Flora Extraordnaire

With everyone back in the van we head to a nursery. Unfortunately, I must have missed the memo on bringing an extra set of clothing, so you would not have the pleasure of being in a wet suit for the next 6 hours. Who cares? I'm in a wet suit in Maui.

The incredible flora in Maui will take your breathe away, why we had to stop at a nursery when the beauty is all around you was beyond me. Of course once the shopkeeper started to try to sell us 80.00 bouquet to mail home, it became clear. I am all for helping out the local economy, but a bouquet was not what I was in the maket for. Bring on the pearls.

These are just a few of the flowers that Maui had to offer. I must have taken hundreds of flower photos.

Black Sand Beaches

After 4 hours in the van we stopped for our lunch stop at a black sand beach. We had an hour and one half to enjoy this scenic stop. I think a more appropriate name would have been black jagged rock beach. I could not be stopped from going into the brilliant blue water, but the lava

rocks made it a very slow and painful process.

The rocks did not stop at the waters edge, it continued for as far out as I could still stand. Needless to say, I dove in head first as soon as I could to relieve my hurtin' pups. The water was amazing, so clean and pure. After my 20 minute swim I did a little cave exploring in the same area. I'm not normally a cave person, they are too dark and I usually end up slipping on something slimy. Luckily the light at the end of cave was very close to the entrance, so darkness was not a problem, squeezing through was.

Road To Hana

When I first knew I was going to see Rachel with Kris, I planned a 4 day excursion to Maui. I talked to all my friend who had been there and got the scoop on what not to miss. I booked 3 tours ahead of time, so as not to be left out on any of these breathtaking wonders. My 1st tour was called, "The Road to Hana".The tour van picked me up at my hotel at 6:30am, and I probably wouldn't be returning until 7:00pm. It's gonna be a long day. This was basically a tour of the entire Island, but there is one section, 68 miles long, that consists of 620 curves, 59 bridges, 49 of them are one lane. This portion of the road alone takes around 3 hours to complete.Believe me when I tell you this would be a cyclist's hell. We were in a 20 seat van, so the turns were either too close to the side of the mountain or inches from the on coming traffic. May I just say, "thank the Baby Jesus I was not at the wheel". Our guide said most tourist that start the drive end up turning around. Where they find enough space to turn around was another question all together.

We did find some space to pull over, never mind taking your life in your hands to walk to whatever the view was offering, but the outcome was always well worth it. Rainbow trees, Jaws Beach, where the largest waves on the North Shore have been riden by extreme surfers, and sections of the lushiest rain forest on the entire island

Quick Update

For those of you who have been wondering where I've been.....

Back on September 5th, I headed to Florida to help my friend Donna move into her new digs.

Donna got behind the wheel of this 24' Penske with all of her worldly belongings, well at least half of all her worldly belongings. I packed up Harper, one of my bikes and a few summer things and followed closely behind her for the next 2 days and 1036.2 miles. ....but before we get into that whole adventure I've got to take you to Maui.

North Beach and Cholo's

For this posting please go to www.livinglifeprewittstyle.blogspot.com

Thanks Rachel, I could not have said it better myself.

Pearl Harbor

I don't think anyone can come to this memorial and not be touched in some way. I started with a 25 minute short film that was shown before our tour began, it brought tears to my eyes. Kris opted to sit it out and help Rachel with the girls, because it had the exact same effect on her last time she saw it. We loaded a boat to head out to the Arizona Memorial.

Normally on the ride over to the memorial the soldiers on the shuttle boat give you a brief description on what you are about to see, I guess this trip they were a bit tired, because no info was given. That's okay... I actually enjoyed the silence. It is such a somber sight. For those of you who have not been there, This memorial was built over a portion of the actual remains of the USS Arizona and the 1177 men who went down with it. On the far wall of the structure is the shrine room where the names of those killed on the Arizona are engraved....and they thought was just going to be another day of duty. It is amazing to believe that just one day before December 7, 1941 "Battleship Row" held 21 fully functional ships.

Bellows Beach

After our invigorating hike we decided it was time for lunch. We had planned to go to the Subway because it was next to the beach Rachel had picked out for us that afternoon, The Bellows. Unfortunately due to a water break, Subway was closed, so we went to The Bellows Snack Shack. After lunch we hit the beach. Now I have been to alot of beaches in my day, and I have to say Hawaiian Beaches are among my favorite. Aqua-marine waters, Carolina blue skies, puffy white clouds, a lush mountain range as a back drop to it all, it was my paradise.

