Sitting by the pool yesterday and today - loving every minute too. Pool side isn't to crowded since most people come to Florida to go to all the entertainment parks.

Enjoying great weather. Thought I'd better blog at least once while we're here. We'll be getting to Nick's on Saturday the 3rd.

• Later, xxoo

Our morning at St. Augustine was as exciting as our evening. We had dinner across the street from our cheap resort. Met a very nice bartender. She was friendly, so much so, I now know all about her kids and the activities their involved in and how her mother attends every game and how her husband doesn't and so on and so forth. It was okay to listen to her because she ended up giving us a bottle of wine saying no one around here will drink this kind of wine. We both found this area to be quite interesting. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and museum was a great place to get 4DATUDE's picture.

Yesterday's morning shower was an eye opening. The shower didn't drain, so water backed up into the tub. Oh,- it wasn't just the toilet with the problem. Lovely,, as we walked out early to head south. All we wanted to do was not touch a thing and get the heck out of there.
To bad I couldn't get a pic of our car and the space shuttle. We stopped at Cape Canaveral to check it out.
Arrived in Orlando and checked into our week's home. Made homemade food last night ! Pasta and tonight, salad and pasta.
Then Baking chicken breasts. Made our favorite morning oatmeal with fruit & Yogurt. (found Greek style yogurt = heavenly) so we'll be happy as the weather cools off and the humidity drops. It's been 5 years since we purchased this timeshare and wow, have things built up around here.

Our little car parked for the night. Sorry the tree was in the way. Rested early and hit the

road early and got on Interstate 95 south. This area of Georgia is pretty.

Staying at St. Augustine for the night in an interesting resort.
Seen this sign and can't believe we found a place younger than we are.

The big 50, we enjoyed a walk along the beach and out on the pier. If you look close on my left is our resort. First thing happened was I went pee and the toilet didn't flush properly, so Joe went in and flushed it again which made it over run..... two towels later and getting the water to stop running, Joe went to the office. Then sent a man to fix it with a snake and mop to clean it all up. Oh I'm so glad I have my hand sanitizers .. Looking forward to getting to our timeshare in Orlando. A week where we don't have to pack up each day and we can wash our clothes.

Leaving Myrtle Beach around 9:30 after a pic of 4DATUDE with the Myrtle Beach post office sign. Drove the Monck Corner, SC and found Gilligan's Steamer & Raw Bar. Had a wonderful lunch. Our waitress Voilet was excellent - I made a mistake and called her Crystal - she smiled, I said, Oh I mean Violet, she came and told me the story about being with friends of friends when one called here Crayon. Said that was a first and Crystal is often a mistaken name used but never Crayon.
Staying in Waltersboro, SC tonight. Joe had oyster stew, so we stopped early.
Our plan is to get to Florida tomorrow and check in on Friday to our Village for the week, we have a deluxe, so come on down and visit.
We have been lucky to stay mostly out of the stormy weather.

We had a wonderful evening last night and slept like babies in the heavenly bed Sheraton provides.
After a short visit to the gym, we went on an extra long walk this morning down the beach. Some areas were being enjoyed by all ages from building sand castles to fishing. One gentleman showed us his catch - a great flounder. He was quite proud.

Heading to Walterboro, SC tomorrow. Want to tell Cindy to have fun with sisters. Wishin I was there too but love where I am.
I know there were some who doubted if we would be able to handle each other being together day in and day out, but surprisingly we are doing great. Yes, I to am surprised but enjoying every minute of it. I have learned to bite my tongue without making it bleed. Now that took a few days and some pain before I got the trick on how to avoid all that blood. Doing that plus lots of wine in the evening helps. :D

Happy Birthday Frank & Shawn. Staying in Asheville, NC last night Even they have chain restaurants like "Hooters" see photo.
This is for Frankie. Sorry, we didn't get a shirt for your. It was after all in the hills of North Carolina and really raining.
We looked out of our room this morning to rain and grey skies. It didn't take to much talking before we both said: "Sunshine please - we can continue to travel the grey skies or head east to the beach where the weather man has talked about sunny skies. The answer came from both of us. SUNSHINE :D
We started our travels out in the fog for about the first 100 miles then sunny skies appeared. We smiled and really loved our travels into the sun.




