First Road Trip of 2014

I spent last weekend doing something I have not done since 1978, I spent the day at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. It had been when I was a senior in High School the last time I visited this park.  So when Paul and I decided we needed a mini vacation and escape from the everyday routine. We decided to contact our friend Joe and the three of us took a few days to act like tourist.

 Paul had never been to that part of Missouri and since Joe lives just a few hours from Branson. We did a road trip, picked up Joe and the three amigos had a weekend of fun and relaxation.

I can tell you Branson Missouri and Silver Dollar City have changed a lot in the past 36 years. Talk about Tourist explosion, last time I was there Branson was still a sleepy little mountain town with an amusement park outside of town.

Now it is a busy tourist town with live show theaters, museums, miniature golf courses, T-shirt shops, craft stores and of course the ever present discount shopping centers. There are still the mom and pop hotels and establishments but the commercialized tourist establishment has taken over the area.

Just so you understand if you have been to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN or Orlando/Disney FL, you know how the terrain looks like.

Still being a farm boy from Missouri and being back in the Ozark Mountains, it was nostalgic for me not matter how commercialized the area has become. Just driving up in the mountains and seeing the beauty of the area took me back to my childhood.

We had a great day at Silver Dollar City, exploring Marvel Cave, and watching the shows. Joe and I did our best to hit every rollercoaster at the park, while Paul watched from the observation deck with our hats and glasses.

We were able to find restaurants that the locals frequent and had some great food. We also were able to get in some of the live musical shows with the aid of our hotel concierges who got us fantastic seats; so good that I was pulled from the audience to dance on stage at one of them.

As our weekend winded down the three of us agreed that one weekend was not enough and have planned another get away for October. There is an extreme Zip line course that has Joe and Larry’s name on it along with one rollercoaster that we somehow missed. There are several more shows we want to see and an auto/farm museum.

Plus there is a dancing bear wood statue that I have to go back and purchase. So now I can’t wait for October to arrive so the three amigos can have another great road trip.

Keep dancin’ Larry B

 

 

Vacation Time

As time approaching to an upcoming vacation, I got to thinking about what needed to be completed to just get us out the door and on the road for a few days. I was amazed at the list I came up with and thought how does a family ever get out the door and to a relaxing time away from home.

Work alone causes a whole set of stressors.  Think about it, you work very hard to get time away to relax.  If you are in a position that requires certain monthly items completed, you work twice as hard to get those items completed just so you can take time off. Working out coverage and knowing that upon your return you will still be playing catch up.  I wonder sometimes if it would not be easier just to take the computer with me and work off hours to keep caught up.   Quick, someone hit me on the back of the head for that thought.  Time away from the work stress is a necessary challenge and mental health requirement in today's world.

Now I take pride that I am an organizer and start a month in advance for any plan to be away from home. Yet it still stresses me out to ensure that everything is covered for myself, partner and pets along with the house.  I do find though that planning a few weeks out and at the end of each week have a certain about of items check off, it just makes the stress less of an issue and actually builds the excitement of the upcoming time away.  If you have kids this can be a great way to get them involved in the preparation and teaching them how to be responsible individuals. Give them the task of preparing their rooms, luggage, pet essentials or even straightening up the yard to ensure all their toys and bikes are put away.

Pets add another element to the preparation of vacations. Whether you are leaving them behind with a sitter or taking them along, you have to ensure you have all elements in place for their well being and enjoyment while you are on vacation.  Print up instructions with vet numbers and emergency numbers for the sitter.  Give a brief description of your pets personality with likes and dislikes to assist the sitter in taking care of them while you are away. Taking them with you, get a collapsible kennel, ensure you have plenty of water, treats and food.  If you are driving, a few weeks in advance take your pet in the car to the gas station or just take drive and let the pet get use to being in the vehicle without going to the vet.

Whatever your vacation plans may be this year, do yourself a favor and make out that preparation list as I have done. Start that count down and check off those tasks in preparing for a relaxing time away from the normal daily routine. Enjoy every minute from the prep to the execution of the trip and turn the stress into a game to achieve the upmost enjoyment this year.

Now did I stop the newspaper? Did I put the out of office message on the work computer?  Just keep checking off those tasks.  Now is it one week or two weeks away?

Of course, I have found over the years, the best part of the vacation is the home coming. It is wonderful to get away from the house and daily routine, but returning home is just the icing on the cake. You have all the memories of the vacation yet there is no place like home.  At least till next vacation..

 Keep Dancin’ Larry B

Please note no article next week while traveling..

Vacation on the High Seas

As I have stated before the only true vacation, is a Cruise for me. No computers, no phones and only those on the ship with me can find me. If they look hard enough that is.  My friends can usually track me down, if there is music and dancing, I am there.

