The Other New News

So, shelter in place is a phrase I never thought would apply to me. Funny how words or sayings that were new to us just a few weeks ago are now ingrained in our daily lexicon. Boggles the mind.

If all the maps and news briefs are correct, it looks like Florida's corona virus cases are going to explode soon  This does not surprise me at all. In addition to all the wealthy Northerners that have fled their homes to their second homes here, the fact that our governor is pretty useless setting any guidelines and locals didn't really get the message until they shut EVERYTHING down, we will hit the peak and probably surpass many states in infections and deaths.

Not a great message. But, I feel like it's true. Personally, I've been sheltering in place and saving a ton of money not eating or drinking in all my favorite establishments. But, it's not easy. Well, yeah it is for us introverts.  I have a friend here that is very much an extrovert. This is killing her. She 'feeds' on people to get her energy and she is extremely social--- and that's just not happening. I did meet her out back over the weekend where we sat six feet away from each other and drank and talked and looked at the stars. To me, the size of that 'gathering' was perfect. LOL  I have never understood the need to socialize and be out with a large group of people. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy getting together with four or five of my friends for an evening out, but afterward, I'm good for awhile.

All these people Zooming and Face-timing and streaming Netflix that now has chat capability and pause etc so your "group" can all be on the same page (I'm sure there are other ways to Remote Gather) I just don't get it. So many people don't have any idea how to be alone or just with their families.  I do Face Time and text my family and friends---I'm not that anti-social but I also don't feel the need to chat with them on a daily basis.

When I am alone, I recharge--being social is very draining. I'm totally serious about the saying "It's too people-y out there, do not recommend!"  This is another reason why I am so suited to working from home full time. The drama and interaction with people, in an office setting day after day after day was enough to make me take a mental health day once in awhile and also--my lifesaver---wear headphones all day, every day to drown out the yapping.

I do have contact with people during my work day. But it's pings on Skype or the phone. I can totally handle that. I will say that once in awhile, a co-worker-friend and I will have a non-work related chat and catch up on their life and life in general. I enjoy that.

So, what have I been doing to entertain myself? Well, as always I've read a ton of books. If you have Amazon Prime, take advantage of Prime Reading and Prime Music. Both are included with your Prime membership. I love not spending $13-$14 a pop for the latest best seller. If you belong to your local library, use their online service to check out E-books for a week or two at a time--also free! (although you wait a bit for newer books---but hey---free)  <-------your tax dollars at work!

I am also doing some painting. I find I need to move when the mood strikes me and get as much done as possible. So, the foyer and the accent wall in the living room are finished. I am going to brave Home Depot to get more paint and rollers and continue in the living room. Goal: to have the room painted by bedtime, Sunday night.

So what are some positive news stories I've read this week:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/26/tech/dyson-ventilators-coronavirus/index.html
The Dyson guy is making ventilators and will donate 15K of them, I think. Pretty awesome!

I saw these for sale:

If I had to pick one, I'd pick Rose. Everyone needs a little Betty and St.Olaf stories!  Get yours here:

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a31928956/the-golden-girls-tiki-mugs/?utm_campaign=socialflowFBDEL&utm_medium=social-media&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1keu2bGXsaA30U_9BCQD1sq6eCK_19f26Z0q1RVOH0bhZWuEb3BRNeGBQ

I also saw these things and now I think I need them.

I used to have a hot tub back in the day................and I used it almost every night for years. It was the only place I could relax. And believe me, when my kids were teens, I desperately needed to relax. But that's another whole story....I digress.

I have been missing it lately and this one would fit on my lanai---barely. So, who knows....

I about peed my pants laughing when I listened to this guy. Super funny--the guy sounds just like him. https://twitter.com/i/status/1242515702688485376
Another link: https://god.dailydot.com/jl-cauvin-trump-impression/?fbclid=IwAR1JdVwRPI6IphgVts5nhxcxsplSQVT-3ijwc5zcLlwy4WW_FVVXPV5Dd-Y

This is just what we all need----------------My carb cravings continue..........
https://people.com/food/girl-scout-cookies-are-now-available-for-purchase-online-for-home-delivery/
OH yeah-----  What's your favorite? Mine is Thin Mints.

