I really like this place! It’s Monday in Chicago. I taught a great class of Managers, I was back in the hotel, I needed to run some errands including Walgreens, TMobile and food! Well, there was also some window shopping, The Disney store and that included a…yup, you guessed a costume! One grandbaby costume, check! Four grandbaby and three niece costumes to go! By now, I’m very hungry and the first two places couldn’t accommodate me, then I saw a True Food, Wahoo! Do you remember me telling you about our fabulous breakfast in Denver with PSM’s cousins at True Food? I knew they could feed me, so I went to the bar, copped a squat and set in to order. I had…yum! An inside out quinoa burger, as they called it and it was fabulous! It’s two hard packed quinoa patties where the buns would be, layered between the patties were cucumbers, avocado, tomato and hummus. I skipped the tzatziki sauce since its made with yogurt and added their almond ricotta cheese and butter lettuce. As a side, I had their charred cauliflower instead of the kale salad or sweet potato hash. Oh my word, but this was good! My server said she likes it with the lake salad because she will break it all up and mix it with the kale to have a giant salad. It was such a nice contrast of flavors. The heat, temperature, of the quinoa against the cold of all the other ingredients, so nice! I could definitely eat that again! Come with me next time! 
I had a very quick trip to Atlanta andI want to tell you all about it!
I arrived late on Friday night, crashed with ST and got to met his temporary roommate. First thing was to go to Waffle House! It was good to catch up, we haven’t seen each other in a few months. We talked work, travel, relationships, kids, I think we covered it all!
The next morning I went to my house to see it after the interior was painted, ran a vacuum, it’s definitely not my house anymore, that’s an interesting feeling.
Then, return the vacuum and head to see my kids, TYL and my newest grandbaby, CDL, her brother, CH and his wife, AH at the restaurant they all work at. Oh, what a doll baby my newest grandson, CDL, is! Smart, curious, sweet, happy, smells good and what a giggle! I’m so glad I get to be a part of his life and be in my kids lives again. What amazing human beings they are!
Get this…CH even cooked for me!!! He made me artichoke hearts with garlic and olive oil and let me tell you, wow and yum! He can cook for me anytime! Do I seem biased? You bet your sweet bippy! Every day and twice on Sunday!
When I left the kids, I headed to met SDL, MissA and DJL at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Last time we were there was the day before we left for Mexico!
Live music, good music at that, MissA was rocking out to a lot of the songs, she can get down! Good food, friends, conversation, laughs, silliness, Halloween costumes, the only thing missing, CKM! Unfortunately, she had plans last night, bummer!
Back to SDL’s house for a little more catch up and then… crash. Zzzzz Up today, grab the groceries and head out to see the rest of the grandbabies.
Unfortunately, LB and Baby L weren’t able to come, so it was just KLB, CS and the kiddies, BabyA and his sister ELB. I was in heaven, as you can imagine! We played, caught up, giggled, laughed, chased, BabyA crawled in my lap to show me his video game controler, I learned about Sonic the Hedgehog, Minecraft and MarioKart, all in a very short period of time! Then ELB was in my lap, then both of them, oh yes! Happy JJ! They both wanted to play with my watch and the rest of my jewelry.
Now, let’s go cook! KLB made pancakes while the kids played hide and seek in the cabinets, love it! Then BabyA and I cracked, scrambled and cooked eggs for everyone. How fabulous was that!
More chatting, laughing, giggling, rubbing. Let’s just say, thanks BabyA for giving me a lot of steps today! Oh, and the discussion of Halloween costumes! Then it was time to go with promises of a next visit.
Now, for my last visit, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with TS. The Curious Garden. Wonderful! We walked the canopy in the trees, saw the lady in the water and smelled some fabulous smells.
Through the grounds, into the Chinese meditation garden. Through the archway to the orchid greenhouse.
What amazing creators orchids are!! Some even look like people. Different species and creations.
Then through the edible garden and a field of my favorite flower, sunflowers, sigh.
Then it was time to part company, I had to get gas in the retal car, return it, then catch my flight back to Chicago, teaching class in the morning.
Staying at a new hotel, I’ll tell you about it! Have a great night!
They delivered to the room! Go me!
