My Random Musings | Peaches Prattlings

{March 25, 2024} I did not stop writing again and I did not forget about you!

I promise! I have been under the weather, then sick as a dog since we last spoke and I am sorry! There was a big event to tell you about and I could not even bring myself close enough to the pc to tell you about it! But I will…in another post!

I started to feel woogie on Wednesay, I taught a class, did a few things and decided I needed some Dayquil, then to sit down and rest. Now, normally, when I start to feel woogie, and yes, that is a technical term, when I start to feel woogie, I take a Dayquill or two, meaning two doses, the directed 4 hours apart, I know, I know, you’re shocked I actually follow directions! Well, usually, that works. Nope, not this time.

Thursday came, I started feeling woogier and taught my last class, oh and the cough decided to join me for class, gee thanks. There were a few ‘please hold, I have to turn off my camera and mic and choke for a moment’ moments, fun! But we made it through class, but by the time it was over, I was not doing so hot. I did what I needed to do to wrap up the day, but it was time to lay down, I don’t think I was even able to walk the dogs.

Now, as I said, I usually can take the Dayquil in a day or two, I’m right as rain, PSM says I have a really strong immune system, well, Mother Nature‘s storm front, the hot/cold/hot/cold days, Spring, and allergies all rolled up into one, did nothing for me! So…I got in bed by 9p, yes, you heard me, 9pm and I was done for!

I only got up a few times in the middle of the night, oh joy! Friday came and I was a zombie…I do not know how I made it through work. I finished everything I needed to for the classes I taught for the week, took a nap, went back to work and prepped for the next week, which started today, prepped for some classes I have scheduled in the future and at 430p, I was 100000% done. I took a scalding hot shower, because that sometimes helps, put on my jammies, fed the dogs, and I was under the covers by 6pm.

PSM came home with some soup, it wasn’t the best soup, but it was hot and it hit the spot, he even tasted it and agreed, but I love that he brought me soup and he took charge of me! Thank you! He then said we are switching to Nyquil, because you need sleep! Yes sir! I am down with that!

I took the Nyquil and then there was a new type of woogie feeling, but that faded into the back of my eyelids! I woke up at some point, took more Nyquil, oh, and did I mention the hot cups of tea with honey that kept coming? I am one lucky broad! There were several scalding hot showers, because they open my chest up, the steam clears my nose up and I feel warm and wonderful…for about an hour, but I will take it!

I also woke up sweating several times, so those showers were wonderful and refreshing. Back to bed, more Nyquil. Saturday was a blur! The last does of Nyquil came about 11pm, I fell asleep about 12am, woke up at 1am and I did not fall asleep again until about midnight Sunday. Oh, about 4am Saturday night/Sunday morning, I decided I was laying there long enough, I’m going on a trip Friday, I’m going to do my hair.

I didn’t do the best job this time, in terms of…if you saw the back of my neck, you might notice the giant blue and purple blobs! o m g! ha ha ha. There has been a great deal of exfoliating going on as we speak! I may be wearing a scarf on my flight if I can’t get the color off my neck! I am sitting here laughing hysterically as I write this! I am also reading this out loud as I write it and I almost never do that! I might still be delirious!

Yesterday, PSM was very wise to not let me do anything, even getting up to brush my teeth took a lot out of me! He was great, he’s taken the pressure off me to do things, he’s walked the dogs, fed them, put them up, all the things we share duties on, but he’s done them all, and I so appreciate him for that.

Today, still taking it easy, glad I work from home, I sat at my pc, worked, took breaks when I needed to, but didn’t move much. I did a little laundry, so I have what I need for my trip, but taking it very easy. I’m still not 100% and I don’t have much of an appetite, but I’m getting there, as my grandma would say ‘yiddle by yiddle’. I still have this cough, but my throat isn’t as sore and I have about 10 minutes worth of talking time before I start choking or get tired, so…

That being said, I’ve talked to you now for about 30 minutes and I’m feeling it! So…g’night!

{March 19, 2024} I’ve learned something about myself. And Happy Spring!

Ok, I sort of knew this, and it’s not always applicable, but…I do better blogging sitting up at a desk or a table than in bed with my laptop propped on my knees. I’ve said it, it’s out there.

