The Lincoln Tunnel

I don’t use the Lincoln Tunnel on a daily basis, but for those of you who do, this might not surprise you. But believe me, it scared the living beejeebies out of me! Up until “tunnel time,” I was enjoying my day, looking forward to seeing a matinee show on Broadway followed by a four-inch-high pastrami sandwich at my favorite New York City deli.

Normally I have no problem with the tunnel. I’ve passed through it on many other occasions because I love NYC and I visit from PA often. So, on this particular day, I sat chatting with my friend while gazing out the window. I have no idea why I thought looking out the window was a good idea because the only thing you can see is wall–large expanses of wall. Now that’s not so bad if all you see is wall but when you see leaking wall and you’re riding in a tunnel, it’s time to panic!

This is how the conversation inside the car sounded.

“Omigod this tunnel is leaking.”

“Stop smacking me. You want to get me into an accident?”

“In a minute it’s not going to matter because we’ll be crushed by the force of the river.”

My friend glanced over at my side of the tunnel wall. “Omigod the tunnel is leaking.”

“No kidding. Get us out of here.”

“Where do you think I can go? Maybe fly over all these cars?”

I took a moment to look inside some of those cars. No one seemed to be as terror-stricken as we were. Hadn’t they noticed the water? I wanted to scream. Then I looked out the window again to make sure the tunnel wasn’t cracking open. That’s when I saw the man and his mop. A few seconds later, I saw a man with a hose.

It took a minute to sink in, but I finally realized the tunnel was getting a bath.

How irritating! Couldn’t they put up a sign at the entrance telling travelers to expect to see water but to relax, it’s nothing to worry about? I could have had a heart attack. Worse still, my friend could’ve had one, then where would we be? Our car would’ve crashed into the wall of the tunnel and started a real honest-to-goodness leak.

Just think of the horror!

An Unforgettable Event – Whale Watching

One of my unforgettable events – a whale watch off the coast of Cape Cod.  When you board a whale watching boat, the crew is quick to tell you that you don’t always get to see a whale. They just do their best to locate one.

Not all that reassuring, so I wasn’t expecting much.

What I got was almost unbelievable–even for the crew!

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10 More Great Places to Visit in the U.S.A.

This is my second Top Ten List–the Recap. Have fun planning your vacation.

1. Washington, DC
2. Cape May, New Jersey
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Key West, Florida
5. Macon, Georgia
6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
7. Natural Bridge, Virginia
8. Salem, Massachusetts
9. Atlanta, Georgia
10. The State of Maine, including Acadia National Park

I have written at length about all of the above places in my previous posts. Enjoy!

If you’d like to see my first Top Ten List, go to 10 Great U.S. Cities to Visit

Maine

I’ve never been to Maine, but I’d like to go someday. Here are some of the places I’ll be looking for:

Natural Bridge, Virginia

A friend of mine had a temporary position in Virginia, a few years ago. She wanted some visitors because she was lonely. So, I told her to find some places in and around where she was staying and we’d go exploring. That idea culminated in a visit to Natural Bridge. We stayed two nights at the Natural Bridge Hotel. What I remember most about the hotel was their restaurant. The food was good and so was the music. Don’t go expecting a high-end resort, though. The hotel is historic, but quite charming.

Want to read more about the area?

Atlanta, Georgia

It’s been a number of years since I’ve been to Atlanta, but I remember my visit fondly. Probably one of the most innovative places in Atlanta is their underground shopping, where you’ll find unique shops and restaurants.

Also downtown, tour the World of Coca Cola.

Read more.

Salem, Massachusetts

Photo from

Okay, it’s August, I know that! But, I’m thinking Halloween. Because if you’re planning a getaway in October, you must start planning and reserving rooms now. And it doesn’t get better than Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween.

Here’s the truth–

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Photo from

Years ago, I went on a bus trip to Cape Cod. Spent a lot of time on the beach and seeing the sights. The journey ended at the extreme tip of the Cape at Provincetown.

Go here to read about the fun and the food.

Macon, Georgia

photo from

[My computer has been sick, but it’s all better now.]

