Hi Everyone,
Today was a beautiful Summer day- the only problem is that it's still Spring!! We reached 81 today here in Taunton...... Boston tied the record of 83, and Worcester beat their record of 83 by having temp of 85.....what happened to Spring??? LOL We just had 3 days of rain so now with the warm temps today and tomorrow....everything is going to be growing like crazy! Hopefully I can get out soon and get some pictures of the beautiful Spring Colors.
The kids in this area had Spring Break this past week.
On Friday I am having more work done on the SUV.... hopefully will have everything fixed and ready to travel by June...but we will have to wait and see.
Well take care y'all.... I'll be back soon- Love Donna
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
4/13/09 Update
Hi there,
I did it!!! I finally am caught up to date with my blog!!! I got behind when I ran into a problem with the old blog site. It took me several months to find the best site to use. I found The Blogger and am very happy with it.
But once I fell behind it was very overwhelming...I had to transfer 2yrs of blogs over to this site then catch up on all the ones I hadn't written yet!! I had been keeping notes about my travels so I wouldn't forget anything.....Then I had to go through the thousands of pictures I had taken and pick out a few for each blog entry.....but it's done now and hopefully I will never have to go through that again.
The past month has been challenging. First, May got very sick and I had to take her to the hospital... I am glad to report that she is now doing very well. She just had a check up on the 3rd and is in good health.
Then a little over a week ago I lost the transmission in the SUV- almost $1300 later it was fixed. The day after I got it back- I decided to go for a ride to RI to a dog friendly beach.... just as I got into RI- I heard a strange noise and the engine light came on. I pulled over immediately and called for a tow. The mechanic at the garage said it was a good thing I did- I had lost 2 belts and the water pump!! He said if I had continued to drive it - I would have lost the engine too....These latest repairs will be another $550 .... So needless to say a lot of money has gone out recently!
I am grateful for one thing- and that is I was suppose to have been back on the road by now (was scheduled to leave March 1st), but due to the weather conditions in the areas I was heading too (Northern states and Midwest) I had decided to postpone my departure. I really would have hated to have had all of this happen when I was out on the road.
It looks like I will be heading out the first of June now. By then things weather wise should be more stable. Since I tent most of the time- I really don't want to deal with snow, floods, and tornado's! LOL
I also was contacted recently by a cousin Betty (on my dad's side of the family) that I hadn't heard from in many years.... come to find out she is now living in the Ocala area of Florida....not far from where I spend most of my time when I am in FL. So we will be keeping in touch and plan to see each other the next time I am in the area.
Will be going now.....take care everyone and I will be back soon I'm sure....so check back soon!! Love Donna
I did it!!! I finally am caught up to date with my blog!!! I got behind when I ran into a problem with the old blog site. It took me several months to find the best site to use. I found The Blogger and am very happy with it.
But once I fell behind it was very overwhelming...I had to transfer 2yrs of blogs over to this site then catch up on all the ones I hadn't written yet!! I had been keeping notes about my travels so I wouldn't forget anything.....Then I had to go through the thousands of pictures I had taken and pick out a few for each blog entry.....but it's done now and hopefully I will never have to go through that again.
The past month has been challenging. First, May got very sick and I had to take her to the hospital... I am glad to report that she is now doing very well. She just had a check up on the 3rd and is in good health.
Then a little over a week ago I lost the transmission in the SUV- almost $1300 later it was fixed. The day after I got it back- I decided to go for a ride to RI to a dog friendly beach.... just as I got into RI- I heard a strange noise and the engine light came on. I pulled over immediately and called for a tow. The mechanic at the garage said it was a good thing I did- I had lost 2 belts and the water pump!! He said if I had continued to drive it - I would have lost the engine too....These latest repairs will be another $550 .... So needless to say a lot of money has gone out recently!
I am grateful for one thing- and that is I was suppose to have been back on the road by now (was scheduled to leave March 1st), but due to the weather conditions in the areas I was heading too (Northern states and Midwest) I had decided to postpone my departure. I really would have hated to have had all of this happen when I was out on the road.
It looks like I will be heading out the first of June now. By then things weather wise should be more stable. Since I tent most of the time- I really don't want to deal with snow, floods, and tornado's! LOL
I also was contacted recently by a cousin Betty (on my dad's side of the family) that I hadn't heard from in many years.... come to find out she is now living in the Ocala area of Florida....not far from where I spend most of my time when I am in FL. So we will be keeping in touch and plan to see each other the next time I am in the area.
Will be going now.....take care everyone and I will be back soon I'm sure....so check back soon!! Love Donna
3/9/09 Magic Wings Conservatory
Hi Everyone....
I have been back home 3 months now. May and I have been enjoying the winter...we both love the snow!
Today my friend Babs and I took off for South Deerfield, MA. We were heading to the Butterfly place.
I had visited another Butterfly Conservatory when I was in Key West, and was looking forward to seeing this one. Babs had never been to one before and was very excited to go.
We had a wonderful time. It is so great to see all the beautiful butterflies and flowers, birds and other critters you find when you come to visit the conservatory.
