Having been unplugged for four days - a little catch up! Ended up aborting our plans for Buffalo when we woke up on Tuesday to snow. We headed directly to Cooperstown. I got the pleasure of driving the last leg of the trip, off the interstate, through the winding mountain roads in WHITE OUT snow conditions. It was a long ride... But we made it, safe and sound.
Our time in NY state was riddled with snow off an on until Thursday, when the sun came out and stayed out - getting the temps into the upper forties. Warm enough that the son decided to wear shorts and a tshirt. Yup. Wasn't QUITE that warm. :-)
Loved Cooperstown - a picturesque little town - very Norman Rockwell. Great restaurants, stores, and architecture. I can't wait to get home and upload pictures. It was just beautiful. The HOF there was by far the best we toured also.
I will post some pix and a more descriptive blog once we are home. Two more days... Two more days.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Hall of Fame Tour 2013 day three
Left Canton this morning, stopping at the local Harley dealer, around 9:30am. Arrived in Cleveland, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, by 10:45am. Beautiful place - ended up staying there until after 3! Loved all of the exhibits, although we found some people notably missing... nothing on Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, and a few others. But we know that they rotate inventory... so all is good.
The trip from Cleveland to Buffalo was noted with lots of vineyards on both sides of the highway and intermittent snow (yuk)... Great directions to the hotel, where we are now relaxing and planning tomorrow's excursions.
Night all.
The trip from Cleveland to Buffalo was noted with lots of vineyards on both sides of the highway and intermittent snow (yuk)... Great directions to the hotel, where we are now relaxing and planning tomorrow's excursions.
Night all.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Hall of Fame Tour 2013 - day two
Today was a pretty laid back day, good considering we had 12 hours on the road yesterday. Leisurely breakfast, then the morning at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While the HOF was very cool, I was shocked at the lack of reference to the Packers. I know I am biased - but in a section on Super Bowls, there was very little reference to them - while I expected something - at least on the ice bowl?
My favorite part was the oldest part - the beginning of the AFL and NFL. Old uniforms, tickets, etc. The old names (some cities were changing names all the time!) And the bronze casts were beautiful. It was so cool to look over all of the names...
But the museum didn't take nearly as long as expected. So we drove around a bit, found a Steak n Shake for lunch, and then came back to the hotel, napped, watched movies, and ended the night with some amazing college hoops. Good to relax. Need to relax. On to more tomorrow!
My favorite part was the oldest part - the beginning of the AFL and NFL. Old uniforms, tickets, etc. The old names (some cities were changing names all the time!) And the bronze casts were beautiful. It was so cool to look over all of the names...
But the museum didn't take nearly as long as expected. So we drove around a bit, found a Steak n Shake for lunch, and then came back to the hotel, napped, watched movies, and ended the night with some amazing college hoops. Good to relax. Need to relax. On to more tomorrow!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Hall of Fame Tour 2013 day one
Well, our trip has finally arrived. Our Hall of Fame Tour 2013 has officially begun.
I am typing this from a 3rd floor room at the Hall of Fame Comfort Inn in Canton, OH. It sits on top of a beautiful hill overlooking the city, and I cannot wait for the sunrise view.
Up at 4:30 am to finish packing, by the time the guys were up at 6, I was on my second pot of coffee. We stopped for breakfast at a beautiful cafe in New Lisbon, WI. Situated on the main intersection, it is in the ground level of an amazing stone building... and for sale. mmmm. (just kidding).
Then we were off. Sidelined by a few extra bathroom stops (did I say i had TWO pots of coffee?), we still made great time. Of course the tolls in Illinois were annoying (those in Indiana and Ohio slightly less annoying with only one stop per state).
Our final stop before our arrival here was at a travel center - so I could get my contacts out, and we could use the bathroom. What a WONDERFUL surprise to find a Popeye's inside. Who knew we'd get Louisiana cooking in Ohio? Had we made a wrong turn? So we decided to have dinner there, before heading to Canton and our hotel. A poboy and red beans makes for a very happy me.
We were pleasantly surprised by the hotel - it's a beautiful location, and seems quite new. I would call day one a success. But a 12 hour driving day is enough to make us ready for bed.
Best part of the day was our son saying he's looking forward to the vacation. That's a pretty big deal coming from an almost year old. That makes me smile.
Sweet dreams. Tomorrow - the Football Hall of Fame!
I am typing this from a 3rd floor room at the Hall of Fame Comfort Inn in Canton, OH. It sits on top of a beautiful hill overlooking the city, and I cannot wait for the sunrise view.
Up at 4:30 am to finish packing, by the time the guys were up at 6, I was on my second pot of coffee. We stopped for breakfast at a beautiful cafe in New Lisbon, WI. Situated on the main intersection, it is in the ground level of an amazing stone building... and for sale. mmmm. (just kidding).
Then we were off. Sidelined by a few extra bathroom stops (did I say i had TWO pots of coffee?), we still made great time. Of course the tolls in Illinois were annoying (those in Indiana and Ohio slightly less annoying with only one stop per state).
Our final stop before our arrival here was at a travel center - so I could get my contacts out, and we could use the bathroom. What a WONDERFUL surprise to find a Popeye's inside. Who knew we'd get Louisiana cooking in Ohio? Had we made a wrong turn? So we decided to have dinner there, before heading to Canton and our hotel. A poboy and red beans makes for a very happy me.
We were pleasantly surprised by the hotel - it's a beautiful location, and seems quite new. I would call day one a success. But a 12 hour driving day is enough to make us ready for bed.
Best part of the day was our son saying he's looking forward to the vacation. That's a pretty big deal coming from an almost year old. That makes me smile.
Sweet dreams. Tomorrow - the Football Hall of Fame!
Friday, March 29, 2013
God's day....
While I know every day is God's day, today was one of those day that makes you stop and SAY, "this is God's day".
I had a wonderful day at school today - only a half day because of end of term. Got done just in time to walk over to church for our Good Friday service. My son met me there, also walking, and being early, we hung out in the sun of the parking lot soaking in the beautiful day until the deacons arrived to open the doors.
It's been SUCH a long winter, than being outside with the birds singing, and the snow melting...soaking up the vitamin d...oh, it felt so good. Not to mention, it's always great to get face time with the 15 yr old.
I helped Pastor's wife set the altar for the Tennebrae service - draping the black, and lighting the candles. Had a wonderful church service - that literally brought me to tears. Thinking about the sacrifice given for us on this day, well, it's overwhelming to say the least.
After church, I walked home alone, as my son headed to the baseball field. The creek was running, and the sound of the running water with the birds in the background was good for the soul. It's been SO long. I headed up the hill, and came across an older lady walking an ADORABLE new puppy. After asking permission, I got down to play with him, and loved him up. As I crossed the main road in town, I saw four of our high school students approaching, and they joked with me as they passed. I wished them all a wonderful spring break and headed on. As I crossed the final road before my house, I saw the neighbor kids playing in their yard. As I got closer, I heard them chime "Hello Mrs. Darr" and wave. I chatted with the kids (elementary age), wished them a wonderful spring break, and continued home.
I am not exaggerating or making this up. I had that good of a walk home from church on Good Friday afternoon in my little town of 800 people. I am so Blessed with my life, and where God has taken me. I never would have guessed ten years ago that this would be my life. I was living such a high-stress, type-A lifestyle. I was constantly rushing from point A to point B. Very rarely did I take time to enjoy the little things in between.
I cherished every step of my walk home today. From the gurgling creek, to the waves from the little kids, it was a beautiful chance to see all of the Blessings God has given me.
I truly feel that we would all be in a much better place if we didn't overlook these every day Blessings. Just knowing that all of this is God's gift, part of his plan for us. It just makes life so much better.
On this day of rememberance, a day to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us, I saw so much of God in my day. He is always there, we just have to look. To listen. To pay attention.
Be thankful for the everyday Blessings..
I had a wonderful day at school today - only a half day because of end of term. Got done just in time to walk over to church for our Good Friday service. My son met me there, also walking, and being early, we hung out in the sun of the parking lot soaking in the beautiful day until the deacons arrived to open the doors.
It's been SUCH a long winter, than being outside with the birds singing, and the snow melting...soaking up the vitamin d...oh, it felt so good. Not to mention, it's always great to get face time with the 15 yr old.
I helped Pastor's wife set the altar for the Tennebrae service - draping the black, and lighting the candles. Had a wonderful church service - that literally brought me to tears. Thinking about the sacrifice given for us on this day, well, it's overwhelming to say the least.
After church, I walked home alone, as my son headed to the baseball field. The creek was running, and the sound of the running water with the birds in the background was good for the soul. It's been SO long. I headed up the hill, and came across an older lady walking an ADORABLE new puppy. After asking permission, I got down to play with him, and loved him up. As I crossed the main road in town, I saw four of our high school students approaching, and they joked with me as they passed. I wished them all a wonderful spring break and headed on. As I crossed the final road before my house, I saw the neighbor kids playing in their yard. As I got closer, I heard them chime "Hello Mrs. Darr" and wave. I chatted with the kids (elementary age), wished them a wonderful spring break, and continued home.
I am not exaggerating or making this up. I had that good of a walk home from church on Good Friday afternoon in my little town of 800 people. I am so Blessed with my life, and where God has taken me. I never would have guessed ten years ago that this would be my life. I was living such a high-stress, type-A lifestyle. I was constantly rushing from point A to point B. Very rarely did I take time to enjoy the little things in between.
I cherished every step of my walk home today. From the gurgling creek, to the waves from the little kids, it was a beautiful chance to see all of the Blessings God has given me.
I truly feel that we would all be in a much better place if we didn't overlook these every day Blessings. Just knowing that all of this is God's gift, part of his plan for us. It just makes life so much better.
On this day of rememberance, a day to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us, I saw so much of God in my day. He is always there, we just have to look. To listen. To pay attention.
Be thankful for the everyday Blessings..
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Crafting Tuesdays - trying out something new!
On the last Tuesday of the month, a group of ladies meet at our church for crafting day. Started by our former Pastor's wife, it's become something we ALL look forward to every month. Some quilt/sew, some scrapbook/paper craft, others work with yarn, and everything in between. We each bring a dish to pass, and we spend the entire day drinking coffee, chatting, and crafting.
Today I had to teach for the morning, so I wasn't able to get there until 11. Because I didn't have a lot of time there, I didn't want to haul a large project, so I threw some yarn and my hooks into a bag and headed out. I had found a pattern on the internet, and was ready to try it.
The pattern was for a braided crocheted cowl. I've been wanting to wear more scarves, but haven't known how - or wanted to invest. So I figured if I can MAKE something fun, it was worth a try. I'd never done anything like it before, so I was heading into unknown territory. But what a great place to try it - cheerleaders on every turn of the yarn, asking how it was going.
I almost finished it there (not bad for only being there for a few hours!), so I quickly finished it once I arrived home. And I LOVE it. This isn't a great picture, and it is better to see it on (but I'm the only person home - too hard to get a shot), but it's a start. And I'm already thinking of another softer yarn, maybe with a larger hook, for a totally different look!
I think it's pretty good for my first try!
Today I had to teach for the morning, so I wasn't able to get there until 11. Because I didn't have a lot of time there, I didn't want to haul a large project, so I threw some yarn and my hooks into a bag and headed out. I had found a pattern on the internet, and was ready to try it.
The pattern was for a braided crocheted cowl. I've been wanting to wear more scarves, but haven't known how - or wanted to invest. So I figured if I can MAKE something fun, it was worth a try. I'd never done anything like it before, so I was heading into unknown territory. But what a great place to try it - cheerleaders on every turn of the yarn, asking how it was going.
I almost finished it there (not bad for only being there for a few hours!), so I quickly finished it once I arrived home. And I LOVE it. This isn't a great picture, and it is better to see it on (but I'm the only person home - too hard to get a shot), but it's a start. And I'm already thinking of another softer yarn, maybe with a larger hook, for a totally different look!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Fresh Air.....
It's been a long winter.
Understand, I am one of those people who really, truly enjoys the seasons. I love living in Wisconsin, so that I get to have a full four season year.
But it's been a LONG winter.
The snow started to stick in early December, and it hasn't stopped since. For months, we had snow every week. Now, almost April, and we still have a DEEP layer of snow to melt. Multiple FEET of snow in places.
Last Thursday was the first day when it was truly warming up. Temperatures started getting to the upper twenties, and you could tell. People were out walking, chipping ice off driveways as it softened, and just on the move. It was good to get out of the house.
I stepped out onto the deck that day, and realized that in the protected area behind the house, with the sun shining, it was BEAUTIFUL out there. Granted, there was about a foot of snow on most of the deck, shoveled only in the path to the wood pile. But I just stood there. breathing.
It was amazing how the fresh air felt in my lungs. After ten minutes breathing in the fresh cold (25 degree) air, I went back inside. Almost immediately, I felt like I was suffocating. I wasn't, obviously, but I craved that fresh air. I didn't realize until that moment, just how long we'd been sequestered in our homes.
We don't stay inside ALL winter. But for four months, it's limited time outside. And it's been a cold, blustery winter this year.
That day I must have gone outside a dozen times. I long for the first day when I can open the windows in the house to air it out. (I wait until it's in the 40s for that.) Today, I'm heading out (in the 30s today) to clean up the wood pile, and just breathe.
Spring means a lot for everyone. Green grass, budding trees, flowers, and sunshine. For me it means fresh air, hanging laundry out, and getting dirty.
Bring on the spring.
Understand, I am one of those people who really, truly enjoys the seasons. I love living in Wisconsin, so that I get to have a full four season year.
But it's been a LONG winter.
The snow started to stick in early December, and it hasn't stopped since. For months, we had snow every week. Now, almost April, and we still have a DEEP layer of snow to melt. Multiple FEET of snow in places.
Last Thursday was the first day when it was truly warming up. Temperatures started getting to the upper twenties, and you could tell. People were out walking, chipping ice off driveways as it softened, and just on the move. It was good to get out of the house.
I stepped out onto the deck that day, and realized that in the protected area behind the house, with the sun shining, it was BEAUTIFUL out there. Granted, there was about a foot of snow on most of the deck, shoveled only in the path to the wood pile. But I just stood there. breathing.
It was amazing how the fresh air felt in my lungs. After ten minutes breathing in the fresh cold (25 degree) air, I went back inside. Almost immediately, I felt like I was suffocating. I wasn't, obviously, but I craved that fresh air. I didn't realize until that moment, just how long we'd been sequestered in our homes.
We don't stay inside ALL winter. But for four months, it's limited time outside. And it's been a cold, blustery winter this year.
That day I must have gone outside a dozen times. I long for the first day when I can open the windows in the house to air it out. (I wait until it's in the 40s for that.) Today, I'm heading out (in the 30s today) to clean up the wood pile, and just breathe.
Spring means a lot for everyone. Green grass, budding trees, flowers, and sunshine. For me it means fresh air, hanging laundry out, and getting dirty.
Bring on the spring.
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