Saturday started crazy early, I was at dad’s house to help him get LaLa to the airport. Her flight was at 745a and I was driving them to the airport and he was going to go in and help her get where she needed to be.
When I say crazy early, I mean crazy early! 330a to be exact! I got up, then fell back asleep, but was up and out the door by 415a, we got to the airport, dad and LaLa went in and figured out where they needed to go. The nice part, I got to wait outside and no one asked, or actually, told me, that I had to move, so I got to hang out while they were in the airport.
Dad came out with some hot beverages and we drove back from Newark Airport to Staten Island. We decided we needed some breakfast and went to Z-One, they were closed, what?! It’s a diner! It was about 6am, not sure when they were supposed to open, so I looked at my GPS and there was another diner I found that said open, we got there and….yup, you guessed it, closed! What is going on?! Oh, duh, that was Mike’s Dakota Diner, the one that was open was Mike’s Unicorn Diner, back not far from Z-One! Duh!
Back to Mike’s Unicorn Diner, breakfast and good conversation, and the hottest bathroom on the planet! It was so hot, the soap was hot! That’s hot! Most restaurants keep the bathrooms relatively chilly, I think so you don’t spend a lot of time in there, well… this place missed that memo!
After breakfast, we were heading to Stop-n-Shop to pick up bagels and some more bialys, but stopped by L&I’s house, and IB just happened to be outside taking the trash out, we stopped and I got a hug, and a quick catch up!
Then on to the grocery store, I picked up a few things, then it was on to Beyars for sandwiches, something for dad to have later, something I might eat on the road or at least have at home. Let’s just say, really good sandwiches!
Back to dad’s house, I packed up my stuff, loaded up the car, podcast queued up, and headed out, I had about 2.5 hours to go. Nice and uneventful, only one stop for gas and bathroom break, drove as the snow started coming down and made it home…just in time to give the pups some lovin’, put our gift together, and back out into the cold!
We got in the Jeep, put in the latest Jack Reacher book on tape we were listening to and headed to the Lyndon Diner to have our holiday lunch with our IMRG friends. It was fun, we had good conversations, good food, and there was a gift swap. We ended up with a bottle of Crown Royal, I tried to keep the purple bag, but PSM wasn’t having any of that!
After a few hours, we headed home to chill out, while I did some last minute tidying up and getting ready for BK, PSM’s first cousin to come for the weekend. She had taken her son, JK, to Washington, DC to get settled in for his semester internship, then she was coming to spend the night with us and head to the next friend’s house for a few days, then another friend for a few days.
Tomorrow, we’re taking her to the LVMC clubhouse for breakfast, then we’ll see where we go from there before she takes off to parts unknown! Well…she knows where she’s going! Well…we’ll see if she does go tomorrow, the weather is coming in, who knows if the weather forecasters got it right! I’ll let you know tomorrow!
She got a tour, we hung out and talked, snacked, they watched some football and I did something else, and of course, she got some major puppy love, which was great, because she was missing her dog Lucy something fierce!
So… you know, just another Saturday around here, what did you do!?
I don’t know when your date night is, we don’t have a set date night either, but tonight was date nite!
PSM texted me earlier today and told me his trainer wasn’t feeling well, so the gym was out, and he was thinking about going to the Apple store to get a new iWatch, and would I like to go with him, we could grab some dinner while we’re out. Who am I to say no to a night out with my hubby?!
Well…what sealed the deal…the Awful Waffle, to be exact! Yes, you heard right friends, Waffle House!! You know me and you know I love Waffle House! There isn’t one near us, the closest one is in Lancaster, which is also where the closest Apple store is! Bonus!
Funny thing is, we were just at the Apple store over the weekend, and we threw in a trip to Costco, bonus there too! Lancaster, specifically Costco and the Apple store are about 45 minutes from us, so it’s not like we’re going every week. We make a Costco run, isn’t it funny that people call it that, a Costco run…well, we make one every few months, not even that soon, mostly when we run out of dog food for Ruby, we get the giant bags there, there’s also a PetSmart nearby for Bee’s food.
While we’re there, we get veggies to make our bucket ‘o salad, their fresh fruits and veggies can’t be beat for freshness and how long they last, it’s better than anywhere else we’ve been out here. I know, I digress.
So…I finished work, fed the dogs, got them settled in the crate when PSM called to say he was on his way, put on my hoodie and headed out into the snowy evening to jump in the jeep and off we went! It’s been snowing all day, the roads weren’t too bad, was this a bad idea? Too late now, we’re committed, or should be!
