Bloggy Meetup - the seven state adventure

The recap you've all been waiting for!

I can not possibly explain to everyone how amazing this trip was! What started out as an idea "heh, we should all try to meet sometime" actually became reality. All the planning, emailing, talking became real. After blogging with these wonderful ladies for 2 years, it IS like we know each other. The internet can be a wonderful tool, and I am grateful that none of you turned out to be serial blogger killers or worse!



Magnolia Sun , AM, me, Norman's Woman, Girlville, Aunt Sue, Pugposse, Ragus, Little Pugposse, 30Something

The adventure began for me on Thursday evening, or should I say...very early Friday morning. At 1:30 a.m. I finally got in my car and left for my long drive......



It was dark through the entire states of New York and Pennsylvania. When I got to West Virginia it was still gloomy and rainy, but I did try to get some pics of my drive.




What???? I have to drive through a TUNNEL?????

I would have taken some pics of all the freaking bridges I drove over, but come on, I had to close my eyes I don't like heights!

When I finally arrived at the hotel, some 14 hours later, I wanted to kiss the darn pavement. As I checked in the lobby I glanced over and saw Lisa standing. I yelled in front of everyone "Lisa", she looked over and came running! She and Tory walked with me to take my stuff to my room and we chatted for a bit before they went to rest. I went back to the lobby to make sure Norman's Woman had a key to our room and there next to me was Girlville...we hugged and were so excited! After everyone else had arrived we all met for our wine/cheese party before going out for dinner.






I unfortunately didn't get any photos of dinner that night. I think I may have been way too busy TALKING!!!! After dinner, back to the hotel for more TALKING around the non-working fireplace with the imaginary hot chocolate!

Saturday everyone decided to go to the mall. 30Something drove, Girlville was map reader and I relaxed in the back seat taking in all the beautiful houses. At the mall we split up into groups and went different ways. My group, Ragus, Aunt Sue, and Girlville looked at a lot of VERY expensive purses and shoes and then ended up in the lounge area TALKING!



We ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, again splitting into 2 groups due to seating. My group at lunch was AM, Pugposse, little Pugposse, and Magnolia Sun.





After lunch we headed back to the hotel and Norman's Woman and I decided a walk would be nice. We saw a few of the others in the lobby, told them and they joined us. It was a beautiful day to walk around.


That evening it was out for greek food and more TALKING.


Bless your heart joined us there for dessert and then came back to the hotel where we all TALKED MORE.

In the morning we gathered for our final breakfast together. As you can see we never seem to stop TALKING.

After breakfast we went back up to visit with baby Emma and get ready to leave. At 12:30 we had our goodbyes. I was thankful to be going to Norman's house for another day, so I wasn't too sad as I didn't really feel like I was saying goodbye yet!

The drive to Asheville was beautiful!

and Norman....well, he was wonderful!!! He tried on The Woman's wings for me and showed me his vegetable garden, flower gardens, and his beautiful house. The Mean One made us a fabulous dinner. After dinner he made us fabulous hot chocolate...the best EVER. We TALKED for a bit more and then off to bed. Norman got to share the futon with me as I was feeling very Pug deprived by then! We woke about 7:30am and Norman and I talked about Pug stuff.

Then it was time to say goodbye. We took some pics to remember our visit by and off for home I headed.

The drive home was awesome. The Mean One and Norman's Woman gave me some good directions and I made it home with no trouble.

I have to say these "run-away" strips for tractor trailor trucks are a little scary to see!

I HAD to get out of the car here to take a panoramic photo. It was breathtaking!

I pulled into my driveway at 11pm Monday evening, 1,682 miles later!!!!!

I do have other photos, but Blogger is giving me issues and I wanted to FINALLY post! As y'all (LOL) can see we had a great time and can't wait for the next get-together!

When are we getting together again?????

Dear ......

Dear Mapquest/Yahoo Maps:

Do you actually have anyone drive the routes you post? Do you check that the roads exist, the route numbers are correct? The directions said 11 hours, it took 14?????

Punchy :(

Dear Norman,

Thank you for sending our mom back to us. We saw the photos and were a little worried, but she called and dad put her on speaker phone and she promised she was on her way.

Love,
Marty

PS - You can have Rosie, really you can.


Dear Google Maps,

Thank you for having good directions for me to get home. The mileage was a little off, but the routes correct! Woohoo!

Love,
Punchy


Dear Blogger,

I would like to post about the wonderful Bloggy Meetup I was at this weekend...the fun, the photos, the friends. Please let me post photos.

Punchy :(


Dear Bloggy 2007 North Carolina Participants,

I love you all!