It is a very peaceful and relaxing place to visit. We took tons of pictures... hope you enjoy them!
Take good care til we meet again... Love Donna
For more info see: http://www.magicwings.com/
See Pictures in Album # 156: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I have been back home 3 months now. May and I have been enjoying the winter...we both love the snow!
Today my friend Babs and I took off for South Deerfield, MA. We were heading to the Butterfly place.
I had visited another Butterfly Conservatory when I was in Key West, and was looking forward to seeing this one. Babs had never been to one before and was very excited to go.
We had a wonderful time. It is so great to see all the beautiful butterflies and flowers, birds and other critters you find when you come to visit the conservatory.
It is a very peaceful and relaxing place to visit. We took tons of pictures... hope you enjoy them!
Take good care til we meet again... Love Donna
For more info see: http://www.magicwings.com/
See Pictures in Album # 156: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
1/2/09 Getting ready to head to West Coast
Hi,
David and I spent the morning with the girls today. Amy had to go to work. So we took the girls to Loggerhead Park, at Palm Beach - to see the turtles that have been rescued locally.
This was a great place to visit- there was so much info about turtles and their rescues. It was cool to see all the baby turtles that had been saved....two babies were brought in while we were there!
For more info on this park see: http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/locations/loggerhead.htm
See Pictures in Album # 154: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Then we stopped by Amy's work to say goodbye...(we were heading over to the West Coast of Fl to Tarpon Springs- then going home).
We took the girls out to lunch...after which we brought them home said our goodbyes and hooked the trailer back up - and headed to my cousin Mia's.
On the way there we had a small problem with the trailer... a tire/wheel fell off. It must not have gotten put back on tight enough when we were working on it. After some maneuvering of lug nuts from the SUV we were back on the way to Mia's.
We arrived about 8pm. After getting cleaned up we joined everyone at the party- there were about 30 people there. Everyone was having a great time! I went to bed early as we had to leave around 6am to make sure we got David home by Sunday night- (he had work Monday morning).
See Pictures in Album # 155: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Take care everyone!- Love Donna
David and I spent the morning with the girls today. Amy had to go to work. So we took the girls to Loggerhead Park, at Palm Beach - to see the turtles that have been rescued locally.
This was a great place to visit- there was so much info about turtles and their rescues. It was cool to see all the baby turtles that had been saved....two babies were brought in while we were there!
For more info on this park see: http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/locations/loggerhead.htm
See Pictures in Album # 154: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Then we stopped by Amy's work to say goodbye...(we were heading over to the West Coast of Fl to Tarpon Springs- then going home).
We took the girls out to lunch...after which we brought them home said our goodbyes and hooked the trailer back up - and headed to my cousin Mia's.
On the way there we had a small problem with the trailer... a tire/wheel fell off. It must not have gotten put back on tight enough when we were working on it. After some maneuvering of lug nuts from the SUV we were back on the way to Mia's.
We arrived about 8pm. After getting cleaned up we joined everyone at the party- there were about 30 people there. Everyone was having a great time! I went to bed early as we had to leave around 6am to make sure we got David home by Sunday night- (he had work Monday morning).
See Pictures in Album # 155: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Take care everyone!- Love Donna
1/1/09 David & I going to WPB
Hi There...
David and I finished packing up and started out to West Palm Beach....we were going to visit with our good friend Amy and her girls.
They did not know David as in FL or on his way to see them- it was going to be a huge surprise for them- as it had been about 2 yrs since they had last seen him!
We arrive about 1pm and I placed a call up to them and said I had arrived and needed help bringing my things in .... in the mean time David hid on the other side of the SUV.
(On the way down David and I made a bet on who would be more surprised Amy or the girls....)
Well they came down and after being greeted by May- they came over to SUV to help me...as we unloaded things- David popped up and said hello......well Amy is the one who was the most surprised- she went nuts....screaming and running around the SUV to give David a huge hug....followed closely by the girls!
It was a great reunion. Later that evening we went out for some dinner- then to bed for the night.
Be back shortly with more postings....Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 153: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
David and I finished packing up and started out to West Palm Beach....we were going to visit with our good friend Amy and her girls.
They did not know David as in FL or on his way to see them- it was going to be a huge surprise for them- as it had been about 2 yrs since they had last seen him!
We arrive about 1pm and I placed a call up to them and said I had arrived and needed help bringing my things in .... in the mean time David hid on the other side of the SUV.
(On the way down David and I made a bet on who would be more surprised Amy or the girls....)
Well they came down and after being greeted by May- they came over to SUV to help me...as we unloaded things- David popped up and said hello......well Amy is the one who was the most surprised- she went nuts....screaming and running around the SUV to give David a huge hug....followed closely by the girls!
It was a great reunion. Later that evening we went out for some dinner- then to bed for the night.
Be back shortly with more postings....Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 153: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
12/31/08 Day visitng family
Hi there,
I took David over to Port Richey to meet our cousin Michael at his restaurant "Fatty 'N Mabel's". We ended up having a bite to eat and a couple of drinks. It was great seeing Mike again.
