Why oh why…even when we ride 500 miles the day before, and asleep between 11pm and 1am, am I up between 4 and 6 am? You are correct, there is something very wrong with me! And you know what? I’m ok with that!
So… as I said, up early, got dressed and walked across the road from the motel to the waterfront. There were almost no cars on the road at that time, easy to cross, walked down to the pier or boat ramp and just took it all in, and yes, I put my feet in the water, cold, but so worth it! I communed with nature about 30 minutes, then headed back to the room to get ready for our day. PSM was up by then, and after telling him how wonderful it was, so we took a stroll hand-in-hand to the water, we of course had to put our feet at the water, but not quite in enough to get wet, I wasn’t barefoot then, and you know my boots aren’t waterproof!
Back across the road, it was almost time to head out. Don’t the bikes look wonderful, gleaming in the sun, ready for today’s adventure!?
Of course my bare feet were in the sea! Ahhhh…
Just listen…
Just listen to the sound of the water…isn’t it divine!?
We got on the bikes, one nice thing about staying somewhere a few days, not worrying about our stuff, we unloaded last night and now, just hop on the bike and go! We headed left, please don’t ask me if it was east or west, we all know I have no idea! Left from the hotel, we were going to ride until we found a place to stop and get some coffee and breakfast fare, we had already done dinner in the hotel, let’s do something else.
We stopped at the Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery, which was decorated in, yup, you guessed it…puppies! Kidding, sorry, totally decorated in chicken stuff. It was kitschy and cute, just what the Clucking Hen should be! I even got a shirt that says ‘No Clucking Around’! I thought the best sign was the one you see in the pic ‘I dream of a better world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned!’
We all ordered food and drinks, I got a chai latte with oat milk, or so I thought…turns out it was real milk, but I was lucky enough to discover it with one sip and they fixed my drink straight away. They also returned my money, which they didn’t have to, so…when I asked if they had any magnets and they didn’t, they gave me a pen, which I turned around and paid for with some of my refund! She was a very nice human being!
Everything we got was tasty and delicious, especially the thing they are famously known for, their buttertarts and oh my word, they were AHmazing!!! We had one pecan and one raisin and just wow! I don’t know how anyone eats more than one of these things! PSM and I split the two and I think raisin was my favorite, but just thinking about it, I could go for another one right now!
Aside from the service and the food, the view was spectacular. We were on a bit of a hill, overlooking a meadow, leading to the water, wouldn’t you call that spectacular?! Overall, 2 thumbs up in my book. I’d go back for another meal!
No clucking around today!
Back on the bikes and back onto the Cabot Trail, I really need to get one of those 360 cameras, they take amazing shots and videos 360 degrees, gets it all [wish list!]. We rode for a while, then went down this one road and ended up at a beach, so of course… stop and take pictures and I put my feet at the water once again, I know, I know, not in…but I had my feet at the water’s edge. I stood there, eyes closed, face up to the sky and sun, arms outstretched, taking in the sounds, the smells, the feels, I was most assuredly in my happy place.
Mother Nature, what a beauty you are!
Back on the bikes, a few hundred miles more, up mountains, down mountain roads, twists, turns, scenic lookouts, more gorgeous views, stopping for petrol, then the Cardinal Points Gift Shop, a biker friendly souvenir shop, we had to stop of course! We got t-shirts, magnets, stickers, patches, it was a lot of fun looking and picking out some fun things to bring back. Always have to remember, you’re on a motorcycle with limited space, but…I have 4 outside pockets on my bag/backpack, and one is dedicated to magnets and stickers! Nice, small things I can bring home!
Eventually, it was time to head back towards the motel, but it was also time to feed the crowd! One of the things that got established, sort of, last year on our big trip out west, I would look for places to eat, so…I always have a list now, it’s something I do for any trip, I have a list of possible restaurants and sites to see, if we go, we go, if we don’t…oh well. Tonight, it was dinner in Baddeck, at The Narrows Cafe and Bar at the Inverary Resort, about a mile from the hotel and a loverly place for dinner.
We didn’t need a reservation, we could walk in tired and looking like we did, and they welcomed us and made food and drink magically appear on the table! It was a nice vibe and atmosphere, a decent size bar, big tables and a big fireplace, which I bet is toasty and inviting in the winter. Best thing for me…a really good veggie burger!
After dinner, half of us went back to the hotel, the other half went in search of libations for the rest of the evening. We dismounted, changed out of our riding gear, settled in on the porch and watched the sun setting. What more could you want?!
What a way to end the day!
Now my friends, it’s time to say good evening, there’s more riding tomorrow, I have to go in and pretend to go to sleep and do it all again tomorrow. What a life! More, more, more!
Slept well, at least I think so, up before the alarm again, go figure. Am I just excited or is this just par for the course for me? Both? No idea!
Well, first, got the text about 630a, “LDL and PBP reporting for duty. Luggage cart is in the hallway.” It’s nice, we arrive at a hotel and someone grabs a luggage cart and we all pile our stuff on it and take it to our rooms, and most of the time our rooms are near each other, works out nicely. Then in the AM or at least the morning we’re leaving, it happens in reverse. Team work to make the dream work! 7a meet for breakfast, KSU 730am. We’re never quite on time, getting to breakfast, pretty close, KSU, mostly!
One thing that we noticed and thought was funny…a bunch of people that were on the ferry with us were at the hotel, a lot of people decided they didn’t want to go any further with the weather, even in a car, and decided to stay at that hotel, some people, it was their destination. So we got to talk to a few folks, it was fun.
First stop…petrol station next to the hotel. The pump did not take a credit card, so first, you select the amount or Fill, pump, then you go in and pay. That is some honor system! Next stop…well…last stop is going to be Baddeck, but along the way, who knows, hopefully somewhere in Nova Scotia!
