Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Finale

Well, I did it!! My New Year's resolution last year was to pick a word each day and write something here. I had a few gaps along the way, but for the most part, I stuck with it. When I look back on what I accomplished, it's an amazing feeling. And when I look back at the entries, I realize that more than a few of them were personal journal entries for the most part.

It was a momentous year on so many levels. I do my best not to have regrets or negative feelings about things that happen in life. But there are some things that happened this year, that if possible, I would change and do differently. Or maybe I would have slowed down to breath in order to enjoy the moment more. And then there are others that couldn't have been done any more perfectly.

I've learned a tremendous amount about myself and those around me in the last year. Looking at each day and encapsulating it in an entry here truly did help me appreciate the real value of 365 days. That was my original goal as well as keeping me writing. I feel I've succeeded in that quest.

I appreciate all the support of this last year by those of you reading here or on my Facebook wall. I felt connected to all of you in a way that is difficult to explain. So many people use social networks in a negative manner. You have all given me renewed hope that they can be used in a positive way. It's all in your perspective and intent.

I'm not really sure what resolution I'll have for 2014. But I know now that I'm capable of taking one day at a time and savoring it. Happy New Year!!

December

For the month of December, I chose to post a daily Christmas memory on Facebook. I just went back to copy all of them to post here:
 
CM1:
I've always loved to make Christmas ornaments and it's a tradition that I've carried on with my little family. The first ornaments I remember making were the white bisque figures that you painted. I wonder what ever became of them?!

CM2:
There were five us in my family. I remember one Christmas where there were so many gifts under the tree you couldn't get anywhere near it. It looked like a sea of presents.
CM3:
My Dad was always pulling pranks on my Mom. One year he gave her a gift that was wrapped in progressively smaller boxes. And some of the boxes were wrapped in tightly wound newspaper. Knowing his antics, she refused to go any further after the first few boxes. She just knew he hadn't even put anything in it and was just doing this to torture her. He assured her there was something in the last box. After about 20, she finally opened a beautiful cluster diamond ring. I guess her efforts were worth it
CM4:
Like my Dad, I’ve always been a prankster. Five years ago, we had 10 lab puppies. We were only going to keep one chocolate boy. I had a few clients that were going to take the remaining 9 puppies, but Cassidi fell in love with the yellow girl. I told her it was already given away. She pouted and asked me which was more important, her daughter’s feelings or my client’s. I told her my client’s since I had made a promise before she had changed her mind.
Fortunately for me, this client has a heart of gold. We conspired and she played along with my prank. On Christmas Eve, she came to pick up the puppies she requested. She was taking a chocolate boy, the yellow girl, and a white girl. We gathered them all up and headed for her truck.
I slipped Leslie the collar I had made with Daisy’s name on it. She put it on her and then trailed off in Cassidi’s direction who was sulking going back to the dog’s cage. She told her she thought something was wrong with the dog. Cass whipped around with the look of “What could possibly be wrong with the most perfect dog ever?!
She saw the name on the collar and burst into tears. I was crying right alongside of her. Of course my daughter’s feelings mattered the most and it was probably one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten to give someone. Sorry for the prank, Cass, but I know you still love Daisy more than anything. Well, other than Jen of course.
CM5:
When cell phones finally became affordable to the everyday person, I decided to get one for Tony for Christmas. I was so proud of myself in getting the perfect gift for him. I'm awful at surprises, but I had gotten it early, hid it to charge it, and kept the secret. One day when I got home from work and had gotten the mail, Tony for some odd reason was there that day going through it with me. We had gotten Christmas cards from all over and were looking at each as I opened them. I opened this one that didn't have a return address. It had a Santa Claus on the front talking on a cell phone. I was perplexed, and had no idea what the inside was going to hold or whom it was from. And dang it if it wasn't from the cell phone company thanking us for our purchase! I burst into tears and ran out of the room knowing that the wonderful surprise I had planned was foiled. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, Tony didn't have a clue what was going on. I had to explain my tears and he got his cell phone early. I called up the company and gave them a piece of my mind the next day. They didn't seem phased. But he did enjoy that cell phone anyway.

CM6:
For Cassidi’s first Christmas, she looked like a speckled puppy. She was two months shy of being a year old to get the chicken pox vaccine. That was one shot she didn’t have to get. She was still adorable.

CM7:
Everywhere I go, I get a Christmas ornament for my tree. When Tony’s and my Mom were still with us, I got one for them, too. For Mom’s last Christmas, she put a lot of the ornaments from our travels on her tree. Someone finally found them and they made their way back to me a few years back. We have a special container for each of them and every year we put them on the tree. It’s so special to have them and think of her as we’re decorating. Miss her much.
CM8:
I like animals, but those that live outside. The girls always wanted a dog. In 2000, we finally decided that with Tony working from home to help train an inside dog, it was time.

We did the research and found that chocolate lab males were basically foot warmers. Tony started to search for a puppy for Christmas. He found one that had been returned from a family that just wasn't as ready as they were for a dog.

We brought him home a couple of days before Christmas. After work, Tony met me with him and he was adorable. We knew the girls were going to be in Heaven.
We walked into the house and let him go. The girls came running and they asked whose dog it was. When we told them he was theirs, they didn’t believe us. Finally they understood and the three of them collapsed into a heap of kisses, slobbers, and smiles. And of course the excited puppy peed.
We still miss our Mo Man.
ey thought they were for a dog.

We brought him home a couple of days before Christmas. After work, Tony met me with him and he was adorable. We knew the girls were going to be in Heaven.

We walked into the house and let him go. The girls came running and they asked who's dog it was. When we told them he was theirs, they didn't believe us. Finally they understood and the three of them collapsed into a heap of kisses, slobbers, and smiles. And of course the excited puppy peed.

We still miss our Mo Man.

CM9:
One year Santa wrote Jennifer a letter and left it Christmas morning. She insists it was my handwriting and on my stationary. I told her he didn't have any paper of his own and had to borrow mine. And if she could actually read it, it wasn't possibly my handwriting as mine is horrible!!! To this day, she still doesn't believe me :(

CM10:
When Cassidi McCann was twoish, we got the movie Frosty for her to watch. We started playing it around Thanksgiving and it played no less than five times a day until the day after Christmas. This went on for two years. Each and every time, she cried when Frosty melted. Unfortunately she doesn't remember any of this and how entirely adorable it was. But the three of us do and wish that somehow it would get rid of her current Grinch Christmas ways :)

CM11:
Not having a lot of money herself growing up that continued into her marriage with five children, Mom always baked goodies to give away at Christmas. Cookies, pecan tarts, fudge, peanut butter balls, you name it! Sitting at the table with sugar cookies, icing, and sprinkles helping her will always be a fond memory.

I've carried on her baking tradition each of the 28 years I've been married. I have the bowl she used when making her famous sour dough bread. It's a wonderful way to include her in our holiday. I'll never be the cook or baker that she was, but I continue to give it my best shot.


