Thursday
We made it to Boston today. The house we rented is decent EXCEPT it's hot as hades!! It is a 2 story apartment and has only a small portable air conditioner downstairs. Downstairs is a living area, kitchen and dining area - pretty much one room. The air conditioner is not powerful enough to cool it enough to even be comfortable much less help any with the upstairs. Ray and I bought fans to put in the windows upstairs but I don't think it has made it bearable. I took a cold shower just to get my body temperature down below heat stroke level.
We went grocery shopping and got milk and eggs and stuff. We ate lunch at McDonalds AGAIN. Virgil and I are sick of McDonalds. I think Ray and Nell are also. I don't know how Pat and Mel enjoy eating at McDonalds that often. Tomorrow we are going to Boston by bus I think. Everything we do is like the 3 stooges. What do you want to do? This. Or would you rather do that? I'd like to do the other. We should do the first thing. Well, someone make a decision. It's absolutely crazy but funny. All I know is I want to take Virgil to the Old North Church and the old cemetery across from it.
This is not a good time of year to be out sight seeing. Too blasted hot. Upper 90's.I miss Idaho!!!!! I miss Darby!!! I miss my kids!!!! I miss my grandchildren!!!!
The best part about this whole trip is being with the siblings. Family is one of God's greatest blessings and I'm very thankful for everyone he gave me!!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Summer 2012 - Stop Over in Danbury
Wednesday
We left about 9:00 this morning on our way to Boston. We are spending the night in Danbury, CT as that is about 5 1/2 hours from College Park. We saw the New York City skyline as we drove up the interstate. I was surprised what a thrill that was to me. Many many many tall buildings. Oh my goodness, New Jersey does have toll roads!!! Or is it New York. I don't even know what state we were in, but we paid over $50 in tolls!!! We crossed the George Washington Bridge and hit a major traffic jam. It took us over 2 hours to go 1.4 miles!!!!
Well, here's the funny story. Before we got into the jam, I told Mel that I need to take a restroom break. We couldn't find a place to pull over. As we were in the jam, Mel decided he need a restroom break, as did Pat. Well, Pat was miserable and reminded me of a little boy moving his legs in desperation to go potty. After a while, Mel said, Sue, come take over driving. I'm going to go to that Sherwin Williams to the bathroom. Out of the car he went. Now we are on a 6 lane highway. I climbed out and hurried around and into the driver's seat. Pat said, I hope he took his phone. I said, he didn't. Well, traffic began to move and we began to get worried. We didn't know whether we should move with traffice (we were in the middle lane and couldn't have gotten over if we wanted to!) or try to not move or what! Well, it turned out we had no need to worry. We only moved about 10 yards. He finally came running back down the highway. I jumped out and ran around to the back and he got back in the driver's seat. He had found a park with a bathroom. We were there so long, we could all have gone to the the park, but we were afraid of being left in New Jersey!
FINALLY, we got off at our exit and found a little gas station that had a Porta Potty. Pat jumped out and ran into it. The rest of us waited until we got to a little store with a real restroom. It's amazing how important access to a bathroom becomes! Repeat after me - NEVER drink a diet coke when in or near New York or New Jersey traffic.
So now, here we are at our hotel in Danbury. I changed into my swimsuit to take advantage of the pool. There were two families in the pool and it was so small that it was standing room only. I came back to the room and took a shower and here I am in bed -blogging.
It was a tiring day, but being with my siblings is wonderful. Ray keeps a positive attitude. I like being around him and I want to be more like him. Of course, I've spent my whole life wanting to be more like him!!
We left about 9:00 this morning on our way to Boston. We are spending the night in Danbury, CT as that is about 5 1/2 hours from College Park. We saw the New York City skyline as we drove up the interstate. I was surprised what a thrill that was to me. Many many many tall buildings. Oh my goodness, New Jersey does have toll roads!!! Or is it New York. I don't even know what state we were in, but we paid over $50 in tolls!!! We crossed the George Washington Bridge and hit a major traffic jam. It took us over 2 hours to go 1.4 miles!!!!
