In my last post, I forgot to mention that Dave was golfing in Beverly, MA and staying overnight somewhere. He was missed at the cookout! At least, I saw him on Easter/Patty's Birthday.
Sunday's first highlight was when Dan Sr. made us individual omelettes with various salsas and cheeses! Bacon was also served! This meal was served on the deck outside the loft above the studio! (Before the loft was constructed after my last stay in 1993, the studio was very nice and spacious! The loft is small, but interesting! Most of our dinners at home were served in the loft.) Once again, this meal was delightful.
After relaxing for a short time, we all headed for the New Balance Factory Store in Boston's Brighton neighborhood. I bought a pair of athletic shoes for $29.99 (No Tax)! Bob's shoes were a little more expensive. Both pairs of shoes will be coming back to Ohio later today when Dan Sr. and Patty arrive at Dan Jr. and Laura's house in the Warren, OH area to celebrate Emily's birthday, which was actually yesterday!
We then came home to relax before we went to the 99 Restaurant in Fitchburg, MA. I had salmon, rice, and corn. Dan Sr. had seafood chowder. Patty had a grilled chicken salad. Bob had a steak, baked potato, and broccoli. We enjoyed our food! While we were waiting for a table, Patty and I went to a liquor store to pick up the Sentinel-Enterprise (Fitchburg-Leominster area newspaper).
We then came home. Bob and I relaxed and packed for our trip home the next day! The last day in New England will be interesting! The Ohio part is a good climax for this miniseries.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Bill and Bob's Memorable Vacation (Part 8)
April 14 was a relatively quiet day! Dan Sr. drove me to the Bigelow Library in Clinton, MA. For a small town, it was an adequate library! For me, it made me miss our libraries a lot! I caught up on some Saturday newspapers from Central MA! The local phone book was from 2009! Although the library closes at 1:00 P.M., I left early! I walked down High Street in Clinton! Clinton is a very nice small town! As I reached Main Street, I saw many newer convertibles at a service garage near the Walgreen's and Hannaford Supermarket. I am used to seeing old cars "tailgating" in the strip mall which holds the Chinese Restaurant where we picked up the food for my birthday party last year! This was an interesting experience that I will remember for a long time. I also picked up some sliced potatoes from Hannaford. Since the Hannaford was crowded, I had Dan SR. pick me up from the library as we had arranged. He would have picked me up from the Hannaford, but I decided that the library was easier.
After I came back to Patty and Dan Sr.'s, I had tuna (Wegman's), sliced potatoes, a hard boiled egg, Provolone Cheese (Market Basket) and Coke for lunch! Dan Sr. went to Lowe's (Near the Aldi featured in my story about April 10) to pick up some supplies! Since I was in the process of eating lunch, I skipped Lowe's. I relaxed the rest of the afternoon!
Later in the afternoon, Bob, Patty, Dan Sr., and I returned to Immaculate Conception Church in Lancaster for the 4:30 Vigil Mass. We then came home to prepare to visit Amy and Dave's house for a cookout!
The house is in Medway, MA. It is a very impressive house! We enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers, mostly provided by Dan and Patty! Amy supplied Baked Brie and "fancy cheese spread"! She also provided ice cream for dessert from Whole Foods with homemade hot fudge and whipped cream. The caramel and sprinkles came from the store! The sprinkles were from Crate and Barrel! Once again, I enjoyed my dining experience.
After coming home, with a slight detour to a local liquor store, we relaxed for the rest of the evening!
The next two days will be just as interesting!
After I came back to Patty and Dan Sr.'s, I had tuna (Wegman's), sliced potatoes, a hard boiled egg, Provolone Cheese (Market Basket) and Coke for lunch! Dan Sr. went to Lowe's (Near the Aldi featured in my story about April 10) to pick up some supplies! Since I was in the process of eating lunch, I skipped Lowe's. I relaxed the rest of the afternoon!
Later in the afternoon, Bob, Patty, Dan Sr., and I returned to Immaculate Conception Church in Lancaster for the 4:30 Vigil Mass. We then came home to prepare to visit Amy and Dave's house for a cookout!
The house is in Medway, MA. It is a very impressive house! We enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers, mostly provided by Dan and Patty! Amy supplied Baked Brie and "fancy cheese spread"! She also provided ice cream for dessert from Whole Foods with homemade hot fudge and whipped cream. The caramel and sprinkles came from the store! The sprinkles were from Crate and Barrel! Once again, I enjoyed my dining experience.
After coming home, with a slight detour to a local liquor store, we relaxed for the rest of the evening!
The next two days will be just as interesting!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Bill and Bob's Memorable Vacation (Part 7)
After surviving a night sharing a room with my sister and brother, we enjoyed the local news breaks and local morning shows. We then went to a breakfast buffet in the hotel lobby that was complementary! It included sausage, bacon, eggs, cereal, bread, beverages, and a pancake machine where you get a pancake in about a minute. It was very tasty!
After talking to the Front Desk, we took the Subway from Times Square to the 9-11 Memorial. After going through security, we saw two fountains with the victims' names around them! Without really looking, we found a McDonnell and a Sweeney (The last names of Bob, me, and Patty). The museum was still under construction, but a Visitor Center offered a hint of what the future holds. We bought Maggie a Coffee/Tea mug that commemorated the New York City Fire Department. It was a Thank You Gift for taking care of our cat, Morgan, while we were gone. It also honored our late father, who was Acting Assistant Chief of the Cleveland Fire Department by the time that he retired in 1983.
We then walked in search of a memorial for the New York Fire Department, but we weren't successful. We then took the train back to Times Square via a more convenient station. Neither train was super crowded, so we eventually had seats on both trains. Despite the big breakfast buffet, we were hungry, so we looked for a place for lunch. We found the Cafe O' on West 42nd Street. They were offering a two entree deal for about $6.35 or a three entree deal for about a dollar more. Both entree deals included either a can of soda or an 8 oz. cup of soup. Patty and Bob both had the Sesame Chicken and another entree. I had pork, salmon, vegetable lo mein, and Coke. I also sampled the Sesame Chicken. Surprisingly, I ate all my food with total enjoyment.
We then walked to the New York Public Library on West 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. It was an impressive building, but the contents did not suit my needs. They did have an interesting exhibit on Mary and Percy Shelley. Fortunately, there was a satellite branch across the street. I found the New York Area phone books that I desired. I focused on Manhattan! If I ever return to New York City, the satellite facility of the library is a required stop. While Bob and I were enjoying the library, Patty was retrieving our luggage that was being held at the hotel front desk while we were sightseeing (We checked out before we left for the 911 Memorial.).
We then headed for Grand Central Terminal for the train to New Haven. On the train, we looked at the books that we purchased on the street near the 911 Memorial. In New Haven, Bob and Patty enjoyed iced tea from Dunkin Donuts. I had Mountain Dew from Subway. Patty then drove us back to Lancaster, MA. Except for a "wrong turn" on the Massachusetts Turnpike, our ride home was very smooth. I called Dan Sr. while we were in the car to tell him that we were on our way home. He was also in charge of dinner. We enjoyed a "late" dinner of turkey sausage, diced apples, and butternut squash ravioli. It was enjoyable. We then relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Saturday will be quieter, but still enjoyable.
After talking to the Front Desk, we took the Subway from Times Square to the 9-11 Memorial. After going through security, we saw two fountains with the victims' names around them! Without really looking, we found a McDonnell and a Sweeney (The last names of Bob, me, and Patty). The museum was still under construction, but a Visitor Center offered a hint of what the future holds. We bought Maggie a Coffee/Tea mug that commemorated the New York City Fire Department. It was a Thank You Gift for taking care of our cat, Morgan, while we were gone. It also honored our late father, who was Acting Assistant Chief of the Cleveland Fire Department by the time that he retired in 1983.
