Travel

Lets head to Canada

Come to Canada with us! Travel from home during our stay at home covid 19.

We often make a vacation out of conferences, that I attend for work. We look ahead and see where the national conferences are going to be held. If that’s somewhere we want to visit, we plan a trip. So, when it headed to Toronto, so did we. This is the second country we had visited. This trip was planned around the national physician assistant conference. My husband’s mom went with us on this trip. She loves to travel, but not alone.

We flew to Toronto; I saw NY city out the plane windows. I had always wanted to know what New York was like. All the hype and all. I have not been back, not that I would not like to see it on the ground, but just that we have not traveled that way. We landed in Toronto and there was a hotel shuttle to take us to our hotel. We normally stay with Marriott and this time was at Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel. My husband worked for Marriott for a while, but they are just a good company that cares for their associates. Our hotel was 3 blocks from the conference center, where I would spend the next 5 days.

Each day was new and exciting. I have never lived in a place, that you would walk to work. The busy streets, cars honking at each other all the time. They yield to pedestrians all the time. Very different, at times, from the US. We did not rent a car while there, we walked and took the double decker bus around town.

The first few days, we got up, my hubby walked with me to my conference and then he returned at lunch, and then the end of the day. It was fun, new, exciting time for both of us. His mom would not walk over as much. We found that there was a theatre and you could get free tickets at 11am. So, a friend who attended the conference also and I walked over to get tickets. The theatre show for that evening could sell out if we did not get there in time. It was to be the four of us to attend. We were able to get 4 tickets, but not next to each other. It was to be a fun evening. My hubby did not feel well and walked back to the hotel. I did not realize he went back and thought he had gone into the theatre. So, needless to say that was a little distracting but the play was great! Hubby, was good when we returned to our hotel.

We bought a 3-day pass for the double Decker bus, for the last 4 days that we were there. The bus had 21 stops throughout the city and you could get on and off as you wished. We were able to stay on as long as were would like. We chose to ride the entire routes a couple times to get somewhat acquainted to the city. Then we would get off and venture out.

We attended a fun festival at the city Centre park, walked around shops, and saw homes and factories. As we were walking in the park, we noted they were giving away a car. We could not sign up, because we did not have a Canadian address. We were however, able to enjoy the rest of the Italian festival. We tried gelato for the first time. Booths with businesses, crafts, and music. It was a fun afternoon.

We took a bus tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls. This is a vacation destination for both, the US and Canada. We were I think lucky to have been on the Canadian side. I have not seen it from the US side, but it appears that it may not be as great of a view. There is a bridge that takes you from the Canadian side to the US side. We did not walk the bridge as it was a long bridge and we were limited on time. So, all my story is from the Canadian side. Our bus took us from our Hotel to Niagara Falls. We stopped in Niagara, Canada. This is a town on the edge of the falls. We walked around and stopped to eat lunch. We tried poutine for the first time. I loved it, my hubby, not so much. There were great little shops, the roads while straight, were up and down hills. These were not just small inclines; they were HILLS and steep ones.

Next was the park at Niagara Falls. We got off the bus to the mist coming from the falls. Glad we had ponchos. We took a tour on a boat called maid of the mist; we were able to get up close to the falls. It was massive. So much water, such a force. Back to dry (well misty) land and the gift shops and viewpoints. This is a trip I would recommend, it is hard to imagine, even with pictures.

Back on the bus to the vineyards, we stopped to have a tasting of frozen grape wine. Did you know that when grapes freeze there is only a two-week window to harvest them? Each grape only gives a couple drops of juice, to make into wine. Imagine the number of grapes, in the bottle of wine. I am not an alcohol drinker, but I did taste one. Not for me, my hubby and his mom did like the dry ones, but not so much the sweet ones.

We then headed back to the hotel and up early to catch our flight back home. Hope you enjoyed this trip to Toronto. Our lives are still not the same with the stay at home, still in many places. If you enjoyed this trip please share! Sign up for our email list if you would like to have updates on new post.

