Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts

Monday, April 28, 2008

Hilton Head Review, Part 2, Lotsa Golf

The weekend in Hilton Head was a golf fan festival.

Saturday was the latest day that I slept, and it was close to 9 am when I woke up. I think it was because I did not want to waste any moments of freedom that I had from that soul sucking job of mine. Sleeping can happen at home.

3 PM, Subway and I are on the golf course, the Golden Bear at Indigo Run. It was the first time I had picked up the sticks in about 7 months and really I did not play that badly. Especially since my sticks were still sitting in the basement of the home in Philly and I was using borrowed ones. The Golden Bear was a nice open course, with some great views and a some very tough greens to read. Plus there were spectators.

Golden Bear Gator

He was a small one.

By the way, Mrs Duck was at a spa with Doc at this time, somehow I think most of you will think she had a better time.

Saturday night was Wild Wings and Silicone Sister. Wild Wings was a positive, Silicone Sister not that much. Silicone Sister was a cover band of all those 80s hair bands. They were not half bad, except they may not have been the best for all the rebels in the audience. The feigned arrogance of the band did not help. Though a band that covers Bon Jovi works for me.

Sunday, the Verizon Heritage Classic was on tap. It was better tournament then last year, which is not that big a deal actually, since last year was a windblown, postponed mess. There were no big stars in last 2 rounds, besides Jim Furyk, but since it was not as crowded as last year, I was able to see Furyk and all the other golfers up close. Boo Weekley won again, which would have been more exciting if we had actually seen him chip in at the 10th hole to seal the tournament.

There was drunkeness and missed shuttles after the tournament, but really, doesnt every golf tournament end with drunkeness and missed shuttles? Oh and a few great pictures.

Harbourtown Light and Sun

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Hilton Head Review, part 1

Well, if you had under 3 hours in the how long it would take me to get annoyed at work over/under game, you won.

So, in an effort to try and still capture the trip down to Hilton Head and savor the feeling that is vacation, lets try and review a few of the days.

Delta is quickly becoming one of my favorite airlines. They were friendly, on time and actually kind of a pleasure to fly on. Yes, I know its amazing. So once we finally arrived via a connection in Atlanta, we got picked up at the Savannah airport by Subway. It took Doc a little while to get out of work, which was probably a good thing since Mrs Duck and I did need some time to decompress.

Then it was off to walk on the beach. Now, the Hilton Head beach is not as tropical as Florida or Hawaii, but when you have been dealing with the 50 degree weather of Philadelphia, it hit the spot. Though dinner that night at Turtles did not exactly hit the spot, since I got like little mini BBQ sandwiches. I could have eaten 2 orders and still have been hungry.

Friday, it was back to the beach. One complaint about Subway and Doc's house was that the bed was uncomfortable and the pillows were even worse, so being up at 7:30 was not a surprise. Folly Beach was on the agenda for the day, and while it was breezy at the shore, it was still fantastic lay out on the beach weather. Though the weather was ice cold. Subway and Doc were brave enough to dip there toes in the water, and that was about as brave as any of the 4 of us could get.

Dinner was at Shrimp Michaels and it was fanatastic, though danged expensive. I had soft shell crabs, which is a treat because they do not get up past the Delaware River. Dessert also easily topped the soft shell crabs.

In our next review, its golf and more golf. I know you are all so jealous.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Back in the Keystone State

Hey, was there some sort of Primary election here yesterday or something?

So, Mrs Duck and I are officially back from the land of Palmettos. We are both well rested and relaxed feeling, though also kind of exhausted. It is amazing how hard it is to sleep in foreign beds for long periods of time.I am sure that well rested feeling will escape us both by about 11 AM or so tomorrow, as we get entrenched back into the fun of work. The weather everyday there was near perfection, 70s to low 80s, sun, no humidity.

It should make plenty of sense then as I felt the gloom and bleh feeling wash over me just as I get a view of the grey buildings and hustle and bustle of the Philadelphia skyline. Now, I think the skyline of Philadelphia is gorgeous and the city is a great place to live in, but it does not have the slow downed relaxed attitude, with a sea breeze.