We then walked in search of a memorial for the New York Fire Department, but we weren't successful. We then took the train back to Times Square via a more convenient station. Neither train was super crowded, so we eventually had seats on both trains. Despite the big breakfast buffet, we were hungry, so we looked for a place for lunch. We found the Cafe O' on West 42nd Street. They were offering a two entree deal for about $6.35 or a three entree deal for about a dollar more. Both entree deals included either a can of soda or an 8 oz. cup of soup. Patty and Bob both had the Sesame Chicken and another entree. I had pork, salmon, vegetable lo mein, and Coke. I also sampled the Sesame Chicken. Surprisingly, I ate all my food with total enjoyment.
We then walked to the New York Public Library on West 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. It was an impressive building, but the contents did not suit my needs. They did have an interesting exhibit on Mary and Percy Shelley. Fortunately, there was a satellite branch across the street. I found the New York Area phone books that I desired. I focused on Manhattan! If I ever return to New York City, the satellite facility of the library is a required stop. While Bob and I were enjoying the library, Patty was retrieving our luggage that was being held at the hotel front desk while we were sightseeing (We checked out before we left for the 911 Memorial.).
We then headed for Grand Central Terminal for the train to New Haven. On the train, we looked at the books that we purchased on the street near the 911 Memorial. In New Haven, Bob and Patty enjoyed iced tea from Dunkin Donuts. I had Mountain Dew from Subway. Patty then drove us back to Lancaster, MA. Except for a "wrong turn" on the Massachusetts Turnpike, our ride home was very smooth. I called Dan Sr. while we were in the car to tell him that we were on our way home. He was also in charge of dinner. We enjoyed a "late" dinner of turkey sausage, diced apples, and butternut squash ravioli. It was enjoyable. We then relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Saturday will be quieter, but still enjoyable.
Bill and Bob's Memorable Vacation (Part 6)
April 12 started with a drive to the train station in New Haven, CT. Patty, Bob, and I took the Commuter train into Grand Central Terminal in New York City. We ate turkey and cheese sandwiches for lunch while we were on the train! We then walked down 42nd Street (East and West) to Broadway. We walked into the New York Public Library, but we weren't allowed to stay with our luggage! We also made a brief visit to the former FAO Schwartz store near Broadway, which is now Toys 'R' Us.
We then headed towards our hotel! Originally, I thought that we were killing time before Check-In time of 3:00 P.M. Actually, Patty was having trouble finding our hotel! We asked a friendly New Yorker who later flagged us down to tell us that he called our hotel! Fortunately, we were not that far from our hotel.
We then entered the Holiday Inn Express on West 45th Street near Fifth Avenue. Our room was ready when we arrived. It was small, but nice. I think that it was way overpriced, but average for New York City. After resting briefly, we headed for the Ed Sullivan Theater. We visited St. Patrick's Cathedral sometime in the afternoon!
Bob and I had tickets to attend the second taping of The Late Show with David Letterman (Dave tapes two shows on Thursdays.). Patty came along for the walk. She ended up being in the Standby line for the taping, but she was too far down the list, so she did some sightseeing.
We waited in the line to be processed based on the information that I gave online and on the phone! We were told to return at 4:50 P.M. To kill time, we walked down to West 66th Street to visit ABC/WABC, where Live with Kelly and The View are produced. On the way back, we saw the school where Kelly's kids attend or attended school. (Regis Philbin had blurted out the name of the school on at least one episode.) We then headed back to the line to be admitted into the show. We were prompted on how to act and what happened before the show! Eventually, we were seated!
We heard some pre-recorded music! The band, minus Paul Shaffer, was introduced and performed a couple of songs. Paul was finally introduced and joined in the performance! Eddie Brill warmed up the audience. Alan Kalter, the announcer was introduced sometime during this sequence. Dave came out and talked briefly to the audience, so he could gather some monologue material.
The show then began! There was a technical problem, so the introduction to the Top Ten List was modified when re-produced. During commercial breaks, the band performed for the audience. Our seats were very close to where Alan Kalter is located during the show. I enjoyed Julia Louis Dreyfuss, comedian Keith Alberstadt, and Bonnie Raitt! The Top Ten List was performed by ten actual accountants because the topic was tips on how to spot a bad accountant! After the show, Dave thanked us for coming! We were then dismissed. Despite being near doors marked "Exit", we exited where we entered.
We then re-connected with Patty. We looked for the Ranch One Restaurant that was supposedly on West 45th (Near Eighth Avenue). There was a restaurant called Chicken Bar, which was closed for renovations. As it turned out, the restaurant was now on West 46th Street! We didn't know this at the time, so we ended up at a restaurant that had a lot of diners called Smith's Bar and Restaurant! I had grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and "julienned" carrots, squash, and zucchini. I also had Coke as my beverage. Once again, the food was tasty!
After dinner, we went near Rockefeller Center and its surroundings a couple of times. We also went to the 86th Floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. After a long wait, we reached the elevators (The crazy option of taking the stairs to our destination was not offered.). One elevator took us to the Eightieth Floor! Another elevator took us to the observation deck. The view was incredible! We walked all the way around the deck. We then ended up in the Gift Shop. We eventually made it back to our hotel.
My biggest regret was that I didn't see the late local news that I would have enjoyed. I wanted to go back to the hotel after dinner, but I was talked out of it by Patty. Maybe, if I return to New York City, I will have one of my favorite out of town activities. The Empire State Building (at night) and Rockefeller Center were worth the sacrifice, though!
The evening concluded with relaxation. We had another busy day planned for Friday! The fun has not ended yet!
We then headed towards our hotel! Originally, I thought that we were killing time before Check-In time of 3:00 P.M. Actually, Patty was having trouble finding our hotel! We asked a friendly New Yorker who later flagged us down to tell us that he called our hotel! Fortunately, we were not that far from our hotel.
We then entered the Holiday Inn Express on West 45th Street near Fifth Avenue. Our room was ready when we arrived. It was small, but nice. I think that it was way overpriced, but average for New York City. After resting briefly, we headed for the Ed Sullivan Theater. We visited St. Patrick's Cathedral sometime in the afternoon!
Bob and I had tickets to attend the second taping of The Late Show with David Letterman (Dave tapes two shows on Thursdays.). Patty came along for the walk. She ended up being in the Standby line for the taping, but she was too far down the list, so she did some sightseeing.
We waited in the line to be processed based on the information that I gave online and on the phone! We were told to return at 4:50 P.M. To kill time, we walked down to West 66th Street to visit ABC/WABC, where Live with Kelly and The View are produced. On the way back, we saw the school where Kelly's kids attend or attended school. (Regis Philbin had blurted out the name of the school on at least one episode.) We then headed back to the line to be admitted into the show. We were prompted on how to act and what happened before the show! Eventually, we were seated!
We heard some pre-recorded music! The band, minus Paul Shaffer, was introduced and performed a couple of songs. Paul was finally introduced and joined in the performance! Eddie Brill warmed up the audience. Alan Kalter, the announcer was introduced sometime during this sequence. Dave came out and talked briefly to the audience, so he could gather some monologue material.
The show then began! There was a technical problem, so the introduction to the Top Ten List was modified when re-produced. During commercial breaks, the band performed for the audience. Our seats were very close to where Alan Kalter is located during the show. I enjoyed Julia Louis Dreyfuss, comedian Keith Alberstadt, and Bonnie Raitt! The Top Ten List was performed by ten actual accountants because the topic was tips on how to spot a bad accountant! After the show, Dave thanked us for coming! We were then dismissed. Despite being near doors marked "Exit", we exited where we entered.
