The Hurricane That Never Was

...at least in my location.

I'm currently sitting in my living room and looking out my window at the rain and while every once and a while the wind picks up slightly, this really isn't a hurricane. Its just a bad(ish) and constant storm.

I was in a store yesterday and the woman at the counter asked if I was prepared and had all of my water and other essentials and I kind of smiled and nodded, though I really didn't. I feel that everyone was blowing this storm out of proportion. I understand that New Englanders really haven't had much experience with hurricanes and that they have a much better understanding of snow and blizzards, but really?

I'm not saying it wasn't worse in the south and that at some point it wasn't a decent hurricane. It was and unfortunately in a couple of states, lives were lost. There has been damage and massive power outages in some places.

I think I'm just bitter because everyone at work was in semi-panic mode and I had to do things, though I doubted it would be needed. But, in the long run...it is better to be over-prepared and have nothing happen rather than being under-prepared and have everything happen.

Now...do I 'brave' the weather and head out to the store...only to find that its closed because everyone felt that this was the storm leading the way to Armageddon?

Decisions...decisions...

Best Ice Cream...In New England

Ah yes. For those who have read my Blue Bell Ice Cream post were probably wondering by that title whether I had lost my mind or not. Not to fear my readers...I have not...but I did recently travel up north to visit the undeniable quintessential ice cream of the north: BEN & JERRY'S.

First of all, let me preface that this trip wasn't just for ice cream. No. It was to see my roommate at her summer gig in New Hampshire. But since a tour at the ice cream factory of her choice is only about an hour and a half away from her, we make the decision to have a day together!

Our journey begins on an early Saturday morning in August. The weather is great and the driving is even better. The first stop is the Vermont Welcome Center. I grab all of the pamphlets I can (why? why not?!) and then its back on the road after stretching my legs (and answering some work questions from the road).

We found the roomie on the side of the road. Just kidding. We met at a gas station so we could leave one car...but she was getting in ours. Why?

It was a convertible!!!

We arrive at Ben & Jerry's and take in the tragic Flavor Graveyard. Well...not tragic for me (as I rarely ate the ice cream) but it was interesting to see the flavors that bit the dust.

Beautiful site isn't it?!

This was our tour guide, Owen, the third best tour guide they had. (This was said by the ice cream dipper behind him). Lol.

Time for some pictures....

And why not some tie dye! Here Robyn is helping me with my quick change!

So after the tie dye adventure, we headed to nearby Montpelier to walk around and eat some tasty dinner, before heading back to New Hampshire to catch roomie's show!


The show was 'interesting' but overall pretty good for having been put together in 10 days. The best part was just getting to see and hang out with my Robyn! :-)


I did feel bad on our drive home...kind of fell asleep...leaving Andy to drive with no one to talk to...sorry!! But it was a great trip that I'd be happy to repeat!!

We Are Family

...I got all my sisters with me!

Ok, so I don't actually have any sisters, but the idea is the same. I've got all my family with me...which means its FAMILY REUNION TIME!

That's right...the first Saturday is August every year is dedicated to my family reunion (on my father's side)...so that meant just a few weeks I ago I hopped in my car and headed up to the middle of Maine to gather with other family members from the area and across the country.

It had been two years since my mom and I made the trek to our reunion...and I think every two years is a good length. Granted...before that it had been probably ten years, and that was great too. ;-) Last year, my mom and I ended up at the beach in NJ with my grandmother (mom's side) and that prevented us from getting to the reunion.

The big reason for actually heading up this year was due to all of my cousins making the journey as well. I was going to be able to see them, my uncles, aunts, new babies, etc...all in all a great reason to travel.

By the time I arrived on Friday, I was already exhausted, ready to head back home. The weather was hot, but the pond we were going to be gathering on was beautiful, just like last time. We headed over to another house for dinner and I got rather chilly. After a tasty meal and my dad being hit in the nose by a glow stick (long story)...we headed back to the house to sleep.

After a calm early morning by the pond...

...the rest of the morning involved my mom and I building a hammock and a volleyball net among other things and then people started arriving. A day of bean bag toss (or Corn Hole as its known in the south), swimming (not for me), eating (yes, I did that), catching up and more food (come on...my family revolves around food). I was ready to call it a night.

I never made it to the bonfire and fireworks (honestly, I'm not sure anyone did). Though I did have a bed mate for the weekend.

By morning, I was packing up my things and starting the trip back.

The weather ended up being wonderful, with the sun shining on Saturday and starting to rain early Sunday morning. The drive was long and wet for sure...but I do admit, it was worth it to see my family again.

But it will still probably be another two years before I'm back...as my mom and I are thinking back to the beach next year! :-)

Home Sweet Home

Who says you can't come home again?

Not me. I was able to go home for the first time in two years. TWO YEARS! It was a short trip, but a relaxing one all at the same time.

Flying into Albuquerque and seeing the mountains and mesas and deserts...was just soothing. There is something about it that makes me take a deep breath and relax that much more. Besides...New Mexico is wild kingdom....see?

While I was home I watched movies, read books, had a whole day at the spa, got a pedicure with my mom, went out to dinner with my dad...and...

...hung out with my kitty!

She obviously was very excited to have me home...can't you tell?

Here's to hoping that it's not another two years before I'm home again.

City Who?

The drive-in represents a time long gone...or maybe not.

I was able to go to the local drive-in movie theatre that only reopened a few years ago and again, it was a wonderful experience. We picked up my former intern and nabbed a great space to see...wait for it....

CITY SLICKERS

What? Never heard of it? You think it's old? Why did I see it?

For those who have never heard of the movie, its a Billy Crystal movie about three friends who have an adventure of herding cattle from New Mexico to Colorado, while dealing with their own mid-life crises.

I had never seen it before, so that was one reason we chose this movie. And two, I was kind of on a time crunch. Scheduling between all of us was tight on when we were all available, so that limited our selection.

Honestly, I was very happy. Had a great day of bowling and dinner, prior to the main event of the movie and got to catch up with my girl Amanda! Not a bad day at all!

Confession

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It has been almost 2 months since my last blog entry.

But have no fear...four more will follow this post, so stay tuned! ;-)