CM12:
Christmas always equaled cousin time. I remember getting together with my cousins and having the best time. We'd argue and fight, take sides, and play until the wee hours. Those were the days :)
CM13:
I can remember counting down the days and then the hours until my sister
Debbie Pittman would come home for Christmas. That was always better than any gift I could get. I would kick her husband out of bed and sleep with her so we could have girl talk time. Sorry Bill Pittman!
CM14:
In honor of honeymoon, empty nest weekend, I'll share my memory of the first Christmas with Tony. We were seniors and had just started dating the week before. We were having a really bad snow storm but he insisted on coming to see me at the house before he went home from work. He brought me a stuffed animal of a white, fluffy dog and a necklace. Pretty daggone sweet. That was 29 years ago. Three months later, we were married!! A pretty amazing love story if you ask me!!


CM14: In honor of honeymoon, empty nest weekend, I'll share my memory of the first Christmas with Tony. We were seniors and had just started dating the week before. We were having a really bad snow storm but he insisted on coming to see me at the house before he went home from work. He brought me a stuffed animal of a white, fluffy dog and a necklace. Pretty daggone sweet. That was 29 years ago. Three months later, we were married!! A pretty amazing love story if you ask me!!

CM15:
The last time I saw my Mom was Christmas of 2005. We had gone in for the holiday. I asked what she wanted and she gave me a list to choose from, the first time ever. I ended up getting everything on it as she never asked for something specific. I still have the sapphire earrings we got her.

A big snow storm blew in and we had to leave earlier than we expected for fear of getting snowed in. We had a snowball fight in they're front yard. Mom and Dad watched from the front door smiling at our silliness. Tony whizzed a snowball at her at the front door. She didn't get it shut in time and they got wet.

I'm so glad her smile is the last picture I have in my mind.
CM16:
Today was my Mom's Mom's birthday. We called her Mamaw Mae. She was a feisty, independent women. She raised six children in the back woods of West Virginia on her own.

She worked in a machine plant at one time and would get steel splinters in her hands. When I'd go visit, she ask me to dig them out with a needle. When I was really little, she worked in a restaurant, the Hob Nob. I always wanted coffee, and she told me I’d get black knees.


When she got older and ill, she was in a nursing home in Clay WV. When I was home for the holidays, I’d go visit. It broke my heart to see her in that place knowing how fiercely independent she was.
She couldn’t talk, and I don’t know if she ever really knew me. But Mom would always remind her of the tomatoes she’d put in her purse to bring to me that I’d eat like an apple. I always ended up in a puddle of tears.

I know I get my fierce independence from her side of the family. She came from Cherokee blood. When I look in the mirror these days and see my Mom, I also see Mamaw, as they looked so much alike. I miss them both.
Happy birthday Mamaw!nted coffee, and she told me I'd get black knees.

When she got older and ill, she was in a nursing home in Clay WV. When I was home for the holidays, I'd go visit. It broke my heart to see her in that place knowing how fiercely independent she was.

She couldn't talk, and I don't know if she ever really knew me. But Mom would always remind her of the tomatoes she'd put in her purse to bring to me that I'd eat like an apple. I always ended up in a puddle of tears.

I know I get my fierce independence from her side of the family. She came from Cherokee blood. When I look in the mirror these days and see my Mom, I also see Mamaw, as they looked so much alike. I miss them both.

Happy birthday Mamaw!


CM17:
When I was a kid, it seemed we got more snow around Christmas. One year it snowed so much we built tunnels through it. The years of our sledding days off the monster hill behind our house always bring a smile to my face. The cow patties we flew over, the ramps we built, the creek we ran into, and the crashes we survived. Those were the days.

The layers of clothes that we'd peel off to warm by the fire and eat warm soup and drink hot chocolate to thaw out. I can still feel that frozen to the core feeling. And the shiver of snow getting into your boots, up your sleeve, or down your neck. BBBRRRRR…
And snowball fights were always required. Nailing someone in the face was the best. However being the someone nailed in the face wasn’t. I was one of the youngest in the neighborhood, so I was more often on the receiving end of the nailing.

Snowmen and snow angels were also part of the routine. We had snow mobiles and going for long rides over the hills are special memories, too. I’d wrap my arms around Dad’s waist and hold on for dear life. Every time I smell gas exhaust in the winter, I think of that.
I’ve always had a love affair with snow. It’s amazing stuff. I’d love a white Christmas this year, but that doesn’t look likely. I’ll just close my eyes and think of those I’ve had before.e fire and eat warm soup and drink hot chocolate to thaw out. I can still feel that frozen to the core feeling. And the shiver of snow getting into your boots, up your sleeve, or down your neck. BBBRRRRR...

And snowball fights were always required. Nailing someone in the face was the best. However being the someone nailed in the face wasn't. I was one of the youngest in the neighborhood, so I was more often on the receiving end of the nailing.

Snowmen and snow angels were also part of the routine. We had snow mobiles and going for long rides over the hills are special memories, too. I'd wrap my arms around Dad's waist and hold on for dear life. Every time I smell gas exhaust in the winter, I think of that.

I've always had a love affair with snow. It's amazing stuff. I'd love a white Christmas this year, but that doesn't look likely. I'll just close my eyes and think of those I've had before.the fire and eat warm soup and drink hot chocolate to thaw out. I can still feel that frozen to the core feeling. And the shiver of snow getting into your boots, up your sleeve, or down your neck. BBBRRRRR...

And snowball fights were always required. Nailing someone in the face was the best. However being the someone nailed in the face wasn't. I was one of the youngest in the neighborhood, so I was more often on the receiving end of the nailing.

Snowmen and snow angels were also part of the routine. We had snow mobiles and going for long rides over the hills are special memories, too. I'd wrap my arms around Dad's waist and hold on for dear life. Every time I smell gas exhaust in the winter, I think of that.

I've always had a love affair with snow. It's amazing stuff. I'd love a white Christmas this year, but that doesn't look likely. I'll just close my eyes and think of those I've had before.the fire and eat warm soup and drink hot chocolate to thaw out. I can still feel that frozen to the core feeling. And the shiver of snow getting into your boots, up your sleeve, or down your neck. BBBRRRRR...

And snowball fights were always required. Nailing someone in the face was the best. However being the someone nailed in the face wasn't. I was one of the youngest in the neighborhood, so I was more often on the receiving end of the nailing.

Snowmen and snow angels were also part of the routine. We had snow mobiles and going for long rides over the hills are special memories, too. I'd wrap my arms around Dad's waist and hold on for dear life. Every time I smell gas exhaust in the winter, I think of that.

I've always had a love affair with snow. It's amazing stuff. I'd love a white Christmas this year, but that doesn't look likely. I'll just close my eyes and think of those I've had before.
by the fire and eat warm soup and drink hot chocolate to thaw out. I can still feel that frozen to the core feeling. And the shiver of snow getting into your boots, up your sleeve, or down your neck. BBBRRRRR...

And snowball fights were always required. Nailing someone in the face was the best. However being the someone nailed in the face wasn't. I was one of the youngest in the neighborhood, so I was more often on the receiving end of the nailing.

