I called Terry 1st thing Saturday morning and told him I was on my way.
The wedding and reception was lovely. The DJ at the reception played all 70's and 80's music. People were actually doing "The Bump". The bump... can you believe it. I was sure the reason that that genre was chosen, was so all of us old folks could feel young again, and remember when staying up passed 10:00 was an every night occurrence. That's the way.. ah ah, I like it.. ah ah

A Family That Travels Together......

I have been on many bike trips, and there is always one in every crowd. The group on this trip was, bar none, the best group I've ever traveled with. I think one of the main reasons was 9 out of 18 in the group was family. Actually there were only 3 siblings (out of 6) on the trip but they brought their significant other and 3 friends. We all know anyone who comes from a large family has a great sense of humor and plays well with others. These guys were great. I had so much fun on this trip that I hardly noticed the constant overcast sky.

I wonder how my family would do together on a bike trip. You are all cordially invited to join Terry and I in Tucson next year. We are planning a bike tour through the Sonoran Desert, February 28th-March 5th. Start saving your pennies.

Rude Awakening

The last thing I remember before my head hit the pillow, was Karen setting her cell phone to wake us at 7:30am.  Well at about 3:00am I heard this chirp.  Now, have you ever been in such a sound sleep that a noise becomes part of your dream?  Well that's what happened until about the 4th chirp.  I just thought, man Karen's cell phone has a loud alarm, and it goes off at such long intervals.   Even Karen, with her earplugs in, woke up, so I know it's not a dream any more.  Karen figured out it was the smoke detector. I'm still in a fog, trying to smell smoke.  Karen has thrown my suitcase on top of this chest directly under the smoke detector and is trying to unscrew the device from the ceiling.  The chirp is going off at 25 second intervals, Karen can't loosen it and I am fully awake now.  After  15 minutes, even with her bike tools, Karen decides to call maintenance.  Now this is a B&B, so it was probably the daughter of the owners.  30 minutes later we are back to sleep, but not before Karen has dubbed the dead battery, "The Chirp of Death".

Easy Rider

The Sojourn vans picked all 18 of us up from The airport and took us directly to our digs for the night.  The Heart of the Village Inn.  An absolutely darling B&B in Shelburne, VT. (technical difficulties with photos).  Once we all signed our waivers releasing Sojourn from any truck squishing, broken appendages,etc., we all geared up for a warm up bike ride.  After the 9 mile ride we went to "Shelburne Farms".  OMG!!  The farm was created back in 1886 by William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt.  You know if the name Vanderbilt is involved it's stunning.  It was built as a model agricultural estate.  It is now an educational non-profit center.  Unfortunately we got to the farm an hour prior to closing, so instead of watching the process of cheese-making, we got to see them wash out equipment.  They didn't let us go to the petting zoo, because there was a child's birthday party going on.  I think you all know what I was more disappointed about.  Anyway we finished up at the "Farm", and headed back to our B&B to shower and get ready for dinner.  Now remember, Karen and I have been up since 3:30am, and I am running on empty.  Dinner was delicious, but right after dessert I excused myself and went straight to bed.  I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Vacation Fast Forward

I know I haven't finished my Wyoming Trip and you have yet to hear all about Costa Rica, but Karen and I have just landed in Burlington, Vermont to start our 7 day biking adventure.  It's our first planned trip since Montana last year, and yes, we opted to have a tour group take care of everything.  That means no lugging and extra 20 pounds, so I have packed something new to wear for every day of the trip.  I am also thrilled that all our hotel rooms will have WiFi, unlike the middle of nowhere, Wyoming, and Karen does not require the attention of my Costa Rica companion either, so sit back and enjoy our trip.  Photos will follow as soon as I figure out how to download them.

You Can Lead A Horse to Water.....

On one of the most beautiful days at the Ranch we all headed out to the Lake. We rode to the top of a bluff so you could enjoy the full view of this man made lake. The view left us breathless. I'm not sure if it was the view, or the height that took my breath away.

From the top of the ridge we followed the trail that took us to the beach.

Boy did we have fun.

Liza actually took off her saddle, and rode bareback in the water. She is a great horseman. Everyone loved watching her race her horse up and down the beach.

