Summer 2014

The highlight of the summer was our second family reunion at Solveig's Orchard in Sister Bay Wisconsin owned by my in-laws Bob and Sarah Larsen.  This year we occupied all five cotttages and in addition my granddaughter Katherine and I stayed in "the big house".  The large property is ideal for young children to explore.  Green Bay beaches are a few blocks away.  Some of the adults did Kite board sailing on the Lake Michigan shore.  Potluck meals, evening campfires, face painting, and just relaxing were appreciated by all 20 of us.  Coming from as far away as Hawaii, New York, and Colorado as well as Wisconsin and Illinois, the children meshed remarkably well.  Below is the kid bunch ranging in age 3 months to 8 years!

Lost Year

What happened to the Old Lady on the Road?  Did she stop travelling?  Heaven forbid! She kept writing the blog in her head but didn't seem to get anything entered into the website.  Perhaps it was all the diversions that living in Chicago presented with a life full of culture as being part of the Saints ushering group provided.  Being vice president of our new residents association as well as running a computer support group added to the distractions in 2014.  Then Google changed its Blog format and the computer caught the "blue screen of death" to add to the frustration of getting further behind!

A quick review of 2014 which began with the Rose Parade in Pasadena California.  I joined my Roadtrek friend Susan who had driven from Florida to be part of a Fantasy RV tour "6 Day Rose Parade Rally"". A huge tent was our gathering area where we also were served meals.  The tour included working on a float, visiting floats under construction (hard to believe they would be ready in time) attending a performance of parade bands as well as other local sites.  We camped in a parking lot next to the Santa Anita Race Track and could observe the horses training and had one day at the races where I actually won some money.  If I hadn't been so cautious in my bet, it would have been a lot more.  A fantastic start to 2015 and one of my best birthday celebrations

Final Miles

The trip west to Illinois went surprisingly well. Even before leaving home I debated the route I would take back. Preferring not to backtrack, my preference was to go a more southern route from Cape Cod, though my concern was traffic around Connecticut and New York. It proved unfounded and I found myself in good time crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York, going across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania stopping shortly after 5 at a Comfort Inn Suites which was also nicer than expected and very reasonable in cost. I saw a Panera within walking distance though not a very pedestrian friendly route. The hotel is adjacent to a center with among other stores, Walmart and Lowe’s. So across their parking lots, down an embankment, across a street and up a hill to the outlot stores to get dinner. It was a good meal and fortunately a safe walk back in the twilight. The next night was Exit 34 in Ohio. I had traffic gridlock several times with an unbelievable number of trucks. Not many food options and none within walking so I tried Pizza Hut. Wednesday I gained an hour of time and used it to watch a locking procedure on the Illinois River with upbound and downbound barges. This was near my destination of Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois where I was to meet Roadtrek friend, Susan, who would stay in the campground while I was in the 1930’s section of the lodge. We had a great visit sitting outside her Trek before goingover to the lodge for dinner. Finally on Thursday I headed into Chicago area, stopping at friend Ginny’s to catch up on each other’s travels before finally arriving home about 3 p.m. I feel blessed with the opportunity to again have had a safe and most enjoyable trip. It whets my appetite for more! Here are photos though not sure it will be in order. Hiking with sister Karen NH, Lobster ME, Ferry to Vineyard, Painted Ladies Oak Bluff on Vineyard, Lunch stop Dennis MA , Beach Art and Life Station Race Point, Cape Cod, Biking Nantucket