Come to Cancun with Us

Take a virtual trip to Mexico. Read about our trip and start planning yours!

So much is going on right now in the world. I chose to take this week’s topic South. In 2009, my husband surprised me with a trip to Cancun. We are adventurous, but not that adventurous, so he booked us in an all-inclusive resort. So off to Cancun we went.

We flew from Missouri to Dallas, then down to Cancun. We had read up on what to expect and the stories held true. When arriving at the airport, we retrieved our luggage and out the door to all the taxies waiting. We found the taxi that we felt was good for us and off to our resort we headed. When arriving, I was a bit surprised that the front office was open air. There were no doors, just up the steps, to the main area. You could see the pools and ocean from the front desk. We checked in and up to our room we headed.

We had the honeymoon suite, even though we had been married for 22 years at that time. It was like a honeymoon. Our room was at the end of the building. We had our own hot tub and deck. The view was fabulous. We could see the entire resort and the ocean from our balcony.

Looking down we could see the pools, the cabanas, beach, and ocean. So many folks out there, just relaxing. We decided to take a stroll. Down the elevator and out the corridor to so much beauty. We were finally alone, together. No cell phones (at that time it cost $$$$ to have cell service in another country). We were just us, for a few short days.

Making a decision about what to do while in Mexico. As with most any destination, you can fill your days with trips or choose to stay at the resort. We chose to take a bus trip to the market that everyone said we should check out one day. On other days, we took a trip. We went to the ruins Chichen Itza, and to the Island of women, Isla Mujeres. I had never been on a catamaran so the trip was intriguing.

Touring the city was very interesting. I was surprised by the filth. Maybe they did not see things the way I did. I wondered why, if this is a vacation destination, would they allow things to look dirty. We got to the market that everyone told us we should go to Market 28. It was like our flea markets here in the states. We went from booth to booth, as we heard them tell us what great deals they had. The American dollar was worth more than the paseo so they were happy to get a sale. Yes, we did buy some souvenirs. We decided that we would eat back at the resort.

Our trip to Chichen Itza started very early in the day. The bus loaded around 7am, for our 2-hour drive to the ruins. The ruins are villages, buildings, that have been found by digging. The Mayan tribe lived in these villages. They had large rock buildings for homes. There was a ball court with seating. On the way into the ruins there were vendors selling many different types of items. This also happened in the days that the Mayan people lived there. We were not able to climb on any of the buildings, like you can at some of the ruins. It was a very hot day. We used wash cloths soaked in water to help stay cool. In the middle there was a pyramid. The story goes that they told time by the stairs on the pyramid. The shadows, made by the sun and the steps, helped tell the time. The one story that still sticks in my mind, is winning the game. The story goes that the winner’s, have their heads chopped off. All I could think, was how happy I was to not be the winner. This was a long day of learning a new culture, eating foods that were “different” cuisine and learning that winning is not always winning.

We headed to bed early this night as the following day was another trip. We were heading to the Island of the women, “Isla Mujeres”. I am excited to go on my first catamaran ride and of course see the Island of the women.

Up early again, as we had to take the city bus, to the catamaran business, to get on the boat. The buses are paid, per ride, and they have a jar for you to put your money in. You need to have correct change for each time you get on the bus. We arrived early, but that it OK, since we didn’t want to miss the boat. They have scuba gear for those who are choosing to dive when we make a stop, on the way to the island. They say the coral wreaths are beautiful. I have never been able to figure out how to breath with my mouth, when wearing scuba gear. I am such a nose breather, I just fogged up my mask. So, I did not rent any gear, neither did my hubby. We were all loaded on the boat, and what a vast number of folks from so many countries were on the boat.

The ones that drew our attention the most, were the four ladies from England. They were in their 70’s, I am sure. Each one in a bikini (not that they had perfect figures) but they had confidence. One of the ladies did not have her straps on her bikini top at all. I am really, to this day, not sure how it stayed on. I am thinking duct tape on the inside. They danced and had a great time the entire trip.

