here and there

What to do on a rainy day at the beach

August 2, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: beach, family, here and there, Ocean City MD

~Every year my husband’s daughter and family vacation at the beach for a couple weeks and we always go down to spend a few days with them. This year they stayed in north Ocean City MD on the bay side. This is the dusky scene from the balcony of the condo they rented. It was so pretty there and the sunset was gorgeous. It did rain the next day though but we found plenty of things to do to keep us from getting bored. Eating, shopping, napping and eating again!

canal from patio

The day we arrived we grilled some huge steaks and ate on the deck overlooking the canal. We did a lot of eating, that’s for sure.

steak

When the skies looked like this we headed to Bethany to do a little shopping between the rain drops.

bethany

The town was crowded. Guess everyone had the same idea.

crab

Samantha was interested in hermit crabs and I found some pretty pillows to gaze at.

bed pillows

book

I don’t think I need a book to tell me how to live in flip-flops, it just comes naturally. Who me?

2lime green chair

While the kids looked in the junk shops I found lots of pretty things I liked.

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Beachy blues and greens

mirror

this gorgeous driftwood mirror

fireplace

and a star fish swag.

page food

Staples of the beach diet, fudge, Fisher’s popcorn and Thrasher’s fries.

page rainy

By this time it was pouring! We headed home for a short nap and went out to eat, again!

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If you want a delicious meal in Ocean City MD, check out The Shark on the harbor. My meal was the most delicious food I have had in a very long time!

We had some bruschetta with roasted red peppers and shaved parmesan, drizzled with balsamic vinegar, stuffed zucchini blossoms and the amazing fried green tomatoes!

chicken stuffed with crab

My entrée was Chesapeake chicken with the biggest pieces of crab I have ever seen and lobster mashed potatoes! I felt like I was in heaven! O H M Y!

yachts

Then a little drive to see the sights, fishing boats and yachts in the harbor.

boat in harbor

The next day we headed home and I still felt stuffed. I think I’ll eat lightly for a few days!

Family vacation at the beach, no sunburn allowed.

June 7, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: family, here and there

I remember my mom mixing baby oil and mercurochrome for a faster tan. Remember that reddish brown stuff? Mercurochrome isn’t even sold anymore.

Being born in the 50’s I remember this cute kid and her little dog making it clear that a “healthy tan” and a nice “copper tone” were the goals of the summer sun. We didn’t even call it sunscreen in those days, we called it “suntan lotion.’”

My family and I are very fair skinned, so sunburn is a definite no no. We burn easily! I burn almost instantly and have started using a 70spf sunscreen made just for faces every single day. If I can prevent one wrinkle, it’s worth it!

Skin wrinkling and brown age spots are not the result of age alone. Both of these visible signs of aging can be largely attributed to the effects of the sun’s radiation that a person has absorbed throughout their life. An older person will have more wrinkles than a younger person largely due to the fact that they have had more time to absorb more radiation. It is not just coincidence that the majority of wrinkles and age spots appear on the face and hands. These are the areas of the body that are exposed to the sun’s radiation nearly every day of your life. Using sunscreen every day will not only help to prevent any further visible signs of aging, but it may also help to reduce the amount and severity of the wrinkles and age spots or freckles that you already have.

mia

This week while we’re at the beach, we are laying the sunscreen on heavily.

Since the effects of the sun’s radiation are cumulative throughout a person’s life, parents should be especially concerned about their children’s outdoor activities and ensuring that they are protected from the sun every day.

dave in a hole

My older grandson has lots of freckles and fair skin so sunburn is a definite no no. He dug a big hole complete with a seat to keep cool on the beach.

Using sunscreen every day can help reduce your chances of developing skin cancers, including Melanoma. Using a sunscreen daily will reduce a persons chances of skin cancer by 78%!" And the earlier you start using it the better.

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This is the first time we rented a condo big enough for all of us and it feels great being surrounded by family. We just got out of the hot tub! Tomorrow is a fishing trip and then later chicken on the grill.

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I’ll be sharing more pictures soon but wanted to post these reminders of how using sunscreen is a must, no matter what your skin type. Even my little grandson, whose skin is not as fair as ours wears sunscreen.