Nantucket Cycling

The last two days on the island of Nantucket have been full and vigorous Saturday we headed out shortly after breakfast on our bicycles taking the Cliff road bike route which began close to our B and B. we were told this route was hilly but we found it quite doable. Winds were light and the bike path protected from vehicular traffic was closer to town than indicated by our map. We went past houses and hiking areas. The path met the Madeket road path which led us to the beach. THis area was to be the site of one of the many weddings on the island this weekend. Reports of the numbers of weddings were from 12 to 60 depending on who was speaking. We toured the beach area before going to a local eatery Millie's which had been recommended. We were not very hungry but shared a delicious scrambled egg burrito and the best sticky bun I'd ever had. A local Nantucket cranberry juice added to the tasty meal. Soon after we headed back to town staying on the Madaket Path until reaching cobblestone streets. From there we mostly walked the bikes back to the B and B. our ride was about 13 miles. After parking the pikes and changing clothes we headed into town to catch the historical society house tour that left from the Whaling Museum at 2:15. Our knowledgable guide provided us with information on a number of the buildings and toured us through 3 very interesting ones from 3 periods of Nantucket's history. The guide recommended the book "in the heart of thE sea" which we both purchased from a local bookstore. Some other shopping proceeded a fantastic salmon dinner at the Center St. bistro. From there we headed to the Anteneum for a free concert. It was a very local event featuring a girls band as the opener and an acoustic group Woodford Line joined by a great guitarist Dennis Fancher. Sunday our ride was along the Milestone ride bike path to the sivas onset beach area known for the Rose covered cottages and the Sankaty lighthouse. Our ride was about 20 miles and I only had a problem with one hill and that was partly due to increased wind on the return trip. I took lots of photos. Judys camera has stopped working and my IPhone is our only documentation. We had wonderful sandwiches at a small eatery after visiting the lighthouse. The return ride seemed shorter despite the wind. We toured the marina area on our return. Very few boats were at the docks or on the moorings. It was quite different 18 years ago when we moored there on Partnership. Some final shopping followed by a concert of Italian music at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House by a wonderful trio and singer John Murrell. Our dinner at the Easy St Cafe was very good. The town is very quiet on Sunday with many having left and restaurants closed. We felt sad to have it end for us too as we'll be off on the early ferry in the morning. It has really been a fantastic opportunity.

Nantucket

Waking To the sound of rain Friday, we packed up the cars with bikes and gear and drove through the rain to the ferry terminal in Hyannis. Our parking fees and boat reservations for us and our bicycles were prepaid but we were faced with a street full of parking attendants urging us into their lots. Fortunately we reconnoitered and found the correct and paid for lot and then unloaded bikes,Panniers and backpacks which we walked to the terminal through the ever enlarging puddles. It was a soggy start to our next Adventure on the Island of Nantucket. The crew quickly took our bikes aboard and we settled in to seats on the lower deck for the 2 hour ride. As we departed I tried to identify the Kennedy compound which we had photographed when we came into the harbor onPartnership 18 years ago. The ferry ride was fairly smooth and on time. After retrieving our bikes we walked them along cobblestone and brick streets to our B and B on N. Water. There was a bike rack and we were able to unload everything and leave in the lobby since we were 3 hours before check in. Back a few blocks to the Whaling museum where we had a wonderful tour of the galleries by an English woman who had lived on Nantucket since the 50's. the museum is much larger due to an expansion completed in 2005 and brought about when a sperm whale beached itself on Nantucket and died at the end of 1998. The skeleton is the focus of the main gallery with the room designed to allow its display from the ceiling in the position of "sounding" (going into a dive to the deep". Following a quick chowder lunch at Book of Thieves we were back in time for documentary "Nantucket" done by Ron Burns. Whaling was what put Nantucket on the map long before the revolutionary war until the Civil War. Our final event at the museum was a multi media presentation of the life on a whaling ship again very well led by a docent. This museum is well worth the price of admission and I am so happy we had the time to take advantage of the programs. We headed back to the Carlisle Inn where we have two very small rooms in what was once a ship captains home. For Nantucket the cost is reasonable. We had seen a tent theater near by and decided to attend the performance of "Boston Marriage" by David Mamet. A turn of the century setting with 3 women in amusing almost Shakespearian dialogue. Our dinner was at Queequegs outside area. our young waiter went over the bike map with us giving us ideas for our Saturday ride. He cautioned us about the drivers on the island (they don't think about bikes. Stop at every intersection, watch drIve ways). Judy had roasted mussels which she shared Yum! And short ribs and I had Osso Bucco which was good but not up to Ike's. After the play we had room for "kiddie" portions of ice cream. mine was very flavorful pumpkin spice which seemed fitting for the season

ORVing

At the beginning of our Cape Cod visit, our hosts , Jerry and Sue suggested riding in the sand with the air out of the tires. Judy and I pictured that as taking our bikes with flat tires through the sand and were not very enthusiastic. Toward the end of our stay, the idea came up again but this time we all realized there had been mis communication. It was the truck that we would be in with the tires down to 11 psi and they had a special permit ORV for off roading in the sand dunes in the Provincetown area. It was a beautiful though windy day as we drove over and through the huge dune area until selecting a waterfront site for a picnic behind our windscreen. It was an area that would be difficult to access in any other way so we had it mostly to our selves for beach combing. Later we drove through parts of Provincetown where the crowds of people seemed overwhelming after the tranquility of the beach. My last visit July 4,1995 was a fond memory but it was difficult to find familiar landmarks on this trip. For our last night we ate at a South African restaurant in Eastham Karoo. We had a delicious meal,mine a Malay Shrimp stew made with coconut milk! We had a wonderful visit with exercise, good food, and particularly renewing friendships.

