Archive for the ‘Autumn Back East 2009’ Category

Family Time In Daytona

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

mtvernoncoupleWe were so warmly welcomed in Janet’s home  and happyt to spend a few days with she and my dad and celebrate his 85th birthday with he, Janet, Aunt Marilyn and lots of cronies.

We particiated in their Friday night get together (karaoke and all) a wonderful homecooked meal at home, and dinner at Outback, guests of Marilyn. I have had the priviledge of seeing Dad 3x in the last year. Maybe with the new baby coming there will be another visit this summer.

Then we headed back to Orlando and the flight home. Five weeks, two Pfizer conventions,  monuments, museums, friends, family, a BIG birthday, Disney, new sights and tastes…..priceless!

Disney On Wheels

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

citylightsWell, I can swallow my pride and admit that if I wanted to do ALL of Epcot and Disney Studios, I would have to rent a wheelchair. And I got a new perspective of both at a different level. Steve quite relished his part in this, as Speedy Gonzalez ( He still builds up steam and rides shopping carts in parking lots).  We never laughed so much, and what fun both parks were (and there was always room for a wheelchair in every program).

 It was especially breathtaking in the City Streets of Disney Studios with all the size-adjusted buildings covered with lights and set to music.  5 million lights, snow falling, a Nativity, angels, a star on the huge globe at Bethlehem! We have not been in such wonder and awe as that night.  Goosebumps!!!

Nightmare On Shoal Summit

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

We were about to have the time of life, when we got word that  KC’s and Jonathan’s cars were towed by the police.  Despite a “non-operational permit” from the DMV which allowed us not to register it, and permission from the immediate neighbors, the officer cited us for having a non-registered vehicle parked on city streets.

Despite the pleadings of our dear neighbor, Helena, the cop had the cars  impounded.  After numerous calls to any one we could think of, and lots of help from Andy, we came to the conclusion we could do NOTHING but pay up when we get back, in excess of one thousand dollars.   So much for the spirit of Thanksgiving and for our Christmas budget! grrrrr

Post Script:  $1300, plus smogging, and registering them. Don’t get towed.

Free Mickey

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

mickeytopiaryWe escaped the Pfizer work at the American Heart Convention and are ready to play! On our own, we have reservations at “Shades of Green’; a military resort on the disney properties.  There are 5 military resorts worldwide and we have been fortunate tostay at 3 of them:  Disney, Garmish, and HaleKoa(the other two are seoul and virginia beach). 

Shades of Green has all the amenites of  any Disney resort and cheaper. When we checked in, we  found out that every  active duty or retired service person was intitled to a free five day pass to the Disney theme parks and a reduced price for anyone with them!!!!!  

Our original plan was to spend one day at Epcot and then head to my Dad’s. Change of plans:  add one day at Disney Studios and be a day late to Daytona (they understood)!

Up, Up And Away!

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

shuttle launchThe latest Shuttle launch was a success and clearly visible from alot of Florida. I asked around and was told the best viewing spot would be on the top of the parking structure at Universal Studios. Two boat rides, 4 moving sidewalks, 2 escalators and one set of steps later, I joined about 15 others on the vacant roof of the garage. We all saw an amazing sight as the rocket headed skyward ,precisely on time , and with its precious human cargo disappearing in the clouds.

I was exceptionally proud of myself and the little band of folk who took the time to make it important to be there. We can never become casual about anyone who puts their life in jeopardy for the betterment or advancement of all.

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

Monday, November 16th, 2009

mosstreesWe have enjoyed the charm of Savannah, Georgia, despite the cold and rain brought by former hurricane “Ida”.

We are staying at an awesome B & B , East BayInn, where there are 28 rooms. We are on the top floor and our room is all brick with 20 foot ceilings, high bed with steps, sitting area, and view of town from the windows.

forestgumpWe took a trolley tour of Savannah to get an over-view, and made eating at “The Lady and Sons” restaurant a MUST. It is owned by  Paula Deen of Food Network fame.   She is quite a lady. 

There are 24 squares (parks) in the old city with  mansions and businesses surrounding each and they have a charm all of their own. Forest Gump wa filmed in Savannah and surrounds, so we went to the park where thre opening scene with Forest sitting at on the bench waiting for th bus…and the feather drifted down….remember??? Well here is my very own Forest and this trip indeed has been like a box of chocolates…that you never know what you’re gonna get!!

We Bein Charleston

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

carriagerideWhat a great and friendly city. The food is marvelous (had grits and fried green tomatoes at “Magnolias” last night, oh and some Pecan Pie too) Took a carriage ride around the old city pulled by mules…to get an overview of this place. The nice people at the visitor center helped us book a B&B “King George IV” ; a lovely room and parlor done  in red and black with lots of antiques and its own entrance. Today we took a boat out to Fort Sumter; the site of the first shots of the Civil War .We have really boned up on our southern history on this trip and have walked everywhere.   Currently, we await our turn at tropical storm “Ida” which is taking it’s time getting here…promising 2-4 inches of rain.

Outerbanks to Southport,N.C.

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

cliffandelaineThe entire east coast from Maine to Texas, has a  cluster of islands and jettys that keep the Atlantic from directly hitting the states. This region is called the outer banks. ( it gets the brunt of hurricanes, but had lovely beaches and lots of seasonal homes built on stilts) Names such as Nagshead, CapeHateras, Cape Fear, and Kitty Hawk are names associated with it. Kitty Hawk was really informative and the beginning of turning the world as people knew it around!( I have a really great photo of Steve next ot Orville Wright on a replica of the KittyHawk that is in re-sized cyperspace)

We were priviledged to enjoy the hospitality of Cliff and Elaine Faille, who have a new home (awesome eastern building techniques, and beautiful location in St. James) and boat (the “Y Knot”)  We spent the day on the inter-coastal waterway, and even tied up at a restaurant’s dock to have some great viddles. What a wonderful, happy time we had with these two crazy retired Pfizer Pholk.

Williamsburg

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

armoniaWe had a great time at the Lodge at Williamsburg (and because of slow season, we were able to book at 1/2 price plus a $100 gift card that paid for two dinners!) Great weather, awesome folliage, and educational too! We heard the Declaration of Independence read aloud like I never heard it before. Fifes, drums, and a Glass Concert where all the instruments were made from crystal. The most amazing was the   Armonia, invented by Benjamin Franklin, and very popular in it’s day. It was the same principle as a wet finger around the glass only with glasses tuned and separated by corks and turned via a spinning wheel. (yes we bought a christmas CD of it)

The BIG 60

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

60I have been known to tease my “older” friends about me being younger….the south side of 60. So, when it came my turn to hit that landmark number, I thought I would sneak out of town, and no one be the wiser.  Could I get away with it? Nooooooooooooooo. A heavy package was delivered bright and early on the big day FULL of cards, gifts, and jabs at making the big turn into this new decade. To Betty, Andy, and Nikki…and all their other partners in crime, thank you, thank you! It’s great to feel loved. ..so many nice things said and special thoughts shared. The birthday I sought to avoid became the blessing I will never forget!!!!!!!!