Using a sunscreen daily will reduce a persons chances of skin cancer by 78%!" And the earlier you start using it the better.

There are some beautiful homes here at Virginia beach and I’ll post some pictures soon.

Thanks for visiting! Debbie (((xx)))

http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-sun-damaged-skin http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/cooling-a-sunburn/

New York City sights

October 24, 2011 By Debbie Filed Under: Faces*Family*Friends, friends and family, friends and family and me, here and there, NYC

Early Saturday morning I boarded Amtrak to NYC to spend the day with my grandson David.

He meet me in Penn Station and we immediately headed to one of his favorite cafes, French Roast on W. 11th street. We both had eggs Benedict and I can honestly say it was the best I ever had! The eggs were cooked to perfection.

In our cappuccinos, he got a leaf and I got a heart.

Next we strolled around the city heading toward the World Trade Center Memorial. I’ll be sharing that in another post.

The buildings were amazing.

Dave has taken classes on the history and architecture of the city, so he was a great tour guide, but I don’t remember the names of these buildings!

The arch at Washington Square commemorates the one hundredth anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington. I did remember that, it’s inscribed on the stone!

The opposite side has a fountain.

Another little park with a fountain, again I don’t remember the name, but this is where a tiny piece of paper flew in my mouth and grossed me out and Dave spilled his Starbuck’s drink all over his boots.

Roof top gardens were spotted here and there.

We saw many bikers riding in the crowded streets. I think they’re crazy!

I loved the look of these old buildings. Would you live here? Are you a city person.

Soho and Tribeca areas. As you can see, it was a gorgeous day!

No trip to NYC would be complete with a glimpse of the Empire State building.

We took a carriage ride around Central Park, rode the subway several times, strolled through China town and ended our day at a great little Italian restaurant. I took lots of pictures to share with you and we even saw a star! A real movie star! I got some pictures of that too which I’ll post soon.

It was a great day! Love ya Dave.

Debbie (((xx)))

The winner of 100, 5×7 customizable postcards from UPrinting is #5, Kathie (Krafty Kat). Thank you for entering the giveaway from Uprinting.com.

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Family Time in Tennessee

October 14, 2011 By Debbie Filed Under: Faces*Family*Friends, family, family friends me, here and there

I’m in Tennessee this week visiting family.

Meet Jake my grandson. He started kindergarten this year and is constantly counting, adding and spelling and really soaking up letters and numbers like a dry sponge.

We went on a pumpkin counting walk together and he said he counted a hundred!

His nickname is mud digger and the pictures clearly show why.

If there’s mud near, the boy will find it.

He lays in mud, rolls in mud and is pretty much covered in mud from head to toe. You can see more pictures of a much younger Jake playing in mud HERE in a previous post.

Muddy face, muddy hands, one tooth missing, did I mention that he’s a cutie?

It’s perfect weather here today and later we’ll be going to the Heritage Festival to celebrating Fall.

Are you enjoying Fall?

Next week I’ve got a giveaway coming up that’s perfect for Christmas.

Debbie (((xx)))

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Free Herbs, a drive-by story

October 6, 2011 By Debbie Filed Under: basil, Fall, foods, gardening plants, herbs, here and there

On a side street in town is the Real Foods Emporium. They sell organic foods, raw milk, whole grains and whatever is considered a real food, as in nothing processed.

While running some errands, I spotted the Free Herbs sign. What? When did they put up that sign? I almost slammed on the brakes, but realized that I’d have to come back later. Bumper sticker, I brake for free herbs should be on my car.

When I had a chance to go back, I was a tad disappointed. The herb garden was very untidy, well, it was just a plain mess.

But the herbs were free, so why let a bunch of weeds bother me, right?

Look at all that basil! And there was lots more basil growing! All over the place.

Everything you need for clipping herbs is in this mailbox, including bags for your clippings. There was even a hoe and that little seat thing to save your back from all that bending over.

I saw the herbs pictured above and mint, tarragon and others that I didn’t recognize. Despite my first impression, the plants were abundant and healthy looking, but I took only what I needed for one of my most favorite Fall recipes.

I gathered a handful of lovely, fragrant sage. The picture is a little hint to the recipe. Can you guess what it is?

