Howdy!
Just stopping in to post some more pictures of the 2 week vacation in Aruba.
The vacation is winding down now UNFORTUNATELY. :(
Today is Wednesday August 22nd, and we leave early on Saturday August 25th.......
It will be a sad thing to leave this wonderful place- but it will also be great to get back home.
Hope everyone is doing well- enjoy the pictures I posted. (see link below)
Hugs Donna
See Pictures in
Album # 188: https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipMnZogTuefByaFazNW26HZjQPaR1eVS8Bx15NQ8
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Aruba Aug 20th Donna & Janine's trip
Hey Everyone-
Back with some new pictures for you to view!! We are having a great time- such beautiful sunsets, the wild life is fun to watch, so is people watching !!! LOL
Just click on the link below this entry and then find album 187- join in the fun!
Hugs Donna
See Pictures in Album # 187: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Back with some new pictures for you to view!! We are having a great time- such beautiful sunsets, the wild life is fun to watch, so is people watching !!! LOL
Just click on the link below this entry and then find album 187- join in the fun!
Hugs Donna
See Pictures in Album # 187: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Hi Everyone,
I am on the "ONE HAPPY ISLAND" also known as Aruba!!
I'm here with my good and oldest friend - ({not age- LOL}),
Janine.
We arrive on Saturday Aug 11th and will be here until the 25th.
It is a wonderful place and definitely lives up to its name- One Happy Island. The residents and workers here are very nice, friendly and accommodating!
I have been able to get to the beach everyday- which has been very relaxing.
The Internet down here is not as good as back home but I am patient and keep waiting for the time its up and running. LOL
I have posted some pictures for you to look at. I will be posting more in next few days.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day. Will chat with you soon. Hugs Donna
See Pictures in Album # 186: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I am on the "ONE HAPPY ISLAND" also known as Aruba!!
I'm here with my good and oldest friend - ({not age- LOL}),
Janine.
We arrive on Saturday Aug 11th and will be here until the 25th.
It is a wonderful place and definitely lives up to its name- One Happy Island. The residents and workers here are very nice, friendly and accommodating!
I have been able to get to the beach everyday- which has been very relaxing.
The Internet down here is not as good as back home but I am patient and keep waiting for the time its up and running. LOL
I have posted some pictures for you to look at. I will be posting more in next few days.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day. Will chat with you soon. Hugs Donna
See Pictures in Album # 186: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Monday, January 23, 2012
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wishing this Summer was over.....
Hi Everyone,
Well this Summer is going down as one to forget. I was trying to get out onto the road to continue my Walkabout. It's been one delay after another this year!!
The weather this Spring and early Summer was bad (tornado's & flooding)- so I had to wait on getting on the road. In June, I found out I needed to have some work done on SUV before I could go. Got the work done- then on June 28th, my beloved Miss MayMay (my dog- she was 8yrs old in May) passed away unexpectedly.
On July 6th, I was finally able to start out. I basically drove straight through to Michigan, with night stops in Ohio and Indiana. I was able to see a lot of southern Michigan- into Indiana.
I camped at the National Dunes Park in Indiana for 3 days. Went to see Lake Michigan which was about 5 mins away from where I was staying. I enjoyed my time there though it was very hot.
On July 11th, I was back on the road heading to Illinois to get a copy of a marriage certificate for my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather for the family tree.
While I was heading there, a strong thunder storm came raging through. It left a lot of damage. Many trees and telephone poles snapped off and littering the roads. Personally I think a micro-burst came through. It covered all of upper Illinois and lower Wisconsin. Many areas were without power and the corn fields were flattened.
During the evening of Monday (7/11), I was heading for the Dells in Wisconsin and looking for a place to spend the night- when my check engine light came on. I found a Walmart that had an auto center. They told me it was a transmission component slippage, I stayed in the parking lot for the night not wanting to risk any damage.
The next morning I drove to a local GMC dealership and they checked it out for me.
Indeed the transmission was getting ready to go (even though I had no indications that there was a problem other than the light).
I asked if I could make it back home with it. The service manager said he didn't know- but to get as close to home as I could. He strongly suggested taking Interstate & not to go over 55 mph, so as to have the least amount of miles to cover and not to put extra stress on the engine.
So on Tuesday (7/12) @ 8:30 A.M. I was on my way home.
I was really disappointed- but tried to look at the bright side I got 2 more states done....so now only have 11 to go.
I was nervous about getting stuck out on the road so I pushed it and practically drove straight home (which my back has made me pay for since LOL). I arrived home 11:45 P.M. on Wednesday (7/13).
I am grateful that I wasn't out further and that I was able to make it home safely.
I am now currently waiting for parts to come in, in order for the transmission to be repaired.
I may take a short trip to Maine in November and a quick trip to NC in December- but we will see.
I will try again next year to once again head west and get my last 11 states done.
I have some pictures to post- but it will have to wait until tomorrow.
Hope this posting finds everyone doing well. Take care until we chat again. Hugs Donna,
Well this Summer is going down as one to forget. I was trying to get out onto the road to continue my Walkabout. It's been one delay after another this year!!