I told Mike we were going to take a ride down to Mia & Bob's for a visit. Mike then asked us to drop off a coffee urn to Mia for her party Friday night.
Next we arrived at Mia's. We had a great visit with Mia, Bob, and Shane (Sara had just left before we arrived). Before leaving we were invited to come back on Friday. Mia was having a party that was a combination of birthday and going away gathering. So agreed to come back on Friday.
We then headed back to Summerfield for the night- we were going to West Palm Beach in the morning.
Take care everyone...Love Donna
I took David over to Port Richey to meet our cousin Michael at his restaurant "Fatty 'N Mabel's". We ended up having a bite to eat and a couple of drinks. It was great seeing Mike again.
I told Mike we were going to take a ride down to Mia & Bob's for a visit. Mike then asked us to drop off a coffee urn to Mia for her party Friday night.
Next we arrived at Mia's. We had a great visit with Mia, Bob, and Shane (Sara had just left before we arrived). Before leaving we were invited to come back on Friday. Mia was having a party that was a combination of birthday and going away gathering. So agreed to come back on Friday.
We then headed back to Summerfield for the night- we were going to West Palm Beach in the morning.
Take care everyone...Love Donna
12/30/08 David arrives in FL
Hi Everyone,
David flew into Orlando tonight. John and I picked him up.....MayMay was so very excited to see him!!
David and I are going to visit family and friends for a few days- then he will drive back to Massachusetts with me.
David flew into Orlando tonight. John and I picked him up.....MayMay was so very excited to see him!!
David and I are going to visit family and friends for a few days- then he will drive back to Massachusetts with me.
12/19/08 Old Town- Kissimmee, FL
Hi,
Today we took a trip to check out Old Town. This is a retro-speciality shopping area that has many shops, restaurants, amusement rides and classic car shows ( car shows on Friday's & Saturday's).
It was fun stepping back in time and looking through the different shops. I was able to find a license plate for my mom's car- that had the Patriots and Red Sox logo on it....
We also took a ride over to Melbourne- to see the ocean.
It was a great day! Now I am off to post another entry...take care everyone- Love Donna
For more info on Old Town see: http://www.old-town.com/
See Pictures in Album # 152: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Today we took a trip to check out Old Town. This is a retro-speciality shopping area that has many shops, restaurants, amusement rides and classic car shows ( car shows on Friday's & Saturday's).
It was fun stepping back in time and looking through the different shops. I was able to find a license plate for my mom's car- that had the Patriots and Red Sox logo on it....
We also took a ride over to Melbourne- to see the ocean.
It was a great day! Now I am off to post another entry...take care everyone- Love Donna
For more info on Old Town see: http://www.old-town.com/
See Pictures in Album # 152: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
12/21/08 Lake Louisa- Clermont, FL
Hi there,
Took a ride to Clermont today with John and May to check out Lake Louisa. This is a large state park with many available activities including camping, swimming and fishing. The beach was great. Definitely a wonderful place to spend the day...enjoy the pictures.
Take care everyone!- Donna
For more info please see: http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa/
See Pictures in Album # 151: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Took a ride to Clermont today with John and May to check out Lake Louisa. This is a large state park with many available activities including camping, swimming and fishing. The beach was great. Definitely a wonderful place to spend the day...enjoy the pictures.
Take care everyone!- Donna
For more info please see: http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa/
See Pictures in Album # 151: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
The Crab Shack- Visit with family
Howdy!
I went to Hudson for a week to visit with my Aunt and Uncle. We had a great visit. My uncle helped me with the trailer...it really needed new wiring for the lights. He also did a few other extras to make traveling easier and safer.
We went to lunch at a restaurant not to far away. It was called the Crab Shack. It is located in Port Richey. The atmosphere here is great- in evening and on weekends they have music here also. The food was very good. I took a few pictures- Have fun looking at them!
A special thanks to my Aunt and Uncle for everything!! Love you both very much!
OK well off to finish updating the blog....Take care everyone- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 150: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I went to Hudson for a week to visit with my Aunt and Uncle. We had a great visit. My uncle helped me with the trailer...it really needed new wiring for the lights. He also did a few other extras to make traveling easier and safer.
We went to lunch at a restaurant not to far away. It was called the Crab Shack. It is located in Port Richey. The atmosphere here is great- in evening and on weekends they have music here also. The food was very good. I took a few pictures- Have fun looking at them!
A special thanks to my Aunt and Uncle for everything!! Love you both very much!
OK well off to finish updating the blog....Take care everyone- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 150: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Sunday, April 12, 2009
November 2008
Hi Everyone,
While I was in Summerfield, FL - I found a solution for my over crowded SUV.
I found a used homemade trailer (truck bed made into a trailer with cap). I got it registered and brought it back to John's- where he and I worked on it to get it road ready. John did most of the work on it while I was visiting my family in Hudson- but he left some things for me to help with!! LOL
Then I brought it to Hudson for my uncle to check out- he had me leave it so he could work on the wiring and a couple of other things.