Our first stop was Bubba Mcgoos & Bistro, right near Peggy’s Cove, which was our main destination here in Halifax. Did you know that Halifax is one of the largest and deepest ice-free natural harbours in the world? I didn’t either until I looked Halifax up, isn’t that interesting?!
Well, Bubba Mcgoos looked interesting, there was a gift and fudge shop downstairs, upstairs, it was 18 and up, we’re all over 18, we went up! The only people there were the staff, but we went up again to a nice seating area with a beautiful view, I know it would have been more beautiful if it wasn’t overcast, but still beautiful. We were all pretty cold, I brought my rain gear in with me so I could warm up and then put it on.
It was beers for everyone and a very hot tea for me, you knew that, didn’t you? I also was fortunate to have a bowl of vegan chili and some delicious corn bread. For a cold day like today, that was absolutely perfect, forget that it’s JUNE people! We had a lovely lunch, good food, good conversation, lots of laughs, and as we were finishing, two other tables filled up, how nice.
Bubba Mcgoos & Bistro
When we left Bubba Mcgoos, rain gear on, we rode on to Peggy’s Cove and lighthouse. It was spectacular and somewhere along the route, Mother Nature decided to smile upon us! The sky was bright and blue, the clouds were fluffy and white, and it was just perfect!
We walked out on the rocks towards the lighthouse and the water, there were several signs “Warning: Injury and death have rewarded careless sight-seers here. The ocean and rocks are treacherous, savour the sea from a distance.” Wise words, a little jarring, but wise. And so…of course I had to lie down next to the sign, on one of said rocks, in a fainting manor. I respect nature, Mother Nature, and the sea, no worries about me!
Peggy’s Cove
We wandered on the rocks towards the water, but never getting that close. I have to tell you, there is nothing like this, close your eyes and just hear the wind, the water crashing on the shore and the rocks, and the smell of the sea, and the feel of the wind and sun on your face, what more could you want?!
I’m sorry I didn’t take a longer video.
After Peggy’s Cove, we got back on the bikes, I took off my rain gear, I was pretty confident I would be ok without it for the rest of the ride, and I was just fine. We made it to the Cabot Trail Motel, a lovely place across the street from the water, with a wonderful view. When we got there and checked in, the check-in was in the restaurant, we were lucky enough that the restaurant was still open and could and would take us and feed us!
The food was ok, they had hot tea, I was happy. We talked through the day, talked about what the plan was for tomorrow, KSU [Kick Stands Up] at 930, we’ll get some breakfast on the road.
Now it’s time to get to our rooms, unload our bikes, for a few days, wahoo! take warm showers, put on jammies, talk to you and get some sleep! Alarm is set for 845a, just to be sure we get up and get ready, think we’ll really need it? Nope, better safe than sorry though!
I don’t know about you, but 500 miles is a good number and I think I might be tired! G’night!
Who’s alarm was set for 330a this morning? Mine was! PSM’s was! CDH’s was! Any other takers? Nope…not on your life! the bed is comfy and the covers are cozy, the room is warm, and dry, my feet are toasty, nope, you go on without me! I’ll look at your photos! ha ha
Obkb, alarm went off at 330a this morning, only bad part…I think I fell asleep about 1am, go figure! Well, the alarm went off, PSM and I were up like a shot, teeth brushed, face washed, meds taken? Don’t remember…on the bikes and met up with CDH at 347a, we were off! We got to Acadia National Park with everyone else heading up to watch the sunrise. The park ranger only wanted to see my ticket to get in, you had to reserve your spot to get into the park at that hour to watch the sunrise, but I pulled everything else out! My National Park Pass, compliments of my wonderful husband, some girls get jewelry, not me, I get national park passes and motorcycle accessories, works for me! I had pulled out my ID, ready to go! He said, you’re on a bike, as long as you have your reservation for the sunrise, you’re good. well…alrighty then.
We rode up a wonderful winding road, following a car that could have gone just a wee bit faster! I don’t know if you ride, but it’s not easy to ride slowly, 25 is tough, slower is tougher! But…we made it up the mountain, I had opera playing through my headphones, Pavarotti, it was spectacular. Imagine something classical and powerful playing in your ears as you are climbing a mountain and the sun is starting to peek through the clouds. Can you see it? Oh my.
We got to the top, parked, and walked out onto the rocks and found a place to stop, watch, and just marvel at what Mother Nature and the Earth have to offer and oh wow, did they offer! We watched as the sun started to rise, it was going to be here in no time at all!
One of the things I was most excited about, being up there, and one of the reasons I wanted to go…my baby sister, GES’, birthday is today! So…I got to make her one of my special birthday videos, but…from the top of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park! I hope she likes it!
Here’s a video I took, you can hear how the wind is whipping all around us, but wow, yeah, I don’t know what else to say! Apologies for some of the jerky movements, I zoomed in and out a few times and once I was really zoomed in! Sorry you can hear us talking a few times, hope it didn’t totally ruin the experience. But I hope you can get a feel for what we enjoyed!
I remember watching the sunrises and sunsets when we lived in Hawai’i, there were times we purposely got up to go somewhere and watch it and others, I just stood on the lanai, I was usually up anyway. This made me think of those times and made me smile, especially experiencing it with PSM.
Looking out over the water in places, it didn’t even look like water, it looked like snow patches, just the way the water was, and the light played on it. I love taking pictures of other people’s pictures, see what they’re seeing, feel what they’re feeling. This was such an amazing experience, I would do it again and again, and I would not have missed this for the world!