Which is why I now have a desperate feeling for a palm tree.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #49-The Arizona One


Thirteen Things about Arizona


Since my folks retired, they have lived in many different places. I think its because they get restless in one spot, so every few years or so, they move again. They are currently in the San Antonio area, but Mrs Duck and I have not visited there yet. Out of all the places they lived before Texas, Arizona was my favorite spot. So, 13 facts and bits about Arizona.

1.Arizona is the 48th state in the union. It was incorporated into the United States on February 14, 1912.

2.Whoever came up with the statement "But its a dry heat" has never been in Phoenix at 2 pm in August. About the only thing that is dry is the heat, because the rest of your body is soaked.

3.Arizona does not have daylight savings time. Which can get annoying when you are trying to call from the eastern time zone, because sometimes it is a 2 hour time difference and sometimes its 3.

4.They have a pretty cool state flag.


5.The Gin Blossoms, who I have already mentioned once this week, were based out of Arizona. Stevie Nicks was also born in Phoenix. It is usually a big deal when Fleetwood Mac makes an appearance there, like some sort of homecoming.

6.In July and August, Arizona experiences the Monsoon season, which features winds, heavy downpours and very very cool lightening.

7.Sedona is a city in Arizona that seems to have an artsy culture. Though I could see how artists are drawn there, when surrounded by the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, which almost appear to glow, or be alien rock formations.

8.Alice Cooper is also a famous musical son from the state. He has returned to open up a couple of sports bars, one located very close to Bank One Ballpark, which I am sure by now has changed its name. Cooper is a near fanatical golfer as well, which is probably another reason he decided to move back to Arizona.

9.Speaking of Golf courses, there are over 300 of them within the state.

10.Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the worlds most prominent architects, had his winter home, Taliesin West in Scootsdale. It is now open to the public and trust me, it is well worth the trip.

11.Arizona was home to German and Italian POW camps and Japanese Internment camps during World War 2. I actually visited a site of one of these camps, after it was closed of course, but did not know it at the time, since it is now the Phoenix Zoo.

12.Of course, Arizona is where I first experienced the wonder that is an In N Out Burger. This maybe one of the biggest reasons I miss visiting Arizona.

13.One of the other reasons I miss visiting Arizona is because it is a photographers dream.
Goodyear,AZ
Sedona 1
Sedona 2

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Sunday, August 19, 2007

The Quiz break

For the times when I got nothing to say. Or at least am to lazy to type that I have nothing to say.

You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach

You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun.
And you don't just love summer... you live for it.
So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach!


Got this one from Pam, of course.

How to Win a Fight With a Conservative is the ultimate survival guide for political arguments

My Liberal Identity:

You are a Social Justice Crusader, also known as a rights activist. You believe in equality, fairness, and preventing neo-Confederate conservative troglodytes from rolling back fifty years of civil rights gains.



Finally, this one from the Daily Bitch (kick ass name, aint it?) Except for the gourmet food part, this quiz was accurate. Now if mozzarella didn't make me sick.

What Your Pizza Reveals

You have a hearty appetite. You are likely to complain if a restaurant has small portions.

You aren't particularly picky about pizza. It's so good... how could you be? You fit in best in the Western part of the US.

You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods.

You are dependable, loyal, and conservative with your choices.

You are definitely unique and artistically inclined. You should consider traveling to Prague.

The stereotype that best fits you is guy or girl next door. Hey, there's nothing wrong with being average.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Blgthon 28.48 Project 365 #92 Harbourtown

over on Sparky's Photo Hut, I have been participating in the Project 365 task, which means you take one picture a day and then post it for all the world to see. I am very behind, so one will get added here.

A picture from the Ducks last vacation...

Lighthouse at Harbourtown

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #43-The Beach One


Thirteen Beaches Sparky Has Visited


Its Summertime, which means alot of lucky dudes and dudettes are off running around on various beaches enjoying themselves. So, to sort of connect with all those lucky you know whats, here are 13 beaches that Sparky has visited over my lifetime. If pictures are included, they are pictures I have taken. Enjoy and wash the sand off your feet before you leave.