The end result was a trailer to haul all my belongings in- that frees up the inside of the SUV- which will give me more room for May (she will be joining me on my next trip out on walkabout) and give me a space to sleep if I need to stay in rest areas again. Thank you very much for all of your help John and Danny!- I couldn't have done it without your help!
Check out the pictures of our creation!!- Chat with ya soon- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 149: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
While I was in Summerfield, FL - I found a solution for my over crowded SUV.
I found a used homemade trailer (truck bed made into a trailer with cap). I got it registered and brought it back to John's- where he and I worked on it to get it road ready. John did most of the work on it while I was visiting my family in Hudson- but he left some things for me to help with!! LOL
Then I brought it to Hudson for my uncle to check out- he had me leave it so he could work on the wiring and a couple of other things.
The end result was a trailer to haul all my belongings in- that frees up the inside of the SUV- which will give me more room for May (she will be joining me on my next trip out on walkabout) and give me a space to sleep if I need to stay in rest areas again. Thank you very much for all of your help John and Danny!- I couldn't have done it without your help!
Check out the pictures of our creation!!- Chat with ya soon- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 149: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
11/14/08 Watching Endeavour Launch
Hi,
I am getting excited, we are going to drive over to John's favorite fishing spot to see the shuttle launch tonight. We went to Bissit Bay, this is about 30 miles north-east of the launch site. We did some fishing waiting for the 7:55pm launch.
There were a lot of people here and many boats out on the river waiting patiently to see the shuttle. There was a full moon and it was a clear night- perfect conditions. I was talking with some of the people there- they were saying it was really a sight to see the shuttle going up at night....I was so excited about being there.
Finally the time came - over to our right there was a huge yellow/orange glow coming from behind the tree line. then slowly that bright light rose up in the sky- it lit the dark evening sky to almost a daylight brightness.....then came the rumble.....a deep bone vibrating rumble as the shuttle passed up past us...everything shook and May and another dog on the pier got real nervous and started to whine. All of us on the pier let out a collective cry of whoa, as the rumbling over took us!! We stayed and watched until we could now longer see the shuttle.
This was a very awesome experience!!! Take care til we meet again- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 148: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I am getting excited, we are going to drive over to John's favorite fishing spot to see the shuttle launch tonight. We went to Bissit Bay, this is about 30 miles north-east of the launch site. We did some fishing waiting for the 7:55pm launch.
There were a lot of people here and many boats out on the river waiting patiently to see the shuttle. There was a full moon and it was a clear night- perfect conditions. I was talking with some of the people there- they were saying it was really a sight to see the shuttle going up at night....I was so excited about being there.
Finally the time came - over to our right there was a huge yellow/orange glow coming from behind the tree line. then slowly that bright light rose up in the sky- it lit the dark evening sky to almost a daylight brightness.....then came the rumble.....a deep bone vibrating rumble as the shuttle passed up past us...everything shook and May and another dog on the pier got real nervous and started to whine. All of us on the pier let out a collective cry of whoa, as the rumbling over took us!! We stayed and watched until we could now longer see the shuttle.
This was a very awesome experience!!! Take care til we meet again- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 148: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
11/10/08 Going to Texas for quick visit
Hi Everyone,
Two weeks later I was going to take a quick trip to TX to visit with Tommy and Leeann-Tommy was shipping back out to Iraq in December. They were both going back to Massachusetts for a visit in late November and I wouldn't be there- and I wanted to see them so decided to hike over for a few days. I made it as far as Tallahassee when I had another flat tire on the right front this time!!! This seemed so unreal to me to have 2 flats with in 2 weeks on 2 new tires. I called home while I was waiting for the tow truck. My mom said that there were reports on the news up there on valve stems failing on Trucks and SUV's. I called the place where I got the tires- they said to bring the tire back when I came home and they would look into it. So once again I was buying a new tire!! Not a happy camper.... It was now almost 8pm and I was out of money so I headed back to Summerfield- called Tommy and Leeann to give them the bad news that I wasn't going to be able to make it out for the visit. Be back later with more updates!- Love Donna
Two weeks later I was going to take a quick trip to TX to visit with Tommy and Leeann-Tommy was shipping back out to Iraq in December. They were both going back to Massachusetts for a visit in late November and I wouldn't be there- and I wanted to see them so decided to hike over for a few days. I made it as far as Tallahassee when I had another flat tire on the right front this time!!! This seemed so unreal to me to have 2 flats with in 2 weeks on 2 new tires. I called home while I was waiting for the tow truck. My mom said that there were reports on the news up there on valve stems failing on Trucks and SUV's. I called the place where I got the tires- they said to bring the tire back when I came home and they would look into it. So once again I was buying a new tire!! Not a happy camper.... It was now almost 8pm and I was out of money so I headed back to Summerfield- called Tommy and Leeann to give them the bad news that I wasn't going to be able to make it out for the visit. Be back later with more updates!- Love Donna
11/1/08 Lakeridge Winery- Clermont, FL
Hi,
Today John and I went to a local winery to take a tour and participate in a wine tasting. It was very interesting seeing the whole process that it takes to make wine ready to ship to local vendors.
The wine tasting was fun- we ended up leaving with 3 bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne!