A little after the official sunrise and just after 5am, we rode back down the mountain, more classical music in my ears, back to the hotel. CDH went back to his room, and we went back to ours, to try to get some sleep, we were going pack up our bikes, check out of the hotel at 10:00am and head to breakfast.
After PSM attempted to sleep, he actually nodded off for a bit, I was quite pleased, I would love to say I did the same, but nope…so, we got out of bed, got dressed and headed into Bar Harbor, down by the water, where we were last night. We thought we would get some coffee and tea, maybe a pastry, it was about 7/730am and we weren’t going to be eating breakfast for a few hours and we were awake.
The town was quiet, only a handful of people were out, but it wasn’t dead, by any means. We got coffee and tea, and a pastry, at a local coffee shop, I’m not even going to mention the place, everything was awful. The coffee and tea were off, and the pastries definitely did not taste like they were made fresh, and on site, despite the claims on the wall.
While we were walking around, we got a text from KDN, he wasn’t feeling well, he started feeling ill yesterday, so he and KK were going to head out before we met for breakfast and head back to Boston, they weren’t going to join us for the Nova Scotia portion of the trip, they were always going to ride with us to Bar Harbor and then take off. Looking forward to the next trip with them! Safe travels home guys!
We sat with a nice couple and chatted, they were waiting to go on a boat tour, and we watched the people lining up to get on a whale watching tour. [I don’t know if this is the one everyone was waiting for, but at least you’ll get an idea of what’s involved!] We walked around the town, it really is charming. I haven’t been here since I was just about 16, I biked the Coast of Maine, from Bath to Bar Harbor with a group, what an experience, needless to say, it’s been a while. PSM, on the other hand, has fond memories of visiting Bar Harbor and even camping out in the parks. I would love to go back one day to stay and explore a bit.
As we were walking back to the bikes, I stopped in one of the shops to pick up my magnets and stickers for Bar Harbor, I already started in Vermont, not stopping now! We headed back to the motel, packed up our bags, loaded the bikes, and headed to the office to check out. Then we waited for everyone else to gather and we headed back into Bar Harbor to the breakfast place I had picked out and…PSM and I saw it when we rode in earlier, so we knew just where to park!
I put our names in, there was quite the wait, and hung out across the street for the 20/30 minutes until our table was ready. We talked, laughed, planned the day, talked about what was to come and I remembered….I went to Walgreens and bought some Dramamine and some cough drops. I learned a long time ago, I don’t always do well on some bigger boats, as much as I love being on the water, it’s not always a good thing! Especially if there’s bad weather! And…good thing too, we needed them!
After breakfast, we went to the local coffee place and a few folks got coffee, more specifically espressos that they were craving. Then, after a bit, we headed for the ship. We were taking The Cat ferry from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth, NS. After we checked in, we sat down in the waiting area, the nice thing was we could be inside because the weather wasn’t pleasant for bikers! While we were sitting there we filled out our declaration forms, the funny thing was, they had one pen there because they had lent them to people yesterday, but didn’t get them back!
As we sat there, other bikers came in and sat in the same area, we shared the one pen we had! We talked about the trip, where we were going to be riding, the plan for when we land, and we got to know the other bikers. Eventually, it was time to board the boat, we rode on, secured our bikes and headed up to the main part of the ship. While we were down there, we realized the weather would not be conducive to us riding from Yarmouth, where we were docking to Halifax, where our hotel was. So… group decision, I found a hotel in Yarmouth, a Tru by Hilton, I called the Diamond Desk and made a reservation for 3 rooms, this was the easiest thing to do.
We headed upstairs and then I called the hotel we were booked in and cancelled the reservations. All good for everyone else, my reservation somehow was non-refundable, but I made the same reservation as everyone else. I was too tired to fight, and no one ever called me back, chalk it up to a loss. I won’t ever be staying there again!
We settled in, I realized I forgot my charger and asked the purser if I could go down to my bike and get my charger, he was kind enough to escort me down. I told him I would not have asked if we were already out of the port, but he was wonderful and I learned much about him! I got my charger, headed back upstairs, and drinks were waiting for me! I immediately took a Dramamine and handed them out to anyone who asked. I could also feel the ocean, so I asked PSM to get me some potato chips, I knew it would help. He got me sea salt & vinegar, don’t like those, but they were salty and tangy and just what I needed, along with the water and ginger ale.
The boat set sail and we were off. Some people went to the back of the ship, I stayed right where I was, facing forward. When we found our spots, I made the statement that I will compromise almost anything for someone, but I must sit facing in the direction we were traveling, just a heads up if you end up traveling with me! The waves were hitting the boat, the rain was coming down, but it wasn’t the worst I’ve been in.
The boat was nice, there were two decks below for vehicles, inside, there was a bar at one end, with some food, the other end had a cafe, no alcohol, in the middle there was another snack bar and lots of tables and chairs everywhere, and some bench seats, plenty of room. One thing they didn’t have…charging ports, glad I was able to get mine!
There were TVs in the area we were, car racing was on, but in and out as we lost signal. In the middle of the ship they were playing movies. A pretty comfortable situation overall. When we did this before, we were on the overnight ship from Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, it was a 12 hour trip, there was a full dining room with sit down service and staterooms, which we had and I was so thankful for, if you know what I’m saying!
At one point, I put my hood down over my eyes and I was out like a light, just the way I like it! Ignorant of what’s happening around me! After I woke up I went in search of a rest room and on my way back, found the gift shop for a magnet and a sticker, go figure! Back to our group where everyone was starting to wake up and come back to life. Oh, I forgot, there was a guy playing guitar for most of the trip, he wasn’t great, but he kept us entertained! And my wonderful husband tipped him as he finished. Such a good egg!