Punchy

I made it!

Over 1500 miles ALONE! I am home safe, sound, and exhausted! Can't wait to read all the posts and see all the pics...remember to airbrush and edit bad photos...lol!

Norman....the gang here is wondering who I slept with last night!! Special Pughugs to you!!!!!

I'm Off

I'm on my way! Bloggy Meetup 2007!

Let the countdown begin...

I've been up since 4:30am...so much so a good rest before the "big adventure" begins...I sure am going to miss these little faces....

and of course this one too!

Norman...Alfred....Holly.....here I come!!!!

National Bosses Day

There are 3 support staff in our office for two attorneys. One attorney's response to the card and refreshments I bought this morning..."who dreamed up this day".....okay, why do I bother.

3 days to go.....

Woohoo, let the countdown continue.

Closing Camp, the official goodbye to summer

The office closing of camp was Sunday. We drove up late afternoon Saturday as we were invited to friends for a final campfire and eats. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate, the wind was blowing and it was raining....sigh. We did go to our friends and had an enjoyable "last evening". Sunday morning we got up early, made breakfast and started the process of "closing up". Closing usually only takes around an hour, but we had several friends we have made this summer "stop over" for well wishes and goodbyes. I think we spent more time talking than working! P decided to do some preventative maintenance and chalked around anything on the roof that could possibly leak. The water lines have to be cleared of water and antifreeze is pumped through the system. All the food and drinks that weren't used are packed up along with cleaning supplies, and health/beauty supplies. It was nice this year to have the shed. All the outdoor furniture, picnic table, grill, #74 (remember him?) all of it goes into the shed. Then the "slide room" is brought in which makes the rv look very small! Once we've checked and re-checked, and then checked again, it all got locked up. The pugs are always a little confused by the process. This was Marty's first year and well, he's Marty so he just went along with the flow. We went on the beach for a final look. Funny as we live on this same lake but somehow it's different here! A few rocks are gathered, a sigh, and home for go. It's much easier getting camp ready for winter than home!

Forever Wild

Our town has grown drastically over the past few years. We have gone for a sleepy, farm community, to a bustling suburban town. We now have over 40,000 people in this community I was born in. A few years ago people saw the need to protect some of the beautiful land resources. Funds were bonded, and lands were purchased and some even donated. One such large track of land is the Gosnell property. I was working on a photo project for our town's Comprehensive Plan and took my girlfriend on a "little" drive around town. We made a special effort to look at the Gosnell Open Space. We can't wait to take a nice Saturday stroll....and dogs are allowed!

Another area runs between Lake Ontario (one of the "Great Lakes") and Irondequoit Bay. The town purchased and cleaned up this area. It's a beautiful place to read, talk, watch the sunset, have a picnic......





It sure is easy to forget the beautiful things in your own backyard!!!!

T-Minus 10 days until Bloggy Meetup - East Coast Version...

Some of you may know about this little meetup (human version), others may wonder what, who, when, where....well....IT'S A SECRET....only kidding. We have emailed amongst ourselves and to those we thought would be interested. We have posted vague notions on our blogs and several of us are indeed meeting for a weekend. There are no guest speakers, no big events, no secret gifts. Just a bunch of us who have become friends meeting, in person, yep, in person. No Pugs, cats, husbands, or children. I, being probably the craziest (well, maybe not) am driving. Yes, it is 11 hours, yes, I may be a little out of touch with reality, but yes, I'm driving from the upstate NY area, no not NYC, upstate middle, by the BIG LAKE...Lake Ontario.

So, if anyone out there is giddy for details or thinks they would like to ride along in my VW Bug...let me know. You can post a comment as I moderate and your info will be private.

Weekend..the long weekend

Saturday started off with a drive to one of the "local" meetups. This one was actually an hour away, but I guess that's still "local". We took the back roads and even getting a little lost, made it there in an hour. We decide to utilize last years costumes since Marty was the only one who wasn't with us last year...he was an Indian like Zoey. He didn't seem to mind, although I didn't leave enough "pee" room in his loin cloth...opps.

When we left meetup the temperature had raised to 92 degrees and it was so humid and still. My air conditioner in my car is broke AND my driver's window is broke. I have a fake window in place. I never thought it was due to be that warm and wouldn't have subjected myself and the Pugs to that! I had only driven about 5 minutes and decided it was ridiculous. I pulled over and sat on the grass with them and called P, he was already at camp, which was where we were heading too. I told him that I would need him to meet us if it didn't cool down. He said not to worry as it was storming there and 72 degrees!!! It was only 45 minutes away! I pulled off the fake window and let all the Pugs in front with me, at least there was a nice breeze.