The weather this Spring and early Summer was bad (tornado's & flooding)- so I had to wait on getting on the road. In June, I found out I needed to have some work done on SUV before I could go. Got the work done- then on June 28th, my beloved Miss MayMay (my dog- she was 8yrs old in May) passed away unexpectedly.
On July 6th, I was finally able to start out. I basically drove straight through to Michigan, with night stops in Ohio and Indiana. I was able to see a lot of southern Michigan- into Indiana.
I camped at the National Dunes Park in Indiana for 3 days. Went to see Lake Michigan which was about 5 mins away from where I was staying. I enjoyed my time there though it was very hot.
On July 11th, I was back on the road heading to Illinois to get a copy of a marriage certificate for my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather for the family tree.
While I was heading there, a strong thunder storm came raging through. It left a lot of damage. Many trees and telephone poles snapped off and littering the roads. Personally I think a micro-burst came through. It covered all of upper Illinois and lower Wisconsin. Many areas were without power and the corn fields were flattened.
During the evening of Monday (7/11), I was heading for the Dells in Wisconsin and looking for a place to spend the night- when my check engine light came on. I found a Walmart that had an auto center. They told me it was a transmission component slippage, I stayed in the parking lot for the night not wanting to risk any damage.
The next morning I drove to a local GMC dealership and they checked it out for me.
Indeed the transmission was getting ready to go (even though I had no indications that there was a problem other than the light).
I asked if I could make it back home with it. The service manager said he didn't know- but to get as close to home as I could. He strongly suggested taking Interstate & not to go over 55 mph, so as to have the least amount of miles to cover and not to put extra stress on the engine.
So on Tuesday (7/12) @ 8:30 A.M. I was on my way home.
I was really disappointed- but tried to look at the bright side I got 2 more states done....so now only have 11 to go.
I was nervous about getting stuck out on the road so I pushed it and practically drove straight home (which my back has made me pay for since LOL). I arrived home 11:45 P.M. on Wednesday (7/13).
I am grateful that I wasn't out further and that I was able to make it home safely.
I am now currently waiting for parts to come in, in order for the transmission to be repaired.
I may take a short trip to Maine in November and a quick trip to NC in December- but we will see.
I will try again next year to once again head west and get my last 11 states done.
I have some pictures to post- but it will have to wait until tomorrow.
Hope this posting finds everyone doing well. Take care until we chat again. Hugs Donna,
Friday, April 1, 2011
Waiting for Spring to arrive!!
Hi Everyone, It is April Fools Day! And we got snow to start the month off!! It has been a long and snowy winter. I had prayed for a lot of snow and boy did we get it. We had over 80 inches from mid December until March. But now I am ready for Spring, like everyone else. I am starting to prep for my next journey. If all goes well, I will be heading to Alaska by the end of May- beginning of June. I have 13 states left to go to reach my goal of seeing all 50 states!! I hope to be able to finish this goal with this next trip. I have a new trailer. My brother Wade bought it for me. It’s a toy hauler that is being overhauled starting this weekend, by Wade and my son Dave. We are setting it up to meet my needs for the road. I have my maps and passport ready to go!! So check back and see how the travels are going. I will post often. Have a great night- Hugs Donna See Pictures in Album # 185: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/2/10 - 11/14/10 Trip to FL with Mom
October 2, 2010 - November 14, 2010 Trip to Florida with Mom
Mom and I made a trip to Florida to see her brother Danny and his wife Judy. We took our time going down and made several stops both on the way down and back to visit with family and friends. We had wonderful weather - only rained 2 x’s in that 6 week period. We drove 6,315 miles in the 6 weeks. We took close to 9,000 pictures, after taking out all the bloopers ended up with 4,719 pictures in the end. We had many great adventures…so come along and see some of the things we got to experience. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
10/2/10- Spent the night in Scranton, PA
10/3/10- Spent the night in Westminster, MD. Visited with my friends Debbie & Barb and their families. We had a nice visit and enjoyed a nice dinner together.
10/4/10- Spent the night in Statesville, NC
10/5/10- Stopped at Chimney Rock in Asheville, NC
See Pictures in Album # 174: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/5/10- Arrive in Crossville, TN at the home of our friends the Worricks
10/6/10- The Worricks took us to see a 7 story tree house. David Worrick and I climbed to the top floor, but I decided to stay out of the crows nest!! LOL We also visited a gourd farm and a local Farm stand.
See Pictures in Album # 175: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/7/10- Mom & I headed back out heading south to GA. We were on Signal Mountain (Rt 27) in TN, when we saw a spaceship shaped house. I felt like I was in an episode of “Lost in Space” LOL We spent the night in Macon, GA
See Pictures in Album # 176: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/8/10- We were now in Jacksonville, FL. There was a motorcycle rally going on across the street from where we were staying- a lot of bikes where there. 10/9/10- We arrived in West Palm Beach. We were visiting Amy and her family. Amy had just had a baby boy (Steve) so this was my first time meeting him.
