Franklin, Mass

Easy Breezy this time, my family headed to this part of the country for Bar Mitvah celebrations in Franklin, MA.  One of those places I'm sure I never would have had seen if it wasn't for such an event.  It was fun seeing family and I really do need to be better about getting together with them.

Interested in knowing a bit about Franklin. Check this out...

Never made it to the Library, but definitely a cool thing to be known for.

The venue was very nice and over looked this lake which happened to be the site for the "Miracle on Ice"  oh ok, so  I lied...maybe that was Lake Placcid, but it being Stanley cup finals season I couldn't help it

Happy people came in from RI, TX, and AZ for the event.  Here are a few pictures

Mom and Will.  Thanks for doing all the driving Will.  Not easy dealing with the Massholes.

The Bar Mitzvah was animal themed.  And the tables were designated with diffent environments of the world ie Savannah, Tundra, Asian Rainforest, African Rainforest

We had a great time dancing, laughing and taking silly photos

Congrats Harris and thanks for having us for your special day

Newport, Rhode Island

April 15th is my sister Sara's birthday.  This year she would have turned 31. I felt it was important for my own healing to do something special, and not just sit at home in my sadness.  One thing that is always therapeutic for me is travel, and so I decided to honor/celebrate her life by doing that and went to Newport, RI, with my friend Audra.  Thankful that I did.  Such a beautiful city and a great way to spend the day.

 Definitely a cute town with lots of restaurants and shops.  Wonder how fast you can get these little cars going? Hmm, drive one up to Boston?

Newport has approximately 25,000 residents, sits on the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its mansions.  Nowadays some of these are used as parts of the University "Salve Regina" and I don't think any are single family dwellings at this time

I discovered that my Grandma actually lived in Newport, during WWII, when her father was working  making torpedoes for the war.  Sounds a bit scary.   Didn't realize I had family history in the area.  Doubt either of these were the home they lived in.

 It being the off season still we were fortunate to stay at Hotel Viking for quite a discounted price.  The place is huge!!! and has been around since the 1920's.  Our room was a suite with a living room area, and bedroom with two queen beds, and two bathrooms all decorated in New England charm.

Looking out on the water...

 First day was definitely a bit overcast.  But lucked out and had beautiful, sunny weather the next.

 Pardon, Monsieur... Which way did you say?

An explanation of who  Rochambeau was.

 Enjoyed some of the local flare.   You can put money in this statue for a children's charity.

 And sampled some of the local brew

 The cliff walk.  Beautiful day for it.  Such a great spot and so neat to look out upon the Atlantic and see nothing but ocean for miles and miles.

 view along the cliff walk.  Such a lovely spot to spend her birthday.  Was very happy that the sun was shining.  I actually wore sandals and a t-shirt!!

 Decided to be brave and put my feet in the water.  Felt just like bath water : )  Ok, not really was Frrrigid and I only lasted a minute or two.

Scattered some of Sara's ashes at this spot along the cliff walk.  Such a beautiful spot to be able to do so and a wonderful way to remember her today.  

Ending the post with a link to the song "The Trapeze Swinger" by Iron and Wine.    Sara had mentioned it as her favorite song shortly before she died.  Seems an appropriate way to sign off on this entry, a trip that wouldn't have happened this week if it wasn't for her.

Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada

Realizing that we were running out of time to get our winter vacation trip in, Audra and I decided to head to Niagara Falls for the weekend.  After both working an overnight shift we slept for a few hours and managed to get on the road by 12:30.  I was definitely impressed.  Our first stop was a night in Rochester visiting friends and of course stuffing our bellies at Dinasaur Bar- B- Que.  Always delicious.  Although, it was funny when they said we are out of chicken, and steak, and... Almost thought we were going to be eating like a Brontosaurus (yes, I know they never existed)  and not Tyrannosauruses, but fortunately they did have some meat available on the menu.

The highlight of the stop over in Rochester though was being able to see good friends, who I had not seen in way to long.  They even added to the family.

Finally got to meet Liam who is now past his first birthday.  Such a great little guy.   So much fun getting to know him.

Then it was off to the Falls.  Our first stop the American side.  Before crossing the border into Canada.

 looking at Canada

 View of the American Falls.

 We also decided to stop in and watch the IMAX film about Niagara.  Apparently we were the only ones that thought this would be a good idea.

Then off to see if the Canadians would let us cross the border.  : )

Seriously have some Vit D deficiency going on.  We are both so very pale.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites which offers great views of the falls.  Although the hotel was packed, didn't realize that it was spring break week for Canada.  I was definitely surprised at the number of families.

