Perseid Meteor Shower

Getting Life Back Together.

Life goes on and day by day the healing continues. We  go through the motions with an empty spot in our hearts hoping that one day it will scare over and not hurt so much. Last weekend we had our first family get together since our loss and I think it went pretty well. I smoked a couple of racks of pork ribs and made some baked beans. We had corn on the cobb and green beans. For dessert we had chocolate chip ice cream. All the Uncles showed up and it was nice to get back to life as we knew it...sort of. I think we are all in agreement to try to get together at least once a month and have a family meal and visit.  This weekend we have been taking it easy since we have been on the go so much. Today I grilled steaks and Needles made up some potato and herb packets so we put them on the grill. It all turned out pretty tasty. Since the temps have dropped a little we opened up the windows and let fresh air blow through the house. Since Needles finished up her Masters degree I purchased a Bouy Bell wind chime for her. With the windows open you can hear them chiming into the house occasionally.  I am glad to be able to give the air conditioner a bit of a break. I am sure the electric bill will reflect the break in the hot weather. For now I guess we are content in setting around  and soaking in the Olympics on TV.

Difficult Days

The last few weeks have been very stressful. Needles and I have just been trying to get through them taking them a day at a time. We are healing but the wound left in our hearts is still raw. We appreciate all of our friends and family members that have helped us in getting through this difficult time. We love all of you.

Ramblin (Brian)

Old & New

Out with the old.

I

In with the new.

Tonight I just ordered a new laptop. This will be my 3rd laptop in about 8 years. The first one Needles and I shared it so when I got my second laptop, Needles took over the first one. The second laptop lasted me a good 6 years which is like 35 in dog years, not sure what that has to do with it but none the less, it has been a good machine. Lately my little laptop has been giving me problems and with the photo and video editing I have been doing, it just doesn't operate very quickly in it's tasks. I held off on ordering one because I knew when the new one comes, this old one will be set aside and never used effectively making it a door stop. I will miss my little laptop with the missing cushion on the left mouse button and the paint that is wore through to the plastic on the mouse pad and just above the right speaker where I rest my hand. Maybe in the future I will repurpose it for something else I am getting interested in but I have to decide which I needed worse. A laptop or a telescope. Maybe someday. 

Rain and Hail

We finally got rain....along with a little hail. Needles and I went out and played in the rain like idiots. I just hope this is the end of the heat and the start for some wet weather. 

Here is a few of our tomatoes still on the vine.

Cherry tomatoes. 

Happy Birthday To Me.

Thirty nine years ago today, I was born. Not just me but my twin brother also. This morning Needles and I slept in a little but was up and at em just after 9am. We fixed breakfast and shortly after that was a call from my parents wishing me a happy birthday. In the middle of the mid day heat we decided to do some grocery shopping. Nothing like a good frustrating visit to Wally World on your birthday and it's 105 outside to get you good and pissy. Between the people having a family reunion blocking the aisles, the couple chatting up the cashier while we stand there waiting to get checked out and finally the people I got behind on the road home. Let me just say that turn signals are totally optional around here. When we got home we unloaded our groceries and I finally got to cool down. My SIL called earlier and invited Needles and I out to supper at The Trace Inn. They picked us up around 5pm and of to the park we went. It was almost grilled chicken salads all around. Afterwards a quick trip to the Dairy Dee scored Needles some Choco Dees. This evening has been dedicated to staying cool and a little black berry picking. Tomorrow we are going to L's to have lunch. Hope you have a good weekend.

PS. A neat fact that I discovered today. On June 30th 1973 there was a total solar eclipse. Interesting.

ISS & Moon

ISS

Crab Leg Sunday

Sunday and the crab legs went into the pot. After a quick boil they were on my plate with a side of the Spanish rice I prepared the other day. It was very good and now I am officially out of seafood. That's OK I got a T bone marinating in the fridge for tonight.

Last night I got bored so I decide to make a peach cobbler. My Mom's recipe. It's already a third got and it goes excellent with ice cream.  

Saturday Shrimp

The seafood extravaganza continues while Needles is away on her adventure. I decided on grilled shrimp marinated in olive oil, a bit of brown sugar, soy sauce and lime juice. They turned out awesome. For sides I had Spanish rice and baked beans with a few slightly grilled sweet peppers. I think this was my favorite meals so far. Tomorrow crab legs.