Kris took care of Riley's entertainment, while Rachel had Hadley in tow. Rachel had the light duty because after about 30 minutes Hadley was ready for a nap. Of course the nap was not before Rachel got stung, for the 2nd time in 3 weeks by a Portuguese man-o-war. There had to be 10 kids in and out of the water bogey boarding for the 3 hours we were there, not one of them got stung. Rachel is in the water not even up to her knees for 3 minutes and gets stung. What are the odds?

After being doused by the lifeguard with some sort of de-sting spray, Rachel just kept on keeping on. I love these mommy-baby shots.

While mommy and baby were getting stung and sprayed. Kiki was playing with Riley, and I do mean non-stop. Running in and out of the water to fill buckets for sand castles, digging in the sand, I'm telling you I was exhausted just watching them. This is not a 15 minute play session, this is the entire time we are at the beach. Now you have to understand the whole time Kiki is playing, she is bent at the waist, so she can be closer to Riley. So not only am I exhausted, now my back hurts. Of course my back was nothing, during all this play time Kiki forgot her sunblock. Aloe is now her best friend.

What a View!!

With the better part of the trail behind us, we continue up and up. It seems like the end of the trail has gotten a few degrees steeper, some sick engineer's idea of a joke. We get to the end of one incline, turn the corner and see it is

still going up. Kris has relieved Rachel on stroller duty. I am saving myself for the return trip. As we reach the top of the hill, the view is stunning, and we all agree the hike was well worth it.

Full Day of Sun

Watching Rachel with her 2 girls is amazing. She is such a loving mother, her girls both adore her. It is really nice to watch their interactions. Rachel has the morning routine with the girls down to a science. I am in awe just watching how smoothly the drill runs. Once they have been taken care of Kiki takes over, and Rachel can jump in the shower herself. What does she do when she is by herself? Today we are heading to Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. This is a breathtaking (literally) hike up the side of a hill with the Pacific Ocean surrounding the trail. It is the first real exercise I have done since the boot has been taken off, and I feel great. It is just so nice to be out in the open and doing something physical, of course being in Hawaii while I'm doing it certainly doesn't hurt. Now I am walking up this hill with the sun in my face and all is right with my world. Riley decides she will walk with the big girls. I am thrilled with this because I can use Miss Riley as my excuse to go slowly. When Kris and Riley fall a little behind they both come charging up the hill to catch up.

Rachel, who after this trip will always be "Wonder Woman" in my eyes, not only gets herself up the trail, but does it while pushing both girls. That is an extra 52 pounds. I, of course, offered to push it on the way down.

Jet Lag

Once we got to Oahu, Kris put in a call to Rachel, we grabbed our bags (first on the carousel), and waited at the big C for our ride to appear. 2 minutes later Kris, who will now be referred to as Kiki, was smack dab in the center of her 2 favorite "Hawaiian" grand daughters. Knowing we would probably be exhausted, Rachel planned a very low key day. Kiki was energized by the girls and totally switched into grandma mod. When I say grandma mod, that is by no means to be confused with slowing down at all. She actually reved up. Watching her running around with Riley was like watching the energizer bunny after chugging a full can of Hershey's chocolate syrup. I don't know how she did it, watching her was exhausting. I hit the sack around 5:00, that's 11:00pm east coast time, not to be seen or heard from until the next day. I know ho-hum.

First Class All The Way

I was awaken this morning by Kris singing "We're going to Hawaii, we're going to Hawaii". That was all I needed to jump up, throw a dress on and head out the door. Kevin drew the short straw and had the pleasure of taking us to the airport. The first thing we saw leaving the house was the full moon, what better way to start a trip.

Once we got to the airport we headed to my old stomping grounds, "Continental". We did the self check-in, got our bags tagged "Priority" and headed to our gate. That's right "Priority". For Kris's birthday I upgraded our seats to First Class. If we were headed to Boston it would have not have been a big deal, but when you fly 12 hours, even to Hawaii, First Class makes all the difference in the world.

Kris and I watched "Sex In The City 2" each on our private screen, then we watched "Please Give". Kris continued movies with "Back Up Plan", and I finished reading Janet Evanovich's "Finger Lickin' Fifteen". This of course was all being done while being served breakfast, a 3 course lunch, ice cream with assorted toppings, fresh baked choclate cookies, free flowing wine and anything else our little hearts desired. I am loving this trip so far......