We got to the mall, went to the Apple store, deliberated over the different options, for both the watch and the band, and he made a decision, then it was time to eat. Plus, by the time we were done purchasing the store was closing, time to go!
We were about 7 minutes from Waffle House, got there and we were the only ones, besides one server and one cook. Allstar Special for PSM, that’s eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, scattered and burnt, thank you! cinnamon raisin toast, and hold the waffle, he even learned the lingo! I’m so proud! I had an egg sandwich with grits no extra butter.
The server was nice, so was the cook, and she was super chatty, it made the time go by quickly, I can tell you that. I think we may have heard her life story! You never know who you’re going to meet at Waffle House!
After dinner it was home again to play with the dogs and chill out. I would say that was a very nice date night, Apples and waffles, what more could you want!?
Alarm was set, yes, I know, it’s Sunday JJ, why?! Well, I’ll tell you…
The alarm was set for 7a, I got the dogs up and fed, I didn’t have enough time to take them for a walk, I’m sorry to say, and the weather later, didn’t encourage an evening walk either. Got them fed and settled in the crate, I got dressed, jumped in Annie, the beetle bug, and headed out, got about half a block and realized I didn’t have my phone, what?! Turned around, went back, got my phone, then back on the road.
Top on the car was down, it started sprinkling, but I didn’t get wet, it’s the magic of a convertible! I made it to the Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club clubhouse on time, about 750a. There was a ride today and that meant breakfast and lunch and I was taking orders for breakfast, second time I’ve done it. They start serving breakfast at 8am, you need to be there before 8 to get set up. I wasn’t cooking, so I didn’t have to prep food, I just had to make sure the till, or money drawer, was open and had money in it, I had to make sure I had order slips, a highlighter, and a pen. I also had to know what the specials were, good thing they were on the board!
People started coming in about 8am, not many, the bigger rush was about 930a. I was going to ride today, but yesterday, the weather app said 68% chance of rain, then this morning, it said 15%, but I looked at the sky and nope, not taking a chance! I messed a few orders up, but then I got the swing of things again and I was good to go!
It’s fun taking orders, you get to hang with other members in the kitchen, get to know them better, get to know the members coming up to place orders, a bunch of them know me, well, know us, of course, we’re some of the newbies, so haven’t been around that long, when you join, people remember you, I’m getting there! Turns out, people have their own coffee mugs in the stack! I have a lot to learn!
Breakfast is decent and reasonable. They have set orders, you just have to ask particulars, like how do you want your eggs cooked, what type of meat, toast, do you want the special? The special today was 2 peach pancakes, eggs, and meat for $8.00, that is a good deal to me! Everything is made fresh to order and comes out relatively quickly. All the money goes back to the club.
I’m glad I didn’t ride, it was ok where we were, but some areas, deluge! Confident in my decision! Breakfast is usually done with they run out of things, like the pancakes. So…I helped a little with the cleanup and set up for lunch, said my goodbyes and headed out.
I went to CVS to pick up a prescription, then the grocery store for some supplies, then back home. I made myself a very good breakfast burrito and then as I was taking care of stuff and all of a sudden the sky opened up… yup, there it was. So I went into the living room, got onto one of the dog beds and the two fur beasts curled up with me. I think I’ve told you, Ruby does not like storms, she is freaked out by thunder, she can hear it from a few miles away! I thought my hearing was good!
The rain came down in sheets and buckets on and off for the rest of the evening. I was going to go to a movie, but I did not feel like getting out in that! So, the girls and I hung out together and now I’m talking to you.
Not an exciting day, but a good day. And now… I bid you g’night!
Another normal Saturday, right?! Today was a lot of fun!
Got up stupid early, well, not completely stupid, but why was I awake at 530a?! Seriously? It’s Saturday! Well…I refused to get out of bed until at least 6am! We did need to get an early start, but not that early! I finally got motivated about 6am, got the dogs and took them for our morning walk. When we got back DH and Tequila were up and I fed the dogs, then took Tequila out to do her thing.
I came back in and attempted to feed her, as I discovered last night, she does not scarf her food like our dogs, she is a grazer, I’ve heard of that in dogs, but I’ve never experienced it in person! She still hadn’t finished the food I gave her last night! I grabbed Ruby’s bowl from the studio and fed the girls. When I tried to feed Tequila she wasn’t interested, so I left it in a bowl in the studio and unfortunately, DH left the door open and Ruby had a second breakfast! Oh brother!
