East Coast Wrap Up - 2014

First of all, I think I've eaten more in the last four weeks than I have in the previous four months!!!  Bread - pasta - pie - candy - popcorn!  All the things I've avoided for so long.  So when I get back to Dallas, it's back on the Paleo bandwagon.

On Monday, we picked up Lorraine and the three of us had lunch at Rutt's Hut.  Rippers; onion rings [too greasy for my taste]; and fries with brown gravy!!!  I tasted the onion rings long into the night!  After lunch, we did a little light shopping and then took Lorraine to two furniture stores to look for a loveseat for her TV room.  We found one at Raymour and Flanagan that all three of us liked.  During our "looking" we commented on the rudeness of Lorraine; her anti socialism; her orneriness; and her big ASS - none of which is true - LOTS and LOTS of laughter ensued!  She really is Our Big Sister! And is LOVED so very much!

We tried to stop in to see Uncle Tony Giuseffi who will be 100 in January, but he wasn't at home!  That man!!!!

Vicki prepared a beautiful dinner and we watched a little TV and hit the sack early!

Tuesday!  What a perfectly beautiful day!  It was colder in Dallas than it was here today.  And SUN!!!  Beautiful blue skies!  Just a great day.

Vicki INSISTED that I try a slice from Rose's Pizza in Garfield and thank God she did.  It was probably the BEST pizza I've had in nearly 50 years.  I sure could have eaten another slice but we had other plans.  If you're ever within 50 miles of this place, you MUST go get a slice.

Now, off to Hot Grill in Clifton.  It's a hot dog joint that's been there for over 60 years but I was committed to Ott's Spot back in The Day so I wasn't aware of it.  They're called Texas Weiners but in Dallas, we call them chili dogs.  Vicki and I decided to share as we're also planning to go out to dinner tonight.  The fries are doused with chili as well but I only had one.  I liked the "Texas Weiner" a lot!

We were going to hit DiAnna's Bakery Garfield to get a cannoli, but we decided against it.

We decided to head back over to Wood-Ridge to see if Uncle Tony was home.  In fact, he was.  The reason he wasn't there yesterday was he was in the hospital!!!!  He'd SAID he'd had a little heart attack last Friday and had been there until last night or today.  He doesn't look bad for a man who just got out of the hospital and who is going to turn ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD in January!!!  Being who he is, he poo pooed his "alleged" heart attack and said he'd been kept too long.  What a feisty guy he is now and always has been!

So, after a little rest at home, we had dinner at The Crow's Nest, which has become a ritual these past several years, on my last evening in New Jersey.  As we were finishing dinner, Gail and John Dunn [Gail is Uncle Tony's daughter] came in and were seated behind us.

John and Gail Dunn

Naturally, we asked about Uncle Tony's condition and what to our wondering ears should we hear:  he didn't have a heart attack.  He had some symptoms but all was clean and clear.  Very thankful for that!  Oh, and by the way, our dinners were great.  I had short ribs and Vicki had monkfish francaise.  She'll be eating leftovers for several days.  They give WAY too much food at that place!!!

So, now I'm settled in on Vicki's loveseat.  I'm pretty much all packed except for the last minute things.  It's been such a wonderful trip and I LOVE MY FAMILY SO VERY MUCH!!!!  I'm anxious to get back to Dallas but hate leaving.  Bittersweet!  But so very thankful for the time spent here and for Vicki who is the Ultimate Tour Guide / Chauffeur / Sister / Friend / Chef / Hostess - not necessarily in that order!

 So . . .

November 2014 - Vermont

We were able to leave Hackensack at 7:15-ish on Wednesday but just a few miles north on Route 17, we encountered standstill traffic due to an accident involving a few cars.  Fortunately, the delay was only about 20 minutes and the remainder of the trip was smooth sailing.

