Dec 11

From Orlando to Amsterdam

Christmas in Orlando International

Jet lag is kicking both our behinds. I feel like a cranky baby in having my days and nights mixed up, or probably more like the cranky parent who has to deal with said child.
I am forcing myself to start writing or I will get farther and farther behind.
Our trip from Florida to the Netherlands was a bit eventful.
We began our trip in Lake City FL, where our friend Rory drove us to Orlando International, to catch the 9:28 pm Delta Airlines flight to Amsterdam. The plane was a bit late in departing, due to having to be throughly cleaned.
Even though Han bought me a comfy travel pillow to try and induce sleep, it was of zero help. I was in the middle seat, between Han and a very nice young military boy from the Netherlands, who was quite tall, all arms and legs, and I felt a bit squished. Next time I’ll reserve a window seat, so the pillow may work.

Being on a Keto diet, we had pre-ordered a diabetic meal (no sugar is essential on Keto) which was preceded by a delicious Peach Bellini Welcome drink. After dinner it was lights out and trying to catch some sleep.
At approximately 3:00am, our time, Han was just beginning to dose off and the young man beside me was in a deep sleep, when an older German gentlemen (73 years) got up to use the restroom, and at the exact moment he was beside our row of seats, he fainted and went down very hard.

While falling, he bumped into the young man sitting beside me, who awoke with an extreme start with legs and arms flailing, which I had to avoid being hit. Continue reading

May 06

En Route to Warmer Climes

After we left Traverse City, Michigan en route to warmer climes, we visited with my youngest daughter and her sweet little family.  I had a lot pent up energy, so I cleaned and organized the barn, then taught Liam how to “zen out” by raking. The fire pit never looked so good.

There is always something to do on the “Rice Farm”. Han and I were also gifted a precious letter from Elena who just turned six, the week before. The grand kids were so happy that I dressed up for Halloween and joined in on the melée of trick-or-treating. I shook an older gentlemen up a bit when I told him I could not move my arms, and could he please slip the candy into my back pocket. Of course my daughter rolled her eyes at this antic, which always makes my day.

Time flies when having fun, and our next stop was to visit a friend and her wife in Indiana. They were married at our B&B. The visit unfortunately did not go as planned because Sharon broke her arm the day before we were supposed to get there and even though she said we could still come by, we chose an airbnb instead. I could tell she really was not up to having company and I know when I am not feeling well, I surely do not want people around. It all turned out fine and we stayed with a very hospitable woman and her cute pets. The airbnb was spotless and comfy. The three of us sat outside and visited until it was time for bed. That is my favorite part of airbnb’s…meeting a variety of people. Here is a link, if you are ever in Columbus IN, you have our stamp of approval. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7264372?guests=1&adults=1&source_impression_id=p3_1557073844_BLhE7T4LcWEM5%2FTK

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Apr 30

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City Sidewalk CafésTraverse City, Michigan, we had heard a lot about the Cherry Capital of the world from the Chereskins, our former neighbors in Fernandina Beach, Florida and were very much looking forward to visiting and exploring this city and its surroundings on Lake Michigan.
Sometimes we do and go so much that it makes my head spin, and the writing of our adventures becomes so extensive, that to sit down and actually write is a little daunting, but it is way past time to update my blog. So here goes…

To begin the story, we sold most of our belongings (again) and left Georgia to travel to our next stop of Michigan. Our friends threw us a lovely going away party and the next day in early August, we hit the road. Spent time with the grands and daughter for a couple of weeks. It is always a lovely adventure being with the grand kids. They keep you young and make you feel old, simultaneously.  LOL. Stored most of our items in my daughter’s new home and took off to Traverse City. Traverse is one of the busiest vacation spots in all of Michigan. I personally found it too busy for my taste, however it does have beautiful beaches, many places and nearby towns to explore, interesting history, adorable homes, fantastic restaurants and lots of outdoor activities.

I will give you the cons first because honestly, the pros far out-weigh the cons.

