Woke up that morning to gorgeous sunshine. There was a balcony/veranda on the second floor of the hotel, where our room was located, and we sat our there for a little while, looking at the sun gleaming on the lake across the road.
Then we walked down the hill to the diner called Johhny D's for breakfast. The food was good. Eric called while we were there, and it sounded like he wanted us to drop in for a visit that morning, so we agreed to head out to his house after we ate and ran a couple of errands (including getting a wedding gift, though we did not tell him that).
Eric and Christy live out in the country in a nice house on a lot of land, which is great for the kids and the dog! It is really windy, though, and that apparently causes problems on occasion, to the point where their giant trampoline once tried to blow away. They live near this great paved bike/walking trail that goes for miles through the rolling countryside.
We had a nice visit, but then I had to go back to the hotel for a nap.
While very glad I could go to the wedding for the weekend - something I could probably not have done over the past few months due to sickness and exhaustion up to the point where I could start taking the synthroid - last weekend also showed me how very far I still have to go before I feel well and normal again. I needed a lot of naps to get through everything...
In the evening we drove to Eric's pretty little home town called Montgomery for the rehearsal dinner. It was at a nice Italian restaurant called Pazzo. The food was good, as was the company. Eric and Christy were a delightful and laid back wedding couple - and the events of the weekend were also delightful and laid back. After dinner we all sat out on the porch of the restaurant and took pictures and relaxed.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
wedding weekend day one
Dan and I had a wonderful time in New York over the weekend.
I think I might break it down by the day, in case I get interrupted and have to break off.
DAY ONE
It took us about eleven or twelve hours to get to Newburgh, New York. I was really tired since I had worked the previous five nights, and I think we ended up stopping at half of the rest stops in Pennsylvania so I could move my poor old middle aged body. That was no hardship, though, since Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state!
We left fairly early, and ate breakfast at the Coney Island in Milan before getting on the freeway. We did not stop for any other meals, though we obviously stopped for gasoline and to stretch our legs. We did get cookies at a Panera Bread at a stop on the Ohio Turnpike, and had those as a snack while driving.
We stopped for gas in Pennsylvania just before hitting the New York border, right at dusk. That was when we noticed that the spring in that area was at least a week further along than ours here in Michigan. There was a pond near the gas station, and they had frogs croaking and singing!
After crossing the Delaware River into New York, lots of little things started hitting the wind shield of the Jeep. At first we thought it was rain, and could not figure out where the rain was coming from, as the sky was perfectly clear. Then we realized that it was bugs. EWWWWWWWW.
We got to Newburgh and found the hotel. We quickly called Eric and Christy to let them know we had made it in safely, then went to eat at the Applebees, as it was very near to the hotel. We just wanted some hot food and sleep at that point. The restaurant was filled with avid Yankees fans, which was very amusing, given that they were playing the hated Red Sox that night. I might have finally found a fandom that might be worse and more extreme than Red Wings fans. LOL!!!!!
I think I might break it down by the day, in case I get interrupted and have to break off.
DAY ONE
It took us about eleven or twelve hours to get to Newburgh, New York. I was really tired since I had worked the previous five nights, and I think we ended up stopping at half of the rest stops in Pennsylvania so I could move my poor old middle aged body. That was no hardship, though, since Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state!
We left fairly early, and ate breakfast at the Coney Island in Milan before getting on the freeway. We did not stop for any other meals, though we obviously stopped for gasoline and to stretch our legs. We did get cookies at a Panera Bread at a stop on the Ohio Turnpike, and had those as a snack while driving.
We stopped for gas in Pennsylvania just before hitting the New York border, right at dusk. That was when we noticed that the spring in that area was at least a week further along than ours here in Michigan. There was a pond near the gas station, and they had frogs croaking and singing!
After crossing the Delaware River into New York, lots of little things started hitting the wind shield of the Jeep. At first we thought it was rain, and could not figure out where the rain was coming from, as the sky was perfectly clear. Then we realized that it was bugs. EWWWWWWWW.
We got to Newburgh and found the hotel. We quickly called Eric and Christy to let them know we had made it in safely, then went to eat at the Applebees, as it was very near to the hotel. We just wanted some hot food and sleep at that point. The restaurant was filled with avid Yankees fans, which was very amusing, given that they were playing the hated Red Sox that night. I might have finally found a fandom that might be worse and more extreme than Red Wings fans. LOL!!!!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
repacked!
I checked the weather forecast for New York last night, and it will be sunny and near ninety all weekend! So today I repacked my whole big duffle bag. But because I could take out the jeans and substitute shorts and take out the extra sweaters and such, it is now half the size it was. YAY! All we have to do is pack our medicines and cell phone chargers in the morning, and we will be all set to leave as soon as Dan can drag my tired afternoon shift worker butt out of bed!