We then re-connected with Patty. We looked for the Ranch One Restaurant that was supposedly on West 45th (Near Eighth Avenue). There was a restaurant called Chicken Bar, which was closed for renovations. As it turned out, the restaurant was now on West 46th Street! We didn't know this at the time, so we ended up at a restaurant that had a lot of diners called Smith's Bar and Restaurant! I had grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and "julienned" carrots, squash, and zucchini. I also had Coke as my beverage. Once again, the food was tasty!
After dinner, we went near Rockefeller Center and its surroundings a couple of times. We also went to the 86th Floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. After a long wait, we reached the elevators (The crazy option of taking the stairs to our destination was not offered.). One elevator took us to the Eightieth Floor! Another elevator took us to the observation deck. The view was incredible! We walked all the way around the deck. We then ended up in the Gift Shop. We eventually made it back to our hotel.
My biggest regret was that I didn't see the late local news that I would have enjoyed. I wanted to go back to the hotel after dinner, but I was talked out of it by Patty. Maybe, if I return to New York City, I will have one of my favorite out of town activities. The Empire State Building (at night) and Rockefeller Center were worth the sacrifice, though!
The evening concluded with relaxation. We had another busy day planned for Friday! The fun has not ended yet!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Bill and Bob's Memorable Vacation (Part 5)
On Wednesday April 11, Bob, Patty, and I attended the Big Apple Circus in Boston's Government Center. It was in a big white tent! There were horses, dogs, a pig, and some other unfamiliar animals. There were no elephants, tigers, or lions in the show! The "Mistress" of Ceremonies was a woman who reminded me of Kyle's Mom on South Park (Sheila Broflovski). She sang a few songs! The theme was about a machine that helped you to live out your dreams! (Http://www.bigapplecircus.org) With an intermission, the show ran about two hours! It was interesting!
We then ate at Bertucci's Brick Oven Italian Restaurant in Boston's Faneuil Hall complex! We had a pepperoni and mushroom pizza that included salad and bread service! It was very filling!
We then walked back to North Station (under TD Arena, where the Celtics and Bruins play) to catch our commuter rail train back to South Acton! Patty then drove us back to Lancaster, MA with a detour to Bolton Orchards! Bob and I enjoyed small glasses of apple cider.
After relaxing, the three of us and Dan Sr. had dinner with Amy and Lester Gould in a log cabin in Lunenberg, MA (Near Fitchburg and Leominster). We had roast chicken, carrots, homemade mashed potatoes, Passover Bagels, Matzo Crackers, Coffee Cake, candy, and macaroons. It was a very unusual experience since most of my acquaintances are or were Catholic. The Gould's youngest daughter Rebecca and their toddler granddaughter Lizzie (Mother: Jenny) joined us.
After coming home, we relaxed as we packed for New York City!
There will be pictures in the future!!
We then ate at Bertucci's Brick Oven Italian Restaurant in Boston's Faneuil Hall complex! We had a pepperoni and mushroom pizza that included salad and bread service! It was very filling!
We then walked back to North Station (under TD Arena, where the Celtics and Bruins play) to catch our commuter rail train back to South Acton! Patty then drove us back to Lancaster, MA with a detour to Bolton Orchards! Bob and I enjoyed small glasses of apple cider.
After relaxing, the three of us and Dan Sr. had dinner with Amy and Lester Gould in a log cabin in Lunenberg, MA (Near Fitchburg and Leominster). We had roast chicken, carrots, homemade mashed potatoes, Passover Bagels, Matzo Crackers, Coffee Cake, candy, and macaroons. It was a very unusual experience since most of my acquaintances are or were Catholic. The Gould's youngest daughter Rebecca and their toddler granddaughter Lizzie (Mother: Jenny) joined us.
After coming home, we relaxed as we packed for New York City!
There will be pictures in the future!!
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