I’ll be posting the recipe real soon and I have to tell you, it’s so good!

I’m planning on going back to get more, especially some of that beautiful basil to make basil ice cubes for soups and sauces. Here’s how to do it.

Fall’s been great so far, but I have to get back there before the frost if I want to clip more. Wilted rose

Happy Fall!

Debbie (((xx)))

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A Fun Boat Ride around Canandaigua Lake

August 29, 2011 By Debbie Filed Under: Faces*Family*Friends, family, family friends me, here and there

Recently while visiting my daughter, we spent the afternoon on Canandaigua lake in NY.
At three, my granddaughter Mia is already a seasoned sailor and a real cutie!

My daughter Dawn and Mia enjoying the ride and, of course, baby comes along too.

Homes from water shacks to palatial estates surround the lake.

Wouldn’t you love to see inside? I bet the interior is just as gorgeous. It takes some mega bucks to own a place like this! duh_(SWOON)

This property is part of the Wegman estate, as in Wegman’s grocery stores.

Just imagine owning this property and four boats! Their barn, which is across the road behind this estate, is every bit as spectacular.

This next home is a estate that seemed to go on forever!

Check out the guest house, far left, love it all!

When it was time for swimming, I was too chicken to get in the lake, but Mia wasn’t! She went right in.

Dawn’s “it’s freezing” face.

Time for a little nap after all that fun. Isn’t that precious!

Dark clouds from Irene were rolling in as we headed back.

You can revisit an 08 lake post here to get a glimpse at more beautiful homes.

The few days that we were away, our neighborhood had some wind damage. Some of our patio furniture and large urns were overturned, all of the tomato plants were laying over and a large shrub was pulled right out of the ground. I’m counting our blessings, it could have been so much worse………
Sun I hope you have fun on Labor day and embrace these beautiful days as Summer ends, cold will be here soon enough!

Debbie (((xx)))

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Goin down the Shore, 2011

August 1, 2011 By Debbie Filed Under: beach, here and there, out and about, shore

When we’re going to the beach we say, “goin down the shore,” it’s a regional thing, I guess. I might ask a friend, “you going down the shore this Summer?”

Anyhow, the past few Summers we’ve gone to Ocean City MD to stay for a couple days with my husband’s daughter and family at a condo they rent for 3 weeks every Summer. Yeah, I did say 3 weeks!

The condo has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and while not luxurious, it’s great for a family. It has anything you might need….. dishwasher, granite countertops, 3 tvs, cable, 2 small balconies, washer and dryer and could sleep 8 people with the roll away bed and pull out sofa bed. Plus, since it’s on a side street with little traffic, the kids can ride their bikes.

It’s just a few steps from the beach and about 20 blocks from the boardwalk. Walk one block and there’s always a bus going by on the main street. Hop on and get wherever you want to go, which is the best way to get around, unless you like driving in traffic. Confused smile

It was hot, too hot. You can almost see the heat in these pictures on the boardwalk. Hazy, hot and humid.

Boardwalk smells made me hungry…pizza, cotton candy, gigantic soft pretzels, BBQ and the best french fries in the world! Thrashers fries, but make sure you douse them with apple cider vinegar and salt.

You just have to get a big bucket of greasy fries!

The shops beckon you to come on in and spent your money on overpriced stuff. Maybe you’d get a tattoo, boogie board or an itsy bitsy bikini, or not!

Just look at that blue sky! So much to see. Beautiful hotels and lots and lots of eye candy are everywhere you look. I loved these little balconies

and this dolphin bench.

The next day we drove to Assateaque Island. It’s about 9 miles from OC.

There’s a wooden walkway heading to the beach at Assateaque and sparkling pure white sand.

It’s beautiful and much less crowded than the beach at Ocean City.

If you buy a special permit you can drive right on the beach.

I could never stand to camp on the beach in 100 degree heat, but it must be nice at night. Campfires are allowed. You could have S’mores.

It’s thrilling seeing the horses. I know we’ve all seen horses before but these are wild horses that graze openly in the marshes and sometimes near the road.

The feral horses and ponies living on Assateaque and Chincoteague are thought to be descended from survivors of shipwrecked Spanish galleons off the coast of Virginia.