See Pictures in Album # 177: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/10/10- We drove to Juno Beach and the Turtle rescue sanctuary. For more information please see: http://www.marinelife.org/
See Pictures in Album # 178: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
10/11/10- 11/5/10 - Mom and I spent this time in Hudson, FL at my Aunt & Uncles home. We would make many trips to the Hudson Beach, also had a family gathering (Mia & Bob, and Denise & Michael). We took a trip to Citra, FL to meet my cousin Betty’s family (from my Dad’s side of family). I was also able to meet up with my friends Sue & Warren Wing. On the 4th I met up with my cousin Mia and we spent a “girls day out”. We had a lot of fun checking out Dunedin, FL (pronounced dun-e-din [not] doon-did) LOL - then we went of and had lunch at the Greek Fishing/Sponge Village in Tarpon Springs, FL.
See Pictures in Album # 179: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
11/5/10 - Mom and I headed back to East coast to Lantana, FL. We were picking up Amy’s girls the next day and heading to Key West.
11/6/10- Off to Key West we headed. We 1st made a stop at the Coral Castle in Homestead, FL. It was a very interesting place. A man back in early 1930's made a castle (home) out of coral. For more information please see: http://coralcastle.com/
We then head to Key West. Everyone was impressed with the 7 mile bridge and the beautiful waters. We took a tour of the Key West area, then had a relaxing dinner. After dinner we all walked down to Mallory Wharf to watch the sunset. We got the girls back home at midnight- what a long day!
See Pictures in Album # 180: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
11/7/10- Mom and I were starting to make our way back home. We stopped once again to visit with Betty and her family- then spent the night back in Jacksonville. 11/8/10- We arrived in Savannah, GA. Mom & I took a trolley tour of the city and then spend a few hours down on the Riverfront. This is a great place. It reminds me of Boston in some ways. It’s a very busy area. Lots of shops and restaurants. There are paddleboat ferries that you can ride there too. While we were there- they were making a movie. It was fun watching the stars and extras doing their thing. The name of the movie is “ABC’s Always & Forever” It stars Sara Rue and Barry Watson- we saw them.
See Pictures in Album # 181: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
11/9/10- We were now in Myrtle Beach, SC. After checking out the area we went over to Florence, SC to spend the night.
See Pictures in Album # 182: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
11/10/10- We arrived at my friend Barbara Holland’s in Concord, NC.
11/11/10- This was a rest day and boy did we need it !! LOL
11/12/10- The 3 of us went to Lowes Motor Speedway. We took the tour of the speedway- which includes A ride on the racetrack. Everyone had a great time. After a relaxing lunch- we took a drive Down to Charlotte, NC- so Mom could see the city.
See Pictures in Album # 183: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
11/14/10- Mom and I headed home- we decided to drive straight through- we left around 5:30am and arrived Back home approximately 10 pm. It was a very long day- and we were glad to be home. See Pictures in Album # 184: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I have listed several photo albums that show you our trip- just click on the link provided and look for corresponding album listed for that date. Have a wonderful day and I’ll be back in touch soon. Hugs Donna
Summer 2010
Summer 2010 This summer was very hot. Not a lot of things happening. Made a few trips to the beach and local pond to get pictures of sunsets. We also had a visit from a colorful turtle, got some good pictures of him. Enjoy looking at some of my summer pics. See Pictures in Album # 173: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Spring 2010 trip to Maine
April 2-5, 2010 Trip to Maine Mom and I made a trip to Maine to visit with friends. We took Miss May with us. It was a beautiful stay. Very lively- lots of people in and out, kids riding motor bikes and quads. There is 5 dogs up there already and Miss May to the mix and oh boy!! LOL It was funny to see May interact with the pigs and horses (especially the big horses). The weather was great- sunny and warm! Check out the pictures from our visit. See Pictures in Album # 172: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Graphics Creations
Hi Everyone,
In March 2010 I started an online graphics class. Here I am learning to make "tags".
Tags can be used for wallpapers on computers or cell phones, or be added to emails as stationary or signature cards. Tags can also be used to make business cards and many, many more things.
I use a Print Shop Program, photos, and different other elements and fonts to make my creations. I am really enjoying this new adventure..... I am hoping to one day use a lot of the pictures I have taken on my walk-about to make many wonderful things.
I have decided to post a copy of the different tags I have made. As I make new ones I will add to this album. So check back to this album to see my newest creations.
I hope you will enjoy looking at my tags, as much I enjoy making them.
Have a wonderful day.....take care until next time! Hugs Donna
See Pictures in Album # 171: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
In March 2010 I started an online graphics class. Here I am learning to make "tags".
Tags can be used for wallpapers on computers or cell phones, or be added to emails as stationary or signature cards. Tags can also be used to make business cards and many, many more things.
I use a Print Shop Program, photos, and different other elements and fonts to make my creations. I am really enjoying this new adventure..... I am hoping to one day use a lot of the pictures I have taken on my walk-about to make many wonderful things.
I have decided to post a copy of the different tags I have made. As I make new ones I will add to this album. So check back to this album to see my newest creations.
I hope you will enjoy looking at my tags, as much I enjoy making them.
Have a wonderful day.....take care until next time! Hugs Donna
See Pictures in Album # 171: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Monday, December 13, 2010
WOW It's been a long time!!
Hi Everyone,
I can't believe that so much time has gone by since I last wrote anything in my Blog.
It has been an interesting year. I am going to give you an update...so come along for the ride!