If this woman could live in a well for 3 years and never bathe, you can easily suck it up and stay in your comfy home..............http://powerfulmind.co/lockdown-whiners-slammed-by-holocaust-survivor-grandma-who-hid-3-years-in-a-well/?fbclid=IwAR0y-ueVTzKe2B7iQuCBepZ5VoziyZ7GeYb3QAlI2Xta1-4qTmW1MMOmCgs

And I'll close with some random facts for your amusement:
There are no mosquitoes in Iceland.
How long do you think the dashed lines on the road are?  Most people are way low when they guess.... the actual distance is 10 feet!


Be safe and take care............until next time....jilly

In Search of OTHER News

Here I am in Florida, self-quarantining, like a good citizen. It's been a few weeks and I'm going a bit crazy! So, what can I do to mitigate that feeling? Go up to the community pool and do a water aerobic workout?  YES! No.................all the people here that have friends and family in Michigan or New York seem to have flown them all here. Are ANY of them doing a 14 day self-quarantine? Ummm. NO!  Instead they sit up at the pool all day, crammed together at one or two tables, eating and drinking like it's just another day in paradise.

I was able to go up there the other day after work and sit down at the opposite end of the pool area from them but between being annoyed at them and listening to the THWACK of a bean bag hitting a wooden board every few seconds (Yes, they turned the shuffleboard court into a CORN HOLE paradise) I was beyond irritated and quite afraid I would snap and start screaming at these fools. So, I haven't been back.

They closed our beaches so that's out of the question. Those EFFING spring break kids would not go home and kept crowding the beaches, ignoring all the rules. What I want to know is where the F are their parents? Why did they allow them to go in the first place? They actually interviewed 2 young women today, looking all dejected because they flew the whole way from Ohio yesterday to enjoy the beaches and  "stuff" and now there is nothing to do, everything is closed.  Again, where are the parents?

Every day lately, I ask myself "are people really that stupid"?  And the answer is YES! Until they shut everything down, there were people packing the bars and restaurants like it was just another day. Yes, most people will not get really sick---but what about the people that have underlying conditions or the elderly? They could easily carry the virus to God knows where. But hey, they need to have a beer and a piece of fish and they COULD NOT WAIT.   Arghhhhhhh.

Alright, rant over........for now.

Ok, I can clean my house. Oh, yeah, I already did that. And cleaned out my closets and on and on. Hmmmmm. I know........................................I'll start writing my travel blog again.  But you are in your home and will continue to be for quite awhile yet.............Yes, I know, but I am sick of corona virus news on 24/7. I am sick of the covidiots that continue to make news for being assholes.  What did we talk about before corona virus?  Do you even remember?
(I am really having this conversation inside my head as I type!)

I want to know what happened to all those vaping issues that were all over the news a few months ago. Have teens stopped dying? Is it safe to vape?  Where are the articles about that?  (please discuss among yourselves)

What's going on in Syria, Iran, Iraq????? Is the violence going on the same as ever? Not one news story to be found.

I'm not really seeing stories about the stock market any longer either. Hmmm. Maybe because there is nothing to brag about to help someone's reelection in November. I looked at my stuff and it was not pretty.
And you know, that $1200 stimulus package is not going to help people that have lost 30% of their portfolio in the last month. Had this country LISTENED to the warnings way back in January, I'm pretty sure a lot of all these problems would be much, much smaller than they are now. Had our leaders taken this seriously and truthfully informed the country............well we all know. And honestly, so many people think this isn't for real or doesn't pertain to them to this day, we are going to hell and no one is driving the handbasket.

Wow, that was dark.   Ok. It gets happier---I promise!

Here is a helpful tip I discovered the other night as I was lamenting the fact that yet another candle has burned it's way to the bottom of the container, yet there was still wax all over the sides. I got creative!  I thought if you could remelt the wax, it would all settle in the bottom of the container and presto, another couple of hours of burn time.

I thought--double boiler---that would work. Except I don't have one. So, I took a large saucepan, put in a few inches of water and inverted my vegetable steamer and put that inside the pan and then put the jar candle on top of that. Turned on the heat and in about 5 minutes. BOOM all the wax melted. I removed from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes, then took the wick out with tongs and when the wax started to set up again, pushed the wick gently back into place.  You would have thought I discovered a cure for this virus--I was that pleased with myself. Walkin' around my place all tall and sassy..........like a damn boss.
Pictures for your enjoyment:

Here is an article on choosing the best bidet. Something most Americans have never even thought of before toilet paper hoarding became a thing:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/cnn-underscored/best-bidet/index.html?iid=CNNUnderscoredHPcontainer

Personally, I never even saw a bidet until the first time I went to Italy. The place we stayed had a toilet and a separate bidet. Well, you know I just had to try it out. I have to say, it was a bit odd the first time I used it. But when you think about it--only using toilet paper is sort of gross. I think that is why those adult baby wipes are becoming so popular. We use a moistened wipe to clean our children's behinds, but once you use the toilet---paper only is good enough for you. And we call ourselves a first world nation! HA.

Back to the bidets though. The second time I saw them, I was in Hawaii. My hotel room had a standard looking toilet, but a control panel on the wall that activated some crazy things on/in the toilet. The one thing that was pretty cool, was there was a toilet seat warmer button on the toilet. LOL But there were bidet controls for water pressure, oscillating, front and rear cleansing and a dryer.
Click here for pictures from my blog.

Now onto something completely different:
https://www.cnn.com/videos/travel/2020/03/26/reporter-vs-bison-herd-montana-travel-orig-ch.cnn/video/playlists/cnn-travel-environment-and-conservation/
Just a funny video. The man's eyes.................LOL

A pleasant diversion for art lovers!
Here is a link to a lot of museums offering virtual viewing:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-culture-guide-for-socially-distanced-art-lovers/

That is one of my resolutions when I can get back outside and out and about. To visit the museums that are within a few hours drive of me. Heck, there are a bunch in St. Pete and so far, I've only visited the Dali Museum--which I loved!
Click here for pictures and a summary of my day there with Miss Lindsey.

You either love 'em or hate 'em. 
Personally, I love 'em but only when very stale!
https://www.wfla.com/news/peeps-production-stops-but-easter-is-taken-care-of/

I always enjoy the Peeps Diorama contest every year!  2018 winner!


I like this one too:


Cravings?
So, is anyone else experiencing CARB and SUGAR cravings? I hope it's just not me. I was eating really clean for months and last week started these intense cravings. And the worst thing for me is a Publix right across the street that has a bakery to die for. And even more "disturbing" is that they are so darn friendly, they will split up a box of freshly iced donuts and let you pick just the ones you want. See that pack of fresh cookies we just baked? You don't want a dozen, well yeah I do, but I'm gonna ask for 3............NO PROBLEM And boom, there they are in your cart just waiting for that icy cold glass of milk. Sigh.   Of course I have no pictures to share because I already ATE everything.

And for all you daredevils missing some adrenaline, check this out:
https://youtu.be/DCjTozEeLMI

And finally, I'll leave you with this....................
https://www.facebook.com/MermaidMusings/videos/2817794534981630/?t=8

Peace, tranquility and continued good health to all.     ---We got this!
jilly

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Time to Play Catch-Up

I have long since returned home from what was supposed to be a whirlwind trip North, over Labor Day, and ended up being a lot longer than I had planned. But that's the way life is sometimes.

Night two on the ride north was spent at with my friend, Jen, and her husband Rick. They graciously offered a bed for the night, lovely dinner, pleasant conversation and a few too many cocktails! (my bad) The next morning I started out expecting to be in Hooterville, PA by early afternoon.

I am not exaggerating one bit when I say I was in bumper to bumper traffic the entire way from Richmond to DC. I was hateful. I exited 95 and made the rest of my way north on 270 and Rt 15.
Thankfully, my friend was out and about when I got there and I was able to take a shower and cool off--mentally and physically.

We went out to dinner at Nick's in New Cumberland for a fabulous lump crab cake dinner. Heavenly!
The next few days were spent visiting my son and helping him shop for a few things, followed by...you guessed it.... more Crab Cakes.(Gilligan's -Mechanicsburg)  LOL I needed to get my fill because as much as I love Florida, they cannot make a crab cake to save their soul. I was treated to a family cookout at my sister's house with all my favorites and finally, dinner at Rock Bass with a friends, where, once again I enjoyed lump crab meat dip! (among other things)

Starting on Labor Day, I began receiving text messages from Amtrak stating that service was not operating (due to the Hurricane) as many parts of track hug the coastline. I was finally able to get aboard on Saturday---3 days after I should have departed.

The drive to the Amtrak station, in Lorton, took about 2 hours from Hooterville. I was checked-in and climbing on board by 4. I booked a coach seat on the upper deck. This is an inexpensive way to travel and my fare was $78 dollars and I believe the car (now loaded with the remaining boxes of my art work) cost $204. The ticket included dinner and breakfast the next morning.

Dinner is nothing special, but it's edible and included in your ticket. Breakfast is cold--but a variety of items: warm bagels, packaged pastries, cereal, bananas, milk, orange juice, coffee and tea are provided.

The seats in coach are very comfortable with tons of leg room. They are very much like your beloved recliner in that they really do recline back and also have a leg rest. Unless the train is extremely crowded, a single traveler can request a row to themselves. Which is fabulous!!!! I bring a comfy pillow and blanket to make it cozy in my row.

The train makes one stop along the way, in South Carolina, to change crews. They also allow smokers and people with pets (grrrr*) to disembark via one specific door. The stop is no more than 15 minutes.
*This is nothing against service animals, this is in reference to people that insist to the conductor walking through that their dog is the best doggie in the world blah blah blah  and then the dog proceeds to bark and snap at every person walking past it. Uh huh. Unfortunately, this woman and her two misbehaving boys occupied the rows directly in front of me.  UGH

I find that heading to the bar car and getting 2 mini bottles of "Jack" a Coke and a extra cup of ice after dinner is just the ticket to ensuring a decent night's sleep!

Arrival is in Sanford, FL and is about 2 1/2 hours from my house. The drive home was easy and I had the car unpacked, hit the grocery store and had the afternoon to spend at the pool. Ahhhh. Life is good.

Since that time, I've been playing outside as much as possible. We had sunny, Florida blue skies every day for a month. I regained my tan, reconnected with friends here and pretty much enjoyed myself. I am, of course, still working which gives meaning to that Huey Lewis song "Working for the Weekend".  I do like my job but it's nothing compared to the weekend!

Last weekend, I had another wonderful 3 days. My friend, Julie, flew in from Texas on Friday and spent the weekend with me. We went to the pool a couple of times, spent a great afternoon on the beach and splashed in the ocean. We followed up these activities with great seafood and unfortunately, not so great seafood. Julie was able to indulge in her favorite beer: Yuengling! I also took her to the one, the only, Big Jim's for the best cheese steak of her LIFE! Yes they are that good and HUGE for a mere $12.

I invited her and her hubby back for a visit during spring training season as despite living in TX, they remain Phillies fans and the stadium is about 20 minutes from my house. (I know, if there are not already enough good reasons for living here)

So there you have it, the past month in a nutshell.

Despite Pumpkin Spice Everything announcing that Fall is here, it's still warm and sunny. The ocean water is still perfect for swimming. The days are getting shorter........but life is still very, very good.

jilly

I can see for miles and miles and miles......and it's not pretty

So, let's pick up where we left off--me wanting a good night's sleep. hahahahahahaha. My room was very nice but after I turned out the lights and tried for that sleep, the people upstairs began clomping around in cement block shoes AND the people in the room next door may have been hard of hearing. Or it was just poor planning on the hotel's part that they mounted the TV for the room next door on the same wall as the headboard of my bed. Not good. Not even my relaxation music could drown that out. I did my best trying to tune it out, but the occupants either watched TV most of the night or they fell asleep with the volume up enough to wake the dead. Either way, I woke up later and grumpier than I had hoped.

I did manage to grab a cup of coffee and a bagel from the breakfast buffet before they closed at 9:30 and I was off to Chesapeake, VA to visit some friends. I plugged the address into my GPS and it seemed like a simple drive. Once again, maniacal laughter on my part.

The ease of driving on 95 was hindered by lots of traffic and when I finally hit South Carolina, I was hindered by po-po everywhere. I have never in my life seen such a heavy police presence on the highway. I counted 9 cars pulled over--some with multiple police cars. It was crazy and of course, you have the people jamming on the brakes every time they see the lights, despite the fact that they are busy on the side of the road with another car. UGH

And once again, my GPS appeared to be on something as I was instructed to "turn left onto Outlet Drive" while cruising along 95 with about 20 miles or so to the exit where I was supposed to get off. I don't know if it lost the signal or what...........but for the rest of the day I was plagued with this. After being stuck on 64 during rush hour, I finally made it to my friend's house. (And what a lovely home it is!)  She led me inside for a long awaited adult beverage or 5 and prepared a delicious dinner and a wonderful before meal snack. Her hubby got home from work and joined us as we stared at the TV and the latest hurricane news. We had some great conversation and this girl was mellow and ready for bed about 11pm..

Off I went to my bedroom and settled in for what I hoped a restorative sleep for the final push to Pennsylvania the following morning. I had a comfy bed, perfect temperature for sleeping aaaaaaand my body said... do you know what acid reflux is? I'm gonna make you feel bad all night long. I guess I overdid it on wine.

My gracious hosts let me sleep until I woke up about 8:40am. I grabbed a cup of coffee, repacked the car and I was on my way again.

If you know me, you know that I hate tunnels. HATE them. It is an irrational fear, but there it is. My head knows it's irrational but my body goes, there is no AIR in here. Let's hyperventilate!  Once again, my friends were to the rescue and helped me map an alternate route out of their town and onto 64 that didn't involve a tunnel! YAY! 

The entire drive, despite having chosen this route on the GPS, it kept trying to tell me to make U turns and go some other way. Once again, I pulled over, shut off the GPS and then reentered the information, choosing highway 17. And once again, it keep wanting me to get off 17. It got to the point, where I wasn't sure how to proceed because I saw no 17 signs. So, I followed GPS and it was telling me to make a U TURN on the highway, on a bridge. I frantically call my friends and they ask where are you...........so I started naming things. What the effing GPS did was somehow route me in a complete circle and headed me for.........................you guessed it...................the Monitor Merrimack tunnel.   Well, there was nothing I could do, so into the tunnel I went, sweating like crazy and trying to breathe normally. When I made it out the other side, my hair was plastered to my head with sweat and I felt sick to my stomach.

It was shortly after that, I noticed I was down pretty low on gas, so I saw at WaWa at the next exit and got off the highway. I treated myself to a peach/mango smoothie after that ordeal, got gas and was back on 64 thinking the worst part of my day was over.  hahahahahahahaha

Traffic was running fairly well on 64, there were areas that were still stop and go, but mostly we were able to maintain a good speed. I merged onto 95 N and the traffic there was heavy. However, from Richmond to DC (and no I am not exaggerating) it was bumper to bumper traffic. I never got above 25 MPH. It was all stop and go...........all those miles. OMG I was hateful.  I will admit to some road rage--screamed at people but only I could hear the noise.

Finally, finally, finally I made it over the Potomac River and the GPS said to get on 1-270. Ok. that sounded reasonable. I've driven that road many times on the way to the Outer Banks. I eased into the HOV lane as it was Saturday and I was allowed and cruised the whole way up at a lovely 80 mph. As I pass a couple of towns, I know that US 15 is next for me. The GPS is telling me to go another 53 miles on this different road. OH NO. I know 15 and I know it's the right road, so I shut the B off. I finally made it to my friends house in PA at about 5:30.

I took a nice hot shower and got cleaned up and rid of 'car cooties' and we went out for dinner and I had my first wonderful crab cake in more than a year! Nick's 114 I love your food!  After that we just talked and vegged out on the couch. And I finally got that wonderful night's sleep I've been craving.

Which brings me today, I also enjoyed sleeping so much, I slept until 10:30. LOL  Had 2 cups of coffee and met my son for lunch at Duke's, where I had yet another crab cake for lunch. Then I got to see my the lovely place my son is living now. And we did a bit of shopping for his place. Great time!

While we were out and about, my phone rang with a number I didn't recognize and I let it go to voicemail. When I saw the message, I was not happy. Amtrak called to tell me they cancelled train service on Wednesday--the day I was to get aboard. And when I called them they said they had no idea why the service was cancelled but they could get me on the train on Thursday. I said, ummm isn't that closer to when the hurricane is going to pass by? Won't it be cancelled again? She was, I don't know and I don't know why the service for Wednesday is cancelled. I think I rolled my eyes so hard, I hurt myself.   She also told me they should be getting an update on the hurricane impacts on Monday or Tuesday. Ooooooooook.

So, I'm booked Thursday but who knows if I will be able to get out. Sigh. I texted my Manager this and was told, no problem. Enjoy the extra time with your family.

So there you have it folks. My life is sometimes a comedy but it's life.

jilly

On The Road Again!

It was time for me to pay a visit to my friends and family in PA and VA! This trip has been planned for months and OF COURSE, there is now a hurricane on the way to my new home state. Sigh

I left this afternoon, somewhat reluctantly, but anxious to get the drive out of the way. My neighbor, Jan, will keep me posted on conditions. She has no plans to evacuate. So I feel better leaving this time--if you will recall, last time, I was not living in FL full time and AGAIN had a planned trip north on the Auto Train with a hurricane heading up the Gulf Coast. So, I left my place that time not knowing anyone and trusting a board member with my key to check things out.  Click this LINK if you would like to refresh your memory!

I began this trek with a stop at Einstein Bagels for a delicious Cheddar Jalapeno Bagel! I'm pretty sure I read that calories consumed on a car trip don't count. Let's hope that is true! Off I went up 275. I got through Tampa with no delays! And my GPS directed me to 75 North. OK. Great! I hate driving in and around Orlando, it's always a nightmare.

I've never driven 75 and it was the first time I've seen 'hills' in Florida. I wasn't aware we had any!  Seemed to be a lot of cattle farms and agriculture. It was a nice drive. The 'pack of cars' or Peloton as I like to refer to them, was doing a nice consistent 80 mph. I found a great radio station. So, I was having a live concert in the car, starring ME, singing and bopping to some great music. Volume up, those Bose speakers doing their job.............and....................I missed the exit. LOL Didn't hear her telling me to take the exit. Ooops.

I get rerouted and she says (I can hear her clearly this time as I've turned off the music in a panic) continue 17 miles and get off and go to route blah blah blah. Ok great. I'm not sure where the correct exit would have taken me.... but I'm pretty sure it wasn't anything like what I experienced next.

I'm following her directions and I go from a 4 lane road with a center grass strip and turn down a two lane road, that was heavily pot-holed. I should have turned the car around at that point and just went back the 20 miles or so and got off at the correct exit. But I didn't.

I'm driving further and further into road that I am pretty sure I've visited in my nightmares. If it had been dark, there would have been no way I'd of continued. But continue I did. If I had been a little less freaked out, I would have slowed down to take pictures..........but I didn't so I'll have to be descriptive:

The further I drove, the more wooded the area became, to the point where the trees met and formed a canopy of shade and everything was dripping with Spanish moss  I kept catching glimpses of places that were clearly habitated but looked as though they had not been painted or repaired since they were built--somewhere in the 1700 or 1800 hundreds. They were huge, two story homes that I'm sure were considered mansions back in the day. Columns, covered porches, gables. I kept thinking the people that lived in one of them were probably a brother and sister--and called each other that....with a wonderful pedigree but no money. Well, my imagination was working overtime. My GPS kept telling me to continue for another 17 miles. Dear God.

At one point, I came to a crossroad and had it looked any better than the road I was on, I would have taken it. But, I continued on my way---not seeing another car EVER. Was I hearing banjos? Nah, just my mind playing tricks on me.

Finally, Finally I am instructed to turn onto I think it was 301 to go around Jacksonville. OMG I realized that I had traveled across the state on the godforsaken road. And then............detour. 301 is closed so we're going to bypass through a couple of small towns that clearly cannot handle highway traffic. So, we inched through the towns, masses of cars, tractor trailers and so many people towing campers. UGH

Then, what's that up ahead? Oh, it's where we join this 301 again. And it's a highway! Happy Happy Joy Joy! And we're off. Lovin' me that 80 mph driving. Surprisingly--or maybe not to you, my pack of 80 mph people were clearly the slowpokes. And in the blink of an eye, I left Florida and traveled through Georgia and that South Carolina line was there before I knew it.

I am now comfortably ensconced in a Holiday Inn Express and Suites in South Carolina. I like this chain. I am an IHG member and the $49 a year credit card fee is very worth it because you get a free anniversary night every year! This year, I am using it for this stay as it expires next week. But in years past, I've used the 'free night' at some of their more high end resorts. I used one night at the Intercontinental in Moorea, I stayed one year at a Crowne Plaza in Phoenix. I definitely get my money's worth from this card!

My room here is very Holiday Inn. That is one thing I like, you know what to expect when you book one. They are comfortable and roomy and they have a free breakfast in the morning. This room is spotless too.

So, long day for this girl. I'm going to get ready for bed and maybe watch a little TV or read. Tomorrow is another long day on the road and I want to get up early and get started!

TTFN!
jilly

A Staycation, for a Change

Yes, this gypsy just completed a staycation and it was wonderful! My daughter, Gypsy-In-Training, just left to return to Phoenix after spending a week with her Momma!

The very first thing we did was go to Seabreeze in Redington Shores for dinner. My girl has been waiting, over a year, for an order of raw oysters and some coconut shrimp! She had both and we enjoyed catching up while sitting outside overlooking the Inter Coastal Waterway. I had my go-to meal of blackened grouper. YUM

I didn't make a lot of plans GASP! I know---not even 1 sticky note.

Sunday was spent at the community pool. Reading and Lounging (her) Water aerobics (me). We did some grocery shopping because one of us eats very clean and needed specific items to make various smoothies.

The next several days involved hitting up Barnes and Noble for some bargain books, eating more oysters, crab legs and some delicious prime rib!

On Wednesday, I put into action the one plan I did have. I surprised my daughter with a trip to the Dali museum in St. Pete! It was amazing. Well worth the price of admission. There were many areas to interact with Dali holograms. The app you can download has some great features as well. For some of the more 'famous' paintings, the app had areas to click on in the painting and it gave some insight into what was being depicted and the meaning of various elements in the painting.

 What surprised me most about the painting above was it's size. It's only about 14x16. I always pictured it much larger.

In this painting, I loved how Dali used the technique to make the horse almost seem embossed. There is so much detail and symbolism in his work. The app we used was very helpful deciphering the meaning of various elements in his work.

 This painting is one of my favorites.

The painting above is titled The Average Bureaucrat. And if you see what's in his 'brain' it makes total sense!

We probably spent the most time at this painting, listening to the information on the App and looking at all the symbolism. I just love how, depending how far you stood from the painting, different things were visible!

The biggest surprise was a virtual reality tool that allowed you to go inside the paintings. You put this headset on and when you lined up the 'dots' you were whisked into the painting. For example, is the one area of a painting, there was a castle, the virtual reality allowed you to go inside and see the interior. You could look up and down and all around (the chairs spun). I was absolutely mind blown

This is the virtual reality area. While waiting in line, you could see what the person was seeing--except they were viewing it in 3D. 

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The view from the gardens. 

Dali's moustache!

Even the little bird has a Dali moustache

 A lot of Dali's work incorporated the Fibonacci spiral. It was used in various places in the museum. The steps from the main floor to the exhibits was a spiral.

Dali believed the Fibonacci spiral was nature's most perfect form. He even styled his mustache after it!

There is a lovely gift shop and also an outdoor garden with many Dali references to spot.

The Fibonacci spiral in the Avant Garden!

The Girls hangin' out with Sal!

Shenanigans in the gift shop!

When Thursday (4th of July) rolled around we realized we had not been over to the beach. After dinner, we went over to Indian Rocks Beach to dip our feet in the sea and watch the fireworks!  Mother Nature decided to give us one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen!

 

Fireworks at Indian Rocks Beach. We could also see them to the north in Clearwater and to the south at Redington Beach!

And so ended our week together. Friday was all about packing and getting to the airport. Sigh. I missed her as soon as I dropped her off at the Southwest Airlines check-in. She is back in Phoenix now, safe and sound. I won't get to see her until Thanksgiving...................Sigh.  But I am very grateful we had this past week together.


tata for now!
jilly