All Set To Go

I'm staying over night at Kris and Kevin's tonight, we thought it best for our 3:30am wake up call. The sacrifices I make to go to Hawaii, I am surely destined for Sainthood.

So I find myself in Rachel's old bedroom, looking around at some of the remnants of her childhood. Her old white dresser and desk are still here, but her matching bed frame has been replaced by a wooden futon, courtesy of Justin. I remember when Kris and I went shopping for Rachel's bedroom set. She couldn't have been more than 5 years old....and now we are heading to Oahu in time to celebrate her 29th birthday...she now has 2 little girls of her own.

Happy Birthday To Me.

On August 18th I started my 54th year to grey skies and a non stop rain, but that was not going to dampen my spirits. It is MY day. First thing in the morning I checked my email, 36 messages. Now the only time I have ever had that many messages was when I went to South America and had no access to my account, and most of those were drug ads. I had no idea that as a member of Facebook my birthday is common knowledge to all my Facebook friends. I got well wishes from so many people, thank you one and all. What a great way to start the day.

Earlier in the month Anthropologie sent me my birthday card along with a 15% discount coupon. That, with a gift certificate John gave me for watching Layla started my day. I got 3 funky tops that I really didn't need, but hey it's my birthday.

From there I headed to see "Eat, Pray, Love". Love, love, loved it. I really saw myself in that character. I don't think any women of a certain age, could not identify in one way or another. With all my travels coming up maybe I could write a spin off, "Eat, Pray, Eat, Like Alot, Eat".

I think I'm on to something.... After the movie I headed home. Another 46 emails.

.... and what is a birthday without cake and ice cream? I opted for a chocolate eclair and Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby. I love birthdays.

To end my special day I got an hour and half massage. I've been going to David for my massages ever since my birthday last year. His massages are unbelievable. He uses stones and oil in way that I am sure is illegal in many countries. When I leave I am really not sure I should be driving, I am lightheaded and soooo relaxed. If I were George Castanza, it would have moved.

I get home, crawl into clean sheets and eat, pray and smile.

Social Butterfly

On Tuesday I went to a fund raiser for the Hospice of the Chesapeake. It was a crab feast held at a friend's restaurant. I was familiar with Hospice before, but since my mother's passing, I've become an admirer. The tickets were $50.00 and they had a great turnout. They had a wonderful spread of barbecue ribs and chicken, corn on the cob and assorted salads. Basically it's all the food that I hate to eat in public or without dental floss. Luckily, I hung out with my ex-neighbor and good friend Kathy Corry. A good friend is someone you can show your teeth to in public and ask if you have anything in between. The food and company was great. They also had a 2 kids playing guitar and singing. It was a wonderful evening.

Wednesday I was invited to the Annapolis Yacht Club by some friends I got to know through Woofs & Whiskers. We had an amazing lunch overlooking Spa Creek. This couple is so interesting and have done so many things, I felt like a sponge just soaking up everything they said. I had so many questions, lunch went by much to quickly.

Making the Time

Since becoming a "Lady of Leisure" I am actually doing things. Going out always seemed to be such a chore. Because I dealt with the public 6 days a week, on my day off all I wanted to do was just unplug and try to rejuvenate myself. I would do somethings, but I always went screaming and kicking. Now I am actually enjoying myself.

Saturday, Kris and I went to our cousin Maura's for her annual "Tea". She has a wonderful collection of antique bone china, all different patterns. I have as much fun looking at the settings as I do conversing.

As most of you know Maura live in Towson, so Kris and I decided to ride up together.....with address in Garmin we are all set. Anyone who has a Garmin know that they have a mind of their own. Kris's decided to take us on the scenic route, through probably thee roughest section of Baltimore. It was actually pretty funny, I kept saying, "Don't look anyone in the eye". We got through it laughing all the way, the kind of frantic, get us out alive laughing.

At Maura's we were joined by the Timmick Girls, Aunt Dorie( it's been probably 45 years since we've seen her), Aunt Mary and her daughter, and Molly's mother-in-law. It was a great group. The kind that you get to telling stories and in 20 minutes you've been there for 5 hours. We all vowed to get together more often, and said our huggy goodbyes.

Another Loss

Last week I got an email from Terry, the subject matter was "Dad".