1.Wildwood Crest, Wildwood Crest, NJ- For about 10 days every summer from 1979 to about 1987 or so, our family vacation every summer would include spending time with the Grandparents in a one bedroom, one bathroom suite in Wildwood. While it sounds unappetizing now, it was loads of fun when you were 10.

2.Jekyll Island, Georgia-I can barely remember this trip to the beach, because it was so long ago and I think it was actually raining when we were there. But the beach itself was small and kind of rocky. With limited memory, this was not one of my favorites. But, lets rememebr I was like 13, and at 13 you dont like anything.

3. Daytona Beach, Florida-A weird little beach, but again I was there with my parents and brother. So while the fact that the cars could drive on the sand was cool, I missed out on alot of the other "activities", so to speak.

4.Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey-This was where we would hang out on the summers in High School. If you wanted to hook up with a New Yorker under the boardwalk, this was one of the places.
pointpleasant

5.Canon Beach, Oregon
. This place is best known for Haystack Rock, as well as the fact that part of the movie Goonies was filmed there. It was gorgeous, but very cold on the feetsies. I have to find my pictures from there, they were cool.

6.Harrington Beach, University of Delaware-Ok, this is not a beach in the sense that there is sand and water. It was a grassy location between three dorms at my alma mater. They call it a beach because it is more dirt then grass, plus the coeds would always lay out here whenever it was close to warm enough to wear a bikini.

7.Sarasota, Florida-It may or may not be Sarasota, but it was darn close to there. Amazing Sunsets over the bay.
sarasota

8.Hilton Head Isle, South Carolina
-I have been to these beaches a couple of times and what I can remember is the waves really were kind of sucky. The sand was gorgeous and the sun was warm, especially for April.

9.Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii-I know I have mentioned this multiple times before, so just enjoy.
waikikipt1 013

10.Estrella Mountain Golf Course, Goodyear, Arizona-Ok, again, it is not really a beach with waves. But, I consider it a beach because the last time I played golf here with my father, I spent most of my time in the giant sand traps.

11.Ocean City, Maryland-It was not exactly beach weather when we were down there this year, and to me it was an odd little place if you were looking for the beach feel. I think it was because of the high rise condos right on the water. But, dipping your feet in the sand did make you long for summer.
Ocean City, MD

12. Wailea Beach at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, Hawaii-This was the beach that was right off of our hotel. Breathtaking! Technically I believe it is called Polo Beach.
Wailea Beach

13.Black Sand Beach, Maui, Hawaii-Found on the Road to Hana. I would have sat here and looked at all the beautiful natural colors exploding around us for hours, if I could have.
blksand

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Thursday, May 24, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #36-The Longwood One


Thirteen Pictures from Longwood Gardens


Ok, get your minds out of the gutter. Last summer, Mrs Duck and I went on a weekend road trip down to Delaware and the key part of the trip was Longwood Gardens, which is technically in Pennsylvania. Please enjoy Thirteen pictures from that trip, though for the life of me I can not tell you the names of any of these flowers, beyond the banzai plant.

1.TT 5/24 1
These were all over the place. I think they were called lollipops?

2.TT 5/24 2

3.TT 5/24 3
I need to do some doctoring to this one

4.TT 5/24 4

5.TT 5/24 5
See, I told you, Banzai!!

6.TT 5/24 6

7.TT 5/24 7
Plumeria I think

8.TT 5/24 8
Thank the Goddess that these are bananas

9.TT 5/24 9

10.TT 5/24 10

11.TT 5/24 11

12.TT 5/24 12
Yep, still Kennett Square, Pa

13.tt 5/24 13




Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The OCMD Experience, postscripts

Some minor thoughts that I might have forgotten, plus I keep hearing a clamoring for details.

-As usual, I grasp onto something and just worry and worry and worry all over it. This time of course, it was what to wear to the wedding reception. Luckily, the choice was made very easily. The weather never rose above 65, so I was able to wear the long sleeve button down mint green shirt, the tan khakis and the sport coat, which was quickly stripped off just after the first dance. The most casual thing worn was some very nice Tropical print shirts, so all was right with the world.