Snowmen and snow angels were also part of the routine. We had snow mobiles and going for long rides over the hills are special memories, too. I'd wrap my arms around Dad's waist and hold on for dear life. Every time I smell gas exhaust in the winter, I think of that.

I've always had a love affair with snow. It's amazing stuff. I'd love a white Christmas this year, but that doesn't look likely. I'll just close my eyes and think of those I've had before.


CM18:
When we were first married, we didn't have much money. I have a ton of nieces and nephews and always wanted to do something for them at Christmas. Many years I made things for them. I miss those days.

I always love getting hand made gifts or goodies as presents for any occasion, as it's so much more meaningful and special. I wish we'd go back to those kinds of traditions as opposed to gift certificates, money, or expensive gadgets and store bought things.

CM19:
Last year's Christmas will hold a special place in our hearts forever. When Eleanor was diagnosed with Leukemia, she had to slow down. We convinced her to let us celebrate Christmas at Robin and Andy's the last few years. But last yea...
r she said it MUST be at her house again. We tried to argue with her, but she insisted!

She cooked the turkey and at least let us we bring the rest. All her children and grandchildren made it in. She loved having the house full of laughter and love again. She was in pain, but hid it well. None of us knew how seriously ill she was, but I'm convinced she did.

She always despised having her picture taken. But last year she asked us to go outside and take pictures of all the kids and families with her and Jay. We later found out that Aunt Debbie did a photo shoot of just her when she visited at Eleanor's request. That should have been our warning, but we were all in denial then.

After the gift exchange, Eleanor went missing. I asked what had happened to her, and we found her in the bath tub soaking her aching muscles. She had pushed too far.

Cassidi cried nearly all the way home thinking it was Grandma's last Christmas. I assured her Grandma was a fighter and she'd be here for many more to come. Famous last words, huh?!

While we've soldiered on in her absence, there are times where we are selfish and want her here with us. This is one of those times.
See More — with
Tony McCann.

CM20:
When Jennifer was about 6 or 7, I decided we would video a tour of our house for my siblings and their families as they had not gotten to see it. We dressed up in our best Christmas attire and sang Christmas carols at the end. I have no idea where Tony was, but he got to avoid the entire shoot.

It was quite hilarious!! I wish I could find the tape to watch again. It just might contain an America's Funniest Videos moment or two — with
Jennifer McCann.

CM21:
Having grown up in the depression era, my Mom was always giving gifts that she got the most bang for her buck. Having so many children and grandchildren, we made her set a limit for each. She shopped at the Dollar Tree a lot. The girls loved getting their Mamaw goodie bags. It was amazing what she could cram in those bags for $25. Socks, underwear, ornaments, knick knacks, candy, stuffed animals, doll babies, McDonalds bucks, you name it! I think they enjoyed her gifts more than any other! — with
Jennifer McCann and Cassidi McCann.

CM22:
The girls had rituals around preparing for Christmas that have now all gone by the wayside.
Jennifer McCann had a stuffed reindeer she loved on all month. Cassidi McCann had a tiny tree she had to put up in her room. We also had a countdown to Christmas calendar that HAD to be hung. I miss the days of their youthful excitement.

CM23:
As we make our way back home from Florida to see Dad for Christmas, it reminds me of the many trips we've made over the years to see family for the holidays. We've done some crazy trips before, but this year probably takes the cake. Driving close to 24 hours to visit for about 12. I know it will be a special memory going forward, and I'm so glad we came.

CM24:
It's been a day filled with preparations to hang out, eat, and enjoy family time. I've always insisted we be home for Christmas Eve as a family. We used to have a a formal sit down dinner in Charlotte. Now we usually just eat whatever's made up and laze around. This togetherness is what makes my world go round. I hope each of you have your definition of Christmas warming your heart! Merry Christmas

CM25:
When the girls were little, as soon as the sun came up they were awake and ready to see what Santa had brought. Now we have to wake Cass up.

The excitement that once made the holiday so much fun is gone. But that doesn't diminish the true meaning of this wondrous season. Having my little family here in our warm cabin in the woods is all the present I'll ever need.

Hug those you love, send loving thoughts to those you can't be with, and thank the guardian angels that have gone before us. Love is what's it's all about. I hope your heart is spilling over with Christmas love!!! Merry Christmas!!

November


For the month of November, I chose to post a daily status on Facebook of thankfulness. I decided to post them all here:

TD1:
I’m thankful for the little things in life that on the surface don’t seem important, but when you look closely, are the threads that hold everything together.

TD2:
I am thankful God chose me to be one of the care givers in the world. I am so grateful for the gift of touch he blessed me with. I only hope those that receive it enjoy it as much as I enjoy sharing it.

TD3:
I am thankful for a day of rest. I don’t always get to partake in them, but sometimes I get more than one. Rejuvenation is the key to a long life. I’m grateful God helped me see the light at an early age. I hope each of you allow yourself a “you” day once in a while.
TD4:
Today I am thankful for the capacity to love and be loved. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life. Without them, I would not be the person I am today.

TD5:
Today I am thankful for the obstacles in life. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be the strong individual I am today. None have been insurmountable with the help of God, which serves to strengthen my belief that he only presents us with what he knows we can handle. So instead of blaming God for punishing you with a challenge, thank him for loving you and believing in your strength!!
TH6:
Today I am thankful for the amazing plan God has had for my life. I've often question it and felt it needed to be different. But fortunately he's been patient with me and not abandoned me in my ignorance. It's a wonderful life!!

TD7:
I am thankful I was blessed with the gift of being a mom. I had a great example to learn from. I can only hope I'm half the mom she was. I hope I've passed on a few of her great qualities to my girls when it's their turn!!

TD8:
I am thankful for the modern conveniences that let me spend the weekend with my daughters! I'm not a person that requires a lot to make me happy. But give me family time, and I'm good to go. Here's to Thanksgiving dress rehearsals!!

TD9:
Today I am thankful I’m a country dweller. All it takes is one night in the crazy city to crave the peach and quiet of my little cabin in the woods.
TD10:
Today I am thankful for the little diversions in life. I am a huge tennis fan. Well, more like a huge Rafael Nadal fan. He's provided me many hours of entertainment (and high blood pressure)! I like to think my competitive and feisty spirit is one of the things that keeps me young.

TD11:
Today I am thankful for the people that sacrifice their time in serving this country. Time with their loved ones, time living their personal life, and time on this earth. They are the true super heroes and should be celebrated as such.

TD12:
I am thankful for the technology that allows me to keep in touch with those I love.
TD13:
Today I am thankful for the things about each of us that make us unique. If we could see the beauty of being unique versus judging it as different, the world would be a better place.

TD14:
I am thankful I am a morning person. I generally wake up before my alarm goes off (I seriously dislike that noise), my feet hit the ground, and I’m off. To me, that is so much more pleasant than laying in bed dreading the day.

TD15:
Today I am thankful for grumpy days. For without them, we wouldn’t appreciate our happy days as much. I sure hope tomorrow is jubilant to make up for the snarly grumpiness I am currently experiencing!!
TD16:
I am grateful for the end of the work week. I unfortunately don't have anyone to celebrate it with currently. But that will be remedied soon enough!! In the mean time, a horizontal position with light entertainment is in my future!!!

