October 2014 - Part One

On Sunday, October 12, I arrived at Newark Liberty and the weather was clear and a million - nary a cloud in the sky with a very pleasant temperature.  Vicki and I met as we both headed to the luggage carousel.  My bag was retrieved and we chatted our way to her car.  For the second time in about ten years, the airlines damaged my luggage to the extent I will have to buy a new piece.  No, I didn't drag it back inside and upstairs to complain as it was scraping the ground and threatening to fall apart.  So, picture SAD FACE.

Before heading to Hackensack, we stopped at the Renaissance Hotel to pop in on nephew Dan, who just got a job there as Desk Clerk.  He's such a People Person that I'm sure he'll be running the Marriott Corporation before too long. ;0)

We, then, dropped my things off at Vicki's home.  She has a great home and has it decorated just beautifully, with the exception of one room just off her kitchen.  Since she's lived there [11 years], she used the room as a "catch all" place, but in her mind, she had a vision.  A couple of times during my visits, we'd start to clean it out, but it was overwhelming.  This year, our plan was to have a garage sale and try to get rid of a lot of the stuff in that room and the basement.  Let me just say:  my sister has NEVER been able to keep a secret.  However, unbeknownst to me, she, my brother Jim, and my SIL Sue started working on the room over Labor Day weekend.  She also had the help of a few friends and installers from a floor store.  Her plan was to let me stumble upon the room on my own but she just couldn't wait or she'd pop so she led me there!  The room is just beautiful - it's her Summer Kitchen - full of windows and all the things she's been collecting for 11 years.  Below is a photo of the room and one of Vicki eating her first meal, which I'd prepared Monday morning.

The room is so HER - bright and sunny and full of color.

After I was able to scrape my jaw off the floor, we headed over to Red Robin for a burger.  I, of course, had a libation - a tequila pear martini.  It was just okay in taste but very pretty.  I'd much rather sip a nice tequila.

Then home to unpack and hit the sack.

On Monday, we decided to do a little shopping.  After all, I had to get a new suitcase.  Since it was Columbus Day, we decided NOT to hit a major mall.  If you've ever been in the area, the Garden State Plaza parking lot is packed on a normal day.  Definitely a place to avoid on a holiday.  Ran a few errands, bought a suitcase and then did some grocery shopping before heading home.

We combined our culinary talents and prepared a beautiful dinner.

Believe me, it was as good as it looked.  Vicki prepared a wonderful salmon; I made the smashed purple potatoes [with sour cream and butter]; and I prepped and Vicki cooked the broccoli.  I love purple potatoes and Vicki had never had them.  They're harder to find here but we've not gone to Whole Foods yet and I'm sure they have them.  In any case, Fairway has them, but it's a little out of the way.

On Tuesday, we decided to take in a movie, so off to Garden State Plaza.  We got there early as Vicki wanted to get a new pair of sunglasses at Lenscrafters.  Unfortunately, while she was doing her deal, I spied THE pair of frames I've been looking for.  I hadn't planned on spending THAT kind of money on my trip, but I wanted to strike while the iron was hot.  Vicki's were ready in an hour - I have to wait 10 to 14 days for mine.  Another SAD FACE.

We saw The Judge which was not what I was expecting.  Very good; great acting; emotional; funny in places.  Probably a three tissue film.  After that we did a little shopping [no tax on clothing here, so it's compulsory], and then grabbed an early dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.  Then, home, a little TV and bed.  We ARE a pair of exciting Old Broads.

On Wednesday morning, after waking up my back and a few cups of coffee, I did a 45 minute walk while Vicki took care of things in the house.  Walking here isn't at all like walking at home.  There are actually pretty steep hills around her house and I could feel my buttocks warning me, but I persevered and listened to a podcast while walking.

I sat on the porch to cool off before my shower when Vicki told me not to shower as she wanted to do a little hike in a forrest in Teaneck.  So she went off to her appointment and when she got back, we went to Teaneck for a hike.  The area is off Puffin Road and I so wanted to see a Puffin but wasn't lucky enough.  The trails are well cared for and marked nicely.  At the parking area [which is shared by the Puffin Museum] there is a sculpture gallery outdoors.  Really nice.  I took a few photos with my iPhone but next time will take my Nikon.  Here are the few that I / Vicki took:

The first one above was actually along one of the trails that we took.  This was really a surprising place - in the middle of a densely populated area with bird sounds, little streams burbling away, and the sound of trees being ruffled by a breeze.  We only saw one human along the way and he was carrying a proper camera.

Then home, showers, and dinner preparation.  Vicki found a recipe for Stuffed Peppers which had a Mexican flair, so we tried it.  It was good, but no cigars.  For some reason, neither one of us felt satisfied afterward.

Thursday:  Nephew Dan dropped in this morning as he was curious about the secret the entire family was keeping from us.  Yes, he liked the Summer Kitchen.  After he left, Vicki continued getting ready for our day and I prepared a stunning omelet.  After partaking of said omelet, we ventured over to Wood-Ridge and picked up Lorraine for our day out.  We went to Ridgefield Park to Starplex [WHAT COMFY CHAIRS] and saw Gone Girl.  The movie was completely engaging and while well over two hours long, seemed to fly by.  Did we like it?  Yes - except for the ending, even though we'd been told it followed the book.  Well, harumph - didn't like the ending and probably would not have liked the ending of the book.

After the film, we went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner, partially to celebrate Lorraine's birthday which was in September.  Nice meal and lots of chatting.  Here is proof: Vicki, Lorraine and me.

Lorraine is The Best and I never tire of her stories, laughter and unexpected F Bombs.  She's like a Big Sister to me and I just love her to pieces.

On Friday, we're just going to do laundry and prepare for our trip to Wildwood and Pennsylvania.  I'm going to try to squeeze in a walk but that's up in the air.  So, I'll post this tonight and probably won't post again for a week - unless something unexpectedly earth shattering happens.  Ciao.

Vicki's 2014 Trip - Part 4

The thing about blogging is, if I don't do it on a daily basis, I forget what we've done.  Hopefully, I'll get this right.

On Tuesday, we headed up to McKinney to do some mirror shopping.  Of course, one of our very most favorite places to shop is The Little Red Hen which sells clothing. ;0)  And yes, we each bought some.  Alas, no photos.

A little off the Square, there is an antique mall and I got another mirror for over the tub, as well as a large tin and "jewels" crown for over my bed.  See below.  ;0)

At Plum Creek Primitives [also on the Square] I bought some round placemats for the kitchen table.  More on that later.

Of course, since Emporium Pies is new in McKinney, we had to see if it's as good as the one in Bishop Arts.  It's safe to say IT SURE IS!!!  Vicki had the Lord of the Pies again which is a deep dish apple pie with caramel swirls.  I ventured out and tried the Drunken Nut which was a yummy pecan pie.  I will say MY pecan pie is better.  Just saying.

On Wednesday, we picked up Gal Pal Val and then met Mary Yates at Forestwood Antiques.  I think I got 4 or 5 small mirrors there and fell in love with a beautiful heart shaped one but left that one there as it was a tad pricey.  I might have to go back but for now it will have to stay there.  After lunch at The Chocolate Angel and a little shopping in nearby stores, we headed to North Dallas Antique Mall, and yes, I got another mirror.  It was a fun fun fun day with My Mirror Mavens!!!  And yes, I've been kicking myself in the butt for not getting a photo of the four of us!!!  Dang me!!!!

When Vicki and I got home, all the mirrors were hung and to me, at least, it looks wonderful - better than I expected.  If course, more mirrors can [and will] be added to the two alcove walls.

On Thursday, we hurried back to McKinney as one of the placemats I bought on Tuesday didn't match.  The "hurrying" part was because bad weather was predicted and the skies looked horrible.  But nary a drop hit us.  After a stop at Stonebrier for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, we headed home.  

After a bit of a rest, we grabbed Jay and hurried to Nate's for dinner.  Again, not a drop but the skies continued to be scary.

Thankfully, we didn't get the bad weather - just a little rain - but just a little north of us, it was very scary with lots of large hail - tennis ball sized!  Lots of damage in and around Denton and points north of here.

No films tonight - just being sisters:

And now, it's Friday.  I dropped Vicki off at the airport at around ten o'clock this morning and I feel like a fish out of water / a man without a country / lonely.  I took these two photos this morning just before she left:

We had a very good visit and did a ton of things.  I just wish we lived closer so we could see each other more than just a couple times a year - but I'm VERY grateful for that!

And so ends a wonderful 16 days with My Sister Vicki!!!  I LOVE YOU, VICKI!!!

Vicki's 2014 Visit - Part 3

On Monday, after the speed bump in Oklahoma City, we drove to Tulsa.  I have a Garmin for my car but probably since I've not connected it to my iMac in two or three years, it's not really up to date.  So, Darling Siri guided us to our stop for the night - The Best Western in Tulsa.  We grabbed dinner at Ruby Tuesday which was right next door, and retired early.

We left Tulsa early-ish on Tuesday, and stopped for a few photo ops along the way to Little Rock.

Vicki's proof we were in Broken Arrow, OK

 On the way to Muskogee, we spied a sign that noted a WWII museum and after a few wrong turns wandered through an industrial area at the end of which was a CLOSED WWII museum.  The USS Batfish is stored there on the Arkansas River [not the Red River as someone mentioned].  Since the museum was closed and we had no access to the USS Batfish, there's no photo of it.  Instead, . . .

A tank and truck.

 We'd read that there were several antique malls in and around Muskogee, as well as an Indian Museum.  We were told the antique malls are only open Wednesday through Sunday so another speed bump.  We did, however, find the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and spent some time being entertained and guided by Ron Borren, a musicologist and 7th generation Texan who moved to Oklahoma when he was a kid.

Here's the "dance hall" where performances are held and t-shirts are sold.  Yes, that's Vicki buying a couple of t-shirts.

After a quick stop at Braum's for a cone, we headed to Little Rock.  We toured the River Market and were told by a couple of folks that it was Spring Break and we might not find a hotel / motel.  We did a little shopping and touring, of course, but nothing noteworthy.  Since we'd been sitting a lot, we needed to get in some much-needed exercise.

At one point, a panhandler aggressively crossed the street to try to get to us, but when he saw that we picked up the pace, he went back to the other side of the street.

We decided to head westward about 30 miles to find another Best Western, which we did - and it was pretty close to an Applebee's so we chowed down there.

Along the way, we saw some spectacular puffy white trees and when we got home, I did a little research.  They were either Dogwood [but I'm familiar with them and they aren't very puffy] or Crape Trees.  In any case, they were beautiful and in some areas there were Redbuds nearby and the scene was remarkable.

Our trip home was uneventful [thankfully] with just a spritz or two of rain.

On Thursday, we hit a few "antique" places in and around Old Downtown Plano where I got two more mirrors.  High Street in Plano is a definite do again.

On Friday, we went to Fort Worth to the Montgomery Street Antique Mall which has 61,000 square feet of merchandise.  I got a mirror there, but the prices were much higher than in Plano.  We met a lovely lady there, Traci Williams, who told us to go to Lula B's two locations in Dallas.  After a little drive around Fort Worth, we had lunch at AF and B [American Food and Beverage].  Grass fed burgers and stupendous fries.  A definite do again.  Fort Worth has changed SO much since I lived there.

On Saturday, we did a little shopping.  Vicki talked to Matt at Lenscrafters as her new glasses didn't seem right.  She's going to have that taken care of when she gets back to New Jersey.  I'd bought a Fossill handbag a few weeks ago that just didn't seem to work for me so I took that back to the Fossill store at Stonebrier and then found another - cheaper - handbag at Macy's - 40% off!!!  Love a bargain.

On Sunday, we went to Lula B's in Deep Ellum and ran into Tracy Williams.  Didn't find anything there so we went to the Lula B's on Riverfront where I found two more mirrors.  The White Elephant is next door and they had some nice things but not what I was looking for.

On another note, we've NOT been to the movies since Vicki got here, but did watch a few films on Amazon Prime - The Descendants and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel [which Vicki hadn't seen] and Dallas Buyer's Club and Mud, both of which were very good.   It looks like we might not make it to the theater as our Dance Cards are full for the rest of the week.

So, that's a wrap for now.  Check back soon.

Vicki's 2014 Visit - Part 2

The best laid plans of Mice and Men . . .  Get the drift?  Vicki requested that we visit the American Indian Museum in Oklahoma City and since I'd seen several ads on TV about it, I secured the address, entered it into my Garmin and we headed off nice and early on Monday, March 24.  The trip was uneventful, the weather was nice and we got to Oklahoma City in good time.  However, when we got to 900 N. Broadway, there was no museum - it was a very upscale bicycle shop.  The young men inside said "the museum isn't open yet" and when I looked at my watch, they said "it's still under construction."  The office, however, was upstairs and we went up there and chatted with two lovely ladies who said the museum would open in 2019!!!  Hopefully, I'll be alive in 2019 and we'll try again.

So, we went to the Oklahoma City National Memorial which was stunning, breathtaking, sad and beautiful.  So many emotions, tears filling my eyes when seeing the tiny chairs.  These photographs don't begin to do it justice.  Absolutely amazing!!!

The last two above are at St. Joseph's Church just across the street.

After a quick lunch at Blu's BBQ, we headed to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.  It was definitely not what we expected have heard so many superlatives about it. In my humble opinion, the museums in Fort Worth are much better, if smaller. We were in and out in about 90 minutes but I did catch a few photos of some things:

So, having our day cut short due to one museum not being open for five years and the other being less than what we'd heard [in our opinions], we decided not to stay in Oklahoma City and instead headed east to Tulsa.  After a little dinner next door at Ruby Tuesday, we're now in our PJs at the Best Western.  Our plan for Tuesday is heading further east, going through Broken Arrow and Muskogee and heading to Little Rock or thereabouts.  Do tune in, if you've a liking.

Vicki's Visit to Dallas 2014 - Part 1

Well, Vicki arrived on March 19th and after a few days of catching up, we headed out, and since Vicki had just gotten her eyes examined, we headed to Lenscrafters at Willow Bend and picked out her new glasses.  What do you think?

On Saturday, we retrieved Steve for a visit to The Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff.  We had our "first meal" at Lockhart BBQ and it was very good.  The brisket was the best but the sausage was very good.  The ribs - well, Angelo's in Fort Worth has much better ribs.  After that we did a little shopping and walking around.  Vicki found this:

Dessert was in order so we walked over to Emporium Pies!!  Oh My Goodness!!!!  Killer Pies!!!  Below is Vicki's Apple Caramel, Steve's Snowball [coconut cream] and my Key Lime.  Absolutely amazing!!!

Still walking around, we moseyed over to Ten Bells Tavern and had a libation and shared a Creamcicle Pancake.  Sorry, no pic of the pancake.  Below, coffee, beer and mimosa.

Saw this on the way to Ten Bells Tavern and just had to snap.

After The Bishop Arts, we headed over to Clyde Warren Park which underwhelmed me.  It's nice but should and could have been much larger.  Not really big enough for a concert of any substance, but a nice transition from one end of town to the other.  Here's Vicki in front of the mosaic at the DMA:

On Sunday, Vicki and I did laundry and planned our OK City etc. trip.  Jay was lovely enough to take us to dinner at Chamberlain's Fish Market:

So, off to bed early in order to get an early start to Oklahoma.