Hope you enjoy the pictures- Love Donna
For more info on this winery please see: http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/
See Pictures in Album # 147: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Today John and I went to a local winery to take a tour and participate in a wine tasting. It was very interesting seeing the whole process that it takes to make wine ready to ship to local vendors.
The wine tasting was fun- we ended up leaving with 3 bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne!
Hope you enjoy the pictures- Love Donna
For more info on this winery please see: http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/
See Pictures in Album # 147: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/21/08 Plymouth, MA with John
Hi,
Yes it's true I am heading back to Florida...LOL My friend John flew up to Massachusetts- he had never been here before. I showed him around for a couple of days- on 10/21/08 - I took John to Plymouth- then on 10/22/08 we headed back to Florida. When we were just about to leave New York- I had a blowout on the left front tire. It was a scary experience. We were able to get over to the side of the highway with out any injuries. I called AAA and we got towed to a service station- once there we also became aware that the battery in SUV had died......so much fun!! I had just bought the 2 front tires in June and was not happy that I lost one already. We made it the rest of the way to FL without any problems.- Catch you later- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 146: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Yes it's true I am heading back to Florida...LOL My friend John flew up to Massachusetts- he had never been here before. I showed him around for a couple of days- on 10/21/08 - I took John to Plymouth- then on 10/22/08 we headed back to Florida. When we were just about to leave New York- I had a blowout on the left front tire. It was a scary experience. We were able to get over to the side of the highway with out any injuries. I called AAA and we got towed to a service station- once there we also became aware that the battery in SUV had died......so much fun!! I had just bought the 2 front tires in June and was not happy that I lost one already. We made it the rest of the way to FL without any problems.- Catch you later- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 146: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/18/08 Fall in N.E.
Hi,
Today Mom and I went for a drive to get some pictures of the fall colors around this area....It was a lovely day...sunny, warm and peaceful! Hope you enjoy the pictures- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 145: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/10/08 Lonestar at the Topsfield Fair- Topsfiled, MA
Hi Everyone,
Tonight I went to my favorite fall event. I went to the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, MA. My son David went with me this year.
I love this fair!!! It has the old time feel to it. Tonight is special also because one of my favorite bands will be playing here tonight- Lonestar.
It was a great performance they put on!!! The Grandstands were placed for this free concert.... they band played for almost 2hrs....they played many of their hits and some of songs from their new album.
Everyone had a great time!!
Hope you enjoy the pictures- Love Donna
For more info on the Topsfield Fair see: http://www.topsfieldfair.org/
See Pictures in Album # 144 : http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Tonight I went to my favorite fall event. I went to the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, MA. My son David went with me this year.
I love this fair!!! It has the old time feel to it. Tonight is special also because one of my favorite bands will be playing here tonight- Lonestar.
It was a great performance they put on!!! The Grandstands were placed for this free concert.... they band played for almost 2hrs....they played many of their hits and some of songs from their new album.
Everyone had a great time!!
Hope you enjoy the pictures- Love Donna
For more info on the Topsfield Fair see: http://www.topsfieldfair.org/
See Pictures in Album # 144 : http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
June 2008- Going back to Florida
Hi Everyone,
Went back to Summerfield, FL for a few weeks to visit. Took May fishing for the first time- she didn't quite know what to make of the catfish that John had caught!! LOL-
She gave the fish some kisses- LOL
Will be heading back home the first of August. See ya'll soon- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 143: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Went back to Summerfield, FL for a few weeks to visit. Took May fishing for the first time- she didn't quite know what to make of the catfish that John had caught!! LOL-
She gave the fish some kisses- LOL
Will be heading back home the first of August. See ya'll soon- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 143: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Early Summer - June 2008
Hi,
Hope this note finds everyone doing well.... Things are good here...Took a ride with mom to see the new Patriots Stadium in Foxboro, MA. It is really something to see- more that just a Stadium- there is a movie complex, restaurants, stores, museum....can't wait til its all done!
Hope to chat with you all soon- Love Donna
For more info about Patriot Place see: http://www.patriot-place.com/
See Pictures in Album # 142: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Hope this note finds everyone doing well.... Things are good here...Took a ride with mom to see the new Patriots Stadium in Foxboro, MA. It is really something to see- more that just a Stadium- there is a movie complex, restaurants, stores, museum....can't wait til its all done!
Hope to chat with you all soon- Love Donna
For more info about Patriot Place see: http://www.patriot-place.com/
See Pictures in Album # 142: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Spring 2008
Hi,
Just wanted to say hello everyone. Things are finally warming up here in Massachusetts.
Mom is doing better. The trees are starting to flower and May got shaved for the warm weather!
Keep checking back and I will have more info for you later- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 141: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Just wanted to say hello everyone. Things are finally warming up here in Massachusetts.
Mom is doing better. The trees are starting to flower and May got shaved for the warm weather!
Keep checking back and I will have more info for you later- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 141: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
2/29/08 Friday in Ohio
Hi,
Woke up to it snowing lightly. It was still dark out but decided to get an early start. Then it started really snowing hard- blizzard like- I couldn't see a thing!!