Ever been to Assateaque? It’s a beautiful place.

I really love Ocean City MD and plan on going back next year and staying longer. What’s your favorite beach?

Debbie (((xx)))

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Ocean City Boardwalk

August 3, 2010 By Debbie Filed Under: family, here and there, Ocean City MD

On day 2 of our vacation we rode the bus from the condo to the southern end of the boardwalk to eat at Harrison’s. From our table we could see the Ocean City inlet and Asseteague.

Assateague Island is where wild ponies are herded into the water for the swim over to Chincoteague, where some are sold at auction. I’d love to see that!

The food was fantastic. We all got seafood of course, and I got my favorite lump crab cakes.

After we were stuffed we hopped on the tram and rode to the northern end of the boardwalk because we were too lazy to walk the whole way down and back.

At the northern end, we got off the tram and then walked all the way back to the southern end, because that’s where we’d get the bus to head back to the condo. It was a plan that worked out well!

The sights, sounds and smells of the boardwalk surrounded us! There’s so much for kids to do.

Ever whac a mole? Check out this cutie smiling at us!

Arcades and rides are everywhere.

Henna tattoos and hair braiding.

This was an art gallery. You could get lost in there and never see all of the art work. Prints and oils take up every inch of space 3 stories tall.

It was disappointing, but we didn’t see Lady Gaga.

These sand sculptures drew a big crowd and were stunning in person. This was a quiet spot on the noisy boardwalk.

I think eating ice cream on the boardwalk is an absolute must, or french fries, fried oreos, cotton candy, hot dogs, fresh squeezed lemonade…….There’s so much to enjoy! Pizza! Fried snickers….

That was the end of our mini vacation in Ocean city and we headed home early the next day.

Coming up soon, a CSN giveaway I think you’ll like. Come on back and enter.

Debbie (((xx)))

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Goin “down the shore” Ocean City, MD

August 2, 2010 By Debbie Filed Under: family, family friends me, here and there, Ocean City MD

Years, that’s how long since I’ve been to the shore. I’m not much of a beach person because it’s usually so hot for me and the sand gets everywhere and burns your feet…….. but for 2 days I can stand it. And I actually enjoyed the beach this time. The weather was perfect, not humid and in the mid 80s.

Bill’s family vacations at the beach every year We have an open invitation to visit and stay with them, so we took off for the beach and left our wet and noisy home behind.

We only had to walk this far to get on the beach!

Yes this is the beach, now I remember!

Bill and Dominic posing in front of their giant crab sea sculpture.

Samantha played for hours in the sand, totally immersed in her own world. Makes me wonder what she was thinking.

Oh to be a kid again, that’s what I was thinking.

Thank you Ocean City MD beach, hope I can visit again!

Next, pictures from the boardwalk. What’s better than the boardwalk? The sights, the smells and so many things to tempt you senses!

I got a new Canon T1i, my first DSLR, and was playing with my camera and Photoscape, a free program that does amazing things to your pictures. I’m definitely not a pro so I really appreciate free programs. Thanks Rhoda!

The Service Master crew has dried out the house and removed all their equipment now, but they did remove more drywall in the basement. smile_sad Next, drywall work, new insulation, carpet padding, cleaning and stretching and painting. Water can do so much damage! The wooden floor in the kitchen is ok….phew!

Debbie (((xx)))

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New York City

April 7, 2010 By Debbie Filed Under: family, family friends me, friends and family, friends and family and me, here and there, NYC

One Saturday I boarded Amtrak and headed to Penn Station in New York City to spend the day with my grandson Dave.
I can’t even say the words, New York City, without thinking of this song by Stevie Wonder.
♫ His hair is long, his feet are hard and gritty
He spends his love walking the streets of New York City
He’s almost dead from breathing on air pollution
He tried to vote but to him there’s no solution
Living just enough, just enough for the city♫…yeah, yeah, yeah
From the train the view of the countryside is so diverse, with horse drawn plows and freshly washed clothes blowing in the wind, ugly urban areas and a very interesting array of people at the stations. Interesting indeed.

