Planning a GOH

Once again I am planning a GOH (a Get Outta Here). During our June trip to Washington, D.C., we ran out of time to see a few of the places that were on our wish list. My oldest granddaughter, Megan, was excited to see Mount Vernon but when we got there, we did not have enough time to view the grounds and the mansion. She and Jim had a ticket for the Holocaust Museum and we had to rush back to D.C. I promised her that we'd get back there. A few weeks ago she reminded me of this promise so we picked a weekend that worked for her and we started planning.

This is the type of trip I love..the kind that lasts a few days but is full of adventure. I have been to Mount Vernon and Monticello in the past but I look forward to seeing them again and sharing the experience with a sixteen year old.

If all we are lucky, the leaves will be in full color as we drive through the mountains of Virginia.

Wish us luck!

Opening Day - 2011

The pulse of a high school marching band drew me to the window. The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade was underway so I grabbed my lunch and relocated to the conference room. From 14 stories up only the most graphic floats and banners were recognizable but the parade was fun to watch nonetheless. Even at my lofty perch, I could hear the cheers and clapping of the spectators as the military groups marched by. I love that we honor these men and women, no matter our political views. I t was a shame that the weather was so cold and my grandchildren could not be at the parade. Brody would have loved watching Lightening McQueen and “Mater, cruising in front of Mack, the 18 wheeler. I also could not collect the coveted candy from up here so I had nothing but observations to share with them later. I watched for my favorite part of the long and elaborate parade and soon I saw four pair of Clydesdales pulling a shiny red wagon south on Race Street. Even though I have never been enamored with horses, I love the massive horses that prance proudly with their hair done up and their feathers brushed. I fell in love with Clydesdales at a County Fair in Boise, Idaho. In the early morning before the rodeo ground events, we were permitted to visit the stables and watch the preparations for the horses’ performance. Grooms meticulously braided their manes and brushed their coats. Each stall had an engraved plaque with each horse’s name as they stood patiently, enjoying the attention. Dressed up and ready to go, they were hitched to the tall, shiny red wagon then preformed precision drills around the rodeo grounds. You could tell, even from the grandstands, that these horses loved what they were doing and did it well. If I ever am crazy enough to own another horse, it would have to be a draft horse. Oh, yes, and I would have to win the lottery just to afford the feed, the stable, the handler and the ranch. So don’t look forward to riding any percherons or Belgiums at my house in the near future. Sorry. But for now, I’ll just sit back and enjoy more of the parade before I turn on the ballgame to listen to the Red’s first win on this chilly, opening day.

Delta Queen Adventure - Part One

I kissed my husband just before 9 am and left for Tennessee. The sky was clearing so the drive promised to be rain and snow free. Traffic was surprisingly sparse and I made good time as I headed south.

After a couple of hours I arrived in the Renfro Valley for my first stop along my route. It had taken two hours to reach the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. The parking lot was completely empty so I thought I had come on a bad day. However, when I got closer to the building a sign announced "We are Open!" I parked, headed in, paid my $7 then toured the small museum. It was very nice and had lovely displays which I had totally to myself. Ahhh, the benefits of traveling off season.

My favorite exhibits were of Jean Ritchie but I also got a kick out of the kilt owned by one of the Everly Brothers. There were instruments made by Homer Ledford and a quilt sewn by his lovely wife.

I bought a few postcards, a pin or two and even a guitar pick before heading back to my car for another leg of my trip to Chattanooga.

My Holiday

I’m taking a holiday. Just me, solo, by myself to somewhere I have wanted to visit for a very long time. Neither my husband nor grandson is interested in the location I have chosen. I will drive at my own pace, eat where I like, peruse stores and museums and even sleep-in if I choose.

I call this a holiday is because to me, the word vacation invokes stress. A holiday is a day from work, from commitments and from the same old same old everyday life. When most of us think of a “vacation” we begin planning, organizing, scheduling and compromising. Where does the family want or need to go? What do they want or need to bring? Where will they eat besides the golden arches and when. Who desperately needs a bathroom break even though we stopped ten minuets ago? Finally, arriving at the destination does not end the work that needs to be done, especially if the family is camping .

Now mind you, vacations are wonderful and enable us to have quality time with our family. However, some times we just want to relax and enjoy. That to me is a holiday

Sometimes we will go on a trip with friends and we humorously call that a “Get Outta Here.” Our van even has a license plate that reads “VANGOHS” announcing that this van is ready for some fun. There are times that being with a group makes the whole time more enjoyable. Many of my best trips have been just me and Jim or weekend trips with a friend or two. We try to make just the most necessary of plans and stay very flexible and open to opportunities. Our friend Tim coined the word “Planidippity” to describe this method of making a plan but including the serendipitous moments that come along.

While I do love vacations and GOH’s from time to time, I also love a day or two by myself… a holiday.

For my first “holiday” I am heading south to Chattanooga, Tennessee to spend a night on the historic Delta Queen Steamship.

I hope to post from the Queen.

2010

Another decade dissolved. It was an interesting one and I will ponder long and hard before I begin to write about its ups and downs. I will say that I am thankful for those years. Every day that the good Lord grants me is a blessing and I appreciate them all.

No real resolutions for 2011, just hopes. Hopes for good health, good friends, good music, good travels and good thoughts instead of bad. I will attempt to post more often and I will attempt to write as much as possible. No promises, just hopes.

I guess 2011 can be my decade of hope.