Now I see Liza having all this fun, and figure "how many chances will you get to ride a horse bareback in Wyoming". So with the help of Liza I gave it a shot. Needless to say I will not be

not be joining the circus anytime soon, but I had a ball.

Round 'Em Up

What would a Dude Ranch be without a round up? Tuesday morning we all get up earlier than usual, so we can help the boys with a cattle round up. We're going to bring them in, because they have been sold off to a new ranch. 400 head, better wear my gloves for this. I really had a good time with this little adventure. We split up into 3 groups, one to the left, one on the right, and my group, straight up the middle. It's hard to imagine 400 head of cattle spread over 50 acres, but the area is fenced so they can only go so far. Now the fun begins, but there are a few rules, Don't get of f your horse to pet anything. Yes, the baby cows are cute, but stay in your saddle. Do not piss off the bulls, that is alot of weight with horns at the end.

You will all be happy to know that I followed all the rules, although there was this really cute little calf... and all the cattle were delivered without a hitch.

Rider Down

The first night at dinner I was seated across from a gentleman named Mike. He was not a rider in the van because he came out a day early. Come to find out he works at AACC, and lives in Severna Park. What are the chances? We talked about everything Maryland and said our good nights.

Monday morning we saddle up and take our rides into the ring, so the cowboys can measure our skills and make sure we have the right horse. Well, I am riding right behind Mike when all of the sudden his horse starts bucking. I don't mean just one kick with the back legs, his horse must have kicked six or seven times. If the 8 second clock was running he may have won a prize.

As it was, he fell on the horn of the saddle on the first buck, the second he was leaning sideways probably from the impact of the first landing. The third buck he was way over, but still holding on then finally fell or jumped right into the fence.

Being the ever vigilant blogger I got these 2 shot, but I felt a little paparazzish, so then I asked if I could help. He stayed down for about 60 seconds, got up, tried to walk it off, but was in obvious pain, so headed to the closest clinic 45 minutes away. Now Mike was an experienced rider, this was his 2nd trip to the Ranch. I'm beginning to second guess my one day a week, English riding lessons.

After going to the clinic, getting some "don't take while riding horses" pain pills, Mike decided to catch a flight home on Tuesday. I think his final diagnosis was fractured pelvis, bruised ribs and total disappointment.

After all the drama of the morning was over we went on a slow, cautious trail ride. The country is so expansive out west. Miles and miles of nothing but view. Now that is fine for a week, but when you want to run to the store for some little necessity, like Ben & Jerry, and have to drive 45 minutes one way, I just think that would get old after a while. You need to be a certain kind of person to enjoy that type of solitude.

Meet Your Pony

Monday morning we all got to meet our horses. The cowboys got up real early to bring them in from the west field. We were there just in time to see them running into the corral.

My horse was a chestnut mare named "Cricket", Liza got a spicy little number called"Tex-Mex". Cricket was not as sweet as I would have liked. Once I had her saddle on and was cinching the girth, she turned around and bite the bejezus out of my arm.
Luckily I had a long sleeve sweatshirt on, but I wore a bruise on the back of my forearm for the rest of the trip. So much for my forearm modeling career.

Western Digs

When we arrived at the "Box R", we were shown to our cabin. They were split into 2 cabins, Liza and I on one side, and Jamie, a 28 year old from San Francisco, who was spending a month traversing Wyoming. She had some great stories and stayed until Wednesday evening.



All the cabins were given cutesy little names, I guess to make up for the mouse traps scattered throughout. Ours was Bounding Buck, guess they knew we were coming.

Later the owner of the Ranch showed Liza and I around. Now, I try very hard not to judge people. You know how when you don't know someone, you aren't sure if they suffer from speech impediments, or muscle spasms. Well Irv was in his late 60's so then you don't know if age has something to do with his malfunctions, maybe thrown from one too many horses or took a hoof on the frontal lobe. Then you get closer and realize it's just good old Jack Daniels. Holy Moly. He wasn't suffering from Muscular Dystrophy, just blasted, not a good first impression.