Well, here's the funny story. Before we got into the jam, I told Mel that I need to take a restroom break. We couldn't find a place to pull over. As we were in the jam, Mel decided he need a restroom break, as did Pat. Well, Pat was miserable and reminded me of a little boy moving his legs in desperation to go potty. After a while, Mel said, Sue, come take over driving. I'm going to go to that Sherwin Williams to the bathroom. Out of the car he went. Now we are on a 6 lane highway. I climbed out and hurried around and into the driver's seat. Pat said, I hope he took his phone. I said, he didn't. Well, traffic began to move and we began to get worried. We didn't know whether we should move with traffice (we were in the middle lane and couldn't have gotten over if we wanted to!) or try to not move or what! Well, it turned out we had no need to worry. We only moved about 10 yards. He finally came running back down the highway. I jumped out and ran around to the back and he got back in the driver's seat. He had found a park with a bathroom. We were there so long, we could all have gone to the the park, but we were afraid of being left in New Jersey!
FINALLY, we got off at our exit and found a little gas station that had a Porta Potty. Pat jumped out and ran into it. The rest of us waited until we got to a little store with a real restroom. It's amazing how important access to a bathroom becomes! Repeat after me - NEVER drink a diet coke when in or near New York or New Jersey traffic.
So now, here we are at our hotel in Danbury. I changed into my swimsuit to take advantage of the pool. There were two families in the pool and it was so small that it was standing room only. I came back to the room and took a shower and here I am in bed -blogging.
It was a tiring day, but being with my siblings is wonderful. Ray keeps a positive attitude. I like being around him and I want to be more like him. Of course, I've spent my whole life wanting to be more like him!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Summer 2012 - Washington, DC
Wednesday
Sooo, off we went to the Smithsonian. We rode a shuttle van from our hotel to the Metro station. After much ado about where to get off and how much it would cost, we finally got our fare cards. I was helping to get Virgil through and put his card in the wrong slot. Everyone else, of course, was through the gate and watching me be a complete idiot. I went to the ticket guy and told him I needed my fare card back. He went on and on about how I had to read the instructions and by then I was so frustrated I just said, I didn't read it, the machine has my fare card and I need it back. Another man came out and retrieved Virgil's card. We finally made it through to the train. I thought I knew so much about riding the Metro, but this day I felt like a novice. We finally found our way to the train. One came up, I tried to convince the others that it was the right train. No one believed me. I tried to get on and the door closed on me. It isn't like an elevator door so it didn't open. There I was stuck in the door - again with the siblings looking at me like I was an idiot - which of course I was. I'm picturing the train leaving the station with me stuck half in and half out of the door. I finally was able to pry the doors open and got back on the landing.
We finally made it to the Federal Triangle. NOT the best place to start out. I suggested we ride to Smithsonian exit, but . . .
We ended up at the Ronald Reagan building. We viewed the 9-11 display there. Virgil wasn't interested in, nor did he feel like, visiting the display. I asked a security worker if there was a bench he could sit on. She said no. End of conversation. He walked over and stood against a wall. A few minutes later, another lady went over to him and guided him over to a seat built into the wall (not really a seat but it served as one) and got him settled there. Very sweet.
We then went down the street about a block to the Museum of American History. It, of course, had many interesting displays. We say antique cars, trains, trucks and buses. I went on up to the third floor and viewed Mrs. Bradford's dollhouse display. I didn't stay any one place too long as I would go check on Virgil every few minutes.
Virgil was sick again, so he found a seat near the bathroom while we wondered around the museum. In the meantime, Karen (Virgil's niece) called. She lives in Arlington. She wanted to come have lunch with us, but Virgil was doing so poorly I imposed upon her to come get him and take him back to the hotel. She graciously made arrangements to do so. What a life saver. I think he would have had a very difficult time getting back to the hotel on the Metro. We are definitely in her debt. She not only took him back to the hotel, but bought him some probiotic yogurt and took him to the room and visited with him for awhile.
After getting Virgil settled into Karen's van, I went to find the others. Everyone we encountered in Washington, D.C. was very friendly. Anyone we asked was quick to help. A few times, someone would even ask if we needed help. VERY nice.