Man, am I glad that the work week will be finished tonight. All of my coworkers have been behaving very badly this week - each one taking a turn to have a childish tantrum on a different night. I hope I can endure one more night of this crappy behavior - and knowing that I can leave a bit early and then have a four day weekend at the end of it will hugely help!
I probably will not around until next week, as I work tonight and then we will be leaving for the four day trip early in the morning.
Man, am I glad that the work week will be finished tonight. All of my coworkers have been behaving very badly this week - each one taking a turn to have a childish tantrum on a different night. I hope I can endure one more night of this crappy behavior - and knowing that I can leave a bit early and then have a four day weekend at the end of it will hugely help!
I probably will not around until next week, as I work tonight and then we will be leaving for the four day trip early in the morning.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Red Wings playoffs round one game three
Down in Columbus (and I hope their weather down there is better than ours in the greater Detroit area today)!
I was at work, as usual, so could not watch the game.
But from what I have heard, the Red Wings won 4-1 over the Blue Jackets, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in a best four of seven game series. Zetterberg scored two goals.
It is good to know that the team and especially the goalies have found a higher gear for the playoffs. You have got to wonder if the team might have gotten a bit bored and burned out during the regular season this year? And that was why their play so often seemed to lack a bit of focus?
I was at work, as usual, so could not watch the game.
But from what I have heard, the Red Wings won 4-1 over the Blue Jackets, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in a best four of seven game series. Zetterberg scored two goals.
It is good to know that the team and especially the goalies have found a higher gear for the playoffs. You have got to wonder if the team might have gotten a bit bored and burned out during the regular season this year? And that was why their play so often seemed to lack a bit of focus?
insane Michigan weather
After the lovely cool spring sunniness of Friday and Saturday, it started raining on Sunday. On Monday it poured rain all day, with well over an inch of rain. Today on Tuesday it rained, hailed, was briefly sunny, then misted rain. Later on tonight it is supposed to snow. We're likely to get a rain/snow mix tomorrow - and then on Thursday and the weekend it is supposed to be sunny and nearly eighty. LOL!!!
Only in Michigan...
Only in Michigan...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Busy Saturday
My last day off before Dan and I drive to New York for a wedding next Friday!
I spent the second day in a row doing as much laundry as I could. I also packed pretty much everything other then my camera, toiletries, and medicines, and those things should be quick. So that is one big task out of the way! YAY!
Bill helped out by planting the snow peas and working in the garden, so that was something I did not have to worry about!
In the evening we watched Steven play soccer. His team won 2-1. YAY!
Then we came home and watched the Red Wings win game two of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs - they beat Columbus 4-0. YAY! And we also ate dinner.
We were about to watch the Tigers, but the kids wanted to watch Quantum of Solace, so we watched that instead. Turns out that the Tigers won their game, too, 2-0 over the Mariners. YAY!
I spent the second day in a row doing as much laundry as I could. I also packed pretty much everything other then my camera, toiletries, and medicines, and those things should be quick. So that is one big task out of the way! YAY!
Bill helped out by planting the snow peas and working in the garden, so that was something I did not have to worry about!
In the evening we watched Steven play soccer. His team won 2-1. YAY!
Then we came home and watched the Red Wings win game two of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs - they beat Columbus 4-0. YAY! And we also ate dinner.
We were about to watch the Tigers, but the kids wanted to watch Quantum of Solace, so we watched that instead. Turns out that the Tigers won their game, too, 2-0 over the Mariners. YAY!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Red Wings game one
I have been at work and could not watch any of the game, but the Wings beat the Blue Jackets 4-1 tonight at the Joe in the first game of the opening playoff round.
Sometimes working all off shifts sucks, and during the hockey playoffs it is one of those high suck times.
Then again, in April I can watch parts of all Tigers home games before coming in to work - I lose track of the team later in the season when they have mostly night games...
Almost able to go home and start my weekend now - a bit over an hour to go. Man, do I ever have a lot of errands to run - and a lot of laundry to get done so we can pack...
Sometimes working all off shifts sucks, and during the hockey playoffs it is one of those high suck times.
Then again, in April I can watch parts of all Tigers home games before coming in to work - I lose track of the team later in the season when they have mostly night games...
Almost able to go home and start my weekend now - a bit over an hour to go. Man, do I ever have a lot of errands to run - and a lot of laundry to get done so we can pack...
very cute!
Saw this on science fiction writer John Scalzi's blog, and had to bring it here in honor of the playoffs starting.