By now it was 6:00 and dinner was right around the corner. The call came in the manner of 2 huge dinner bells rung so you could here them in Montana. Yes, I am wearing headphones.
They set us up mess hall style, 2 long tables, serve yourself buffet style, so much for my diet this week.

Welcome to Wyoming

First of all I would like to take the time to thank my sister Kris for the ride to the airport. I don't care who you are, 6:00am on you day off is no fun for anyone.

Once Liza and I arrive at the airport we smile pretty and flirt a little to get our over-weight bags on for no extra charge. I'd like to think I've still got it, but I am traveling with a 20 something

hottie. We're off....

.

After 20 chapters, 50 spider solitaire games, a 2 hour lay over in Denver, we land in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The sky is a breathtaking Carolina Blue, and the air is so clean you just want to

scoop it up, bottle it and bring it home (so those bottles you get as Christmas gifts aren't empty).

We meet up with others that are heading to the Ranch and load up for our 2 hour van ride. Now 2 hours in a van with 7 strangers gives you a pretty good feel of what the week is going to be like. 5 of the guests had been to the ranch before, so I'm thinking that is a pretty good referral if that many are returning. Many of them with "Box R" belt buckle, Liza and I try to hide our jealousy.

Teehee.

No Excuses

I have been to a Dude Ranch in Wyoming, an amazing week in Costa Rica and just got back from a weekend in State College for the wettest college football game I have ever attended, so grab a cool drink sit back and catch up with me.
I know I've been remiss in my updating. I think of Rachel and Sara with 2 little ones and really have no excuses.
It's tough to decide where to start, but the beginning is as good a place as any. Here we go.......

Ready or Not......

This morning was my last horseback riding lesson before I head to "The Wild West". Terry, my instructor, had a student fall off her horse yesterday and break 4 fingers on her left hand. These are the stories you love hearing before a lesson. We all sign release forms, but the fallen rider has no insurance, and Terry isn't sure if she is going to sue. Needless to say my lesson was very tame. Only walk, trot and posting today. I love to canter, but the posting and trotting are what's getting me saddle worthy. I'm not sure what kind of internet access there will be at the Ranch, but I will keep you posted on my stay. YIPPPEEE!!

Paige is a Rock Star.

OMG!!!   Enough about amusement parks already,  Paige is a Rock Star!!! 

 You got to check it out on You Tube.   Demi Levato sings "This is Me"  with a fan at Patriot Center.  There are a bunch of them.  My favorite is "This is Me"- Demi Levato & Paige fairfax Patriot Center, but they started taping it half way through the song.  On the 2nd one if you look real close you can see Jaws on the side of the stage taking photos.  He's in a blue shirt.   Can you believe it? 

 Paige is to Demi, what Courtney was to Bruce 20 years ago.  I have already sent away for an autograph.   You Rock Paige.

Waterpark On Mushrooms.

This was my very first time to Hershey Park, and I must say I have never seen a water park like the one they have here. The only way I can describe it is something between Tim Burton's

"Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory" and the game "Chutes and Ladders". All the colors are really vivid, and everything seems to move in different directions at the same time.

I don't know how in the world parents with more than 1 child can keep track of them. There were nooks and crannies everywhere. Ladders, slides, water coming out of anything that moved. What happened to the lazy river? We took some photos, and got out of WaterWorld as quickly as possible.

Early Does It.

Having ridden most of the roller coasters before 11:30am was a really smart thing to do. Like most amusement parks in the middle of a 90 degree August 18th day, it starts taking on a life of it's own. The mix of over excited teenagers, and over aged thrill seekers has a smell all of its own, especially in the previously mentioned heat.

With all the major coasters behind us, except for the latest addition "The Fahrenheit", that is where we were headed, or should I say that is where I was headed, pulling Terry along with me. Once we got there, they had a repair sign on it, and were sending the cars empty along the tracks. Now I am all for throwing caution to the wind, but I would really like to see my 54th birthday, so we by passed that and went for the "Coal Cracker"

You can see my brave little warrior ducking behind me so he would get wet. Can you say Wussy?

Heading to Hershey Park

After another full day and some great buys at the NY Gift Show, Terry and I head to Hershey, PA. That's right, Terry is taking me to Hershey Park for my 53rd birthday. Chocolate and roller coasters, does it get any better? So Monday we leave NY and head to "Chocolate Mecca".

