Erie, PA

Started out the morning taking Haley for some morning business. The cows were up close to the fence this morning and they made her REALLY nervous. She sat so straight and tense while her and the cow checked each other out. It was really comical. I tried to get far enough back to get a picture with her sitting there and the cow in the background but she wouldn't let me get a step away without moving back away with me.
We finished packing, had some breakfast and started out on the first leg of the trip to New York. The day was gray and a little blustery for most of the day. Definitely on the cool side too, with temperatures ranging between 62 - 66 for most of the day. We're staying the night tonight in Erie, PA. We got here around 6pm and set out to find some dinner and Lake Erie.

We found an awesome state park that runs around a whole peninsula area there. It is Presque Isle. It was a beautiful park and we got out to one of the beach areas around the peninsula just as the sun was setting. The timing was perfect. I found a pretty rock for Lisa at the water's edge and soaked up the amazing view. The water didn't feel nearly as cold as I thought it would either. I'm so glad the weather cleared up enough to enjoy the drive. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it! Then just as we were wondering if we would ever find our way back to the motel, Nuvi brought us straight back here to get a good night sleep for the rest of the trip tomorrow.

Scenery & Shopping

Haley is definitely feeling more at home today. She found the toybox and proceeded to unload about half the toys. I guess she wanted to make sure she got to try them all out. This afternoon we went into Lexington. We got lunch yummy Chinese buffet for lunch, wandered Petsmart and then went to Garden Ridge. That place is crazy. It has EVERYTHING. Indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, yard decorations, candles, snacks, clothes, luggage.... I could go on and on! We had a blast wandering the store. Jim went camera happy and we made a new friend. Hi, Laura! On the way home Jim showed us around the downtown area of Lexington and brought us back to the house via the scenic route. It was really spectacular. Some of the horse farms we went past were just mind boggling. So many of the the mares had babies by their sides. I think I could definitely spend a lot of time here and not get bored with the scenery! Tomorrow we head out on the first leg of the journey to upstate New York to see Andy. Should be fun. I've never gotten to see his place before.

I'm on Vacation

I hit the road Friday night a little after 6pm CST in the middle of a severe thunderstorm warning. The first couple of hours of the trip were pretty hairy! I wasn't sure how far I was going to make it. I did eventually make it to a little north of Decatur, AL and stopped for the night. Haley and I headed out bright and early and made it to Lisa and Jim's about 1:30 EST yesterday afternoon. Haley was a little overwhelmed by all of her four legged cousins at first but is starting to get settled it. We got to go to the Kentucky Horse Park yesterday afternoon. The were showing horses that were in need of adoption. Some of the stories about how they ended up for adoption were just heartbreaking. I took some information for future reference. Today we are headed to Garden Ridge to look around. I hear it's pretty amazing.

Today!

YAY! I'm so excited that today is finally here. I was running around like a chicken with no head this morning though. Trying to make sure I had all my clothes clean. Making sure I don't leave the kitchen a mess. Don't forget any of Haley's stuff... Don't forget any of my stuff.... Don't forget The Claw. I think I was making Haley a little nervous with all my activity. She knew something was up. I am sitting in for the Brigade Secretary today, so I have to stay at work until 4:30. If I was in my office, I probably could have scammed out about 4pm. Oh well.. No biggie. I'm hoping to hit the road by about 6pm. I'll be going about 5 hours tonight to my stopping point. That shouldn't be too bad. Then bright and early tomorrow morning it's off to the green rolling hills of Kentucky!!! **Dreamy Sigh**

Oh, and did I mention my son is getting married today out on Pensacola Beach.. Wish I could have been there but it wasn't exactly planned very far ahead... As long as he is happy and someone takes pictures, I'm OK!

One More Day

I got these pics in my email from Kirby last night. I thought I would share them. I couldn't get over the adorable grin on Madeline's face on the motorcycle... Hmmm Let's hope that doesn't bode a need for concern in the future. LOL

Haley went to the vet this morning. She got her round of puppy vaccines and her rabies shot. They tested her for worms (negative) and weighed her. 19.4 pounds. That's about a five pound gain since I had her at the vet two weeks ago. Guess I better buy some more puppy chow! Can't wait to introduce her to her "cousins". I took my car in and got the oil changed and got it a vacuum and bath today at lunch. Should be good to go for the trip. Now I just have to get it loaded and head out tomorrow night. YAY!!

Two Days...

I'm getting really antsy about vacation. It's hard to sit still at work. Only two more days before I start my trip. I've already got the trip to Lisa's loaded into my new Garmin Nuvi. It even let me add the stop on the way there. I've been playing with it for a couple of days. It's pretty neat.

I was out back yesterday evening playing with Haley. She is starting to get the hang of fetch. I was throwing a ball for her and she was bouncing across the yard after it and then actually bringing it back to me. She definitely has to see you throw it though or she will never find it! LOL I went to Walmart this morning and got a can of tennis balls for her. They ought to be easier for her to spot.

Morning Routine

This is pictures of my new patio and patio furniture and my new bird feeder. I just added the birdseed this morning, so the birds haven't found it yet. It was really sticky out this morning. The high today is supposed to be 97. Not looking forward to that in long sleeves, long pants and combat boots! That's ok though... only three more days until vacation!

Baby Alive

I took a few little videos of Madeline with my camera when I was there this weekend, but most are too big to share. She got really distracted over Rachael's skirt. She keeps reaching for it and eventually shoved it in her mouth.

Madeline & Haley

This is my gorgeous granddaughter Madeline with my new puppy Haley.