I have not heard from or seen Terry since March, so I knew this was not good. I had the chance to meet Terry's father when we went west for our bike trip. We spent a lovely evening together with the rest of his family. He was a true gentleman. Terry's note said that his father had slipped into a coma and passed away the following morning. I am very glad that Terry made it out to Arizona. His father was surrounded by a family that loved him very much.

I called Terry to see how he was, an email just seemed so shallow. I wanted to hear his voice to make sure he was okay. I may have caught him a little off guard by the call, but we soon fell back into our comfortable manner. Once I knew he was all right and let him know if he needed anything to let me know, I said good-bye. I was happy to know that he too was surrounded by family that loves him.

Shed Much

Kris and I went back to the shop after unloading and got down to the fun part, cleaning.

It's amazing what you find under furniture after 6 years. I think Kris found close to $10.00 in change, I found 5 tennis balls, 3 squeaky toys, 2 bones, packing peanuts, envelopes, tags and enough dog hair to make 3 small dogs.

After sweeping up most of the big stuff, Kris and I decided to get lunch and call it a day. We had both started at about 5:30am.

Monday morning I went over to do all the touch up to the shop. It took me about 2 hours to get it up to snuff. The only time I got a little misty was when I wiped off the nose prints from the glass front door. I will drop the keys off to the guys next door tomorrow. Another chapter closed. 22 days and a wake up until Hawaii.

Convoy

With all the fixtures loaded we caravan down Rt.50. Okay our headlights weren't on so I guess we weren't officially a convy, but it's fun to pretend. Got everything unloaded, and I can't thank

everyone enough for all their help.

John and BJ had the pleasure of carrying an 18 drawer dresser upstairs, and a cathedral sized bench downstairs.....which is no small feat because of the turns in the stairwell. After they put their heads together and used their mathematical wizardry, they managed to get the pieces to the designated rooms. We were finished by 11:00.

That being said, my garage now looks like a furniture warehouse sans the warehouse. I see a garage sale in my near future. Luckily for me, I now have plenty of time to get it all together.

All Hands on Deck

Whenever something needed to be done in the Gunning household my father would bellow, "All Hands on Deck", and if you were within ear shot you had better show up ready to work.

After looking around the shop at the end of the day Saturday, I thought if I called John and Brian it would only take 1 load each SUV and I could have the store cleared out in no time. Even though Heather bought all my merchandise, I still had all the fixtures that needed to be removed. So I called the boys and gave the old battle cry and they agreed to meet me at the store at 10am on Sunday, no questions asked. Kris of course was already on board.

John showed up first. I was counting and boxing inventory to transfer up the street. By the time Kris showed up (on time), John and I had already filled the Element, and were working on his car. Brian pulled up, and the piece that was going into his car would fit better in 2 pieces. I knew when he asked for a screwdriver it was going down. Oh well...nothing a little gorilla glue won't take care of.

In the Dark.

July 31, 2010 Woofs & Whiskers last day.

I'm heading into the shop today with a happy heart. I know I am doing what is right for me at this point in my life. So we all get to the store and I walk in, go to the front to turn on the lights and Oops, no lights. I go next door to see if they have electricity. In the last 2 weeks it's gone off twice due to the heavy storms in the area...Yep they have lights. I have to use Morgan-Gerard's phone to call BGE. They have a turn-off order for he 31st. I won't even go into the conversation I had with the BGE employee 2 weeks ago cancelling service on the 1st because I would be open on the 31st and I would need service until 4pm that day..... anyway, they would not be able to turn it back on until Tuesday. NEVER MIND.

Not having lights is one thing, but I have no phone, no credit card machine, no register, no fax, no air and now my happy heart is copping an attitude. Luckily for all of us it was a beautiful day and I opened all the windows and we had a lovely breeze. By the end of the day, 3 friends that could not reach me by phone came in to say good-bye, my sister Kris came by to make sure I was okay, and Donna called me at home from Florida letting me know she was thinking about me all day. My happy heart is back, I know I am loved.

Blue Without You

With 2 days left at Woofs & Whiskers it seems that everyone who ever came into the store has stopped by to tell me how much they will miss Harper and I. I put on a happy face and tell them "It's all good, I'm closing because I'm ready for my next adventure". Of course they all want to know what that's going to be. I let them know I'm going to travel for a while

and see where the wind blows me. It's the pups that are really going to be "BLUE".

