Day 21: A taste of Vermont

We ate ourselves through Vermont today. First we started at Ben & Jerry's. We took the tour and then got a scoop of ice cream, well I got two.
Then on to the Cold Hollow Cider mill where we sampled their cider and had a cider donut.
After that we stopped at Lake Champlain Chocolates to sample their wares. Then the Cabot creamery where they make the best cheese ever.
The highlight of the day was the Brag Family sugar house. We learned all about how maple syrup is made and then tasted the four different grades. You wouldn’t think that there was a difference, but there is. I think I would like a maple tree in our backyard. Now you all didn’t think that all we did was eat all day did you? There was a lot of Geocaching (15) in there as well. In fact because of caching we went to two different covered bridges that we wouldn't have ever known about. Any one interested yet?
At the capital in Montpelier we came across this delightful yarn shop. I purchased some beautiful plum variegated yarn to make the scarf pattern that I bought in Amish country.
I just had to include this picture today: "You know your getting old when", You have to wear reading glasses over your sunglasses.

Jeremys interview

Hello everyone. We just found out that Jeremy was interviewed for his XC team. You can watch it at:http://www.ucsdtritons.com/newMediaPlayer/console.htm?type=vod&id=719754&oemid=5800

Day 20: Vermont

Today started out very slow. I slept until 10:00! Who knows what Ed was up too. We went and looked around the town here. We found this restaurant called the Green Cup (a health food joint) right on the stream. We ordered lunch (a salad of weeds and cheese) and went to sit by the water to eat. The local kids were all there swimming in the swimming hole. The younger boys were jumping off the rocks into the water. A little later a group of older boys came by. The rocks were not "cool" enough for them. They started climbing up inside of the covered bridge and then jumping out from the eves. Next was a group of girls and they just stood at the rocks for about a half an hour before one of them finally took the plunge. (With the onlooker's encouragement) I wish my kids had a swimming hole to go to when they were growing up.

So as you can see we had a very lazy day today. Tomorrow it's off to BEN AND JERRY'S.

Day 19 Vermont, here we come

We started out the day doing all the bridges and tolls in reverse order. Then lo and behold we got a call from our daughter! She needs us! YIPPIE. Her fan vibrated off the desk and broke. (I planned that good, right?) We got to see her on our way from Canada to Vermont.
Our day other than that went sort of like this, Ed driving, me knitting, Ed driving, me sleeping, Ed driving, me sleeping. I had to catch up from all the Canadian activity. We stopped at this really cute roadside deli called the Big Moose Deli about 25 miles outside of Troy in a town called Hoosick for dinner.


We finally arrived at our timeshare in Vermont around 8pm. It is a whole house to ourselves! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sauna and a garage. It's in the mountains in the middle of Vermont. A very pretty location.

Day 18: Day 2 of being a tourist

I don't think that I have seen as many rainbows in my life as I have seen here in 2 days.

Well we changed our plan this morning. Instead of going to the American side to see the falls from that perspective, and of course do some geocaching, we decided to stay on the Canadian side. The bridge to get to Canada or the states was a couple of hours hours long yesterday. (Its the last weekend before school starts here) So we went exploring in Canada. First we went to an attraction called White water walk. You go down an elevator to the waters level and then walk through a tunnel to a boardwalk that runs along the class 6 rapids at the foot of the falls. A beautiful walk.

Down at the end of this walk is a wall that reminded us of good Ole SLO. For those of you from there you will understand.

A little further up the road we decided to stop and take a hike down to the bottom of the canyon. This area was just past the white water area. It too was a beautiful hike.

Then onto Niagara on the Lake. It is the cutest little town. It has tons of great shops and restaurants.

On the drive home we came across this little bitty chapel. Well sort of. There was a geocache there. If you look closely you can see Ed digging in the bushes for the cache.

As if we have not already done enough today we stopped at the IMax theatre to see a movie on all the daredevil stunts at Niagara Falls.

Laurnie girl I added this last picture for you:

Day 17: Niagara Falls Tourist Day

NIAGARA FALLS, Where to start? Its amazing!

We went from 9 am to 10pm. We took a five hour tour through Elite Tours. Our tour guide, Uncle Peter, took us to see asolutely everything there is to see and do here. At the end of the tour he handed us tickets to go back to see some of the things again tonight. (we even squeezed in 3 geocaches today)(Lucy Goose I got you a pin out of a cache today) We are exhausted. So this is going to be short and sweet tonight. Enjoy the pictures!

