Wow, another month has flown by since my last blog entry!
A lot has happened in that month and I will try to recap.
Jordan made a brief (and secret) visit home to surprise his father as Ernie was graduating from LPN school. Nate picked him up from the airport on Sunday and he stashed away at our house until Tuesday night graduation ceremony.
It was great to have my boys together again, doing what they do best.....EATING!
Tuesday evening, Jordo got all gussied up in his dress blues and presented his Dad's certificate to him on stage. There wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium.
I was honored to be a part of that wonderful surprise!
Fast forward a couple of weeks.......
I had found out that my favorite band Blackberry Smoke was playing in Leroy NY on June 22. I immediately called my father to see how far away that was from his house in Honeoye Falls.
When Dad said "about 40 minutes" I started plotting and scheming.
I hadn't been to NY in a couple of years. I really wanted to spend some time with Dad and if I could take him to a BBS concert while I was there, I saw that as a win-win situation.
My southern friends wondered, why in the hell I would want to go to New York?! Most people assume NY means city.....crime, rude folks, dirty subways, etc.
I was born in upstate NY. Upstate is very different from the city and can be beautiful depending on the time of year you choose to visit.
Let's compare, shall we?
If you visit in January, it may look like this.
(Dad's backyard pond)
COLD, dreary and depressing.
If you visit in October, the temperatures are much more bearable and the changing of the leaves is something everyone should experience.
(Dad's front yard)
For a Floridian, visiting in June is the best option. Temps in the 80's-90's, without the humidity that we deal with.
(Same pond that you saw from the January pic)
See? Who said that this blog couldn't be educational?
If you plan on taking a trip to NY state, head upstate and opt for summer or fall.
On to my trip.....
I booked a flight on Southwest airlines, which was my only direct option. Trevor drove me to Orlando airport on Friday June 21 for a 12:50 flight. I was to arrive in Rochester at 3:25.
As I checked in, I was informed that my flight had been delayed about 15 minutes. No big deal, shit happens.
I love that Southwest has no first class seats. You are assigned a boarding time dependent on your check in time, which is within 24 hours of your scheduled flight. I was in boarding group A, which was the first group to board. Once you board, you're able to pick any open seat you want. I was able to score a window seat in row 5, with a young guy on the aisle seat and an empty seat in between us. This trip was starting out great!
I settled in with my headphones and eventually a good book. The scenery got boring, quickly.
Within two hours we began our descent into Rochester and I was getting excited.
Dad was waiting for me patiently. I kissed his face, made a quick bathroom break and went to pick up my bag.
Southwest also allows two checked bags, FREE! Not many airlines do anything free anymore so that was another big plus in my book.
(Keep in mind, this is the last nice thing I will say about Southwest as my trip home wasn't so pleasant. But let's not get ahead of ourselves)
I only had one checked bag, which is a good thing as Dad picked me up in his Toyota Yaris.
This car has been a running joke since he told me that he had bought it. My southern boys couldn't help but question dad's masculinity after this purchase!
I will digress for a moment here, the Yaris is adorable, gets great gas mileage and Dad still has his manly truck to counterbalance.
(Manly truck to the left of the driveway)
I will no longer tease Dad about his 'yuppie car'
(my boys on the other hand.....)
To further show just how beautiful this part of the state can be, here are some pics shot around Dad's house.
The flowers on the lily pads, which close every night when the sun goes down and open up every morning with the sunrise.
And koi fish.
Since this trip was just to hang with Dad, the weather was outstanding and this patio/pond area is so zen-like, I spent a lot of time just soaking up the atmosphere.
You also must meet Charlie.
Charlie was rescued a couple years ago and has turned out to be an amazing, loving dog.
He even cuddled up next to me for a 'selfie' on the outdoor couch.
How was I to know that Charlie isn't allowed on the furniture?! Sorry Dad, but how can you deny that face?
That evening, Dad started whipping up something for dinner (and avoiding my camera, knowing he would be on my blog)
I looked out the back door to see a deer in the side lot. I knew if I opened the door she would bolt.
I know, I know...what deer, right?
I slowly opened the sliding door and quietly walked out.
She saw me instantly, but didn't run as expected.
We just stared at each other for a minute until she hopped off through the woods.
After talking with Dad, I learned that the deer are a huge problem in that area. They are literally everywhere you look and are a real hazard when driving. I was able to experience this first hand, later in the trip.
Saturday we did some running around, went to Chili's for lunch, and spent the rest of the afternoon around the house catching up and getting ready for our big night at the concert.
My Dad's best friend Harvey, whom I've known my whole life, was also going with us. We sat out on the patio, had a few beers and prayed that it wasn't going to rain.
About 30 minutes before we were leaving, we did have a brief bout of rain.
But it cleared up quickly, and we hopped in the car!
Harvey was to be our designated driver, so Dad and I partied it up!
Just so you can understand what I was dealing with, I must tell a story:
About halfway to the concert, the beer I had drank caught up with me and I need to stop at the rest area.
Picture, if you will, a big rest area...with a few restaurants, outdoor seating areas and hundreds of people milling around.
Harvey pulled up to the curb, I jumped out and literally power-walked to the restroom. I made it out in record time and as I was halfway across the sidewalk, Harvey rolled down the window and yelled:
"I TOLD YOU SIX MINUTES!"
and promptly squealed tires all the way down the sidewalk!
They were in tears of laughter when I got back in the car, red-faced and ready to kill them.
Funny guys, huh?
We finally arrived at Frost Ridge Campground where the concert was being held.
We parked the car, showed our tickets and headed for the beer stand.
Problem #1: Labatt's beer was the sponsor, so that was our beer choice!
No offense to any Canadians who may be reading, but your beer sucks.
What's a girl to do when Labatt's is the only option.....drink Labatt's.
We had VIP seating in the seventh row.
Problem #2: If you look closely at that aisle between the chairs, way up the hill, under that tree, you will see two port-a-lets.
TWO and only TWO.
After a tall boy Labatt's I trekked up the hill to wait in a 30 minute line to use the john. I decided then and there that I would not drink anymore this evening. Not only was I suffering through the choice of beer, I didn't want to miss 30 minutes of BBS once they took the stage.
The opening act was Blackjack Billy
They have one popular song being played on the radio now.
Booze Cruise:
They also had some fun original songs, but played a lot of cover songs too. After an hour of them, everyone was getting antsy!
I would say 90% of the crowd came for BBS.
Finally Blackberry Smoke came out and performed as great as they always do!
In case you're wondering who my favorite member is, here are a couple more pics.
This was my 6th BBS show and I enjoyed it just as much as the other 5!
If you've not had the pleasure of seeing them perform they will be on The Tonight Show on July 10th. Check them out!
Sunday morning, we lounged around the patio drinking coffee and deciding what our plans for that day would be.
Charlie rested his head on the table while we pondered.
The only request I had while visiting was to go to Wegmans. If your not familiar with Wegmans, it is an amazing grocery store that has everything and anything and it all looks and smells delicious.
If you are familiar with Wegmans, your probably a northerner and I'm jealous of your store!
My Dad actually doesn't frequent Wegmans much as he calls it 'a shopping experience' and tends to spend too much money.
I can relate!
My first Wegmans visit (yes, there were more) consisted of:
A ready made cobb salad for lunch, crackers and crab dip (Trevor's favorite) a stick of pepperoni and a bag of mini M&M's.
When I say that crab dip is Trevor's favorite, I really mean it! When he is with me, we go through 2 or 3 containers of it. I have tried to find it in the south, with no luck. We have tried to figure out a way to get some to Florida for him, but with shelf-life, refrigeration and airport security, we have hit a wall.
Dad and I guiltily ate it without him, but sending him a picture should count for something, right?!
We enjoyed some beers after dinner and I tried to get a few pictures since I was slacking in that department.
FAIL.
Dad made a goofy face and Donna (his wife) hid!
Only after I was home did I realize that I didn't get one single picture of Donna. She absolutely cannot be left out, so here is a shot from a few years ago of her and Dad dancing in the living room.
Donna is an amazing artist who spent a lot of time in her art studio while Dad and I drank beer, talked farts and laughed. (Smart woman)
Here is a picture of the art studio Dad built her.
On Monday, Dad had to do some errands so we took care of those and made another trip to Wegmans. This time, we hit the big Wegmans, which is even more dangerous! Not only is it a huge grocery store but they also have food bars set up, and it's own restaurant attached.
I went straight for the Italian food bar and got a spinach ricotta calzone with two cheese sticks, cheesecake, some European cookies, a ginger ale, a NY state lotto ticket and the new People magazine with Country musics hottest stars.
I also took some photos as we drove. Living in Florida, I'm always amazed by the elevation up there.
I also love all the old farmhouses and barns.