When the boat docked, we headed back down to the bikes, got them unhooked and ready to ride. They have a very smooth and efficient process to get you on and off the boat, along with the tie downs, a well oiled machine, so to speak. When we were finally able to ride off the boat, we got into the line to go through border control into Canada. We had to wait a bit, they had 4 lanes, car > car > bikes > bikes. The downside…they were on strike so only a few people were working. Some people got made because they thought they were letting all the bikes go at once, nope, it was car > car > bike > bike. Now…some of us went by 2’s because we live in the same household… relax!
When we were all through passport control and assembled outside the gates, we rode the 7 miles to the hotel, checked in, got permission to park our bikes right in front of the windows, under the awning, to help keep our bikes out of the rain a little. We then went to our rooms, coordinated on food for the evening, pizza: simple and something everyone can agree on [maybe not our stomachs, but simple and tasty!] we also ordered a salad and CDH and MMH went out to get beverages.
We met down in the lobby when the food arrived, gathered, ate, talked, laughed, and watched the Celtics game, they are in the playoffs and everyone in the group, except for me are from Boston, so… Celtics fans! I’m not anti-Celtics, I have fond memories of Larry Bird!
When I finished eating, I wished everyone a good night so I could come and talk to you and everyone else stayed downstairs to watch the game, enjoy! Plan first…breakfast at 7a, KSU, Kick Stands Up, at 730a off to Baddeck in the AM! Mother Nature, please be kind tomorrow!
Good luck Celtics, I’m outta here!
Happy Birthday GES! I hope today was as fabulous and magical as you! Your big sister loves you so very much!
We woke up before the alarm, go figure. Maybe we were just a little excited, not looking forward to riding in the rain, but ready to get going! We were expected in Vermont about 12p, plenty of time!
Breakfast…the most important meal of the day, as you may have heard! A quick breakfast including the perfect waffle, and then we’re off!
We rode through NY State, mostly on the highway, so we could get to where we need to be, stopped at the Central Region New York rest stop. There are some really nice rest stops along the highways and this one was one of them. Not a lot of food options, but the restrooms have plenty of stalls and they are clean. Coolest part….where else can you purchase cookies and milk from a vending machine?! This rest stop you can! The rest stop itself is bright and very nicely decorated to really shine a light on the Central New York Region. And…can you see PSM standing in NY and Canada all at the same time? Bonus!
Next stop, Vermont. Well, we went a little ways and a stop here and there, but the next major stop was Vermont, well…a really nice rest stop in Vermont. This one felt like a barn and had lots of ‘Vermonty’ stuff! A display for local foods, only native to VT, beverages, crafts, artistry, and a ginormous wooden dog named Norman, isn’t he fabulous?! A much needed break, they didn’t have concessions, but there was a fundraiser happening, so we were able to get some snacks, for a donation, score!
Since we were in Vermont already, we were on track to get to the Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, VT and meet KDN and KK. We got there in plenty of time, somewhere around 1230p, they should have gotten there about that time, they were coming in from Boston, about a 2 hour drive. We got there and we waited…and waited…and waited…we ordered some appetizers and drinks while we waited, I love a brewery that offers hot tea! Warmed me up!
The Harpoon Brewery is a nice place, very open and welcoming, lots of open space, oversized lawn games, fire pits, a place for a stage/music, all the good things you want in a brewery. The staff was very nice, our waitress was great, turns out that the brewery is employee owned, gives it a different feel and outlook.
They finally arrived and we caught up, ordered lunch, laughed, talked, teased, and had a great time, it’s as if no time had passed! The last time we were all together was last year on our trip out west to South Dakota, promise, I will tell you all about it…after this trip! We fell back into the good feelings and comradery that is always there when we get together. I’m so thankful they accepted me when I came along, it’s great to be with friends, especially ones who have something as fabulous as riding motorcycles in common.
After a while, we were fully, satiated, and happy, time to put on the rain gear, it’s coming…back on the bikes, stop for gas, then back on the road, it’s about a 3.5/4 hour ride to Lincoln, NH, where we were spending the night.
We had some rain, oh boy, but we made it to Lincoln after a few stops, I think I told you, we ride about 100 miles, stop, fill up the tanks, take bio breaks, and give our bodies a chance to rest for a moment. When we got into Lincoln, we went straight to one of their favorite places, CJs Sports Bar & Restaurant, a place they always go to when they get together. It’s a cozy place, you walk in through the hotel and go down the stairs, first thing you see is the Max Occupancy sign: 120 People or 20 Moose, NH is known for its moose, and you better move out of their way!
We sat, ate, reminisced, told stories, chatted, laughed, made fun, and started all over, picked up from where we left off in Vermont. We talked about the game plan for tomorrow, we knew that when we got to the house, there would be some hanging out, talking, and drinking, but we would not be much longer for the world of the awake persons.
We left CJs, someone picked up provisions, then we headed to the house. It’s a great place, I think I’ve told you about it before, PSM and his brother bought it together and it’s a place they have been going to for years, it’s where PSM took me on our third date, where I first rode with most of his friends, now our friends, friends and family stay there, I brought my sister’s family, we spent the month of November there two years ago, it’s a great place, less than a mile from Loon Mountain and about a mile from the town of Lincoln. I actually spent some time there myself when I was on the project in Boston, 2022.
We got to the house, changed out of our wet things into our jammies, threw some stuff in the dryer, and sat in the living room to talk, but…as I mentioned, that didn’t last long and we all headed to our respective sleeping spots, we have a long ride ahead of us in the AM. So…I will say to you…
May 25, 2024 is our 5th wedding anniversary, and we decided a while back that we wanted to renew our vows every five years, and here it is! And it’s on a Saturday, just like the first time! So…when we decided we would renew our vows, our first thought was…Las Vegas…Elvis, what more could you want!