Chatham Cycling

On Wednesday we headed of with our bikes in Jerry's truck to the bike trail section in the Chatham area. We rode through beautiful Cape Cod cottages some of which might be better referred to as mansions. Our path led us along beaches and harbors. I struggled again with the hills which were not exceptional but I ran out of breath 3/4 of the way up on a couple of them. Later in the day Jerry made some adjustments to my bike which hopefully will improve my shifting into lower gears. After the ride, we drove to Sesuite Harbor with an outdoor cafe along the water where I had the most spectacular lobster roll ever! It has set a high benchmark for the future. The setting was idealic with a breeze blowing the umbrellas over the picnic tables. We then did a driving tour of other areas reinforcing again had beautiful the Cape is with its Ponds, sandy beaches and marshes. We ended the day walking to a nearby beach for Sunset.

Cape Cod

Arrived in Eastham MA on Cape Cod mid afternoon Sunday. Our hosts Jerry and Sue were on our bicycle trip to Puglia Italy in 2011. My biking friend Judy drove from Maryland. On Monday Jerry led their Newcomers group plus Judy and me on a hike along the Cape Cod National Seashore almost 5 miles. My new walking poles really made a difference for me on what sometimes was a rugged terrain and a fast pace. In the afternoon another from the Puglia trip Sheila joined us for over 12 miles of bicycling to the Nauset lighthouse. The hills continue to be a challenge for me.
Today we left before 7a m for a drive to Falmouth to catch the ferry to Martha's Vineyard along with 23 other bikers from Sue and Jerry's newcomers group. Our initial 3 miles was in a pouring rain. Most of the day was overcast and windy but we had an enjoyable 23 mile ride on the island often breathing in the wonderful salt air. Our lunch was at a local airport. The four of us took a shortcut back to Oak Bluffs where we walked through the Former Methodist camp with colorful Gingerbread painted ladies houses before we met the group for ice cream and re boarding the ferry. There are wonderful bike paths many along the water. Tomorrow we hope to try some more.

Note: I have wonderful photos but can't seem to post via the Internet from the IPhone. Hopefully I can add them later.

Maine

My two days in Maine reminder me how much I love that state. The vistas of the coves with boats bobbing, the striking changes as the tide comes and goes, the charming architecture and for me especially the warm memories of my previous visits both by land and sea. As always my hosts treated me like royalty. Now I'm continuing my adventure on Cape Cod. Today we'll hike and bike. Last night we heard a fantastic acoustic music concert. A wonderful start

Northeast tour

Starting off early Sunday, the first day was interstate driving first in fog and later in rain to Erie PA. Traffic was light. Labor Day only a half day to arrive at niece Sarah's house. We had a bicycle ride along the rain swollen river to a large park on lake Cayaoga where we picnicked and watched 2 yr old Enzo play. The merry go round was operating so we all took a ride for only 75 cents compared to 5 dollars at Navy Pier! Tuesday I headed over to Kendal Ithaca where I had breakfast with residents and exchanged information and ideas on our CCRCs. My trip to Hanover NH involved meandering around curves, up and down hills which at times I sensed I was going the wrong way or in circles. Despite or because of 1 GPS systems I arrived at Kendal Hanover to check into their farm house guest quarters and meet up with my host. Edie moved in when it first opened in 1991 as I did at the Admiral a year ago. She invited 2 couples over for drinks before going to dinner in the dining room. It was another great exchange of ideas and information. The next morning after breakfast with Ginny, a 3 year resident, I headed toward Gorham this time after studying the map and deciding to use interstates. The scenery is spectacular no matter what road you are on in the Green or White Mountains. After checking into motel I hoped into sister Karen and her husband Brads car and began our tour of the US Forest service lands where they spend summers as work campers.