I met up with Dave in Penn Station and we set off to enjoy the day. That’s us on the subway (the boy knows how to get around the city), some street vendors, Pace University, where he’s a student and the Cafe Dalsace, where we had a delicious brunch.

Dave devoured eggs benedict, and I loved my goat cheese and sun dried tomato omelette. We both had roasted potatoes and fresh green salad and several cups of hot french roast. Yeah, we’re coffee hounds! Our dessert was apple tart with cinnamon ice cream. It was ummmm, so good.
Most of the day was spent rushing around looking at apartments, and I do mean rushing. A 5 story walk up was definitely not for me. Dragging groceries up those stairs, no way! Oh to be so young again.

We did manage to get in a little sight seeing. He gave me a mini tour of Pace and I saw his dorm room……..what a mess! But I’m glad I got to see it. Now I can understand a little better why he wants out of there.
On the left, the Brooklyn bridge. Can you say traffic? Imagine driving in that everyday. The picture was taken from inside Pace.
In the center, the first Trinity Church which was destroyed by fire in 1776 and was rebuilt in 1846. It has an amazing history.
And on the right, the impressive New York Stock exchange.

I got a few shots of the rebuilding of the twin Towers.
from wikipedia September 11, 2001, Pace University, four blocks from Ground Zero, lost 4 students and over 40 alumni. On September 11, 2001, students were made to leave classes and evacuate to other locations in One Pace Plaza at 10:00 AM. The New York City EMT cleared out the Admissions Lobby and made it into a triage center for victims of the attack.

It was about 11:00pm when I got home, my feet were killing me and I was exhausted, but I loved being in the city with Dave.^.
^{Are you a country person?}
♫Green acres is the place to be
Farm living is the life for me
Land spreading out,
so far and wide
Keep Manhattan,
just give me that countryside.
Are you a city person?
New York
is where I’d rather stay
I get allergic smelling hay
I just adore a penthouse view
Darling, I love you,
but give me Park Avenue
Just because I’m curious, take the poll in the sidebar. Come on, humor me, Please.

^Debbie

Don’t forget the giveaway, one post below.

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Autumn’s tapestry

October 20, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: autumn, here and there

While traveling through upstate PA into western NY, I was awed by the beauty of Autumn. The rich colors of gold, brown, red and orange actually made me gasp. I don’t remember ever seeing a more beautiful Autumn.

These pictures are of the area around lake Canandaigua.

So pretty, but the pictures don’t do it justice.

This reminds me of a beautiful tapestry.

Wind turbines are a common site in the rural areas of western NY and while they’re an awesome sight, they have stirred up quite a controversy about safety, noise issues and the effect they have on the environment. You can’t imagine how huge they are!
Click here to see a video of the giant turbines in action.

A crabapple tree in all it’s glory.
Hope your Autumn is as beautiful as mine. Enjoy it, it won’t last long.

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Kipona 2009

September 11, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: Harrisburg, here and there

In Delaware Indian language, kipona means sparkling water. In this area, it means a big Labor Day festival held on the shore of the Susquehanna river in the state capital of Harrisburg. There’s an arts festival, chili cook off, boat races, rubber duck race, fireworks and plenty of entertainment and FOOD!

Food as far as you can see! The smell just makes your mouth water.

We had Samantha for the day and she spent Grandpa’s money trying to win ~~junk~~ great kid stuff.

Next, the chili cook off…..that’s the capital building straight ahead.

Bill loves chili, the spicier the better. 25 cents gets you a sample. Here he’s trying Swamp Rat Chili!

The weather was beautiful that day and Samantha was happy with the FOUR things she won. She wasn’t interested in watching any of the entertainment, and we were getting tired, so after some Rita’s Italian ice, we decided to head for home.

We had to walk back all the way across this bridge to city island, where we parked. On the way home we stopped for pizza and ice cream. A great end of Summer day!

Farewell Summer!

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More of the M T Manor

August 14, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: cabin, here and there

We traveled back to the M T manor last week for a little relaxation and to clean up the cabin. The area near the PA grand canyon has to be one of the prettiest places on earth. In the village of Cedar Run is the general store where we stopped for ice cream.

Across the street is the Cedar Run Inn. An unexpected surprise, a beautiful old inn and fine dining in the middle of no where.