-You could tell where the Philly people were sitting. We were the loud side of the room.

-As for "The Incident" I am not going to get all macho or conceited here, but my best attributes have always been on the lower half of my body. I have always gotten butt compliments and I even know my legs look good, in a runner/soccer player sort of way. So I guess my butt was just irrestiable in those khakis. The slapper got more wallet then anything else and I was not her only victim. So I would guess it was in the fun joking way. It was just odd because we are really not in this girls crew of friends, so it was totally out of a drunken haze of nowhere. And, I think it may have been better that Mrs Duck was tipsy. She didn't get near as pissy as if it was a sober incident.

-Ocean City was nice, but I don't think I will be heading back any time soon. I might be a beach snob or something, but it just didnt have that shore town feel. And it was way too cold to feel like a nice resort town.

-and now to figure out how to share the pictures without the whole internet seeing em.

Monday, May 14, 2007

The OCMD Experience, Part 2

If you are curious about Part One, just click here.

Some people have asked why more then one part. Well, I have found that when I get a bit too wordy, people lose interest and just skim. Why have that? Plus, it was a nice enough time to go in a few parts.

So Saturday was the only day that the two of us could manage to get enough sleep. We ventured off to breakfast, where the foursome (Mrs Duck, The Senator, Red and your feathered friend) had some of the biggest omelets I may have ever seen. And they were tasty too. Good times, though maybe not on the cholesterol front. Then, it was seeing some of the sights, searching for a hat for Mrs Duck, since she left her sunglasses, prescription no less, at home. I was stunned I did not get blamed for that. Though, we never did see the boardwalk, we did see the beach, again Brrrrr cold!!

After a near alarm malfunction, thankfully fire girl woke us up, we shuffled the whole crew off to the wedding. The ceremony itself was beautiful, right on Assawoman Bay. It would have been nicer if the sun came out, but everyone was just thankful it did not rain. The future Mrs Terrapin was very nervous, you could see it from how her hands were shaking, but her honey seemed calm and cool and did a good job of keeping her calm. Plus, the officiant was just like Judge Judy in voice and demeanor, which added a nice dose of levity.

The reception was nice as well, with plenty of food and heavy heavy pours on the drinks. The food was unremarkable, but also edible. Nothing really stuck out in my mind, besides the roast beef which was near perfect. Their was a moment when we were seated at our table, the group of 10 and we all sort of had this thought, this was the last wedding. It made us feel old, as well as pushed us to make sure we kicked the evening up another notch.

The Bride was beautiful, the toasts made me verklempt, the DJ was good, though you should never end a wedding on Last Dance by Donna Summer, because it is just too fast a song. Their was an odd moment when I got my butt slapped, and not by Mrs Duck. I have a nice ass, I know, but sheesh, its not a piece of beef that needs to be tested out for tenderness. Mrs Duck was none to pleased, and in her drunken state later on, she mentioned something to the Slapper. Luckily, no one came to blows, though I know the Philly crew would have had her back.

Only one of us threw up at the end of the night, though I think we were both drunk when we woke up for the breakfast buffet. That by the way, was a mistake, all breakfast buffets should be avoided when its Mothers Day.

Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Terrapin. They both provided everyone with a special weekend to enjoy their happiness. I will post some pictures in the coming few days, once I give them all a little touch up.

So, would you have gone after the Slapper?

The OCMD Experience, part 1

As you can see, we are back safe and sound from our little weekend sojourn to Ocean City, Maryland. As I usually love to do, I will provide you, my faithful readers, with a travelogue, so you can see how much fun we had and also so I can give my memory a little jump start in the future. So, away we go...