Interesting bridge on the New York Thruway

Me and my Very Capable Driver

Steve's plane was due in Burlington around 1:00 p.m. and our original plan was for him to Uber into town and we'd meet up with him.  Due to the reliability of the Garmin, we got to BIA around 1:10 p.m., saving Steve Uber money!  We went into town and grabbed lunch at the Farmhouse Tap & Grill.  Steve had the crispy pig head and declared it delicious.  Vicki and I each had the chicken salad sandwich [which we should have shared as it was huge] and they got our whole hearted approval.

Steeple in Burlington

One of the many things I love about Vermont is the abundance of steeples!  I photographed many in Montpelier last year and may have to make a calendar for me!

After a little walk, we headed to the Golden Eagle Resort in Stowe.  In years past, we've stayed in Waterbury but decided on a change.  The grounds are enormous!

And the rooms are very large, each with a balcony.  Above is our view!

After checking in and resting a bit, we headed out to meet Jim and Sue for dinner.  This year, we selected Michael's on the Hill which was highly rated.  Thanks to the time change, there was no view.  The restaurant is charming and cozy, and the food was very nice.  One of the highlights [to me] was the Fig Manhattan which I had for dessert!  It was my first manhattan of any kind and I've now become a fan.  We chatted for quite some time but since we who traveled were tired, we decided to end our evening at a reasonable hour.

Brother Jim and SIL Sue

Jim, Sue, Steve, me and Vicki

On Thursday, Jim and Sue picked us up around 10:30 and we headed off to Hill Farmhouse Brewery which is touted as having the BEST brews in the U.S.  The trip was interesting as we drove through beautiful farm land but in some places, it looked as if we were passing meth labs!  The Brewery didn't open until noon and when we got there, of course, there was a line. The wait was only about 20 minutes and the weather wasn't too bad yet.  We sampled four brews and dubbed Nelson the best!

I learned what a Growler was a few years ago at Heady Topper, but this year I learned that a smaller Growler is a Growlet!  Steve and Jim each bought a Growler filled with Nelson to take back to the Markley House for our festivities.

This interesting building is across the street from the Brewery.  I just liked the image so I thought I'd share.

On the way back to Stowe, we stopped in the cute little town of Hardwick.  We checked out the Co-Op and then grabbed lunch at Positive Pie.  For the table, we had fried Brussels Sprouts which were absolutely wonderful, and the dipping sauce [which I can't name] was terrific!  Steve and I split a pulled [local] pork sandwich which was the best I've ever had.  Vicki enjoyed her Italian Chicken as did Jim; and Sue said the Beef Stew was very good.  Here are a few photos I took in Hardwick.

Jim and Sue dropped us back at the GER and they headed home to wait for Sidney and Chris to arrive from New Hampshire.

Vicki's son, Matt, and his family were on their way from Massachusetts but didn't get an early start as Laura had a field trip to Plymouth Plantation.  So, while we waited for them to arrive, Vicki, Steve and I went across the street to The Bench for a little something to eat.

Finally, at 8:30 p.m., after over five hours of driving in the rain, The Little People and their parents arrived.  WOW but those kiddos have grown!

After a few hours of chatting and playing, it was time for This Old Broad to hit the sack!

On Friday, after breakfast at McCarthy's across the street, Steve, Vicki and I did some hunting and gathering for things to take to Jim and Sue's.  The snow had already fallen on the ski slopes but was now falling in town.  Nothing serious, but it sure was nice to look at.  We stopped back at the GER to pick up Laura and Josh while Matt and Carol had some free time.  We made the annual trip to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for some absolutely fabulous cider!

Long-legged Laura and Goofball Josh!

Then, we were off to Ben & Jerry's for a cone!

As always, Jim and Sue hosted an absolutely wonderful feast!

Carol and Laura

Me, SIL Sue and Sis Vicki

Cousins Chris, Steve, Matt and Pat

Steve and Jim guarding the Burgundy and Bordeaux

Chris and Sydney

On Saturday, everyone gathered at the Golden Eagle Resort for a hike on one of their trails.  What a beautiful day for a hike!  Cold with snow here and there.