The frame of an old canoe is displayed in the rafters of the porch at the Inn.

There seems to be thousands of hummingbirds, with feeders all around the Inn.

Inside are antiques and the most beautiful dining room. Hunters and anglers wash up here before dinner.

We’ve eaten here many times and the food is wonderful. Several years ago we spent the weekend here with friends.
Heading back to the cabin now and enjoying the sights along the way.

Try to imagine the sound of the rushing water.

This was the first time I saw a bear and her cubs in the woods.

A six point buck in velvet, now that’s a sight to behold. He wasn’t too afraid of us, so I sure hope he doesn’t become meat!

Even though I make fun of the cabin, it sure is a beautiful place to visit. I probably won’t get back there again til next summer.

Hope you enjoyed the pics!

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Welcome to Mouse T#rd Manor

July 27, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: cabin, friends and family and me, here and there

We’re taking a drive to Tioga county and eventually we’ll arrive at the Mouse T#rd manor, appropriately named by my daughter. Back six miles on a narrow and twisted dirt lane she sits.

There’s lots of beauty along the way, if you appreciate the woods, and I do. It’s just so darn pretty with hills, valleys, streams and wildlife.

We’re real close now and I can just begin to see the cabin.

Here we are, near what’s left of the historic town of Leetoina. The Mouse t#rd Manor is a hunting camp that my husband belonged to since 1975. There are a total of 10 members who don’t hunt much any more, it’s become more of a place to hang out. All around the area are great sites to see, like the PA Grand Canyon, trophy trout streams and lots of fun family activities, hiking, kayaking, Rails to Trails…any kind of outdoor activity and lots more on Route 6.

The sound of the stream across the road is so peaceful. On Christmas, 1990, the original camp burnt down to the ground. All that was left was part of the original stone wall. Arsonists set fire to several camps that year. In Spring 1991, the members bought logs from a local logger, stripped all the logs by hand and created the new camp. The slate floors are from a nearby slate mine.

Inside the cabin the accommodations are campish. Some of the furniture was made by hand from the leftover logs that were purchased to rebuild the camp. Ignore the dirt, dust and soot, please. There’s a fireplace and a big wood stove to heat the place in winter and chase out the dampness and musty smell, replacing it with a smoky smell that penetrates your clothes and your hair! All the furnishings are from yardsales or were castoffs. Around the fireplace you can see the original stone wall that was left standing after the fire.

This is the stairs going up to the sleeping area. The kids love climbing on the bunks. One of these out buildings is the tool shed, the other is my least favorite part of coming to camp. The dreaded outhouse! Oh, it IS dreaded…I hate it. Inside the camp there’s a bathroom that consists of a sink and a shower…at least we have running water.

Here’s Bill posing by the swimming hole which, at times, can be about 8 feet deep, but it’s so cold.

That’s a little tour of beautiful Tioga county in PA, hope you enjoyed it. And I’m lucky to be going back there again in August! Guess I have to start getting into my camp mindset!

I’ve added this post to Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Day Dreamer. Lots more to look at there!

24 Comments

Spa Day at Hotel Hershey

July 9, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: here and there, Hershey, out and about, spa

What a beautiful place! Can you imagine spending the day here? Well that’s just what I did after I came across a spa gift certificate that I had forgotten about!

Having your own parking space near the door makes you feel like a celebrity.

You can even sneak inside the private entrance. After check in, you’ll go to a waiting room, of sorts, where you’re offered coffee, tea or hot cocoa and plenty of yummy chocolate desserts, fresh fruit and muffins. Bowls filled with chocolate candy are every where. With the breathtaking views and comfy chaises it’s easy to unwind. Next you’re escorted to your room for the service you’re receiving, in my case a pedicure,

Visualize yourself on the sugar soft Cuban beaches while experiencing a classic manicure or pedicure with a Mojito Sugar Scrub to soften and smooth the skin followed by a refreshing mask for the feet, paraffin dip, and Mojito moisturizing massage.

From their website.

After my Cuban pedicure my toes never looked or felt better and check out the bright carpeting that was in the hallway. With any service you’re welcome to stay all day….there’s an aroma therapy room, a quiet room, pool, gym, restaurants…and more.