So, what’s doing in Macon, GA? That’s what I was thinking 5 years ago when a friend asked me if I’d like to go to Macon for the Cherry Blossom Festival. It turns out that Macon has more, many more, cherry blossom trees than Washington, DC.

And there’s more!

Key West, Florida

If you make it to the southernmost point in the U.S., you’re in Key West.

Okay, there’s beaches. I didn’t realize I gravitate to beaches, but it appears I do, since many of my favorite places are near water. But there’s more to Key West.

Read more and pack your bags

The Outer Banks, North Carolina

Image from

Right off the coast of North Carolina, you will find The Outer Banks. There is so much doing there, I hardly know where to start. Of course, the obvious–the beaches are superb.

But there’s much, much more.

Cape May, NJ

Photo from

If you live anywhere on the east coast and you’re thinkin’ where can I go where the entire family will have a wow of a time without spending a boatload of money, look to the Jersey shore. For everything your heart could possibly desire, zero in on Cape May, New Jersey.

Here’s the lowdown.

Washington, DC

Photo from The DC Traveler

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, with the economy in the doldrums, you should consider a staycation–one where you stay in the U.S. and spend your vacation dollars at home. A perfect city to visit is Washington, DC.  Most of the tourist spots are free. It doesn’t get better than free. And it’s wonderful on the Fourth of July.

There’s plenty more to read

10 Great U.S. Cities to Visit

For the past few months, in an effort to encourage travel within the United States, I’ve been writing about cities I have enjoyed while on vacation.

This year in particular, it’s a good idea to spend your vacation dollars right here in the good old U.S.A.

Have fun, while stimulating our economy.

Click here for the list of links.

Savannah, Georgia

Oglethorpe Square

If you’re looking for southern hospitality, try Savannah, Georgia. On the menu–candy for the eyes. It is chock full of quaint B&Bs, but the main attraction is its charming 22 park squares that are situated throughout the historic district of the city. There’s lots more

San Francisco, California

Golden Gate Bridge

When I travel I like to visit places I have read about in a book or magazine. I become the ultimate tourist. My intent is to take the words off the page and experience them in real life. San Francisco is a prime destination where you can do just that.

For one thing, a lot of stuff you’ve read about is within walking distance of each other. You can visit the sea lions AND MORE

Memphis, Tennessee

Since I’m encouraging vacation travel on a budget, I’ll rerun part of a previous post I wrote a while back.

If you’re looking to hear the blues, Memphis is the town.

Looking to savor the sweet taste of BBQ? Memphis is a good choice.

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New York, New York

The Big Apple

When you read that title, New York, New York, tell the truth, didn’t you automatically hear the lyrics in your head? I can almost picture a line of dancers kicking up their heels in unison at the Radio City Music Hall.

New York City is the next city on my countdown for vacationing on a budget and where to do it in the U.S.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Most people think if you’re going to visit New Orleans, it should be during Mardi Gras.  That’s great, I admit. The parades are not to be missed and the craziness on the streets adds to the raucus, carefree atmosphere.

But there’s so much more to New Orleans.

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Philadelphia, PA

Sculling on the Schuykill

If you’re vacationing in the U.S., Philadelphia is a good choice. It’s got a little bit of everything: history, art, sports, Broadway-caliber theaters, nightlife and great food.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Vacation On A Budget

If you’re like a whole lot of other people, you can’t afford to go abroad for a vacation. Getting there is expensive, even if you’re able to find a decent group deal. Worse, the dollar exchange is really, really bad at the moment.

Still, you’d like to get away for a little while, maybe in the spring or summer. The answer is simple. Travel in the good ole’ U. S. of A. If you happen to live close enough to any of these locations, you can plan a road trip. Best of all, you’ll be helping our economy while you enjoy yourself.

I’ll give you a short rundown of cities I’ve visited that didn’t disappoint. I’ll start with my two absolute favorites.

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The Cape Cod Seagull

When the weather is really, really cold, I like to think about warm-weather places I’ve visited. So, picture  with me springtime in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the town situated at the tip of Cape Cod. it’s a pleasant day–perfect for sitting outside to eat lunch.