The first of the year was marred by my mom having some health problems... but she is doing great now, which we are truly grateful for.
In Feb 2010 my cousin Mia (in FLA) contacted me, to help with a school project. Our cousin Joanne in Washington State has a young daughter who's name is Ally. Ally and her classmates were working on a "Flat Stanley" project.
{For those not familiar with Flat Stanley- it's a children's book about a little boy who gets flattened by a accident at school- but he finds out this is a good thing because his mom can mail him to visit family and friends across the country. He gets to see all kinds of great things}
Well, Ally and her classmates made "Flats" of themselves and mailed them out to family. "Flat Ally" first went to FLA for a visit with Mia. Mia then sent Ally up to us. We then took her around the whole New England area. The idea was to take as many pictures of "Flat Ally" - send emails & pictures, post cards back to the class so they could track the travels of their "Flats"
Below is a brief copy of "Flat Ally's" adventures while in New England. I have also posted some pictures for you to look at too, hope you enjoy them!
Here is my journal for my visit to Massachusetts:
Feb 8th- Arrived in Massachusetts
Feb 10th- We had a snow storm- we got 6” of snow.
Feb 13th - Aunt Flo , Donna & I went to Plymouth, MA
Feb 13th - Aunt Flo & Donna took me to Plymouth Harbor. This is where I saw The Mayflower II, and Plymouth Rock. It was fun to see where the Pilgrims landed. We also went to Plimoth Plantation (Plimoth is how Plymouth was spelt way back in the 1600’s), but I was not able to visit the Plimouth Village, because it was closed for the season. I did get my picture taken at the entrance, and I was able to peek over one fence and see some of the old houses inside. Hopefully one day I can come back and check out the village close up.
See Pictures in Album # 164: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 13th - Aunt Flo , Donna, David & I went to New Port & Providence, RI
Feb 13th - Once we had lunch, we (Aunt Flo, Donna, David) all then went to Rhode Island. We first went to Newport, RI. This area is near the ocean. We went to an area called the “Cliffs” or “Mansion Walk”. This is a long paved walkway that goes along the top of the cliffs that runs at the shore. There is a lot of very big houses they call Mansions here.
We then went to Providence, RI. This is the capital of Rhode Island. It is a small city but a very busy city. I was able to see a big mall (Providence Place) and the State House.
See Pictures in Album # 165: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 17th - Aunt Flo, Donna & I went to Hull, MA.
On Wednesday the 17th, Donna and Aunt Flo took me to Hull, MA. This at one time was a resort town for the wealthy families to summer in...but now has mostly year round residents. Though there are still some summer homes along the beach. At one time there was a huge amusement park here that had an old wooden roller coaster and many other cool rides, but now the only things left from those days is the antique carousal, putt putt golf, and a couple of arcades.
The waves were pretty big that day. But it was very windy and chilly! There is one unique landmark in the town. It’s the Revolutionary Fort- Ft. Revere.
It is an 8-acre historic site situated on a small peninsula located in Hull, Massachusetts. It is located on Telegraph Hill in Hull Village.
Fort Revere was called Fort Independence and later named in honor of Paul Revere. It was used to protect Boston Harbor dating from the American Revolutionary through World War II.
See Pictures in Album # 166: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 17th - Aunt Flo , Donna & I went to Quincy, MA
We traveled up to Quincy, MA, after leaving Hull. Here I saw where John Adams and John Quincy Adams lived! We took many pictures.
See Pictures in Album # 166: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 21st - Janine , Donna & I went to Concord & Boston, MA
On Sunday the 21st, Donna and her friend Janine took me to Concord and Boston, MA.
First we went to Concord, MA. Massachusetts has so much history about the Revolutionary War and everything else down to this day! I saw the oldest Inn in Concord and we had brunch there. Concord is where Paul Revere did his midnight ride to warn about the British coming. Many famous writers lived here too like Lousia May Alcott
( Little Women), Henry David Thoreau , and Nathaniel Hathorne.
After we did some picture taking we went back towards Boston. Boston is the Capital of Massachusetts. It is a very old city with lots and lots of history, like the Tea Party of Boston Harbor, part of the underground railroad from the Civil War. They have The Freedom Trail that is a walking tour that stops at all the Revolutionary War era historical sites, and many other wonderful things to see. We went to the Commons and Public Gardens. I got to see the "Make Way for Ducklings" ducks! While I was there, I met another flat Stanley person from Long Island, NY.
We walked for about 10 miles that day- we were very tired at the end of the day!
See Pictures in Album # 167: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 22nd - Aunt Flo , Donna & I went to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont
Late Sunday night Donna and Aunt Flo decided that on Monday we were going up to northern New England, because a week of storms was going to arrive starting Tuesday. They know I have to go home soon, so they decided to spend the day visiting Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
On Monday (2/22/10) we (Donna, Aunt Flo and MayMay - Donna's dog) left at 8 AM and headed to Maine. We stopped in Portland, Maine. This is a seaport city, not as big as most of the cities I have seen. It is an older city with many wonderful places to shop and eat. After taking a few pictures we head for New Hampshire. We were near the are where Mount Washington is located. We could see the mountain and took a picture of it. It's a very big mountain (over 6,000 feet). It has a unique very pointed peak- making it easy to recognize from a distance. I got my picture taken near a tram. Trams are small box like containers that run on cables up the sides of mountains- to make it easier to get up the mountains. They use these a lot in Ski Resort areas. We then headed over to Vermont. We got to White River Junction just before sunset. I saw the Connecticut River and an old train the historical society are trying to save. It was getting dark now, so we heading back to Taunton...it had been a long day. We were gone for 13 1/2 hrs and drove 520 miles!