So…we sent out the word to everyone who was there the first time, and added some new friends we’ve made along the way and if anyone was available to join us, great! Anyone that couldn’t, no worries at all, you would be there in spirit!
We even wore the same outfits, ignore the wrinkles, I took the pics right after we hung up our stuff! We had Chuck Taylor, Converse Allstars, that I had painted Boston…New York…and the date on both pairs. PSM wore the same formal Hawai’ian Shirt, I wore the same rockabilly dress with tulle under it, same flowers in my hair and we were good to go!
After a great morning, spending some of the time with family and some time just the two of us, it was perfect! We got dressed, met up with SDL and Miss A, Uncle A and Auntie L, in the lobby of the Planet Hollywood Hotel, everyone was looking spiffy and we went up to S&J’s uber huge room and met them and my dad. We were meeting a very good family friend CL at the event later, so excited she lives just outside of Las Vegas and could come and celebrate with us! It would not have been the same if she wasn’t there!
After cocktails, which was very similar to the first time, we headed over to Las Vegas Immersive Weddings. This was truly an interesting, inventive, and exciting experience! I found them online through Get Your Guide, a site to purchase experiences, like Viator, and TripAdvisor, and more. The first thing I really liked about this company, aside from the different and interesting concept, was that the price for the experience was the price for the experience! All the others had a starting price and it only went up from there, not cool.
What was included was the location, that was interesting, it’s in a strip mall, there was a red carpet with velvet ropes on either side leading up to the front door, a waiting area/lobby that set the mood as soon as you walk in…pink padded chairs/sofa, a wall made of pink roses, a claw foot tub with a mannequin bathing in glass bubbles, a bottle of vodka behind glass ‘in case of emergencies’, props, and a juke box. That’s the way to make an entrance!
Susan, the lovely woman who organizes everything was there to greet us when we came in and she called Elvis in, there he was in all his glory, white rhinestone outfit with a huge belt, and giant Elvis sunglasses, oh, we can’t forget the cape! They sent everyone in to the back room where the ceremony was going to take place and then they went through how it was all going to work.
We each chose a lei, then Elvis took everyone, including PSM into the back room, Susan guided dad, who was in his Captain’s t-shirt, that he had gotten on our trip to New Orleans, he looked fabulous! The music started and we danced our way into the room, where Elvis was singing and directing us to where we needed to be.
The room one wall with champagne glasses and some bells, the rest of the room was floor to ceiling video screens and white sofas for everyone to sit on. We stood in the middle and the videos began to play, I don’t remember every image, but Las Vegas was certainly in the background. When it was time to go, Elvis was singing and telling us where to stand and how things were going to go.
The background moved and changed with the mood and what Elvis was doing and what we were doing. It was fabulous, Elvis said the vows, we repeated them, he threw in some very and funny stuff for us to repeat, some stuff was just for us, PSM and Elvis apparently had a little bit of a pow wow before I walked in!
There was laughter, love, excitement, frivolity, hilarity, music, laughter, I know I said that already, and love. So much love was in this room, not just from us, but from everyone surrounding us. And like the first time, there were moments, and i know I’m being cheesy, but who cares, there were moments, I didn’t realize anyone else was in the room but us, and I’m pretty sure my husband/groom felt the same way.
After the vows, and thank goodness it was recorded because I don’t remember most of what was said! There was a countdown for us to kiss, and it was right there on the big screen! We smooched, we hugged, we kissed, we danced. Everyone then got up and danced with us, Elvis sand, as Elvis does, and we just had a grand old time!
After a bit, everyone went back into the lobby, we had a private photo session with Elvis, then we went back out and had another photo session with everyone, and Elvis, of course! The time booked was 30/45 minutes, but we were there closer to an hour and we are so thankful for that time and the experience! We also walked away with a renewal certificate signed/witnessed by everyone, including King Elvis Presley himself!
This truly was a unique experience and if you have the inclination to get married or renew your vows and you want to do it in Las Vegas and not go to the same places as everyone else, Las Vegas Immersive Weddings really is the place to go to. You won’t experience anything else like it, promise!
I told you we’re going to do this every 5 years, I’ll let you know where we go in 2029, but for now, I will say to you…Love me Tender and good night.
You heard right, it’s an early start to the day! 430a to be exact! Ugh!
As you know, I’ve been teaching this week and today is my last class of the week. Class starts at 830a EST, so…that means I am going to start teaching at 530a PST! Ugh! The alarm went off at 430a, I turned it off quickly, hoping not to wake PSM, I hopped into the shower, got dressed, and was online by 5a, opened the call by 515a and welcomed everyone at 530a.
Class went well, and…surprisingly…I didn’t wake PSM! He got up on his own about 730a local time, whew! Very glad I didn’t wake him, and like you might be thinking, how? JJ, you are not a quite person, and I didn’t change my volume for the class, so very happy he slept, he needed it!
He was very sweet, quietly, he got dressed, then went downstairs for some coffee and breakfast, and to give me the room. A while later he was very sweet and brought me some food, which I was starving by that time! It was cold when I finally was able to take a break, but luckily we’re in a room with a full kitchen, so microwave and toaster it was! By the time they took lunch, about 12p EST, it was only 9a PST for me, so perfect! Lunch for them, breakfast for me!
I will say this…it’s hard looking at the clock knowing it’s 12p there and 9a here, and I’m starving, but one advantage, and this reminds me of working from home in Hawai’i…They are done at 445p, I was done about 145p! Win-win for me!
After he brought me food, PSM got dressed and headed out to explore Las Vegas and I would meet up with him later. The Las Vegas Strip to be exact!
