Family Time - Part 1

After the excitement of the previous day in New Jersey, we were glad to be heading to Frank's parent's condo in Alexandria, Virginia, for a few days of rest and relaxation.  We timed our drive so we would avoid the Friday night traffic jams on the Outerbelt.

Driving through the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore

Our first stop was Prince William Travel Village in Dumfries, VA (about 20 miles south of Alexandria) to put Pooh onto a storage pad.  Then we packed a few things into the Tracker, and headed back north on I-95 to the Chambliss condo.  By this time, it was about 4:00 in the afternoon.  We drove back north on I-95 toward Washington DC, and marveled at the change in the traffic situation on he southbound side of the freeway.  In just the one hour since we had southbound toward Dumfries, that side had become a veritable parking lot.  We congratulated ourselves that we had avoided that mess.

Family time at its best

We spent the entire weekend just enjoying the fellowship of family time. We watched a lot of baseball on TV, and feasted on the amazing cooking of Frank's mom.  She makes some spectacular dishes!  My favorite of the weekend was the Monte Christo breakfast sandwiches made with jalapeno bread and real Vermont maple syrup.  Oh my . . . those were good.

Fresh salmon with prawns, and grilled asparagus and broccoli

Getting ready to enjoy another meal together

Frank and his mom got out a big box of old family photos that probably had not been opened in 20 years.  What a fun time that was to go through old photos, yearbooks and other family memorabilia. 

Linda loves The Container Store

Linda also spent time shopping in the little stores in Alexandria, and other stores not available in the Tampa Bay area.  By the time our visit was over, we were rejuvenated and ready to begin the journey home.

We have had wonderful experiences on this trip, and we are so blessed that our final two stops are with family.  There is no better way to end a journey.  From Alexandria, we head to South Carolina to see newlyweds Matt and Raelyn, and their new home.

New Jersey

OK, first off, I apologize in advance to all my acquaintances from New Jersey.  I know you didn't personally make New Jersey the way it is.  You didn't decide to make all the left-hand turns begin from the far right lanes.  You didn't decide to establish jug-handles.  I know this.  I know my New Jersey friends are decent, loving, hard working people. 

So, now the rant.

Between my Garmin deciding to have a hissy fit, and the jug handle thingy, I never wanted to visit New Jersey again.  Part of my rant is due to my own memory problems.  You see, we have driven through New Jersey with Pooh II at least twice before.  I should have remembered the left turn idiocy in that state.  It's impossible to move to that right lane - in a motorhome towing a car - quickly.  I should have remembered, I really should have.  But I didn't.

And, by the way, how about using some of those exorbitant road tolls to FIX THE ROADS????  The rough roads in Jersey resulted in (1) a broken microwave oven door, (2) a broken glass coffee carafe, (3) a broken light switch in the bedroom, and (4) a cracked windshield.  And these damages occurred on the FREEWAYS!

Enough, I say ... enough.

No hint of upcoming trouble as we crossed the Tappan Zee bridge

Oh, about that Garmin fit?  What on earth was it thinking when it took us off the Garden State thruway and put us on the road back to Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel?  Had we not just avoided Manhattan altogether by going over the Tappan Zee Bridge to the north?

How in the world did we get on the back side of Newark Airport?

Just in time ... and in the bowels of a New Jersey trucking area . . . we found our way to I-95 South and were on our way again.

Finally, an entrance to I-95

We finally made it to the southern tip of New Jersey and stayed in a lovely park for the night.  We decided that we probably would drive through Jersey again, but we would definitely double-check all directions from Garmin, and we would not get off of any major freeways.

On to Alexandria, and the traffic of the Washington, DC, area.  It may be crowded down there, but the roads make sense.

Martha's Vineyard - Saying Goodbye

Man oh man ... where did the time go?  In what seemed like just the flash of an eye, it was time to leave Martha's Vineyard.   But, I think it's always best to leave a place wanting more of it.

We packed our bags... they were a little heavier on the return trip what with all that yarn and those souvenirs and such.  Julie drove us to the dock in Vineyard Haven, and we waited for the ferry to arrive and take us back to the mainland.

There was a slight delay in unloading the ferry when it docked in Vineyard Haven.  Before arriving cars and passengers were allowed to disembark, this guy was led off the ferry, in chains, to the waiting Vineyard police.  

Not the best way to get a visit to Martha's Vineyard

The ferry finally unloads; some people are still watching the police activity

But soon, we were boarding the boat and settling in for the 45-minute ride back to Woods Hole.

One last view of Vineyard Haven harbor as we boarded the ferry

The ferry pulls away from the dock

Passing West Chop

Next stop was picking up Pooh from storage.  We had left the refrigerator on, and although we have never had it go off during a stay in short-term storage, it's always a topic for concern.  It would be most unpleasant to open up the motorhome door and smell rotten food.  But, the refrigerator fairy was on duty, and all was well in there.