Yes... the Groomer colored her dog in memory of me. Poor thing. His name is Chewy, I am calling him Bluey.

Changes Are Coming

It never ceases to amaze me how much life can change in such a short time. Those of you with small children certainly see it everyday. My changes are nothing as dramatic as some are, but in my little world they are major. A year ago I had a booming business, a very special someone in my life, a home that I loved and a very good friend to walk dogs with. All that has changed now except my home, but I'm not so sure I love it in Annapolis anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I am actually one of those people that thrive on change.
I've been wondering what in the world I was going to do with all my excess inventory. I finally cleaned my garage out, just to refill it with pieces from my mom's house. I was dreading putting all the extra store stuff in there as well. I was imagining myself on ebay in my basement for the rest of my life. Uuugghhh! The owner of "The Grooming Salon" down the street came in on Tuesday and said, "Whatever you don't sell, I'll buy". OMG!! Can you believe it!! Thank you Baby Jesus.

Om Ar Hung

I have started a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation class. There are probably as many schools of thought on meditation as there are people in the universe. I have done meditation before, but I never had the discipline to make it part of my daily routine. I don't know what makes me think that this class will be different.

So here I am, week 2 of TBM and we are focusing on our breathing and mind. Inhale through the nose Om, let the air flow through Ar, exhale through the nose Hung. After 5 minutes of this, I am in a very peaceful state. It is impossible to think of anything else when you are so completely concentrating on breathing and Om, Ar, Hung. In with the good air, out with the bad.

Next... everyone is to concentrate on an emotion. I pick happiness. If I want to concentrate on anger or sadness I can call a family member. This is my "Happy Place". The women next to me just buried her husband yesterday, and of course, focuses on sadness. By minute 2 she begins crying and her sniffling is disrupting my "Happy Place". After the 5 minutes we have a question/answer period. The big cry baby begins to tell the story of losing her husband and my "Happy Place" is beginning to build a resentment wall. Now don't get me wrong. I am very sympathetic to losing a loved one, but don't they have a grief management group for that? I am here to find relaxation, sort of a respite from the real world. If I want to hear sad stories I can stay at work for an extra hour, or go back to AA meetings. Anyway 3 more weeks for "Enlightenment".

Emotional Roller Coaster

There are times in my life where thing seem to just flow, then there are other times where I just can't seem to catch my breath. There is so much going on in my life now that I feel like my plate is overflowing. With Donna leaving I feel this overwhelming sadness, but I also feel selfish for that sadness. I know this new start for Donna is something she has wanted for sometime now, and I also know she will flourish because of it... and because of that, I am thrilled for her.

Woofs & Whiskers now has an "Everything Must Go" sign up and I have 2 more weeks until the doors are closed for good. A very good friend of mine came in last week and I cried on his shoulder about Donna and Winslow leaving that morning. He just said, "Terry, it's like the sign says, everything must go". Richard has a way about him that is both spiritual and realistic, that statement pretty much summed up past, present and future all in one.

Farewell My Friend

Donna left this morning to start her new volume. When you reach our age and leave everything that you have known for the last 25 years, it's not just a new chapter, it's a volume. Harper and I met Winslow and Donna down at the neighborhood gazebo for our last round of chucking tennis balls. It is so sad to say goodbye to someone who has become a real friend, so I didn't. I told her to be safe and that I would see her in September. As I headed to work I looked towards her home and the familiar red truck was gone, I stopped and bought some chocolate and called my older sister to cry. Donna is now on her way to my younger sister to start her healing. Thank God for sisters.

Dog Days of Summer

I am trying to get as much Donna time in as possible before she heads south. A mutual friend of ours has a pool and has given us both an open invitation to drop by whenever we feel like it. She has a boyfriend with a house at the beach, so she is rarely there on weekends. Donna and I packed up the dogs a had a great day of sunshine. It was the day before the 100 degrees hit and it could not have been nicer out.

Just Another Joint

After dinner we headed to the jam session. I was anxious to hear some of the talent that I was told came far and wide for this get together. What I wasn't aware of was the location that all this talent was to gather for our listening pleasure. It was the "Democratic Club" in Eastport. I have been to some joints in my day, but never sober. I truly believe that some places are better seen in double, this place was not one of them. It is one of those places that is really dark. The only light came from the register, the classy hanging Budweiser pool table light or from matches lighting up cancer sticks. I got through half a glass a water, watched Donna and Tracy play half a game of pool and thanked the Baby Jesus I had my own car. Some times reading is just more fun, but you gotta play to win.