That’s exactly what my friend and I decided to do as we walked up to a restaurant that boasted open air seating right on the beach. The porch had a peaceful, cozy feel. The balmy breeze blowing off the ocean made it even more inviting. After a morning spent browsing the shops, we were ready to enjoy a quiet lunch.

We were seated at a round table with a large green umbrella overhead. There was a wooden railing next to our table and as we scanned the menu, a seagull landed on the railing. He was so close, I could’ve stretched my arm out  to touch him. I didn’t dare, of course, but I did retrieve my camera from my pocketbook and I snapped a quick picture. As it happened, there was no hurry. The bird continued to sit and scope out the rest of the patrons eating at the other tables.

As I mentioned, our table was a typical picnic table with umbrella. There were a few tables on the porch, however, without umbrellas. Just as I began to wonder what  the gull found  so interesting, he flew up into the air. Circling once, he suddenly swooped back down. There was a scream and quite a commotion at the table next to ours. A woman jumped up and her chair clattered to the floor behind her. When the bird took to the air again, he was carrying a succulent, roasted chicken breast in his beak. He had stolen the woman’s lunch off her plate.

You’d think the thieving bird would fly as far away from the scene of his crime as possible. That wasn’t the case. He landed on a broken-down row boat that had been abandoned on the beach close to the restaurant. There he shared his booty with another gull friend.

Needless to say, the victim didn’t find the gull’s antics amusing. But I’m forced to admit that after watching the bird’s entire thought process, as he planned his mission, I found it most entertaining. The execution of the steal was flawless. I’ve never forgotten the incident, although it happened more than fifteen years ago.

Cape Cod Seagulls aren’t the only crafty gulls along the East Coast. My sister had a Philly Cheesesteak grabbed right out of her hands while we sat on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.

Again, I’m sorry, but I must admit I thought that was one of the funniest things I ever saw. My sister freaked out. Great fun!

First the Soapbox, Then Mom’s Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Okay, I’m on my soapbox again, encouraging you to write something this week about yourself. If you do, I can almost guarantee one of your children or your grandchildren will thank you someday. You are living in their “good old days.”

I can’t tell you how many times I could kick myself for not asking my mother more questions about her life. Now it’s too late. The only things I have of hers, in her own handwriting, are a few recipes she gave me over the years. At least when I see her handwriting on the page, it helps me to remember other small things about her. I’m going to share one of her recipes with you at the end of this post.

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“Bucket List” “Done That List” “No Guts List”

Recently, I’ve seen coming attractions on TV about a new movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called The Bucket List.  From the few snipets I’ve caught, it appears their list contains things they’ve both dreamt about doing before they kick the bucket.

I have a list like that, too, although I never thought to name mine the bucket list. And happily, my list spawned a Done That List.

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Memphis, Tennessee & Tunica, Mississippi

drawing from

Did you know Memphis is situated in the southwest corner of Tennessee and that it shares its borderline with Mississippi and Arkansas? Well, it seemed to my friends and me that we should, at the very least, have lunch in one of these two bordering states. We decided to drive over the bridge into Mississippi. What a surprise we had in store!

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Memphis, Tennessee – The Birth of the Blues

If you’re looking to hear the blues, Memphis is the town.

Looking to savor the sweet taste of BBQ? Memphis is a good choice.

I recently got it into my head that I’d like to do both.  I emailed a co-worker to see if there was any mutual interest. This is how the emailed exchange went.

Do you want to go to Memphis? [Me]

Are you serious? [Co-worker]

Yes. [Me]

What brought this on? [Co-worker]

$100 roundtrip offer being made by Northwest Airlines. [Me]

Let’s do it. [Co-worker]

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Cruise Travel

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been cruising. Some of the things I like best about this type of vacation are:

1)  The ship is your hotel,  2)  You don’t need a rental car to get around,  3)  The food is abundant and there’s no decision-making regarding which unfamiliar restaurant to eat at,  4)  There’s loads of activites on and off the ship,  5)  There’s plenty of time to relax, if that’s your preference, and  6)  You always meet new and interesting people.

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