When Terry and I reach the park Tuesday morning we are at the gates at 10:00, and I am ready to hit the 1st ride we come to. We reach the Carousel, pick out our ponies, and get settled for the ride to begin. I know I'm in trouble when not 15 seconds in, and maybe 2 up & downs, Terry comments on how fast the ride is going. Oh boy, It's going to be a long day.

I really do have to give Terry credit. He took me to an amusement park, because he knows I'll always be a kid at heart. He didn't complain once about having to wait while I hit all the #5 coasters. He actually went on one of the #4's and a 5. That was all it took, he sat the rest out, having fulfilled his boyfriend duties du jour.

If You Want Something Bad Enough.....

On Friday night before we left for NY, Terry had given me a look inside the birthday weekend he had planned for me. He made sure that Tuesday was covered at the shop, and that Harper and Bear had sitters for the extra days we would be gone.
Terry had made an appointment for a deep tissue massage just for me for Sunday morning at 9am. What a great way to start the day. So much for catching up at the show. All I had to do now was get a cab to "Lather" for an hour of total decadence. I stepped out of the Hotel to hail a cab, and the entire street was blocked of for the New York City Marathon. Can you believe it? That's okay I'll just walk up to Broadway and get one there, nope, Broadway was full of these overzealous runners as well. What drives these people to get up and run 26.2 miles before breakfast. Well it was obvious that my intended route was not going to work.

Welcome to the NY Transit System, aka,"The Subway". After asking a few touristy questions I got on the first correct train.

...then another question to a very nice young guy,who pointed me in the right direction for the 4,5,6 train. Two blocks, and I was at The Spa. Now I'm sure you know that if I was going to the dentist, or going to workout my resolve to get there would not have been as strong as it was for this massage. Aaaahhhh! It was wonderful. Thanks Terry.

The Big Apple

One of the best parts of my job is getting to go to all the shows that might have anything new and different pertaining to dogs and cats. Well last week was the New York Gift Show. One of my favorites. What makes the NYGS different from the usual dog & cat shows that I go to, is the NYGS has everything from linens to china, furniture to jewelry, unique fashions to garden gnomes, and everything in between, and to me it's all at cost. There is just so much to see and never enough time, luckily I can always pass up the garden gnomes.
I usually do this trip alone, it's easier for me because I only have myself to worry about. Well on this trip I invited Terry to join me. We left Annapolis around 9:00, I usually leave at 6:30. I had to stop by the store to pick up business cards and my camera....details,details. The drive was petty uneventful beside the usual rest stop at J. Fenimore Cooper. We got to our hotel and checked in, the walked to the Javitz Center. By the time we got started it was already 3:00 and the show closes at 6:00. Oh well, I'll get alot done tomorrow.
We headed to Broadway for a great meal not having any idea where we were going. Terry took a side road here and a turn there and "Voila" a great Spanish Taverna. It was an absolutely fantastic meal, but if I had a gun to my head and had to take someone there, I would never be able to find it again. Thank God that Terry has a sense of direction.

Best of the Worst

We all have our own ways of coping. There is nothing wrong with coping mechanism, it one of those things that lets us know we are human. Mine used to be to hook up with my best friends, Jack Daniels or Jim Beam. I dropped those 2 and replaced them with Ben & Jerry, but now I have a real boyfriend. I have been solo for so long that I have sort of forgotten the art of sharing, except with K-9s. The way I cope now is by filling my plate so full with outside stimulus that I'm too preoccupied to deal with the problem at hand (ie: my mother's death). So during and after the funeral proceedings, I was constantly agreeing to take other peoples dogs in to keep myself busy. The problem with this was that I totally forgot that I had offered to be with Terry during a very hard time for him. The anniversary of his wife's death was this week. Instead of keeping my promise to him, to be by his side, I have 8 dogs at my house. Needless to say, Terry is not the dog lover that I am, but then again, who is? I know, I know, I have said I'm never doing this again, but I'm just a girl who can't say no. .... anyway I have officially given myself top honors for "Worst Girlfriend of the Month".