Eat, Drink and be Terry

We decide before the jam session, we'll get a bite to eat at "The Boatyard Grill".

The Boatyard is a great local pub in Eastport. Tracy decides she would like to eat at the bar. If it's just 2 people I love eating at the bar, but with 4 the conversation generally breaks off in pairs. It did.

Having been a bartender at one junction in my life, I love to watch bartender/customer interaction. Well Tracy decided to order Donna a Stoli vodka gimlet, straight up, but asked in her best flirty little girl way if he would use fresh squeezed lime instead of Rose's lime juice. He was very cordial and said since it wasn't busy it would be no problem, he asked if Tracy would like one as well. "No thank-you". Being a vodka gimlet drinker from way back, I know the difference between fresh squeezed and Rose's is like night and day. So the bartender painstakingly chills the glass, pours the Stoli over crushed ice and squeezes two lime halves to make what looks like the perfect Vodka Gimlet with pulp. Yummy!! The minute the bartender put it down in front of Donna, Tracy said she'd like one as well. Good thing my bartender days are behind me.

Girls Night Out.

I have not gone out lately, especially on a school night, but when Kae called and said a group was getting together to go listen to some great bands in Annapolis and Crofton, I said cout me in. I am one of those people that thinks something sounds really good when told about it, but when the time comes I would really just rather stay home and read. This time I did not back out because there won't be too many more girls night out that include Donna. After coming home from work and getting all the dogs settled, freshening myself up...I go to start up the Smart Car (aka Scout) and find the battery dead. It's been awhile since we've been out.

Well... I figure I'll get her out of the driveway and try to jump start her. NOT!

I walk to Donna's, and wait for the others to show up. Now we have 2 single women, 1 soon to be divorced, and 1 who lives in a separate home from her husband, but is still married....How many girls does it take to jump a car? One if you know where the battery is.

!

Where would you put a battery on a Smart Car? Not in the back, barely enough room for the engine there. In the front then, what front? Where else is there? Under the passenger floor mat. Who didn't know that?

We all know red=positive, black=negative, but do you start the charging car before attaching the cables to the dead battery. We all decided since my hair was the straightest I would be in charge of attachment. Ta-Da it started on the 2nd try, once I figured out what part of the battery to attach the cable to. Trust me when I tell you, you have never seen a smaller battery.

Another One in the Loss Column.

A very near and dear friend of mine asked her husband of 25 years for a divorce last Monday. I honestly believe that once she is on her own, she will bloom. She has such a wonderful spirit and I often thought her husband stifled her, but it was her husband. The transition is going to be difficult at best. Not only is she leaving her husband, but she gave notice at the hospital she's worked at for over 15 years, and she is leaving the state to help with the effort in the "Gulf Cleanup". I so admire her moxie, but I will miss her terribly. I am behind her in whatever choice she makes. In 32 days my shop will be closed and who knows, maybe I'll be wiping off a pelican or 2.

Sweet Suite.

Ever since I heard James Taylor and Carole King were doing a reunion concert, I knew I had to be a part of it. So I called Kris to see if Tim could get us tickets. Tim is an advertising executive with Channel 7, and also Kris's brother-in-law, he can usually score great tickets. I put the bug in Kris's ear about 6 months ago and when I didn't hear anything about their June 9th concert, I just figured it was too hot a ticket. Woe is me.

Well the response to their first concert was so great, they scheduled another for the DC area. Kris called last Thursday to see what I was doing on the 23rd, of course I'm thinking, "Oh Dear Baby Jesus, what needs to be done at mom's house now? Being the ever helpful sister, I say I think I'm free that night. Well when she said she got 2 tickets for the Troubadour Reunion, my scream may have broken her ear drum. I can't remember the last time I looked forward to something so much. Everyday we would call each other with a "JT" or "Tapestry" song to begin the conversation. Now being a part of this concert would have been enough for me, but Tim being who he is got us access to the Channel 7 Suite. Now there are alot of suites owned by various big-wigs, but Channel 7's is what would have been the equivalent of the 50 yard line at a football stadium. Our seats were Primo.