See Pictures in Album # 168: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 23rd - New England got a big snow and rain storm. All the places we visited the day before- now had 10- 20” of snow!!
Mar 1st - Went back to Plymouth, MA to visit Jenney Grist Mill (1636).
On March 1st, Aunt Flo, Donna and I were heading back to Plymouth, MA to see a grist mill. On the way there we stopped and saw a Herring run. This is man-made dams and lifts built to help the Herring coming back from the ocean to get to local ponds, so they can lay eggs each Spring.
After visiting the Herring run, I was able to go to the oldest grist mill in the USA. The Jenney Grist Mill has been there since 1636. A grist mill is where they ground grain into flour for baking. It still works to this day- but was closed for the season.
Since I have been in New England, I have seen many great things- most unfortunately were closed for the winter....maybe some day I can return and revisit all these wonderful places. On the way home we stopped so I could see what a cranberry bog looked like. This is where they grow the cranberries for cranberry sauce and cranberry juice. It is a big business here in Massachusetts. The big company here for cranberries is Ocean Spray.
See Pictures in Album # 169: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Mar 1st -David teaches me about Boston Sports Teams
When I got home from seeing the grist mill. David explained to me about all the sports teams in Massachusetts. There is for baseball: The Boston Red Sox; for football it's: The New England Patriots; for hockey its: The Boston Bruins; for basketball it's: The Celtics; and for soccer it's: The New England Revolution.
Mar 5th - Aunt Flo, Donna & I traveled to Mystic Seaport, CT
Today Aunt Flo, Donna and I went to Mystic Seaport, CT. This is a famous whaling village that still does active repairs and restoration on old wooden sailing ships. Most of the village was shut down for the Winter season, but I was able to see the lumber yard, the light house, and a few tall ships. There is also an art gallery there, with many beautiful paintings and some scrimshaw (that is cravings/drawings on whales tooth)
See Pictures in Album # 170: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Mar 6th- Donna is taking me to the Post Office today, to mail me back home. I am excited about coming home but will miss everyone. I had a real nice time in New England. I hope to come back soon.
I can't believe that so much time has gone by since I last wrote anything in my Blog.
It has been an interesting year. I am going to give you an update...so come along for the ride!
The first of the year was marred by my mom having some health problems... but she is doing great now, which we are truly grateful for.
In Feb 2010 my cousin Mia (in FLA) contacted me, to help with a school project. Our cousin Joanne in Washington State has a young daughter who's name is Ally. Ally and her classmates were working on a "Flat Stanley" project.
{For those not familiar with Flat Stanley- it's a children's book about a little boy who gets flattened by a accident at school- but he finds out this is a good thing because his mom can mail him to visit family and friends across the country. He gets to see all kinds of great things}
Well, Ally and her classmates made "Flats" of themselves and mailed them out to family. "Flat Ally" first went to FLA for a visit with Mia. Mia then sent Ally up to us. We then took her around the whole New England area. The idea was to take as many pictures of "Flat Ally" - send emails & pictures, post cards back to the class so they could track the travels of their "Flats"
Below is a brief copy of "Flat Ally's" adventures while in New England. I have also posted some pictures for you to look at too, hope you enjoy them!
Here is my journal for my visit to Massachusetts:
Feb 8th- Arrived in Massachusetts
Feb 10th- We had a snow storm- we got 6” of snow.
Feb 13th - Aunt Flo , Donna & I went to Plymouth, MA
Feb 13th - Aunt Flo & Donna took me to Plymouth Harbor. This is where I saw The Mayflower II, and Plymouth Rock. It was fun to see where the Pilgrims landed. We also went to Plimoth Plantation (Plimoth is how Plymouth was spelt way back in the 1600’s), but I was not able to visit the Plimouth Village, because it was closed for the season. I did get my picture taken at the entrance, and I was able to peek over one fence and see some of the old houses inside. Hopefully one day I can come back and check out the village close up.
See Pictures in Album # 164: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 13th - Aunt Flo , Donna, David & I went to New Port & Providence, RI
Feb 13th - Once we had lunch, we (Aunt Flo, Donna, David) all then went to Rhode Island. We first went to Newport, RI. This area is near the ocean. We went to an area called the “Cliffs” or “Mansion Walk”. This is a long paved walkway that goes along the top of the cliffs that runs at the shore. There is a lot of very big houses they call Mansions here.
We then went to Providence, RI. This is the capital of Rhode Island. It is a small city but a very busy city. I was able to see a big mall (Providence Place) and the State House.
See Pictures in Album # 165: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 17th - Aunt Flo, Donna & I went to Hull, MA.