Catching Up

Time management continues to be a problem for me. Days are filled and little time is remaining to keep up the blog. Not keeping it active is a disappointment. It does reflect how my life has changed. While previously it seemed I moved from trip to trip, now I am more grounded though not unwillingly. Nevertheless there have been times on the road and many blog entries written in my head. Now I’ll try to put some of them and accompanying photos out for anyone who is still interested. This is in preparation for my first major trip of the year, a drive to the east coast and back in September. March found me in southeastern California near the Arizona border where I visited cousin Kevin and wife Norma and their daughter Jane who came to their Indio home from the San Francisco area. Together we drove east to Sen Wash, a bureau of Land Management camping area, the winter home of sister Karen and her husband Brad. It was a fun time with lots of hiking and catching up. We were joined by cousin Paula from Tucson and her nephew from D.C. April I flew to Florida and rented a car for the return trip to ferry my remaining possessions from friend Ginny’s condo. Of course I couldn’t drive directly, so I wandered my way north via visits in Mississippi and Tennessee, staying mostly at Bed and Breakfasts and doing some family history research along the way. July 4th weekend was very special with a visit to our Nation’s Capitol for a wedding of Emily’s friend Virginia. Brett was unable to go, so I went along as Nanny. Despite the 100 degree temperatures we kept very busy. College friend Cathy arranged for us to join her incredible tour of the National Archives. After having lunch with her, we headed to the annual Folk Arts festival. Baby Penelope though was asleep and thus missed a merry go round ride. On the 4th we were out late with a magnificent fireworks display from the Capitol which we saw from a hill near the Iwo Jima Monument. While Emily attended the wedding on Friday, Penelope and I had a fun visit with cousin Jim and wife Jane whose two grandchildren have prepared them for young visitors. Saturday we let Emily sleep in while we took the Metro to the National Zoo with a special guide, biking friend Judy, a former “small mammal interpreter at the zoo. A family gathering found us in Door County Wisconsin at inlaws, Bob and Sara’s housekeeping cottages, Solveigs Orchard in Sister Bay. Perfect weather for a first extended family vacation. Beach time and bicycles, together with great food and conversation as family members came and went during the week. It was wonderful to be with my two granddaughters as well as other family members in a relaxed setting.

Holidays

Time has flown as always and January is a time to catch up as I hunker down inside while outside winter has arrived in Chicago with some subzero temps and light snow. It is my first northern winter in 16 years and I certainly didn't miss these challenges. Fortunately there is no need to go out. In my new home, there’s food, fellowship, and exercise opportunities near. I've threatened to stay inside until spring. I did get a short reprieve from coats and socks as I accompanied my friend Ginny on her annual move to Florida for 4 months. It was strange to not go to my own place, but hearing about condo life, I didn’t regret my decision to sell. I was able to visit with friends, but had to miss many so hope to return in April. On my return, I had my first overnight visit with 13 month old Penelope while her parents celebrated dad, Brett’s, birthday by seeing Book of Mormon followed by a hotel for the night. It was their first time apart since her birth so there was lots of texting back and forth. Penelope adapted well to living here (or so it seemed to me). She makes herself at home and knows where the toys are stored and how to get off and on the elevator. She walked the corridors and met and charmed many residents. She kept up with her 3 cousins at Christmas, a kid oriented holiday with 4 under age 2 toddling around. Sister Margaret’s house was filled with 4 of her 5 kids, their spouses, and friends as well as with sister Gayle’s family of 6 from Madison, plus brother Jim and wife DeAnn and nephews Evan and Alva with his wife Andrea. Rock City had snow and ice unlike Chicago and some did venture out in it. I convinced Emily to host Thanksgiving in her new house and I would cook the turkey at my place. Most of our family in the area, in addition to Brett’s parents were able to come. My Florida dining room furniture worked well in the new location. I tried a new turkey recipe by Ida Garten that was amazing and delicious. Sister Gayle and her family spent the night and Friday we took part in the Chicago tradition of heading for State Street, that Great Street, to see the store windows in the former Marshall Field Store, as well at the decorations and huge tree in the store. Granddaughter Katherine stayed with me for the weekend and we kept busy with activities. On Sunday we celebrated Penelope’s first birthday with friends and families. Emily’s new “old” house was a “happening” place.

It was wonderful to attend many music presentations both here at the Admiral as well as other venues. I baked cookies for a caroling party as well as my traditional pumpkin bread for gifts. All in all it was one of the most enjoyable holiday seasons I’ve experienced in a while and again confirmed my decision to return to Chicago.