Ok, let me explain, since I know you’re thinking, huh? As you know, I live in hotels and eat out just about every meal. Well, some nights, I just don’t want to go out, I want to go back to the hotel, put on my jammies and ahhhh… just like we all do at home sometimes.
Well, tonight was one of those nights, it was a full day of teaching, energy level high, just wiped me out! It happens every once in a while and tonight was one of those nights! I got back to the room, had a little work to do then I realized I was hungry, butI just didn’t feel like going anywhere.
So, to grubhub.com I went and ordered food to be delivered. I also requested that the food be delivered directly to my room. I also called the restaurant and asked them to ask the driver to bring it right to the room.
Usually, at some hotels, they won’t let the delivery person come all the way to the room, its kind of annoying actually when they tell you its a security risk to let them up. Why is it more of a security risk for a delivery driver than any other person coming into the hotel?
I understand if the elevator requires a key card to access, then by all means, I will come and get the food, but if there isn’t a key card, why can’t they come directly to the room?
Well, it worked! I was in my jammies watching tv and all of a sudden…a knock on the door and ta da! My food delivery!
Small victory! Let’s see if I can do it again!
Such good food!
Tonight, DLP and I had date night and it was at Majani, the vegan place near her house we went to a while back.
We were going to hop yesterday, but we were both tired, it worked out perfectly so I could talk to CWB.
We got there and they were so excited that they had printed menus, instead of just the chalkboard on the wall, but… unfortunately they didn’t have everything on the menu, so poor DLP was turned down for every choice she made! She did eventually find something, not get first choice, but she enjoyed it.
We started with fried cheese grits, they were great! I’m a sugar in my grits girl, but this worked! It was on a bed of fresh tomato sauce and on top. I asked for it on the side in case it was spicy, you know no one thinks anything is spicy…uh huh…but in between the sauce, yum!
Then I had their lentil and veggie soup with a piece of gluten free corn bread. The corn bread was good, but the soup, wow! The bowl was huge!
By the time the gyro cane, I was done! Well, before the gyro came! Guess what I have for lunch tomorrow!!
We ordered dessert to go, DLP got carrot cake and I got pineapple upside down cake. I tasted it after I got to the hotel tonight, wow!
So looking forward to lunch tomorrow!
Today, my attempt to surprise my family didn’t go as planned…or at all!
PSM had a very early flight, so I got to sleep in, first time in a few weeks! Vacation in Hawaii meant up early, what? Yup, either up early for a tour or just the sun coming up! I didn’t even hear PSM leave this morning about 415am! I woke up at 515am, realized I was alone, confused at first! Then checked my phone and called PSM, then zzzzz until about 920am, wow!
Got up, showered, then the fire alarm goes off at the hotel, goody. Got back into the room, finished getting ready, packed and headed out.
I texted GES to see where they were, even threw in a phone call, no dice! I’m usually really good at surprises, this killed my record! I did leave them a great in the mailbox! I’m coming back in two weeks, I can’t wait to see them! They know I’m coming!
After I left their house, I drove into Boston and to Chinatown and went to a great vegan Thai restaurant for a good meal and got some food for tonight when I get back to Chicago, yum!
Then, off to the airport, return the car and head to my gate to hang until it was time to go.
Surprise…fail. Chinatown… win.
Chicago… here I come!
A surprise party it is and a surprise it was!
PSM’s best friend, KN, is turning 50 in October and his wife, DTS, wanted to throw him a birthday party, outside, so this was a great weekend for it!
As soon as I told PSM about it, of course I told him immediately! And no question we were going to be there! Just had to work out logistics. We were scheduled to be in vacation the week before the party. We had the hardest time scheduling our first two choices, Western and American Samoa or Saipan. Not difficult getting there, but the number of flights available coming back to Hawaii, not great. So… that’s when we decided to check out our new home state send go to Kauai, lots of flights in and out every day and only about 35 minutes. Sounds good to me!
PSM and I were talking a few weeks ago and hatched a plan! PSM then called DTN to see what she thought about PSM asking KN to go for a motorcycle ride the morning of the party. Perfect! Easiest way to get him out of the house! He called KN and said he was coming to Boston for work and how about a ride? Yes! I fibbed when he asked if I was coming…um…
We were all set, flights booked, for me, Chicago > Honolulu > Kauai > Honolulu >Boston > Chicago, tomorrow. For PSM Honolulu > Kauai > Honolulu >Boston > Honolulu.