Cons: Where we were located ‘on the Main drag called Front Street, ambulances were constantly being dispatched to emergencies. I mean, I know this is a good thing to have available, but my goodness I have never heard SO many ambulances ever, nor as loud. It sometimes felt like Tokyo and New York on a Crossroad. It doesn’t help that even the roads are atrocious. The winter weather really beats them up and there is only a short time span (due to snow) that they can be repaired, and unfortunately that is during the busiest summer tourist months. And then the drivers….the drivers are scarier Chicago. I assure you that you had best take a good look before passing through YOUR green light because there is always someone running THEIR “very” red lights. Cutting you off in traffic is another fun game, IF you enjoy playing Mario Cart. Sadly there is a large population of homeless and drug issues. Not that they go hand in hand, but just something you cannot help but notice.

The city is known as the Caribbean of Michigan, and the most visited town in Michigan. The lake is clear, pure and there are a multitude of water sports to enjoy. Sailing, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, hunting for fossilized rocks (called Petoskey stones), sunning, swimming, kayaking and just taking in the scenery. Another popular outdoor activity is bicycling. The city boast some of the most beautiful and well maintained bike paths and parks to explore. If you don’t feel like hauling your bike with you, there are many rental companies to choose from. Continue reading

Aug 19

A Full Week of Fun, Family and Friends

david, jeabet and the kidsWe had a Full Week of Fun, Family and Friends planned around the birthday of my youngest one.
Thursday: July 27th
Early this morning we started our trek towards Michigan to visit with my youngest daughter and her sweet family.
Our first stop though was Nashville, to visit with our best friends and spend the night. We have a tendency to act like teenagers, who get all excited to visit with friends, then proceed to party too much. My good intentions of only partaking in one glass of wine went right out the window seconds upon arrival. After the first glass, then second and third……. after that, who’s counting or can??? LOL We finally all went to bed, I got the extreme giddy giggles and don’t really remember going to sleep, but I sure do remember waking up. Oh goodness, do I ever. Slow moving and a bit miserable. Our buddies slept in, we had some coffee, left them a thank you note and got on the road. Han drove, it was safer that way for sure.
Friday: July 28th
The trip from Kingsland to Nashville, the day before, had been uneventful and pleasant. However, the trip heading from Brentwood towards Michigan was complete misery. Very busy traffic, horrible fatal accidents, horrible truck driver behavior, more construction than we have experienced before, windy rain and with my numerous potty breaks, it became a very, very long day. At 5:00pm, I started feeling like a normal person and was beyond grateful. Han and I went to our favorite French Bakery and purchased two loaves of delicious warm french bread and drinks. I took over driving, as Han was getting dang tired and he really enjoyed his coffee and bread.
We rolled into Whitehall Michigan at 8:20pm and with so many hugs and kisses, I started feeling even better. We unloaded the car, visited some, set up our temporary bedroom in the basement and just relaxed with the grand kids until it was time for bed. Han and I were both so ready.
Saturday: July 29th

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May 03

Crewing at a Horse Endurance Race in Hodges Alabama

April 20th, Thursday
Woke up bright and early, in enough time to gather my items, and waited for my daughter to pick me up to take me to Hodges Alabama, where she was going to compete in a horse endurance race. She does quite a few of those every year and this one was the season closer for her called “Hodges Hootenanny” and held at “Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park”. 

Friend Donna got an early start, as she was going all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. I drank probably the worst coffee in my life, but it woke me up.
My daughter “Maranda” pulled in around 8:30am (she was running a little behind) in her huge truck with the even larger 5th wheel horse trailer/camper combo. That girl of mine is something else! In the dictionary under the description of “kick ass chick”, should be a photo of her.
We loaded up and I finally got to meet the newest canine member of our family. His name is Gizmo and he is a cute energetic pill. LOL

We rolled into camp and I knew immediately that I was out of my element. See I am not overly fond of dealing with horses. Mind you they are beautiful, but they scare the crap out of me. Horses EVERYWHERE! These are not your average stable horses, they are strong and fast and sometimes overly spirited, so I figured I would need eyes in the back of my head to avoid being trampled. Continue reading

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