Traffic in Center City Philadelphia is always bad, now with all of the construction and walkers. Traffic on a sunny Friday afternoon is even worse. Traffic on a sunny Friday afternoon, after a political rally in Love Park is at its most possible worst! So, it should not be at all surprising that I was a tad bit cranky by the time I picked up Mrs Duck from her Center City office at a little bit after 1:30 pm. I could have already used a drink! Luckily, their was little issue getting out of the city and then the state.
Then, their was Delaware. If you ever travel on I-95 you think Delaware is just a little blip on the map that you could easily miss while snoozing. Oh contrare! When you have to drive the whole state, Delaware is just as long and as boring as cutting through New Jersey. Mind numbing 2 and a half hours. And once you get south of Dover, their is very little going on. The lack of Target/Wal-Mart/Lowes makes the chances at a rest stop less likely. I now see why when I was in college, Northern Delaware people could easily make fun of Southern Delaware people. All that was missing was a kid on a porch with a banjo.
One good decision I, the navigator as well as main pilot, made was to take 113 south as opposed to Route 1 south. We were able to avoid the stop and go traffic of Rehobeth and Dewey Beach, which made us able to arrive with a chance to freshen up before the happy hour on the bay at Macky's. Which was nice, because by the time we got there, I could have used a drink (as I mentioned above) Free Drinks are even better.
It turned into a beautiful night, spent catching up with the Senator and Red, The Cardinal family, the Judge and Fire girl and all the rest of the cast of characters that Mrs Duck has known for many years even before I graced her life. Plus, we were able to smoke at the bar, something unheard of in the city of Brotherly Love. Drinks, a good dinner at the Shark Restaurant and a chance to get to bed before midnight all made for a nice start to the weekend of celebration.

Now, I know your wondering, how was the wedding and what did your favorite feathered friend end up wearing. Oh, I guess that will have to wait for part 2, now wont it?

Monday, April 23, 2007

Carolina Pipe Dream?

As I mentioned last week, I would into more detail about some things that happened during the little Hilton Head mini vacation.
Probably one of the best days, because Mrs Duck and I were able to spend it by ourselves, was the little sojourn around Hilton Head and Bluffton to do some house perusing. Our goal, at least I think its our goal since we have not really settled on a time table (which of course would just embolden the enemy) is to move south sooner rather then later, probably within the next 2 years. So, we stopped along the main road on and off the island to see some of the "plantations" and new developments going up.
Our first stopped showed us how living on Hilton Head Island or a golf course could be a tad over our head. Not only would the land cost over $100,000, the house itself would be around $400,000. On top of that are about $50,000 in regime and golf fees a year. Since last I checked, we did not hit the Powerball, that arrangement is a tad out of reach.
So, it was farther down into Bluffton. We found this cute set of houses a tad off the beaten path, in a development called Parkside at Baynard Park. They are a little sister to another development across the street, which actually works out well, since while the houses cost about half as much in Parkside, they still get to use all the amenities available to the people in Baynard Park. Now I am sure those people in BP aren't thrilled, but what do I care. :) We liked the houses in Parkside, because they reminded us of what we think southern homes should look like, with vibrant colors and many many porches in different spots. Plus, did I mention they are cheaper?
So, we now at least have a gameplan, a shot to know how much we will need to save to get to where we want to get to. Now, of course, we will also need to get Doc and Subway excited about the possibility of us being their, but that will be a slow slow process.

Friday, April 20, 2007

And we're back...

Though, actually, Mrs Duck and I have been back since Tuesday night. VaTech has had my mind this week, so this is the first mention of our trip, at least in little snippets for now.

Thursday, well all I can say is if you do not have to ever fly USAir out of Philadelphia, you don't know what you are missing. Long lines, no information, lost luggage, switched gates and no smoking in the terminal. Gotta just love it.

Friday, the luggage did show up finally. Never have been so happy to see clothes that I just saw 12 hours before in my life! We did do some shopping, some earlier home shopping. The dream is to move south someday, so a job is really really really needed to get that dream going. Spice Girl and Tin Man arrive.

Saturday, I stayed under 150 strokes on a nice golf course and the girls got their nails done.

Sunday, the golf tournament, or should I say mini hurricane that passed for a golf tournament.

Monday, the golf tournament for real. By now, everyone is beginning to get on each others nerves. Everyone is sensitive and cranky. Though, still not looking forward to leaving, again because its USAir.

Tuesday, eh, the trip home was fine, uneventful, typical of course since you were coming home. This always go smoothly at the end.