California Days

After a week’s return from the East coast, I flew to the West coast! The purpose of the trip was to assist daughter Emily on her first business trip with 10 month old Penelope. The four hour flights to and from went surprisingly well though she slept only about an hour. She adapted well to all the events of the trip with the slight exception of the rental car child’s seat! We were first in the “Silicon Valley” surrounded by Tech firms. Emily’s visits included Motorola, Apple, and Google. We stayed in the town of Sunnyside which had a delightful downtown area filled with a variety of shops and restaurants. Dining “al fresco” was a real treat coming from the cold Chicago area. We toured the impressive Stanford University Campus and Penelope and I enjoyed the large park near the hotel with the mountains in the background and a noontime soccer game by area workers. Friday night we were in Davis, west of San Francisco, home of UC Davis and my niece Anna and nephew Evan who have found it a great place to live. Anna’s walking tour of the campus and town were a testament to this. She served us a wonderful dinner outside in the backyard of her rental house. With good wine and conversation, the evening ended all too soon. The next morning we sampled the large Davis farmer’s market where I purchased some locally grown almonds before the drive back to the San Jose airport for the flight back to Chicago. (Note: The rental car center elevators have the same voice as the one here at The Admiral.) It was a real treat to spend time with my granddaughter and daughter away from our everyday lives. I hope we’ll have the opportunity again.

Finishes and Starts

My good intentions to complete my recent trip to the east coast somehow were lost in catching up with life back in Chicago. Now I am preparing to leave on another trip which came up rather suddenly. I'll be accompanying my daughter and granddaughter to California, caring for Penelope while Emily attends meetings in the Palo Alto area. Driving back to Illinois from the east, I enjoyed the beautiful reds and yellows particularly in Pennsylvania. It's the first fall colors I've seen in recent years. Coming into Chicago via the Skyway, Dan Ryan, and Lakeshore Drive was easy compared to my Sunday drive through Washington DC. I learned my lesson to look at a map instead of trusting the GPS entirely. It really wasn't a problem as I was able to reacquaint myself with the city I visited so often with Les in the 90's. The trip provided me with three of my favorite activities, dulcimer playing, bicycling, and sailing. The sailing aboard friends Don and Elizabeth's 38' foot sloop ADRIATICA was very special.(Elizabeth at the wheel pictured) The Chesapeake is a wonderful body of water to sail with great anchorages, one of which, Still Pond, where we overnight-ed. The second night we went into a dock at Woonton Marina and had a delicious dinner at the Harbor View restaurant with their friends Fred and Joyce. Both nights featured a rousing domino game, always great fun. Afterwards I was able to have wonderful visits with former neighbor Kathy, cousin Jim and his wife Jane and college classmate Cathy and her husband Bob. I am so fortunate to have these wonderful friends who welcome me into their homes (and boats) as my wanderings take me to their locations.

History Lessons

Today we rode from our Inn outside Rock Hall to Chesterton, founded over 300 years ago with many original buildings still in use. We took a self guided tour through the historic district which occluded buildings used by Washington College, the first college chartered in this country after revolution. Afternoon ride took us to eastern neck wildlife refuge established in 1962 part of the Atlantic flyway for bird migration. We also visited St. Pauls Episcopal Church over 300 years old whose grave yard includes the graveof Tullah Bankhead. The scene here is the waterfront view of our Inn

Sailing Day

Today we had a special treat, sailing on Chesapeake Bay aboard historic working Skipjack. Captain Ed harvests oysters Nov to April and does chattering the rest of year. We rode our bikes 10 miles to St. Michaels were we boarded. Our 5 hour trip to Rock Hall MD included much history of the area & oystering by our knowledgable captain. I also enjoyed watching how he handled the sails. Upon arrival we biked to a delightful B & B Inn at Huntington Creek where we will stay 2 nights.

Countryside

Today's bike ride took us out to farms near Easton. The roads were peaceful with small hills. We were most challenged by head winds. Our tour leaders fed us a delicious lunch under the trees of a family dairy farm and creamery. After lunch one of the owners gave us a history as well as explanation of the workings of the farm and the process of making artisan cheeses. It was quite fascinating to learn about the needs and care of the cows to create their natural products. Tonight a member of Easton's Historical Society gave us a tour of the original areas of the town. Their most famous resident was Frederick Douglas.

Oxford

Bicycled 18 of the 30 miles on today's tour. My right leg a problem all summer was acting up and I decided not to push it. Nevertheless it was a delightful day sunny and cool. Visited the town of Oxford over 300 years old was where we caught a ferry to continue riding to St. Michaels for lunch (rock fish) and docent led tour of Maritime Museum. Oxford known for it's fences with a small hole at the top of each picket, is having a fund raiser with artists doing a painting on 4 pickets as shown in the photo. We walked the small town checking them out before boarding the ferry. So much history in this area.