by Valynne | Aug 24, 2010 | Travel |
The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge, Wilmington, NC
I am a bit, ahem, behind on the posts. Not pleased with myself, but in my defense, it has been truly nonstop since we reached Colorado (no excuses for NC, TN, and OK aside from having too much fun to focus on anything technological).
Sometimes we have wireless, sometimes cell service, but never at the same time and never when I am sitting still : ) Hope you all don’t give up on me, because I have lots of fun stories to tell! For those we have seen on the road, stay tuned for pics – promise! XOX, V&P
by Valynne | Aug 10, 2010 | Travel |
Paul and I grabbed a quick cuppa in Annapolis, Maryland on our way to Rock Hall. This sculpture of Alex Haley (the author of Roots) and children stopped me in my tracks. My picture does not do it justice, but you can find out more about the Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial here.
"Knowledge of history can be the first step away from anger and bitterness. Truth leads to understanding. Understanding and forgiveness lead to reconciliation and healing" Memorial Story Wall Plaque.
If we had more time, we would have done more exploring of the Naval Academy and maybe an oyster bar or two…
The mission of the naval academy is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically; and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty...
Annapolis, Maryland. Love the colonial blue buildings with cranberry trim...
Paul picked a quiet spot for our next stop – Rock Hall, Maryland. What did I like most about Rock Hall? Kids on bikes waved at us while we drove by in the 4Runner. When we walked down Main Street people said hello (all five of them) and we got more waves from passerby. Even the trash truck driver waved hello. LOVE that.
I also loved the diverse dwellings. I loved them so much I am going to save those pics for a separate blog post.
Greetings from Chesapeake Country
Sign at Chicken - Neckers in Rock Hall
This is my new (old) favorite sign. Chicken necks are used to bait crabs. In case you were wondering.
Back Deck at the Old Gratitude House
The Old Gratitude House was lovely, with the added bonus of unintentional entertainment compliments of the Innkeepers. No question who wears the pants in that family – let’s just leave it at that, shall we?
Our room was perfect (a his and hers robes kind of perfect). Check out the view from our private deck! So peaceful, and with gourmet breakfasts to boot. We had fun chatting with the other guests and getting to know several local cats and two adorable Westies.
Calm Before the Storm
A lot of you know that I love a good storm. Unlike most people I welcome a downpour, on vacation or otherwise. I sleep better to the rain. And I never carry an umbrella in the rain because it feels so good against my ruddy skin. Perhaps I was a sailor in another life.
Sailing with Captain Mark
A Rock Hall highlight was discovering
Blue Crab Chesapeake Charters. For $30, Captain Mark sailed us around Chesapeake Bay and plied us with margaritas (true story). I am still hoping Paul will warm to the
Airstream idea, but am thinking a houseboat would probably be an easier sell…
This man loves being on the water
Osprey nest - Chesapeake Bay
Paul recently lost his Dad. I wish so much that we could send him these pictures (or better yet, show him in person). He was in the Royal Navy and would get a huge kick out of seeing Paul enjoying himself out on the Bay.
To get a feel for Rock Hall, I really need to take you back to Main Street…
The Nearest Mall
These shops are only open on weekends, so we didn’t get to check them out. Lots of shops are in houses here, which gives them a lot more character, don’t you think?
Hotel Transportation
There is a hotel on Main Street named Tallulah’s that offers limousine service. I cracked up when I saw their limo because it reminded me of a time in my early twenties when my piece of crap Chevy Cavalier broke down and I could only afford to go with Rent-A-Wreck. I ended up with a car similar to the one above. I could fit about a dozen friends in it. And it was easy to spot in the lot (this was pre-SUV’s).
Durdings Store (old fashioned ice cream parlour)
Durdings has an old fashioned soda fountain and everything
Banana Shake for Paul and a Vanilla Coke for me : )
Durdings was delish. Durdings and Harbor Shack were our favorite places to eat (aside from our B&B breakfasts). Charlotte (our waitress at Harbor Shack) actually got a dreamy look in her eye while explaining one of the specials. Roast beef sandwich, I believe it was. I appreciate that in a waitress, or anyone, really. It is near impossible for me to relate to people who don’t appreciate a good meal.
Rock Hall is a nice place to go to get away from the chain stores and the crowds. I felt that had we stayed longer we would have befriended a few of the local, salt of the earth types. Spell check is suggesting I avoid this cliche but I don’t feel like it.
