August 31, 2013

Good evening everyone.  Close to 5 hours on the road but the traveling was great.  Roads were wide open and traffic was flowing at an even pace.  The PA State Police were doing a great job at keeping the speeders down and thankfully the most common victims had New York license plates.  Too bad there weren't more Massachusetts drivers on the road...then the state would really get rich.

Todays different license plates were   OH, MI, MN, NC, OK, WV, IN, MO, KS, TN, WI, NV, MD, NB and OR.  That makes plates from 21 states.  Plenty of words to make with all those letters.

On the way across I-80 we saw a sign that read...Highest point on I-80 East of the Mississippi.  2250 ft.  I bet you didn't know that seeing that sign was on my bucket list.

For all of you who are waiting for the easy question,  It took one minute at 60 mph to increase 100 feet in altitude.  What was my speed?   For the hard question, what was the angle of the incline?

Towards the end of day we heard great news.  Maine girl to return home.  Tom's cousin Linda,  who neither one can remember the last time they saw each other, is in the process of selling their home in Beaver Falls PA and moving back to Maine.  Great...Mainer no longer living in Exile.  We had a great visit and look forward to seeing each other back in Maine.  It was so good to see Linda, and meeting Mike for the first time.  Now not all might agree, but I think that anyone that sends you on your way with some great tasting Teriyaki Beef Jerky has to be #1 in my books.  Thanks so much Mike. 

Tomorrow, next stop, Indianapolis.

August 30, 2013

Hi all, time to start back up with the travel blog.  Grammie is on the move again.  After all the hard work to get things together, cleaned, packed and ready to go, she certainly deserves a break.  Believe me, when she gets going, I didn't want to get in her way so I played golf on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Yesterday we left Newport around noon, stopped off to see 2 grandchildren on the way to stay overnight with my sister and brother in law.  As always, everyone is glad to see each other and share news and family happenings.

We covered a little over 300 miles today and are in central  Pennsylvania for the night.  Keep in mind that we started this blog originally for our children and grandchildren to keep an eye on us, and for us to share our travels.   For the kids, we saw license plates from ME, MA, TX, CT, NJ, NH, IL, NY, RI, PA, VA and AZ.  Hey grandkids, you can learn your postal abbreviations.  For you adults, you can try to see who can make the longest word using those letters...and for you Senior citizens, see if you can remember what those letters mean. (Use it or lose it)  A banana split is offered for the longest word.
(For those wishing to make a comment, underneath the blog entry click on comments, enter your comment and to identify yourself, click NAME/URL and enter the appropriate info.  I have already spelled a word so I can try for a banana split.)  You can only use letters in the quantity shown.

Once through the state of CT we had a nice peaceful ride through Pennsylvania and arrived at our modest military accommodations by mid afternoon.  We only occupy half of this building.

For all those who like sunshine, make sure to use sunscreen.  Before we left Thursday, Tom visited the dermatologist and had a piece on his neck excised for the 3rd time. Stitches are getting old.

Gotta love the Bridgestone golf commercials.

August 18, 2013

The last few days have been spent with family, just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.  On Thursday we went for a bike ride on the carriage roads on Mt Desert Island.  There were 17 of us in the group and all had fun riding.

The day was great for riding and the view from the top of Day Mountail Trail was gorgeous.

During the day Friday, Grammie got out some craft things for the grandchildren.

Today, Grammie was setting a good example for the grandchildren and showed them her waterboarding skills.

During the day, because of the 3 great sons-in-law, the moms got to relax.

We also celebrated the 2nd birthday of our youngest grandson.  Birthdays are occasions when all the grandchildren like to help with birthday gifts.

The birthday boy (engineer in training) gets a chance to consult with dad.

August 13, 2013

We started off the day with a healthy breakfast.  Grampy made some with a special ingredient for Drew and Ivy.  Double stuffed Oreo pancakes.

Today we took a hike on the Rift Trail.  We were well prepared for the hike.  Drew had a pocketknife, Becky had the water, Grammie had the first aid pack and Grampy had a candy bar.

So Grammie suggests to the grandchildren...ask Grampy if he will buy them an Ice Cream.  Her ulterior motive was that Grampy buy some Vanilla Ice Cream for her so she can have a Root Beer Float.

August 12, 2013

August 12, 2013  Great Pond
Our first full day at Great Pond.  We are in Bigelow cabin for the week and right now, Becky and Dana and
kids are here.  Down over a little 10 foot banking in front of the cabin is a small beach, just right in size to be able to watch 7 kids, ages 8 down to 2, and to keep a canoe or 2.  Picture is Grammie's resting chair.  A place to contemplate the days activities and happenings.