We went to the Museum of Natural History. We saw an IMAX 3d mover on the Arctic. Enjoyable. We then toured around. We saw the Hope Diamond and many geographical specimans.
We headed back to the hotel, had dinner at the "Silver Diner". I had fish tacos. They were actually very good. Virgil didn't go to dinner with us as he was still not doing too well. I said to him, Can I get you something? He said, Get me a Darby. :)
So about Virgil - he is supposed to be on a strict diet - no fresh vegetables. Nothing high fiber. He had eaten a catfish sandwich at Cracker Barrell WITH lettuce and tomato. Lettuce is against the rules. And he had just eaten too much. His body was not happy. He is now going back on his strict diet!
Sooo, off we went to the Smithsonian. We rode a shuttle van from our hotel to the Metro station. After much ado about where to get off and how much it would cost, we finally got our fare cards. I was helping to get Virgil through and put his card in the wrong slot. Everyone else, of course, was through the gate and watching me be a complete idiot. I went to the ticket guy and told him I needed my fare card back. He went on and on about how I had to read the instructions and by then I was so frustrated I just said, I didn't read it, the machine has my fare card and I need it back. Another man came out and retrieved Virgil's card. We finally made it through to the train. I thought I knew so much about riding the Metro, but this day I felt like a novice. We finally found our way to the train. One came up, I tried to convince the others that it was the right train. No one believed me. I tried to get on and the door closed on me. It isn't like an elevator door so it didn't open. There I was stuck in the door - again with the siblings looking at me like I was an idiot - which of course I was. I'm picturing the train leaving the station with me stuck half in and half out of the door. I finally was able to pry the doors open and got back on the landing.
We finally made it to the Federal Triangle. NOT the best place to start out. I suggested we ride to Smithsonian exit, but . . .
We ended up at the Ronald Reagan building. We viewed the 9-11 display there. Virgil wasn't interested in, nor did he feel like, visiting the display. I asked a security worker if there was a bench he could sit on. She said no. End of conversation. He walked over and stood against a wall. A few minutes later, another lady went over to him and guided him over to a seat built into the wall (not really a seat but it served as one) and got him settled there. Very sweet.
We then went down the street about a block to the Museum of American History. It, of course, had many interesting displays. We say antique cars, trains, trucks and buses. I went on up to the third floor and viewed Mrs. Bradford's dollhouse display. I didn't stay any one place too long as I would go check on Virgil every few minutes.
Virgil was sick again, so he found a seat near the bathroom while we wondered around the museum. In the meantime, Karen (Virgil's niece) called. She lives in Arlington. She wanted to come have lunch with us, but Virgil was doing so poorly I imposed upon her to come get him and take him back to the hotel. She graciously made arrangements to do so. What a life saver. I think he would have had a very difficult time getting back to the hotel on the Metro. We are definitely in her debt. She not only took him back to the hotel, but bought him some probiotic yogurt and took him to the room and visited with him for awhile.
 |
| Hope Diamond |
We went to the Museum of Natural History. We saw an IMAX 3d mover on the Arctic. Enjoyable. We then toured around. We saw the Hope Diamond and many geographical specimans.
We headed back to the hotel, had dinner at the "Silver Diner". I had fish tacos. They were actually very good. Virgil didn't go to dinner with us as he was still not doing too well. I said to him, Can I get you something? He said, Get me a Darby. :)
So about Virgil - he is supposed to be on a strict diet - no fresh vegetables. Nothing high fiber. He had eaten a catfish sandwich at Cracker Barrell WITH lettuce and tomato. Lettuce is against the rules. And he had just eaten too much. His body was not happy. He is now going back on his strict diet!
Summer 2012 - Williamsburg - Jamestown
Virgil didn't want to be out in the sun so he went back to the Visitor's Center and waited for us. He said as he was walking back, one of the people that worked that said - I'm going to take you back to the building. Virgil said he didn't need to, but the man insisted so he walked him back and found him a shady spot to wait. He was very nice. We then drove to Washington, D.C. It was kind of late and we were tired, so we just walked across the street to the Pizza Hut.
Virgil was tired and not hungry so he stayed in the room and rested. Mel went for a walk, so it was just Ray and Nell and Pat and I that went for dinner.
Summer 2012 - Williamsburg
Virgil got up at 5:30 and started our day. We got our showers and packed and took our luggage out to the car. I woke up Elizabeth. I wanted to take a picture of her but she wouldn't let me. I didn't take pictures too much and I'm sorry I didn't. When Pat and Mel were ready, we began loading the car. Some stuff went into the luggage carrier that we put on top of the car. As we were getting ready to go, Logan came out and said "you aren't going to get away without hugging me goodbye". I loved that!! Of course, I love him! And Elizabeth and Cameron and Evan and Adam and Bo and Tina!! I sure hate to leave so soon.
We picked up Ray and Nell at the airport. Good to see them and get started on the big part of the trip.
Off we go, we three siblings and spouses.
Ray and Nell
Pat and Mel
Sue and Virgil
FIRST STOP - WILLIAMSBURG
We went to Cracker Barrell for lunch. Yummy chicken livers!! Virgil had a catfish sandwich. We got checked into our hotel about 3. Virgil stayed in the room and the rest of us went to get information about Williamsburg. After a few stops looking for shoes for Mel,, we went back to the hotel and picked up Virgil . Got a quick dinner at Arby's and went to a performance in Williamsburg. It was okay, but not work the price of admission - $18.00 each. The funniest part about the whole 90 minutes was Matt. He told this story:
God made the world in 6 days and on the 7th day he rested. When he made Adam, he saw that Adam needed a woman. So he took a rib from Adam's side. Adam had a pain in his side and he looked over and that was WOMAN. A pain in his side . . . woman. Then they had two kids. Adam was a Negra.
Eve was a Negra. They two boys were Negras. Cain was a gardner. He was vain. He would stop what he was doing and say Mm Mm Mm (head turns with each Mm). I sho am good lookin'! God came and said, Cain, where's yo brother. Cain said, I don't know, don't bother me. He went back to working in his garden, then he stopped. He said Mm Mm Mm. I shooo am good lookin'! God said, Cain! Where's yo brother. Cain said What! Am I my brother's keeper? Don't bother me. He wet back to his garden, then he stopped. He said Mm Mm Mm. I sho am good lookin'!. God said CAIN! Where's yo brother. Cain turned around and saw that it was God. He got so scared that his nappy hair went plum staight and he turned white as a sheet. And THAT's how we got the first white man.
]hahahahahahahahaha
We picked up Ray and Nell at the airport. Good to see them and get started on the big part of the trip.
Off we go, we three siblings and spouses.
Ray and Nell
Pat and Mel
Sue and Virgil
FIRST STOP - WILLIAMSBURG
We went to Cracker Barrell for lunch. Yummy chicken livers!! Virgil had a catfish sandwich. We got checked into our hotel about 3. Virgil stayed in the room and the rest of us went to get information about Williamsburg. After a few stops looking for shoes for Mel,, we went back to the hotel and picked up Virgil . Got a quick dinner at Arby's and went to a performance in Williamsburg. It was okay, but not work the price of admission - $18.00 each. The funniest part about the whole 90 minutes was Matt. He told this story:
God made the world in 6 days and on the 7th day he rested. When he made Adam, he saw that Adam needed a woman. So he took a rib from Adam's side. Adam had a pain in his side and he looked over and that was WOMAN. A pain in his side . . . woman. Then they had two kids. Adam was a Negra.
Eve was a Negra. They two boys were Negras. Cain was a gardner. He was vain. He would stop what he was doing and say Mm Mm Mm (head turns with each Mm). I sho am good lookin'! God came and said, Cain, where's yo brother. Cain said, I don't know, don't bother me. He went back to working in his garden, then he stopped. He said Mm Mm Mm. I shooo am good lookin'! God said, Cain! Where's yo brother. Cain said What! Am I my brother's keeper? Don't bother me. He wet back to his garden, then he stopped. He said Mm Mm Mm. I sho am good lookin'!. God said CAIN! Where's yo brother. Cain turned around and saw that it was God. He got so scared that his nappy hair went plum staight and he turned white as a sheet. And THAT's how we got the first white man.