Bachelor Weekend.

Needles is off to a knitting/ girls weekend in Asheville, N.C. so for the last couple of days I have been having to fend for myself. Since Needles doesn't like seafood very much, I thought it would be a prefect time to do a couple of things that I have been wanting to do for awhile. Number one, cook seafood and number two, eat seafood. It's kind of a nice and works out well that number one leads right into number two as it would be hard to do them in reverse. Thursday was my first night and on the menu was crab cakes. A quick fry in a skillet. I had buttered garlic toast, sweet peppers as sides with a cold glass of tea and home made cocktail sauce.

For Friday night I had something special. Lobster tails! I have never cooked lobster so for a first time I think they turned out pretty good. I just wish we had fresh lobster and not the frozen stuff. For sides I had asparagus, golden hominy and lemon butter.

I still have some shrimp and some crab legs in the on deck circle so we will see over the next couple of days which is next. 

Good Mail

Today in the mail I received the two orders I have been waiting for. The first was a couple of pounds of coffee I ordered from Mud House Coffee. I ordered the Gaileys Breakfast Blend and Kenya AA one of their best sellers. Also I ordered a pair of head phones from Skull Candy. They were having all their 2011 and 2012 stock half price so I grabbed a pair of Uprock. So far it has been a nice weekend. Let's hope it keeps it up.

Venus Transit

Venus Transit Across The Sun.

Memorial Day.

There is no words that can convey the profound pride, honor and sadness for the men and women, soldiers, Americans that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Perhaps the only words that fits the occasion in a simplistic, feeble attempt is thank you.

Weekend Visit

This Memorial Day weekend, Needles and I invited my Mom and Dad up for a visit. They haven't been up here since last December just before Xmas. They arrived around noon on Saturday and just after they got here I started the cookout. We had hamburgers, pork burgers, pork chops, macaroni salad, cole slaw, egg plant casserole, baked beans with smoked pork. After everyone got their bellies full, we all settled in the living room and got to visit with each other. On Sunday after breakfast we all went out to my brothers home and again got to visit some more. Just before my parents left to return home we all made a run up to the Dairy Dee. It was fun  to have them visit even though their visit was short. Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Weekend Alone

Needles has been gone since Thursday to New Harmony, Indiana to a knitting and spinning retreat, so this weekend I had to entertain myself. There were three things I wanted to get accomplished while she was gone. Thursday I mowed the lawn and trimmed so there was one thing marked off the list. The next was to shampoo the carpets in the living room and the middle room. And last but not least, change the oil in the pickup. I finally got all three things done and not to mention make a peach cobbler like my Mom used to make. I got the recipe from her and it turned out perfect. Just like I remembered. Mmmmm. Needles will be home tomorrow and I will be happy to see her after a few days apart. Laundry will be on the agenda for tomorrow. Hope you had a good weekend.

Weekend Post

This weekend was a some what relaxing one even though I found out that our neighbors of 15 years are no longer our neighbors. Due to health and financial issues the house will be going into foreclosure and both of them into a nursing home. I am saddened by this news as they were good neighbors and I hate to see what might move in next. Friday after work we met up with Rudy, Brando, Yin and several of their friends at Huddle House in Vincennes for a round of waffles. The waffles were good and filling but Needles and I will have to keep our visits there spars to maintain our diets. After that we headed home and relaxed with our fully bellies the rest of the evening. Saturday morning we slept in and after breakfast, Needles started in on homemade vegetable soup while I mowed the lawn. The temps were supposed to be a little cooler but by the time I finished mowing it was in the low 80's. When I came inside I was about to melt down but mmmmm the soup was still very good. Later that day after looking at next weeks forecast we decided to go to Wally world and pick up a window A/C unit for our bedroom. Since the temps are still swinging wildly we didn't want to turn on our central air yet and usually try to hold off until June 1st. We can tolerate being warm during the day but don't seem to sleep well at night, so we decided to make the purchase as it will probably pay for itself in the long run.Later that night we had a round of Summer pop up storms. Today I haven't done too much. I did breakout the smoker and try to do some cleaning. I steamed the grates and got some of the old grease build up out of it. Will probably knock out another load of laundry this evening before we call it a night. Hope you had a nice weekend.

Easter

This weekend was somewhat uneventful, which is how we like it. We went out to eat and grocery shopping on Saturday and to our surprise it was not very busy at the Chinese place we usually eat at. We finished up there and of course had to do a Wally World run. After that we decided to stop by the IGA as Wally World was lacking in some items. I edited a couple more vacation videos, so if you are interested jump over to the travel blog, and on Sunday we went South to L's house for Easter. We had the usual fixings of ham and dumplings, potatoes and cabbage slaw. For dessert Needles made raspberry pretzel salad. It was all very good and when we got home we relaxed in the living room and watched the new Fright Nite. It was campy but entertaining. Hope you had a good holiday weekend.

Vacation Update.

I finally got a summary of the vacation into words and pictures so if you are interested, head on over to my travel blog. The link is in the gutter to the right. If you just want to look at the a slideshow of the pictures just click on the Ramblin's Picasa Photo Albums in the gutter. Select the Album you want to see and when the pictures load up. Select the slideshow feature in the upper left of the screen. We had a wonderful time but we are glad to be home.

We are back!

Will post detailed account later....Too tired.

Vacation 2012

We will be gone for a few days. A hui hou kakou. (Until we meet again.)

Palaina and Kiliki

Almost here.

In just a few days we will be on vacation. To say I am ready is a understatement. The months of waiting is almost over and I hope that I can at some point dig my toes in the sand and let the stress just wash away in the surf. See ya in a few days.

Snowy Weekend.

This weekend was a good weekend. Needles and I had company Friday night with my Brother, Sis in Law, my Nephew and a friend. We were delivered a anniversary gift from my family. The gift was a very nice magnetic map of the United States with several of the states that Needles and I had visited. I have already found a place for it to be displayed. Our guests stayed long enough to watch Adjustment Bureau again. Needles and I both enjoyed the movie a lot. As my Brother described it, it is The Matrix and Inception blended together. Saturday morning we went grocery shopping and picked up some fruit and other goodies. While at our local IGA we also picked up a couple of 10lb pork butts. Needles and I prepped them with our usual rub blend and I put them on to smoke at 8:30am this morning. Mopping every hour and turning every 2 hours we finally got about 8 hours into the smoke when we wrapped them in foil. I did something a little different with my mop sauce. With our upcoming vacation, I decided to use pineapple juice instead of apple juice. A minor change but I hope it turns out well. We pulled the pork butts off the smoker a couple of hours ago and finished them up in the stove. We let them get to 200 degrees and then let them rest in the hot stove for another half hour. We just pulled the shoulders and the blade bone just slide right out of the meat. Later we will pull the pork for storage. Tonight we got about an inch of snow. We have had an unseasonably warm winter and this year we have only had maybe 3 to 4 inches of snow total. This is a far cry from the 20 or so inches we got last winter. Tomorrow it is back to the grind and just taking it a day at a time until vacation. Hope you had a good weekend.

Snow falling

Snow against the night sky

Snow flake

Two weeks...

Just two more weeks until Needles and I are off on our next adventure. The next couple of weeks are gonna drag.

The Cow Has Landed.

Today Needles and I headed South to Haubstadt, IN. and to Dewig's Meats to pick up a half of cow she ordered. A friend of Needles was having some cows processed so she wanted to know if we were interested. We decided on a half and called to tell them on how we wanted the meat cut and we awaited the phone call when it would be done. Wednesday we got the call so today we made the trip to pick up our order. The Dewig's building is a very nice and clean. Just about anything and everything that pertains to meat is available. The smells inside the building is amazing. I think it has the hint of smoked bacon and spices. We loaded up our haul and made it home to pondered if we would have enough room in our freezer. We hand plenty of room and probably enough room for 2 to 3 good pork butts. We now have a full freezer and plenty of beef to last us at least a year or so. After we get back from our trip I will have to get busy smoking and enjoying some of our beef.

Anniversary Day Out.

Needles and I enjoyed a day out and about to celebrate our anniversary since it fell in the middle of the week. We slept late and got ready to leave the house just before noon. We drove down to Princeton to the recently opened Bay Harbor Seafood Restaurant. The interior is sparsity decorated but nice and clean. We were seated and quickly asked what we wanted to drink and if we wanted appetizers. I decided on the crab cakes and we both ordered ice tea. Shortly after the tea arrived we were enjoying the crab cakes with a side of tartar sauce. The cakes were pretty good but not as good as what I had on our trip to the North East. Needles ordered the Bourbon Glazed Salmon and I had the Stuffed Lobster. After a short wait they brought out or meals. The lobster was good and sweet with a little of the salty brininess of the ocean. Needles said her Salmon was good and after we were done walked over to the Showplace for a mid day movie. We decided on Underworld Awakening in 3D. The movie was good but not as good as some of its predecessors. After the show we did a quick run to Walmart for some needed grocery items and then on our way out of town stopped in to Sonic for Cherry Limeade for the road. We arrived home at sundown and now are relaxing a bit before Big Bang Theory comes on and we sip some evening coffee. It's been a good day. Sweetheart, let's do it again in another 15 years.

15 years

Fifteen years ago today Needles and I went on our first date. It seems like only yesterday and yet it seems like I have known her my whole life. We have been through so much. The good times and the not so good times but I wouldn't change a thing. I feel like the best is yet to come. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.

Do Nothing.

This weekend is the first weekend that we haven't either had company or been company for several weeks. This morning I got to sleep late and when I got up I went straight to the couch. Needles made a nice breakfast and for supper I grilled New York strip steaks with sides of grilled asparagus and potato blend. Saturday is almost in the books and in a few more hours I will be back in bed. This is has been a great, do nothing, day. I have enjoyed it.

Happy New Years.

As you can see it is a new year and with a new year comes a new look to the blog. I finally dumped the old hard HTML code and slipped into the easy template type blog which is a lot easier to edit but less customization. OH Well to cap off 2011, I would have to describe it as an exciting adventure with highs and lows and I am glad it is behind me. Probably the high for the year would be our Alaskan vacation and the low would be the ongoing family drama with sprinklings of mediocrity in between. I am hoping that 2012 will be better. I hope that everyone had a happy and safe ringing in of the new year. 2012 I have faith in you, don't let me down.

PS. I have never been much on new years resolutions but I think I am going to try one this year. I won't make it public so in a way it's kind of an experiment. Maybe a year from now I will look back on this post and think Wow!...and hopefully not thinking "What a waste of time."

Christmas Part 2

Saturday we went down to the farm. We had sandwiches for supper in preparation for the feast the next day. Christmas morning came at 7:00am and was time the get the turkey in the oven. After the bird was in the hot box it was time for coffee and pecan pie squares. Around noon the uncles showed up and exchanged gifts. I ended up winning 7 bucks on scratch off lotto tickets and got some candy and few bucks to put in my wallet. We had our meal and to say I over ate is an understatement. Now I need to get back on my diet. Also I think Needles and I are going to get back on our regular exercise program. Our trip in March is getting closer day by day and I am glad to state the the Kilauea Volcano is spilling lava in the ocean again after a several month hiatus. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Part 1

Friday night my parents made the trip North from Kentucky. They arrived before I got home from work but Needles had everything in control and she even made an amazing tomato bisque soup with dill bread. I got home a close to 3:30pm and settled in.The plans were to go out for supper and the Trace Inn was the decided destination. When we arrived around 5:15pm there was a line at the door and the wait was over 30 minutes before we were seated. The food was very good and we all had a good time. After our supper we went to Rudy's house and visited until time to go home. The next morning we had breakfast and after all the preparations were ready for us to head out for Christmas Part 1. We all ate our fill of ham, green beans, broccoli cheese casserole and turtle and pecan pie. After the meal it was time to open the gifts. After the gifts were all opened and the malaise of over eating was pulled over us like a warm blanket. I had trouble staying awake for the movies we watched. When the movies were over, one of the local churches was putting on a live nativity scene. The road from town was lined with lights all the way out to the scene. We got back and watched Christmas with the Kranks and then Needles and I returned home. We had a great time and flet like everyone had time to visit with each other. I think the kids wanted a little alone time with the grandparents. Maybe next time. Hope everyone had a great Christmas part 1. Next weekend will be part 2.

You'll shoot your eye out!

Friday after work Needles and I made the trip South to visit with family. We made good time arriving in Owensboro just after dark. We were greeted warmly and invited in to sip coffee, catch up with each other and enjoy the Christmas cheer. For supper we had Cynical goulash with corn muffins. Mmmmm, tasty. A quick Starbucks run and we stayed up way too late. The next day we had breakfast and then headed out the door to Target. Needles wanted to lay hands on a Kindle Touch and I scored some Wasabi covered peas. We stopped by Great Harvest Bread Company were we got some great sandwiches and soup. I picked up a couple of brownies that were very rich. We made our way back home where Cynical and Ragged prepared a pre Christmas Christmas meal. We had ham, mashed potatoes, green bean almondine and rolls. It was all very good and fortifying for us to brave the cold temperatures and venture out to the local theater for a play. The play was A Christmas Story. It was done very well and it included all of the memorable moments from Flick getting his tongue stuck to the flag pole to Ralphie's infamous saying of the word FUDGE! We returned home by way of seeing a few Christmas lights and then off to bed. Sunday morning we had breakfast and the adjourned to the living room to get in a few more conversations before it was time to return North. We had a wonderful weekend with great food, great conversation and great friends. We will have to do it again very soon.

Rant/ Venting.

I don't need any response. I just need to get this out there and off my chest. It seemed just a few short months ago that life seemed to be going pretty good, not great but working on it. It seems that since then one life disappointment has lead to another and another. It seems that drama and immature behavior has crept into my life and won't go away. I have been trying to ignore the situation which probably isn't the best thing to do but I am not sure what to do about it as I am unfamiliar with a situation like this. It is a terrible terrible thing when family disappoints you. It's one of the worst things that can happen to you in your adult life other than the death of a loved one. In away it's a kind of death of how a person is perceived and now that perception is forever changed. When a friend lets you down there is a feeling of hurt and disappointment but when its family, it hurts you to the core of your soul. I have been hurt and disappointed multiple times by my family almost to the point that I wonder if I really need that portion of my life anymore. It is a painful decision and believe me not an easy one. It can be compared to cutting a piece of your body away and expected to not to miss it but sometimes when a body part is diseased to the point that there is no cure then it must be removed to cure the rest of the body. These words may sound profound and deep but I am hoping that by writing this that it maybe cathartic to my soul. As Needles says that sometimes you just got to release it into the universe and let it sort itself out. I don't have a lot of faith that it will but I hope it sorts itself out before I have to start cutting.

11-11-11

Happy Veterans Day and Happy 11-11-11 Day!

Almost Here.

It is the time of year I look forward to. I have been going through the usual preparations. I have checked my gear and have grown my annual deer season beard. We have 3 of our 6 only paid holiday coming in the next 2 months and also shotgun deer season that I have been counting down the days. I know that idea of setting in a tree stand freezing your rear end off doesn't sound like a lot of fun to some but it seems like the first weekend deer season is to me the official start of the holiday season. Just setting in the stand with the sounds of nature all around is something that seems to bring me an inner calm just before the hectic holiday season. The next few weeks will come and go in a blur.

All good things.

After 15 years of decorating for Halloween, adding new things to our display every year to get the kids to venture down to our end of the block passing all the darkened porch lights and handing out handfuls of candy to make the trip worth it. We have had steadily declining numbers of trick or treaters so I think Needles and I have come to a decision. This will be the last year we decorate and hand out candy. I think the best year we ended up with around 70+ T or T'ers. Last year we had 52 and this year 37. I think we can decorate our yard all we want but I can't make my stingy ass neighbors turn on their porch lights and hand out candy. Oh well it was a good run. They win, our light will be off next year.

Zombie Walk 2011 Video

Zombie Walk 2011

Made the trip down to Greenville, Kentucky this weekend to attend the Zombie Walk. We had a great time watching all the Zombies and getting some pictures. I think the last head count was over 350 zombies with well over 500 watching the event.

Bar Harbor Coastal Panoramic View

TGTFWIO

Thank God This F*cking Week Is Over.

To say I am done with this week is an understatement. October is getting off to a rough start.

Sense of Loss.

This week hasn't been a good week. There seems to be a little uproar with my family that I am not taking sides and just staying out of it. The less I know the better. On top of that situation we had a long time neighbor and friend of the family pass away on Wednesday and I found out about it Thursday and if that wasn't enough we received a phone call this morning that informed us that my sister-in-law's brother loss their 14 month old child in her sleep. This of course would be devastating news to anyone but this same thing has happened to one of the parents more that once just makes it even worse. I feel like I am numb from all the emotions I have been through this week and I feel like my emotions aren't in check as they usually are. I hope that the situation with my family resolves itself soon and my heart goes out to my neighbor's and sister-in-law's family.

Acadia National Park

Portland Lighthouse Cruise

Bar Harbor Sand Bar

Cadillac Mountain Panoramic VIew

Bar Harbor Vacation

Wednesday the 14th after work I came home a grabbed my bags and Needles and we headed to Indianapolis to the Microtel and did the park, sleep and fly for our vacation. We went to Kazablanka for our supper and I had the Kuesadilla and Needles had the BLT. We returned to our room and prepared for our travel day.

Day One: Thursday at 5:45 am we had a shuttle to the airport to get checked in and begin our trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. We arrived and went through the customary security checks. We sat and waited for our flight to board. The flight was uneventful as you would hope to happen on your flight. Our first lay over was Reagan International Airport and because we weren't familiar with the layout led us to have to go through security again to arrive at the other concourse to get to our next flight. We again had an uneventful flight to our destination and quickly picked up our bags and made it to the rental car counter for our reserved car. They gave us a brand new Nissan Altima with about 200 miles on the thing. We grabbed the fob, no keys and was on the road and heading North on Highway 1. We had planned to make a few stops on the way to Bar Harbor but we were pressed for time. We stopped for lunch at Wicked Good Captain's Fresh Idea Restaurant in Waldoboro, Maine. Needles tried to have a Salmon Salad but they were out of salmon which kinda detracted from the visit so she went with a Grilled Chicken Breast Salad. I had their Lobster Roll. The meals were good and we set back on the road. Our next stop was Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Maine. We entered the park and roamed the grounds before again making our way northward to our final destination. We arrived a Bar Harbor and The Saltair Inn at around 6pm and met our Innkeepers Matt and Kristi. Matt showed us around and showed us to our room. The Cottage room was just the right size with an average size bathroom. The neat thing about the room was the spa tub with disco lights. It had a button that would turn on the light in the tub. Every time you pushed the button the lights would change color and then the final push would make the colors shift through all of them. We settled in just long enough to put some of our things away and head out for supper. Our hungry stomachs lead us to The Thirsty Whale. Needles had the Whale Salad with Salmon. I had the Blacked Haddock Fish and Chips. The meals were good and after looking around at a few shops we ended up in Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium. We both had a double scoop on a waffle cone and went on to the B&B. We turned in early because we had to be up before breakfast for our whale watching trip with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.

Day Two: Friday when we showed up for our cruise we were told that the cruise was cancelled due to rough seas. We rescheduled for the 1pm trip and headed back toward the Inn. On our way back, we ventured out on the sand bar that only comes out twice a day when the tide is out. It was very interesting to see all the shells and rocks on the bar. The seagulls were picking up mussels and dropping them from several feet up on the rocks to break open their shells for a meal. Sometime the shells were dropped so close that it sounded like light bulbs being broken all around. We went back to the Inn to grab the car and headed to Thunder hole in Acadia National Park. After a short visit there and then headed back into town for our 1pm whale watch. We called to confirm and were told things were a go, we arrived to see tons of people in line waiting to board the boat. At the last second the trip was called off yet again due to rough seas. We heard that this was the third day in a row they called the trip off. We were a bit disappointed but this is why I scheduled the trip early in our vacation. We again rescheduled for Sunday since we had a Nature Cruise aboard the Acadia with the same company on Saturday and was told since it stays in the Harbor it shouldn't be cancelled. We had lunch at Geddy's with Needles having the Fish and Chips and I had the Crab Meat Roll. We also walked the shore path along the edge of Bar Harbor that ended up taking us to a path that led to Main Street and Mount Desert Ice Cream where again we both picked up a couple of cones from the Ice Cream Shop that served a couple of scoops to President Barrack Obama just a few months ago. That evening we went to Rosalie's Pizza and Needles and I both had the Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone. They were very good and filling. We walked back down town and went through a few more shops before returning back to the Inn.

Day Three: Saturday morning we were able to have breakfast at the Inn. We had a Quiche and Herb Potatoes which was very good. We then made our way back downtown for our Nature Tour. We headed around the north coast of Bar Harbor and was told about the history and stories of the island. The view of the coast was very beautiful and watching the waves crashing on the rock cliffs was mesmerizing. We made it to Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park and made the turn to Egg Rock Lighthouse. We got close enough to see a few gray seals bobbing around in the surf. We went by several other islands on our return trip back to the harbor. We learned about lobster fishing and also saw a bald eagle in a tree near the edge of one of the islands. We also learned about some of the families that call some of these private islands home. When we got back from our trip we went to West Street Cafe. Needles had the Salmon and I had the Crabcakes. This was my favorite seafood meal in Bar Harbor. It was served with a horseradish sauce with totally made the dish. After the meal we grabbed the car and headed back out to Acadia and to Otter Point. Just setting and watching the water was relaxing and peaceful. We ventured deeper into the park making our way up Cadillac Mountain which is the first point that sunlight touches in North America every morning for three months of the year. The view from Cadillac was amazing and you could see almost the whole island from that spot. After a bit of a drive we ended up at South West Harbor and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. We headed back to Bar Harbor and that night we had a craving for Chinese food so we walked to the only Chinese place in Bar Harbor, China Joy. Needles had the Chicken and Vegetables and I had the General Tso's. This was probably some of the best General Tso's I have had in a while. We returned to the Inn with our bellies full and satisfied.

Day Four: Sunday, we started the morning off with breakfast at the Inn. Baked Pairs and Herb Scrambled Eggs with Bree and Chicken Sausage. After the meal we were energized to set out on our day after a brief walk along the sand bar we made our way to our whale watch trip. We boarded the AtlantiCat and set off some 20ish miles off shore to an area they call the ballfield. This area is where the ocean depth drops off and is where plankton seem to be and also the whales. We spotted a few harbor porpoise on the way out to the area and before long we we had a mother and her calf near the boat. The calf put on quite a show with its flipper and tail flapping and also a few breeches. The front and left side of the boat seemed to get the better show and of course we were on the right side so what we saw was amazing but somewhat limited as compared to some of the others. After spending a lot of the time with the mother (Victim)and calf we also happened upon a group of four adults (Sword, Spoon, Atlas and Anchor) that promptly split into two groups of two. I think we saw anywhere from six to ten whales total. When we got back to shore we went to Stewman's for lunch. Needles had the salmon with asparagus and I had The Pier House Catch. This was another spot that the POTUS had stopped in. We then returned to Acadia and stopped in a Schooner head overlook and to the sea cave. For supper we went to Poor Boy's Gourmet where Needles had the Salmon and I had the Lobster Poor Boy. Not my favorite meal. On the way back to the Inn we stopped a CJ's Big Dipper Ice Cream.

Day Five: Monday, French Toast for breakfast at the Inn and we were free from any scheduled activities so we hiked across the sand bar to the summit of Bar Island and then spent the day at Acadia. We decided to park the car a Otter Point and walk the Ocean Path to Sandy Beach 3 miles away. The scenic view and awesome overlooks was amazing along the way. When we got to Sandy Beach we walked back to Thunder Hole and await the hour that activity seems to be at its peak. Unfortunately it seems that activity is really at its peak in Jan. and Feb. We returned to our car and back to the Inn and went to Testa's for supper. Needles had the Salmon Salad and I had the Maine Lobster Newburgh. After some last minute souvenir shopping the sun was going down so Needles made hot chocolate and we enjoyed the warm mugs while setting in the Adirondack chairs in the back yard watching the fading light of the sun.

Day Six: Tuesday, Blueberry Pancakes with Sausage and Biscuits was on the breakfast menu. This was our last morning in Bar Harbor and we packed up our things and headed back to Portland. We had plans of stopping in at a few places along the way.