TD17:
I'm so thankful that the nightmare I had last night wasn't true. And for the opportunity to educate Cassidi McCann about the horrors of credit cards before she does anything stupid!!

TD18:
Today I'm thankful for the quaint life I lead. I didn't always like quaint, but fortunately I woke up to it's amazing beauty!

TD19:
Today I am thankful for community. I have met some wonderful neighbors and members of the communities we've lived in throughout the years. Memories of them always bring a smile to my face.

TD20:
Today I am thankful for prayer. The world is full of people suffering and in need of God’s guidance in their life. I’m grateful that even though I can’t be with them directly to support them through their challenge, I can be with them in spirit through prayer. And of course being the recipient of prayers from those that love me is profoundly humbling.
TD21:
Today I am grateful for days that end in vegetative, horizontal positions! It's been a doozy of a week so far, and I still have two days to go! But hey, busy equals faster time ticking which equals my man getting home. So, I'll take it!!!

TD22:
I am thankful I only have to wait five more days to hug my husband!!!
TD23:
I'm thankful my internet went out last night and I wasn't tempted to stay up late. I went to bed at 9!!

TD24:
I’m thankful to have a hone and the means to prepare for a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year just might truly feel like a homecoming with everyone gone. Tony returns from being gone nearly 8 weeks, Cassidi hasn’t been home since August, and I’m thinking it’s been since Cass’ graduation in May since Jen’s been home. Let the merry making begin!!!

TD25:
Today I am thankful that even though she said it was never going to happen, Cassidi is homesick!! It makes me believe that maybe the home we’ve made for her all these years isn’t so bad after all. I’m looking forward to having my little nest full of birds again in the next few days.

TD26:
Today I am thankful baby bird made it home safely (finally)! Now to get Papa bird and Oldest bird here tomorrow. Praying for safe travels amid this crazy weather!!

TD27:
Without a doubt, today I’m thankful I will be wrapping my arms around my hunk of a husband after 5 LONG weeks!!! I may never let go!!

TD 28:
I’m grateful that our ancestors were smart and respectful enough to create a day to be thankful. And I’m even more grateful that it is a tradition that hasn’t gone by the wayside in our pitiful society of today. My little family will be professing our thankfulness throughout this day, and I hope yours will be doing the same! HAPPY THANKSGIVING to one and all!!!

TD29:
Today I am thankful for the morning after. Cassidi McCann went to earn some cash making Christmas wreaths (she's a Scrooge all year long so she'll be full of joyous stories after this I'm sure!), Tony McCann's English clock still hasn't reset so he was up at 6:30, and Jennifer McCann was home to be his companion on his NUMEROUS errands that just HAVE to be done. And I snuggled up under the covers and slept in my temporary empty nest again :)

TD30:
I'm thankful that my whole gang made it home safely and we had a wonderful holiday together.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Jennifer

One of the best gifts in life was the birth of my first daughter, Jennifer. While her start was unexpected and unplanned, she is the reason I am here today. If I had not gotten pregnant with her, I'd have probably killed myself partying in college. God knew exactly what he was doing when he put her in our paths.

Tomorrow is her 28th birthday. It is so hard to believe she is 28. I remember crying because she was two weeks late. All I wanted to do was see what she looked like and hold her. She finally made her arrival and looked like a little Indian papoose. She had jet black hair and olive skin. My American Indian blood over rode Tony's Scots-Irish by a long shot!

She was the doll baby I always dreamed of. She started sleeping the night through when she was about a month old. She slept 12 hours straight. I used to go in and shake her, worried she might not ever wake up. But she was a beautiful baby and continued to grow.

She bounced back and forth between being a prissy girl and a tom boy. She danced when she was little and then switched to soccer. Unfortunately she blew out both knees and was side lined. She swam, but never really found the passion for it. It was a tough road having to redefine herself from being an athlete to a bystander.

She did extremely well in school and was invited to go to Hawaii and Europe with the People to People Student Ambassador program. I finally got to go to Europe recently, but Hawaii is still on my bucket list. She also travelled in the US with math and science camps. She even played the cello with the Junior Youth Symphony. But like many things that happen when you're a teenager, she grew tired of that life. She searched for her place, and struggled to find it like too many.

She went off to college and joined the Wolfpack. She continues to be proud of her NC State affiliations. She started a masters program, but changed her focus before finishing it. She's regrouping and trying to find the niche that best suits her.

She's always been great with kids and the counseling job she has allows her to interact with quite a few. She's the best big sister and she and Cass are very close. She'll figure out what she wants to be when she grows up eventually. In the mean time, she's doing a great job where she is.

She's also an animal lover and rescued a dog a few years ago. She named him Raleigh after her college's hometown. He's a sweet dog and we love him as our granddog. He thinks he's human and there are times I have to agree with him.

It's amazing to reflect on the 28 years we've had Jen. She, like all of us, has had a roller coaster road of a life. But she's a positive and upbeat kind of girl. It takes a lot to knock her down, but she soon bounces back up ready for the next challenge.

We are so proud of the person she has become. We could never have imagined all the great things she has accomplished and experiences in life when she was born. She is living the independent life I have always dreamed for her. I know there are even greater things ahead in her future. I look forward to watching it unfold.

Happy 28th birthday Jen Pen!! I love you more than you will ever know!!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween

Halloween has always been one of my most favorite holidays. I think the fact that you can be a grown up and still put on a silly costume to be a kid is priceless. When we left Charlotte, it was hard to enjoy Halloween because we never get any trick or treaters out here in the boondocks. In Charlotte, I'd have to buy bags and bags of candy. There were so many kids.

Hillsville had an event they held in town, but Cass soon outgrew that. Two years ago I had the great idea of hosting a party. They were so much fun to plan and prepare for. The first year was great, but the second year was a BLAST!! I think next year I'm going to have an adult party. It will be on a Friday night, so that will be perfect. I should start planning now!

On the way home tonight, I thought back to the days when I was a kid myself going out for Halloween. Our little gang was pretty mischievous. We egged cars and rolled toilet paper. Last year when I saw one of my friends from back then, he reminded me of a vegetable garden fiasco one Halloween.

We all threw rotten veggies from the garden at passing cars. I happened to pick up a ginormous melon of some sort. Sure enough, we hit a car and caused a lot of damage. They stopped and we all scattered. This one guy got caught and took the rap for all of us. My melon probably caused the worst of the damage, and that poor guy got all the trouble. Sure we were just stupid kids, but I feel badly I participated in letting him take all the credit. And even worse, I had completely forgotten about it all happening. I still don't remember much about it, but it rang a vague bell when he told the story. UGH!

Then I started thinking about the girls when they were little. Some of their costumes were adorable. I made a lot of them. Jen decided she wanted to be an elephant one year. That one was interesting to turn out. I wish I had kept it. But I'm sure it was sold in a yard sale along the way. Thankfully we have pictures of it.