Vicki, Chris and Sydney

Vicki, Pat, Chris, Sydney, Steve and Me

The Markleys:  Jim, Sue, Pat, Chris and Sydney

We all didn't finish the hike together but met at the bottom of the trail.

Some of us worked up an appetite on the hike, so we went over to the Vermont Ale House and enjoyed a bite to eat.  Then back to get freshened up and back up to Jim and Sue's to finish off the feast from the previous evening, and a fun-filled game of Heads Up for all!!!

On Sunday, Steve, Vicki and I stopped up at Jim and Sue's to say farewell until next year.  [sad face, for sure].  Steve's flight wasn't until 3:30 or so but we dropped him off at BIA and he was able to get a much early flight.  Vicki and I stopped at Shelburne Farms [Vicki needed a t-shirt] and then had breakfast in Middlebury at Rosie's.  As we got to Hackensack around 6:30, I got a text from Steve that he'd just landed, and when Vicki called Matt to let him know we'd gotten home safely, he said they'd just arrived home as well.  So all the chicklets were in their homes at an early time.

So that's it for this year in Vermont.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  I sure wish we all lived closer to each other!!!  I just LOVE my family and LOVE the time I get to spend with everyone in Vermont.  Of course, I don't leave New Jersey until Wednesday, so there just might be more fun to be had.

October / November 2014

Well, as I said:  not much to report.  We did a little shopping [WHAT?!?!?] and a lot of relaxing.  On Friday [Halloween], we're preparing dinner for nephew Dan, his girlfriend, Kelly and Kelly's parents.  A real Fall dinner:  pork roast, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, red cabbage!!!  My mouth waters as I type this.  Here are a few photos from the evening's festivities!

Nephew Dan and Kelly's dad, Lou

Lou, Joy, Kelly and Dan

Very nice folks and we had a really good time getting to know Kelly's parents.

Saturday was rainy, blustery and chilly so we stayed in.  Vicki actually wanted to have a garage sale but we'd been watching the weather forecasts and bagged it for now.  Gina came over for dinner.  She brought Vicki beautiful yellow roses.

 As you can see, Vicki is a Sock Fan.  We chatted and laughed, and again, another good time was had.

Sunday was sunny but WOW was it ever WINDY!!!  We [Vicki] drove [very carefully] to Carmel, New York to Cousin John and Liz McKinlay's home.  John was at work when we got there but since I'm his favorite far-away cousin, he came home.  Here's the proof:

We had a lovely time and lots of yummy food!  I could kick myself as I was totally swept into the fun and chatting that I forgot to take any other photos.  The Biggest Fail was that for YEARS and YEARS and YEARS, Melissa [Laurie's daughter] and I have had our photo taken together.  This was started by her grandmother - my Aunt Irene!  In all the festivities, we all forgot.  Also, Melissa just became engaged to Zion.  They're a cute couple and plan on having an engagement party on New Year's Eve.  Wedding plans are being scheduled.

Olivia and Jaclyn are growing like weeds and are just beautiful.  After lunch, we had several heated games of Heads Up!  Of course, more laughter ensued!

We hated to leave but wanted to get home before dark and with this stupid time change, we headed south to Hackensack, and grabbed a quick bite at The Crow's Nest.

Monday was spent running a few errands, stopping at Smash Burger for a bite, picking up a few things in preparation for our Vermont trip.

It's Tuesday and we're doing laundry, Vicki's going out to vote, I'm blogging and then this evening we'll get all packed.  Hopefully, we'll get on the road fairly early on Wednesday.  I'm excited to see The Little People and, of course, all my other relatives - including my Number One Son who we'll pick up at the airport or in Burlington, depending on when we leave here.

So for those two of you who reminded me I was negligent in publishing my blog, here it is.  So, don't remind me as I'm not going to publish until we get back from Vermont.

Ciao!