This past cruise we were back with our Florida family and cruise buddies. When we are together you can expect a lot of laughter and practical jokes. It is always someone’s birthday or anniversary while on board. Whether the true date or not, we have to celebrate while together.  This trip was no different but we did have an actually upcoming anniversary for our new friends Kathy and Karl.  Nancy, for some reason, blamed me for her surprise birthday celebration. Go figure.

This trip I took a Waltz Ballroom class since I had already done a class in Tennessee.  I was surprised when they started on the wrong foot, then realized that they were teaching international version.  Now you would think they would tailor class toward those on board, we sailed from Ft. Lauderdale and not from a European port.

The line dance class I took was taught by a girl from England so I felt that I was back in Stella’s Class in Tamarac. I took up the back row and the ladies back there wondered while I seemed to know the dance already.  “Waltz across Texas”. Try doing those turns on a rocking floor, looked more like a drunken sailor turn.

Part of our group did an extreme Obstacle Zip Line course in St. Marten and we all succeeded in completing the course. The best part was watching an elderly couple, Helen and her husband Frank both in their 80’s complete the course and Helen stating it was not part of their Bucket List because they had already completed that list. Now that is a couple you want to be when you grow up.

It was a great 8 days with old and new friends and as usual we have all scheduled our next cruise together. The destinations really do not matter as long as we are all together and making the most of our time together. Whether sitting in the Schooner lounge playing cards on sea days, dancing, working out, and playing in the casino. We all do our own thing and eventually hook up throughout the day.  We are more than friends, cruise buddies, we are family.

Keep Dancin’   Larry B

Stress Relief!

We all need to find ways to relieve stress in our lives, especially work related stress.  Some like to go and commune with nature with camping trips, fishing or hiking. Others go for a more exciting avenue such as diving, sky diving or even rock climbing. Paul and I, we take cruises.

We cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines whenever we can get a chance to get away.  Even though we may have been to the same port of calls, just being on a ship away from home and responsibility for a few days is the only way to unwind from the stress in our daily lives for the both of us.  

Vacations can be fun and relaxing but also they have a tendency to have their own way of creating stress.  I see so many trying to schedule out their time off to the point that it becomes a job in itself.  The whole point of taking a vacation is to get away from having a scheduled life for a few days.

 I have found that you can actually over book yourself on your own vacation. I now look at our vacations and plan only a few excursions. Depending on your likes and dislikes, you can always find an activity that you will enjoy and remember for years to come.  No reason to cram so many excursions in to your trip that you really don't get to fully enjoy the experience of each one.

Finding ways to relieve the stress in your life is so important in today's hectic lifestyle.  No matter what you may enjoy, just get out there and relax.  Of course, coming home is always the best part of the vacation because there is really no truer haven than your home.  We come home to a duo of four legged kids that shower us with affection and let us know how much we were missed. 

No matter what your choice of ideal vacation may be, remember the vacation is the time for family to re-unite, to bond and to enjoy time away from the so called normal routine of your daily life. So don’t over think the schedule of the vacation days, take the time to escape and enjoy the down time from your work and your daily routine.

As for me, I am counting the days till my next cruise vacation escape, that magic number is 15 days from the posting of this article.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

 

Vacationing at Home

I decided to take a week off from work but this time there were no plans made as to what I/We would do for the week. We had discussed renting a cabin on the lake, going to Missouri, but decided to just stay home. The first day, I actually, did not know what to do with myself. I had nothing on my calendar! No place to be, no computer, no phone and no schedule. To say, I was bored is an understatement.

I finally realized it was vacation mode that I needed to wrap my mind around to fully enjoy this week. So I got busy there were things that I wanted to do that are difficult to arrange when you are tied to a desk during the week. I started with researching, and making appointments to obtain my backyard project estimates. That in process, it was time to get my work station in my cave cleaned up and re-organize the rolling shelves.

I have reviewed the types of Christmas lawn blow ups we have on hand and which ones will be necessary for this year’s lawn theme. What will be the front yard center piece and the back yard theme? There is a new Blowup calling my name so my plan may change by Thanksgiving.

The new Dance Gig is starting in a week and I have reviewed my first set of dances to teach. I have developed my plan of action to succeed with this new venture at Murph's Country Music Barn. Since Murph's has a live band that rotates through different styles of country, my goal is to always be teaching a dance per week that the dancers will hear from the band. I can then add newer dances to songs that can be played during the band breaks increasing the number of opportunities for the Line Dancers to get up and shake their money makers.

I knew I had achieved vacation mode when I felt at ease with sitting on the deck reading. I have completed two books and closing in on number three. I am shooting for 5 this week.  Reading for me relaxes me to the point of dosing and is my favorite vacation relaxation activity and this week there has been just enough chill in the air to sit on the deck, coffee steaming and lose myself in pleasure reading.