I have great memories of Halloween. The gobs of candy we'd get. Costume contests we always wanted to win. Carnivals we went to bobbing for apples, doing cake walks, and eating lots of food. Haunted houses we screamed in. 

So, here's to Halloween. The holiday where you can be a crazy kid no matter how old you are. I hope you found your inner child and didn't eat too much candy. And if it's possible, let a little bit of that kooky kid follow you into tomorrow and every day following.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Sad Sacking

I can't believe it's been over a week that I've been home from the whirlwind trip. I got a day of rest and then it was back to work. It wasn't too busy, but my body decided to get sick. I think I just ran on fumes for too long and it retaliated.

I came home Saturday from work and haven't been out since. I think it was just an allergy attack that progressed into my usual fall sinus infection. The joys! I'm on the mend, but I think it will take a few more days to finally work through my system like it normally does.

I've had the added measure of missing Tony like crazy. The two weeks he spent home and then my trip over proved to attach us at the hip for the better part of a month. We did our usual bickering like an old married couple, but for the most part we had a wonderful time. And now I feel like a bicycle without a front wheel. And I don't like it!

Tony, probably a little more than most men, is like the wild horses that run out west. Throughout his career, he's always traveled to some degree. The last 7 and a half years of being here part time and in Charlotte the other have been manageable. But this gone 24 x 7 for weeks at a time is NOT working. Something has got to give, and I'm hoping it's not my sanity.

Until such time that he gets home, I'm going to have to find a way to pick my lower lip off the ground and get back to life. I've let him know loud and clear this isn't working for me. We'll see if he listens. There is a long list of things that need done in the mean time. I just need to get focused and get them done. Please say a little prayer for us as we work through this. I know God has a plan, and I'm trying to follow along nicely. Trying is the key word!!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

That's all she wrote

Getting up bright and early is something I haven't had to do much of in the last two weeks. I decided to avoid rush hour tube traveling to the airport and be four hours early for my flight instead of being frazzled dealing with the crowd. Once I got checked in and such, I was only 2 and a half hours early.

Airport security is a LOT less stressful in Heathrow than in the states. However when we reached DC, we had to go through TSA between flights. I nearly gave myself a coronary running through the airport to make it. Of course my flight would be the furthest gate away. Oh well, I made it. That's all that matters.

In looking back on my stay in Europe, there are so many wonderful memories. I'm thankful I have visited other big cities to remove the intimidation factor of coming into a big airport, riding on a subway, and interacting with the gobs and gobs of people. I know there are a ton of things I missed seeing in Europe, but what I did see was beautiful. And those left unexperienced are reasons to return one day.

The time spent with Tony was great. There is always an adventure where he's involved. We fortunately skipped any big issues like flat tires or car accidents, but our roundabout circling and "hopelessly lost" memories will bring a smile for quite some time. It's amazing that I was lucky enough to find my soul mate at such a young age. We constantly challenge the box that each other lives in knowing when to stop once an edge is reached.

I have also appreciated the countless emails, texts, and FB messages of support in my journeying. I have enjoyed sharing it with you, and it's been great having your words of encouragement. I know a few of you will be glad I'm home to get back to my massage duties!

I left London at 12 p.m. and got back home at 9 p.m. After getting up at 6, 14 hours of traveling, and a five hour time difference, exhausted doesn't cover it. I have tomorrow to recuperate and plan to do just that. It will be a busy three days at work I'm sure, and then Sunday I plan to vegetate yet again. If I don't blog for a bit, you'll understand why.

P.S. I started smelling home when I got off the plane in Charlotte. I made a beeline and when I opened the door, it smelled like Heaven. It just might take a miracle to ever get me to leave again!!

Monday, October 21, 2013

London day five - Winding down

The excitement that I had when I first landed in London has mostly diminished. Today it was a struggle to get up and go out sight seeing. There is so much more to see and do in the city, but my energy level is shot. The crazy week of work and training I had before I even came, on top of two weeks of nonstop going, has finally caught up with me.

I slept in today but did manage to get out to see the two places I was interested in. But when I got there, I discovered they were closed. They are only open Wednesday through Sunday. As I was making my way back to the tube, I heard horse clops on pavement. It was the people involved in the changing of the guard from Buckingham. It rained today so they didn't actually do the ceremony. You just never know what you'll see at any given moment in London.

I came back to the hotel to try and have lunch with Tony, but that didn't work out due to his work schedule. So, I thought it would be a perfect day for a massage. I lucked out and found a place within half a block of our hotel. It felt great and was just what I needed to rejuvenate me for my trip home tomorrow. A cat nap before he got in from work was icing on the cake!

I think all the sight seeing has gotten to Tony, too. Last night I woke up to what I thought was him talking on the phone. It turns out he was reporting that he had a fireplace that was partially caved in and he had no idea what to do to fix it. It let me know that instead of just looking at the castles and the beauty of them, he was thinking about how to reconstruct them. Only a man!

I asked if he remembered it this morning and he said yes. And that he's been having the same dream now for three nights. The strange thing is he doesn't dream nor does he ever remember if he does. Maybe he can get all these ruined castles fixed while he's over here.

This evening was bittersweet. We went to dinner with two guys from Tony's work so I could meet them. Afterwards we walked around a bit. The weather was very mild today and carried over into the night. While I'm ready to go home, I sure wish he was going with me. I don't look forward to managing the five hour time difference and the technology challenges of staying in touch. It's just so much better having him in person.

I've had a wondrous time these last two weeks exploring Europe. We have seen and done so much. We've made so many amazing memories. I will cherish them forever. I've taken nearly 2500 pictures as proof.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

London day four - Back to the beginning

We made it back to London safely. We decided to drop off our luggage at the hotel before we dropped off the car. We just thought it would be easier than fighting through the tube with it. Boy, was that a mistake. We spent 45 minutes fighting traffic to get here, and then another 45 minutes back out to the airport.

We put just over 1200 miles on our car in 5 days. It was a really fun experience, but I was glad to let public transportation take over navigational duties. We never would have seen the beautiful countryside we did if we weren't as brave (or stupid) as we are. They are memories that we'll never forget.

On our way out to the airport, we saw a cool restaurant - Sherlock Holmes. We decided to stop back there to eat for the night. We got off the tube and made our way in that direction. We wound through the streets and happened upon this area where a guy came and stopped us. He said they were filming. We asked what it was. He said he couldn't say. I asked if it was British or American. He said we'd recognize some of the actors. So we decided to stay and watch.

There were cool cars, people dressed in overcoats and hats, and women dressed in the dresses and veils of India. We couldn't really make heads or tails of what was happening. Finally, we saw an actor come across the street. It was Billy Bob Thorton. They told him to hurry across the road. He flipped them the bird! Everyone laughed. We had no idea who the rest of the actors were. But when I googled it, the movie is London Fields. We'll have to see that one for sure!!

We finally found the restaurant and it was really good. We made our way across the river and to The London Eye. It's a giant Ferris wheel sort of thing that has pods that you can stand up in. It fits probably about 20 or so people in each. It spins all the way around staying level the whole time as the wheel rotates. It is a beautiful view of the city as it's 443 feet high.