I took all three dogs outside and the ground was very wet, so…we had a damp beagle and a damp golden retriever…um. They had fun in the yard, very excited the dogs got along, I think if they had more time to play it would have been better, but we kind of threw them together and for that short amount of time, they did great!
After everyone was put together, our dogs went into the crate, Tequila and DH got in PSM’s jeep, the vehicle he was driving had 2 car seats in the back that were too hard to dislodge! PSM and I got on our bikes and we headed to Hernley’s to drop the bikes off for their Spring service. It was cold, but a great morning for a ride! It’s been raining, so not much riding this past week, so this was great!
After the dealership, we all jumped in the jeep and went to breakfast at Heisey’s, a place we really like, I’m pretty sure I’ve told you about it before, if not, I’ll tell you another time. A great breakfast place that we introduced DH to, one of the things we’ve loved about moving here…all the fabulous breakfast places we have discovered!
After breakfast, we headed to the house and said goodbye to DH and Tequila, let the dogs out, I went up to take a shower and get dressed, and then I kissed everyone goodbye, that sounds so final! and I got in the car, dropped the top, and I was off to Philly for the day!
The weather was perfect for a convertible, it was supposed to rain, that’s why I took the car. I have to tell you, the weather was fabulous all day, it didn’t actually rain until about 8pm when I was driving back home, so score one for the bug-a-boo! I drove into Philly, only hit a few spots of traffic, but made it in under 2 hours, not too shabby.
I was meeting my co-worker, NO, oh my goodness, I just realized her initials are NO! I LA LA LA LOVE that! And now…she will forever be NO in my posts! ha ha! Anyway…she is in Philly, from Chicago to teach class last week and this week and we get along really well and I had asked when she was coming in if she would like to get together this weekend…oh yeah! So…I got to Philly, texted her that I was downstairs and she would see me when she came out…”red car, blue hair!” my exact words and I wasn’t lying!
She jumped in the car and we compared lists of what we both had researched, she had a great and healthy list! First…a nosh, we were both hungry, but not full meal hungry, so she told me about this place called Goldie. Goldie is a vegan, Israeli-style falafel shop serving fresh-to-order falafel, French fries and tehina shakes, and gluten free! We were both set!
Fries…yes! Cabbage on top…yes! Schwarma seasoning on the fries, a little spicy for me, you know I’m a wimp, but it worked for the fries! And falafel on top…oh yeah! And the falafel was delicious, tender, and definitely not dry, thank goodness. Next…tehina shake, what? Yes! A vegan ice cream shake with tehina…the sesame paste you use to make hummus and baba ghanoush, among other things! And did it work as a shake? you bet your sweet bippie! Oh my word! Delicious!
After our snack, we walked back to the car and we decided to go to Valley Forge. It is he encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. It was great, we started at the visitor’s center, spoke with a very nice park ranger who gave us some pointers on what to do. The park closed at 515p and there was a 10 mile encampment driving tour…sold!
We jumped back in the car, top down, and started off on our adventure. We saw the barracks where the soldiers would have lived, the barracks where the officers would have lived, quite a difference! We also climbed into the bunks and got some pictures, not very roomy, I can tell you that!
We went to each site and along the way we would dial a number and enter the stop number and a recording would play telling us about where we were, what we were looking at, and the history of that spot.
You may be asking, ‘But JJ…why Valley Forge is so important? and I will tell you friends ‘Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where the army could train and recoup from the year’s battles, and the wet and cold winter weather, muddy and impassable roads, and scant supplies made major battles less likely.’ Isn’t amazing?!
We learned that when enlistment was up, many soldiers decided to stay on, they taught themselves, the made their own clothes, found food, they had a purpose and a mission and that is what won the war. I was so impressed.
We even got to got o George Washington’s headquarters! It had offices, where much planning took place, a dining room and bedrooms that housed about 30 people, that was the Washington’s and their staff, both free and enslaved. It was amazing to see what it was like. We got to speak to another park ranger and get her opinions on some things and a little background, as much as she could give us right before she was locking up! We were definitely thankful for her time!
By now, it’s closing time, so back to the car and onto the road, we were hungry, especially after seeing the kitchen and the food they may have prepared, didn’t matter that it was fake, we were hungry! We decided to go into Valley Forge, that meant going into King of Prussia, where we were was like an outdoor mall and we settled on Founding Farmer’s, cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.
It’s a farmer-owned restaurant, the food was fresh, and tasty, they even have their own distillery! And…we were both able to find something to make us smile and fill our bellies while we continued talking and getting to know each other. I definitely give this place two thumbs up and I would definitely go back! If I was back in the area, there are so many great places to try, do we go back or try something new? If it was NO and I, some place new, if it was PSM and I, which we will probably go at some point, I can see taking him there!
After dinner, we headed back to Philly, we talked some more, laughed, discovered, and just had a really nice time. It was fun to talk about work, and talk in person! The great thing…we talked about work…maybe 10% of our time together, the rest…getting to know each other, laughing, learning about Valley Forge, General Washington and his armies, getting lost on the roads, imagine that…two people directionally challenged using a map, g r e a t…
Before we knew it, we were back in Philly at the hotel. I put the hazards on, got out and we chatted a little more before I was going to leave and a police officer put on his lights and used his siren…at me! Was that my car, yes officer, just saying goodbye to my friend… a few more minutes, and we said another goodbye, have a great day tomorrow, talk to you on Monday and off she went and I drove home to PSM and the puppies.
And here I sit talking to you about my day. And now… g’night!
It’s a new day, day 3 and we have lots to do! First, I want to take you on a tour of the restaurant in the hotel, it’s fun!
It’s a nice restaurant, wide, open, and inviting, if that makes sense. They have a few walls with animal heads, but just wait…the animal heads are all made of newsprint! Most likely paper mache on the outside, if you look closely, you can see headlines and typeset in the ears and on the face, horns, etc. It is very clever, if you take the time to look at it all!
The food presentation is nice, they have everything you might want or need for breakfast, pre-made scrambled eggs, eggs made to order, potatoes, grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, think full english breakfast, then there are pancakes and waffles made to order, breads, cheeses, yogurts, fruit, breakfast cereals, muffins, coffee, tea, juices, you name it, they probably have it!
It was time to head out and say cherrio to London, and btw…they don’t say that, just in the movies, and if they do, I haven’t heard it!
They do say love at the end of every sentence, and I have to tell you, I like it, it doesn’t bother me, like in the south when someone , who I don’t know, calls me hun, or sweetie, it’s syrupy sweet and I’m not a fan! But call me love, it works, it’s just part of their vernacular. Ooh, I love that word!
We’re off…we got an Uber to Green Park, we were meeting our tour guide by the Constance Fund Fountain of Diana, isn’t she stunning!? I could just imagine, when it’s summer and the water is flowing.
There were so many tour groups meeting there, we finally found our guide, Alan, who was fabulous, by the way! I always thought if I was retired or we were living somewhere for PSM’s job and I couldn’t work for whatever reason, I would get a job as a tour guide, I would love it! One of these days I’ll tell you about a tour business…shhh…
We started walking, and Alan was very knowledgeable, giving us all sorts of tidbits and history and also very conscious of where the steps would be that we would need to get Miss A’s chair over. For the whole tour, everyone in the group was very aware and helpful where we were and if we had to pull the chair over something.
We started off, our first stop was by this amazing statue, across from the guards station on Marlborough Road, at St James Palace. We were waiting for the band to come out, we had such a great vantage point! While we waited, Alan gave us lots of great information, like there were only 2 guards there, that meant the king was not there. Interesting!
I love that I got Alan’s audio! He was telling us that when you look at their hats, the higher the hat, the higher the rank. There was an inspection first, I hope they pass!
Sorry it was slightly shaky, I was holding my hand up above my head, harder to keep it steady, everyone was so much taller than me!
Alan was trying to guess what they would play, would it be something serious or something light hearted. These are the Scottish guards, apparently they passed muster, here comes the band. Do you recognize the song?
We hated to leave the band, they were so very talented and I love that song! But…if we didn’t leave, we wouldn’t have the fabulous spot we did for the next phase of the tour and changing of the guard! [a lot of really cool background in that link!]
As we waited for the guards, we learned a few things. King Charles does not want to live in Buckingham Palace, understandable, with 775 rooms…it’s more of an office, so that’s why he and Queen Camilla are taking up residence at Clarence House, which only has 5 bedrooms, a little more manageable, which, was where William, the Prince of Wales had their residence, but since the King and Queen are there they’ve moved to Kensington Palace.
Since there were only two guards, that meant that the king was not in residence, if he was, there would be more. Also…the reason they walk back and forth, about every 10 minutes, is because it was a rule set down by Queen Victoria, if they are walking back and forth, they are proving they are not drinking or gambling! Oh my!
And from where we were standing, we could have reached out and touched a horse, we didn’t, but we could have! oh wow! such precision! such beauty!
Here are the guards walking back and forth!
Here comes and there goes the band! I don’t know if I said this, they only have the changing of the guard on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, mainly it’s dependent on the weather! Check out the full schedule in the link!