When I’m sitting in a chair, I’m more focused, when I am laying or lounging in bed, I don’t seem to focus as well and let my mind wander, which is a good thing for me, that’s where I get my inspirations sometimes, but other times, my mind is wandering when I should be talking to you! And wouldn’t you rather me talk to you than stare off into space?!

Then sometimes I stare off into space for so long, or scroll on my phone that I run out of steam and I start to doze off, great…I used to blog on my phone, I love having a phablet, tablet/phone, it’s big enough, I could use the s-pen that came with it, to feel like a pen, but I really like using a keyboard, I like hearing the tick, tack, tick, tack, typing on the keys, there is something satisfying about that!

Now… I do have a tablet and I have a keyboard for it, so I use that sometimes too, but even then, I feel like I need to be sitting up when I do it, in a chair, at a table, I know, I already said that! But I do, I feel more productive, what is wrong with me?! I love writing, I should be able to do it from wherever, whenever!

I do actually enjoy writing with a pen and paper as well, but, and do you find this…since we are in the computer age, it’s harder to write, your hand cramps and gets tired! I’ve thought about getting a reMarkable ‘paper tablet’, you write on the tablet with a special pen and it converts your written word into text. I think they might be coming down in price, not sure. But it’s a thought.

Anyway, I’m sitting here, cross-legged, writing to you, at my desk, on my laptop. Yeah, I’m happy, and I’m writing, and it’s 1132pm, I’m watching my fingers fly over the keyboard, sometimes amazed that I can type that fast without looking at what I’m typing, but I know, I just said I’m watching my fingers fly, I can see them as I’m looking at the screen. I’m not that tired, who knows what’s going to happen when I step away from the pc and the desk, I might go get in my jammies and sit in bed and… watch tv, read a book, practice my Duolingo, the possibilities are endless!

But I do know that I have to stop rambling or you might fall asleep while you’re reading that! So, to you, I will say Good Night, parting is such sweet sorrow, until we meet upon the morrow. And…

Happy Spring! [officially!]

{March 18, 2024} Mother Nature…seriously?!

It’s Spring, right? Well, technically tomorrow is Spring, I know, but we’ve been having Spring weather for a bit, some chillier days thrown in here and there, maybe a colder morning, warmer afternoon, but it’s Spring, right?

Another way I know it’s Spring, I’m sneezing my head off, allergies are in full effect, I’m taking my flonase, but I can’t stop sneezing and saying “I hate Spring”, “I hate Spring”…I know, I know…I always say hate is a strong word and it is and I’m sorry, but in the moment I can’t stop sneezing, I hate Spring, that’s all there is to it.

So…Mother Nature, as wonderful as you are, bringer of all things nature and make me marvel at the world and what nature has to offer, you have made the crocuses push through the ground, the daffodils are in full bloom, trees are sprouting new growth, the sound of lawnmowers are in the air, the robin redbreast is hanging out with the blue jay, and the snow geese have gone.

Why…oh why…was it flurrying on my morning walk and why…oh why…is snow predicted this Friday?! Seriously? Mother Nature, do your meds need to be changed?! I’m happy to help, what is it?!

Happy Spring to all! It’s coming, I promise! At least I think so…

{March 17, 2024} A walk, a ride, breakfast, a block shoot, and clean bikes

That was our Sunday, what was your Sunday like?

I decided the pups could sleep with me last night, it was great, until…Well, Ruby fell asleep next to me, Bee started in the crook of my left side, we were all good and then I woke up in the middle of the night had my beagle turned into a cat and was sleeping inbetween my legs! I felt like I was held hostage, I couldn’t move! ha ha. I moved her over to my left side, fell back asleep and woke up to her in the exact same place! No wonder I couldn’t pull the blanket over my legs, really?!

We stayed happy, cuddling, and content, until Ruby decided it was time to wake up, and by that I mean lick my face, and hand, and arm, and…until I gave up and got out of bed. I love the dogs, I do not love getting licked into oblivion! Ok, ok, I’m up! Got dressed and got them ready to go for a walk.

Came back from the walk, fed them breakfast and soon it was time for us to get some breakfast. On the bikes and off to Heisy’s Diner. We really like this place! I think I told you about it, it’s a train car that they just added and added to, it goes on forever! We sat at the counter, which we love to do, ate, drank coffee and tea, talked, laughed, planned, you know, the usual.