Once at camp we quickly got ready for the clam bake a few of us were having. Unfortunately it did rain....

but everyone made the best of it. The rain did stop and we had a lot of laughs.

Sunday was cooler....

We stayed until around noon and headed for home. At home it was a lot of napping.

Sunday afternoon I noticed a lot of blood on the Pug bed. I pulled their other bed out from under the kitchen table and more blood...and bloody footprints. Now there are 16 paw-sibilites here, not including the cat! We determined that poor Marty had done some damage to his nails/pad. He is such a good old guy, he hobbled around and didn't cry or act up. He HATES his nails clipped or most anyone messing with his feet, so I decided to see how things go before subjecting him to the vet. Poor guy!
Today we took my car in for the window repair! Finally....we had been putting it off..you know not important and only think of it when IN the car. I had considered a new car, so didn't want to "waste" money...so the car goes in and P and I go out to breakfast. We go home and work around the house. Got the pool covered, the boat moved, the Fall decorations out, the lawn cut, a really good morning. We get the call around 2:00 that the car is ready, all fixed, inspected, etc. We drive over and pay UGH $266...did I mention the window wasn't broke? just the pulley broke that works the electric window. P wants Wendy's so we drive the 2 blocks. When we go to leave, he leaves in his truck first, I put my car in reverse...but....the car goes FORWARD. I try a couple more times....won't go REVERSE. I call P on his cell, no answer! I finally put into neutral and roll backwards and then first to go forward...only first feels like third...guess this doesn't make sense if you don't drive a manual car, but it was MESSED UP. I limp the 2 blocks back to the dealer. "WHAT DID YOU GUYS DO TO MY CAR?" They check it out and there is a part that broke off that works the gears. Basically nothing was lined up correctly and the clutch is basically burning up. They have the part, but can't fix until tomarrow! I keep calling P, call my daughter, call my son, no one is answering. P finally calls back and says..."heh I beat you home"! He couldn't believe it when I told him. So my girlfriend came and got me and my car will hopefully be ready tomarrow and I was just thinking ...what the heck would I have done 50 miles out in the country with four Pugs if this had happened Saturday? phew....

Boomer goes over the rainbow bridge

Please stop over and see Andrea. Her dear Boomer went over the rainbow bridge yesterday. Andrea is having a rough spot and could use some good wishes!

Name Meme

From Elvis Pug!

Fun. Try it!
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Inky VW
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie),
Coffee Sugar
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name),
D-The
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Red Pug
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Lynn Rochester
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first),
The De
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Yellow Coffee
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Albert Sigmund (OMG)
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy),
Vanilla Chocolate
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Clara Francis

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
Baker Boston
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Autumn Aster
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)Pear Pantie
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Oatmeal Ash
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Sewing Breezy Tour



If you do this, leave me a note. I'd love to see all your cool names.Rock on!

Sputnik 50th Anniversary

Sputnik and The Dawn of the Space Age

History changed on October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I, the world's first artificial satellite. It was about the size of a beach ball (58 cm.or 22.8 in.), weighed only 83.6 kg. or 183.9 pounds, and took about 98 minutes to orbit the Earth on its elliptical path. It stayed in orbit for 6 months before falling back to Earth. Its rocket booster, weighing 4 tons, also reached orbit and was easily visible from the ground. That launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments. While the Sputnik launch was a single event, it marked the start of the space age and the U.S.-U.S.S.R space race.

Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL

Medical Updates

So, I went for my back x-ray....




Had my bloodwork done.....

didn't even need the bandaid and no bruising for once....

and got the specialist appointment for my carpel tunnel next week.....


The doctor's office calls and leaves a message about my x-rays. My husband calls and tells me I have rythmic arthritis in my spine. I of course google it and can't find that anywhere. What can it be? Am I going to be paralyzed, need surgery, what, what, what? When I get home I ask P to repeat the message. He says listen for yourself it's on the voice mail..... So, I listen and the message is...your x-ray shows a slight change in your arthritis which the doctor will discuss with you on Friday at your physical....WHAT THE FREAK. I tell my husband, don't bother to forward information to me and for goodness sake if they call about my bloodwork don't tell me the results. Then I think again....a slight change????? Wait, I don't have arthritis, do I????


So Friday morning I'm off to my appointment to discover what indeed the x-ray showed and get my bloodwork results. I'm hoping the doctor says my cholesteral is good, I have no diabetic problems, and my rthymic arthritis will go away with plenty of dancing.

Does this Pug make my butt look big?

rrrrrrrrrrrrrr, it's October