These gorgeous grounds are in the back of the hotel where you’ll find formal gardens, koi ponds and a new area with a restaurant, swimming pool, private cabanas and villas for rent.

The day was just perfect to be out for a stroll. Look at that sky!

Breathe in the air. I think I smell chocolate!

This is the path to the new restaurant that serves only local foods from within 100 miles of Hershey. Still in the back of the hotel, this is a roller-skating rink in summer and ice skating in winter.

So that’s it, if you are ever in Hershey you must visit the Hotel Hershey, even if it’s only to enjoy the grounds, it’s even more beautiful in person.

I’m leaving relaxed and refreshed and, oh yes, I will be back!

You can read another post about Hotel Hershey HERE.

9 Comments

~Middle Creek Wildlife~

February 22, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: here and there, middle creek

Yesterday the weather was absolutely gorgeous, by that I mean sunny but still very cold. We hopped in the car for a drive to Middle Creek. Amish buggies are a common sight in this area. That’s a manure spreader on the back of the buggy, in case you were wondering.

Middle Creek is a migration stop over for thousands of Canada geese, Snow geese and Tundra swans.

If only I had a powerful zoom lens! There are always people there taking pictures and having picnics in warm weather. The surrounding woods are full of trails for lots of hiking and exploring.

The lake is partially frozen and I was disappointed at the number of birds. I have been here before when there were literally thousands of birds and all you could see was white.

It was such a peaceful drive on a sunny day. Driving through the country and seeing sprawling farms here and there with gigantic silos, wash blowing outside on lines and kids actually playing outdoors, just renews your spirit. We saw the cutest little goats and lambs, plenty of cows and horses and even an oxen. It’s so sad to think of the shrinking farmlands being overtaken by urban sprawl. Get outside and enjoy a sunny day, it’s refreshing.

Project kitchen island begins tommorrow. I’ve gathered up the supplies and I’m ready to go. Today I’m rethinking my colors and hope to make a decision. That’s the hardest part. Stayed tuned.

7 Comments

~Here and There~

January 22, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: here and there, Hummelstown, shopping

Yesterday was a sunny day, YEAH, I was out & about trying to rejuvenate my weary self after all the dark cloudy days. After doing errands for Dad I went shopping, not really shopping , more like “just looking”. I ended up at one of my favorite places, Rhoads Pharmacy. I posted about Rhoads before but they always have fresh eye candy to enjoy, no matter what season. Pictures just don’t get it right….this aqua blue was gorgeous!

They said that they’re still seeing lots of limey greens for spring. The topiaries were a beautiful shade, not the ivy color you usually see. Bunnies & pears are still around too. sorry the pic is blurry

Lots of natural elements and animal prints and sisal rugs. I ooohed & ahhhhhed over this vignette. Just loved that chair!

These eggs were the prettiest marbled colors and so shiny, they really caught your eye! More bunnies! Spring is just around the corner.

That’s the little tour of the Gallery at Rhodes. If you are ever in PA, check it out in Hummelstown.

My next stop was the Christmas Tree shop, where I picked up a little gift for a friend’s birthday. I ended up at Target where I stumbled onto a great bargain, 3 double packs of Clorox toilet cleaner for 7$! That’s 6, 24oz bottles.
Get ginormous ziploc bags with a BOGO coupon. I got these too at Target.

Wooo hooo, getting those bargains made my day. I’m so easy to please.

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Autumn in PA

October 14, 2008 By Debbie Filed Under: Fall, here and there

It was my first real outing since I’ve been sick and felt so good to be finally out & about again! The day was warm, sunny & beautiful. Just perfect. I drove with the windows down & the sun roof open…..a great song on the radio………you know that feeling……

I stopped by a local farmer’s market between visiting Mom & dad. These unusual gourds make me wonder how they taste & how they’re used.
Not giant pears, but gourds that look like pears.
I like how they display the name & origin of some of the more unusual ones.

Check out these hot habeneros!

Oh boy it’s great to be feeling better & able to do ordinary everyday things like laundry & vacuuming and just standing up! For the curious, here’s what was ailing me, PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS ENTERCOLITIS caused by the antibiotic clindamycin. N A S T Y
Hope you have a wonderful day!