Tony is back to work tomorrow, and I'm back to exploring. There are a couple of places I can see from the English Heritage passes we bought. I may as well get my money's worth! Now if my feet will hold up.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Scotland day three - Long roads

At our breakfast this morning the owner was very inquisitive about us and America. He wanted to know what Virginia is famous for. We told him many of our early presidents were from there. And then we told him it was the capital of the confederacy. He knew all about that. And said we're known for being losers. Oh joy!

He kept wanting to talk to us and finally happened upon the topic of motorcycles. He and his mate do a lot of traveling and riding in other countries. He was telling us about their various adventures along the way. From the sounds of it, he and Tony are brothers separated by the Atlantic Ocean!

He was telling us how the GPS had settings for things that you could avoid. One he set was for traffic. He thought that meant traffic jams. Turns out it meant the most scenic route even if it took you around your nose to get to your big toe. He said he took a lot of u-turns until he figured it out. His mate said that if they don't do at least three u-turns a day, she felt incomplete. I was crying laughing by the time we left. It let me know that I don't have the only man in the world that seeks adventure on the crookedy path versus the straight and narrow.

We took the slow route to Glasgow. The countryside looks a lot like the Shenandoah valley back home. There are fields and fields of sheep separated by low rock walls. We hit a mountainous area that had beautiful streams flowing down the crevices where they met. Simply gorgeous.

Glasgow wasn't much fun. We would have skipped it other than the fact we needed to get some souvenirs. We parked in a garage and set out on foot. We got lucky and were close to the tourist area. We got our gifts and headed on our way. I found yet another back road and we were off.

To give you an idea of the extra amount of time it took us on the lolly gagging route, what should have taken 4 hours took 12. We've spent the last 90 minutes looking for a hotel. My golden rule was that we had to be checked in each day before dark. That didn't happen tonight for sure! We are currently sitting in the middle of the road because there is some sort of accident or something. Our hotel is right beside us. But we cannot figure out where to park. My patience barometer is running on fumes. That and I need to pee! UGH!!!

I've already told Tony tomorrow we are finding the most direct route from here to London. I don't think he will argue. Now if we can just get into our hotel.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Scotland countryside day one - Scrambled

Today we saw Edinburgh Castle. It is more of a fortress built on top of craggy rocks. An amazing place for sure. As we were making our way further North, we went to Linlilthgow Castle, too. It is where Mary Queen of Scots was born. It's just sheer coincidence that we happened upon it. But it's neat that we did those two particular castles tied to her.

We've seen so many castles that they are all running together. Tonight we tried to pick our favorite. We've listened to audio guides at each. There is so much information about each. I'm glad there isn't a quiz at the end because we'd surely get the questions and answers mixed up. We couldn't really decide which was our favorite either because when we'd remember something about one, we figured out it was really another. It's been a wonderful trip.

We are staying in yet another place called Callander. Tony is bound to start an argument tomorrow with wanting to go three hours North of here which means the trip back to London will have to be done all night tomorrow night and into Sunday. And just when we've been doing so well in getting along. Oh well. It's not been a complete trip without a knock down drag out between us!

I think I'm officially fried. It's 8:53 and it feels as if it's at least 2 a.m. I'm about to turn the light out and be done for the night. I'm not sure what the itinerary will hold tomorrow, but I'm sure it will be just as exciting as all the rest of the journey has been.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

England countryside day three - Roadtrip

Today we got up and saw Bolsover Castle that was only about 10 minutes from where we spent the night. It is a really neat place. It was like so many places in that there was one structure that then kept getting added on to. One piece of it is referred to as the Little Castle. It's not little by any means. It is the only structure that still has floors and walls left in it that we've seen. It even had some paintings on the walls and ceilings remaining. And I told Tony it was just his kind of place because the horse barn was bigger than the main house.

We left there and got directionally challenged yet again. We did get the phone set up with Internet again so the GPS would work. At first it wouldn't work and there was a lot of swearing going on in the car when we couldn't manage to find the way by ourselves. But it finally synced up and all was well.

We found Brodworth Hall and Gardens in Duncaster. The house was built about the time we were at civil war in the US. It is a beautifully decorated home with lots of paintings and marble sculptures. The last woman that lived in it died in 1988. From the descriptions they gave us about her, she was feisty! She was nearly 90 and refused to leave the house. She died there in her own bed. Her daughter gave the house to the Heritage but sold it's contents to them. I think they said they paid $3.2 million pounds. CRAZY!!

After we toured the house, we walked through the gardens. It is amazing how extensive they are. I can not imagine the restoration work they had to do to get them back in shape when they bought it. It doesn't take a garden long to get overgrown. They've done a wonderful job because the property is gorgeous. I don't know if they rent it for weddings, but it would be a gorgeous setting do that!

We decided to head North to Scotland tonight. Tomorrow we will see Edinburgh Castle. We thought we might head further North, but we're running out of time. I guess that gives us a reason to come back. We'll head back to London Saturday afternoon. We might actually stay in one place for two nights in a row. That will be a miracle!

Despite the crazy driving adventures, we're really having a great time. The schedules we've set are all very soft and if we blow them, oh well. We haven't had to be anywhere. It's just a matter of how much we want to see. We've taken the slow roads and tried to soak in the beauty of this place. Now to rest up for more exploring!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

English countryside day two - Schedules

Up to today, we've been blessed with beautiful weather, for England that is. I only had one rainy day while I was in London. We woke up to rain and it never let up the whole morning. It didn't really put too much of a damper on things though. And before the day was over, the sun was shining.

Tony had bought a track phone of sorts for work on his first trip over. After playing with it I figured out it had a GPS. It made my day! But I still did screen shots of the directions for today's travel. I tried to use those to begin with hoping to save the phone battery for an emergency if we happened off the beaten path.

Well, it didn't take long to have to pull it out. Street signs are at a minimum here and I missed a street where we needed to turn early on. We went 30 minutes out of the way before I gave in. We got an hour and a half later start than we wanted to, so we were two hours behind schedule.

Schedule, you ask? Yes, schedule. At our first stop yesterday, the lovely lady at the ticket desk told us about an English Heritage pass you can buy to see over 100 castles throughout England. She gave us a wonderful book of information about each and a map! That would be one of the three I've been using in my navigational duties. My anal retentive type A did a back flip once we had our "guide" for the rest of our trip.

Anyway, last night before we hit the sack, we plotted our course for the day. We figured hitting two a day made sense. Those we picked are about two hours away from each other and the first one is two hours from our stay last night. If we allocate two hours at each, it would make a total of eight hours for a full day of sight seeing.

Those plans are perfect in theory. Reality always seems to dictate a little different outcome. By the time we got to the first castle we were two hours behind. The phone Tony has was about to die and he doesn't have a car charger. We had to make a pit stop to find one.