]hahahahahahahahaha
Summer 2012 - Rocky Mount
Sunday
Went to church with the kids. We enjoyed it very much. I was very impressed with Bo's little ones. Even little 4 year old Adam sat quietly during Sacrament meeting. We had a nice lunch, then Virgil and I went to get Pat and Mel at the airport.
I kind of took a wrong turn going to the airport, but their plane was late so it all worked out just fine.
Virgil is really feeling pretty good now. Tina fixed Taco Salad. Virgil ate left-over spaghetti because he isn't supposed to have beans (chili) or lettuce. He was okay with that though.
We joined the family for scriptures from one of the children's scripture stories. That was very nice.
Again, after the folks went to bed, I watched a Dr. Who episode with Logan and Elizabeth. Loved spending time with them.
Went to church with the kids. We enjoyed it very much. I was very impressed with Bo's little ones. Even little 4 year old Adam sat quietly during Sacrament meeting. We had a nice lunch, then Virgil and I went to get Pat and Mel at the airport.
I kind of took a wrong turn going to the airport, but their plane was late so it all worked out just fine.
Virgil is really feeling pretty good now. Tina fixed Taco Salad. Virgil ate left-over spaghetti because he isn't supposed to have beans (chili) or lettuce. He was okay with that though.
We joined the family for scriptures from one of the children's scripture stories. That was very nice.
Again, after the folks went to bed, I watched a Dr. Who episode with Logan and Elizabeth. Loved spending time with them.
Summer 2012- - Rocky Mount
Friday
Bo took the day off work. He worked on his building quite a bit.
Tina and I went to the store. It started to rain just as we went into the store and when we came out it was a downpour. I loved it!!
Virgil is feeling better and better. Tina made him a pancake this morning and he was pretty happy about that. Friday night is pizza and a movie night at Bo's house. Virgil ate pizza and was fine with it. We watched ... I forgot but it was a good movie. Later we listened as they read from the Book of Mormon scripture stores books.
After most everyone went to bed, Logan and Elizabeth and I stayed up and watched a Dr. Who movie. It's a series on BBC. I enjoyed the movie and REALLY enjoyed the time with Elizabeth and Logan.
Bo took the day off work. He worked on his building quite a bit.
Tina and I went to the store. It started to rain just as we went into the store and when we came out it was a downpour. I loved it!!
Virgil is feeling better and better. Tina made him a pancake this morning and he was pretty happy about that. Friday night is pizza and a movie night at Bo's house. Virgil ate pizza and was fine with it. We watched ... I forgot but it was a good movie. Later we listened as they read from the Book of Mormon scripture stores books.
After most everyone went to bed, Logan and Elizabeth and I stayed up and watched a Dr. Who movie. It's a series on BBC. I enjoyed the movie and REALLY enjoyed the time with Elizabeth and Logan.
Summer 2012 -- Rocky Mount
Thursday
We arrived at Bo's house about 3ish. We were very glad to see Tina and Elizabeth and Adam and Evan. I rode with Tina to pick up Cameron and Logan at Scout day camp. Loved it.
When Bo came home, I was just in heaven with all of them there together. Adam and
Evan are such sweet loving boys and giggle and smile all the time.
Cameron is growing up way too fast. He looks so cute with his mohawk.
Elizabeth is beautiful. She is taller than her mother now, which makes her about 5'll' at least. Logan is 6'2".
Summer 2012 - Asheville, NC
Wednesday - We stopped in Lebanon to get the oil changed on the car. The people at QuickLane were really nice.
We gave them 4 big Idaho potatoes and they seemed pleased. We then drove on to Asheville. We arrived at the motel at about 7:00 p.m. We were so tired we both went to sleep by 8:00 and slept all night.
We gave them 4 big Idaho potatoes and they seemed pleased. We then drove on to Asheville. We arrived at the motel at about 7:00 p.m. We were so tired we both went to sleep by 8:00 and slept all night.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Summer 2012 - Fordland, MO - Lebanon, TN
Tuesday
Visited with Shelly and children. They have really done a LOT of work on their farm in the year they have been there. Cody is thin and muscular, David has a mustache, Zach is a smiling, tall young man, Andrew has grown a foot Grandpa said. The girls have gotten taller and if possible, prettier. Bethany played a piano piece for us. We had a nice visit, though it was short.