The stage was round and centered on the floor. It was constantly circling so everyone in the audience got equal face time. The music was vintage "JT" and Carole Kings's "Tapestry". I could not have been happier with their music selection, if I had given them my own set list. Both voices were crisp and clear and when combined, the harmonies were straight from the heavens. I don't know about anyone else, but for me music can conjure up such images, some good, some not so much. I got a little misty eyed on 2 of the songs, but those are my memories. This is a concert that will be with me for years. Thank you Kris, Tim and Leslie.

2 Weeks To Go

Yesterday was the first day in the 6 weeks I've had my cast on that I was actually grateful.

The "Eagleman Triathlon" took place in Cambridge yesterday at Odark:00. Due to the cast still on my foot I followed the race on line, instead of being a participant.

With Kathy's critters I was still up before the sun, and it was so humid out that I was soaked after the walk. So I'll consider that the mile swim. As the swimmers were transitioning to the bike, I was in AC watching "Inglorious Bastards"(2 thumbs up). The humidity got worse throughout the day, and I kept thinking how glad I was that I wasn't out in that sauna peddling 56 miles. I talked to my girlfriend who participated, after the race was over, and she said she was fine until about mile 40. At that point she started to loose feeling in her legs, and on a bike that's not good. She finished, but said it was rough. The problem with biking on the Eastern Shore are the headwinds, she said they were brutal, add humidity and you've got yourself 56 miles of non-stop misery.

No more complaining about my cast. I get 'em next year. Kris, You in?

Chuck Wagon

After a Saturday of sister bonding, Kris and I are back on the road with our precious cargo for home. Part of the mission for this trip, aside from bringing mom's stuff down, was to pick up Kathy and Kelly's pups to take care of while they are cruising the Mediterranean. What's wrong with that picture?

So with Sami and Chloe in tow we are back on the road at 6:45am. I take the first turn behind the wheel, because mornings are when I shine. Well without coffee I only shined for the first 100 miles. We stopped at a rest area, so Kris could take over and we could give the pups a walk.

Kathy had forewarned us that Chloe needed to focus when she went out, so I took Sami one way, and Kris & Chloe went the other. We meet in the middle and walked back to the car together. On the walk back Chloe found a delightful scent to roll in. We didn't think much about it until we got back in the car. Now "The Chuck Wagon" on it's best day, has that lingering wet dog smell. Add freshly rolled in dog poop and you've got yourself a gag cocktail.

Now even with my well adjusted to dog smells nose, I knew this was not going to make the next 530 miles possible. We are now back on the road, so I climb into the back seat, and on closer inspection find Chloe's harness is cover in eau de poopfume. So there I am, feet dangling over the passenger seat, full body stretched over the crates, trying to undo the door which is facing the tailgate. Lots of trucks honking during this little maneuver. I remove the harness and wrap it in a poop pouch. At the next gas fill up, Kris buys hand sanitizer and sodas and off we go. The rest of the trip in comparison was uneventful. Thank you Baby Jesus.

Kris get us home safely, helps me bring all the paraphernalia in, then she head home while I start laundry for Chloe's harness and put Chloe in the sink for her bath. It's going to be a long 2 weeks.

I Scream, You Scream

As Kris and I head to Kathy's car, I whisper to Kris to get in the backseat where I join her. Kathy turned around and said, "Oh no you don't". We both started laughing, and said we heard "Big Black" call shotgun.
After leaving Waverly we all decided to go to the local ice cream joint, Steaks and Shakes. Unfortunately they didn't serve Jack Daniels Floats or Cosmopolitan Sundaes, but we all enjoyed talking about our adventure.
Kris said as we were leaving she felt someone or something pull on her dress. Whooooooooo.
I was just thrilled with all my "Spirit Photos".

Keep Out

After a few more scary stories including how before cameras were set up, people would break in regularly to see for themselves if the place was haunted. 3 boys were on the 4th floor with the hatchet they used to break in when the doors out were all sealed shut. They used the hatchet to try to break open the door to escape. When they were found later that night, the door was not jammed and was easily opened. They themselves were white as ghosts and all 3 had wet themselves. Good grief, they had a hatchet.. Hello.

This is what the door looked like. Sorry I wasn't there to get a picture of their pants. Our 2 hour tour was wrapping up and we all agreed we were very glad we had taken the 8:00pm tour instead of the 10:00pm.

I Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts.

As we continue the tour, we get to see the morgue and coolers bodies were stored in. The tour guide offered any disbelievers 10 minutes head first in the middle cooler. Kris and Kathy wouldn't let me volunteer, but then again, I'm not a disbeliever. Because of the number of deaths we are told that the meat locker was also used for storing bodies. Anybody for a roast beef sandwich?

As we continue we are told about shock treatment and other atrocities preformed on unsuspecting patients. I truly believe that the stories told throughout the tour made you more frightened than the building itself. Suicides, devil worshiping sacrifices on a homeless man and his dog. What kind of freak sacrifices a dog?

When we get to the 4th floor, "The most active floor", it has gotten dark out and you can barely see a thing. We split into 2 groups and as our eye adjust we witness the shadow people. Unfortunately we were asked not to use flash photography, so you'll just have to take our word for it. They were like the shadows in "Ghost" when the bad guys were coming to take you to a bad place, just without the noise.

Our tour guide also informed us that his only attack was on this floor. Some guy he called "Big Black", hit him square in the back and he told his friends something hit him, he heard a voice say, "I kicked you". Hit? kick? Does it really matter? As we continue on this floor I start whispering "Come on Big Black, show yourself". Kris and Kathy were not too happy with that, and both in chorus said, "Stop It". At that point our tour guide stood off to the side, so we could all pass into another creepy filled room. Now remember it is really dark in this hallway, and Kris and Kathy see the dark form of our guide in the corner after I have challenged Big Black and start freaking out. Of course I can't stop laughing. Big Babies.

To Be, ORB Not To Be.

Some people believe that orbs found in photos are souls of departed people, other believe they are caused by the flash reflecting off glass, mirrors or walls. Some think they come from moisture, dust or even insects. Of course my vote is spirits. Our tour guide just finished telling us about a photo taken in front of these windows of 2 girls, and when the photo was developed there was a 3rd girls in between them. Well, of course I rush to give George the camera to take a photo of the 3 Gunning Girls. Kris is leaning so far forward and I'm not sure if it was to give room for the spirit we were so sure would show up on our photo, or if she was unconsciously trying to roll into the fetal position. I really have to give Kris kudos for even joining us, it was sort of a surprise. SURPRISE!!!!

Now tell me we don't each have an orb over our shoulder. Oh Yeah! Mine's the biggest. I win.

A Two Hour Tour.

Waverly Sanatorium's history is fascinating. I can tell you that it was built in the early 1900's, on the highest point in Louisville to house all the patients afflicted with Tuberculosis. It was toted as the most advanced hospital of it's kind for that time period, but when you hear what they did to patients, all you can think is "how barbaric". They lost approximately 1 patient per hour. To keep the morale of the still living patients up, they devised a "body chute" or "death tunnel" to transport the bodies. At the bottom of the tunnel the waiting hearse, or family member would pick up the body. Some bodies were never claimed, they are in a mass grave somewhere on the property.

We had 6 people in our group. Kathy, Kris, Kelly, Bonnie, George and I. Kelly had a personal interest in the place, her great aunt died at Waverly on the exact same day as our tour, 74 years earlier. It really put things in perspective when Kelly said, "My aunt went down this chute".
If you notice the tunnel had steps on one side and a slope on the other for easier transport. This is the photo on Waverly's site. Mine has orbs and will be download soon.

The Most Haunted Places....

Anyone who knows me knows I have a fascination with the spirit world. Not the demonic part, but the Casper the Friendly Ghost stuff. Whenever I travel especially if I'm going somewhere Historic, I always google haunted B&B's to stay in. Well about 6 months ago I was watching the Travel Channel and they were doing a special on the most haunted places, well low and behold, one was in Louisville, Kentucky. After the show was over I called Kathy and asked her all about it. Guess where we went Friday night? That's right.

"The Waverly Sanitorium".

Thelma & Louise Hit The Road Yet Again.

After loading up the Honda with mom's furniture and a pieces of artwork that had a perfect spot in Kathy's living room, Thelma and I hit the road. It was Louise who fell for Brad Pitt, right?
I love traveling with Kris, she is so far a superior driver than I am, but she just sit backs when I'm behind the wheel. I know her insides are clenched very tightly, but she doesn't say anything..... Well except when I drifted in to the other lane, and went through the speed limit signs 25 miles above speed limit. I drove the first 295 miles then Kris took over at a rest stop and finished off the 630 miles.
The credenza was strapped in nice and tightly and we didn't have any incidents on our trip. The ride home was a different story.......