We saw Kenilworth Castle today which was HEAVEN for me. I love Elizabeth I. This is the castle she gave to Robert Dudley which was her suitor for many years that she never married. To know that she had walked through these building and grounds was a cool feeling. They had a demonstration of the process women of her time went through in getting dressed. It was a lengthy process said to have taken upwards of five hours. But the lady said she can do it in 20 minutes so someone is off somewhere. Nonetheless, it was cool to learn about.

We spent over three hours wandering through the grounds. We gave up on trying to get to the next castle by closing time. When we got back in the car, we found the GPS had stopped working. It only had 2 pounds left on it. We're going to have to figure out how to add more money so it will work again. Or maybe I should just take this as the sign that we're supposed to stay lost on this trip. Jennifer says being lost  equals exploring. I need to remember my pursuit of type A-.

We did a few circles and spent the mandatory 15 minutes or so looking for the route we needed. I found a motorway (read highway) that pointed in the direction we needed. So far we've been taking small back road kinds of routes. At home, I'm usually passed out in the car because Tony's driving only makes me scream. Being the navigator and the token person to ask for directions even though I don't have a freaking clue hasn't allowed me to catch any shut eye. But with a straight road ahead of us, I immediately fell asleep.

He woke me up just as we were passing the exit we needed for the next castle town. Fortunately the next exit also worked. We wound around the roads until we drove into the little town of Balsover. The castle sits on top of a hill overlooking the valley. It appears like this one is fully intact. I look forward to exploring it tomorrow.

We had to come to the next town over to find a hotel. It's a chain versus the wonderful cottage we stayed in last night. But we're so tired we don't care one way or another. We just need a place to lay horizontal for a few hours and take a shower in the morning.

I'm about to map out our course for tomorrow. This trip has been a lot like our visit to Disney World a few years back. We wake up at dawn and go until we can't move anymore. There is so much to see and do. The driving is a lot like being on a roller coaster from the perspective of being lost and stressed out to knowing our way and being calm.

Four more days of exploration, and then it's back to London. Tony will head back to work, and I'll do more London exploring. I can only imagine how long it will take me to get back to "normal" when I get back home. It will be nice to plant my feet and spend more than one night in a place. But I'm getting pretty used to the hectic schedule. Tony says I should just stay. I'm wondering what my girls and clients would think about that?!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

England countryside Day One - Notes to Self

1) Driving in the UK is unadvisable if you have no idea where you are going AND you want to stay married.

We spend at least 15 minutes in each place we go driving in circles trying to find the road we are supposed to be on. We don't have a GPS and are trying to navigate with the high level road maps they've given us. Tony is known in our family as "Tony, hang a U-ie McCann". We now need to update it to "Tony keep circling the roundabout McCann" and "Tony pull in, back up, and turn around McCann". All the while, I'm screaming "Stay on the left, watch the curb, you missed the turn, that's a red light, etc," It's like he's forgotten every driving rule he's ever learned in 30 years because he's driving on the left side of the road. Well, that is when he actually is after I've screamed "DRIVE ON THE LEFT" as cars are approaching. At breakfast I did contemplate asking for a barf bag for the road after the eventful trip from the airport to our hotel last night.

2) Practicing my British accent really does help reduce stress in the passenger seat.

The excitement began as soon as we left our hotel this morning. I, in my infinite wisdom, decided that I could do screen shots of more detailed maps to help to get from point A to B while at the hotel each night as I map out our route. That works GREAT... except when you veer off the roads on the map you've screen shot. We make big circles, we make small circles. And with every pass, knots intertwine the muscles in my upper back and neck. I have three maps I'm trying to consult while at the same time trying to match it to reality. And somehow Tony thinks I know the answer to "Where am I supposed to go Machelle?" when the place I told him to go took us in the wrong direction. UGH!!!

So, I finally came up with a solution. I said to heck with caring where we were and started providing running commentary in my best British accent. Since arriving, I've been listening closely. We get audio guides at the places we visit, I hear it on the radio, and of course all the folks around us are talking. I've caught myself thinking in British. I figured this would be a good time to practice. I'm actually quite good according to Tony. Having to think of the pronunciations and listening to Tony laugh at me for being a goofball detangled all the knots. Always making lemonade out of lemons, that's me!

3) When driving in a foreign country, it would be best to understand how they do it.

The obvious difference of driving on the opposite side is actually the simplest. One of the most difficult navigational issues is that they don't use simple words like North, South, East, and West on road signs. They give you the names of the places that the road leads to. So, instead of having M3 South on the road sign, they have M3 Farnborough. It forces you to know which cities are in which direction on that particular road. It requires a split second decision that based on the aforementioned navigational and driving issues we have leads to the circular driving pattern we keep displaying.

On a highway, positionally you're supposed to drive on the far left lane and fast cars drive on the right. It makes perfect sense once you rewire your brain. But when you first get in a car here, you just focus on staying on the left side for obvious reasons. But reversing everything else that goes on takes a little bit of time to get used to. Today we were supposed to turn left and Tony turned on the right turn signal. Poor guy is so focused on trying to keep me from screaming and us from wrecking that he's all discombobulated. I told him this whole thing should be easy for him since he's left handed. He just had that deer in the head lights look.

The other fun part is roundabouts. One, they pop up out of no where when you're barreling down a road. You're nearly forced to come to a complete stop to avoid any cars already circling. And once the coast is clear, it's pedal to the metal and ride that thing like its on rails! Two, it's hell figuring out what lane you're supposed to stay in based on where you want to exit and taking into consideration the cars around you. And finally, they are kinda nice when you screw up because you can just keep circling (on two wheels).

All joking aside, we are having a great time. Yes, there's been a lot of screaming and laughing and horn blaring (they don't much like us foreign, stupid drivers). But today we got to see Stonehenge, a castle ruin from the late 1300s (Hungerford Castle), and drove through Bath. We are staying in a beautiful country cottage (www.guyershouse.com) that we just happened upon, well, if you don't count the circling through the little town before it. It has a beautiful garden area that the birds are chirping as if it's spring.

Tomorrow is yet another day of adventure. There will be some screaming, but hopefully it will be outweighed by laughter. I could always switch to an Asian accent when all else fails.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Paris day three - Rafa's kingdom

We started the day out with the intentions of spending it at The Louvre. However after about 30 minute of being there, I was entirely ready to leave! It had far too many people and was nearly impossible to navigate through. Besides that, all the artwork had placards in some language other than English. We had gotten an audio tour, but it was as directionally challenged as we were.

The day nearly started out with a riot when Tony tried to stop a group of people from cutting in line in front of us. He told them to go to the back of the line and wait just like the rest of us. It got very confrontational at one point. I could see us sitting in a French prison for eternity.

It turns out that the two women in front of us were "saving a place " for five others. They just kept crowding in. Tony finally gave up and they proceeded to laugh and take pictures and have the time of their life. He continued to brew and glare at them. It was a joyful start and should have been a forewarning of things to come.

Once we got through the security check, we found it was the same super informative place that the rest of Paris is. There was no clear direction to be taken. So we wandered around until we figured out what to do.