 View from our Hotel room.  Definitely wasn't always this clear.  Had a day of fog that you couldn't even see the falls.  Being winter some of the usual tourist attractions- the "Maid of the Mist" and the "duck tour" ( don't think that is it's actual name) were not open.  They did however have a "Journey Behind the Falls" that we decided to do.  Um, yeah this is what behind the falls looks like in the winter.

Seriously, basically paid to ride an elevator.   Have to wonder if this isn't some prank thought up by the employees of Niagara to make the winter days more interesting.

Such a fun trip though.  It was great to see the falls with all the snow and ice.  We gorged ourselves with yummy food, enjoyed a free glass of wine at Happy Hour in the hotel, ordered in On-Demand movies, slept in, swam in the pool and soaked in the hot tub.

Here's a few more photos from the trip.  Another great winter vacation in the books.

Flagstaff and Scottsdale, Arizona

Went home between the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) Unfortunately, working as a nurse makes getting holidays off difficult and with living across the country from my family, I really did not want to deal with the airlines during those times.  Instead I decided to head home and celebrate my favorite holiday for 2014.  My Birthday!!!  I figure that having completed my 35th year I will only be moving on to bigger and better things.  Sure the grief process continues and will for years and yes I do have to continue to see my oncologist and continue with testing, but I'm determined to make 36 great for me.

The trip started with delicious Pizza and Pablo Picasso salad from Oreganos, at my mom's house, with friends.  I wish Oreganos would franchise out of AZ.  Specifically Coolidge Corner in Brookline.  Seriously, Yummy!  Thanks to Kate, Mom, Will, Tory, Jason, Aria, Maurice, Svetlana, Robbie, Nicole, Raina, Robert all for stopping by to celebrate

Over the weekend we held an "Estate Sale" at Sara's condo and invited her friends over to look thru her things and take items of need or remember her by.  It was a nice way to let go of her stuff knowing that it would be going to people who loved and cared about her

  The living room in her condo.  I was impressed with the space.  Wish I could have seen it when she was alive.

 Fortunately,  the week was mostly filled with meeting up with friends,  getting to some of my favorite restaurants, and even got to an African Dance class with Kate.  Wish they hadn't cancelled the one here in Brookline.  Even made to Sedona and Prescott to see family

Grams and I enjoying a margarita together

Mom, Kate and I decided to have a girls weekend away to Scottsdale to relax and unwind after a difficult few months.  We were fortunate to stay at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale.  It being on the edge of the city is surrounded by beautiful desert views.   Unfortunately, the weather did not always cooperate and we did have some rain, but had a great time watching movies in the room, swimming in the pool,  soaking in the hot tub, visiting with friends and Grandma Blanche.

 Our Hotel. 

 What is up with the clouds? This is AZ

 Wow, my Aloe plant is really struggling compared to this guy

 Saguaro Cactus.  All the different cacti are fun to see and beautiful in their own way.  Especially in the spring when they bloom

Enjoying a morning walk.  A partially cloudy day for AZ : )
We had a great time, but of course had to return up north to Flag

and a little snow.  Had a great time.  Hated having to say goodbye to  everyone. 

Montclair Turkey Day Celebrations

Took Amtrak down to NJ to spend Thanksgiving with Callahans.  Had a great time eating a lot of delicious food.  Besides the Turkey Day feast on Thanksgiving, we also managed to fit in meals of -Sushi, Pizza, and Indian food.  

 

 Emily making some "Thumbprint" cookies and me making sure the wine is safe

 



Aunt Patty and Katie came down to Montclair for a day on Friday.  We went to the cemetery where Grandpa Joe is buried and scattered some of Sara's ashes.  I'm sure she would get a kick out of knowing that her ashes were breaking laws in more than one state across the country. 

 

View of the Manhattan skyline.  Great view even when it is overcast



 

 The next day went to Hoboken to see Emily's Apartment.  Very cute studio with a surprisingly large closet.  After Aunt Kathe and I walked around, looked at views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hoboken architecture and went to lunch. 

 Before getting on my train back to Boston I snapped a few photos in Manhattan.  Fun that the
holiday decorations are up. 

 Macy's Holiday theme this year was the planets.  The story followed a boy traveling for Christmas around our Solar System.  Had to head to Penn Station for my train so didn't read the story. 

Will have to make it back to NYC for some wintertime touristy fun. Had a nice Thanksgiving and was good to see everyone

I've had some rough stuff come up this year, but I also have a lot to be thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving