Beach or Bust

Our family vacation began very early in the morning and brought us through five states before the smell of sand and salt water signaled our arrival to the beach, our first stop of a two week trip.

I decided to photo-journal our way through 8 hours of driving and I loved it! As a novice at car- speed photography, I did miss some good shots, but I hope they are tucked away into the memory bank somewhere and make their way back to consciousness or at least a dream or two.

One shot that I missed early on was that of a huge coyote. I mean HUGE. I would say wolf, and who knows, it could have been. He was just hanging out on a hill to the right side of the highway. What was disturbing is we came to the toll plaza and the hustle and bustle of civilization just after passing him. This dude was WELL FED and close to development. Yikes.

Soon over the border into NJ, I saw a “Really??” category! I missed this shot too- a lady in blue and yellow curlers. Anyone who has driven on the NJ turnpike knows that traffic is at the speed of light pace and the lanes on the highway are narrow. It’s the one state that I white knuckle it through whether as a driver or passenger! She passed by too quickly and we could never catch up enough to get a good shot. Oh, well. Seems this practice of hairstyling is making a comeback.

Driving through Northern/mid- Jersey, you get that tough, don’t mess with me kinda feeling; like Tony Soprano is going to pass by at any minute and you sure as heck don’t want to make eye contact. Just drive. That seems to dissipate as you get closer to the shore points, thank goodness. Once you pass into Delaware, it’s like every man for himself. There are crazy intersections cutting across 4 lane, bumper to bumper traffic. It’s nuts. Once past Dover, we got off route 13 which would eventually bring us to our destination of Virginia Beach. Here I could finally feel that nice, relaxed, Southern country, laid- back, sit on the porch and watch the world go by attitude and was able to take a quick cat-nap.

Into Maryland we went and now came the old gas stations, old country stores and fields of peach trees and corn. It seemed the day we were travelling through was a day for a big county garage sale. These folks were serious- they didn’t have just tables of stuff, they had flat-beds! It is in this state that the billboards started getting interesting and they started to make their way into the camera lens.

We then crossed into Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay area. Did you know that the beginning of the Chesapeake Bay actually begins in Cooperstown, NY? Yup, it’s true. We started to make our way across the Bay Bridge Tunnel, 13 miles of engineering that takes you through 2 tunnels under the bay. It is absolutely beautiful.

We soon reach the beach and I am now in full vacation mode. After a two month stint of rain and cool weather, summer has finally smacked me right in the face with hot, sticky air and I love it. Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville” was on the radio as we drove past beachcombers with arms full of straw bags and beach chairs. Could vacation start out any better?

Our visit begins at my mother and step-father’s home which is a few blocks from the beach. My mom is the ultimate make-you-feel-at-home type of hostess, offering coffee or lemonade to help us unwind from our long journey. The kids could not change into their suits fast enough to go hop in the pool for a quick dip before going to dinner with my brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. Dinner was lovely and I was so glad to be surrounded by family.

The next few days were beach days and my, oh my, it was hot! Heat indexes were topping 105 degrees and full humidity, so beach time was spent mostly under an umbrella. Our kids were in dire straits for new flip-flops, so we decided to walk the boardwalk to a shop close by as we were in the perfect setting for such footwear. It didn’t take long to find what we searched for and we were soon on our way back to the house and a cold pool.


We came upon the coolest statue of King Neptune (or Poseidon depending on whether you are following Greek or Roman myth). I’ve seen King Neptune from a distance, but I have never actually been up close and personal. It was absolutely beautiful and I could not stop taking pictures of him. The camera did not capture how striking this was against the deep blue sky and surf just beyond. A true treasure on the Virginia Beach shore.


Our next stop was my brother and sister-in-law’s home. The kids were itching to hang out 24/7 with their cousins and the adults felt the same way too. I really miss seeing my brother and his family. My niece and nephew are growing up so fast and it makes me wish we lived closer to one another. But, time happens in the here and now so we filled our visit together with stories, games, food (my brother makes a kick-ass salsa and guacamole!) go kart races and roller coasters. We even snuck in a 5:40am spin class with my sister-in-law!

The first leg of our vacation came to a close way too soon. That old saying “Time flies when you’re having fun” certainly rang true for this visit. I felt that little pang in the gut as we drove off blowing kisses and waving good-bye. I can’t wait to have them visit us during the winter to ski, build snowmen or just catch snowflakes on our tongues.

An Inch and Granny

Ok, I’m interrupting my vacation post writings to jump up on my soapbox for a minute to get something off my chest.

Yesterday I went out with my dear friends Lisa & Alison for a bike ride. It was an absolutely beautiful day, a late summer/fall day with the perfect mixture of everything; brilliant blue sky with the cotton-white clouds, no humidity and cozy warmth from the sun. I almost didn’t go as Alison and I rode pretty hard the day before and I was tired from having a glass too many of wine from a girl’s night out. But, I threw my bike in the car and said F-it, I’ll go.

Seems that was on the mind of my companions as well and we had a “Nantucket Day” ride ahead of us; just a nice casual spin full of conversation and soaking in the surroundings, not a day to hammer out a workout. The only goal I set for myself was to NOT use my “Granny Gear” on any hill.

Ok, Soapbox time.

We were maybe 7 miles into our ride and were talking about getting out of the saddle vs. sitting while doing climbs and what muscles are built with each style. I love when Lisa shares her training knowledge; I learn a lot from her pointers. As we were riding during the week and in the middle of the afternoon, traffic was minimal; however, the traffic that was out there was downright scary.

Most riders will take advantage of the chat time with riding side by side so you can hear what the other is saying. If you hear or see a car coming from behind, a rider will say “car back” and someone will ride ahead so that a single file line is made. As Lisa and I were talking, we hear a car horn beeping and I started to ride ahead to move over for the car. Before I even had a full revolution to my chain, a speeding red truck was blowing by and within an inch of brushing the side of my arm. It took my breath away. The driver must have laid on the horn only seconds before passing. I shared the same thought that Alison spoke out loud “He didn’t even give you a chance to move over!” My immediate reaction was to give a full hand salute, a better gesture I thought than a true flipping the finger.

What is the freaking hurry? There is no traffic what-so-ever on the road ahead of you or behind you. You have three riders on the road, which I might add is a bike-shared road, that are no match for your half-ton vehicle. Why on earth do you feel the need to pass in such a manner? If you were an inch closer, you would have been in a hurry to go nowhere but a courtroom. Drivers do not think of the consequences to their actions until it is too late. Like Lisa wrote in one of her blog posts, just once, drivers should ride a bike on a road to experience what it is really like to ride with traffic. Drivers don’t realize that if we are in the road, we are avoiding a huge hole, glass, debris, or it could be that there is no pavement to the right of the white line. For whatever reason, drivers seem to get so angry when they see a cyclist on the road that it takes all rationality out of the brain and instead the mindset of “I’ll show them” sets in. Just remember, and inch will not only change my life and your life, but it will change the life of my husband, my kids, my family and my friends. Was your pass really worth all that?

Ok, I’ve climbed off the box and appreciate you letting me vent for a moment.

The ride continued through winding roads to a familiar stop on our route. It was nice to grab a drink and sit and chat. We continued back and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and company.

I am happy to say that “granny” was not visited on this ride and I hope that the girls and I can share another “Nantucket Day” again soon.

Vacation is all I Ever Wanted…

It has been a full 10 days since my last blog post and I must say that I missed writing!

After a very stressful year, our family decided to take a much needed vacation and visit relatives near the beach and in the city. We did a lot of remodeling in our home last year, so when asked “What are you doing for vacation?” I simply replied “Looking out my new sliding door and sitting in my finished basement.” This summer, we were free to travel!

Surf and sand were on the first leg of the trip.

We left very early, maybe 5:30am- not quite sure of this time frame because as we were walking out the door we heard strange sounds coming from one of our cabinets in the kitchen. My husband opened one of the doors and down came a cascade of water bottles; the clips holding the shelving that held all of our drinking glasses broke and was leaning to one side. We quickly unloaded the shelf, thankful that no glass was broken and lined the counter with them. As a small side-note; I am a little OCD when it comes to traveling and having the kitchen clean-so having things on my counters to greet me when we returned was not sitting well. My husband turned to me and said “All things out of your mind- we are officially on VACATION!” He was right. I put this out of my mind and hopped into the car.

I am a morning person, believe it or not. Some of my friends that have seen me without my first cup of coffee may dispute this fact, but it is true. I love the sunrise and how quiet the world is before it starts its day. My favorite place to watch the sunrise is at the beach. It is very meditative with the ebb and flow of the waves and cries of the gulls above. I never seem to tire of the sight of porpoise pods that are close to shore feeding on fish for breakfast; it is always exciting.

I decided on this trip to take photos of our journey. Not just any photos, but quirky things that would catch my eye or seem silly. It was a fresh twist on the “License Plate” or “Road Sign ABC” game that we normally pass our time with. I figured I would have plenty of material as each of our “travel days”, three in all, would have 8-plus hours of driving! I found that as we made our way down the east coast, each state definitely has a personality that you see and almost feel as you pass over the state line.

So, I will post a few entries of our trip. It may seem very “Griswold-esque” at times.

Doesn’t every family vacation?

Camping and Mother Nature

Every year we try to take our family camping. It’s good to get the kids outside, enjoy the woods, explore a little bit and share some quality time together. We usually set up camp with another family that are good friends and we both whole- heartily agree that if it is raining, we will stay home and “camp”.

Our trips have been non-existent the past year or two because Mother Nature has decided to make it rain the very weekend we plan to go pitch our tents. Last year in fact, it rained so hard that we said no way…our friends tried to save the trip and opted to drive up to the site. They turned around half way up and when they got home we broke out the cards and tried to smooth over the disappointment.