I will expand on a few of these days in the upcoming posts. I know their is a clamor for pictures and I will share a few here and also over at the photo blog. But honestly, I don't have too many great ones, just because it was alot of green, nothing has really started to bloom yet. And it was still too chilly for us wimpy Ducks at the beach.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Its almost like your here

Yes, the luggage did finaly show up, at about 11 AM or so. I don't think the wife or I have ever been so excited to see clothes that were not new before. Plus, new underwear is always a plus.

Its 80 degrees down here suckers!

Alrighty, that was harsh.

Golf tomorrow, and you will all be glad to know that Mrs Duck did get to do some shopping to, though more of the window shopping variety. But you can't just get a house on a whim, Well unless your name was Trump or Hilton or McNabb.


And yes, USAir still sucks. I may sign off each post with that, just because it makes me feel a little better.

Good News Bad News

Good News-We made it here safely and the weather seems to be beautiful so far.

Bad News-Our luggage has not caught up with us yet, as of 8 a.m. today. Gotta love US Air!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #29-The San Diego One


Thirteen Pictures from the Duck Honeymoon
The San Diego Part.

A few weeks back Arewethereyetmom took a trip to San Diego, a gaggle of kids and no husband, by car no less. So, when she shared pictures, I told her I would show her mine sometime. Sometime has finally arrived. I know I have posted one or two of these pictures before, but its my finest San Diego snaps.

1…san diego 001
It Didnt feel like June Weather

2.san diego 002
yes I took this one because it was the best shot I could get of Petco Park. I'm such a guy.

3.san diego 003
We did have a great view from our hotel.

4.san diego 004
The closest we got to the water in California.

5.san diego 006
Downtown in Twilight.

6.san diego 015
Now I see why they look so grumpy, because they are!

7.san diego 020
Had to get this one while flying by in a tour bus. I guess thats the only way to get that close.

8.SunBear
Living La Vida Loca!

9.san diego 044
Of course i included a duck picture :)

10.san diego 035
Highlight of the San Diego Zoo

11.San Diego Panda
If you are the highlight, you get more then one picture shared, right?

12.san diego 046
Though this is one of my favorite shots

13.san diego 048
Adios, San Diego



Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Monday, March 26, 2007

Amazingly, there are hills in Slope Park

First off, apologies. I know I had mentioned there would be a contest for some free books over the weekend. It was a way for me to get all of you people to look at my blog while I was off carousing with the wife for the weekend. Yea, um, can we have a do over on that? Friday got away from me, I swear, the cat ate my homework. So, stay tuned this week for a simple simple contest!

So, it was off to North Jersey, the boonies, to visit my aunt and uncle. It was the sticks, honestly. Just a bit too rural for me and my liking. There were just too many times that we had to have the high beams on while driving up. But, it was alot better then the last time we made the trip, since a 2 hour trip took almost 4 hours.

Saturday was the highlight of the whole trip. Of course, it could have been seen as the lowlights too. It was Bowdoin's birthday celebration, and one of her wishes was to have the dogs, one chocolate lab and one young bulldog. First, in the trip was about 2 hours with dogs that have some farting issues. Then, while my cousin wanted to see the dogs, she didn't want them running around her small apartment. Not exactly thought out full as an idea. But, once skippy and dodo got there bearings, they actually behaved. We walked around the neighborhood, I am not sure whether it is Queens or Brooklyn, Im not a city guy. But we did eventually end up in Park Slope, so maybe someone can tell me where the heck we were!

But the highlight?? Dinner naturally. Bowdoin picked out this fantabulous greek restaurant, Miriam. I mean top of the world awesome. The appetizer was so delicious I wish I was not sharing it with Mrs Duck. And I am not usually a noodle pudding fan with my dinner, yet there kugel went perfect with the braised short ribs. Now I am getting hungry again. Oh, and for dessert, the greatest chocolate brownie sundae at the Chocolate Room across the street. For a foodie, this was the tops!

I am still exhausted, and its Monday morning. Feels like I spent most of the weekend in the car, between driving North, being a passenger to NYC and then driving home again. Im getting old, I was in bed before Mrs Duck and before 11 PM!