I will post a bit more about Maryland in a day or so. Then, I will fill you all in on our Outer Banks escapades. Yes, I do believe I could get used to this. Just got to figure out how to make a decent living from the road. I have some thoughts…any ideas on your end?!?
by Valynne | Aug 3, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Travel |
Sunflower at the Bay
Paul and I took to the road three days ago and what a trip it has already been! Day One was basically spent getting from the Cape to Michele in Alexandria, VA. This could have been done in 6-7 hours if it weren’t for Jersey traffic (something big was going on in Trenton).
So tempted...
It was worth it, because I never would have spotted these feather earrings at a mega rest stop otherwise (Paul is not a big fan of mega rest stops for some reason – party pooper). Needless to say my mind immediately transported itself back to the eighties.
This pleases me greatly
Another benefit of being stuck in traffic was the ability to take pics of passerby. Rotel, anyone? Yes, please! It’s like a cruise liner for the road. Except without showers. Much more environmentally friendly than your typical motor home, I believe this model transports twenty-four passengers.
How fortunate we were to spend the first days of our road trip with our friend Michele. She was kind enough to put us up and take us sightseeing, including an unforgettable day in DC.
Albert Einstein Sculpture in DC
The Lincoln Memorial (Paul can remove this from his Bucket List now)
Paul and Michele in front of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
The Three Soldiers Statue on the Washington Mall, across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Waiting to hear the MLK "I Have A Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial
We only had a day and a half with our friend, so we spent the rest of the time basically goofing off. Below are a few pics of Michele and I “shopping” in Georgetown, then all of us meeting up and wandering Alexandria.
I love bears
Michele loves monkeys
Paul loves beer...and we all love the Hobbit!
You all know what a serious reader I am
Uncanny resemblance to James Joyce
Dear Santa...
Tiny house in Alexandria - love it!
*Click here for more info on the house above (thanks for the link, Michele)…
So many beautiful old homes in Alexandria
And back home to Frisco Jones
Michele uploads pics while Paul ponders our next route
Thank you, Michele for a wonderful whirlwind of a time…we “la” you. Yesterday Paul and I stopped at Annapolis on our way to our new digs…a quaint and quirky B&B here in Chesapeake Bay named the Old Gratitude House. It is now time for our gourmet breakfast. Life is good!
PS I am a guest blogger today at my friend Rachels blog, www.lostintheattic.typepad.com . It’s not too late to tell us where to go, and to enter to win a prize while you are at it! xox
by Valynne | Jul 29, 2010 | Caretaking / House and Pet Sitting, Simple Living, Travel, Writing |
I'm ready and waiting...
I love that everywhere we go, we find that people are interested in this lifestyle we have created for ourselves. Most of the time, questions are asked in person, or via e-mail. I would love to keep the conversation going here, where more like-minded can participate.
Do you have any questions or comments for us today (whatever day it happens to be) regarding home and pet sitting, travel, writing, or living simply? How about working from home or the road? Good! We’d love to hear them…
by Valynne | Jul 25, 2010 | Travel |
Shopping at The Spotted Cod in Sandwich, MA
My little sister isn’t so little anymore. Em just graduated high school and turned eighteen. This fall, she heads to Cal Poly for her first college semester. I am very proud of her.
Mirror Portraiture (one of my specialties). Powder room at the Painted Lady, Sandwich, MA.
For the first time ever, we had real sister time, just the two of us (Paul was working through most of the visit). I was almost twenty when she was born, and have lived thousands of miles away for most of her life. However, I am confident we will make up for lost time. .
Shopping for a dress to match the Chucks, Martha's Vineyard, MA
In some ways, we are very different (and for that you have no idea how relieved I am, Em). In some ways, we are sooo alike! See below for an example or two.
Pondering & Pontification. Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.
Supporting the local market vendors in Falmouth, MA (see pretty new ring).
Working on the golden tan (hee) Onset, MA
REALLY appreciating a good meal. The Border Restaurant, Harvard Square
Feeling Groovy, Sandwich MA
Yup. The girl is definitely my sister. The week flew by like they tend to do. Sigh. I am hoping to get out to CA with Paul soon…maybe we can embarass her at college. That would be fun! Love you, Em. Thank you for coming to visit. Now, where’s that little bro of mine?
by Valynne | Jul 7, 2010 | Travel |
Coming Home to Evergreen, Colorado
Paul and I are headed west to Colorado in three weeks (WooooHoooo!). Taking a completely different route this time (MA, NJ, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, etc. etc). We are definitely spending a day or two each in Chesapeake Bay and the Outer Banks.
Anyone have any other places en route that they just love and want to share with us? Can’t wait to catch up with our CO friends towards mid August…Paul is sure looking forward to a pint or two with friends!