On Wednesday the 17th, Donna and Aunt Flo took me to Hull, MA. This at one time was a resort town for the wealthy families to summer in...but now has mostly year round residents. Though there are still some summer homes along the beach. At one time there was a huge amusement park here that had an old wooden roller coaster and many other cool rides, but now the only things left from those days is the antique carousal, putt putt golf, and a couple of arcades.
The waves were pretty big that day. But it was very windy and chilly! There is one unique landmark in the town. It’s the Revolutionary Fort- Ft. Revere.
It is an 8-acre historic site situated on a small peninsula located in Hull, Massachusetts. It is located on Telegraph Hill in Hull Village.
Fort Revere was called Fort Independence and later named in honor of Paul Revere. It was used to protect Boston Harbor dating from the American Revolutionary through World War II.
See Pictures in Album # 166: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 17th - Aunt Flo , Donna & I went to Quincy, MA
We traveled up to Quincy, MA, after leaving Hull. Here I saw where John Adams and John Quincy Adams lived! We took many pictures.
See Pictures in Album # 166: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 21st - Janine , Donna & I went to Concord & Boston, MA
On Sunday the 21st, Donna and her friend Janine took me to Concord and Boston, MA.
First we went to Concord, MA. Massachusetts has so much history about the Revolutionary War and everything else down to this day! I saw the oldest Inn in Concord and we had brunch there. Concord is where Paul Revere did his midnight ride to warn about the British coming. Many famous writers lived here too like Lousia May Alcott
( Little Women), Henry David Thoreau , and Nathaniel Hathorne.
After we did some picture taking we went back towards Boston. Boston is the Capital of Massachusetts. It is a very old city with lots and lots of history, like the Tea Party of Boston Harbor, part of the underground railroad from the Civil War. They have The Freedom Trail that is a walking tour that stops at all the Revolutionary War era historical sites, and many other wonderful things to see. We went to the Commons and Public Gardens. I got to see the "Make Way for Ducklings" ducks! While I was there, I met another flat Stanley person from Long Island, NY.
We walked for about 10 miles that day- we were very tired at the end of the day!
See Pictures in Album # 167: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 22nd - Aunt Flo , Donna & I went to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont
Late Sunday night Donna and Aunt Flo decided that on Monday we were going up to northern New England, because a week of storms was going to arrive starting Tuesday. They know I have to go home soon, so they decided to spend the day visiting Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
On Monday (2/22/10) we (Donna, Aunt Flo and MayMay - Donna's dog) left at 8 AM and headed to Maine. We stopped in Portland, Maine. This is a seaport city, not as big as most of the cities I have seen. It is an older city with many wonderful places to shop and eat. After taking a few pictures we head for New Hampshire. We were near the are where Mount Washington is located. We could see the mountain and took a picture of it. It's a very big mountain (over 6,000 feet). It has a unique very pointed peak- making it easy to recognize from a distance. I got my picture taken near a tram. Trams are small box like containers that run on cables up the sides of mountains- to make it easier to get up the mountains. They use these a lot in Ski Resort areas. We then headed over to Vermont. We got to White River Junction just before sunset. I saw the Connecticut River and an old train the historical society are trying to save. It was getting dark now, so we heading back to Taunton...it had been a long day. We were gone for 13 1/2 hrs and drove 520 miles!
See Pictures in Album # 168: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Feb 23rd - New England got a big snow and rain storm. All the places we visited the day before- now had 10- 20” of snow!!
Mar 1st - Went back to Plymouth, MA to visit Jenney Grist Mill (1636).
On March 1st, Aunt Flo, Donna and I were heading back to Plymouth, MA to see a grist mill. On the way there we stopped and saw a Herring run. This is man-made dams and lifts built to help the Herring coming back from the ocean to get to local ponds, so they can lay eggs each Spring.
After visiting the Herring run, I was able to go to the oldest grist mill in the USA. The Jenney Grist Mill has been there since 1636. A grist mill is where they ground grain into flour for baking. It still works to this day- but was closed for the season.
Since I have been in New England, I have seen many great things- most unfortunately were closed for the winter....maybe some day I can return and revisit all these wonderful places. On the way home we stopped so I could see what a cranberry bog looked like. This is where they grow the cranberries for cranberry sauce and cranberry juice. It is a big business here in Massachusetts. The big company here for cranberries is Ocean Spray.
See Pictures in Album # 169: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Mar 1st -David teaches me about Boston Sports Teams
When I got home from seeing the grist mill. David explained to me about all the sports teams in Massachusetts. There is for baseball: The Boston Red Sox; for football it's: The New England Patriots; for hockey its: The Boston Bruins; for basketball it's: The Celtics; and for soccer it's: The New England Revolution.