My frustration level with this process heats up fairly quickly. After nearly 29 years, Tony understands my meltdown barometer pretty well. He's been great this trip in diffusing my tantrums and getting us through.

Tony and I don't wander at all in the same direction or at the same speed. After our initial agreement of finding each other before leaving a room fell through, we decided to break up and meet in a set location at a set time. I liked that plan and tried to get back to figuring out how my virtual audio tour gadget worked.

The building is situated in a ginormous U. We started in the end that was the bottom of the U. In my mind, I was imagining that we would walk down one pathway and it would have stairs to get to the next floor and continue on. That's obviously too logical as I did more back tracking than I did forward tracking somehow.

If you add that frustration in with the fact that there were a bajillion people wandering around with their gazes looking up and bumping into everyone and everything, and you take into consideration what a crowd prude that I am, you'll understand why I was ready to leave. There were tour groups that were over 50 people in number pushing and shoving to try and stay with their group. They swarmed together like bumble bees around a hive. And get in their way, and they'd sting you for sure!

On my first back tracking venture, I was hating the fact that our rendezvous time wasn't for four hours. I was in a near panic state of just trying to get back to the main entrance without getting trampled. I don't know what I thought I was going to do there, but I just wanted OUT!

Fortunately my path crossed with Tony's. He could see the freak out factor in my eyes immediately. He could tell I needed out. But instead of saying let's go, he just agreed to an earlier leaving time. He wanted to meet in 90 minutes. I begged for 30 minutes, but he said I'd be fine. I reluctantly agreed to the new time and went on my merry way.

I pretty much gave up on my audio guide and tried to navigate via the map. It wasn't much more helpful. I continued to wander and managed to see some part of each side of the U. I didn't see every floor, but saw something of each. I thought that was close enough. I did get to see The Mona Lisa. Surely that counts as successfully navigating The Louvre.

I had discovered that I lost my scarf somewhere along the way. That was the last straw. I managed to find the main entrance which was our rendezvous point. I was an hour early, but I had had enough.

I didn't wait more than 10 minutes and Tony showed up. He must have felt my distress call. He didn't see much of anything but was willing to leave. I had talked about seeing Rolland Garros which is the home of the French Open. I had given up on seeing it, but he offered to go there instead of more Louvre torture. I jumped at the offer!

We checked out the map and headed in what we thought the direction was. We got off and started walking. We found some signs that looked like we were on the right track. As we were walking, we went by a stadium. I was getting excited until I saw pictures of soccer players.

We continued on and yet another stadium appeared. This time it was the tennis courts. As we got closer, we saw the stadium that has the names of the winners of each year. Of course we came up on the side that had Rafa on it. I was beyond excited.

We circled the building until we came to an open gate. A guy met us and said it was closed. He wouldn't let us in the museum or any other place. We continued to walk outside hoping we'd catch a glimpse of something. We walked past court one and court two. Again, I've watched countless matches from this venue. It was killing me to be so close, but so far away.

I got to take pictures of some of the outside courts. The red clay looks just like it does on TV. It was amazing to be there. We continued to circle the place and came upon another open gate. This time the guy was nicer and let us at least walk through the area. I snuck a tiny side view of center court. I kept telling myself that this was Rafa's home and he had walked these same paths.

He is the master of all tennis players on clay, that's for sure. To get to see this grand slam sight was an item on my bucket list. Sure, it would have been more special to see him play a match, but I'm convinced it's better watching at home with replays and the mute button when I don't like what I'm hearing.

I told Tony I marked off 50% of the grand slam sights with this one trip. Surely I can get Flushing Meadows accomplished with it being in my home country. Now he just has to take me to Australia.

Paris held some amazing sights for us. It is a beautiful city that I am glad we saw. But I will not be sad to leave it. Being in a country where I don't know the language is intimidating. Add to that the native people are not friendly and it makes for a pretty bad experience. I learned to overlook it and try to stay positive, but it was challenging at times.

We are currently headed back on the train to London. It's about two and a half hours to get there. We have to pick up our other suitcases and get a car at the airport. Once we get that done, were supposed to find a hotel to stay in. It's going to be a long night!

The next leg of our adventure is a driving tour of the entire island. We've had a few unknowns along our journey thus far. I think we'll probably be adding to that list in the next week. I just hope none of the misadventures include a jail visit or long hours of being stranded along the roadside. But with Tony McCann, you never know.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Paris day two - Overload

Tony didn't want to get up after nearly 14 hours of sleep. But once he did, he was a tourist engine revving to go. Today was a marathon for sure.

We started off by going to The Eiffel Tower. On the way we saw runners in pink. France celebrates breast cancer awareness month, too! I said a prayer for all my breast cancer buddies. Unfortunately they were running around the tower. It made for a frustrating start in trying to get over by it. We finally figured out how to get there and my what a sight!

We rode the elevators up to the first landing after a relatively short stand in line for tickets. But then we had to wait in line to get to the next level. Hurry up and wait. But we saw some amazing views. On the way down we accidentally got off the elevator at the restaurant level. We had a few stairs to traverse to get down. I guess it just made it a full experience to have to walk some of the way.

We next went on a Seine River cruise. I had bought a package that included the bus tour, the river cruise, and a night bus tour. They hadn't given us a brochure so we were relatively operating in the dark. Again we got lucky and found where we needed to be. The direction Gods have most surely been in our favor so far.

We went to Notre Dame next. I've been in more churches in the last week than I've been in for years! I did have the thought today that lightning just might strike with me crossing their thresholds. It is another amazing sight both inside and out.

We got dinner and tried to find the bus tour for our night trip. That one proved to be a little more difficult to find, so we just went to a location that we knew we could catch it. It just required catching a train and a little walk. We're getting good at this subway kinda life.

The weather has been nearly perfect on my trip thus far. Today was a bit chilly, but no rain. I had rain last Friday, but that's it. I brought the right clothes, hats, scarves, gloves, and shoes. Now if I could just drum up another body to get me through this next week. The aches and pains of walking miles and standing in lines is catching up with me. I'm having a great time, but I wouldn't turn down some quality, horizontal, hot tub soaking time.

Tonight when we were riding high above the traffic on our double decker bus, it reminded me yet again of how happy I am we haven't had to drive in this mess. In the intersections, there are no lines on the roads to keep you in place. The cars simply go in whatever direction they want.

Horns are blaring, people are throwing their hands up at each other, and at one point it looked like bumper cars with cars stuck between each other going in all directions. It's difficult to explain but just imagine 100 cars in an intersection going in all directions. They do have traffic lights, but no one obeys them. Chaos doesn't touch it. But somehow they all manage to get where they need to be.

They have the adorable little "fold em up and stick them in your pocket cars", too. Those little things zip in and out everywhere. Oh, and then there are the mopeds. Those things are CRAZY!!! We saw one that didn't fare so well yesterday. The driver was taken off in an ambulance.

And that's the other thing. Sirens are on non stop. I told Tony with the way they drive, it's no wonder! Too many noises, people, cars, etc. at times I long for the quiet of my little cabin in the woods. Soon. I keep reminding myself that a girl has to get out every once in a while.