Second was the lady who brought her son (age around 10). Yes, they did say this is a party catamaran, not a family one. But he did get an education as she kept him at the front and looking forward. Then was upset that the adult sized scuba gear did not fit him, to snorkel. With language barriers, she may not have understood it all. But I do think he had a good time; she was probably a little stressed the entire time.

We also had that one, you know the one with the perfect body and wearing a thong bikini, the one the guys all enjoyed and the ladies thought “was I ever there”.

We finally get to the Island and it was such a pretty place, nice clean streets, little shops, great picture spots. We walked around, shopped, sat at the park, and ate on the beach at one of the little shops. This was a relaxing time of the day.

Our trip back was without stops, but lots of partying. It was fun. I do not drink alcohol much at all. So only chose to have soda and water. However, many drinking games were played. Such a fun time. We were glad to get back to the resort to relax and enjoy our fine dining experience in the French restaurant that evening. With the honeymoon suite we were given one night of specialty dinning experience.

The last day was just relaxation. We met a couple that was from Italy and they had come to the resort for a two-week vacation. How nice I thought, two weeks of just relaxation. We finally took time to relax by the ocean. Then to bed, as we were headed home the next morning.

I hope you have a chance to go on a vacation, enjoy different cuisines and cultures. If only by doing it through reading and cooking in your home. Have you had any great trips you would like to share? If so, comment below. Also, if you are enjoying reading my blog please share with your friends.

3 things to help you stay healthy both physically and mentally during the corona virus.

Keeping healthy both physically and mentally.

In the last few months, our lives have done a 180. We have gone from moving about as we wish, to staying at home mandates. What was just an issue in China, is now here on our land. This is undoubtedly one of the hardest times we have seen. What a response we have seen, with others helping others.

Over the next several weeks, we will continue to need to stay home as much as possible. We will have to only go to the grocery store, gas station, pharmacy and doctor offices. During this time our normal social interactions will be greatly decreased.

Humans need social interactions, we depend on them to learn, love, and share. We love our families. However, being with only them, can become very irritating over time. Not being able to get out and do things can weigh on our mental health. Even the strongest mentally healthy folks can have anxiety and depression symptoms in these times.

What can you do to help yourself during these times?

First, stay healthy. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. Read my hand washing blog here. Keep your family healthy by not getting out in public and possibly being exposed to the Corona virus. Simple things, like disinfecting your hard surfaces, cooking at home, keeping up on housework can all help you to stay healthy.

Second, learn, read, work on a hobby, teach others by writing or making a video. Find a reason to get up and do something every day. If we allow ourselves to just lay around, and not have a reason to get up, we can start feeling depressed. We can start having issues with anxiety. We have to be proactive and keep doing our daily task. Even though many are home working or laid off right now. This is the time for ourselves. Remember all those things you have said “I will do that when I have time”? This is the time!

Third, DO NOT allow all of this to take over your world. The corona virus is scary. It is happening. It is very contagious. We need to take it seriously. However, do what you can to keep calm during this time. If you need help, ask for it. There are others who can help you. If you are elderly, or you are immunodeficient allow others to help. This virus is not discriminatory, it will take any host that it can find.

I challenge you to check in on others (via phone) if you are able to help them. If you deliver needed items, drop them off at the door. If you need something, please reach out to your local community center, family, school district, or church family to let them know what you need. Please stay safe at home as much as possible. If you do get sick, contact your primary care provider by phone first, and follow their recommendations. While there are more testing sites available, talk with your primary care office first.

2 States, Many Friends, and an 80th Birthday!

Have you lived in more than one location in your life? If you have, no doubt you have made great friends, who live in these areas. We have lived in Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. Last weekend we decided to take a road trip and visit some of those friends. We also went to see my husbands Dad to deliver his 80^th birthday gift. We saw 9 great friends, 2 states, and 4 towns.