This year we thought we would be rained out yet again, but I think even the clouds needed a break. We lucked out and had a day and a half of perfect weather! This year instead of a hike, we chose to go to a water park and had a blast!

Being at a water park is almost like being at the beach in the fact that everyone drops their inhibitions and freely walk about clad only in a bathing suit. I will make only one comment on this observation- I have no idea why I feel so uncomfortable wearing a bikini, but if the ladies I saw this past weekend can feel that comfortable in their skin to flaunt for all to see, then I can surely break free of the one-piece suit. Nah.

Tattoos were also in abundance. I think I saw more tattoos per ca pita than anywhere else before! Some were beautiful and some were well…I just didn’t get it. One guy we passed at the end of the day in particular. I thought he had a wet suit on but then realized that his skin was inked completely in hunter green that stopped at his wrists and ankles. Not sure what look he was going for- permanent shirt and pants? Then the next thought- Ouch.

We made it back to our campsite and I realized that as fun as this is, I think I am getting too old to camp in a tent. I mean if it was a necessity, sure I can rough it. But sleeping on the ground well, honestly, provided no sleep what so ever! I was so exhausted from the first sleepless night, a full day playing in the sun and water that I completely passed out in my chair by the fire!



The next morning we packed up and the clouds returned from their day off and dropped buckets until dusk.

I think Mother Nature is trying to tell me to start pitching my tent in the back yard.

Alison and the Monster

Alison is a teacher who has taught both of my kids as they made their way through elementary school.
Now that I think about it, we have known each other for seven years. We both have daughters who are the same age, are sports oriented and are pretty easy going. We became friendly while my daughter was in her class, but I believe we became friends a year later when my son was a student.

When the school year began we had many phone calls regarding my son’s creations during instruction time (eraser people come to mind). It was not awkward at all to switch from friend/friend conversation to teacher/parent and then back again. Through the laughs, we came up with strategies to get him to focus.

When spring rolled around it was time to get my bike on the road to train for the Tour de Cure ride. Alison had a student that year with diabetes and we decided to train together and help support them.

We rode quite often trying to get miles into our legs to prepare for the 50 mile route we had picked to conquer in a month’s time. At the time, we rode quite a bit with my coach Casey, especially the long rides that brought us through farmlands and horse farms. We had so much fun training for this ride that we continued our treks through the summer with a goal to ride a century in the fall. My husband joined us and while we chose to do a metric century (62 miles) we got lost with a few other riders and ended up finishing the day with 75 miles when all said and done.

The following year things changed. My husband, Alison and I went on a training ride and I talked my coach into coming with us. Initially, he did not want to go, but I convinced him that it was too nice of a day not come out with us. We started out from his house and were on our way to a nice ride around a lake and through farm country- one of my favorite routes. I had just rolled up to him and said “Now, aren’t you glad you came?” “Yes” was his reply. My husband and Alison were up ahead so I left Casey’s side to catch up with them. Then time became very slow & surreal. Coming toward us was a SUV, in my left peripheral vision I see a basketball and a dog running after it. I hear something weird and turn back to look and then I hear the moans. Casey is on the ground. I turn around and sprint back to him and it is not good. I scream up ahead to Alison and my husband and they are soon by my side. He had hit the basketball and crashed, half on the 2” high lip of the road and half in the grass. Thank goodness the head hit the grass, but the hip was not as lucky as it hit the lip of the pavement and was broken. I rode in the ambulance with Casey and visited him daily as he recuperated. I was so guilt ridden that it was very hard for me to get back on my bike. I did, but I wasn’t the same and I kind of started to withdrawal from that experience.

Alison and I continued to train with one another, but as time passed I started to find that I would not go out as often or at all when she would call. Our rides became very sporadic and eventually we stopped riding together. My bike just hung on the rack in the garage and I began to pull from a friendship. Both ridiculous, but true.

I nicknamed my bike ‘The Monster’. It is silver, red and black and I feel powerful when I’m on it. Monster has brought me over many miles and has been a faithful companion. I know it was not happy just hanging around and not eating road. Actually, I was not happy with the hanging around.

This summer, my position at work was furloughed and I have been able to spend much needed quality time with my family. It has been wonderful. I have also had the chance to reconnect with Alison and my bike. I’ve missed both of them.

One thing about a true friend is that no matter how much time has passed between visits or conversations the next time you are together it is like nothing has changed. The comfortable feelings come back, stories emerge and happiness sets in to your soul. Alison is definitely in this category and I have missed hanging out with her. We have started riding again and have gone on some old familiar routes, but have explored new ones as well.

We recently took a spin to a local country store that has been converted into a deli/restaurant. The trip was a new route for me and it was fun. This area is very quaint and we both discussed how much we enjoy small town Americana. Everyone waves as you pass by, homegrown gardens that are overflowing are shared with the public on roadside stands with a bucket for your money- an old-fashioned honor system. It gives one that feeling of being home.

Getting back on the Monster and spending time with an old friend has brought me back home.