After an amazing week in Kauai, with the chickens, roosters, sun, sand, surf and fun, home on Thursday for laundry and sleep! Friday afternoon, leave Hawaii, landed this morning, picked PSM up when he landed, went to the hotel for a minute. Yup, different flights, different airlines!
Then it was off to K&DTN’s for a party! So great to see everyone, all the usual suspects, fabulous! It’s a giant family! I love seeing everyone, getting to know them better each time. I’m not sure how they’ll feel about us after they try the spam flavored macadamia nuts we brought them!
It was great hanging out and catching up and a few false alarms “they’re here!” Nope, it was another Harley Davidson going by, which happens a lot by them!
On the last one, we all filed into the front yard to wait. After a bit, we heard them, the unmistakable rumble, this time , multiplied because there were several bikes coming down the road. Best part, we were all looking one way and someone said, wouldn’t it be funny if they came from the other direction. Guess what they did!
He was totally surprised! Even rode right past us and around the block! Then he came to the house and it was hugs and cheers by and for everyone!
Now it’s time to party! He was so thrilled and touched that we were all there to celebrate him. He couldn’t believe that PSM and I cut out vacation short to be there, but there was no where else we would be!
There was a great selection of treats for appetizers, a great Italian spread with pasta, meatballs, salad, bread for dinner and of course, a fabulous cake!
The weather was perfect, even a few kids in the pool! Eventually, there was a chill in the air and a fire got built, that was party central!
Eventually, it was time to head out, PSM has a very early flight in the morning. I’m going to sleep in… then, don’t tell GES, but I’m going to try to surprise the family with a quick visit! Fingers crossed I am successful! Then it’s back to Chicago for work.
What a whirlwind!
Day three Kauai. What’s our next adventure?!
Today consisted of driving up the Waimea Canyon Drive to the various lookouts, stopping along the drive at different scenic overlooks and a few hikes, or walks. I hope you’ll join us.
The next overlook stop was interesting and beautiful. Look at all the ‘people’ others have made stacking rocks. Of course we added us, mine has a red rock on top for the redhead I am!
The next stop was the Waimea Canyon Lookout. They say this canyon is the Grand Canyon of the Hawaiin Islands and its true. I know the photos don’t do it justice, but wow!
You know you’re on an island, and its not a huge island, but being up here, looking out at the vastness, it doesn’t feel that small, but you do.
There was another park overlook, Kokee Road, that we stopped at. This was looking over the Nopali Coast, where we were snorkeling yesterday. I took photos of this side of the mountain from down there looking up, just amazing!
Major props to PSM for sitting where he is! Like many, heights is not his thing, but he’s been challenging himself for a long time and the hikes he’s been taking since moving to Hawaii has been helping.
Next was Pihea Trail in Hanapepe. Some areas were mostly on the Hawaiian Red Dirt Hawaii is famous for and it looked like we were walking on another planet. Once on a while we geeked out feeling like we were on an episode of Star Trek!
It’s good we got there when we did, sort of. We had great visibility all the way driving up the canyon road and when we started down this trail, but the clouds had been threatening and then they started rolling in and when you looked to the left, nothing, literally, nothing.
The trade winds have left and this week is a little warm, even by Hawaiian standards, so when the clouds roll in, ahh. It’s like air conditioning and a mist machine all rolled into one.
We left just in time, as the rain started. Then coming down, it was as if it never happened!
Now, after all that hiking, time for some lunch. We found a little thai place that doubled as a shaved ice stand, treat shack and was attached to a clothing store.
Here are our breakfast and lunch companions. I don’t know if you remember me telling you that the chickens and rosters are all over Kauai, even at the hotel and in the restaurant since it’s open. No one bothers them and they don’t bother you, just pick up what you dropped. Who needs a dog…or a swifer!
After lunch, a trip to the beach at the end of the world! We went almost to the end of the island and took a left. Then, down a four mile dirt and jutted road with potholes, divits and bumps. As we’re driving, the clouds are slowly rolling in and just as we get to the beach, drip, drop, drip, drop. Doesn’t stop us from getting out of the car. What’s that saying? “A rainy day at the beach is better than a day at the office”. I would have to agree!