Our trip began with a five hour drive and meeting with Jo and Rog. What a great evening, eating dinner with two wonderful friends. We met at Blind Tiger in Topeka Kansas. We have such a great time, every time we get together with Jo and Rog. Dinner was delicious and the time flew. We got caught up on grand babies and travel plans. Hated to leave but they had to work the next morning. Next time, again, we will talk like there are no miles between us. We will continue to communicate via electronics, but nothing beats seeing them in person.

It was interesting driving through cities and towns we have lived or worked in. Amazed how the roads are still terrible. You would think the streets would be more of a priority. It brings to mind a statement I heard several years back that if the roads get bad enough the people will approve a tax hike to fix the roads. I didn’t think much of it at the time. But, here we are several years later and still terrible roads. You would think being the capitol city of the state that the roads would be a priority. And No, I am not talking about back roads, but some of the major roads. We pay taxes when we buy gas, click here to see more information. A portion of the gas tax is to help with fixing roads.

Traveling comes with potential issues. Luckily, we were traveling where we knew dealerships, when a warning light came on in our car. We knew where to go to get good service. Valor Motors took our car in and within an hour they diagnosed it and fixed our issue. Then off to our home away from home for a couple of days. Tips to finding quality car repair click here.

Tony and Tami are great friends and opened their home to us for a couple days. We are blessed to have so many great friends. They recently moved into their dream home in the country. It was quiet out there; you can see for miles. We went to dinner at a place called Mr. K’s farmhouse. This is the first place we went to eat together many years ago. We had a great time reminiscing about that first dinner.

Saturday Morning, we were off to see another great couple. Audie and Kasey. Wow, just like we had talked yesterday, other than their granddaughters have grown so much. We talked for hours and loved getting to see each other. Discussed future plans and their daughters upcoming wedding. We had pizza and wings, and watched a movie. It just like old times. It is times like these that make it seem there are no miles between us in friendship.

That evening we headed back to our home away from home for a cookout. Tony is such a great griller and smokes meat like no other. Our dinner was great, conversation even better, and off to bed.

Sunday we got up early to head toward our home towns (we grew up 10 miles away from each other). In the “fly over states” that is two different towns, not one city. Off to see more great family and friends.

We ate lunch in Winfield with my bestie from Preschool, Crystal. Just like all our stops this trip, we talked like we see each other all the time. Got to spend a couple hours with her. Hear about her kids, jobs, and talked about this blog. She is going to help with the proofing. That is taking her time to help me. True giving of her time. And, yes, I would do it for her also. Again, time flew! But we will be talking more with our new endeavor.

We headed to see David’s dad for his 80th birthday with us. Due to jobs and time we chose to celebrate a little early. We offered to take him out to dinner and he chose Wendy’s. When you live in a smaller town this is fine dining, hahaha. David worked many hours on his dad’s birthday present. His dad saw us bring in a white box and told his friend Libby “I think they brought in a cake”. When he opened the gift, he was not disappointed that it was not a cake. He loved his new artwork.

The stained glass picture David made for his Dad.

After dinner we were off to see more long-time great friends. Darrell and Sheri. Our friendship began when the guys worked together and before kids (30+Years ago). Our kids have kids and we still love to spend time with them. We were able to take some boy clothes to them for their grandson. I am not and never have been afraid to use good clean used clothing for kids. It is amazing how fast they out grow clothing and shoes.

The next morning we finished our trip enjoying breakfast with David’s dad and headed home. Our trip was blessed with great weather and no significant issues. We were able to see so many great friends. Most of all share a milestone birthday with David’s dad. We shared homes and hearts. We are now back home to continue our lives, get back to work, and live the best lives we can.

In life they say if you have one great friend you are lucky. We are very BLESSED to have so many. My challenge to you is to plan a trip, when you can to see those who are important to you. While you may not get to see everyone, see all that you can, make those memories.