Mar 5th - Aunt Flo, Donna & I traveled to Mystic Seaport, CT
Today Aunt Flo, Donna and I went to Mystic Seaport, CT. This is a famous whaling village that still does active repairs and restoration on old wooden sailing ships. Most of the village was shut down for the Winter season, but I was able to see the lumber yard, the light house, and a few tall ships. There is also an art gallery there, with many beautiful paintings and some scrimshaw (that is cravings/drawings on whales tooth)
See Pictures in Album # 170: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Mar 6th- Donna is taking me to the Post Office today, to mail me back home. I am excited about coming home but will miss everyone. I had a real nice time in New England. I hope to come back soon.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
First Winter Storm on 12/19- 12/20/09
Hi Everyone,
Well it happened....We got our first big storm on Saturday 12/19 - Sunday 12/20. It started at about 9pm on Saturday and at the height of the storm we were getting about 3"/hr. The storm continued until 4pm on Sunday!! When all was said and done we had 2 feet of snow with drifts that went up to about 3 1/2 feet high!
My brother Wade stopped by to do some snow removal, then was called out on a tow- then David came home and finished up the remaining clean up.
May went out and immediately buried her face in the snow and ran around checking things out! LOL She just loves the snow!!
I have a feeling this will be a snowy winter for everyone.
Well I am off to upload some pictures for you to check out....until we meet please take care and have fun!!
See Pictures in Album #163 : http://picasaweb.google.com/pandadmd5880
Well it happened....We got our first big storm on Saturday 12/19 - Sunday 12/20. It started at about 9pm on Saturday and at the height of the storm we were getting about 3"/hr. The storm continued until 4pm on Sunday!! When all was said and done we had 2 feet of snow with drifts that went up to about 3 1/2 feet high!
My brother Wade stopped by to do some snow removal, then was called out on a tow- then David came home and finished up the remaining clean up.
May went out and immediately buried her face in the snow and ran around checking things out! LOL She just loves the snow!!
I have a feeling this will be a snowy winter for everyone.
Well I am off to upload some pictures for you to check out....until we meet please take care and have fun!!
See Pictures in Album #163 : http://picasaweb.google.com/pandadmd5880
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Upper Falls Region - Scarecrows
Hi there,
On Monday- October 12th Babs and I were getting ready to head home from Niagara Falls, NY.
I found out that in the Upper Falls Region the local towns were having a Scarecrow Festival. Through out the towns there was going to be Scarecrows that were made by local families and businesses. It sounded like fun so Babs and I decided to check it out.
We reached the area and started our Scarecrow hunt!! LOL
We were able to find quite a few- some were really good!!
The first town we went to was Lewiston, NY. A very quaint town with shop lined streets and the sidewalks were brick paved.
One of the shops that Babs "just had to stop in" was-" The Little Yellow Chocolate House". This store had many sweet treats and gift ideas. The owner (Jonathan Boas) was very friendly and helpful in our search for scarecrows....Babs couldn't resist getting a piece of Peanut Butter Fudge, before we continued on our way! LOL
The Little Yellow Chocolate House
476 Center St.
Lewiston, NY 14092
While we were there I saw something I had never seen before....a black squirrel. He was jet black and so cute!! I have seen grey ones, brown ones, and even a white one once- but this was my first black furry encounter!
Our next stop was in Youngstown, NY. There were only a couple of scarecrows here...but while there, we also found they cute decorated fire hydrants..so we took a few pictures of them too.
Our last town to visit was Sanborn...once we had finished seeking out the scarecrows it was time to head back home.
See Pictures in Album # 162: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
We decided to have lunch before we got back on the highway. We ate at Shannon Pub 2250 Niagara Falls Blvd. -- Buffalo, NY 14150
http://www.shannonpub.com/
The food was tasty and the wait staff was great. It was a very relaxing atmosphere- with Irish music playing the in the back ground.
After we finished we were on the road again!! We made good time getting back home and had no problems.
Well that is all for now...will be back soon I'm sure....Can't go too long without having an adventure!! LOL
Until then- take care everyone- Love Donna
On Monday- October 12th Babs and I were getting ready to head home from Niagara Falls, NY.
I found out that in the Upper Falls Region the local towns were having a Scarecrow Festival. Through out the towns there was going to be Scarecrows that were made by local families and businesses. It sounded like fun so Babs and I decided to check it out.
We reached the area and started our Scarecrow hunt!! LOL
We were able to find quite a few- some were really good!!
The first town we went to was Lewiston, NY. A very quaint town with shop lined streets and the sidewalks were brick paved.
One of the shops that Babs "just had to stop in" was-" The Little Yellow Chocolate House". This store had many sweet treats and gift ideas. The owner (Jonathan Boas) was very friendly and helpful in our search for scarecrows....Babs couldn't resist getting a piece of Peanut Butter Fudge, before we continued on our way! LOL
The Little Yellow Chocolate House
476 Center St.
Lewiston, NY 14092
While we were there I saw something I had never seen before....a black squirrel. He was jet black and so cute!! I have seen grey ones, brown ones, and even a white one once- but this was my first black furry encounter!
Our next stop was in Youngstown, NY. There were only a couple of scarecrows here...but while there, we also found they cute decorated fire hydrants..so we took a few pictures of them too.
Our last town to visit was Sanborn...once we had finished seeking out the scarecrows it was time to head back home.
See Pictures in Album # 162: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
We decided to have lunch before we got back on the highway. We ate at Shannon Pub 2250 Niagara Falls Blvd. -- Buffalo, NY 14150
http://www.shannonpub.com/
The food was tasty and the wait staff was great. It was a very relaxing atmosphere- with Irish music playing the in the back ground.