Back home we didn’t go into the house to get the dog’s hopes up, we just switched from bikes to truck and headed out towards Bethel, PA. In Bethel, we went to the Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club‘s Bethel Grounds for a Block Shoot. It’s a cool property, they have a building big enough to hold several picnic tables with benches, riding lawnmowers and garden tools, there is a kitchen, and around back there are port-o-potties. They have a firepit and a lot of space. In the summer, if you want, you can camp for $10 per night. I’m not sure what other events they have there, but the block shoot happens twice a year.

So…if, like me, you were wondering what a block shoot is…at the core, you are shooting at a block of wood with an index card on it. Ok, more details…Everyone signs up, if you want to shoot, you can, if you don’t want to shoot, you can have sponsor someone to shoot for you, yes, you guessed it, that’s what we did. It’s $2 per shot, we each put in $10 for 5 shots each and someone was assigned to shoot for us, there’s a prize at the end!

When it’s time for the shooting to start, there is a target, it’s a wooden block with a white index card on it and you shoot from 50 feet away from the target. There is someone in the big metal box-type thing who puts the block with the index card on the pole, there is a red slider up in between each round, when the person who is setting up the blocks is ready switches the red slider to green and the person knows they can shoot. This goes back and forth until everyone who has put in money has either shot or had someone shot for them.

At the end of the round, or first shoot, they bring in all the blocks and the index cards are examined and the card, which has a number assigned to it/you, with the pellet closest to the center of the X is hit, that is declared the winner! Guess who won $25 for the first round? PSM! Go PSM! And he didn’t have to do anything for it except sponsor someone to shoot for him!

The next thing they do is called a Spinner Round. There is a giant circle with boxes in them with everyone’s number assigned and the winner of the block shoot round gets to shoot the spinner, which is spinning, as the name suggests and the number with the closest X is the winner, not us, sadly!

The clubhouse, as it were, opens at 11 for food, they had hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, drinks, cupcakes, all sorts of goodies. There was a firepit outside and everyone socializes until the block shoot starts. They continue to socialize, but it’s harder to hear if you’re in the back, but it doesn’t stop anyone.

There were other raffles, a 50/50 for our club, a gun raffle and a cash prize raffle for another club. There are all these opportunities to fundraise and help each other out, it’s nice. After the first round block shoot and the 50/50 raffle, it was time to head out and head home.

At the house, we let the dogs out, PSM pulled all the bikes out and we got to work cleaning them. They were in desperate need of baths. Please don’t tell too many people but…we hadn’t given them proper baths since we went on our 3-week trip out west over the summer. We are embarrassed! We’ve wiped them down, but not the given them the detail they really need. And the bugs on the windshield… O M G! We cannot do this to them again! Don’t they look all shiny and pretty?!

Next…into the house, sit down and breath! Oh, and practice my Duolingo, more on that another time!

Who ever heard of sitting still on a Sunday!? Dogs are in the crate, writing to you…g’night!

{March 16, 2024} A meeting, brunch, a mud sale, a new brewery

It’s Saturday, why did I have to wake up first at 2am, no idea. I fell back asleep, thankfully, then woke up close to 7a, in a slight panic, why didn’t my alarm go off?! Oh yeah, it’s Saturday! Wahoo!

I went downstairs, the dogs had stayed out, meaning out of the crate, so about 730a, I went downstairs and whispered to them, ‘who wants to snuggle?’, you don’t have to ask twice! They came upstairs and got in bed with me. I fed them, then took them for a walk, a little out of order, but they were happy, they love the snuggles and their walks!

After we got back, PSM and I got into the truck and drove out to the monthly IMRG, Indian Motorcycle Riders Group, Susquehanna Chapter 1903, meeting, great to see everyone, talk about future rides and getting back out there. The meetings don’t last too long, which is good, no lunch after this month. Very excited to get to ride with these guys again, gotta love Spring!

Then we went to Starbucks up the street to grab some drinks, we didn’t get to get anything on the way. I called DR, who I had reconnected with at the funeral, and we met him for brunch at the Lion’s Pride Restaurant in Red Lion, PA. It was a cute little town, the best part, there was a Red Lion on everything, including the street signs, I love that!

The restaurant was a good down-home place, pretty big with lots of room for a lot of people with several rooms to eat in. The food was good and the beverages were hot. Not sure we’d go back there for breakfast, only because it’s about an hour from us, and we like to do breakfasts a little closer, but it was very much worth it to see DR and introduce him to PSM, they had some stuff in common. Always helps when your friends can get along with your better half!