The people on the beach knew what they were doing, tents with flaps keeping out the rain. Or several open type tents with flaps next to each other creating a barrier against the rain.
We left the beach at the end of the world and headed back to our hotel, got two of our free mai tais and walked to the beach behind our hotel to swatch another amazing sunset.
Dinner at the hotel…with the chickens, who I continually promise I will not be eating.
Tomorrow starts early… another great adventure! Join us?!
Day two Kauai. What a day! We started the day at the hotel at a Kauai orientation breakfast. This was presented by a local company that tells you about Kauai, navigating around the island and then different options for tours and activities on the island. The nice thing about the orientation was having someone to book activities for us in one place, instead of us going to multiple sites to book. We’re excited about what we’ve booked, starting today! 
We started off on our day of adventure through the Tunnel of Trees, isn’t it fabulous!? 
Then we stopped in the town of Koloa, toured an old Hawaiian village, look at that monkeypod tree, planted in 1925 by Howard Yamamoto. 
Then we drove on and stopped at Poipu Beach and saw Ke Kahua O Kaneiolouma, a map of an authentic Hawaiian village designed by Henry Kekahuna. 
We were at Poipu Beach, how could we not actually go to the beach! How beautiful, yum! Toes in the sand! 
Then, on to Spouting Horn State Park. Spouting Horn is located in the Koloa district on the southern coast of Kauai. This area of Kauai is known for its crashing waves, these waves erode lava rocks on the coastline which can create narrow openings, as is the case with Spouting Horn. 
The Napali Coast was amazing! Caves, waterfalls, inlets, jutties, mountains, goats, private islands. 
Snorkeling! Love, love, love my Go-Pro, thank you family! 
Then, after snorkeling, it was time for mai tais, other libations and dinner, then sail off into the sunset, literally. Mother Nature even threw in a rainbow! 
What an adventure and what a way to end the day! What could tomorrow hold!?
What do people who live on an island do for vacation?
Why, they go to another island, of course! Aloha Kauai! We’ve been talking about where to go for a while and since we want to explore all the island before we move, Kauai was next on the list! PSM had spent some time here with his aunt and uncle a few months ago and wanted to share it with me now. Love that!
As you know, I got home last night, did laundry and this morning, up, pack and head to the airport. The beauty of inter- island flying on Hawaiian Airlines is that there are flights almost every hour and the flights are anywhere from 25-45 minutes. Up and down, nice. Not a bad view from the plane, eh? Then took a few shots after we landed on the way to lunch!
The nice thing about traveling for work is the points! We are staying at a Hilton Garden Inn on points, wahoo!
We went to Kapaa to a food truck that I saw the owner on Cooks vs Cons! But, alas, they were closed, off island for research, but they will be back on the 5th, we’ll go then! So, in search of food, we found Tiki’s Tacos!
It is a small place, tacos only, no chips on the side, as they say, tacos only, eclectic and the menu is written in chalk above the window to the kitchen. When you look for the menu online, its a photo of the chalkboard!
The food takes a bit to come out, could be why there are skeletons everywhere! Kidding of course, part of the Mexican ambiance, the one in the bathroom cracked me up, when the lights came on, disco lights! The food good, fresh ingredients and very filling.
No, the chickens in the parking lot were not used in the making of our lunches! The island is known for its population of wild chickens and roosters. They are every-where!
Off to find adventure!
We drove to a few fabulous lookout points, let’s be real, this is Hawaii, what isn’t a fabulous lookout point!
We went to see the Opaeka’a Falls, one of two waterfalls on the island that are view only. The others you have to hike or kayak to.
One of the overlooks we could see where some of Indiana Jones was filmed!
By now, it is happy hour time! We went to the Lava Lava Beach Club. This is a spot that is known for its happy hour, the view is amazing and the specials are the right price.
We started with a Gilligans Girl and Huggies Mai Tai. Not a fan of either, but, PSM enjoyed the mai tai, a few times. The tater tots and mango pineapple salsa was tasty.
Look at that view! We put our toes in the sand, mine in the water and said ahhh…
Not bad for a first day. I can’t wait to see what adventure awaits us this week!
