Alter-Egos

Sometimes I feel like a schizophrenic with multiple personalities. My day job of employee communications in a religious atmosphere mixed with my freelance writing for taxonomy, indexing, and document management software combined with my real passion of food, cooking, and entertaining.

What hat I am wearing at any given time is beyond me. We went away this weekend for the first time in literally "I can't remember when". It was so nice to be "off". We boarded our dogs for the first time in four+ years just to go 45 miles away for the weekend - but I went without a computer. This is major.

We need to do that more often. It was lovely.

Ponies

Do you remember reading a book in elementary school about a pony on the Outer Bank islands? I have a vague memory, but can't dig out a name from my dusty mind. Oh the pains of getting old. I was reading an article about Outer Banks rentals and realized they still have ponies on the islands. I thought that was something long gone. That is kind of cool. I need to research how they got there. Wikipedia! here I come.

Vacation Home

I, like so many other people, would like to be wealthy enough to have a vacation home on some beach somewhere. A place to spend cold winters, a place to soak up the sun with refreshing waters when the temperature creeps upwards of 90 degrees.

Of course if I was wealthy enough to purchase one, would I be wealthy enough to not work so I could enjoy it? There always seems to be a catch 22.

In the recent economy downfall, I am sure there are many vacation homes up for sale at ridiculously low costs or even deals like Nags Head foreclosures or Hilton Head condos up for auction.

But do they allow four dogs?

I need a vacation

I don't need a cruise ship or even a beach for that matter. I just a need some peace and quiet away from work, life and home. Maybe we should run away to a hotel with a pool for a weekend. But then what do you do with five dogs?

Maybe I should run away by myself? I hate country music, but even one of those Branson vacation packages is starting to sound interesting.

God, I really do need a vacation.

To Do List

I have been off all week and had myself a "to do" list to complete by the end. I am definitely a list person, at home and at work. I like looking at the list to see what I've accomplished and I even like knowing I have more to do. But most of all I like it when the list is all marked off.

I do have to say that spending my vacation at home with this list of activities/chores has been the best fat burning supplement, pill or plan ever. I forget to eat. Imagine that?

Refocus

I think with all the airline fiasco and international travel pain in the arse since the holidays, we will keep our focus on the mainland for vacation – even within driving distance so no airports will be needed. Maybe we’re back to looking at myrtle beach sc. and beach houses.

Let’s face it – a beach is a beach is a beach.

Start A Tradition?

In 2005 - on our 5th wedding anniversary - we went to Cancun. It was a wonderful trip, relaxing but fun, and the weather was perfect. Our room was huge and the food was great.
We celebrate 10 years this year in May, maybe we should return.

I'm sure with the H1N1 mess earlier this year mexico hotels could use the business so that means the price should be good.

Hmmm…..

Continuing...

Okay, Myrtle Beach or Outer Banks...and is there much of a difference in the two?

I keep getting information on outer banks vacation rentals and they seem cheaper. Hmmm? Wonder why?

Maybe it is because of the economy? Or the hurricanes? or....

Speaking of hurricanes...I'd love to see one, just once. I feel the same about tornadoes. I know - sick huh?

Are you really surprised?

Hotel Vs. Condo

I’ve been reading an article on beach rentals like myrtle beach vacation rentals. Not that we have any definitive plans, but the hubs does get an extra week of vacation this year so who knows.

I’ve been listing pros and cons of condos versus hotels and this is what I have:

• Hotels clean the room, bathroom, and make the bed EVERY DAY.
• I don’t have to cook in hotels.
• Hotels usually have pools and room service.
• Hotels have less space to spread out and can feel confining.
• We have to go out to a restaurant or order room service in a hotel.
• We get to go out to a restaurant or order room service in a hotel.
• I can prepare a nice meal for us in a condo and then we can relax.
• We can drink with a meal in a condo and not worry about driving back to a hotel.

What am I forgetting?

Local Food is fine, but what about local rest

Maybe it makes me a lazy person, I don't care. But when I think of vacation - I think of rest.

In my younger years, I made an itinerary for every trip and left only a few minutes of each day to chance. Go Go Go! was my motto.

About 5 years ago, that changed. Our trip to Cancun changed it to a week of rest, reading, and massages. Oh My God!

What have I been missing out on?

Now I realize that I don't need to go on orlando vacations, exotic cruises, or even get on an airplane. Just set me up in a nice hotel locally with a masseuse on staff, pool, bar and plenty of books.

What more could a girl ask for?

California: My Mother-in-Law

First let me say that I love my mother-in-law. I've had two in my life and this one far outshines the first. She is fun and funny, even before the Alzheimer's set in. But now, well it is an experience spending time with her.

We knew going into this trip that it would be exhausting and we would probably grow to feel a little sorry for my father-in-law who is annoying on his own level, but deals with her daily and for the most part does a great job of it.

But we had no idea.

I'm not sure I can capture the hilarity, enormity and somewhat sadness of how lost she really can be.

Here are a few snippets of conversation. Keep in mind that some of these conversations happened repeatedly - like in 10-12 times a day or maybe more. I lost count.

"Are you getting hungry Mom?"

"God no, I am stuffed. When did we eat last?"

"Well, it has been a few hours, but if you aren't hungry we don't have to eat."

"I can't eat a bite, I am so stuffed."

Five minutes later.

"I am starving, are we ever going to eat?"

The first time this happened I swear I thought she was being funny - but she was dead serious. It is as though she lost the ability to know if she is hungry or not.

Then there was the language.

For no reason, you would hear this:

"God dammit."

"What's the matter?"

"My shoe is untied." or "I can't find my lipstick." or something else than doesn't really warrant profanity.

This is the woman who never uttered profanity in her life and now rattles it off like a drunken sailor on leave.

Once in a restaurant after the waitress walked away she asked "What did that bitch want?"

I thought my husband was going to snort soda out of his nose.

At the bridal shower, she found a baby doll that belonged to the owner's little girl and began carrying it around, not so much like it was real, but like she was a little girl. It was sad and I felt bad for Larissa as she was saddened and probably a little embarrassed. However, the doll was apparently one of those "lifelike" dolls that wets and when she realized it "wet" on her, she was immediately pissed off and tossed it aside saying "that damn doll pissed on me".

Do you laugh, cry or both?

Every evening when we would go back to the hotel, she would ask which bed was hers. The third night she asked "where's my digs?". We pointed to her bed and she said, "but where's Arthur?"

David explained to her that he didn't come on the trip and she seemed really confused by this and upset. "But why not?"

Then she seemed to remember and realize that she forgot and that always pisses her off so out went a stream of profanity about her "stupid-ass disease".

The first day we were there, we realized she had not packed any bras or underwear other than what she was wearing. So while we were at the bridal shower, my husband went bra shopping for his mother. How sweet is that?

He said it would be much easier than taking her because she would either cuss everyone out or never make a decision.

When we got back, he told her to try them on and she proceeded to "drop trow" right in front of him. He said "Mom?" She was clueless and kept on going. He stepped into the bathroom until she was finished. She asked me where he went and I explained that he was giving her some privacy. She said "Oh hell, what does it matter."

He may be traumatized for life.

Each day when we would get ready, she would try to put her suit on she brought for the wedding. I would say, "no, today is the bridal shower, or no, today is the rehearsal dinner, or no, we're just going out to eat with so and so."

So finally on Monday, I said:

"Carol, here is your suit."

"I can't wear that, it is for the wedding."

"Today is the wedding."

"God dammit, I don't want to go to a f---ckin wedding today."

"But it is Larissa's wedding, the whole reason for the trip."

[imagine a stream of expletives here]

On the way to the wedding...

"Are we ever going to get to this damn wedding?"

"We're almost there."

"It's about f---ckin time."

At the wedding, over dinner...

"Are you ready to leave this f---ckin thing?"

"We'll leave as soon as they cut the cake."

The music started and we couldn't get her off the dance floor. She was dancing with man, woman alike. Anyone that would dance or couldn't get away from her fast enough.

On the airplane home, I was in serious pain. David tried really hard to occupy her but she was concerned about me. However, she would forget all that we had already explained to her and so every 10-15 minutes or so this conversation would take place.

"Honey, don't you feel well?"

"No, I don't."

"I have some Excedrin."

"I don't have a headache (I did but it was due to the
fever and I wasn't going to try to explain that to her."

"Well, Shirley takes Excedrin when she is sick and it
makes her feel better." (Shirley is her friend.)

"Does Shirley have problems with her pancreas?"

"No, she has migraines."

I thought of you, Lori, many times over those days. You are a gracious and loving daughter. Never forget that.

California: The Wedding

Seems logical to start with the entire reason for the trip.

It was a small wedding with about 65 guests held at Hans Fahden Vineyards in Napa Valley. When we arrived we walked a beautiful path to the "tea room" which was in essence a good sized covered portico half way up a hill. Iced tea and lemonade was served while we visited with other guests prior to the wedding.

The tea room.

When it came time for the ceremony, we walked down another path to the garden area where we were seated. It was a sweet, sincere and short ceremony - thankfully due to it being 4:00ish and the sun was bright and warm.

This was the view behind the bride and groom during the ceremony.

Afterwards we gathered again in the "tea room" where this time in addition to the tea and lemonade, wine and beer were available. Waiters came around with gorgeous hors d'oeuvres and we visited while the wedding party were having pictures taken.

Then we proceeded up the winery (one flight of stairs) to a gorgeous room with a set of huge wooden arched double doors. Larissa and Luke thanked everyone for coming and making this day her dream.

Then her best friend and man of honor, Nick, proceeded to sing three of her favorite tunes. What a performance! Nick is a Julliard graduate and currently sings on Broadway and abroad. What a treat that was.

Then Larissa and Luke pulled open the door and invited everyone to their tables for dinner in the wine cave. It was decorated with vines and candles and was absolutely gorgeous.

The bride and groom.

Larissa's mother, Donna and Luke's uncle.

My mother-in-law, Carol and Larissa's mother, Donna.

After a wonderful meal, funny and sentimental toasts were given, and much drinking - we moved back out to the main room where Larissa and Luke had their first dance, wedding party, etc. We danced a little and David's mom was having a ball dancing.

Then they cut the cake, tossed the bouquet/garter, and danced some more.

It was beautiful and Larissa was gorgeous.

Unfortunately, by this time I was in much pain not realizing it would get even worse and was more than simple back pain as I thought at the time.

Next: The best food I've ever eaten.

All You Need Is....Drugs

We made it back home with our sanity still intact, though it was a close one. I have gobs of stories to tell and some photos to share, but they will have to wait.

I got very sick on Monday evening during and after the wedding with what I feared was pancreatitis (again). The flight home on Tuesday was horrible. I was in terrible pain, nauseated, and of course the airplane seats aren't comfortable at all on a good day, let alone when your stomach and back are simultaneously screaming in pain. Several times I just decided crying was my only option. Amazingly it actually helps.

David wanted to take me straight to the hospital when we finally landed at 11:00pm, but I wanted at least one night in my own bed. Somehow I felt that would make feel better - that and the Phenergen and Vicadin I happened to have at home waiting on me.

I went to the doctor yesterday and sure enough, pancreatitis it is. I managed to negotiate myself out of a week long hospital stay by promising to stay home, stay down (not hard considering the drugs) and to not eat anything -- only liquids. That part is not so easy, but it is worth not going to the hospital. The doc is going to redo my labs on Monday and if they aren't better, into the hospital I go.

So soon you will laugh until you cry at the craziness that is my Alzheimer's mother-in-law, ooh and aah over a gorgeous wedding and reception, and drool will run from your mouth for the best food I've ever eaten - Fig Pizza.

I'll be back soon.

Wine, Wedding and Song

Tomorrow morning we leave for our Napa Valley family wedding weekend. It promises to be a busy, but fun weekend.

The bridal shower is on Saturday, the wedding rehearsal and dinner is on Sunday, and the wedding itself is on Monday (Labor Day) at Hans Fahden Vineyards. Apparently the dinner and dancing will be held in the wine caves - how cool!

I will do my best to take photos and will continue to Tweet, but I am not taking my computer so no blogs until I return.

I will leave you with a little mood music to enjoy until I return.

Headin' Out

I am full-on packing and planning mode to board the plane on Friday at the freakin' crack of dawn to fly out to "Californey-ai". We're just two adults going for just five days and I am completely overwhelmed.

I guess it is the full itinerary of events that require a specific dress-code that has me a bit stressed. I'd rather throw some capris, shorts and pair of jeans in the suitcase and hit the road.

But I am sure I'll forget velcro rollers, dressy purse for the wedding, shoes for the wedding, etc.

Thank goodness I am only vacationing and not packing up for long distance moving - God help my sanity if that ever happened.

Favorite Vacation Spot?

When I am asked this question, I have two answers. That is because I see this as two questions. Where did you have your best vacation? And Where would you like to frequent?

Ironically, the answer is not the same.

Our favorite was Cancun. It was wonderful and exactly what I needed at that time in my life. Six days of nothing but sleeping on the beach, reading on the beach, getting massages, eating great food, and drinking tequila.

If I could purchase a place and frequent it, it would probably be in the Outer Banks somewhere. I just like the area and it is close.

What about you?

Beaches

While we are dog sitting for Tuesday this week, her new family is off to Florida. I suppose if I had three young boys Orlando vacations would entice me a little more than they do.

However, the idea of running through a theme park with the crowds, heat and ungodly expensive prices is not a pleasant one. I would much rather be on the beach…anywhere, even Florida.

To Cruise Or Not To Cruise

I’ve been shopping for cheap airfare and deluxe hotel deals for our Wine Country trip in September – and yes, the tickets were purchased this weekend. It’s a done deal (hee hee).

But as I’ve been shopping I’ve seen some really great deals for cruises. I’ve always been on the fence about whether I’d like to take a cruise. I’m not really the shuffleboard type.

What about you peeps? Have you? Did you like it? Would you do it again?

Looking For A Deal

I have begun the process of finding an awesome hotel in wine country for minimal cash output. I usually ignore all the email spam about hotels, vacations, flights, but now I find myself clicking on every hotel reservation promo I see.

I am usually not the bargain basement type of shopper, but I'd like to have a nice place to spend five days with and a large enough room to cohabitate with my hubby and mom-in-law. So I'll continue searching til I find that special little nugget. Wish me luck.

Packing My Bags

We're headed back to wine country. Can you hear the giddiness in my voice?

I loved the time I spent last summer touring wineries and visiting northern California - the only thing missing was my hubby.

Well this time I am not only taking my hubby but also my mother-in-law. Why you ask?

My husband's cousin, Larissa is getting married on Labor Day and we are attending the wedding. We knew they were recently engaged but the "Save the Date" card arrived this week.

We were deliberating on whether we could swing an unplanned trip when my father-in-law announced that he could not go due to health reasons, but my mother-in-law was dying to go. She and Larissa have always been close (Larissa's middle name is Carol after her). So....if we would take her with us, he would pay for all our tickets.

Well, hello? Do we look stupid?

It isn't quite as generous as it sounds - remember my mother-in-law has early to middle staged Alzheimer's so we have to be on alert and basically not let her out of our sight for five days. Yes, that means we will be sharing a hotel room. It just isn't safe to leave her in a room by herself.

But it will be a beautiful time to be in Napa Valley and a beautiful time for a wedding. Oh and it is always time for wine.