After brunch, we all went to a Mud Sale in Airville, PA, DR had told me about this, it was really cool! It’s basically a fundraiser to help the local volunteer fire brigades! It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced, it was auction city! Outside, in tents, in the firehouse, everywhere you looked, there was an acution! And the auctioneers…the Amish men themselves! First, it was odd to see them using technology, like microphones, but they were also fabulous auctioneers, just like you see, or hear, in the movies, could barely understand what they were saying! I can’t think how to explain it in words, just check out the video!

The first tent we went to was animals, and animals galore they had! They had started the animal auction at 930, we were there close to 11a and they were still in full swing! They had bunnies, oh my the bunnies, that’s what was being auctioned when we got there. Babies, full grown, medium, brown, white, black, you name it, you could find whatever type of bunny you wanted. PSM said no…you know I asked!

Then…squeal..squeal…squeal…voice goes up a few octive…they had BABY GOATS!!! O M G! I want one sooo badly. PSM said no…Please? No…we could get a color for it, like we have for the dogs and they can stay in the backyard! Please? no… oh well!

There were grown goats, big kids, little kids, there were fluffy sheep, lambs, big pigs, baby pigs, chickens, pigeons, peacocks, swans, like I said, you name it, they had it! As we walked around, it seemed like almost everyone was walking around with a chicken or a bunny! I don’t know who got the goats! Can I come and play?!

We went to the next tent, crafts, PSM thought he lost me, but I done good! It was a lot of Americana, wooden crafts, rabbits, bird houses, yard signs. Then on to the farm tools, then beautiful wooden furniture, into the firehouse where they were auctioning these amazing quilts, oh my word! They had it down to a science. Pull one up for all to see, highest bid wins, it comes down as they are hoisting the next one up, it was pretty cool.

There were food vendors inside and out. Back outside we went to the other side of the property and they were bidding on plants, sporting equiment, tractors, mowers, generators, tool chests, you name it, they probably had it and were trying to sell it! Oh, and if you buy a bunch or can’t carry what you bought, there were Amish kids there with their wagons to help you get your purchases to your vehicle!

Oh, and gotta love the buggy parking! One of my favorite things today! besides the bunnies and the baby goats!

After we walked to every auction, we decided to head out. Back to the vehicles in the corn field, the reason we didn’t ride the bikes, although it would have been the perfect day for riding. I appreciate PSM giving me an out to not ride in the flattened corn field, it would not have been fun!

We decided to find a local brewery to get some drinks and food. We went to Wyndridge Farm, a large beautiful space with a spacious and bright bar area, we sat right next to the tasting room, they also have an event venue, it was beautiful. I sent a picture to BJS because it reminded me of where she got married, great memories!

We had some grub, drank, talked, laughed, shared stories, and just had a really nice time. We talked about being able to get together sometime soon, I told DR about the Lebanon Valley Libations Trail and he has agreed, well, I twisted his arm, to join us at some of the breweries. ha ha. I know it will be tough, but he’s a trooper!

Afte we parted company, PSM drove us back home, we were about an hour away, and aside from the Amish cologne, that’s what someone called the fertilizer smell! It would have been the perfect ride. I’m hoping we can do it again!

Home, take the dogs for a walk, well, take Ruby, Bee got just past the driveway and decided she wasn’t going and dug her heels in, at that point, just like with a child, you pick and choose your battles, so…battle won for Bee, we went back, I deposited her at the house and Ruby and I went for a nice long walk.

Back home, feed the pups and then I went upstairs and decided I wanted to take a shower, but…I remembered at the Mud Sale, they had a claw foot tub, which I love, so I decided to take a not hot bubble bath and oh my word it was wonderful! I practiced my Italian, watched some videos, and all around just basked in the bubbles, the heat, and the steam. What could be better I ask you!?

And now, dear friends, I am sharing my day with you, as I love to do. So…shared! And now…g’night!

{March 14, 2024} Spring has sprung!

It was beautiful today, I think Spring has sprung!