After lunch, it was sunny and the temps were around 90. Dad and I escaped to the front yard to sit under the trees.
Charlie rummaged through the planters.
Then curled up under our chairs while I took some nature pics.
That tree to the right has 4 different trunks growing from one, which I thought was pretty neat.
Believe it or not, my Dad is also a RV-er, when the weather allows ( a few months out of the year) and when his RV is working properly.
He's always wanted a GMC motorhome, and finally acquired one a few years ago. Unfortunately, like any classic auto, it needs some TLC and he often can't squeeze in repairs along with camping trips, in the short season that they have. So the poor GMC is sitting lonely on blocks.
Monday evening, my aunt Vicky came over for dinner. It was great to see her again even if it was a short visit.
Dad and I spent Monday night watching Duck Dynasty repeats before we hit the hay. Our plan was to go out for breakfast on Tuesday morning and go to Target for socks.
Yep, you read that right. Socks.
Once I realized that my father only had 3/4 socks, to which I was not allowing him to wear with shorts and sneakers, I decided we would go and buy him some ankle socks! I refuse to let my dad look like a dork even if I don't live there.
Yep, it was my final full day in NY and Dad and I planned on breakfast and sock buying.
We're a 'live on the edge' kind of family.
Tuesday morning we had a wonderful breakfast down by the Erie canal and then strolled down by the water.
While walking we found a bunch of folks feeding the birds.
Ducks, geese and pigeons all feeding merrily down by the water.
WAIT: let me rephrase that.
The pigeons and ducks were merry, the geese were mean!! Did you know that geese hiss?
They do!
At everyone and anything that tried to get near their stash of seed.
I don't mean to pick on Canada again, but these were Canadian geese!!
But if you look closely, you can see babies! I risked life and limb to get near the babies.
There's a bunch of neat little shops down by the canal, most of which used to be really old buildings, like this one that hasn't been restored.
After breakfast we made our way to Target, bought Dad some non-nerdy socks and me some trail mix for my flight home. We then headed across the street to Eastview Mall.
Eastview Mall, just around the corner,
Eastview mall, on route 96
Eastview Mall, just off of the thruway
You'll find it all, at Eastview Mall.
That little ditty was on the local radio all the time in the 70's and I still sing it when I see the Eastview Mall sign.
It's strange what sticks in your head from your childhood.
We stopped at LL Bean for a photo op in front of the monsterous duck boot.
If you know how I shop (I hate it) it won't surprise you that I left the mall with nothing.
I did find and try on a pair of Jeep water shoes that I really liked and were on sale for $59.99 but decided against buying them.....for now.
Dad and I made our way home where we picked up Charlie (and an ice cream sandwich) and drove over to Mendon Ponds Park to walk Charlie and maybe walk off a pound or two (of the ten) that we'd gained ourselves, in the last 4 days.
The park is beautiful and a far cry from what people think of when they think 'NY'
Charlie was good and tired as we drove home, but still managed to balance himself on the tiny armrest between the seats of the Yaris.
While relaxing after our grueling walk through the park, I got online and looked for the Jeep shoes that I had passed on buying.
I found them on Amazon and figured I'd just order them and have them shipped home. They were $89.99!
I also found them from Sears for $79.99!
*Crap, I should have just bought them*
Dad agreed and took me all the way back to the mall, which is a huge sacrifice as he hates to shop as much as I do.
I got my Jeep shoes!
On Tuesday evening Dad was making 'Dutch Lettuce' an age-old recipe passed down through the years. I remember hearing about it when I was young, but I also remember people turning their noses up at it. I begged Dad to make it so I could judge for myself.
Dad cooking, while giving me his best Kim Kardashian pose.
If your interested in the recipe, here it is:
8 Potatoes, peeled and boiled
1 LB of bacon, fried until crisp. Save drippings.
3-4 eggs, hard boiled
2 cups lettuce, torn or chopped
1/4 cup vinegar
Mash potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble bacon over potatoes. Add eggs chopped and lettuce. Mix vinegar with bacon drippings to make a dressing. Pour over potato, bacon, egg and lettuce mixture til moist. Gently stir together.
Serve with vinegar to pour over top.
It sounds disgusting, it's not healthy by any stretch of the imagination, but it was delicious!
As if that dinner wasn't enough to bloat us up like little piggies, we hopped in the car and went out for frozen custard! While enjoying our frozen treat we drove through Mendon park to count deer. We stopped counting at 50, within 1/4 mile in. They were everywhere!!!