We hitched up the Tracker, and drove to Mystic CT, to the same campground we stayed at last year . . . only 100 miles or so from the Cape, but a world away for us from the Vineyard.

We turned our thoughts now to Frank's parents, and were now eager to get to Alexandria, Virginia, to spend a few days with them.

Martha's Vineyard - Day 4

Our primary reason for going to Martha's Vineyard is not to see the sights or wander through the shops.  Our primary reason is always to enjoy the peacefulness of the island and the fellowship of good friends.   Our last full day there epitomized these reasons.

We started the day with lots of good coffee and conversation in the Wheeler kitchen. 

Geoff makes eggs and sausage for brunch

Then, Linda and Julie spent a couple of hours looking through Julie's amazing craft closet . . . a veritable cornucopia (how's that for a trite expression?) of knitting books, patterns and yarn.   Linda was in Knitting Heaven.

In the early afternoon, Linda and Frank went to for a long visit with Betty.  What a blessing that was.  Linda presented Betty with the shawl she had made with the yarn that Julie had given her.

Doesn't she look pretty?

There was even a random knitter in the sun room.

Another random knitter for Linda's collection . . . lol

For dinner we went to the Lookout Tavern overlooking the water in Oak Bluffs.  We sat on the porch and breathed deeply of the salt air and ambiance . . .it was one of those Margaritaville places.

We expected to see Jimmy Buffett at any minute

Julie and Geoff . . . our handsome hosts

Another wonderful day on Martha's Vineyard was coming to a close, and we wanted to wring every last precious memory out of it.   It is a blessing to have such good friends as the Wheelers.  They have made our stay here so lovely.  We will miss them.

Martha's Vineyard - Day 3

After the excitement of Sunday, we all needed some quiet time.  The guys chose to sit on the deck with a second and third cup of coffee.

For the ladies, what better way to gear down than to visit the local yarn shops.  Linda's favorite souvenir from places she visits is always a skein or two of yarn.  There are only two yarn shops on the Vineyard, and of course, we had to visit them both.  Imagine that . . .  Linda found something in each shop that she just had to have. 

Somehow the yarn is better when purchased away from home

Later in the day, Frank and Linda borrowed Julie's car and set off for a little sightseeing on their own.  It was surprising how much Linda still remembered about getting around the island, although having the Garmin was a blessing.

Quaint sign on Edgartown Road

We stopped to get fish and chips at The Net Result in Vineyard Haven (soooooo yummy) . . .

The Net Result in Vineyard Haven

Some of the best fish and chips in the country are right here

and then shopped for all things Martha's Vineyard at a totally tourist shop down the street.

Step right in for a cornucopia of Martha's Vineyard items

We wondered (as did half of Vineyard Haven, as well) if this boat really belonged to Oprah Winefry.

Note the helicopter on the top deck

While the Vineyard is known for its rich and famous clientele, what is not generally known is that no one gawks at celebrities when they walk down the street, or come into a restaurant there.   (Case in point:  when we walked to the News pub in Edgartown, Meg Ryan walked by us in her swimsuit and a short coverup.  Nobody apparently even glanced her way.  Fascinating.)  The noteworthy are pretty much left alone, and that's probably why they spend time there . . . it's a refuge from the paparazzi.  Oprah may be the exception, as this boat was the topic of conversation around town.

As the day wound down, Linda tried to catch up on her blogging at the Wheeler dining room table.

perhaps that emptying glass of Baileys is slowing her down

Martha's Vineyard - Day 2

Early Sunday morning the formidable foursome set out on the smaller of the Wheeler boats for the annual VFW Fluke/Flounder Derby in Vineyard Sound.  It's a small local event, and Frank was thrilled to be able to participate.  Their boat caught the legal limit, and the total weight placed them in the top 10% of the contest.

Get ready fish . . . here we come

Frank and Goeff

MV Times article on the Fluke Tournament

While the men were out fishing, Linda and Julie picked up Julie's mom, Betty, from her assisted living apartment, and went to the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs for church.  So many summers she had worshipped there as a child. Linda's and Julie's parents had been close friends since their dads had been in seminary together back in the early 1950's.

The Tabernacle at the Oak Bluffs Campground

Still pretty much the same as Linda remembers

The houses around the Tabernacle are as quaint and lovely as ever

This Sunday was made more special for Linda, however, because the date would have been her parent's 65th wedding anniversary.  It was a glorious experience, with birds singing in the top of the open structure and floods of memories for Linda. 

Linda with Betty Immelt . . . her second mom

After the service, the three women went for a late breakfast at the Farm Neck Country Club in Oak Bluffs, where the food is fabulous and the views extraordinary.  For our golfing readers, here is a recent review of the course:

Farm Neck Country Club in Oak Bluffs

The ladies lingered over the food and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  By the time Betty was safely back in her apartment, and Julie and Linda were back the house, the men were just pulling into the driveway from the tournament.  Everyone needed a little rest and recuperation, and we plopped down on the deck to swap stories of our day so far.