So…after I finished teaching, I got dressed and headed to pick up SDL and Miss A and we were going to meet everyone else at Planet Hollywood. It was so good to see them, I haven’t seen them since I got back from London, I was going through withdrawals! We loaded up into an Uber and headed over to meet everyone at Planet Hollywood, ok, almost everyone, dad had just arrived and was getting settled into his hotel, we would see him at dinner.
From Planet Hollywood, PSM’s brother and sister-in-law, SM and JM, and his aunt and uncle, Auntie L and Uncle A, SDL, Miss A, PSM and I all headed out, into the surface of the sun! and across the street to the Bellagio. One of my favorite places and a must see every time I am in Las Vegas is the Bellagio, first the ceiling in the lobby, it’s all Chihuly, well, Chihuly flowers, Dale Chihuly to be exact. If you are not familiar with his work, he is an amazing glass artist, you may have seen his work and not realized it. Maybe you’ve seen his work in the botanical gardens near you, or in Atlantis, or on the streets of Tacoma, WA, just amazing installations!
Walk into the lobby of the Bellagio and just look up! After walking through the lobby, you go into the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and just…wow! Every season there is a new installation and it is all made from flowers. I’ve gotten to see it a few times and each time is wonderful, and spectacular, and brilliant, and amazing! There are actually a lot of things to do in Las Vegas that do not include gambling, and this is at the very top of my list. Here is a post with pics from 2017, just to give you an idea of some more fabulous!
Next…some people decided to head back to the room to relax before dinner and a show, so SDL, Miss A, PSM, and I went to watch the water show at the Bellagio Fountains, another must do in Las Vegas! I will admit, very cool, but cooler at night with the lights on! It is perfectly choreographed, set to music, and delights the senses! Ooh, I like that!
We walked along the strip, went into some of the casinos, got some drinks, cooled off, then headed to dinner at Nacho Daddy’s. I knew it sounded familiar! I had been there a few years ago when I was in Las Vegas for work, and the reason I liked them…Mexican and vegan options, go me! I knew it was a safe place for everyone! Aside from being a little loud, it was great!
After dinner, SDL and Miss A went to go see MJ Live at the Sahara Casino and the rest of us went to Planet Hollywood, which we happened to be on the outside of, so a very short walk to the Bakkt Theater to see Jeff Dunham, a great comedian/ventriloquist. He has some great puppets that he works with and I’ve been lucky enough to see him a few times. He brought out Walter, Bubba J, Peanut, Ahmed, and Jalapeno on a Stick. He did some classics, and some new material for a special he’s making for Netflix. If a joke does well, it’s in, if it flops, it’s not in. As he said, we were getting some new stuff for free!
The best part…because everyone had either gotten in very late last night, or in this afternoon, everyone was tired and I know I’m guilty of closing my eyes and nodding off a few times. But overall, it was a fun night, but I’m ready for bed!
We said good night to everyone, and Auntie L, Uncle A, PSM, and I grabbed an Uber back to the hotel. Don’t you just love The Strip at night? The colors, the lights, the neon signs, amazing! I really need to do a ‘My recommendations for Las Vegas, if you’re not a gambler’. Ok, but not tonight! I’m done!
No alarm tomorrow! We have lots to do, but no alarm! And…tomorrow I get to tell you the real reason we’re in Las Vegas! And it involves Elvis! G’night!
So…the house in PA, as you know, we’ve been doing some renovations since we bought the house. The latest project I’ve been thinking about for a while and now that I found my flowers, I was ready to put it into action!
So…there is a flower box that is right outside the front door, it’s about hip high, well, my hips, I’m not that tall! And there was a metal box in it that, at some point, must have held some flowers, but when we bought the house, just dirt. Every so often, I would go out there and pick the weeds, and if I picked any weeds from the front yard, sometimes I would put them there as a holding place.
Well…I have these metal and ceramic flowers I got at different festivals and when I used to sell home decor and they have traveled house to house to house, state to state to state, and now… they have a home, outside of a jar on my desk!
First, I removed the metal flower box that was in the brick structure, the bottom was rotted out, so it wasn’t too difficult. I took out all the dirt, well, as much as I could, there were two concrete structures, like stacked cinderblocks inside, and some loose bricks. I removed as much dirt and put 2 of the loose bricks in between the cinderblocks. Then….I needed some filler.
So…love my husband…we stopped at Lowe’s, picked up some EZ Sand. This is the type of sand that is fast setting and gets into the cracks and crevices. We needed to ensure that nothing would work against the foundation and maybe crack one day. We also picked up some black recycled rubber tire mulch, I love this stuff! It’s a little more expensive than regular mulch or pine bark, but…it lasts about 10-12 years and all you have to do, if you’re using it as regular mulch in your flower beds, maybe fluff it up every few years.
Sand and Rubber Mulch
Then we stopped at Michael’s to look for foam bricks. I found some and bought more than I needed, they were $2.50 for a set of 4, you cannot beat those prices at Michael’s! There are different types of foam bricks, there are the dry foam, for silk floral arrangements and more, then wet foam, that’s for live floral arrangements, what I got is hard Styrofoam, not as easily broken.
So…back to the house with our haul. Well, after a few other destinations, but home eventually. Since the flowerbox was empty, I filled in all the nooks and crannies with the sand. It’s so cool to watch the sand fill in, especially where there were little gaps and holes, swoop!
After the sand, then came the foam bricks. PSM and I cut the bricks down so they weren’t in too tight and could move around.
Then…the rubber mulch, it looks so much cleaner!
And finally… the flowers! Don’t they look fabulous?! I have one more ceramic flower…when I was testing them at first, of course, out of all the flowers I dropped, it had to be one of the breakable ones! These things have lived in more places than some people and I go to put it out and it breaks, ugh! Gotta love Gorilla Glue! Or something strong like that!