Day 16: Troy to Niagara Falls

This morning we left Troy, New York for Niagara Falls. We drove along Hwy 90 which is a toll road ($12) as well as following along the Erie Canal. Its a very green and lush area. We stopped along the way in Phelps which is home of the yearly sauerkraut festival. Their claim to fame is a two story outhouse.

Then on to Le Roy the town where Jello was first invented. Believe it or not, but they have a Jello museum there. We actually paid $7 to go in and see what it was all about. While we were in this "museum" we (Ed) got a $10 parking ticket. Apparently we were to close to a fire hydrant, which was in someones front yard, and the curb was not painted red. (we would hate to mess up those beautiful granite curbs) I think they were just picking on the CA plates. Well I'm sure you all know me well enough to know that I was not going to let them get away with this. So downtown we went to have a chat with someone. The address is just a mail box. (we think) BUMMER. Does anyone know if they can enforce the ticket since we live in CA?

Curves ladies, I did have a curves sighting right next door to the supposed address.

We had to cross two bridges to get into Canada, which cost us $4.25. So do you see where I am going with this? The state of New York is not in a budget crisis because the Riley's drove on their highways today.

On a better note, this is the view from our room.

Day 15: More orienting!

OK, enough is enough, NO MORE PARENT ORIENTATION.

Yes its done, we said our official goodbyes at the end of orientation today. No tears, yet. We then spent the afternoon, alone, looking for restaurants and places to stay for future visits. ( If we are allowed of course) After that we went to see this very awesome graveyard in Troy. Uncle Sam is buried there.

Then we pulled out the GPS and did some limited caching. Every time we pulled up somewhere I would say, "no way, we are not getting out of the car, or I am not leaving the car unattended here) Once you stray to far away from campus its really SCARY!

Tomorrow it is off to Niagara Falls. YEAH! Its sort of our anniversary celebration for 24 YEARS. (August 23) We will be staying at Embassey Suites on the Canadian side for 3 nights.

Day 14: Parent Orientation

We have been oriented!

Today was a long day of parent orientation. I have to say they did a great job just like admitted students day. We met alot of parents from California. We thought there was only one girl and three boys from California, but there are alot more than that. We heard this nasty rumor going around that some crazy family from California drove all the way here! Thats nuts! Who would do such a thing? I think after we announced that it was us, they were a little embarrassed. (he he)
There were not as many stupid parent questions as Jeremy's parent orientation. The worst one was, "over winter break do our students have to move everything out?" There were lots of chuckles.

Well I thought I would share some RPI info with you all:

Laurens address:
Lauren Riley
Bray Hall #309
1999 Burdett Ave.
Troy, NY 12180-3599
805 704-2354

October 22-24 is the family and friends weekend: We are not going, so if anyone would like to visit her then I am sure that she would love it.

If you would like to get a weekly newsletter from RPI you can sign up for it at: rpi.edu/parents

They have a program for sending treats and gifts. The program is called Gift University. You can see what they have to offer at: hospitalityservices.rpi.edu

This is all I have for you today.

Day 13: Rensselaer (RPI)

Today was move in day!We moved in, in the rain and humidy, but only 73 degrees. We couldn't tell if we were wet from the rain or sweat. Lauren really did not have that much compared to some of the kids who pulled up in U-hauls.

There was a list of rules for MOM, not Dad:

1. Use my inside voice

2. Do not admit that anything came from a dumpster.

3. Do not get angry or pissy. (only under pressure) (or when things dont go my way)

4. Don't say everything I think.

5. Never saw her roomates facebook .

6. This list never existed.

As far as I know, we did not embarrass our daughter.

After we moved her in we took her shopping for a few last minute items, out to lunch, back to her room, hotel to rest, dinner. WOW. When we moved in Jeremy all he wanted was for us to carry everything in and then get lost!

Tomorrow is parent orientation.

Day 12: New Jersey to Troy, New York

WE MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO TROY, NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the way from New Jersey to Troy we stopped in Rhinebeck, NY. It is such a quaint town. We ate lunch and walked around. NO, we did not come here because Chelsea got married here. We stopped here because on the news it looked so cute. It is!

I am sure tomorrow I will hve a great blog for ya'll. It is move in day afterall.

Day 11: Amish Country to Flemmington, NJ

We started our tour of Amish and Mennonite country at a working Amish farm. It was quite interesting to learn about the way they live, customs and religious beliefs. I feel like some of them have caved to our society. They seam to pick and choose when they want to be traditional and when they do not want to. Its a little weird seeing a horse drawn carriage pulling into the parking lot of Target. Lauren and I were disappointed by this crossover of lifestyles.