I honestly would be scared to drive at dusk as they are always on the side of the road. When you see them, they give you the 'deer in the headlights' look and then they run!
They may run into the woods, or right into the road. You got a 50/50 chance of having either soiled shorts or a wrecked car
Freaky!
Wednesday morning I got up, repacked my suitcase and was ready to be at the airport at noon for a 12:55 flight. I had Dad just drop me at the curb as he couldn't go to the gate with me anyhow.
I checked my bag, was handed my claim ticket and gently told by the agent:
"you're flight is scheduled for 3:12"
HUH!?!?
"There's been weather delay at Midway airport that has everything backed up"
I went outside and called Dad, who said he would come back and pick me up to go eat lunch or something. No sense in me sitting there alone for 3 hours.
I ran back inside and asked the agent again (Maybe I was mistaken)
"You did say flight 693 would depart at 3:12, correct?"
*Type, type at her computer*
"Well, now it's saying 3:30"
(I was due in Orlando at 3:30)
I went out to the curb to wait for Dad and to call home to tell Trevor not to leave for Orlando airport at 2:00, like he had planned.
Dad and I had a nice lunch at Cracker Barrel and killed some time before he dropped me back at ROC at 2:30.
I headed right to security, figuring I'd get that over with, buy a bottle of water and be at my gate, ready to board.
After going through the scanner, I see a TSA agent with my backpack?! He asks if it's mine and I tell him yes. I can't think of a single thing that has set him off, but I'm in a slight panic mode (as is everyone who gets called out before a flight)
He asks if I have food in it, and I tell him, yes, a bag of trail mix (which I had bought in Target, in the original packaging)
He tells me he has to scan it.
Uh....ok dude, do what ya gotta do.
He takes my trail mix back through the x-ray machine and comes out to say:
"Good news, your trail mix is safe"
I'm trying to be polite and patient, both of which I'm not good at in stressful situations. I imagine my face said it all and the young man apologized and said "we have some overzealous screeners"
I told him, No problem. Better overzealous than underzealous.
*also silently praying that a cavity search was not next because I was smuggling trail mix*
Next up: I head to a sandwich stand for a bottle of water. Of course, the couple in front of me were ordering full out sandwiches. You know the drill, "one with mayo, hold the onions, the other with mayo, onions and could I have wheat bread instead......"
I stayed patient until my turn where I told the lady "Just a water, please"
"Oh honey, sorry about the wait"
I said: "No problem, that seems to be the theme of the day"
With my bottle of water and my TSA approved trail mix, I arrive at my gate where chaos has ensued!
My plane is now estimated to leave at 4:30. A flight that was due to leave in between had hit a bird on the way in and had to be inspected. This left 2, full planes worth of passengers, at one tiny gate, PISSED.
There was nothing I could do but sit back and watch. I just wanted to get home!!
Finally my plane arrives at 4:30 and we begin the boarding process. Only once I was seated did I realize I had left my unopened water sitting on my seat at the gate. Yep, the water that cost me $2.50 and I waited 20 minutes for. UGH!
Hey, at least I'm on the plane! Next stop, Orlando Florida where Trevor would be waiting.
Our pilot begins his spiel and sympathizes with our delays. He told us that over 300 flights had been cancelled due to weather, at least we weren't cancelled. Everyone was cheering at this point.
The next words that came through the speakers were:
"Oh folks, when it rains, it pours! While the crew was filling our plane, the nozzle that keeps the fuel from overflowing has broken off and spilled jet fuel. The fire department will be along to inspect it."
I KID YOU NOT!
I watched as the Rochester fire department trucks pulled up, did their inspection and then spread and broomed four bags of quick-dri under the wing so we didn't implode when they fired up the engines.
While I was thankful for the lack of explosions, I was at my wits end. It's now 5 pm and we hadn't even pulled out of Rochester.
The flight was rough, our seat belt sign was never taken off and we were asked to move around only if necessary.
You can imagine how anxious I was when we finally landed in Orlando. By the time I made it off the fake monorail and saw Trevor, it was 7:30 pm. I had originally left Dad's at 11:00 am to head home. It had been an extremely long day and I broke down like a sissy girl.
Now that I've been home over a week, I chalk it up to "shit happens"
It wasn't Southwests' fault, they did the best they could and I did manage to get home on the same day, which was not the case for some travelers.
All in all, I had a great relaxing visit with my Dad, we saw an awesome concert together and the memories we created far outweigh the flight troubles I had.
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