Our last day started with some organization of our "luggage." We had three carry-ons. Our original suitcase is probably in the Warren, OH area because Patty and Dan Sr. were scheduled to drive into Dan Jr. and Laura's house tonight! Other than a belt, everything that I intended to take home on April 16 came home.
Dan Sr. took us to the TF Green Providence Airport in Warwick, RI. Patty offered to make us sandwiches for lunch, but I wanted to get food from the Airport Food Court! The main choices were Quizno's (Price Gouging = No Customers.), Famous Famiglia (Maybe Next Time), and Johnny Rocket's (Our Choice). Dunkin Donuts was also nearby!! Bob had a burger! I had a Boca Burger. We split an order of "American" Fries. Our food was just over $20! Since Johnny Rockets left Cleveland a few years back, I have no evidence of price gouging. I knew that it was a sit-down restaurant when it was at Southpark and Beachwood Place malls. (Famous Famiglia was also at Beachwood Place at one time when the Food Court was on the Lower Level. The Food Court is now on the Upper Level.) The food was tasty! If Johnny Rockets came back closer than Sandusky (Cedar Point), I might consider it for dinner.
Before lunch, we went through security. Other than initially forgetting to take off my shoes, I was happy with both of my airport security experiences. We were ready to return to Cleveland.
Our flight was practically uneventful with some mild turbulence. Our flight attendant, Mary, was amusing only with individual passengers. We made it into Hopkins Airport in Cleveland on time.
We then called Maggie to pick us up. She took us to our house. We relaxed for awhile. Maggie then took us to Giant Eagle in Parma (Near Midtown) because we needed milk and orange juice. Our milk went bad while we were gone. (I had called Maggie on April 7 to take our milk when she came to check on Morgan the Cat, but "technical problems" kept her from receiving the message.) We also picked up some gift cards. We then picked up some take out food from a nearby Mr. Hero. Bob and I enjoyed Rigatoni with Meatballs. Maggie had a sandwich with us because she was hungry. Bob even got food for Mike, Maggie's husband. I hope that he enjoyed his sandwich. Most of his known fast food consumption comes from Wendy's seven days a week. (He rarely misses a day!)
We then relaxed the rest of the evening. Visiting four states in just over a week can be fun, but it is nice to be back home where everything is familiar. We had a great time, though!
My next report will be in about a week or so.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Bill and Bob's Memorable Vacation (Part 9)
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.
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.
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!
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