Just like yesterday, I had to get on the bike, oh yeah! Well, first, I only needed a hoodie when I took the dogs for a walk around the block, a glorious morning. Then it was home to take a quick shower and get ready for work. Oh, did I mention that being that Spring has sprung, there is new life all around us. I haven’t seen any baby ducklings, wait, if they’re ducklings, which is a baby duck, do I really have to say baby ducklings? Am I alone in this one? I don’t think so, I think we all call them baby ducklings, because it sounds so much fun to hear and say, go on, say it, think it, baby ducklings. Ok, I am cracking myself up here, somebody stop me!

Anyway…so…there is new life in our yard, the crocuses are coming up and around the neighborhood, daffodils, robin red breasts are making an appearance, it’s a treat.

The VW dealership texted to let me know my car was ready, so before my class this afternoon, I hopped in the loaner Tiguan, headed to the dealership and traded it in for my beetle bug, Annie. I got in, dropped the top and the windows and headed home, life is good!

Then, today, for the first time in a few weeks, I took the dogs to the park. I asked ‘who wants to go to the park?’ I actually watched Ruby run and jump over something in the yard, oh boy! It’s been a while, not just because I didn’t have my car, but it’s been cold, rainy, and wet for the past few weeks, and I didn’t want to slip and slide through the park. We did it a few times, but just haven’t lately. Well, so glad we went today! People were out enjoying themselves, lots of cars in the different lots, but the park is big enough, you don’t run into many people.

We met a few dogs, got some lovies from kids and adults, saw some new flowers and growth and we saw some torguga, or turtles, on a log. Some ladies we passed told us about them, so we made sure to look and sure enough…tortuga! The girls were so happy to be back in the park, their old stomping grounds, sniffing everything like it was the first time! We made it around, back in the car and headed home.

Back home, they couldn’t wait to get out of the car and head inside…dinner’s about to be served. After dinner, PSM called and asked if I wanted to meet him somewhere, sure! I hopped on Charlene and went to meet him at Lebanon Valley Craft Breweing. I saddled up to the bar, ordered a tall glass of water and waited for my hubs. He got there, we just ordered an appetizer, they didn’t have the same grilled veggie wrap I had Friday, oh well.

We talked, laughed, planned, cajoled, and just enjoyed ourselves. Eventually it was time to head home, back on the bikes, he revved his engine, I revved mine and we were off! It was a little chillier for me on the way home, but it was still wonderful to be on the bike. Only 23% chance of rain tomorrow, 7% on Saturday, and 7% on Sunday…there’s more riding in my future! Only 3 months until our bike trip up north! Cannot wait!

And now, dear friends…g’night!

{March 11, 2024} Not sleeping…again.

I know we’ve talked about this before, but it’s happening again and it’s been happening a lot lately, not sure why. I’m not sleeping, or more acurately, I’m sleeping very little.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to sleep, I really do, it’s wonderful, and luxurious, and cozy, and important, but for some reason, someone forgot to tell me in order to have those fabulous feelings, you actually have to close your eyes! ha ha

This happened again last night, it was 10p, 11p, 12a, this is normal so far. Then it was 1am, 2am, still normal, mostly. I think somewhere in there, I nodded off for about 15-20 minutes and therein lies the rub, I slept…apparently dozing or a nap, would you consider it a nap at 2am? I fall asleep for 15-20 minutes an that is a signal to my body, my brain, my synapses that I am clearly not tired and 100% awake and therefore, I should start thinking about things!

Or if not thinking about things, my eyes just cannot seem to close again, as much as i want to and try to force them. The light is off…the tv is off…the tv is on…the fan is on…maybe if I put on a movie that I know so well and turn over, I can fall asleep to the background noise, and drift off to sleep. Yeah, well, that didn’t happen!

3am…4am…almost 5am and I’m starting to bargain with, I don’t know who I’m bargaining with…’um, hello out there, in the universe, I’d really like to sleep now’, somehow that doesn’t work, I can’t imagine why! Not exactly sure how or why, but somewhere between 5 and 530a, I drifted off into la la land! Wah to the hoo!

My alarm went off at 6am…noooooo! I snoozed of course! About 640a, I rallied, got up, dressed, and made my way downstairs to get the pups to take them for their morning walk. I am awake now! We did our 1.5 miles around the neighborood, back for breakfast for them and breakfast for me, then off to work, it’s a long commute from the kitchen to my home office!

Well, actually, I had to stop at the bedroom, across from the office, to change into what I was going to wear for the day, I can’t teach in flannel-lined jeans, I would burn up, but they are amazing for walking the dogs when it’s 35 and windy out!

One of the perils of working from home is that sometimes, like today, I’m not sure when i realized I hadn’t actually brushed my teeth yet! But…one of the beauties of working from home…you can brush your teeth whenever you need/want to, who’s going to smell your breath through the pc screen? Technology hasn’t gotten that far has it?

It is at this point I realize I am holding true to my blog…it is about everything and nothing, which is what we have spiraled into here. We? I know, me! Anyway, my normal night is about 3-4 or 5 hours, so, fall asleep between 1-4am, up between 5-6am, that really is normal for me. Fully functional when I wake up, go all day and do it again. Sleep when I’m tired and then, do it again. I will go weeks and then one day, I am just zonked, so I’ll sleep 8 hours, more if I’m really lucky. That seems to charge my battery and I’m good to go, until the next time I need sleep.

No, I don’t take any pills or sleep aids, I think if I was tired all the time or couldn’t function, I would, but I seem to do ok and take a break when I need it. Some days I’m more productive in the middle of the night, I craft, I read, I watch movies, I play games on my phone, I write, I talk to you [sometimes all at the same time!]…I like the last one a lot! I seem to do it a lot! Thank you for being my friend! O M G! i just created my own ear worm!

You know those times I say, ok, it’s time for me to pretend to fall asleep, well, now you know what’s about to happen when I say that. Ok, so…here I go, it’s 12:18am and I was up until 5am last night, but I fell asleep on the sofa for about an hour, I can feel myself waking up as we speak. Let’s go see if I get up, put on my jammies and get into bed.

Fingers crossed, g’night!

{March 9, 2024} A fitting tribute

I was going to tell you all about my day today, it was full, but right now, I’m only going to tell you about one thing, an amazing tribute to a dear friend.

I told you yesterday that today I was going to Staten Island for the funeral of my friend AGM, who passed on February 14th. Here we are, on Staten Island, staying at my dad’s house for the night, so we can proprely toast, I’m not going to say ‘so we can say goodbye’, because we’re not really saying goodbye, not to AGM.

AGM is…wow…is, was one of those people who, the moment you met him, you were a friend, a sister, a brother, you weren’t just friends, you were family. He had an infectious smile, you couldn’t help but smile when you saw it, but when he laid it on you…then there was his laugh, yeah, you know it, don’t you…once you’re in, you’re in.

The service was at Scarmardella Funeral Home on Staten Island, not a lot of parking at all! We parked a few blocks away and walked in the rain, fitting for the day, don’t you think? When we got there, there weren’t a lot of people there, but we were there just at the time the funeral was called for, 2pm. We spoke with AGM’s sister and we all laughed, because during the planning, the funeral home was only going to give them one room. You’re wondering why we laughed, well…as I said it was only the start, and as the preacher said later, AGM was known as the Mayor of Staten Island!

We walked into the chapel room and the flowers, when we got there, were beautiful, and the urn his sister had picked, perfect. AGM was a huge superhero fan, and how fitting what she got for him, just look at the memorial card for him, what could be more perfect.

People started to arrive and I don’t think it stopped, ever! Even after we left, which was almost 6p when it was scheduled to be over, people were still coming. Some people stayed, like we did, some came in and out, but they came, in droves, that just says it all and when we went into the chapel room to listen to a few people and a preacher, it was truly standing room only, expected nothing less for him.

There were people I remembered and some I didn’t, people remembered me, and for that, I am so very humbled. Even if we weren’t sure who we were or the other person for that matter, we had a connection. ‘How did you know AGM?’, unless you knew the person directly or through AGM, that was the question of each moment, each minute.

Some of us knew AGM from PS 22, some of us knew him from IS 72, Curtis HS, Port Richmond HS, College of Staten Island [CSI]. Others knew him post school, Legends, Joe’s Broadway, The Red Spot, any number of bars down on Bay Street in Staten Island, The Rocky Horror Picture Show in NYC, cannot for the life of me remember the theater name, sorry!, CVS, and anywhere else you may have known this force of nature, and he was a force of nature, no one can tell me anything different, and I don’t think anyone would disagree.

We talked, we screamed when someone we knew walked in, and we knew them or recognized them, we hugged, oh wow, did we hug, we held on while we cried, didn’t let go, we held hands, we side hugged, it really was about having human contact, and at that moment, no matter what happened way back when, we were back in school, or wherever you see yourself, and we were in that moment, and we were with him. I told a few people, as we were standing there, I kept expecting him to walk through the door, the door to the chapel, the door to the funeral home, just walk in to where I/we were with that big, goofy grin, reaching in to give you the biggest, warmest, silliest bear hug you could handle, or maybe, like me, he scoops you up and you fall on the floor together laughing and say the same thing you always said ‘falls for me every time!’.

We spent three hours going through every emotion…greeting, hugging, smiling, crying, laughing, shock, some anger, you can’t have something like this happen and not be a little angry, I don’t have to tell you why, I’m at least hoping you understand and don’t judge us.

About 515p, they ushered those of us who were still there, and there were a lot of us, into the chapel and the preacher introduced three people who spoke, all from the heart, and all with such passion, and love, and, well, I was going to say more, but love is it, a story, an anecdote, made us laugh and cry, yup. Then the preacher spoke and the big one was ‘life is too short’, he said a mouthful. And those of us who reconnected, I have a feeling we’re going to stay in each other’s lives in some capacity and what more could you want?

When it was finally time to go, it was slow going. Say goodbye to this person, ‘are you going to Joe’s Broadway?’, say goodbye to that person ‘will I see you at Joe’s Broadway?’ hug him, hug her, ‘I’m so glad we saw each other’, hold this one tight, hold that one tight, ‘I’m so glad we reconnected, I’d really like to stay in touch, tell each other how you feel, that they matter, life is too short.

So, I say to you, dear readers, my dear friends, tried and true, steadfast friends, I appreciate you, I am so glad we’re talking again, I can’t see letting go again, and do you know why…life is too short.

{March 5, 2024} I’m in planning mode! Weehoo!

So…last year, I haven’t had a chance to tell you about this trip yet, but PSM and I went on a 3-week motorcycle trip with some friends, and made new friends. We enjoyed the trip so much, we talked about the next year’s trip while we were on that trip. And here we are!

It’s almost a year later and we are in planning mode for our 10 day trip for this June. We would have loved to be able to take a 3-week trip again, but some folks don’t have the time this year to take 3-weeks, but there’s always a next time!

So…what are we doing this year? Well, let me tell you… and you know I will give you a day-by-day of what we’re doing, complete with photos! I tell you just about everything now, don’t I?! Ok, so…JD is our ride captain, he plans the routes and found the hotels, maybe one day he’ll let someone else help with that! ha ha.

My job, as cruise director, Julie McCoy, that was the nickname they gave me on our trip last year because I ended up in charge of figuring out where we were going to eat meals, dinners, at least, communicating these details, along with the meet time to head to dinner, and KSU, Kick-Stands-Up in the mornings. And don’t know I love it! I might need a name badge, or at least a t-shirt with that name on it!

So… we are starting in Middleborough, MA, well, some of us are, since we’re coming in from Lebanon, PA, if we don’t ride to Middleborough, we’ll meet everyone in Bar Harbor, ME, this is about a 6 hour ride and 360 miles. Our plan is to watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, you know that means an unseemly hour of the morning, I can’t wait, then ride to the ferry terminal in Bar Harbor to load our bikes and persons and sail 3.5 hours to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. When PSM and I were in Nova Scotia years ago, we found out it translates to New Scotland, when you look out over the landscape it looked like Scotland to those who named it, and after being there two years ago, I couldn’t agree more!

Our trip is along the Cabot Trail, so every stop is going to be a part of that, passports at the ready! When we land in Yarmouth, we are going to ride about 4 hours and 193 miles to Halifax, Nova Scotia [NS], I am so excited about seeing Halifax again, I loved it and wished we had had more time there! Then, day 3, yes we are only up to day 3, can you believe it?!…from Halifax, we ride to Baddeck, about 6 hours and 270 miles.

Days 4-5, we’re going to do day trips on the Cabot Trail, even staying at the Cabot Trail Motel. Day 6, we ride Baddeck to Tatamagouche, NS for the night where we get to stay in train cars! Cannot wait! Then Day 7, Tatamagouche to St John New Brunswick, about 5 hours and 200 miles. Day 8m we ride about 6.5 hours and 300 miles from St John New Brunswick to Freeport, ME, and we’re back in the US! The last day, sadly…day 9, we ride from Freeport, ME to Middleborough, MA, about 5 hours and 180 miles. Most likely, PSM and I will go from New Brunswick towards PA and then make our way home by June 16th.