Then we stopped at a farmers market and sampled all their hard work. (Jeremy there were lots of bakeries, better than Costco). We ended buying some meats, cheeses, popcorn and fresh peach milkshakes for lunch. After that I did a little quilt shopping. I found one that I just loved and came very close to purchasing it. After I thought about it for a while, I decided that every time I looked at it on the guest bed and remembered that someone else made it I would be bummed that I didn't make it. I decide that I like the cathedral window quilts the best. I guess that I have a project to replace having kids at home.

We decided to take country roads from Lancaster to Washingtons Crossing, PA. We thought this would be a great way to see how the Amish really live. The GPS said it was only 1 hour. We went through Valley Forge and Lahaska and kept driving and driving and driving............and finally arrived in Flemington, NJ 4 hours later!

Tomorrow its Troy, New York or Bust!

Day 10: Somewhere in Virginia to Lancaster, PA

Ok everyone this is going to be a long blog today. We went to 4 states today and saw a lot.

We started out the day the same way we ended it yesterday, 50 ft tall trees lining the roads. So, I was playing with my phone to see all that it could do, and I texted a lovely picure of what Lauren has done for 10 days, (sleep) to my sister and I told her I was bored. Debbie sent me a text back and said "What did you expect, it took us 2-3 hours to get dropped off to college, TWO WEEKS IS A LITTLE EXTREME.............

We went through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennysylvania. Do you know what that means? Geocaches in four states! It was a beautiful drive once we ditched the trees and could see something. I love all the rolling farms. We are now in the land of silos.


The first stop on the agenda today was HERSHY, PA., Lots and Lots of CHOCOLATE!
Hershy is a beautiful town, with rolling farms and estates. Many of the streets are themed named.


The street lights look like Hershy kisses!
Best of all its the home of the Hershy factory. The whole town smells like CHOCOLATE! (Just kidding) You are no longer allowed to tour the real factory. They have a ride you go on, through a fake factory, that explains the whole process and at the end yo get a sample! UMmmmm..... The prices were so high! You can get a bag of kisses for 1/4 the price at the drugstore the day after any holiday, its the same darn stuff.

We drove on country roads between Hershy and Lancaster. Oh my! The estates! I could live here. Ed decided he could also live here, when in the evening all the amish ladies were out mowing their lawns and the men were driving about in their buggies.

We ate dinner at a lovely farm that serves all the food family style. The menu included:
HOME-MADE
Chow-chow
Applesauce
Apple buter
Pepper cabbage
Bread
Sausage
Fried chicken
Ham loaf
Mashed poatoes
Candied sweet potatoes
Buttered noodles
Corn and string beans
I'M NOT DONE YET......
Shoo-fly pie
Cherry crumb
Apple crumb
Chocolate cake carrot cake
Pumpkin roll
Tapioca pudding
AND IT WAS ALL SERVED WITH HOME-MADE ICECREAM!

I had two Curves sightings today ladies, one in Manheim, PA and one in Lancaster, PA. Of course I just kept driving, stuffing my face full of chocolate. I would like to go tomorrow so I could see how the amish work out.

I thought you all might get a kick out of something Lauren said when we driving home from dinner tonight. "I thought the amish lived out in towns by themselves, I didn't know they went to Target".

Tomorrow we get a full day in amish country. Yeah!

Day 9: Memphis to somewhere in Virginia

ALRIGHT EVERYONE! You all say that i'm obsessed with Geocaching, well you are right but...... You wont even believe what Ed did this morning. He got up at 6 am and drove to Mississippi ( I like spelling that word) just to get a cache in that state for our caching map. HE IS OBSESSED TOO! I guess thats a good thing we have something in common to do, now that both our children have left us.

Here is our Geo caching stats to date:
8 States
21 caches (Lauren is holding us back)
2 Earthcaches
23 caches total

9:30 this morning we were finally on the road headed for Nashville, TN. We stopped at a rest stop to use the restroom and of course to grab a cache. I asked the man inside what street we should get off at in Nashville to see the main drag. He pulled out a map and said "Baby cakes, this is where I want you to get off so you can see it all". Of course this was all in a thick southern drawl. I sure was tickled. Our waiter at lunch said, "this is easy as pie", after he took our order.

Nashville: OK Pops, I know that you really liked Nashville and were there for a couple of days but, it didn't do a thing for me. Its just an old, big, busy city. Oh, and hot and humid. The Ozarks were more my speed.