Later in the evening, we drove to Edgartown to have dinner at the News from Across America pub.  We love this place.  It is owned and managed by Goeff's step-brother.  The food is always excellent and the atmosphere outstanding.

News From Across America Pub

All-in-all, it was a perfect Vineyard day.

Martha's Vineyard - Day 1

The drive from New York to Massachusetts was beautiful and uneventful . . . just the way we like it.  We found a place on Cape Cod, right on the way to the Woods Hole ferry to store the motorhome. 

Putting Pooh II into storage for a few days

We packed some clothes, toiletries and Linda's knitting, and then headed down to the Steamship Authority's Palmer Avenue parking lot in Falmouth; from there it was a short bus ride to the ferry dock.   We boarded the 5:00 pm ferry and our Martha's Vineyard adventure was underway.

Ready to board in Woods Hole

The ferry ride was delightful, as always, and soon we were docking in Oak Bluffs.  Our good friends Goeff and Julie Wheeler met us and after a short ride to their home in Vineyard Haven, we were sitting on their deck, having a beer, and catching up on our friendship.

The new ferry dock in Oak Bluffs

The Wheelers have a wonderful home set way back on a narrow Vineyard roadway.  It is very quiet and private, and we were honored that they invited us back to stay with them again this year.

Such a quaint address . . .

A peaceful retreat in Vineyard Haven

The following day, Sunday, was the VFW Fluke/Flounder Derby, and Goeff, his friend Paul, his son Andy, and Frank were set to compete on Andy's charter fishing boat.  So, after the pizza and beer, we all turned in relatively early.  There was going to be lots to do on the Vineyard this trip, and we wanted to be well rested.

Moving On

I think there is no blog law that says each day must have its own entry.
So, let's play catchup.

On Tuesday, sadly, we had to say goodbye to Chanda.  Linda drove her back over to the Albany airport to catch a flight to Washington, DC.  Before going home to Houston, Chanda was going to spend a few days with her grandparents (Frank's parents) who live in Alexandria, VA.

Today's journey back and forth to Albany was shorter than before because Ilion is 60 miles closer to the airport.  Once back at the Ilion Marina, Linda and Frank had dinner at the Dockside Cafe.

The next day was July 4, and Pooh got decorated in patriotic colors for the event.  We had the traditional hot dogs, chili and beer for dinner as we sadly watched our Tampa Bay Rays snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against those Damn Yankees.

Patriotic Pooh

The remainder of the week at Ilion was spent planning the rest of the trip, cleaning Pooh, making minor repairs on the rig, doing laundry, and catching up on our regular lives.  While the wedding week had been magical and memorable, "real life" goes on and the bills have to get paid and chores have to be done.

The view in Ilion from Pooh II

Don the Marina Dock Manager - Terrific Guy

Dredging a deeper area for boats to tie up

All too soon our time in New York was coming to an end, and it was time to head east toward Martha's Vineyard, and the next phase of the Chambliss Summer of 2012.

Saturday morning found us eastbound on the New York State Thruway . . . we were sad to leave the area, but eager to see our friends on the Vineyard.

A Canal and a Cookout

Our readers might remember that Frank and Linda took the Erie Canal Boat Tour last year, and had a rousing time going through Lock 18, and learning about the canal.  We wanted to share this experience with Chanda.

So Chanda had to climb into the back seat of the Tracker and off we went to the dock.  The weather was beautiful and the tour guide was interesting and a great time was had by all.

Smiling . . . even though squished into the back of the Geo

Frank looks happy

Chanda looks happy.  What's wrong with Linda?

Entering Lock 18

Down we go . . .

21 feet down, we exit the lock

A random knitter in the bow . . . did she enjoy the cruise?

Later in the evening, we went over to see Jason Rathbun (Coach Razz) and his family.  Coach had invited us for a cookout, and we were eager to taste his legendary grilling skills.

Razz grills a mean chicken breast

Frank and Coach talk baseball

Razz was Matt's first contact with Upstate New York. In January 2006, Matt transferred to Herkimer County Community College to play baseball, and Razz is the baseball coach there.  It was quite a change for the Southern California boy who had never seen snow.  Linda still remembers meeting Razz for the first time in the snow, in the Walmart parking lot in Herkimer, and entrusting him with her son. 

And thus began the journey that brought Matt and his bride Raelyn together.  They met at Herkimer College and the rest, as they say, is history.

Along the way, Matt participated in two Junior College World Series, made new friends for life, and found him a wonderful wife.  We could never have seen all this back in 2006.

God has been good to us, and we thank Him.