Train, Plane and Automobile

After 18 hours I finally made it home last night! Starting with the Septa train to 30th Street Station - when we get there Amtrak doesn't show our reservation! Continental had long hold times due to all the cancellations; I ended up buying two new Amtrak tickets just to make sure we go to Newark Airport. From Amtrak to the AirTrain - easy monorail from the train station to the terminals; I'll have to remember how easy that was for future trips.

We think - Finally! at the airport, we are home free! Wrong. The delay starts with 15 min, then 30, then an hour... The windshield of the plane needed to be replaced. Ugh. So we wait and wait and wait.....2.5 hours later the windshield is in and we're ready to go! Woo-hoo! NOW we're home free and I can still make it to Martini Monday! .... wrong again. As we get to AZ there are lots and lots of clouds then the announcement - storms directly over the airport, field is closed, we are circling 15 minutes. 20 minutes later, we are diverted to Tucson for fuel. Sigh. While refueling, the PHX airport is once again closed for thunderstorms. Over an hour later the announcement came -- take our seats, we're leaving NOW. Another 15 minutes goes by and we finally take off!! Yay!!

Back to Phoenix! Off to get my car, then grab some food - though Continental still serves a meal, I question it's food value LOL - drop off mom and get my dog. A quick drive through rain soaked Valley streets and I'm home!!! Whew! What a long day :) At least the wine comes soon........ :D

Stuck in PHL

So, those really cool summer thunderstorms caused delays at the Philadelphia airport. :| Here I sit at the Hampton Inn Airport hotel room and putz around the internet. Sadly we had to turn in our car and the only thing in walking distance is a Ruby Tuesdays - well, at least we have food and BEER! Tomorrow I have the grand adventure of taking SEPTA to AMTRAK to Newark Airport then finally a direct flight home. Oh boy, it's Monday and a commuter train to Newark! Ugh.

Summer Thunder

The temperature drops 10+ degrees. The thunder rolls over the treetops, lightning flashes. The wind sings through the trees. Here comes the rain - strong, steady, straight downpour. Love the smell of rain. Mmmmm.....summer thunderstorms.
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WOW! That was a big clap of thunder!!!! The kitty is hiding and puppy hasn't gone far from me or slept much lately.
That one SHOOK the house!!! Hope the power doesn't go out! Better go find the flashlight........

Cool Summer Nights

You know, when it’s not ridiculously humid it’s pretty damn nice outside at night in PA. Here I sit on my friend’s deck with the smell of grilled chicken lingering, crickets chirping, lightning bugs flashing, and stars in the sky. Yes, I’m far enough out that’s it’s nice and dark and you can actually see the stars. Not tiny glimmers in between city lights, but bright beautiful stars. Look, straight ahead, it’s the Big Dipper.

The brightest light out here right now is the computer. I’m sure a moth or two will join me soon. The dog is hanging out at my feet. Once again I get the urge to go camping. This weather is the best to camp in - warm enough during the day and cool enough at night – perfect for a campfire.

My house in Phoenix is quiet, but this quiet is different. Here you can relax and think. Ponder life, either yours or the lightning bug’s. Once in a great while you hear a car from Rt. 23 or an airplane on the way to Philadelphia.

I really should get some sleep so I can get up and workout before it gets hot. It’s just too darn nice out. Ooop, there’s a bug, not a moth, but some other bug who likes my light. Guess I’ll ponder what I want to do when I grow up……….
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PS. I just came in the house and there is a weird moth creature on the door. It’s yellow and purple!!! Look:

Rain

My plans to lounge at the pool with a beer have been thwarted. I forgot that on the east coast when they predict rain it usually rains. Though I must admit it was nice to wake up to the sound of a light rain. Ah well, my pool plans are changed for the day. I will enjoy the cool weather instead - I believe the high for today is 69 degrees! Phoenix is predicting 101 degrees. Hmm...I think I'll sit back and enjoy the rain for a day :)

Road Trips

I enjoy road trips. Why I don't do them more often I have no idea. The best road trip is on a day with blue sky, a few clouds, sunshine and green all around. Yesterday I drove from New York Finger Lakes Region to Pennsylvania. It's about the same amount of time driving from Phoenix to LA. It's much nicer on this side of the country. Here I had farms, forests and small towns to look at along the way. Back west I have desert, desert and more desert. Yes, I'll order blue sky, a few clouds, sunshine and green when I take a road trip :) Alright, I won't always get what I want, but I can dream can't I?

Finger Lakes Region New York

Today I spent the day enjoying cloudy times, sunny times, lots of wine and most of all cool temperatures! I live in Phoenix however am on vacation in the Finger Lakes Region of NY therefore the cool temps are a blessing during the summer. Today I started in Rochester NY and drove through Canadaigua stopping to enjoy the art & music festival, then headed to Penn Yan, Dundee and landed in Watkins Glen.

It's July. That usually means warm temps and humidity. There wasn't any humidity to speak of today and I didn't see a temp reading over 73! I loved it!!!! In fact, I was chilly enough to buy a fleece jacket tonight :) It feels like September.

Now I am at the Seneca Lodge. As I walked from the bar (mmm...Yuengling) to my room I could see the stars clearly, hear people laughing and enjoying the night, feel the chill in the air and smell a campfire. It's so relaxing. I sat on the porch of my motel room, closed my eyes and just breathed in the smell and cool air. Now I want to go camping :)

And I've confirmed I have little will power when it comes to wine......I've already purchased more than a case to ship back to AZ!! Tomorrow I head to Bully Hill winery and more purchases :D

PS
If anyone --not from NY-- can pronounce Canadiagua and Keuka, I'll buy you a drink! No cheating and looking it up ;) LOL