Tigers/Red Wings - getting ready for the New York weekend
The Red Wings start round one of the playoffs tonight against the dreaded Blue Jackets. Why would a Red Wings fan dread the Blue Jackets you ask? Because they are young, talented, and hungry; they had our number and gave us some mighty beat downs in the regular season; they have a really hot and very talented young goalie who is good enough to win series all by himself. And they have a hideously ugly blue wasp mascott... Of all of the teams in the Western Conference, they along with the Sharks had me worried. My beloved Wings might not make it out of the first round this year.
The Tigers are temporarily tied for first place in the AL Central, along with the Kansas City Royals. I know that probably will not last very long, but I do like the team far better than the team they put out on the field last year, even though most of the players are the same. Last year was infuriating because they often looked so lackadaisical and lazy out there - just not a good effort far too many times in far too many games. This year their chemistry is obviously much better, and they keep trying even when down by quite a few runs. Eating the fourteen million dollars to get rid of Gary Sheffield was probably well worth it - the hard working team that scrapped their butts off from 2006 has returned in spirit at least. And watching Armando Galarraga will be a joy this season - he is really coming into his own as a fine young pitcher.
Very sad about the death of former Tigers pitcher Mark Fidrych in an accident. He was one of those rare souls who find joy in life and in whatever life handed him. A truly special human being, and a true original.
Dan went in for more blood tests on Tuesday. They came back better than the first worrisome round, but still not good. They had wanted him to take a course of ciprofloxacin, a powerful antibiotic before the second round of tests. And the antibiotic did improve his blood levels - just not enough. The next step for him will be a biopsy in two weeks. And then I can talk freely about what is going on...
Sheesh. I just realized that tomorrow and Saturday are my last days off before Dan and I go to New York for the following weekend for a wedding, and parts of those two days will be eaten up by Steven's soccer game, a trip to the library, etc. I got up early today to start laundry - and that is a task I am a million miles behind - so I can at least attempt to get started packing on Saturday night - for things like a dress for the reception, Dan's dress shoes, and my camera - all things I will not need before the trip and can pack away ahead of time in preparation.
The Tigers are temporarily tied for first place in the AL Central, along with the Kansas City Royals. I know that probably will not last very long, but I do like the team far better than the team they put out on the field last year, even though most of the players are the same. Last year was infuriating because they often looked so lackadaisical and lazy out there - just not a good effort far too many times in far too many games. This year their chemistry is obviously much better, and they keep trying even when down by quite a few runs. Eating the fourteen million dollars to get rid of Gary Sheffield was probably well worth it - the hard working team that scrapped their butts off from 2006 has returned in spirit at least. And watching Armando Galarraga will be a joy this season - he is really coming into his own as a fine young pitcher.
Very sad about the death of former Tigers pitcher Mark Fidrych in an accident. He was one of those rare souls who find joy in life and in whatever life handed him. A truly special human being, and a true original.
Dan went in for more blood tests on Tuesday. They came back better than the first worrisome round, but still not good. They had wanted him to take a course of ciprofloxacin, a powerful antibiotic before the second round of tests. And the antibiotic did improve his blood levels - just not enough. The next step for him will be a biopsy in two weeks. And then I can talk freely about what is going on...
Sheesh. I just realized that tomorrow and Saturday are my last days off before Dan and I go to New York for the following weekend for a wedding, and parts of those two days will be eaten up by Steven's soccer game, a trip to the library, etc. I got up early today to start laundry - and that is a task I am a million miles behind - so I can at least attempt to get started packing on Saturday night - for things like a dress for the reception, Dan's dress shoes, and my camera - all things I will not need before the trip and can pack away ahead of time in preparation.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
Happy Easter to all Christians out there, Happy Passover to any Jews. Happy beautiful spring morning eating chocolates to everyone regardless of faith!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Tigers home opener
Today was one of the biggest unofficial holidays in the greater Detroit area - Tigers home opener.
Thousands of kids play hooky from school and tens of thousands of adults play hooky from work to gather in the streets near the stadium and party, watch the game in sports bars and party, or just catch the game on TV at home or at the homes of friends and relax.
It is a day which (hopefully) marks the end of the long Michigan winter, and (hopefully) an end to snow until next October or so. Our hopes are usually in vain, but spring forth every year anyway.
This year's opening ceremonies remembered the great George Kell, and also the young Angels pitcher who was just killed by a drunk driver. What a freaking tragedy - he was only 22 years old, with a long and full life ahead of him.