I just sent out a spreasheet for us to keep track of everything and as I was filling it out/in, I was getting more excited! I cannot wait to share the trip with you, a daily recount, and as I promised, chock full of pictures!

But for now, dear friends, I am going to bid you a fare fondwell, wait, what?! no, that’s a fond farewell and bid you goodnight!

And…I have to tell you, I am so happy that I started sharing with you again, I have really enjoyed the past two months! O M G! It’s been two months and I’ve shared so much, being as consistent as I can, I know I’ve missed some days, but I’m not as worried about that as I used to be. But we’re talking again and that’s what matters!

g’night!

{March 3, 2024} A pahty, dinner with dad, drive home

I…am…beat…yeah, I’m done! I just got home from Bahston and dinner with dad, I’ll tell you about my day, then I’m crashing!

Got up, the pups had slept with me, they love that treat, I’ll admit, I love it too. It really is a treat because it doesn’t happen every day. I let them on the bed sometimes on a Saturday or Sunday morning, but spending the night on the bed, now that’s a treat. Ruby did her thing and turned around twice and laid down, Bee turned around twice and then dug herself into my side, it was soooo cute. She moved once or twice, but settled into the crook I made and it was warm and cuddly, sigh.

We got up, went for a walk, thank goodness the rain finally stopped! Oh my car window…we came back, they had breakfast, I took a shower, then we headed to J&A’s for Uncle A’s 80th birthday bash! I got there, asked if I could do anything and A said she completely forgot vegan stuff, and there was a gluten-free person coming, so I said I would go to the grocery store and get some, easy! GES is going dairy-free for a while, I wanted to share some of my favorite options with her too.

Ruby just came upstairs to tell me it was time for bed!

I went to Wegmans and picked up some vegan and gluten-free options. I forgot how much I really like Wegman’s and what a great vegan selection they have! And how expensive some of that stuff is! I know it’s expensive, but usually I’m only buying one or two things along with our other groceries for the week!

I headed back to the house and people were starting to show up, including my hubby, PSM! I hadn’t seen him since Friday morning when he headed towards Vermont, very nice to see him, the girls thought so too!

We were in town for Uncle A’s 80th birthday bash and what a bash it was! GES was able to come over for a little bit, try some of the vegan cream cheese and smoked gouda, oh my I was happy, I love this Violife brand! They have such good dairy-free options! She was able to have bagel-lox-and cream cheese, with onion, of course! Not for me, thanks!

We ate some good food, got to chat with friends and family, laugh, hug, tell stories, and have an all around good time! It was so good to see everyone, I don’t think we’ve seen them since the Chanuakah party the weekend of Thanksgiving!

We bade everyone goodbye, PSM loaded the girls in the Jeep and headed towards home, I got in my car, programmed the directions and headed to my dad’s house. Let’s just say, no one likes driving through Connecticut! Aren’t they done with construction yet? Maybe that’s the national pastime in Connecticut!

It was a 4.5 hour drive with no stops, I had to get gas once and use the facilities a few times, and with traffic, it only added about 30 minutes, not too shabby. And…it got up to 70, guess what I did…dropped Annie’s top and we wer rockin’ down the road, that helped! I got to dad’s about 5p, we hugged hello, then loaded up in his car, I needed a minute not to be driving! We enjoyed Zara’s so much on Friday we decided to go back and even got the same meal!

We had the appetizer platter with babaganoush, hummus, tabouleh, eggplant salad, and sauted eggplant, it was so good! And we had a shepherd’s salad, the bread they bring out is fabulous and enough for the appetizers, I had a cup of turkish tea and we ended the meal with an order of baklavah! Sooo good! I’m ready for the next time.

Back to dad’s house, I helped him with his new timer light and then it was time to drive home. It’s only 2.5 hours, but when it’s been a long day and you’re tired, and already drove 5 hours, 2.5 can be tough! Especially after driving to Boston yesterday! But…made it home safe and sound, hello to the hubs and the dogs, unloaded the car, I’m talking to you and as soon as I click publish…I’m going to introduce myself to the back of my eyelids. Now…you know me, I know this, and you know this is just me talking a big game! ha ha

I’m going to give it the old school try! Night!

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