Found Myrtle Beach to be available on our timeshare points, so here we are - two nights.
We traveled the interstate and found that no one goes the speed limit unless a trooper is in site.

We plan to put our toes in the sand tomorrow with lots of walking and enjoying the sun.


We are looking forward to every day we have. Thank you Lord !! There are so many places we see that are closed or empty. I hear South Carolina has 11% unemployment.
We have not had any problems with getting a place to stay each night and at a very reasonable price - that says something.
Seen a casket on the back of a 1 ton truck while on the highway- very large and bronze - not something you see everyday. Of course, we didn't think of taking the pic until it was way past us. Dah!!
Hurray to sunshine! wishing you all were here (:})

Now that we have gotten settled here in Asheville, NC, I can take a minute to update our travels for today.

As you can see from these pics the weather was damp, rainy, and a lot of fog. We 've finally reached the SE rain storm area. Seen lots of deer, wild turkeys (we 're on the lookout)I love the tunnel photo showing the other side and what we were headed to. Our travels reminded us so much of traveling Stevens canyon at Mount Rainier NP from Backbone ridge to Box canyon. Only difference is this parkway goes for 460 miles. It is so peaceful to travel - makes us feel like we are so far out in the wilderness- no cares what so ever since we mostly are alone on the road. Until we turn off the road and low and behold there is civilization right there next to the parkway. It's so foggy on the parkway it's impossible to get any good photos. There's lots of wild turkeys (not that wild turkey whiskey as some may wonder) along the parkway. None of them dead on the road so they must be fast. As every hunter would say.

From here we will travel to The Smokey's and beyond. xoxo

We have been out of touch for a few days. No Service on the cell phone and I couldn't get out on the network last night. Oh well, here is what I had planned to post last night.

Our morning was very relaxing by enjoying the jacuzzi tub at our Oak Lodge in Floyd, VA before hitting the road. Heading south on the parkway, I commented to Joe as to how great 4DATUDE handles the road. She truly is smart and can shift down on the downhill portions to maintain the speed set on the cruise control. I just love my smart car - she is great! Got a pic of the smart car with the Blue Ridge Parkway sign. 4DATUDE really stands out.

We so much enjoy the waves and smiles we get; let along the waves from people plus the finger pointing with a smile and a laugh, by those young and old.

Our surprise was to have a wild turkey fly into our car as we traveled down the parkway. It surely surprised us and the turkey too. I think the stupid thing was going after the hydroseeded GRASS growing on the side of the car. It surely scared the heck out of the turkey since there are now other colors over the hydroseed green grass on the drivers side.

The parkway is lined with very large rody plants. I can't imagine what late spring must looks like.

We watched the annual Pageant for selecting 2009 Porcupine Queen in Sparta, NC. There were 5 contestants and they each danced to the music the fiddlers were playing. Here are two of the contestants. Lady in blue was last years winner age 89. Danced really good ! Said she started when she was just a kid.

Bluegrass music was enjoyed for hours today. We drove to Sparta, NC for the 150th Craft and Music festival. It was beyond expectations. Enjoyed so many of the crafts displayed and the music was fantastic and wildly entertaining. Right now the mud sling contest is going on at the fairgrounds.

Here's a little of what we listened to. xxoo

Rob gave us great directions and we were on the other side of Richmond, VA in less than a half hour. Excellent directions, Thanks Rob :.)

As we traveled, it looked like we were going into grey skies, so we decided to bypass Appomattox

Courthouse, where the end of the Civil war papers were signed and head for the National D-Day Memorial site at Bedford, VA. These pics are from there.

What a beautiful place to visit and remember such a terrible day.

We entered the Blue Ridge Parkway at 1:30 pm after a small lunch outside of Bedford. We seen the bad fire in town but not sure what happened, lots of sirens, so we stayed out of town heading to the parkway.