More like… what didn’t we do?!
I got in late last night, no non- stops from St Louis to Denver in the evening. PSM got out yesterday morning, non-stop and was at the hotel bar relaxing when I landed in Chicago.
I was originally flying through Houston, but with Hurricane Harvey causing trouble, United called and re- booked me through Chicago, nice. I also promoted to gold status on United last week, so first class on both flight, wahoo!
I got in about midnight, got my bag and car, headed to the hotel and very quietly snuck into bed about 130am, talked to you, then crashed a while later.
The alarm…yup… went off about 630am, ugh. I snoozed a bit, then got up, dressed and walked out the door towards Coors Field, I was meeting LJ for The Color Run, you know, “The Happiest 5k on Earth!”
And you know what, it is! You can’t be unhappy participating in this race. You get to run through clouds of color and become a rainbow! This was LJ’s first 5k, let alone Color Run. We had a great time! We ran the start and finish, well, if anyone asks, yup, we ran!
I walked/ ran to meet her so I was pumped! After, we walked to get some food near my hotel, it was only about 1.5 miles, so by the time I got back to the hotel, 6 miles under my feet!
I don’t know if you remember how many races I used to do, about 2-3 a month for a few years. This is the first this year and it reminded me how much I enjoyed, not so much the running, but the excitement, the energy, the sense of accomplishment! I have one more scheduled this year, in Denver and I’m hoping to get back on track next year!
Denver is such a beautiful, interesting and eclectic city! While we were having lunch, we saw a class of service dogs and their trainers, learning… walking through crowds, sitting under tables, meeting other dogs, it was great!
We parted company, we’ll meet again later. I went to the hotel, showered, rested a little, then we headed out to True Foods for lunch with PSM’s cousin, D and her husband P, I don’t know if you remember me telling you about our last visit. They live in Denver and were fabulous to squeeze us into their schedule!
I have ordered food from True Foods in Chicago, but only their pizza, I believe I shared it with you, oing my, it would have been nice to actually share! It is a vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurant, so something for everyone.
I had an amazing sandwich on 7 grain bread with a fried egg, tomatoes, almond ricotta, fried seitan and crisp lettuce. Oh my, my, my! Yeah, that’s all I have to say!
After lunch, we drove out to Longmont to visit my stuff, take care of storage business and get key for my new unit. A few months ago someone had driven off the highway and into two units, one being mine. My stuff is ok, some things crushed, but nothing horrible. I’m sorry the picture didn’t take, I was amazed!
Back to the hotel for a minute and then… Denver Broncos vs Greenbay Packers, pre-season game! LJ had texted last month and asked if we were interested in going to the game, you bet! PSM was in his best behavior, being a Pats fan, thank you.
We were in the nosebleed seats, almost to the top, remember when CKM went to the Bears game last year?! The stadium was packed! Mostly Denver fans, but Cheeseheads were out in force! I had seen a lot of them throughout the day in Denver.
There were some great jerseys out there, my favorite was a serious house divided. Mom and toddler number one in green, dad and toddler number two in orange! The halftime show was the junior Broncos cheerleaders and about 600 even more junior, cheerleaders! So cute! As the announcer said “this demo displays that girls rock!”
Greenbay was winning when we left, hope the home team wins!
After the game, we grabbed an Uber to City O’ City, a vegetarian/ vegan restaurant and oh my! We sat in the back cocktail area, full service at the bar. The restaurant was packed, eclectic, like the city and still cozy.
We started with a pretzel with cheese to dip in, one vegan and one straight up. Then LJ had a ‘chicken wrap’, PSM had a pastrami sandwich, basically a rueben and omg! It had pastrami, sauerkraut, cheese and thousand island dressing.
Me, I had a to’fish sandwich and wow! It was like a giant piece of fried fish! It didn’t taste exactly like fried fish, but wow, it was fabulous! Lettuce, tomatoe, ricotta goat cheese, pickles with a side of vegan mac-n- cheese. Happy vegan alert!!!
After, we were done! Took our leftovers with us, can’t wait to eat the other half of my sandwich tomorrow! Back to the hotel, talk to you, chill and crash, flying out tomorrow.
Was that really just one day?
Peaches Prattlings 