Today, we took a drive to Paducah to spend some time visiting our extended family the Henry's. It was a great visit and lunch with Sarah, Melissa, Megan, Brian and Santa Butch. Thanks for a great day.

To top off the week, Paul and I are going to a Halloween theme party on Saturday. This year's theme is Super Heroes. The Flash and Green Lantern are planning to attend.  I am sure it will prove to be an interesting evening; this is our introduction activity with a new group we just joined.  What better way to meet a whole group of new people but dressed up as Super Heroes...

Paul has started his Christmas Embroidery project and has been sequestered in his cave most of the week. It has been a great relaxing week, even if it took me a day or so to get into that vacation frame of mind. Vacationing at home is an art not to do too much around house and achieve that vacation frame of mind.

Keep dancin' Larry B

Ms. Honey's Great Adventure continues part 3

Hope everyone had a great Halloween.  After a hectic 2 weeks, it was time to slow down with Monday, October 29^th relaxing in.  Okay its getting colder so I enjoyed the toasty fireplace which I’m not able to do at home. Breakfast, lunch and a wonderful  dinner finished off a nice slow paced day.

On Tuesday, Paul took me shopping but I forgot my roller skates to keep up with him. Home in time for have a great steak dinner prepared by Chef Larry on the grill. I must say this was one of my best vacations ever.

We celebrated Larry’s Birthday on Wednesday with a dinner and cake, which is not on their diet.  It is still on my diet. I have dropped another 2 pounds and can’t believe it. No wonder all the celebrities can lose weight when they have great chefs cooking for them all the time.  I will surely miss that when I get back to reality.

We had Larry’s Birthday Dinner at the BlackHorse Pub in the downtown historical district of Clarksville.  Larry’s Sister, Cindy joined us in celebrating Larry’s Birthday. I was so pleased to see Larry order a martini, he sure needs it after working so hard. To heck with the diet on your Birthday, we all came back to the house for a piece of Sweet Potato Cake. Paul even relented and had a piece of cake.

Thursday, the deck awning was installed and another great feature to this already beautiful home. We did have some very sad news this morning from Florida, a very dear friend and neighbor passed after a long battle with cancer.  John Persico was a community Icon in Greenhaven 12^th.  Larry was the first person John met when he and his wonderful wife Irene moved to the community.   He will be dearly missed by the three of us here. I personally shared many wonderful times with John and Irene on several cruise and many parties. Rest well our dear friend.

Tomorrow is my last full day here in Tennessee and I already know I am going to miss being treated like the Queen and waited on by Paul and Larry .

Thank you for allowing me to share my wonderful vacation experience in Tennessee.

A lighter Ms. Honey.

Ms. Honey's Great Tennessee Adventure continues

Well week two started off nice and warm, Monday, October 22^nd, Larry cooked on the big new grill on their deck, Cindy, Larry’s sister joined us for a great steak dinner. Did I mention I am following Larry and Paul’s diet program?  It is really good and lots of food, I cheat a little; it is hard teaching an old dog new tricks.

Tuesday, I went shopping with Larry, who took the day off from his hectic work. It was nice to be able to take my time and wander up/down every aisle in the stores. Paul is good to shop with if you have roller skates. But I love him anyway.

Wednesday, Paul and I went to Kirkland’s where I did a little Christmas shopping. He even consented and took me to the Dollar store which he hates to do but endures it for my pleasure. Thursday, it was off to buy a lovely electric fire place, an early birthday gift from Larry to Paul. Great news, I have lost three pounds since arriving and following the boys diet program.  I think I will keep this up.

Friday was icy rain and cold. Larry’s Dad surprised him by showing up that afternoon with his sister for the weekend.  Larry took us all to the Catfish House again and I had the best Fried Oysters I have ever had. No weight watchers night for me.

Saturday, October 27^th, Larry took us to the Nashville Flea Market at the Tennessee Fair Grounds. This is one of the largest flea markets in the country and held the fourth weekend of every month.  It was cold and windy but we did make it through two of the buildings, I could have spent all three days there.  Larry took us to a great Sushi/Japanese restaurant on the way home. Everyone has seen the lovely photo of Paul and I passed out in the back of the van on the trip back to Clarksville. I still have to get Larry for that one.

Sunday, Paul made a wonderful breakfast for everyone. We visited with Larry’s Dad before he left to go back to Missouri. Larry prepped a casserole for dinner and then the three of us then did the Sunday Schmoozing to Sam’s and the boys bought another electric fireplace for the master bedroom. Then it was home to relax at home while Larry created a new flower bed on the west side of the house for the mums to take residence and mowed his lawn.  Chef Larry then finished up the casserole for dinner, a wonderful Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie. They are sure making it hard for me to go home. One more week to go and I have lost another 2 pounds.

Till next time

A Thinner “Old Southern Belle” Ms. Honey