First thing I noticed when we entered and continued down the road was the safety corridor that is set for easy site of animals and cars as you travel around curves. No road signs to speak of. One every now and then which says "Blue Ridge Parkway speed limit 45 MPH". Many curves but no signs. It really makes being out in the country beautiful and peaceful even with the fog we went through for a while. There were some signs "road construction for next 14 miles"... Glad it really wasn't construction----- they were hydro seeding the 14 miles because the construction was complete. The fellow doing the spraying must have been really weak because the hydroseed was mostly on the road and not on the side of the road. Needless to say, 4DATUDE may start growing grass soon and turned a pretty green..

Then we headed to Floyd, VA, well known for it's "Bluegrass music every Friday Night festival at the Floyd General Store".

This morning we decided to photograph our smart car except we seem to have covered it up with our bodies. Aunt Graci and Uncle Rob have been great hostesses and we have enjoyed

spending time with them.

We went to the Cold Harbor site today where there was a seven day battle during June 1862. Such a site to see - the entrenchments were something to see. Imagine having to dig these trenches and then use them to defend our side. I can't believe the number of people killed during the battle at Cold Harbor. The fact the soldiers moved forward upon command knowing what was in front of them and what could happen. Marching through areas where so many laid wounded or dead. We know that food was not plentiful, medical help far from the area. Many churches were turned into hospitals. I was totally humble. During our visit to Beaver Dam Creek, we met a wonder NPS ranger, Leslie Winston, who gave us some good information about the surrounding area. We really enjoyed our conversation - Thanks Leslie !:)

Here's a pic of one of the trenches used during the battle. If you look closely, Joe is standing in the trench - beyond is an open field. You can see where if you were in the trench waiting, you would have a good shot at anyone coming across the field. So many dies.

Enjoyed the day visit to Williamsburg and Jamestown. WOW I don't think I paid any attention to history during school. I had no idea that Jamestown was the first settlement of

English settlers and all of the difficulties they faced in 1604. I was totally impressed with the park service and how nice everything looked and how those giving the information out were excited about what they were talking about.

We met some very nice park service employees while there. The artifacts that are being found are incredible and they continue to find more.

I got Joe in the shackles as you can see. Enjoyed seeing him that way even though it was for a short time.

Today we hope to get to the Cold Harbor area for a day hike then back to make dinner and do laundry prior to heading out towards the blue ridge parkway tomorrow.

Today Joe & I investigated Mechanicsville, VA including Hanover and Ashland areas. Lots of history from the early 1700 through the civil war era.

Last evening Graci & Rob took us to Polegreen Church historic site- (see pic). This area was found not to long ago by the residence at the time, who found a grave site, so their house was moved and the National Park Service took over the site and erected the shell of what the church would have looked like. Patrick Henry attended this church with is mother Sarah. I'm amazed at how much history is here in Virginia, but when I stop to think of the beginning of the US, well, where else would the states start but on the east coast. The freedom of religion started in this area. Most Americans cherish their freedom of religion - It's because of what happened here that the government adopted the Statute of Religious Freedom in 1786.

Tomorrow we hope to check out the Cold Harbor area where the 7 day battle during the civil war took place. Will let you know what we find out tomorrow.

We made it to Graci & Rob's yesterday around 1pm. We are both tired and need a break today but plan to check out the sites around Richmond tomorrow.

Joe washed 4DATUDE today and will change the oil Wednesday after NAPA gets the filter in.

It was cool and damp this morning in Vermont. Rained on and off as we drove. Moose warnings everywhere. Joe said we needed to be watching for moose during this video.


We made it into Woodstock New York today. It was busy with us tourist. We kind of feel like we are one of those who "experienced" as Jimmy Hendrick sang during the concert. "?Are you experienced?"?









Into Bethlehem, NY and got lost after traveling through the Woodstock area and had to use the sign board and hand a lot to the point the sign is no longer and the hand is missing one finger (the pointer). Must be those mushrooms we seen along the side of the road or that fellow who was still on acid after 40 years. Anyway, we are in Reading, PA and plan to hit Grace & Rob Keller's tomorrow or Monday. Need to let them know. xxoo

Another spectacular day through New Hampshire into Vermont along the Appalachian trail. Here's a sign from Meredith, NH.