I was driving on the Interstate going only 20 mph with my flashers on so I wouldn't get hit- I couldn't see the road so I was using the warning strip on side of highway to keep myself on the road (wake up bumps). I kept my right tires on the strip- I knew as long as I could feel the bumps I was still on the highway and not heading off the road.
By the time I made the next exit there was about 15 of us poking along- but amazingly there were idiots flying by us!!! Most of us got off the next exit and went to a truck stop to wait the storm out. The truck stop was packed. There was a lot of people with the same idea as me. We sat in the restaurant part and watched all the police, ambulances, and tow trucks going back and forth. More people came in to report cars and trucks off the road all over the place...I was not surprised with the way these crazy drivers were flying down the road.
About 2hrs later, the sun came out and things started to melt. I started back out again. I made a stop in Columbus to get my oil changed.
I had bad weather again when I got into West Virginia and had it all the way home...snow,snow,snow...what a long trip it was! I was glad to be back in Massachusetts.
I will be back to update you more later.....until then take care everyone!- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 140: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Woke up to it snowing lightly. It was still dark out but decided to get an early start. Then it started really snowing hard- blizzard like- I couldn't see a thing!!
I was driving on the Interstate going only 20 mph with my flashers on so I wouldn't get hit- I couldn't see the road so I was using the warning strip on side of highway to keep myself on the road (wake up bumps). I kept my right tires on the strip- I knew as long as I could feel the bumps I was still on the highway and not heading off the road.
By the time I made the next exit there was about 15 of us poking along- but amazingly there were idiots flying by us!!! Most of us got off the next exit and went to a truck stop to wait the storm out. The truck stop was packed. There was a lot of people with the same idea as me. We sat in the restaurant part and watched all the police, ambulances, and tow trucks going back and forth. More people came in to report cars and trucks off the road all over the place...I was not surprised with the way these crazy drivers were flying down the road.
About 2hrs later, the sun came out and things started to melt. I started back out again. I made a stop in Columbus to get my oil changed.
I had bad weather again when I got into West Virginia and had it all the way home...snow,snow,snow...what a long trip it was! I was glad to be back in Massachusetts.
I will be back to update you more later.....until then take care everyone!- Love Donna
See Pictures in Album # 140: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
2/28/08 On the Way Home- Kansas & Ohio
Hi,
I woke up about 4:30am on Thursday morning, in the rest area. It was mighty cold out!!! The sun was just rising. The snow storm that I had been driving through most of the previous day and night was now gone. Thank goodness the restrooms here are heated!! LOL I got cleaned up and was heading out- Thinking about heading to Oklahoma.
See Pictures in Album # 136: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Before long I was in Kansas. Mostly farms open country here.....you go miles without seeing nothing but farms. I got a call from my son David. He was asking if I could head home. My mom taken a fall and was going to need surgery, and her car died and she needed to get to doctors appointments. So home bound I was headed.
I made it through Kansas and into Missouri. I kept seeing signs for Nostalgiaville, USA. It peaked my interest so I decided to get off the highway and check it out.
This place was great!!! They had everything and anything for memorabilia from the 50's era on.. very retro!! They have an online site- so either stop in the store or check out their website, you won't be sorry...after buying a few gifts, I was again on the road.
See Pictures in Album # 137: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I stopped at the welcome center/rest area in Kingdom City, MO and found a surprise. There was a memorial there for firefighters. It was a really beautiful memorial to those who had given their lives to save others. After taking several pictures I went inside. I spoke with a wonderful elderly gentleman who was telling me about all the different things to see in the area. Before long I again was on the road.
See Pictures in Album # 138: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
As I was getting ready to leave Missouri, I drove through St. Louis ( The Gateway City) and saw the famous St. Louis Arch. I got a couple pictures of it from the highway as I drove past. I will have to come back and check it out more another time.
See Pictures in Album # 139: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
By the time it got dark, I was in Ohio and getting very tired. I stopped at a rest area for the night. It was starting to spit snow again.
Well off to post the pictures for this entry....take care everyone and I'll be back soon.- Love Donna
For more info on the Firefighters Memorial see: http://www.ffam.org/MEMORIALFOUNDATION.htm
For more info on Nostalgiaville, USA see: http://www.nostalgicstuffusa.com/servlet/StoreFront
I woke up about 4:30am on Thursday morning, in the rest area. It was mighty cold out!!! The sun was just rising. The snow storm that I had been driving through most of the previous day and night was now gone. Thank goodness the restrooms here are heated!! LOL I got cleaned up and was heading out- Thinking about heading to Oklahoma.
See Pictures in Album # 136: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Before long I was in Kansas. Mostly farms open country here.....you go miles without seeing nothing but farms. I got a call from my son David. He was asking if I could head home. My mom taken a fall and was going to need surgery, and her car died and she needed to get to doctors appointments. So home bound I was headed.
I made it through Kansas and into Missouri. I kept seeing signs for Nostalgiaville, USA. It peaked my interest so I decided to get off the highway and check it out.
This place was great!!! They had everything and anything for memorabilia from the 50's era on.. very retro!! They have an online site- so either stop in the store or check out their website, you won't be sorry...after buying a few gifts, I was again on the road.
See Pictures in Album # 137: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I stopped at the welcome center/rest area in Kingdom City, MO and found a surprise. There was a memorial there for firefighters. It was a really beautiful memorial to those who had given their lives to save others. After taking several pictures I went inside. I spoke with a wonderful elderly gentleman who was telling me about all the different things to see in the area. Before long I again was on the road.
See Pictures in Album # 138: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
As I was getting ready to leave Missouri, I drove through St. Louis ( The Gateway City) and saw the famous St. Louis Arch. I got a couple pictures of it from the highway as I drove past. I will have to come back and check it out more another time.
See Pictures in Album # 139: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
By the time it got dark, I was in Ohio and getting very tired. I stopped at a rest area for the night. It was starting to spit snow again.
Well off to post the pictures for this entry....take care everyone and I'll be back soon.- Love Donna
For more info on the Firefighters Memorial see: http://www.ffam.org/MEMORIALFOUNDATION.htm
For more info on Nostalgiaville, USA see: http://www.nostalgicstuffusa.com/servlet/StoreFront
Friday, April 3, 2009
2/27/08 Grand Canyon, AZ Four Corners
Hi There,
It was now 4:30 AM on Wednesday morning. I couldn’t sleep anymore so I decided to head out on the road again.
I was heading to the Grand Canyon today looking for a place to land for a couple of days.
I crossed over the Hoover Dam- it was about 5 AM and still very dark out. At the check point the Officer asked where I was heading and where I had come from. Because the windows in the back of my SUV are tinted- he also asked me to roll down the windows so he could look into the back….guess he wanted to make sure I wasn’t smuggling anything. They were doing construction of the Dam, and there really wasn’t any place to pull over with all of the equipment. So I will come back to this area again and check it out more. Hopefully they will have a lot of the big cranes and things gone by then.
It was beautiful to see the sunrise as I was driving thru the mountains.
I arrived in Williams, AZ about 10 AM. I was seeing icy patches on the road…this was not a good sign as I was looking for a place to camp…and where there is ice snow is usually close by!! LOL
I made it to the Grand Canyon National Park around 11:30 AM. I stopped at the rangers station. The rangers confirmed what I suspected and that is that they still had a lot of snow cover up there. They said if I wanted to I could camp there…I checked out the camp areas but there was 1-2 feet of snow on the ground. Too much for me to set up a tent in.
This was my second time to the Grand Canyon. I was here in 2001 with my son David. The park still takes my breath away. There is no way to describe what you see here to truly let others know the beauty here.
In 2001 when we got back home I was telling my family about the experience….my brother said to me “ what is the big deal- it’s just a hole in the ground!!” Well a few years later he had the opportunity to visit the “hole in the ground”, when he got back- he apologized- he finally understood why I went on and on about what I had seen.
Everyone should try to visit this park…..It will take your breath away and reaffirm you faith in GOD and the creation of our wonderful planet!!
I spent the day driving along the south ridge and stopping at several of the vista / lookout points. If you would like further info about this park please see: www.nps.gov/grca
After leaving the park I was heading to Four Corners. This is where 4 states meet, AZ, CO, NM, UT. There is a Monument here, plus trading post/flee market type stands…. There are Indian goods made by Navajo Nation and food.
For more info on this area please see: http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/fourcorners.htm
After spending about an hour at Four Corners, I was again out on the road- looking for a place to spend the night. I was up high in the mountains in Rio Grande National Park, and it was starting to snow quite a bit. After several hours of driving I finally found a rest area in South Fork, CO - for the night. It was very cold- so I dug out some more blankets…hoping that tomorrow would bring an end to the snow.
For more info on this area please see: http://www.southforkcolorado.org/
Enjoy the pictures!
See pictures in Album #134 ( for the Grand Canyon): http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
See pictures in Album #135 ( for Four Corners): http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
It was now 4:30 AM on Wednesday morning. I couldn’t sleep anymore so I decided to head out on the road again.
I was heading to the Grand Canyon today looking for a place to land for a couple of days.
I crossed over the Hoover Dam- it was about 5 AM and still very dark out. At the check point the Officer asked where I was heading and where I had come from. Because the windows in the back of my SUV are tinted- he also asked me to roll down the windows so he could look into the back….guess he wanted to make sure I wasn’t smuggling anything. They were doing construction of the Dam, and there really wasn’t any place to pull over with all of the equipment. So I will come back to this area again and check it out more. Hopefully they will have a lot of the big cranes and things gone by then.
It was beautiful to see the sunrise as I was driving thru the mountains.
I arrived in Williams, AZ about 10 AM. I was seeing icy patches on the road…this was not a good sign as I was looking for a place to camp…and where there is ice snow is usually close by!! LOL
I made it to the Grand Canyon National Park around 11:30 AM. I stopped at the rangers station. The rangers confirmed what I suspected and that is that they still had a lot of snow cover up there. They said if I wanted to I could camp there…I checked out the camp areas but there was 1-2 feet of snow on the ground. Too much for me to set up a tent in.
This was my second time to the Grand Canyon. I was here in 2001 with my son David. The park still takes my breath away. There is no way to describe what you see here to truly let others know the beauty here.
In 2001 when we got back home I was telling my family about the experience….my brother said to me “ what is the big deal- it’s just a hole in the ground!!” Well a few years later he had the opportunity to visit the “hole in the ground”, when he got back- he apologized- he finally understood why I went on and on about what I had seen.
Everyone should try to visit this park…..It will take your breath away and reaffirm you faith in GOD and the creation of our wonderful planet!!
I spent the day driving along the south ridge and stopping at several of the vista / lookout points. If you would like further info about this park please see: www.nps.gov/grca
After leaving the park I was heading to Four Corners. This is where 4 states meet, AZ, CO, NM, UT. There is a Monument here, plus trading post/flee market type stands…. There are Indian goods made by Navajo Nation and food.
For more info on this area please see: http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/fourcorners.htm
After spending about an hour at Four Corners, I was again out on the road- looking for a place to spend the night. I was up high in the mountains in Rio Grande National Park, and it was starting to snow quite a bit. After several hours of driving I finally found a rest area in South Fork, CO - for the night. It was very cold- so I dug out some more blankets…hoping that tomorrow would bring an end to the snow.
For more info on this area please see: http://www.southforkcolorado.org/
Enjoy the pictures!
See pictures in Album #134 ( for the Grand Canyon): http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
See pictures in Album #135 ( for Four Corners): http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
2/26/08 Death Valley, CA // Badwater, CA // Grand Canyon, AZ
Howdy Ya’ll,
It’s now Tuesday…I am finally heading out of the San Diego area for good. I have been very fortunate to spend quite a bit of time in this wonderful area in the past month. But it’s time to move on now!!
My destination is Death Valley National Park. In particular I was looking for Badwater, CA. This is the lowest point of the Continental US. It is 282 feet below sea level.
I made it out there in the late afternoon. The salt flats were very interesting to see. At Badwater there it a visitors spot where you can walk out onto the salt flats- and up on the cliff behind the boardwalk is a sign to show where sea level is.
For more info about this area please see: www.nps.gov/deva/
I then headed out of the Death Valley Park. I saw a sign for “Area 51” It was dark now and I was looking for a place to land for the night. I drove thru Las Vegas, NV. The city was a sea of lights and people. I found a truck stop area about 10 mins outside of the city…near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I decided to catch some sleep here for the night.
Enjoy the pictures!!!
See pictures in Album #133: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
It’s now Tuesday…I am finally heading out of the San Diego area for good. I have been very fortunate to spend quite a bit of time in this wonderful area in the past month. But it’s time to move on now!!
My destination is Death Valley National Park. In particular I was looking for Badwater, CA. This is the lowest point of the Continental US. It is 282 feet below sea level.
I made it out there in the late afternoon. The salt flats were very interesting to see. At Badwater there it a visitors spot where you can walk out onto the salt flats- and up on the cliff behind the boardwalk is a sign to show where sea level is.
For more info about this area please see: www.nps.gov/deva/
I then headed out of the Death Valley Park. I saw a sign for “Area 51” It was dark now and I was looking for a place to land for the night. I drove thru Las Vegas, NV. The city was a sea of lights and people. I found a truck stop area about 10 mins outside of the city…near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I decided to catch some sleep here for the night.
Enjoy the pictures!!!
See pictures in Album #133: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
2/25/08 La Jolla, CA
Hi Everyone,
On Monday I headed to Mission Bay area of San Diego to meet up my friends Rick and Joyce from back home. They have been out in CA for about 2 weeks now and will be heading home soon.
It was great seeing them… it had been quite awhile.
We visited at the condo they were renting- then went out for lunch. After lunch we drove around the Mission Bay and La Jolla areas of San Diego.
One of the places we went to was the Solana Beach Coastal Trail. This was a very nice park. The visitors center was very informative and the walk/trails had views to die for!!
It was now getting late in the afternoon. So we headed back to the condo. I stayed a bit longer then headed back to the motel for the night.
On Tuesday I was heading back towards the east and I was planning to check out Death Valley, CA.
Hope you enjoy the pictures!!
See pictures in Album #132 :
http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
On Monday I headed to Mission Bay area of San Diego to meet up my friends Rick and Joyce from back home. They have been out in CA for about 2 weeks now and will be heading home soon.
It was great seeing them… it had been quite awhile.
We visited at the condo they were renting- then went out for lunch. After lunch we drove around the Mission Bay and La Jolla areas of San Diego.
One of the places we went to was the Solana Beach Coastal Trail. This was a very nice park. The visitors center was very informative and the walk/trails had views to die for!!
It was now getting late in the afternoon. So we headed back to the condo. I stayed a bit longer then headed back to the motel for the night.
On Tuesday I was heading back towards the east and I was planning to check out Death Valley, CA.
Hope you enjoy the pictures!!
See pictures in Album #132 :
http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
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