We then went to Ray and Nell's house. Got there in time for dinner. They had company and we crashed the party. Virgil wasn't feeling well, so he didn't eat, but of course, I did. We had a nice visit for a couple of hours.
Visited with Shelly and children. They have really done a LOT of work on their farm in the year they have been there. Cody is thin and muscular, David has a mustache, Zach is a smiling, tall young man, Andrew has grown a foot Grandpa said. The girls have gotten taller and if possible, prettier. Bethany played a piano piece for us. We had a nice visit, though it was short.
We then went to Ray and Nell's house. Got there in time for dinner. They had company and we crashed the party. Virgil wasn't feeling well, so he didn't eat, but of course, I did. We had a nice visit for a couple of hours.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Summer 2012 - Springfield, MO
SECOND DAY
We left Laramie at 5:30 and pulled into the motel in Springfield, MO at 9:00 (that would be 8:00 MST). Virgil didn't think we would make it, but I pretty well had my mind set that we would. We did.
We are staying at the Quality Inn. If I had brought my other suitcase in, I would go swimming. But I'm just too plain tired and hot to get it.
Our room is really nice. It's a suite - it has a sitting room with a couch, chair, and TV. Then a separate bed area with TV, desk and table. Pretty nice for $62.00!!! I don't know how I pulled that off, but I'm not complaining. I just wish the desk was in the sitting area instead of the bed area. I think I'm disturbing Virgil.
The country here is so lush and green. It was fun to watch the corn. The first field we saw, the corn was maybe a foot tall. As we proceed South East, the stalks got bigger and bigger. At this point, they are tasseled. What a difference a few (MANY) miles make.
Virgil is feeling a little better.
We miss Darby.
I wish I had been able to spend more time with Corey. He sure does look good. I sure did make beautiful grandchildren. mwa-aha-ha-ha-ha
We left Laramie at 5:30 and pulled into the motel in Springfield, MO at 9:00 (that would be 8:00 MST). Virgil didn't think we would make it, but I pretty well had my mind set that we would. We did.
We are staying at the Quality Inn. If I had brought my other suitcase in, I would go swimming. But I'm just too plain tired and hot to get it.
Our room is really nice. It's a suite - it has a sitting room with a couch, chair, and TV. Then a separate bed area with TV, desk and table. Pretty nice for $62.00!!! I don't know how I pulled that off, but I'm not complaining. I just wish the desk was in the sitting area instead of the bed area. I think I'm disturbing Virgil.
The country here is so lush and green. It was fun to watch the corn. The first field we saw, the corn was maybe a foot tall. As we proceed South East, the stalks got bigger and bigger. At this point, they are tasseled. What a difference a few (MANY) miles make.
Virgil is feeling a little better.
We miss Darby.
I wish I had been able to spend more time with Corey. He sure does look good. I sure did make beautiful grandchildren. mwa-aha-ha-ha-ha
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Summer 2012 - Laramie
FIRST DAY
We had planned to leave on our trip on Thursday morning, June 14. However, on Wednesday night, June 13, we took Virgil to the ER. He got out of the hospital about 10:00 this morning - Sunday, June 17. By noon we were headed to Melanie's to drop off Darby and see Corey for about 3 minutes.
We made it Laramie, WY today. Tired. Sleepy. Virgil is already asleep. The only room we could find in Laramie is a "suite". It has a jetted tub in the bedroom. I took advantage of that, but the jets weren't very powerful. That's okay. It still felt good.
We had planned to leave on our trip on Thursday morning, June 14. However, on Wednesday night, June 13, we took Virgil to the ER. He got out of the hospital about 10:00 this morning - Sunday, June 17. By noon we were headed to Melanie's to drop off Darby and see Corey for about 3 minutes.
We made it Laramie, WY today. Tired. Sleepy. Virgil is already asleep. The only room we could find in Laramie is a "suite". It has a jetted tub in the bedroom. I took advantage of that, but the jets weren't very powerful. That's okay. It still felt good.
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