The game itself turned into a blow out on the part of the Tigers over the Rangers. They saved our best starting pitcher, Armando Galarraga, for the game, and he pitched a gem of a game. We are finally seeing a healthy Miguel Cabrera, and he is a monster - a beast - a genuine stud. Wow, can he ever hit a baseball!
I got to watch most of the game on television, but then had to take Steven to a doctor's appointment. He is doing much much much better, and looks to making a full recovery from his post-concussion syndrome.
And that is such good news~!!!!
Thousands of kids play hooky from school and tens of thousands of adults play hooky from work to gather in the streets near the stadium and party, watch the game in sports bars and party, or just catch the game on TV at home or at the homes of friends and relax.
It is a day which (hopefully) marks the end of the long Michigan winter, and (hopefully) an end to snow until next October or so. Our hopes are usually in vain, but spring forth every year anyway.
This year's opening ceremonies remembered the great George Kell, and also the young Angels pitcher who was just killed by a drunk driver. What a freaking tragedy - he was only 22 years old, with a long and full life ahead of him.
The game itself turned into a blow out on the part of the Tigers over the Rangers. They saved our best starting pitcher, Armando Galarraga, for the game, and he pitched a gem of a game. We are finally seeing a healthy Miguel Cabrera, and he is a monster - a beast - a genuine stud. Wow, can he ever hit a baseball!
I got to watch most of the game on television, but then had to take Steven to a doctor's appointment. He is doing much much much better, and looks to making a full recovery from his post-concussion syndrome.
And that is such good news~!!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
thank God
The Tigers finally won a game tonight. Of their three games, this one had the second solid start by their starting pitcher in a row - but the bullpen did not blow this one.
The season record is now 1-2, and may we reach .500 at some point this season!
The sun came out today, and most of the snow melted. The spring flowers are blooming in a crazy orgy of purple and blue and white and yellow in my yard right now. I love those little flowers.
All in all, the world seems like a better place tonight. ;-)
The season record is now 1-2, and may we reach .500 at some point this season!
The sun came out today, and most of the snow melted. The spring flowers are blooming in a crazy orgy of purple and blue and white and yellow in my yard right now. I love those little flowers.
All in all, the world seems like a better place tonight. ;-)
wow, it might be be a long baseball season for Tigers fans
Now they are 0-2. The first game was lost through poor starting pitching; the second through terrible relief pitching and poor managing on the part of Leyland.
It is all looking just like last season's bitter disappointment all over again. (Though at least we do not have to put up with Gary Sheffield and his ugly mouth this year, which is a huge improvement).
My great fear: it might be be a long and wretched summer for Detroit Tigers fans.
It is all looking just like last season's bitter disappointment all over again. (Though at least we do not have to put up with Gary Sheffield and his ugly mouth this year, which is a huge improvement).
My great fear: it might be be a long and wretched summer for Detroit Tigers fans.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
snow; spring; MLB is underway!
After a snow free march, we are certainly getting snow in April. Just a handful of days after my early bulbs starting blooming, we got about half a foot of really wet slushy snow. We are getting flurries today - I have been watching the flakes coming down all morning, and dreaming of sunshine and baseball and tulips, even as the ground is covered with snow.
The Tigers had their season opener last night up in a domed stadium in Toronto. It is good it was not the home opener, as that would have probably been snowed out. I could not watch the game due to being at work, but from what I have heard, it was a very ugly loss. Justin Verlander apparently pitched a very bad game, which does not bode well for the 2009 season. Well, hopefully he can pull it together as the season goes on. From what I hear, Curtis Granderson had a great game, and deserved his nickname Grandy. What a great young player he is, and a wonderful and well grounded young man on top of it. The home opener is this Friday, and rain is in the forecast.
Today I am on the second to last step of being weaned from the beta blockers I have been taking to protect my heart through all of the thyroid issues. I am now down to taking one pill every other day for a week, to be followed by stopping taking them all together. So I am slowly (much more slowly than I would like) on the mend.
The Tigers had their season opener last night up in a domed stadium in Toronto. It is good it was not the home opener, as that would have probably been snowed out. I could not watch the game due to being at work, but from what I have heard, it was a very ugly loss. Justin Verlander apparently pitched a very bad game, which does not bode well for the 2009 season. Well, hopefully he can pull it together as the season goes on. From what I hear, Curtis Granderson had a great game, and deserved his nickname Grandy. What a great young player he is, and a wonderful and well grounded young man on top of it. The home opener is this Friday, and rain is in the forecast.
Today I am on the second to last step of being weaned from the beta blockers I have been taking to protect my heart through all of the thyroid issues. I am now down to taking one pill every other day for a week, to be followed by stopping taking them all together. So I am slowly (much more slowly than I would like) on the mend.
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