Here’s Alan telling us about the women in the guard! We definitely saw one! And the police officer at the end was a woman, again, girl power!
This was so exciting to watch, and this up close. Normally, you might be outside the gate or across the street, we were up close and personal! Turns out this is punishment duty! Oh my, that is quite the punishment!
After the tour was over, we got to stand and take pictures with the horse and guard! It’s definitely allowed, as long as you don’t touch their reigns or bridle, I think that’s what it was. I was ok, I didn’t touch anything! But…it was awesome! The horse we were standing/posing with put his head on my shoulder! He did!!!
After the pictures and me squealing about the royal horse putting his head on my shoulder, you are welcome for the ear worm! We walked to Trafalgar Square, it was right up the street. It wasn’t overly crowded, unusual, but nice. The fountain was doing it’s thing, people were walking around, climbing on things they weren’t supposed to, oh well, and the traffic was going by as if nothing would stop it.
I don’t know about you, but we were hungry! So…we went to The Clarence Pub in Whitehall. Thing thing about The Clarence…I was there with my dad in December 2022, then again with my dad, PSM, and my sister’s family in December 2022, a few days after dad and I discovered it. The food is good, they have a great veggie burger and sticky toffee pudding! I think I first saw it either on Gordan Ramsay or The Great British Bake Off and I first tried it in Glasgow, Scotland and fell in love with it and now, I try it whenever I can!
I just had to introduce it to SDL and Miss A and it did not disappoint! They went out of their way to find us a table, SDL had steak and ale pie and a beer, I had their veggie burger and a pot of tea, and Miss A had, you guessed it, sticky toffee pudding with ice cream, she was happy.
It’s a great atmosphere, warm and inviting, cozy, friendly, great staff, great food, great ambiance, what more could you want!? Would I go back? You bet, it might be my go-to for London trips for a good, affordable, convenient lunch!
It’s time to explore again! No the day isn’t even close to being over! We walked back down Whitehall looking at the architecture, the people, listening to the sounds of every day life in London, all the way down to Big Ben and Parliament. We learned somewhere that Big Ben is actually ‘just’ the clock and the tower itself is called the Elizabeth Tower, imagine that!
As we walked back down Whitehall, we were treated to another changing of the horse guard, but we were on the outside this time.
Let’s keep walking… we walked back to Buckingham Palace in all its glory and then we walked Constitution Hill to the Wellington Arch. It started to rain while we were walking, but did we care, nope, not at all! We were in London, the sun was out, and we were having a grand time! As we came out of Constitution Hill at the Wellington Arch, what did our eyes spy…THE Hard Rock Cafe! London!
Now…when I say THE Hard Rock Cafe, I mean THE Hard Rock Cafe, the very first, established in 1971, a very good year, if I do say so myself! The cafe was established June 14, 1971 and it was just that, a cafe. We decided we had to go in! [We really needed a looooo!] We maneuvered in, got a table, SDL ordered cheesecake for herself and a piece for Miss A and I had a pot of tea, there honestly wasn’t anything there for me, and we were just looking for dessert, I was happy with my pot of tea. Let’s just say the cheesecake was a big hit!
After we relaxed a bit and Miss A enjoyed the music, it was cool, they were playing classic videos on the TVs, things I haven’t seen in years! Next, you know we had to, we went across the street to the shop. I don’t know if I told you, but…wherever we go, we always look for the Hard Rock, SDL likes to collect their t-shirts, if it’s cool and the price is right, for me, I have a friend that I always get a pin for! I got him one when I was here the last time, at the store on Piccadilly, and I wasn’t originally going to get one this time, but it’s the original cafe/store! Shhh…don’t tell him!
As we were walking around, this guy who works there offered to take me on a tour of the museum downstairs, SDL wasn’t interested, so I went and it was cool! They had the corset Madonna wore in the Express Yourself video, Slash’s guitar, John Lennon‘s lyrics to Instant Karma (We All Shine On), a chair from Freddy Mercury and more! It was quite the treat!
When I came back upstairs, I found them waiting and Miss A was nodding off in her chair, it was time to go! I got us an Uber back to the hotel, there was no way we were walking! It was 3.2 miles and we had just walked how many miles, no thanks! 15 minutes by car or 60 by foot, hmmm…
We got back to the hotel, ordered some takeout and chilled out, it was a great day, but we were tired! I might fall asleep as I’m writing this to you, could you blame me?! What does tomorrow hold?! It’s only day 3, we have so much more to see!
Peaches Prattlings 