We stopped at several lighthouses. Grindle Point, Indian Head, Rockland Breakwater and Marshall Point to name a few and also the LL Bean flag store in Freeport, Maine. We had to get the rental car back by 5 pm so we made it there with about 20 minutes to spare. We called the shuttle to pick us up and take us the the Holiday Inn by the Bay. After checking in we decided to eat in the Lounge and grabbed a couple of Angus Burgers with a side of fries. We retired to the room and prepared for a busy day with a freezing cold dip in the hotel pool.

Day Seven: Wednesday was to be very busy and the last day of our vacation. We started the morning off with watching the sun come up in Portland Harbor and then searching for breakfast. Since Portland seems to be a sleepy town we ended up at a Dunkin Donuts as it was the only thing open at that hour. We made our way to Long Wharf were the Portland Discovery is that runs the Land and Sea Tour we had scheduled. We boarded our Trolley and headed out for the Land part of the tour. We were told some of the history of Portland and some of the historical events that had happened. We also got to see some very nice homes and made a trip out to Portland Head Lighthouse where we ran into an artist and author that was at Nubble Lighthouse the last time we were in Maine. I kicked myself for not purchasing a print from him then, so in the short time we had left at the stop Needles purchased a print for me. This made the land trip very special and I never thought I would get a second chance at meeting with the artist and purchasing a print . The Artists name is Bill Thompson and he sells the customized prints and books to raise money for upkeep and restoration of the lighthouses. After the land part of the trip we got aboard the Islander for the sea portion of the tour. We sailed by several lighthouses, scenic coastlines and some of the island communities in Portland Harbor. We again learned a little about lobster fishing andthe history of the fortifications in the harbor during wartime in the past and more recently World War 2. When we got back to land we quickly looked for something to eat and settled on Andy's Old Port Pub. Needles had the Fish and Chips and I had the Lobster Melt. After our lunch we hiked up the hill past Shipyard Brewery to the Portland Observatory. We joined a tour already in progress to try to fit several things into the remainder of our last day in Portland. It was interesting to hear the history of the Observatory and the restoration process. We spent a little time at the observation deck and then headed down and walked down Commerce Street to a few yarn and fiber shops to scratch Needles itch. We then proceeded toward Henry Wadsworth Longfellows home. We went to the Cryptozoology Museum before calling it a day and stopping only to take a few pictures of the Victorian Mansion on way back to the Hotel. When we got to the room we decided to go out for supper and just a bock way was the Dogfish Bar & Grill. Needles had the Grilled Turkey Cobb Salad and I had the Seafood Sliders. Let me say they were AWESOME. By far the best meal I had for the trip. I guess they saved the best for last.

Day Eight: Thursday, travel day and back toward home. We left out of the Hotel at 5:30am to catch our shuttle back to the Portland Airport. We flew to Philadelphia Airport and changed planes to get to Indianapolis. We picked up our bag and headed to the shuttle pickup area and back to the car. On our way home we stopped at Wendy's for a burger and chicken nuggets. We had to do a quick grocery stop before we could finally make it home. The cats were glad to see us although a bit skiddish and meowy. Lets just say the duel litter boxes was very well used in our absents. We had a great time and one of these days we will be going back to Maine. It's just the way life should be.

Where were you?

I was standing in the waiting room of Daviess County Hospital in Washington, IN. My first patient hadn't showed up yet and I was watching the waiting room T.V. showing one of the twin towers on fire. It's the day my world changed. All of our worlds changed. I will never forget.

Sumner Fall Festival Parade 2011

Weekend in Kentucky

This Labor Day weekend we headed South after work to spend the weekend in Kentucky with my family. Friday night we spent the evening talking and catching up. Aunt "R" and Grandma came over to visit and see the video of Needles and myself's travels and in no time they were going home and it was time to go to bed. Saturday we headed into Central City for the Car Show.

It was neat seeing some of the old cars and I think my Dad said he at one time or another owned several cars like the ones at the show.

After the show we went to Island, Ky. for an Island Burger. We got back and relaxed for the evening.

Sunday we stayed home except for a Dairy Queen run. I had the new Peanut Butter Bash and it was good but I don't ever need another one. Needles and I made a couple of laps in the back forty in the golf cart. Monday came too fast and before long it was time to head back North and home. The weekend was nice and it was good to have the extra time with my family. Hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend.