What's the best way to say it?

abdicate, abscond, absent, adieu, adios, bail out, beat it, blast off, blow, bound, bye-bye, cheerio, ciao, cut lose, cut out, dart, dash, decamp, decampment, departing, desert, desertion, disappear, ditch, drop out, dump, egress, eighty-eights, embarkation, emigration, escape, evacuation, exit, exodus, expatriation, farewell, farewell, flee, flight, flight, fly, get away, getaway, git, gluckliche Reise, go away, go forth, go, Godspeed, going away, going, goodbye, hegira, hightail, hurtle, jump off, jump, kiss goodbye, later, leap, leave flat, make feet, make off, make tracks, march out, migrate, migration, move on, move out, opt out, part, parting, passage, perish, pleasant journey, powder, pull out, removal, remove, retreat, rush, sailing, sally forth, say goodbye, scamper, scoot, scram, secede, send-off, separation, set forth, setting forth, setting out, shove off, skedaddle, skip, slip away, so long, split, spring, sprint, stampede, start out, start, starting,startle, take flight, take leave, take off, taking leave, tergiversate, toodle-oo, troop, tsetchem leshalom, vacate, vanish, vanishing act, walkout, withdraw, withdrawal, withdrawing.

VACATION!

As of now!

Snow last weekend, Sun and Water this weekend.

This past weekend the Reds were traveling again. This time we were off to Connecticut for a baby shower for SIL. I would say the best part was I didn’t have to drive but the place we stayed was probably my favorite part.

We stayed at the Madison Beach Hotel on Long Island Sound. This place is beautiful with its old time charm. It was a great family bonding time since the whole fam damily was there not to mention the long trip and our close quarters on the drive.

I couldn't get enough of walking around the grounds and along the water but I think Mini Red enjoyed it more. Sunday morning the water was so calm and Mini Red explored and found some beautiful shells.

We made great time on Sunday and arrived home around 2:30. Mini Red and I then headed into town for a book festival. We bumped into some friends and they joined us in our quest for ice cream. We got to the ice cream shop in the nick of time because they were running out of ice cream and closing up.

The best part was the girl scooping was beat and raised her arm to wipe her brow and exposed her hairy armpit. I have to wonder if there are hairnets for the hairy armpits. Shouldn’t they be required? I certainly lost my appetite for the ice cream and decided to have bottled water instead.

Celebrating the Jubilarians ended with a Spring Snow and tragedy in Blacksburg

The trip up to Scranton was uneventful and speedy. By the time we hit Wilkes-Barre we decided it was time to stop and get a bite to eat. I love it when there’s no stopping on a trip and you drive right through putting you ahead of schedule. This was a good move because there was no other time to eat all evening.

Aunt Dot was happy to see us and she looked great! We had so much for her and I wasn’t expecting her to want it all but she did. Yeah! I brought her two small plant stands for her balcony and Ra sent a small three tier stand that Aunt Dot loved. Plus we brought her two plants. I was happy she wanted it all and we found places for everything. This also meant I didn’t have to bring it home with me.

I also discussed her taking back a beautiful piece she gave me last time. It’s an Our Lady of Hope figurine plate thingy I got her years ago. She was happy that I would bring it back for her to hang on her wall. These were all great signs because I think last time she was just getting ready to die. This time she is fighting and she wants to walk again. She’s even wearing her wig again. The other sisters and I can’t figure this part out. When she was sick and could wear her wig we were all surprised to see she had a lot of hair and it’s less gray than the wig. Go figure.

Sunday was the big Jubilee. There were 18 sisters celebrating from 60 years up to 80 years as nuns. Evidently, it added up to over 1000 years of service. Holy moly! So many of the Jubilarians were nervous but not Aunt Dot. She had her hair done first thing in the morning and was more confident than I had seen her in some time.

After Mass there was a catered supper I still can’t get over how happy she was. I was a happy girl when I found the wine fountain. This might have added to my exhaustion but by the time Mini Red got to our room in the convent, that evening, we could barely keep our eyes open.
The next morning we woke to SNOW! I had heard this might happen but Scranton had 4 inches by 8am and most of the schools were closed. Frackville had 8 inches by 8am and that was the direction we were going. We visited with Aunt Dot for a while before we go on the road around ten. Route 81 wasn’t bad but around Frackville there were all sorts of crazies on the road and not long after that the snow was clearing up. We made record time and Mini Red took pictures the whole way home.
I’m trying to get Mini Red to look around and notice things along the road. She even noticed modern day windmills along the top of a mountain. She went on to tell me they were learning about how they are taking old ideas like the windmills and modernizing them for alternate energy sources for when we run out of oil. This is what I love about these drives.

We stopped in Thurmont to see what Dirt Cheap was selling. As we were getting ready to leave I see the news talking about VA Tech. I did a little panic and at that point I hadn’t even heard all the details like the kids in the engineering class. My panic is my cousin who is studying engineering there. When Mom picked up the phone she just said “He’s fine”. We don’t have a lot of detail but Mom called my Uncle and just confirmed via his secretary that he’s fine. I’m sure we’ll hear more later and I’m just praying that he was no where near any of it.

Even more terrifying than having family there and still another cousin is a professor there is this is so gruesomely unexpected. Here these kids are and there worst fear is a bad grade and this crazy dude comes in firing. How can a parent feel safe sending their child off to school? I just can’t believe what this world is coming too?

I was too busy to notice it was the Day of Evil

The plan for the day was to get a lot done this morning and then get to the office. I never made it to the office but I got a helluva lot done.

Dropped Mini Red off at the bus, went to the ATM, Coffee from Dunkin Donuts and I had the car at the dealership by 7:40. This put me third in line for the day, which ain’t too shabby.

The oil needed to be changed and I had already made an appointment next week for the sunroof recall but this morning they said they would do it all and give me a loaner. On top of that I was due for the 15,000 mile check up and I had noticed some strange things they were going to check out.

By 8:30 I was at Mini Red’s doctor to get some forms signed for her upcoming Outdoor Education trip. I’m told it’s normally a 72 hour turn around to get these papers done but she was squeezing me between patients. Thank goodness.

By 9:30 I was visiting former coworkers and picked up a trampoline to be delivered later to Ra.

I made it to the mall a little after 10, which gave me some time to shop for Aunt Dot but I couldn’t find what I was looking for so I headed to the third floor where Mini Red’s Orthodontist is.

10:40 appointment with Mini Red’s Orthodontist was to review her status and suggestions for the next round of braces. I have had so much anxiety about this and the upcoming cost but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and the Doctor and his staff are awesome! I have to come up with some serious down payment and it’s gonna start with some extraction of teeth which are added cost on top of what the braces will cost. Oye! But it could always be worse right?

Since I was in the mall I went to Lenscrafters to scope out the frames. I found some new frames but these costs are outrageous. I decided to come back another time after I found some frames I like. I need to figure this all out since it feels like so much money is flying out of my butt between braces, glasses and just living day to day.

Today was the deadline for the Outdoor Ed permission slips and fees so by 11:40 I was off to Mini Red’s school to drop them off. Once that was done I headed to drop the trampoline at Ra’s in Columbia. There’s no way I’m making it to the office today.

I arrived at Ra’s about 12:20 and was greeted by her mother. I was so excited to see her and had completely forgotten she would be in town from Canada. I just grabbed her and hugged hard cause I just love this woman.

Ra’s 4 year old helped me unload the trampoline in the back yard. He and I had tried it out the prior weekend and I can’t wait til they have it put together and I can get on it again. At one point the 4 year old was dragging this one part and I suggested it might be easier if he picked it up from the middle.

He looked at me like I was crazy and said, “I can’t Auntie Red! This is heavy and I’m a little guy.”

“Oh ok. Then just finish dragging it to the end of the yard.”

We finished unloading the trampoline, reloaded the car with stuff for my aunt, clothes Ra was giving to Mini Red and closed everything up. I see Ra all the time but it was nice to sit down to lunch and visit with her and her Mom. For dessert we had chai tea, cookies, sat back, relaxed and chatted… I feel so comfortable in her home.

By 2:30 I was off again dropping stuff off at Mom’s, picking up Mini Red, dropping stuff at home and off to find some things Aunt Dot had requested. Dropped off the loaner, picked up the car and continued the search and didn’t find anything I was looking for. We left Rockville and headed to Wheaton to treat ourselves to El Pollo Rico and finally got home by 7 and we are beat.

But we aren’t done yet. A few hours later I made an ice cream run. It’s no longer Lent so we after the chicken dinner there was some homemade hot fudge in the fridge that has been waiting patiently for me.

Packing will be last minute, for me, and hopefully we won’t start out too late for Scranton in the morning. This weekend will be good for my soul since we will be staying at the convent again and there is no internet access. Aunt Dot is celebrating over 70 years as a nun and I’m glad she is in better spirits.

She is still unable to walk and understands that everything is different now but she is ok with it. I was worried about the “ok with it” part but she requested some plants and I took this as a great sign.
Mini Red isn’t looking forward to the nuns pawing her but Scranton’s forecast has snow in it and that makes it all worth it for her. I’m looking forward to the drive on 81 because it's so beautiful.
At least I won’t have to drive on next weekend’s trip to Connecticut for a baby shower for SIL.

The Reds are a traveling!

Today is my Spring Break! Wahoo!

Well... Not the kind of Spring Break those girls are having.

No school for me tonight because it's Spring Break! Next week we learn how to put people's heads/faces on other bodies. Can't wait!

In the meantime I get tonight off and my trip to NJ for work got cancelled. I'm glad I won't be driving that tonight.

Mini Red has stated that when swimming she has been getting out of breath. I suggested she do other exercising so tonight she is going running with me. This should be interesting especially since she has grown out of most of her shoes and she will be wearing a pair of mine, just for tonight. I'm looking forward to it.

The Mice chased us to Happy Hour where we escaped Hawaii, met Dave Matthews and now might be on our way to Alaska

Thursday and Friday I was in the office for a Train the Trainer course. I wasn’t real excited about being in the office after being on site for so long, but primarily because of the mice issue. Yes, I said mice. Yuck!

The hotel across the street is undergoing major construction and the theory is it has run the mice over to our building. At first we thought it was just our office but it is all over our building with the fifth floor seemingly getting a rather large population.

The mice droppings hit the fan about a week ago when a mouse bravely walked across a co-workers desk as she was working. Ewwwwwwwwwww! The exterminator came, laid down the sticky traps that would entice the mice out, which hasn’t been a problem, and said he would be back the next morning to get what was captured. Well the mice started coming out and running all over the place but weren't sticking.

Thursday morning one of the guys went to make coffee and when he opened the coffee drawer there was a mouse looking up at him. Evidently, he did a very masculine man-scream and Shortie saved him and captured the mouse, which she released in a dumpster behind the restaurant down stairs.

So the training room seemed to be somewhat of a safe haven due to its location and it’s a freaking freezer box. When I worked at my desk I was still freezing but I wasn’t going to complain. I didn’t even try to mess with the heater because if it was cold then hopefully it might keep the mice away. The thought of even seeing a mouse just heebeegeebeed me out but it was another excuse to wear the boots.

Fumigating was to commence at 5pm so a number of us took that as a cue to get to Happy Hour as soon as possible. The go-to place was Bistro Europa. I had passed it before but never been there but I followed the troops. The name did not describe the place at all and I would not have expected them to have a pool room.

There were eight of us and WW was the only dude and I think he was digging that. The majority of our group disappeared before the bar started picking up, but WW, Liz and I hung in there. WW was finally playing pool against some worthy opponents and Liz and I were taking in the sights.

WW had stopped playing pool and the three of us were in conversation when I noticed this dude getting closer and closer trying to read our company name off WW’s shirt. He pushed his way in saying he had heard of our company. WW and Liz were very excited about this but I just stayed back because something was fishy here. At first Liz thought he said his name was Mahalo so that is what we will call him here.

At first we thought Mahalo was trying to get close to Liz but then he moved in my direction. I was the only one who hadn’t given my name but I was the only one who had been to Hawaii where he was from so a discussion ensued. When a pool player asked Mahalo to move so he could play Mahalo didn’t move to the side as one would expect but, evidently, grabbed WW’s knee and moved in. This is when WW put his arm around me and moved closer. When the hint wasn’t taken we decided to get out of the pool table area primarily to get away from Mahalo.

The three of us got separated but Liz and I met up and we saw WW at the bar and Mahalo found him. We didn’t know if we needed to save WW but figured if he needed help he would let us know so we could come running and throw a boob in there and break it up. On the other hand they could very well be talking business.

Liz and I were able to procure a table and sat back waiting anxiously for WW to break free or just ready to save him. Finally, WW got away but he never saw us right there behind him. Liz ran to grab him and this cute guy at the next table immediately turned around and we started talking. Ok no one was going anywhere at this point because Red had the attention of this Dave Matthews look-a-like. We got pulled into his group of friends who had gathered with another table. It was a great eclectic group and this dude, who we'll call DM, said he would introduce me but he didn’t know most of these people’s names.

People moved around and I got to hear about the fingerprints WW had on his ass from Mahalo. I told him he needed to throw out the help signal next time because Liz or I could have very well alleviated the situation if he was uncomfortable. As WW and I were talking this big dude took DM’s seat to talk to Liz and the next thing WW and I hear is, “The size of my penis…” WW hopped up to interject and protect Liz.

Meanwhile I notice DM sitting two seats over and I’m left wondering if he’s even interested. I decided I better get my number ready because since he mentioned leaving soon. He gets up to leave and I hugged him and handed him my number. WW, Liz and I left soon after since it was about 1am at this point.

On the way out I mentioned I handed over my number but also I wasn’t sure if he was going to even ask for it. WW said just the right thing, “Guys can get intimidated by beautiful women and be afraid to ask. It’s good you gave it to him because he was a good looking guy. We are going to have so much fun when we have to travel to Alaska.”

My response was a bit mixed with delight at WW’s theory on DM but shocked at this mention of traveling to ALASKA! “What!”

Liz says, “WW, you didn’t tell her?”

I think I had this shocked look on my face as I said, “ALASKA?!”

WW says, “Lots of men there for you! We’ll talk about it next week. Bye!”

Yeah, I’m not sure what to think about that one.

It was a dreary drive but we are glad to be home

We got a late start and the trip up to Scranton seemed to take forever. I would guess the rain and fog didn’t help. At one point it got dark so fast I had to confirm with Mini Red for fear something was wrong with my tired eyes.

We arrived and Aunt Dot seemed happy to see us. She looks so good and I couldn’t have asked for more other than her dancing down the hallway. She is living in assisted living and it’s the building next to where she lived prior to the stroke. Seems I’m the only one she complains to but she hates it there and refuses to settle in. So much so that she doesn’t want to even use the dressers.

Her former living arrangements were like a dorm. No A/C and they all share a dorm like bathroom. Back in August when I first saw the new assisted living facility I could help but hope she would want to move there soon just for peace of mind and the fact that she would soon be 94. Her age alone should have been reason enough. Her new digs give her a bedroom and a living area as well as her own huge bathroom. Not-to-mention the balcony she shares with her neighbor.

The nurses are some wonderful people. As I watched them I could help but just feel like a heel of a person because of how much good they do for these women they tend to. They bring out these amazing smiles in my Aunt that remind me a baby’s smile.

Quite a few of her friends stopped by to greet us but the best was when they were all at dinner. Mini Red and I stayed in my Aunt’s room and ate the sandwiches we brought. One of the Sister’s was worried and came by to bring us napkins and check on us. She was tickled by Mini Red and loved our hair.

Sister: “I used to be a red head too!”
Red: “Oh I can tell.”
Sister: “I always wanted to have black hair.”
Red: “Me too!”
Sister: “Plus I wanted to be a boy so they would call me Peter.”
Red: “Oh.”

Yeah… I was stumped at that last comment. She excused herself and went back to her dinner. I felt bad for laughing about it (to myself) and thought maybe she just loved the Apostle Peter. Yeah the Apostle! Ok, whatever way you look at it that was a funny comment and her face was priceless. These women are just so cute and innocent.

After Aunt Dot returned from dinner I gathered details of what she wanted me to get from her previous room (that she refuses to give up). We also planned out Sunday and what time we would arrive so Mini Red and I could take her down for church rather than just watching it on the TV.

It wasn’t long before Mini Red and I headed to the hotel, which is where I decided that I am a SNOB. This place scared me a bit. They didn’t even ask me for ID when we checked in but at least the dude was watching “The Wedding Date”, which for some reason this put me at ease. We found our room and Mini Red set down her stuff and jumped on the bed. I yelled “Stop!” I just didn’t want her touching the bed spread cause I’ve heard some stories that just oogie me out. This is when I realized I was a snob and I just needed to chill out.

I told Mini Red and I discussed Aunt Dot and how she needs to speak up and enunciate when she speaks to Aunt Dot because she was having a hard time hearing her. Mini Red said, “It’s tough Mom cause your always telling me to talk softer and now your telling me to talk louder. It’s confusing.” I had to agree with her but all the Sisters had painful looks on their faces when Mini Red spoke because they were trying desperately to understand her.

We struggled to get up the next morning but got me some coffee and we arrived with enough time to visit before church. The nurse got her settled in the wheelchair and we made our way downstairs to the chapel. We got her positioned up front after she gave us some instructions on how it works there. After Mass everyone gathered for lunch, which is a big ordeal getting everyone on the two elevators with all their equipment (wheelchairs, walkers etc).

We ran some errands for Aunt Dot and gathered some items from her old room and visited for a bit before hitting the road around 4:30. I was dreading the drive home due to the weather and I was right. It was dark, dreary and very foggy but I gave Mini Red the camera to see what she could capture before all light was lost.

We made it home in just over three and a half hours due to the lead foot I inherited from Aunt Dot. She always giggles at this comment. Mini Red and I had fun with music, the camera and we talked.

Monday we will sleep in and hang out in our jammies before heading out to see Night at the Museum, which I have heard very good things about.

Ok I’m beat so off to bed I go.

Road Trip!

The Reds are off on a road trip to see our Aunt.

She's out of the Hospital and the Rehab Hospital and living in assisted living. We are not staying in the convent this time and have a room at a hotel. Mini Red is happy about this.

I spoke to my Aunt yesterday and told her we would take her to church on Sunday (she can't walk on her own). She seemed excited about this and didn't even fight me when I told her we had a hotel room.

Now all we have to do is get on the road. Route 81 here we come.

The Journey

Thursday morning I hit the road see my Aunt. As I got onto 270 from the beltway I sped up to get my position in the traffic. The tunes were playing and I was singing along as I flew up the road. Next thing I know there's a police officer on my left who blared his sirens at me and motioned for me to slow down before he cut across the lanes and exited. Phew I was lucky and that set precedence for my speed for the rest of the trip.

In no time I was on 81N driving through the mountains. This is the part I love because the mountains are so beautiful. Since it was a weekday there seemed to be more trucks than what I'm used to but on a road like this but I trust the truck drivers more than some of the cars. As I passed the trucks I would see them look out at me passing but that may have been due to the fact that I was car dancing.

Time flew and before I knew it I was exiting at Scranton looking for Steamtown. I entered the gift shop looking for the train whistles and they told me they were out. I thought "NO WAY!" but then the lady told me there was another gift shop at the other end of the parking lot. I was relieved to find them and picked up some coal too.

I got back on the road towards Carbondale and put on the soundtrack to Last of The Mohicans. The drive was beautiful and just as The Kiss was playing it started to snow. It was so surreal.

I finally arrived at the hospital and Aunt Dot seemed happy to see me. I had never seen her look so awful but I kissed her and acted as if this were like any other visit. I was trying to assess her situation because she's not doing as well as I thought. The paralysis is not improving as well as I was told and there's still definitely facial paralysis. As she ate her dinner I was cleaning up the left side of her face as well as fixing her gown. I was worried that she would get irritated at me but I kept it as nonchalant as possible and I think she was happy to have me there fussing over her.

I helped her open the Get Well and Birthday cards I brought her from Mini Red and me. Mini Red included her school photo, which Aunt Dot promptly set up in front of her. Everyone who entered the room not only heard how she wanted to get back to the Rehab Hospital but was shown the photo of Mini Red. Aunt Dot would say "That's my Great Grand Niece" with a big smile.

At dinner time one of the sisters came over from the convent to get me so I could eat with them. I think Aunt Dot was relieved because she had asked at least a half dozen times if Sister Margaret had forgotten to come get me for dinner. There are seven Sisters living at this convent and I tell ya these women are amazing. We had such a nice time talking at dinner and everyone was curious as to my relationship to Aunt Dot and why it is there is no other family.

See Aunt Dot had one sister and that sister had one son. The sister's husband died at an early age and the son had a daughter (me) ten years later. Shortly after the daughter was born the son was killed in Vietnam. The sister lived until 1984, thus leaving no other family between Aunt Dot and myself. A side note here… My Mother remarried when I was eight and I was very lucky to get a great Father, who raised me, and siblings shortly thereafter.

After dinner I hung out with Aunt Dot some more. There wasn't much to talk about but just hanging out there watching the snow seemed to make her happy. After a goodnight sleep and a nice breakfast with the Sisters I headed back to see Aunt Dot before getting back on the road. I was hoping to see her Doctor but the snow had delayed everything in the area and this was probably the reason for the delay of the Doctor. It was so hard to say goodbye and walk out of there but at least she was looking better.

On the drive home I was thinking how rural we all consider Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg but especially Germantown. Those aren't rural compared to Pennsylvania towns. Carbondale is twenty minutes north of Scranton and it's a huge deal for them to think of driving to Scranton. A good portion of the nurses lived within walking distance to the hospital so the thought of driving an hour to work, like I do, was just amazing to them.

As I drive past these towns I couldn't help but think of the people who built them. They were the coal miners and the families that supported them. My hometown is DC and has a history that is taught throughout the country. I can't help but wonder if they teach their history in school? It's been said that Pennsylvania towns are named using Indian words and names but some I really have to wonder about like Shamokin. Was it named after a Shamokin hot chick?

When I travel it's interesting how different yet similar other towns are to my town. The people in these towns seem so innocent but then you notice something that tells you otherwise. I saw a pick up truck driving towards Scranton that said Roc Hard Construction on the side. What the???