I’m considering putting some grass in there, but I think it looks good, clean, but who knows, I might change my mind if I find the right grass, I don’t want to overpower the flowers. Also…I am on the lookout for flowers to add, but they have to be special and just right, something hand made and makes you smile.
Do I just write about Mother’s Day or do I write about my day.
How about both? Today I tell you about Mother’s Day and tomorrow I’ll tell you what I did today. Sounds like a plan.
Mother’s Day happens every year, as it happens, imagine that. A day dedicated to mothers, moms, mums, mummies, mommas, mamas, ma. And that’s just in English! Mothers are an amazing lot, there is so much that encompasses being a mother. We are not just the person who gave birth to you, we are the bonus mom, or step mom, who married your dad, your mom, we adopted you, you adopted us, we are also aunts, and I have to tell you, aunts do not get enough credit.
There are some aunts who help raise a child, who might take over raising a child, adopt, you name it, or we just step in when mom and dad aren’t around, either at the moment, for a bit, or however long. I appreciate it when someone acknowledges us.
I love the expression, The best moms get promoted to grandma, or grandmothers, or mimi, or mawmaw, mimaw, granny, glamaw, you name it, there’s a title, even like, say… JJ. Grandmothers are in a class all their own, they have lived a life, have experiences, raised their kids and now it’s time to have some fun with the next generation. They can be tough, kind, silly, happy, loving, strict, impetuous, frustrating, helpful, but no matter what, they love their babies, the ones that call them mom and the ones that call them grandmom.
I have to tell you, I am all of those things rolled into one. In 1996, oh brother, I met TYL and her brother, WCH, and the day I met them, I became a mom. I know my title eventually and officially, would be step-mom, or bonus mom, but in my heart, I became a mom. I called it new mom syndrome…I think I told you, the second they started staying over, I didn’t sleep like the dead anymore! I would hear them roll over in their sleep, I would listen for the sounds of breathing. The weirdest one…my feet grew half a size! I had been a 7/7.5 since I was about 11, I am now 25 and my feet are a size 8! What?!
And my heart expanded, I could only love them more if I had given birth, I love saying I have all the joys and none of the stretch marks! They gave me joy, they gave me headaches, grey hair, laughter, tolerance, tested my patience, came to me when they didn’t feel well, asked me to read to them, craft with them, they taught me a different kind of love.
Then, I became an aunt. Lots of kids call me aunt/auntie, which I am honored by the title, you’ve heard me talk about some of them, especially SDL and Miss A, oh boy do I love that kid! and I love hearing to this day. My sister had a baby and I didn’t know that kind of love, it was different, in a wonderful way. I had a lot to teach her, and then her sister, most good, some bad, hey, that’s my job, but all of it special. I got a mother’s day card from my sister’s family this year and it had wonderful messages from my nieces. I have stories and photos that I love to share with anyone who will listen! Watching them grow up, even living with them for a while, I wouldn’t change that experience for the world!
Then…I’m still a mom, still an auntie, and now…I’m a JJ! I was about 42 years old and I became a grandmother, huh? Yeah. Not once, not twice, but I am the very lucky JJ to 7 amazing kids who I love dearly. I get videos and messages, and sometimes I even still get pictures that they drew, you know those are framed and on my walls! I love telling stories about them, you’ve heard some of my stories, it’s hard not to, I’m a typical JJ, so proud of all my loves!
I couldn’t end this post without a nod to the fur-baby moms, seriously! We are mighty and proud! Some folks think of their pets as family, as their children, and that’s just fine, hey, I’m a dog mom to two very goofy dogs, Ruby & Bee, maybe you’ve heard me talk about them once or twice. I was a cat mom and I’m a cat auntie, yup, people call me auntie to their pets, who am I to object!
I was going to just talk about Mother’s Day, but then I started talking about my favorite subject, my loved ones, and here we are! Sorry, not sorry! No matter who you are, how you identify, what your role is, embrace it, love it, revel in it. Whatever type of mother you are, I say to you Happy Mother’s Day.
Today was very special for myself and PSM, we were honoured to be a part of something very special. We got to witness the swearing in of some friends, and receive their citizenship to the United States.
It was so very cool! The president of the Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club and his family were being sworn in as citizens of the United States, and we were there to support them, and cheer them on! We found out about it a few weeks ago and we were able to be there today to show our support, along with some other folks from the club. We saw them in the room before the ceremony, then we went into the courtroom to wait with everyone else for them to arrive.
The future citizens came in in groups, they had to do a lot of paperwork, then when everyone was in the courtroom, we stood as the two judges came in, and the proceedings began. There were introductions of the judges, then a welcome from The Honorable Charles T Jones, Jr a very moving speech and from his words you could tell how much he enjoyed this part of his job. There was a presentation of Petition for Naturalization & Motion, that was seconded, then there was the administration of the oath.
All the candidates stood and recited the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America. This is some very heady stuff, what they have to promise to do, defend, and uphold, it really makes you realize how much they want to be here, and what a privilege it is for someone like myself, to have been born here. There were several of us watching, listening, and getting emotional, I know I teared up, as did a few people sitting next to me. It really was an honour to witness and be a part of, I’ve seen it in the movies, but there really is nothing like seeing it in person, and feeling the magnitude of it all.
Next, one by one, each citizen-to-be stood, walked to the front as the judges called their names. They received a folder with paperwork, a certificate, a pin, I think, and an American flag. There was a lot of hand shaking , some bowing, flag waving, and a lot of cheering! I think almost everyone had at least one person with them, but I think we had the largest cheering section! There were 20 people who were receiving their citizenship, and they were from all over the world. There were people from Nepal, the United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Bhutan, Mexico, India, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cambodia, amazing.
After each person received their folders and flags, they sat down, when the last person received their packet, we all stood to recite The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. I’ll be honest, I get a little emotional when I say it, but this time, it felt more special. Then the court crier announced the adjournment and we all hugged, shook hands, and hi-fived. It was a special moment. Then a group photo, so cool!
After the ceremony, hugs and congratulations all around, we went outside to take a group photo with the new citizens of this great land of ours! There was going to be a celebration at the club house, a cook-out, and we were definitely attending, but first…a stop for a drink at a local watering hole, close to the club house, the Union Beer House.
We all rode over on our bikes, got drinks and hung out for a bit. Then the family headed home to change, and then on to the club house, they were putting on the spread! After a bit, I went home to take care of the pups, PSM hung out and I would meet him at the club house.
The pups were happy to see me, at least the wagging tails told me so! We went for a walk, they got dinner, and a little while later, I headed out to the club house to meet PSM and see everyone else. It’s been great getting to know the folks in the club, they are incredibly welcoming and we feel like we truly belong.
The club house was decked out in red, white, and blue, of course! There were burgers, dogs, chips, sides, desserts, and drinks. All free tonight, in celebration of the new citizens! So very generous! We ate, talked, laughed, met a few new people, wash-rinse-repeat! It was a great time, then we went upstairs for the meeting.
It wasn’t a very long meeting, but fun as always. The historical fact for tonight’s meeting? On this date in 2024, the president of the club became a citizen of the United States! Big cheers! After the meeting, chatting with some of the folks, and it was time to head home for the night.
Truly…an honour, thank you for letting us share this with you! And welcome!
We decided to be leisurely this morning and why not, it’s Sunday. After the Beer and Pretzel Fest yesterday, how do you top that? Well.. with a Faerie Festival of course! This was the Forged Fantasy Faerie Festival, say that five times fast! sponsored by the Drunken Smithy. The Drunken Smithy is a place that opened about a year ago at the Lebanon Valley Mall, I think I told you about it, because they offer axe throwing, which PSM and did a few months ago, we love it! We’ve done it in a few places, great fun and a great release!
The Drunken Smithy also offers forging classes, something, when we take, I will definitely share with you! Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localized compressive forces. Sounds fierce! It is! Looking forward to making something! PSM did buy me a hammered metal flower, actually it’s a dragon disguised as a flower and I so forgot to take a pic, I’ll do that, promise!
We were actually going to the movies and stumbled about the fabulousness of the Forged Fantasy Faerie Festival! It was like the Renaissance Festival in a mall, I loved it! There were people in costume, at least, some of them were in costume, I know some people live the life and this is how they dress every day. Faerie freedom! The best is when you see someone in full faerie regalia in an unlikely place, like loading something into their car in the parking lot. That was great!
There were so many vendors, some things repeated themselves, but all of it was wonderful and so many hand crafted items! There was music, minstrels, live Dungeons-and-Dragons role playing, face painting, libations, magicians, crystals, artists, and so much more, what else could you want?
Well…baby goats, that’s what! I was talking to a vendor and PSM came over and said “I don’t mean to interrupt…but there are baby goats”! What?! I have no idea, but I la la la love baby goats! And PSM knows it, I turn into mush! So…we rushed over, well, rushed while still being safe and not running into anyone and there they were! $5 for 5 minutes. My beau got me $10 minutes in with the baby goats! Some of them were only a few weeks old!!! I got in the pen, sat down and started loving on the baby goats! I was in heaven!!! Squeeeee!
Time with the baby goats was up…again, I was denied a baby goat or two…you really have to have more than one, they are pack animals. I think it would be so much fun to have a baby goat on the bike! In a side car?! Can’t you just see it?! Goggles and all! Yes!
We walked around some more, then it was time for the movies, luckily, in the same building. We headed over to the theater, got our water and popcorn, you have to have popcorn! Funnily…at home, I might put a little salt on my popcorn, but never butter, in the movie theater, must have butter! Don’t ask me why, that’s just the way it is.
We went to see The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. It was SOOOO good! The tagline: The British military recruits a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike against German forces behind enemy lines during World War II. It was based on Damien Lewis‘ 2014 book Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII.
It was directed by Guy Ritchie, you can imagine the cinematography and style. It was very clever and funny, the dialog was brilliant, the cast…amazing! Henry Cavill, you know…Superman! as the lead, Gus March-Phillips, Alan Ritchson, Jack Reacher!! as Andres Lasson, what he could do with a knife or bow and arrow?!, Alex Pettyfer as Geoffrey Appleyard, master planner, Cary Elwes, The Princess Bride!! as Brigadier Gubbins ‘M’, the one who initiates the operation, Henry Golding, Crazy Rich Asians!!! as Freddy Alvarez, a master at explosives, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, new to me, as Henry Hayes, a great navigator, Rory Kinnear, he’s been in a lot of action movies, but I know him as a funny man, he was a fabulous Winston Churchill.
Freddy Fox played Ian Fleming, the author himself! Eliza Gonzales, as Marjorie Stewart, and Babs Olusanmokun, as Heron, both new to me, but I look forward to seeing them in future films! And lastly, Til Schweiger, I’ve seen him before, he plays a very good bad, and I mean bad guy!!!
There was action, a lot of it, adventure, great dialog, I mean funny and witty, violence, yeah, a lot of violence, it was WWII, fighting the Nazi’s, there’s going to be violence, but interestingly…not a lot of blood, in one or two scenes, there was blood, but overall… not much! Oh, and there were explosions, and fire, lots of those, and very clever tactics and ploys to do what they needed to.
Overall, I recommend this movie, I want to see it again, yeah, two thumbs up!
And on that note… Gute Nacht (gooteh nakt) [Good night in German]
Peaches Prattlings 