After we finished we were on the road again!! We made good time getting back home and had no problems.
Well that is all for now...will be back soon I'm sure....Can't go too long without having an adventure!! LOL
Until then- take care everyone- Love Donna
New York- Niagara Falls
Howdy,
On October 10th, my friend Babs and I headed to Niagara Falls, NY for the weekend. It was a long drive up with the rain, but relaxing...mostly beautiful farm land.
We had stopped at a rest area on the way up....and there was a tourist booth there. After looking at may brochures and talking with the consultant there we signed up for a tour with: Niagara Majestic Tours
www.niagaramajestic.com
We chose the American Tour- which includes: Niagara, Reservation State Park, Goat Island, 3-Sister Island, Prospect Point,Terrapin Point, Luna Island, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, NYS Observation Tower, Whirlpool Rapids, Robert Moses Power Plant, Upper Niagara River & Rapids.
Once we arrived at the hotel we took it easy and had some dinner.
On Sunday morning we were picked up at the hotel by the tour company. It was a full and exciting day. This was my 2nd visit to the Falls. I had been there when I was 12 y/o. My Grandmother took my brother and me up to visit family. So it was great to see the area and how much it had changed over the years. Babs on the other hand had never been here before...It was great watching her enjoy the wonder of the Falls !!!
Once we finished the tour -we were exhausted and opted to grab some Chinese food and bring it back to the hotel... The next morning we were going to visit the Upper Falls Region and head home.
Off to post next entry..Have a wonderful Day!
See Pictures in Album #161: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
On October 10th, my friend Babs and I headed to Niagara Falls, NY for the weekend. It was a long drive up with the rain, but relaxing...mostly beautiful farm land.
We had stopped at a rest area on the way up....and there was a tourist booth there. After looking at may brochures and talking with the consultant there we signed up for a tour with: Niagara Majestic Tours
www.niagaramajestic.com
We chose the American Tour- which includes: Niagara, Reservation State Park, Goat Island, 3-Sister Island, Prospect Point,Terrapin Point, Luna Island, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, NYS Observation Tower, Whirlpool Rapids, Robert Moses Power Plant, Upper Niagara River & Rapids.
Once we arrived at the hotel we took it easy and had some dinner.
On Sunday morning we were picked up at the hotel by the tour company. It was a full and exciting day. This was my 2nd visit to the Falls. I had been there when I was 12 y/o. My Grandmother took my brother and me up to visit family. So it was great to see the area and how much it had changed over the years. Babs on the other hand had never been here before...It was great watching her enjoy the wonder of the Falls !!!
Once we finished the tour -we were exhausted and opted to grab some Chinese food and bring it back to the hotel... The next morning we were going to visit the Upper Falls Region and head home.
Off to post next entry..Have a wonderful Day!
See Pictures in Album #161: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Monday, October 5, 2009
Topsfield Fair- Topsfield, MA
Hello Everyone,
It has been awhile since I last wrote in here…hope everyone is doing well.
I have been busy helping Mom out….she had surgery in September on her shoulder. She is doing much better but still has a long ways to go!!
On October 4th, my friend Janine and I went up to the Topsfield Fair together. This was the first time out for me in quite a while- it felt good. My son David and his new girlfriend Dee were going to be up at the same fair that day.
I got up early and headed to Abington to pick up Janine….we wanted to go very early to beat the traffic- it gets real bad up there at fair time- in the past we have sat in traffic for 2 hrs trying to get into the fair.
It is one of the regions longest running agricultural fairs….and I love it!!
We got there about 9 AM- it had rain really bad the day before and was still cloudy…so not many people were out and about yet….
I was a wonderful day. We got to see horse/team pulls, petted & fed some animals, got to see some really awesome flowers and vegetables arrangements!
We took many pictures….I have posted a few for you on my site.
Please See: Album #160: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I hope you enjoy viewing the pictures… and if you are ever in the area the 1st week in October please check out the Topsfield Fair- It’s a wonderful family oriented event.
For more info on the fair check out their site: www.topsfieldfair.org
It has been awhile since I last wrote in here…hope everyone is doing well.
I have been busy helping Mom out….she had surgery in September on her shoulder. She is doing much better but still has a long ways to go!!
On October 4th, my friend Janine and I went up to the Topsfield Fair together. This was the first time out for me in quite a while- it felt good. My son David and his new girlfriend Dee were going to be up at the same fair that day.
I got up early and headed to Abington to pick up Janine….we wanted to go very early to beat the traffic- it gets real bad up there at fair time- in the past we have sat in traffic for 2 hrs trying to get into the fair.
It is one of the regions longest running agricultural fairs….and I love it!!
We got there about 9 AM- it had rain really bad the day before and was still cloudy…so not many people were out and about yet….
I was a wonderful day. We got to see horse/team pulls, petted & fed some animals, got to see some really awesome flowers and vegetables arrangements!
We took many pictures….I have posted a few for you on my site.
Please See: Album #160: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
I hope you enjoy viewing the pictures… and if you are ever in the area the 1st week in October please check out the Topsfield Fair- It’s a wonderful family oriented event.
For more info on the fair check out their site: www.topsfieldfair.org
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