I forgot to tell you about the car that followed us yesterday for about 30 miles during a few construction spots here and there. I could hear the goat at the first slow down and as we increased speed it laid down then if we stopped, it stood up and let us all know it wanted to know what was going on. You'd think it was some reincarnated old geezer riding in the back of a carriage on the way to the feed store to get his stock some feed.

We made it to Manchester Vermont early enough to get a load of laundry done. We're in ski area again and love the cool evening with the window open to a field of green trees and the sound of rain. Oh by the way... It's raining - rain started when we stopped to check into the hotel. Looks like we are on the edge of the east coast storm.

We both agree that this area from Western Maine through Vermont remind us of the Pacific Northwest. Logging is part of the life here. Mining too and ski resorts. Lovely green but the changes continue with shades of Burgundy today along with brilliant orange.

If you look closely, you will see wild turkeys along the side of the road in New Hampshire. Also seen some eating close to a front porch a bit later. Didn't see any Moose but lots of warning signs. One sign said "enormous amount of accidents with Moose"

Both of us have commented on how lucky we were yesterday to ascend Mt Washington with mostly clear skies. During our drive there, I felt like I was back in the Buick while Joe drove heading to the "ashford lion's hall" = such a nightmare. I had to concentrate on the upper hill to maintain any composure.

I love our little car.

It seemed everyone was moving at 5 MPH which is the worst thing you can do on such an upgrade hill.

4DATUDE was in first gear most of the way up and whined all the way. She was a lot like me.. squeezing very tightly and whining. Going downhill wasn't much better but thankfully those who were in front of us, seen us coming and got over. I hate that since we are such a noticeable vehicle. Not like we're a Honda and everyone has one.

One guy we stopped to check to be sure we were going in the right direction, after having taken the wrong road a few time this morning, said we were going the right way but if we got lost, not to worry, Vermont wasn't that big. Great !! Traveling these back roads are great. You really get to see the country as it is; depressed or prosperious we've seen both.

Another lovely day driving the back roads of Maine and New Hampshire and found ourselves in North Conway along Hwy 16.

Yesterday was such a wonderful day visiting the Acadia National Park. A bit of frustration on the trail markings or the lack of markings and the amount of people. The views were spectacular and our weather again was amazing. Thank you God. The changes from water to land with all the islands and the boats here and there. To be amoung those on the water must be so incredible. God rest the soul of Ted Kennedy - he loved the sea and waters of the north east and I can see why.

The trees this morning had the looks of color changing as we headed to Banger, ME.

Stopped at "Made in Maine" located in Rumford, ME. A massive wood crafting workshop and show room. The owner showed us around as we walked with our mouths open in awe. What a great production he has set up it's great. Mostly custom work but some special pieces for out on the show room. They also will put other's furniture on the floor, so we talked to the sales manager. Had a wonderful time there and a good break.

We made it to our destination as you can see from these pics.

The trip is 8 miles UP and I do mean UP. 12% grade or more. Narrow road and the road condition was much like Mount Rainier's were. Problem being that over the side was DOWN . I freaked. It was what you would call a pucker ride the majority of the time. Then of course, Joe decides to point out a ski area down below:;,.....,,,, squeeze ,,,,,,,,,,,, If the door handle could be of any comfort, I was trying my damness to get some from it. Joe was no help what so ever. (:>;}}

Once on top I was okay - enough to actually enjoy the hike up the hill to the top of Mt. Washington. The ride down was okay, I just took pics outside over the top of 4DATUDE. See what I mean:

Our self portrait while on the road.

What a wonderful day. We started with a walk in Rockland again along the waterfront and took a few pics of the fishing / lobster boats being unloaded; then drove to Acadia National Park but before going on a hike decided to catch a bite to eat for lunch.

The park was really busy with lots of visitors. It's beautiful and we are so lucky to have such wonderful weather. We can see for miles in every direction. Hiked around Cadillac Mountain where the view is spectacular to say the least. Found a nice little place to stay in Bar Harbor. Plan to drive to Mt Washington tomorrow if possible since the weather is cooperating we may actually be able to drive to the top.

We are both so amased at how many businesses are for sale or up for rent. Seems the economy is hurting around here but yet there's building going on. Huh?!? Go figure with that.

Oh look a Blue House (!)

Here we are in Rockland, ME - have had Lobster twice today. I think both Joe & I have eliminated that Lobster craving. We enjoyed a wonderful walk along the water way runs about 2 miles one way.

Some beautiful land but mostly towns and houses all along the way. Once we got out to the Atlantic Ocean, we decided to stay close enough to the water tonight to enjoy walking, which we did and will again in the morning. To Acadia NP tomorrow after a late morning.

Well here it is Labor day - we spent the day with Gordon and Warren who showed us lots of interesting historic sites close to Leominister, MA. Arrived yesterday around 1pm after leaving the "Athen's of the US" Philadelphia. The architech in Philly reflects so much of Athens and the Greek architech. It's really beautiful.

Drove toll roads to here and made good time with it being a Sunday before the holiday. The sign on the turnpike showed "SPEED" nothing else. No speed limit set anywhere. Went through PA, NY, CT and MA with all the states being so small, doesn't take long compared to the west coast states. It was fun talking with the Girls on Saturday toe day. Michelle has decided to take part also. I'm so happy. They actually said they missed me (:>) !!

The more I see the more I understand we are all the same with our own structures making us different. Lay of the land spread of the vegetation and population.

The GPS unit got to the point we almost tossed it out the window. I decided to MUTE it instead. She really go on my nerves and Joe kept saying "What did she say?" By then it was past where we should have turned or what ever. I decided to turn the damn thing off then realised I could just shut her up instead.

Sure need to give 4DATUDE a bath, check her tires and oil before covering to many more miles.

Today was really special to visit Grandpa and Grandma's grave site at Fort Devens. Warren talked about the obstacle course he use to do while being a boy scout when he was much younger. Minute Man National Historic Site is close by and was an amazing place to visit. Seen where Paul Revere was arrested and where the first shot was fired between the Brits and the Americans. "The shot heard around the world".

For lunch we had lobster from SS Lobster. Great food for very reasonable price. Uncle Ed suggested I try fried clams but Warren & Gordon had already ordered some, therefore I just ate some of theirs. The fried clams were good and I plan to have more while on the East coast as with the Lobster - such reasonably price I know I can have at least a few more meals. Leominister is the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed. There is so much history abound in this area. Visited "Redemption Rock" where Mary Rollington who was the wife of some minister was kidnapped by an indian chief and asked for a ransom to return her. We don't know whether anything ever came about from this == since it took place in 1675. Mrs. Rollington actually loved being with the indians and learned so much about their way of life that she became an indian herself. Gordon is having a nightmare knowing I'm writing this and it's not correct history. He is a real history buff. He's been in his bedroom looking for the correct information and laughing at what I'm reading here. Glad I can make him laugh.

Here we are in Philly right in the middle of downtown. The districts are split by historic, art, shopping, etc. Our senses are inflamed with excitement and entertainment. So much history and so little time. The thought of being here where over 200 years earlier our philosophy was established as to freedom for all and yet -- we as a nation can't agree to cover all with basic health care. Is that where we are today?

Had fun at this Old City Tavern,built in 1793 for lunch and had a great Washington Porter Beer plus great food. Today we took the Duck ride through town and onto the Delaware River. It was very informational and great to see the city from the waterway. We walked to Reading Transit Market and Shops where there's so many different thing to buy and eat -- as most market are. Tempted to eat everything in site, I decided to buy just a small bun filled with pecans and cream (a mini shoefly) sooo gooood I almost orgas...md with delight. so creamy and juicy.

This is the oldest Residential street in the US. Still has residents in the houses down the way. We have enjoyed Philly so much but look forward to our next destination. Leominister, MA to visit Uncle Warren and Uncle Gordon for a few days. Love you all xxoo XXOO

Yesterday spent the day in Lancaster County, Amish land. Looking at everything in awe -!- Lots of great furniture and handmade items crafts and of course food. Stopped in Intercourse, PA where we ate at a lovely cafe / inn sharing a sandwich and each having soup. I had a cold fruit soup = what a change for the pallet. I really enjoyed it immensely - Joe had New England Clam Chowder. Took lots of photos. These girls on their bikes. I'd like to have one of those for getting around on top of my hill only.

Commercialism is there. The Amish have formed a group who are trying to buy properties up that are for sale to keep for farm land instead of being developed.

We see development everywhere even if the economy is bad all across the country. Invasive species can be other than vegetation if you really look at things as equals. Greedy humans who are rude and oblivious of others. I'm note surprised after having lived in Florida and spent time with those from the Northeast. I'm amazed people complain about no work. I'm sure they could go out and clean up around their area by mowing, etc and someone would notice and before you knew it you'd have someone giving you money. Well, maybe a bit far fetched but there's so much out there and if those who have money notice and will give you a buck is it worth your time while you're looking for work? We met with Jeanette and Lynne at their home after a drooling rush hour drive up Hwy 3 to West Chester. Seen a lot of interesting things.

Seen project areas, university apartments, to lovely homes along the way. Our 45 minute drive turned into more like 90 minutes. We had a great time sharing conversation and dinner at Hill Brewery of West Chester, PA. Jeanette & Lynne are such wonderful and giving people. It was good to share the evening - we had a wonderful night.

We so enjoyed yesterday afternoon's walk to see the falls. Today took us through Deep Creek, Maryland. Looked much like Big Bear Lake, California but with 10,000 more mansion size homes along the hillsides. Sweet corn for sale $4.00 a dozen. Love traveling the back roads - much closer to what's happening and it's good to see an American Recovery Act Project on Highway 219 from Maryland into Penn.

Some of the leaves are changing; cool this morning 43 degrees; damp air but sunny cloudless skies. Feel like we're on the top of the world looking down (:,>) very beautiful.

This picture is of a large farm at the bottom of one of the valleys we seen today. Taken about an hour after we had stopped at 7/11 for morning coffee.
Joe went in to get the coffee while I stayed in the car to warm it up before hitting the highway for the day. Strangely three people came out and came towards the car almost immediately after Joe went in (I figured, okay roll down the windows 'cause the questions will be coming). While Joe said to himself "That's weird" as they rushed past him. The two ladies were laughing and talking about how they can't believe they are looking at this small car it is so small on the outside but how look how big it is on the inside. Then the guy asked what kind of car it was, I started to explain the "Smart Car" is made by Mercedes in Germany and it's called smart because it is smart. What?? He must have thought I was saying it was built on Mars. Impossible. Joe & I had a real laugh driving down the road with both of our expieriences. As he walked out with the coffee, the three turned towards him and just laughed !
Went across the Eastern Contintinal Divide 2,610 feet (ha ha) okay it's eastern. Enjoyed the Gettysbury Military National Park and paid our respects. Found a place to get a pedicure while Joe explored the area then we had lunch a the most wonderful Bistro.
The Blue Parrot Bistro in Gettysburg is in a building that was built in 1850. The church across the street was built in 1855. The food and service was extremely good and I would highly recommend to anyone going through Gettysburg to stop. Found our way to Lancaster, PA and plan to discover this area before heading to Phili for the weekend. sleep tight :>)

We visited the West Virginia National Cemetery today. It is set on some beautiful land and covers hundreds of acres. Started our travels at 6:30 am due to an interesting evening and then finding out that the shower only ran cold water. Have you ever taken a bath in a sink, so have I but not since I was a little smaller than I am now. It was pretty interesting but we learned to start from the feet and work up. I'm sure we used a lot more hot water by having to take the sink bath then to have had it in the shower as normal people would have. We learned that cheap is cheap, but it was cheap and we did get a good nights sleep.

Our drive along the Ohio river and then through the hollows of West Virginia hills was awesome. Lush green trees everywhere and yet houses here and there. Missed getting the photo of the sign going into West Virginia.

Arrived in Oakland, MD around 2pm and checked into the motel. Walked down town through a very old neighborhood of massive mansions, had lunch at a little cafe, then went to Swallow Falls park. The owner of this motel told us about the park and suggested we go and see the falls. Had a great walk and enjoyed the wonderful weather we are having. took a few pictures though you'd enjoy .