We had a couple hours of rain after lunch today. Boy, when it rains in Tennessee it really rains! Big, Huge raindrops and lots of it. It did push down the humidity though. YEAH. (and our car is cleaner)

I got lots of knitting done today. There was not a whole lot to see since the roads are all lined with 50 ft high trees. I have 6 inches complete on the first sock. Almost to the heel.

We are staying the night somewhere in virginia. Good night.

Day 8: Arkansas to Memphis Tennessee

This morning we woke up to an old fashion country breakfast. Eggs, bacon, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, fruit & preserves. We headed out to go back for a cavern tour at the Blanchard Caverns. We are now in the land of accents and all the National Forest workers spoke with a heavy accent. I had to ask what they were saying a couple of times. They had the nerve to say that I had an accent!

I think this formation looks like a battleship.

Lauren and I pretty much slept from Arkansas to about an hour before Memphis at which point I pulled out the AAA book to look up the Civil Rights Museum. The Johnson girls all said it was a must see and do. OF COURSE, Its closed on Tuesdays. Guess what today is? Then a lightbulb went off in my head, "isn't Graceland here?" YIPPIE, off to Graceland we went.

Buy this point we were STARVING. We were going to try another Diner, drive-in or dive but uncle Wes said we had to go to Corky's. It was FANTASTIC. Ribs, coleslaw, rolls and beans. Thanks Uncle Wes!

Tomorrow, its up in the air. Stay tuned till tomorrow night to see what we did.

Day 7: Enid to Mountain view, Arkansas

We were very sad to leave Enid this morning:( We had a wonderful visit with Wes, Linda, KT and Jacob, oh and Simon. We played lots of games, had a nerf gun war and competed against each other on the Wi. Thank You Tutt family for your wonderrful hospitality.

The road today ( with 2.38 a gallon gas mind you) lead us on a beautiful drive into the Ozarks. We stopped at an Amish cheese house to sample their wares and purchased a dozen chocolate chip cookies. OK I thought that I had mastered the art of the perfect chocolate chip cookie but these folks have me beat! Next it was off to the Blanchard Springs caverns in Mountain View, AR. We arrived too late for a tour of the caverns so we will go back tomorrow morning for our adventure.

We checked into this wonderful bed and breakfast Inn for the night. It is called the Inn at Mountain View, we have a two room suite that is sooooo cute. Lauren has her own little room and we share a bathroom. It sits right on the main square downtown. Mountain view is the worlds capital of Folk Music. I sat on the porch this evening knitting away listening to all the wonderful music out in the square. Oh, and chatting with some of the local ladies who where waiting for their husbands to get out of bible study.
Tomorrow we are off to Memphis, TN since there was so much flooding in Nashville and nothing is open.

Day 6: Play day #2 in OK

Today was a fun day up on base. We got to see a movie, well sort of. It wasnt working real great. And.....We went bowling and visited the airplane simulators where all the airforce pilots learn to fly. The base is its own little city.

I made a new friend last night. Jim the toad. Enid had an infestation of toads a couple of weeks ago and this is one the few remaining ones. Is'nt it cute?

We leave Enid and the cousins tomorrow to travel to Arkansas. (Boo Hoo)

Paid $2.38.9 for gas today. Enid is truly the cheapest gas in the country!

Day 5: Enid, OK Play day

Well, we woke up this morning and it was already 85 degrees! It hit a high of 109, YIKES. We got a very late start since we were up until midnight last night playing with the cousins & Simon (the tutt's new puppy). We went to see Vance airforce base. Wes our brother in law gave us a tour and took us out onto the tarmac to see all the planes. They are pretty neat.


Then we went to this unusual little gelato shop for ice cream. Its the best gelato and its homemade. You feel like you are walking right into these peoples living room when you go in. Its very inviting and cozy. So we sat and ate ice cream and played games for a while.

After that we took an air conditioned car ride around Enid to see the sights and did some geocaching. My nephew is hooked. YEAH! After that we went to Braums for a late lunch of hamburgers and what else, but MILKSHAKES. My kind of meal. Ice cream twice in one day. But the real highlight was..............

Wait for it..............................

Wait for it...............
Peggy R you are absolutely correct in saying this place is the greatest craft store EVER!

Did I mention that it is 109 degrees here today!

Well I finally had a curves sighting today in Enid Oaklahoma. Did I work out? Of course not, I ate icecream all day.