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Map | No Place Like Travel - Part 2
Tag Archives: Map
Tuesday, 7 October 2014

Daily Pics: Frederick

Spent the day exploring the little historic city of Frederick. A few square blocks of historic buildings, sites and civil war personalities. More interesting than I’d thought it would be was the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. It wasn’t a flashy museum as museums go, just a few rooms packed with eye opening information.

Did you know the biggest cause of death during the civil war was disease (round of the mill diarrhea and so on) caused by unsanitary conditions in the camp?! Further exacerbated by poor diet and overall health of the soldiers. When you spend over 95% of your conscripted time off the battlefield, hanging around with others waiting to head to the front line, it can be a real killer.

My favorite snippets were of the women who assumed male aliases and dressed in drag to fight in the war. Passing the not so thorough medical exam, they often refused medical attention when injured on the battlefield in order to hide their true identities. Full of historical facts, stories and gory details like descriptions and photos of battlefield amputations which were rather common, the museum is not to everyone’s taste.

 

Canal with walking paths

A stroll along the canal. Amsterdam it is not!

 

Bronze statue of children reading

Past the library

 

Baby eating from spoon

Playing with solids

 

National museum of civil war medicine sign

Worth a visit

 

Diorama of civil war soldiers

Wonderfully fake, a little kitsch but informative

 

Civil war surgery kit

Upon leaving, we heard a guy tease his squeamish mother by saying “let me buy you a bone saw as a souvenir”.

 

Mum kissing baby

Managed to find a delicious authentic Thai restaurant – Sumittra. Also the perfect place for pre lunch kisses

 

Ducks in the canal

Post lunch walk along the canal

 

Purple water lilies

Beauty grows from mud

 

Sweeties store front in Frederick

A sweet reminder

 

Historical church

History on the streets

 

Happy Halloween pumpkins in Frederick

Getting to the season

 

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

 

 

Monday, 6 October 2014

Daily Pics: A Long Time Since Movie And Red Wine Club

It’s been a long time since movie and red wine club. We went from being fancy free and single, living the SITC lifestyle, to somewhat happily married surburbanites with little boys. It was a beautiful calm morning sitting on sofas, sipping cups of tea and getting philosophical about life with Conscious Christine. Always an eye opening conversation with a treasured friend.

 

Conscious Christine and buzz light year with baby boy o

Morning cuddles with our boys who came to us against the odds

 

Tummy time

Trying a bit of tummy time

 

English hubby taking baby boy o to rover

Loading up the previous cargo

 

Five guys burger

Taking a sneaky Five Guys lunch break

 

Bags of jook

Something a little more healthy for Baby Boy O

 

Yesterday’s post: Two Little Boys Hiking In The Woods

Tomorrow’s post: Frederick

 

 

Sunday, 5 October 2014

Daily Pics: Two Little Boys Hiking In The Woods

Woke bright and early on a crisp autumn day, blended up some green juice, booted and suited up to go hiking in the woods. It was a divine walk along the lake in Nockomixon State Park. Two Aussies, one Brit, three Yankees, one stroller, a baby bjorn and a posh fascinator. A brilliant start to a camping tradition.

 

Morning buddies

Good morning buddy!

 

Sydney gal with fascinator

This is how we go hiking all the time

 

Before hiking shot

The before shot

 

Baby boy o in stroller

If you go into the woods today…

 

Beautiful state park lake

…you’ll find a big surprise..

 

Baby boy o in bear suit

…if you go into the woods today you won’t believe your eyes…

 

Hiking friends

Nice to stretch the legs

 

Breakfast back at the cabin

Well earned breakfast

 

Baby boy h eating avocado

Don’t think much about this green stuff!

 

Campsite

Farewell campground

Baby boy o throwing up

Cry baby spewy baby

 

Entering Baltimore

Hello Baltimore

 

Baby boy o and buzz lightyear lying on a mat

Hang in’ out with Buzz Light Year

 

Choosing Halloween treats

The agony of choice

 

Cienna wine

Wine with good old friends

 

Yesterday’s post: Cabin Dwellers

Tomorrow’s post: A Long Time Since Movie and Red Wine Club

 

 

Saturday, 4 October 2014

Daily Pics: Cabin Dwellers

Having fled the Hillbilly Hilton were now settled in a much nicer campground. Our friends are meeting us in New Hope and then coming to join us for the night. We’ve promised them a campfire, a cook out, s’mores and good old fashioned outdoor fun. They have the cabin and we have moved to the adjacent RV spot. Welcome cabin dwellers.

 

Baby in frog PJs

Excited about his little buddy coming to camp out

 

RV levelers

Leveling up

 

Baby and dad in new hope

Hello buddy – Happy Baby H

 

Baby with striped hat

Rockin’ the hat

 

Baby sitting on mums lap

Hangin’ with mummy

 

New hope clock

Lazy afternoon in New Hope 

 

Hippies use side door sign

Going with the flow

 

Message on staircase

Artistic delivery up stairs

 

Mum dad and baby on bridge in new hope

Crossing the bridge

 

New Jersey Pennsylvania border

Crossing the line

 

Canals by the Delaware river

Miles of canals 

 

Mums and babies in front of cabin

Cabin friends

 

Woman cooking veges over a grill

Camp cooking

 

Man grilling meat

Jaybo, master of the grill cooking up steaks, ribs and chicken

 

S'mores around the campfire

Squishy s’mores and wine around the campfire

 

Yesterday’s post: Hillbilly Hilton

Tomorrow’s post: Two Little Boys Hiking In The Woods

 

 

Friday, 3 October 2014

Daily Pics: Hillbilly Hilton

On the whole RV parks are pretty nice, but every now and then we come across one that qualifies for hillbilly hilton status. This weekend our friends are joining us for some good old fashioned camping. Thank goodness we checked in a day ahead to do a reconnaissance of the place. We had booked them into a cabin trailer. The rental trailer smelled of putrid air freshner, covering up the wash of disinfectantant, masking the smell of stale cigarette smoke. The couch and bed were so disgusting I felt the need to take a shower after being inside.

 

Horrible rental trailer

Not fit for human consumption

 

Disgusting swimming pool

Swampy

 

RV on the freeway

We got out of there as fast as we could!

 

Man at table planning trip

Finding a nicer RV park for the weekend and forward planning for our trip

 

Man assembling electric grill

Found a much nicer campground! Perfect place to try out our new electric grill

 

New electric tabletop grill

Gave up on the electric grill which kept blowing the switches. This little baby will have to do!

 

Yesterday’s post: Wash, Rinse, Repeat

Tomorrow’s post: Cabin Dwellers

 

 

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Daily Pics: Wash, Rinse, Repeat

After dropping the RV off for a much needed wheel alignment, we spent the better part of the day in the laundromat. English Hubby is the king of laundry, and no one can separate, wash and dry like he can. Whilst he laundered, I shopped for groceries. What a glamorous division of labor. After that it was back (again) to the RV servicing place to try to work out why the stereo system keeps turning itself on at random times. Still a mystery.

 

Wheel alignment place

Fixing the wobble with a wheel alignment

 

Baby in stroller in laundromat

Getting clean!

 

Man plugging in an electrical cord that does not reach

Just short!

 

RV on freeway

Off to Pennsylvania to set up camp

 

Yesterday’s post: 24 Hours in Manhattan

Tomorrow’s post: Hillbilly Hilton

 

 

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Daily Pics: 24 Hours in Manhattan

24 hours is not a lot of time unless you happen to be John Bauer. Still dazed from our return to the big smoke we had a ton of errands to run and it was just one of those days where nothing would be easy, especially not a trip out to the storage unit to pick up our packages in the rain, then a drive out to New Jersey to pick up our RV. All I can say is that we survived and the three of us are still talking to each other. Just.

 

Baby in stroller in manhattan apartment

A tough day

 

Yesterday’s post: Return to the Big Apple

Tomorrow’s post: Wash, Rinse, Repeat

 

 

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Daily Pics: Return to the Big Apple

One very sleepless red eye journey later, we are back in the big smoke. Delirious and lugging insane amounts of luggage, we make our way to Big Red’s apartment to catch some much needed shut eye. Frankly the rest of the day is one big blur. Somehow we manage to engage in conversation and eat Seamless web delivered Indian food (how I miss delivery) in front of our lovely friend who is on a juice cleanse. Not only did we subject her to the smells of chicken tikka masala, samosas and naan bread, but to add insult to injury Baby Boy O would burst into tears everytime attempts at cuddles were initiated. Going to chalk this one down to jet lag.

 

Manhattan skyline from front seat of a car

Good morning Manhattan

 

Baby in orange car seat

Baggage safely delivered. Knocked out cold.

 

Yesterday’s post: Farewell Canada

Tomorrow’s post: 24 Hours in Manhattan

 

Monday, 29 September 2014

Daily Pics: Farewell Canada

For every hello there is a goodbye, and today we say a sad “see you later”. It has been an amazing week and a half, being with family. This bit is never fun, but it is a great reminder to enjoy every moment because it is only this very moment that we have.

 

In bed with the grandparents

Good morning to you, good morning to you, good morning Baby Boy O, good morning to you

 

Runny eggs in a bowl

Dad’s breakfast speciality, perfect runny eggs

 

Baby and grandma

Poh Poh I don’t want to leave, can you come with me?

 

Aunty teaching baby to use chopsticks

Learning to eat with chopsticks

 

Siu Mai

So many yummy things to try

 

Har how

Daddy’s favourite

 

Gai lan

Don’t forget the greens

 

Loh bak

Traditional favorites

 

Lai Wong bao

My favorite

 

Baby and grandma at dim sum

Poh Poh’s favorite

 

Grandpa pushing stroller down ramp

After lunch shopping so Gong Gong can buy Baby Boy O an outfit

 

Grandparents giving baby a red packet

Thank you Gong Gong and Poh Poh

 

Kisses and hugs for baby

So many hugs and kisses – Poh Poh wouldn’t let this one go!

 

Family photo with mum at Vancouver airport

See you soon!

 

United States departure sign

Back “home” we go

 

Me and baby with bear

But not before running into a big black bear

 

Baby sleeping in sling

Fast asleep before the plane takes off

 

Mum dad and sleeping baby on a plane

Waiting to get off the ground

 

Baby sleeping in bassinet on plane

Thank goodness for the bulk head seats with the bassinet

 

Flying into the sunrise

Sunrise. Hello New York!

 

Yesterday’s post: Forget The Ryder Cup

Tomorrow’s post: Return to the Big Apple

 

 

Sunday, 28 September 2014

Daily Pics: Forget The Ryder Cup

Move over Ryder Cup, Coquitlam hosts a tri-nation competition between Australia, Canada and the USA. Tensions run high in a non stop 18 hole battle. Conditions perfect, players in top form with three hole in ones, but Team USA brings out its secret weapon – baby tiger – to win the inaugural mini-golf championship.

 

Presents for baby

Started the day by unwrapping lovely presents for Baby Boy O

 

Baby helping to unwrap presents

Such a good helper

 

Baby surrounded by lots of toys

Spoilt rotten by all the Canadian relatives 

 

Baby with grandma looking at FaceTime

Seeing his second cousin on FaceTime!

 

Baby asleep

Too much excitement for a little kiddo

 

Mini golf at eaglequest

Well rested and off to mini golf

 

Mum and dad playing mini golf

Team Australia came out of the gate strong

 

Mum celebrating her hole in one

With the first hole in one

 

Taking a long putt

Tensions run high

 

Baby and mum playing mini golf

Team USA pulls out its secret weapon

 

Uncle celebrating hole in one

Team Canada sinks the second hole in one of the series

 

One handed baby feeding, hole in one

Shot of the day – one handed, whilst baby is feeding, hole in one

 

English Hubby celebrating mini golf victory

Leading to a strong Team USA victory

 

Mini golf victory cheer

At the end of the day everyone is a winner!

 

Baby sleeping with mini golf scorecard

A riveting tournament

 

Baby in aunts arms getting grumpy

Home time after a long day of opening presents, mini golf and mall

 

Grandma giving bed time bottle

Bed time bottle with Poh Poh

 

Simple home cooked Chinese dinner

Sitting down to a simple home cooked dinner prepared by Aunty J

 

Pomelo

Finishing on a sweet note

 

Yesterday’s post: Family Day Out

Tomorrow’s post: Farewell Canada

 

 

Saturday, 27 September 2014

Daily Pics: Family Day Out

Vancouver finally turned on the sunshine as we explored Stanley Park. So many things to see and do, that we timed out and will have to add it to the future bucket list. The English Bay area reminds me of St Kilda, downtown has skylines akin to New York City, apartments near Stanley Park are reminiscent of Hong Kong’s peak living, all set against the backdrop of beautiful mountains. It is a spectacular and friendly city.

As we get to the last few days of our trip that awful feeling of so much to do and so little time to do it, starts to sink in. Hiking, biking, walking across suspension bridges…I will just have to add it to the bucket list for next time. The focus of our trip was to have quality family time and that is all that matters.

 

Family in a car

Day trippers

 

Tall office buildings

Downtown

 

Japadog food cart

The world famous Japadog

 

Ordering at the japadog food cart

We *had* to stop and try it

 

Five japadogs

Smells delicious

 

Eating japadogs on the street

Tastes even better!

 

Waterfront views from Stanley park

Off to Stanley Park with lovely waterfront views

 

Totem pole

Cool totem poles

 

Several totem poles

Each with a special story

 

Walk along Stanley park sea wall

Going for a nice walk along the sea wall

 

Lighthouse above the sea wall

Past the lighthouse

 

Family posing in front of totem pole

Back to the totem pole park

 

Two ladies playing

Singing nursery rhymes (incorrectly)…”sing a song of six pence, a pocket full of flies…”

 

Bike riding along the sea wall in Stanley park

Definitely on the bucket list for next time

 

Mum and dad at prospect point

Having fun at Prospect Point

 

Baby carried by dad

All snug in his bear suit

 

Dad and baby looking at musician

Listening to music

 

View of bridge from prospect point

Enjoying the beautiful views

 

Canadian flag in the sun

We heart Canada

 

Shadow on Robson street

Next stop, late lunch

 

Cooks making dumplings

At a yummy dumpling place

 

Dad playing airplane with baby

Followed by daddy airplane

 

Baby in sunlight on dad's shoulder

And basking in the sun

 

Family at Grand Palace Chinese restaurant

After lunch comes big family dinner with the Canadian branch

 

Baby grandma and aunties

And lots of cuddles and presents from the Aunties!

 

Baby grandma and uncle

A family favorite

 

Family photo

Capping off a brilliant family day out

 

Baby reaching for camera

He agrees!

 

Yesterday’s post: Rain Rain Go Away

Tomorrow’s post: Forget The Ryder Cup

 

 

Friday, 26 September 2014

Daily Pics: Rain Rain Go Away

It has rained every day this week, but we’ve been stealing moments out and about where we can. Today’s excursion was to the library (again) and the local mall (again). Baby time was so much fun that we had to drag English Hubby along with us to sing renditions of itsy bitsy spider, twinkle twinkle little star, if you’re happy and you know it, and more. There appears to be a simple formula to writing a nursery song – repetition, make it rhyme and give it a few simple hand actions, then viola, a hit with the under two year old crowd. Thirty minutes of kiddy fun where adults don’t have to hold back their inner child. In that moment the world seems so simple and pure. Then off to the mall to get long overdue new prescription glasses.

 

Baby in bed

Grandparents wore him out!

 

Baby lying on grandpa

A perfect cushion for Baby a Boy O, and hot water bottle for Gong Gong

 

Baby in stroller in front of library sign

Off to the library for baby time

 

Baby on dad's shoulder looking around

With so many little ones in one room, Baby Boy O is taking it all in

 

Baby and grandma sitting in library

Sing song and cuddle time with Poh Poh

 

Baby with frowning face carried by grandma

Hey, these nursery rhymes don’t make sense!

 

Man pushing stroller in the rain holding umbrella

Rain rain go away…

 

Baby in car seat in the rain

…come again another day

 

Chili crab, vegetables, salmon and roast duck dinner

Home cooked happiness

 

Yesterday’s post: Baby Sing-a-long

Tomorrow’s post: Family Day Out

 

 

Thursday, 25 September 2014

Daily Pics: Baby Sing-a-long

Baby Boy O went to his first baby class today – a free baby play time class offered by the Coquitlam public library. What a wonderful way to encourage literacy, expose little ones to reading and a love of learning. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, Poh Poh who was singing her heart out or Baby Boy O who was thrilled to be among other little babies.

We went on our first date night since leaving NYC. It was a marvelous night out where we got to pretend to be normal people who aren’t sleep deprived. Baby Boy O managed to sleep most of the evening, except for a mini meltdown which made poor Poh Poh very sad. Luckily he had lots of grown ups at his beck and call, and Aunty J had the magic touch. All was fine in the end. The balance was restored to the universe.

 

Baby wearing bear suit in stroller

Cruising to the library

 

Grandma carrying baby in the library

Big squeeze

 

Baby in the library

Fascinated by all the books

 

Bucket of KFC with chips and coleslaw

Lunch at the mall – delicious at the time, regretful later

 

Uncle and baby on the couch

Full babysitting services – we will come again!

 

Asian salsa

Date night at the fusion Japanese heavy metal themed restaurant

 

Sushi roll

How grown up of us!

 

Yesterday’s post: Food Fest For All

Tomorrow’s post: Rain Rain Go Away

 

 

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Daily Pics: Food Fest For All

The food theme continues. Baby Boy O had his first foray with “solids” (watery rice congee) and we ate our way across Granville Island. Thankfully the weather held up long enough for a walk along the waterfront. Anything to burn off the calories from the fish and chips, spinach and rice pie, fresh beet salad, mushroom and chicken pot pie, snapper stew, apple pie a la mode, mango cheesecake and chocolate desserts. Decadent.

 

Baby playing with butterfly toy

Morning play with his new favorite toy

 

Baby and grandpa touching fingers

And his favorite Gong Gong

 

Baby fallen asleep in Aunty arms

Chilling out with Aunty J

 

Baby sleeping on blue blanket

Catching some zzzz’s

 

Grandma at stove cooking baby food

Poh Poh preparing his first meal

 

Pan with congee cooking

Made with rice, water, mummy’s milk and love

 

Bowl of congee with orange spoon

First “solids”

 

Dad holding baby eating first food

So yummy!

 

Baby wearing bib with food on face

Gimme more!

 

Handmade local goods sign

Off to Granville Island

 

Grandparents dad and stroller walking along

Exploring

 

Fish and chip camper storefront

On our own foodie and art tour

 

Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island Public Market

 

Fresh raspberries

Seeing red

 

 

Carrots and lettuce

Fresh and green

 

Red and green grapes

Nice and sweet

 

Boxes of loose tea along a wall

Anyone for a cuppa?

 

Dad and baby having a cuddle

Lunchtime cuddles

 

Pot pie with salad on a plate

Pot pie feast

 

Man holding fish and chips

A man eating fish

 

Apple pie with lots of ice cream

Extra scoops of ice cream because Baby Boy O gave the lady a big smile!

 

Waterfront dock and bridge

Walk along the waterfront

 

Seagulls flying up in the sky

Fly away birdies

 

Boat and ice cream statue

Anyone for ice cream?

 

Invasive species street art

On the hunt for street art

 

Face street art

More spotted 

 

Painted concrete silo art

This is how you turn concrete silos into works of art

 

Sign that reads come in we're awesome

Yes we are

 

Three people jumping

One

 

Three people jumping

Two

 

Three people jumping

Three!

 

Walking along wooden path

A nice long walk

 

Canadian geese on the lawn

Real Canadian geese

 

Mother and daughter holding onto pole

Mother and daughter pole dancing

 

Family photo

Family photo

 

Grandma bathing baby

Bath time after a big day out

 

Mum feeding baby a bottle

Starting to hold his own bottle

 

Yesterday’s post: Tasty

Tomorrow’s post: Baby Sing-a-long

 

 

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Daily Pics: Tasty

Everything revolves around food in a Chinese family. Before breakfast is over there’s a discussion about lunch. During lunch, plans are being made for dinner. A full fridge is a sign of a happy family, and feeding is a way to show love. It’s a wonder we don’t weigh a ton by now!

 

Baby in blue blanket asleep in grandmas arms

His protector

 

Baby fronting at nectarine

Not too keen on the nectarine

 

Baby eating a toy car

Much prefer the taste of the car

 

Baby with magazine of Prince George

Checking out the other Prince

 

Mum eating spaghetti bolognaise with chopsticks

Italian spag bol eaten with chopsticks! Pasta did come from China after all

 

Yesterday’s post: Grandma Gone Wild

Tomorrow’s post: Food Fest For All

 

 

Monday, 22 September 2014

Daily Pics: Grandma Gone Wild

23 weeks and growing fast. Baby Boy O is a little bean pole. He seems to grow taller each day, resulting in a wardrobe malfunction and a quick trip to Babies R Us to pick out new onesies. A perfect task for a smitten Poh Poh.

 

Baby on activity mat with 23 week sign

Growing up fast

 

Grandma holding onesies

Went in for onesies…

 

Butterfly rattle toy

…came back with toys!

 

Car toy

First car

 

Baby smiling on activity mat

One very lucky boy

 

Yesterday’s post: Sweet Sweet Sleep

Tomorrow’s post: Tasty

 

 

Sunday, 21 September 2014

Daily Pics: Sweet Sweet Sleep

All the excitement and jetlag has finally caught up with us. Baby Boy O was a terror, and only Gong Gong could get him to sleep for a sweet two hours. I was worse for ware, struggling in the afternoon and throwing out my back. Thankfully we had many willing hands to keep the little one well entertained and I had lovely mummy hands for a back rub.

 

Grandma and baby sitting on the couch

Just before the meltdown

 

Baby sleeping on grandpas shoulder

Clinging onto Gong Gong for dear life

 

Baby sleeping on grandpa

Two hours later…

 

Happy baby on activity mat

…then waking up so happy and full of beans!

 

Grandma reading baby a book

A story before bath and bedtime

 

Yesterday’s post: So Much Attention

Tomorrow’s post: Grandma Gone Wild

 

 

Saturday, 20 September 2014

Daily Pics: So Much Attention

There’s nothing like a baby’s power to turn grown adults into incomprehensible mush! Baby Boy O has been oooh’ed and aaah’ed and hugged and kissed and rocked and cuddled and sung to and played with and more.

 

Grandpa picking up baby from crib

Gong Gong couldn’t wait for him to wake up to play!

 

Baby in bed with grandparents

Lazy morning in bed

 

Uncle and baby head to head

Cheeky and adorable – which one is which?

 

Aunt and baby having photo taken

Morning paparazzi

 

Baby and Aunty touching fingers

Playing his new favorite game – touching worms

 

Mooncake

Belated Mooncake celebration

 

Baby in stroller chewing owl

Time for a walk on a beautiful Autumn day

 

Grandpa, me, Baby Boy O and Grandma

No words needed

 

Grandma pushing stroller in park

Poh Poh pushing her precious cargo

 

Grandma and sleeping baby in front of lake

Nap time pose

 

Autumnal tree

Changing of the seasons

 

Dim sum plates on table

Delicious dim sum lunch with extended family

 

Grandma, Aunty and crying baby posing for photo

Had enough! Sorry, nothing personal Aunty T

 

Baby in car seat smiling at dad

Next moment all smiles, then tears again – jet lag catching up

 

Baby sitting on grandmas lap

Poh Poh can’t get enough

 

Grandpa with baby on lap

After prying him away, it is Gong Gong’s turn

 

Grandma and baby singing karaoke

Afternoon serenade

 

Baby with microphone

Baby karaoke

 

Yesterday’s Post: I’m So Happy I Can’t Sleep

Tomorrow’s Post: Sweet Sweet Sleep

 

 

Friday, 19 September 2014

Daily Pics: I’m So Happy I Can’t Sleep

Firsts are always special and memorable, but this one takes the cake. Having Baby Boy O meet his Poh Poh and Gong Gong is like having all rainbows meet in one spot. Pure joy. Even though it was three in the morning after a long day of travel, Baby Boy O was on his best lovable behavior, melting hearts with smiles and cuddles. Poh Poh sweetly declared, “I’m so happy I can’t sleep”. Even though we were dog tired, sleep at a moment like this is so overrated! There is nothing like family and even though we are in Canada, it feels like home.

 

Man assembling stroller

Unleashing the beast. Stroller games

 

Dad pushing stroller in Vancouver airport

Hello Vancouver. The anticipation builds

 

Grandmas first kiss with baby

The first kiss

 

Baby meeting both grandparents

Double trouble! Baby Boy O loving the attention

 

Grandma holding baby and baby holding heart necklace

He has her heart

 

Grandma holding baby

Cuddles, cuddles, cuddles

 

Aunty and baby

The cuddles continue with Aunty J

 

Baby on play mat with dad, grandpa and grandma

So much attention!

 

Baby held by Grandpa

Someone loves their Gong Gong

 

Grandpa playing with baby on black couch

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands

 

Baby held by smiling grandma

Out to lunch with another serving of cuddles from Poh Poh

 

Baby held by grandpa with grandma talking to him

She won’t let him go!

 

Baby and grandparents looking in mirror

Mirror mirror on the wall…

 

Baby carried by grandpa

Who gives the best cuddles?

 

Grandma kissing baby

Who gives the best kisses?

 

Chinese lobster dish

The lobster theme continues at delicious dinner

 

Baby in stroller with lamb toy

Lamb chop

 

Mum and uncle on couch

Debating the future with Uncle J

 

Yesterday’s Post: 2,444 Frequent Flyer Miles

Tomorrow’s Post: So Much Attention

 

 

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Daily Pics: 2,444 Frequent Flyer Miles

We are now officially part of the parental mile high club – earning our stripes by taking a baby on a long haul international flight. Baby Boy O racked up his first 2,444 frequent flyer miles. I’ve never been so thankful for various inanimate objects, namely our stroller that packs away beautifully, the bulkhead bassinet on the plane and our blue mama baby sling. Of course full accolades go to English Hubby for precision teamwork and the little one for sleeping the whole way through.

 

Dad and baby in a diner

Breakfast in Jamaica (Queens)

 

Messy room with crib

Packing mayhem

 

Man folding stroller

Dry run with the stroller

 

Baby with bags at the airport

Checking in

 

Mum with baby sleeping on plane

Sound asleep

 

Yesterday’s Post: NYC Babies Who Lunch

Tomorrow’s Post: I’m So Happy I Can’t Sleep

 

 

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Daily Pics: NYC Babies Who Lunch

Soaking in the NYC vibe. It’s true, I’ve missed the unique charms of the city – wafting sewer smells, crazy cab drivers, jackhammers on Second Avenue, that “24/7 I’ve got somewhere important to be, so get out of my way” look that steels most New Yorkers’ faces. Before taking off on the road trip Baby Boy O made sure we experienced the city that never sleeps (…through the night). Today he’s reunited with his womb buddies, and we reconnect with our Bradley class comrades.

 

View up second avenue

I heart New York

 

Baby being carried, looking out the window

Morning cuddles with Aunt Steph

 

Pm an with stroller and picnic blanket on ground

Picking our picnic spot

 

Man wearing dad T-shirt and baby on his lap

Who’s your daddy?

 

Eight babies lying on a picnic blanket

What’s the collective noun for babies? Gaggle, storm, wail, spew, swarm, dribble or headache?!

 

Brooklyn bridge view from cab window

Running late as usual

 

Pub dinner on the table

Babysitter for the boys and yummy gastronomic pub feast with N+C in Park Slope

 

Yesterday’s Post: Salvation Taco and Pizza

Tomorrow’s Post: 2,444 Frequent Flyer Miles

 

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Daily Pics: Salvation Taco and Pizza

Today was an anemic photo day. More due to the iphone running low on battery, as opposed to lack of interesting subject matter or story line. Oh contrare, significant it was. I was excited to be back in the urban jungle of Manhattan. Baby Boy O is growing up fast, getting his shots and a clean bill of health from Dr S. I finally had some me-time, indulging in a much needed haircut and buying a new pair of skinny jeans, returning to pre-bump sizing (as a SITC fan I now fully appreciate the gravity of Miranda’s skinny jeans moment). Witnessed the end of an era culminating in farewell drinks for Kumar. Delighted with Baby Boy O’s #bestbabyintheworld performance when he fell asleep in a noisy bar, slung to me. Revisiting our old haunts and enjoying delicious bites at Brick Lane and Patsy’s with Aunt Steph. Happy. Smile.

 

Baby with measurements written on piece of paper

Measuring up

 

Yesterday’s post: Another Three States

Tomorrow’s post: NYC Babies Who Lunch

 

 

 

Sunday, 14 September 2014

Daily Pics: Another Three States

And so it continues. The last push out of Connecticut, through New York and down to New Jersey. We fly out of JFK on Thursday to Vancouver to met up with my folks. Before our mini Canadian vacation, our tiny house on wheels needed a few things fixed at the dealership in New Jersey, we have a whole bunch of everyday life stuff to do in New York City and lots of friends to catch up with. It’s been a logistical circus, but with luck it will all fall into place over the next five days.

 

Baby in the car

The calm before the storm

 

RV on road passing service sign

This is what four and a half hours of driving looks like…

 

RV passing elm st sign

…at times smooth, at others a nightmare…

 

RV heading toward NYC

…following the signs to NYC…

 

RV at tollbooth

…tolls, tolls, tolls…

 

RV passing manhattan

…skirting past Manhattan…

 

RV heading to the bridge

…heading for the George Washington Bridge…

 

RV rounding a corner

…round the corner…

 

RV under tunnel

…under…

 

RV on bridge

…over…

 

RV past manhattan skyline

…last glimpse of the city that never sleeps…

 

RV with plane flying overhead

…incoming at 10 o’clock…

 

RV between two trucks

…rest stop wedgie, dealing with crying baby…

 

RV at tolls

…more tolls…

 

Baby in rear view mirror reflection

…are we there yet?

 

Yesterday’s post: Indulgence

Tomorrow’s post: Salvation Taco and Pizza

 

 

Saturday, 13 September 2014

Daily Pics: Indulgence

When was the last time you had a lazy, potter around, let time take its course, sit in bed, read books and eat chocolate day? Hurrah for precious aimless moments like these. So good for the mind, body and soul.

 

Baby reading in bed

Reading in bed with my little boy

 

Baby in stroller with monster hat and blanket

Taking a walk around Charlie Brown campground to see what we could see

 

Baby with thumb in mouth and cute hat

Playtime – songs, tickles and cuddles

 

Baby in jeans

Finally getting dressed in the afternoon

 

Dad and baby hanging out in bed

Daddy joining in on all the fun

 

Chocolate in bed

Thank you lovely neighbors for the delicious chocolate. Feeling rather decadent

 

Yesterday’s post: One Cry Baby and Four States

Tomorrow’s post: Another Three States

 

 

Friday, 12 September 2014

Daily Pics: One Cry Baby and Four States

We start our push back to NYC rather ominously, with a big cry baby who manages to wail through most of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Baby Boy O no longer seems to be impressed with his car seat chariot. Impatience is creeping in even at such an early age. We have a long journey ahead of us!

 

Man at RV rump station

English Hubby taking care of business

 

Dad and baby buying cereal in a supermarket

Stopping for supplies at Trader Joes where my boys do a cereal dance in aisle three

 

Baby in car seat with binky

Possibly the last mildly happy face we get for about 70 miles

 

Baby spit up on leggings

Baby Boy O strikes again. Spit up on perfectly clean clothes

 

Welcome to Connecticut sign

We finally make it to Connecticut

 

Man sitting by a campfire

A well deserved end of day beer by the campfire

 

Yesterday’s post: Rainy Day Pie

Tomorrow’s post: Indulgence

 

 

Thursday, 11 September 2014

Daily Pics: Rainy Day Pie

After all the Portland foodie excitement we have a tasty souvenir – a delicious home baked blueberry pie. It’s a rainy day, perfect for catching up on email, drinking decaf coffee and eating pie.

 

RV in the rain

Driving to Ruth’s

 

Half a Maine blueberry pie

Half a pie left…doesn’t last long

 

Slice of Maine blueberry pie

Best pie ever!

 

Yesterday’s post: The Foodiest Small Town in America

Tomorrow’s post: One Cry Baby and Four States

 

 

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Daily Pics: The Foodiest Small Town in America

Portland is a little morsel of goodness. There is a passion for food, a pride in local grown and made. So there is no better way to get acquainted with the city than to eat our way across it on a foodie tour. For a little town of 65,000 people, it boasts 315 restaurants, a good handful of them renowned on the dining scene. This food resurgence has reshaped this industrial port town. From hand cut potato donuts, artisan rubs and vinegars, craft beers, artisan cheese and even the revival of mead. It is a complex layer on layer of food, culture, people, attitude, lifestyle and beliefs. Stealing inspiration from Heidi who took a two year sabbatical with her husband to sail across the world, upon return quit her job, opened a travel inspired fancy food store – travel far, eat well, live long. I can definitely subscribe to that!

 

Baby wearing hug the DJ T-shirt and striped cap

Rocking the Portland hipster scene

 

Portland lobster company restaurant

Voted best lobster roll in Maine

 

Mum and baby smiling in the sunshine

With my favorite little person in the whole world

 

Maine foodie tour sign

A delicious find

 

Lobster pineapple and strawberry tasters

Lobster heaven, followed by pineapple with espresso balsamic reduction and strawberry with chocolate balsamic sauce

 

Vervacious sign

Started by Heidi and her husband after a two year sabbatical sailing the seas

 

Stacked balsamic vinegar

Elevating the humble balsamic vinegar

 

Wall of artisan meat rubs

Divine rubs

 

Travel far eat well live long motto

Yes please!

 

Three dollar Dewey sign

Back when the harbor was a place of ill repute, $1 for a lookie, $2 for a touchie, $3 for a…

 

Mum feeding baby under grey cape

Baby Boy O gets his very own foodie tour

 

Old port cobblestone streets

Old Port vibe

 

Farmers market

Weekly farmers market at Monument Square

 

Sunflowers

Sunshine and happiness

 

Band of buskers on the street

Music and life

 

Baby in stroller in front of cupcake sign

Heart and soul

 

Cherry tomatoes

Amazing produce that just screams “eat me”

 

Heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom delicious

 

Cheese case

Getting cheesy

 

Cheese on a plate

Made from cows who eat grass in the lowlands packed with mineral run off blah blah blah

 

Pickles on a board

Pucker worthy mustard pickles

 

Portland town hall

Taking in the history and the sights of Portland

 

Baby looking out

Taking it all in – what curious sights, sounds and smells

 

Stonewall kitchen store

Home batch to major league

 

Scones and Maine blueberry jam

Killer scones and Maine blueberry jam

 

Portland street

Maine street

 

Portland donut shop

Hole in the wall (pun intended!)

 

Bar with hanging mugs

Gritty’s the original brew pub

 

Beer

Refreshments

 

Baby staring at beer

In awe

 

Cobblestone streets with homes and factories

Lots of walking on a three hour tour

 

Graffiti of dog

Eye spy street art

 

Street art of old man

Raw talent, torn apart

 

Randy leading the foodie tour

Randy’s stats – 127 million pounds of lobster, 3.2 million traps, 3400 miles of coastline

 

Seagull on lobster traps

And one lone seagull waiting patiently for the scraps

 

Harbor fish market sign

Iconic fish market where we had delicious smoked mussels and shrimp

 

Lobster in mans hands

Straight from the sea

 

Shellfish on ice

Mermaid food

 

Old wharf warehouses

Fishing roots, anchored to the sea

 

Fore street restaurant

One of the best restaurants in America

 

Two fat cats bakery

With a reputation that travels far and wide

 

Homemade pies

Made from scratch

 

Whoopie pie

Important enough to debate in the legislature. Maine’s official treat, the whoopie pie

 

To do list

Definitely on the list everyday!

 

Eventide restaurant

All this tasting and walking made us hungry

 

Peekytoe crab roll

Peekytoe crab roll

 

Fried oyster roll

Magnificent fried oyster roll with pickled vegetables

 

Baby with spoon in mouth

Getting in on the action with first spoon in mouth experience

 

Bakery sign

Portland in a nutshell – transition from industrial to food capital

 

Baby with oversize sunglasses

Playing it cool

 

Sign for beer geeks on a door

Beer geeks rule

 

Craft beer

They know their stuff

 

Lobster rolls

Couldn’t resist, but it think we are well and truly lobster rolled out

 

Yesterday’s post: Transit Day

Tomorrow’s post: Rainy Day Pie

 

 

Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Daily Pics: Transit Day

Transit days are my least favorite days. Packing up the RV – I do the inside, English Hubby does the outside – cleaning, driving then unpacking when we get to our next location. Baby Boy O shed a few tears today from the back seat of the car. It may have been the teething, or having to listen to his mother’s poor rendition of various 90’s music pop hits. Regardless, a three hour journey feels twice as long with a little one in the back. Thankfully we made it to Portland relatively unscathed. Looking forward to tomorrow’s foodie tour of the Old Port.

 

Mist over the pond

Magical morning. I’m going to miss this view

 

Baby licking nectarine

His first lick of real food

 

Store that sells wedding dresses, guns and ammo

Some of the funny things you see in transit. The blushing bride can pick up her dress, guns and ammo at the same time!

 

Man in drivers seat of RV in a supermarket carpark

Becoming pros at the supermarket carpark lunchtime stopovers

 

Yesterday’s post: Cruising Toddy Pond

Tomorrow’s post: The Foodiest Small Town in America

 

 

Monday, 8 September 2014

Daily Pics: Cruising Toddy Pond

The nautical theme continues from The State of Maine to Baby Boy O’s first boat trip. Our campground hosts – Jet Boat Ruth and Western Mass Justin – kindly invited us out on their boat. There’s something about being out on the water that is so relaxing and calming. There is a clarity with water. It dissolves and cleanses. It is shapeless yet fills every shape perfectly. It can be rough on top, yet calm underneath. Fluid or frozen, change leaves no mark. Funny how two hydrogen and one oxygen molecule can mean so much, in so many ways.

 

Baby in an infant life jacket

Safety first

 

People on a boat

Lovely morning with Jet Boat Ruth and Western Mass Justin

 

View of pond

Toddy Pond in all it’s watery glory

 

Woman on boat looking out

So very relaxing

 

Baby in life jacket sleeping

So very sleepy

 

Baby in a camping chair

Happy little camper

 

Full moon and pink sky over toddy pond

Perfect full moon evening – Happy Mooncake Festival

 

Yesterday’s post: State of Maine

Tomorrow’s post: Transit Day

 

 

Sunday, 7 September 2014

Daily Pics: State of Maine

We’ve been exploring the local area. Little towns that pin the map. Spent the afternoon in Castine, whose town motto is “under the elms and by the sea”. That sea heritage shines through with Main Street heading down to the shoreline, and the Maine Maritime Academy it’s anchor institution. We had planned to see Fort George, but ended up on The State of Maine instead – a ship previously used as an oceanographic vessel that has been recommissioned for training for the MMA. In short a bunch of students on the high seas.

 

Baby smiling in bed

Morning smiles and wishing all the dads in Australia a happy Father’s Day

 

View of lake through dirty RV window

Even a dirty window can’t marr the view

 

View of the shoreline in castine

Pretty tiny town of Castine

 

Sign for Markel's bakehouse

In search of cake and wifi

 

Cookie and coffee

Found. Sugar high with gluten free peanut butter and choc chip cookie

 

Mum and smiling baby at cafe

Baby Boy O causing a stir with the locals

 

Baby with plate on his hand

Playtime improvisation – Baby Boy O’s Super Hero shield

 

State of Maine training ship

Off to see the State of Maine

 

Gangway to ship

Permission to board

 

Baby with official badge

All official on his first boat

 

Deck of boat

Engineers dream boat with four anchors and lots of other moving parts

 

View from the Captain's chair

View from the Captain’s chair

 

Baby and dad listening to the tour

Listening intently to shipmate Stevens and asking questions about pirates

 

Man cleaning RV window

Then back home scrubbing the decks, making room for an unobstructed view

 

Yesterday’s post: A Day of Naps and Swimming in Toddy Pond

Tomorrow’s post: Cruising Toddy Pond

 

 

Saturday, 6 September 2014

Daily Pics: A Day of Naps and Swimming in Toddy Pond

A day of glorious sunshine followed by an evening of torrential thunderstorms to wash the humidity away. Toddy Pond (all 10 miles of it) was so inviting. Being able to walk to the edge of our campsite and slide into the water was irrisistable. I managed to suck it up, overcome my fear of deep water and swim out to the pontoon for some sunbathing. Summers should be like this for everyone. Long. Lazy. Days.

 

Food pavilion

Delicious sausage, egg and cheese breakfast at the campground restaurant

 

Toddy lake with pontoons

Refreshing swim in the lake, whilst English Hubby worked

 

Baby with dog binky

Baby Boy O spent hours mastering his new trick that English Hubby taught him – binky in, binky out

 

Baby with fedora hat over face

One way to cover up

 

Toddy pond with a yellow pontoon

Swam all the way to the pontoon, not bad for a water novice

 

Dark skies at balsam cove

Skies getting ready to open up. Coincidently we were watching the movie Noah

 

Turkey sausage, butternut squash and green beans on a plate

All cosy, delicious and warm inside the RV

 

Yesterday’s post: Farewell Acadia, Hello Walmart

Tomorrow’s post: State of Maine

 

 

Friday, 5 September 2014

Daily Pics: Farewell Acadia, Hello Walmart

Leaving Acadia is like saying goodbye to a good old friend. You know the next time you meet, you will pick up just where you left off. The two things on my bucket list for next time are to explore the carriage roads by bicycle, and kayak some of the waterways.

 

Baby smiling

Happiness in a smile, but not happy to leave

 

RV in a walmart car park

Stopover at Walmart to replenish groceries and supplies

 

Baby sleeping on a couch

Ended up having lunch in the car park whilst Baby Boy O took a much needed nap

 

RV on the road in the distance

Short haul drive to our next campground in Orland, near Bucksport

 

Two chairs facing the pond

Front row seats to Mother Nature at Balsam Cove Campground

 

Nany on activity mat in front of lake

Having fun in nature’s playground

 

Baby in dad's arms sitting on camping chair

Great news over Skype from Grandpa F

 

Campfire burning

Perfect campfire evening

 

Yesterday’s post: Picnic by the Pool, Bass Harbor, Cadillac Mountain and Meat

Tomorrow’s post: A Day of Naps and Swimming in Toddy Pond

 

 

Thursday, 4 September 2014

Daily Pics: Picnic by the Pool, Bass Harbor, Cadillac Mountain and Meat

Seeing the magnificent sunset from the top of Cadillac Mountain has made me wonder how many of these majestic moments do we actually enjoy in our whole entire lifetime? Of course the sun rises and sets each day, but if you were to count up the number of sunrises, sunsets or even picnics that you savor, would they be more than the number of episodes in a season of bad TV?

 

RV parked in a spot

Our spot at Bar Harbor Campground

 

Baby on belly looking at Skype

Baby Boy O’s morning chat with grandparents on Skype

 

View out to sea

Doing some meditation looking out to sea

 

Picnic by the pool

Lunch time family dip in the pool and picnic

 

Mum cuddling baby by the pool

…and of course a cuddle

 

 

Sign for Bass Harbor

Afternoon hike in Acadia at Bass Harbor

 

Bass harbor lighthouse

Another lighthouse

 

 

Silhouette of dad with sun shining behind

  More rocks to climb

 

Dad and baby standing on rocks by the sea

My favorite people

 

View of islands from Cadillac mountain

Then off to Cadillac Mountain to see the sunset

 

Moon over Cadillac mountain

Half moon rising

 

View of sunset over sea with dad pushing stroller

Soaking in the sunset all around the mountain

 

Dad pulling stroller up stairs

Hard work keeping the cover on with strong winds blowing

 

Beautiful sunset

A gazillion differs colors

 

Sun setting below horizon

Dropping below the horizon

 

Sunset with silouhette

Final burst

 

 

Sign for Mainely meat

Hungry

 

Blueberry beer

Local speciality – blueberry ale

 

Empty plates

BBQ delights. Polished off 14oz

 

Yesterday’s post: Thunder Hole, Otter Point and Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

Tomorrow’s post: Farewell Acadia, Hello Walmart

 

 

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Daily Pics: Thunder Hole, Otter Point and Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

One thing we’ve learned when hiking with a baby is to take advantage of the mornings. Baby Boy O is on his best behavior, the day is still mild and you get your pick of parking spots as there are fewer people out and about. We managed to leave the RV just after 9.30am. Wonders will never cease! Today shaped up to be a magnificent sunshine day in Acadia. Complete contrast to yesterday’s fogged in vistas. Out came the umbrella, Singapore style, for shade. Whatever keeps the little one happy and allows us a few more precious moments outdoors.

 

Beautiful oastline

Acadia in all it’s glory

 

Baby and dad standing on rocks

Scramble across rocks

 

Wave at thunder hole

Called Thunder Hole for a good reason

 

Lone tree by the edge of cliff

Lone survivor

 

Mum and baby hiking with an umbrella

Hiking Singapore style, bringing our own shade

 

Shoreline at Otter Point

Beautiful Otter Point vista

 

Mum and baby at otter point

Baby and me

 

Lake shoreline

On to Jordan Pond for lunch. Not a bad view

 

Stroller parked on side of lake

The little one napped through it all

 

Dad pushing stroller along carriage road

Hike along the carriage road, surprisingly good for strollers

 

Rocks on mountain

Rocky road

 

View of lake from mountain

Gorgeous view of Jordan Pond

 

Mum and baby wearing sunglasses

Way too much sunshine!

 

Yesterday’s post: Great Head Trail in Acadia National Park

Tomorrow’s post: Picnic by the Pool, Bass Harbor, Cadillac Mountain and Meat

 

 

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Daily Pics: Great Head Trail in Acadia National Park

This is what we’ve been longing for. That moment when the proverbial fog lifts and all the planning, saving, packing, moving, fixing and doing finally makes sense. Out the door by 10.30am which is a small feat with a little baby and an even slower English Hubby. On the Great Head trail an hour later. Even though the actual fog never lifted today, Acadia is still a treasure worth seeing.

 

Acadia national park visitors center

Acadia the great

 

Dad and baby at beginning of Great head trail

Excited to get on the right path. Baby Boy O grumbled a little then went to sleep in his carrier

 

Dad with baby hiking through tress

Into the great unknown, praying the little one will cooperate for the next 2 miles

 

Baby and dad on rocky trail

Climbing steadily

 

Sign post for great head trail

Fork in the road, follow the blue markers

 

Baby looking intently

The little one wakes and soaks up the surroundings

 

Fallen tree over great head trail

Loving the trees that come in all shapes and sizes and angles too

 

Family standing near edge of bluff

Don’t step back!

 

Fog covered ocean view

Seeing through the fog

 

Pine tree standing by edge of cliff

Standing tall against the elements

 

Beach with still water reflecting the landscape

Leading to Sand Beach

 

Man walking through grass path toward beach

Walking the path to the ocean

 

Family standing on beach in Acadia

We made it!

 

Small birds on sand beach

 

Baby with puzzled look on face

Now that we’ve finished the hike, where’s my milk reward?

 

Yesterday’s post: Lookout at Camden Hills State Park

Tomorrow’s post: Thunder Hole, Otter Point and Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

 

 

Monday, 1 September 2014

Daily Pics: Lookout at Camden Hills State Park

Enroute to Acadia, we have a little peek from the top of Camden Hills. The plan was to hike around the top of the mountain, but we were taught another valuable lesson in parenthood – babies don’t like bright sunshine and middle of the day outdoor activities. Live and let learn.

 

Baby in front of kisses stand

Priceless kisses for free

 

Dad carrying baby wearing sun hat

Enjoying the view from the top of Camden Hills

 

View from top of Camden hills with fog over harbor

A touch of Maine fog

 

Grumpy baby

Too much sunshine makes Baby Boy O grumpy

 

RV going over a bridge with a view

Bridge with a view

 

RV on road to Acadia

Acadia bound

 

Rainbow over the lobster pound

What’s at the end of the rainbow?

 

Bar harbor lobster pound

Lobsters of course!

 

Yesterday’s post: Long Walks in Owl’s Head and Rockland

Tomorrow’s post: Great Head Trail in Acadia National Park

More musings…Offline

 

 

Sunday, 31 August 2014

Offline

Back in 2005 when we did our first road trip across the US wifi was rare, mifi was unheard of and cellular data was not yet for the common people. Connecting to the world – which usually just meant picking up emails – was done through a good old telephone lead plugged into the laptop, or at savvy places like Starbucks who would provide free wifi which justified paying for overpriced bad coffee.

English Hubby and I shared a single laptop, and we would fight like teenage girls over who would get to plug in to the magical-inter-world-wide-wonder-web first. After a few “you got to use it longer” “but I need to finish this email” squabbles we came to an agreement that a timer would be set for 30 minutes and like the contestants in Master Chef, once your time was up, it was hands in the air and your fingers could no longer touch the keyboard. This was the only way to equitably ration precious stopover time at Starbucks, as a lot was at stake – the connection to the big world beyond just the two of us.

Our friends who pioneered a road trip before us kept in touch with the world at large by phoning a special service that would read out emails that were sent to a specific email address. It didn’t take long for Uncle Phil’s brother to realize he could have a bit of fun with this bleeding edge technology and started leaving provocative messages that a robotic voice would then relay!

Fast forward nine years and everyone who’s anyone is walking around with a mini supercomputer in their pockets. We now have Facebook, Instagram, Skype, MMS, texting, FaceTime, IM, personal blogs and the list goes on. Between the two of us (Baby Boy O doesn’t count in this one) we have nine devices – two iPhones, one Samsung, two iPads, two laptops and two kindles – and still only two hands each with which to operate them all. With 10 gigabytes of data that we can play with each month, this is a whole lot of connectedness.

 

Tech devices including laptops, phones, kindles and more

Tech frenzy

 

With a touch of three buttons, a photo can be taken, uploaded on Facebook and shared with all and sundry. Feedback is near instant with likes and comments whizing back at the speed of light. It makes me wonder what being so available and connected actually means?

There are countless articles and opinions written on this topic, from all different angles and schools of thought. Mine is just a personal first hand account of what’s different between our first road trip and this current one.

Firstly, it is a slippery slope from sharing a significant treasured moment with loved ones to performing like a well trained dolphin. I’m a big subscriber of being in the moment. Appreciating a scenic view with all your senses before reaching for a cell phone camera to click and capture. Regardless of actively practicing mindfulness, I find myself slipping into performance mode. It gives me a thrill to know that my audience is applauding (a.k.a. the number of likes on Facebook) and enjoying my theatrics. Isn’t this cool – snap. I’m having so much fun – snap. My kid just made a cute face – snap, snap, snap. You know you’re on that downhill slide into instant gratification when you are constantly checking Facebook not for new stories from friends but rather for notifications of who liked your post and what comments you’ve received. Been there, done that, and now in a self imposed quarrantine to restore the balance in the Facebook enabled narcissistic universe.

Secondly, I’ve realized the value of a secret. In September of 2005 English Hubby drove me out to the middle of nowhere Utah, sat me on the edge of a cliff with a 1000 foot drop and proposed. We were engaged under the stars with only a cheap disposable wind and click camera to memorialize the occasion. It was an excruciating three hour drive back to civilization and decent phone reception before we even had the option to tell anyone. We chose to hold our moment only between the two of us for a little while longer before breaking the news to our eagerly awaiting family and friends. The wait made it even more special. It was ours and ours alone. It wasn’t broadcast instantly, replicated across channels, pinned, tweeted, posted or liked. It wasn’t for anyone but us. But now in today’s world there is an underlying current that sweeps along even the most diligent of us and that few would openly admit to…so here it goes – like the proverbial tree falling in the forest on deaf ears, if events aren’t shared, do they legitamately exist? I fear we have forgotten the art of treasuring a secret, holding a moment in our mind’s eye for no other reason than to savor it ourselves.

Thirdly, being offline for the last three days feels like what I imagine rehab to be. We are currently staying at a campground where the promise of wifi is more a dream than a reality, and there is a hole in AT&T’s data coverage. This means patchy to no email, Skype, text, Internet and the other usual accoutrements that accompany our connected lives. I’m getting jittery, crusing locations for a hit of unprotected wifi. No more weather app. Instead we actually have to step outside and look at the sky. No instant blogging. Instead I have three days to think and refine a piece to make it worthy as opposed to a free flow of random, hastily thrown together thoughts. And no more delegated decisions or crowd sourced thinking from Yelp, Google and other information wells. We actually have to take a chance on a restaurant with an outcome unknown, or even worse, actually have a conversation with local folks and ask them where they go.

At the end of three offline days, these are just my observations, not an opinion on good or bad, right or wrong or even whether we have moved forward or backward. I personally would not turn back time and trade in today’s connectivity. I like it, I need it, I want it, but I do choose to be conscious and mindful of how it can sneak up and dilute the moments that really matter. At the end of the day it is a choice, and I choose to kick some old digital habits and mindfully cultivate new ones.

 

Previous post: Long Walks in Owl’s Head and Rockland

Next post: Lookout at Camden Hills State Park

More musings…Crazy Messy Love

 

Sunday, 31 August 2014

Daily Pics: Long Walks in Owl’s Head and Rockland

It has been said for every long journey there are many small steps. Today Baby Boy O took a giant leap – his first full hike in his baby carrier. He pushed past the magic 10 minute mark and managed the head strength and willingness to join us for a proper little hike. Hopefully a good sign of things to come!

 

Yoga mat by the pool

Another small step – morning yoga by the pool

 

Owls head state park sign

Exploring the mid-coast

 

Dad with stroller on a gravel path

Going for a stroll

 

Beach at Owl's Head state park

Where the land meets the sea

 

Dad pushing stroller up a ramp

Up to the lighthouse

 

Steps leading to a lighthouse

Steps ahoy

 

Red steps

The workout continues

 

Man standing next to lighthouse light

Shining steadily over time

 

Baby in a front facing carrier

Baby Boy O’s first official hike…back to the car

 

Burger with pickle

Stopping at the Owl’s Head General Store for a burger voted the best in Maine

 

Baby in car seat

So exhausted after his first hike

 

Sign with puffin information

Learning about puffins in Rockland

 

T-shirt with stud puffin written on the front

Adorable creatures

 

Main Street with movie theatre

Main Street Rockland

 

Baby in a carrier

Prepping for hike #2. All refreshed post nap and feed

 

Baby and dad walking along path by the sea

Off to the second lighthouse of the day

 

Baby and dad walking on Rockland breakwater

Rockland Breakwater goes a mile out to sea

 

Granite stones

Skipping across big granite stones

 

Lighthouse at the end of the Rockland breakwater

Making it out to the lighthouse…

 

Mum, dad and baby at end of breakwater

…for a victory family selfie…

 

Dad and baby celebrating

…making it back to shore. Baby Boy O was such a trooper, with only a few tears at the end

 

Dinner of turkey and apple meatballs and mixed vegetables

Exhausted, happy and hungry by the end of the day

 

Yesterday’s post: Giggles Along Mid-Coast Maine

Tomorrow’s post: Look out at Camden Hills State Park

More musings…Offline

 

 

Saturday, 30 August 2014

Daily Pics: Giggles Along Mid-Coast Maine

A day of exploring the tentacles of Mid-Coast Maine. Rugged, rocky and salty tough. Lobsters everywhere – as common as you like. Mixed up little things with its brain located in its throat, its nervous system in its abdomen, its teeth in its stomach and its kidneys in its head. They were once regarded as the poor man’s protein, fed to prisoners and used as pet food. How quickly things change from rags to riches.

 

Swing with a view over river and clouds

Another glorious morning

 

Man and baby on a swing

Swing time

 

Man with stroller in front of RV

A walk around Saltwater Farm Campground

 

 

Grass meets ocean

Driving along Route 32

 

Maine coastline with sea and rocky coves

Typical Maine coastline

 

Shaw restaurant sign

Lunch stop 

 

Me and baby sitting at table

Glorious sunny day

 

Baby sitting on lunch table held by dad

Happily waiting for lunch

 

Me and baby sitting at the table

Selfie

 

Steamers on a plate

Nothing to write home about, best part of lunch was the company

 

Two lobstermen with lobster catch in boat

At least it was fresh off the boat

 

Baby sucking thumb

Baby Boy O seemed to think it was finger licking good

 

Baby with very dirty diaper

Car park change after a big poopsplosion

 

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse sign at entrance

Off to the light house

 

Pemaquid lighthouse grounds

It wouldn’t be Maine without a lighthouse…

 

Fog bell

…fog bell…

 

Granite rocks leading out to sea

…or a rocky coastline

 

Danger sign warning

Risky business

 

Looking out the window toward the sea

View from the lighthouse museum which houses a stuffed 28 pound lobster

 

Dad walking crying baby around a car park

We took it in turns to see the lighthouse. On return Baby Boy O was wailing. What did daddy do to you?!

 

Laughing baby

Which quickly turned into his first big laugh

 

Old fashioned ice cream stand

It was all rainbows and unicorns and ice cream after that

 

Yesterday’s post: Ice Bucket Horsing Around

Tomorrow’s post: Long Walks in Owl’s Head and Rockland

 

 

Friday, 29 August 2014

Daily Pics: Ice Bucket Horsing Around

Managed to tip a bucket of icy water over my head in the name of charity this morning (thanks Mommy Wolfe!). So thankful for a hot shower in the RV afterward. It was a point A to point B road travel day, getting us to the mid Maine coastline by nightfall. We no longer move as fast with a four month old in tow.

Bucket of ice water

Ice ice baby

 

Woman tipping a bucket of ice water over herself

Stepping up to the plate for the ALS ice bucket challenge

 

Grassy area with pine trees

Staying with one of English Hubby’s customers

 

Lama behind a white fence

A sight you don’t see everyday at a campground

 

Man standing in front of a horse

Having a relaxed morning just horsing around

 

RV in traffic

Stuck in traffic on Route 1 North

 

Baby with a big tear on his face

Big tears from Baby Boy O

 

RV at a gas station

It was a long travel day and we were all in need for a desperate refuel stop

 

RV on a road heading over a bridge

Pushing on, miles to go

 

Yesterday’s post: Old and New in Maine

Tomorrow’s post: Giggles Along Mid-Coast Maine

 

 

Thursday, 28 August 2014

Daily Pics: Old and New in Maine

A day of old and new. New tricks for Baby Boy O who is finally getting the hang of tummy time and lifting up his head. It may be a slippery slope here on in. Rolling, crawling then walking and running is just around the corner. We haven’t quite figured out how to baby proof the RV as yet, so all suggestions are welcome!

A glimpse of old too. Strawberry Banke where the first settlers landed. Named so for the wild strawberries that grew there, and changed later to the more grown up name of Portsmouth. Hard to believe it was once a town that rivaled New York and Boston in terms of influence. How things ebb and flow and change.

 

Baby on his front lifting his head up

Baby Boy O’s new perspective of the world

 

Baby in dad's arms

Getting a lift in dad’s arms

 

Fishing shack in Cape Neddick

Sea shack

 

Boats resting on the ocean floor in low tide

Waiting for the turn of the tide

 

Lighthouse on an island

Adding one more picture to the most photographed lighthouse in America – Nubble Lighthouse

 

Baby sitting with dad on rocks overlooking the sea

Enjoying the morning view

 

Sign for Warrens Lobster House

In search of more lobsters for lunch

 

Dining room at Warrens lobster house

Old school dining

 

Sign for Strawberry Banke Museum

Taking in some history

 

Old White House with gardens

With a step back in time

 

Dining room in an old house

Preserved perfectly

 

View from a window of gardens

Keeping the past alive

 

Barrel maker with barrel over fire

Traditions continue

 

Baby with old telephone

Steve Jobs meets Alexander Graham Bell – will Baby Boy O ever know what this is?

 

Old bicycle in front of store

Things old are often new again. May the cycle continue

 

Yesterday’s post: A Walk Along Perkins Cove

Tomorrow’s post: Ice Bucket Horsing Around

 

 

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Daily Pics: A Walk Along Perkins Cove

Traveling in a tiny house in wheels still means household chores. A day of laundry, changing bed sheets, grocery shopping and cleaning was rewarded by an evening walk along Marginal Way near Perkins Cove. We managed to score a couple of insider tips – The Shack is a great place for seafood and parking is free after 6pm. We did keep an eye out for seal pups, but none were to be found. Sigh.

 

Pile of laundry

Laundry, yuck!

 

Man pushing stroller at Perkins Cove

My boys, yum!

 

Blue wooden house with bird boxes

Harbor master’s house

 

Rocks by the sea

Looking for seal pups

 

Man walking stroller along beach path

A walk along Marginal Way

 

Man and baby sitting on seat overlooking sea

Watching the tide roll out

 

Baby's feet in hands

So very teeny tiny

 

Beach along Perkins Cove walk

Sunset over the beach

 

Funny no trespassing sign

Ok, it’s the poison ivy that does it!

 

Perkins Cove drawbridge

Drawing the evening to a close

 

Yesterday’s post: Lobster Rolls

Tomorrow’s post: Old and New in Maine

 

 

Monday, 25 August 2014

Daily Pics: Lazy Day Discovering Hands

Baby Boy O has made a marvelous discovery – four lovely fingers and two suckable thumbs. It was a perfect day to go for a walk, spend the afternoon in bed, soak up the view and just play. So many smiles from the little one. Poor English Hubby had to work, but he didn’t miss out on all the fun.

 

Baby spread out on a bed in the RV

A glorious nap

 

View of river and trees from back of RV

With an equally glorious view from the bedroom

 

Happy smiling baby

Baby Boy O woke up happy

 

Baby in a carrier

Going for a walk around the campground

 

Pier and dock in Piscataqua River

Down to the Piscataqua River

 

Dad playing with baby in bed

Playing with dad

 

Mum and baby hands pressed together

Hands are so much fun!

 

Yesterday’s post: Treehouse Fun

Tomorrow’s post: Lobster Rolls

 

 

Sunday, 24 August 2014

Daily Pics: Treehouse Fun

A lovely stay with Boston N + K where we boondocked in their driveway. They had family visiting from abroad, and we found ourselves in a household with three little ones, all under the age of two. Picked up lots of parenting tips for times to come and also got put to work on a treehouse construction project.

 

Big lake

A morning walk around the big lake

 

Muffins in trays

Rewarded by a morning muffin treat

 

Three men standing around a treehouse

Put to work after a delicious egg and bacon fry up

 

Three men tilting a treehouse

Some deliberation, then action

 

Four people moving a big treehouse

Things started rolling when Boston K got in on the action

 

Three men around a treehouse with a dolly in the foreground

Getting it in place for Sweet Little L

 

Four adults and one baby on a treehouse celebrating

Declaration of victory…but wait, where’s the roof?!

 

Little girl taking a sandpit

Sweet Little L helping with sandpit construction

 

Baby in a stroller with little girl in a sun hat

Baby Boy O makes a new friend…

 

Baby with big stuffed toy dog

…and another one that’s big and squishy

 

Baby sleeping

Downtime after too much excitement

 

New Hampshire road sign

Off we go zooming through New Hampshire

 

Maine road sign

Quickly scooting into Maine

 

Camping sign in the woods

Ready for some camping in the woods

 

Father holding son over his shoulder

Baby Boy O gets some daddy cuddles

 

Baby on table looking at lake

Enjoying the river front view

 

Sunset over Piscataqua River

Beautiful sunset over Piscataqua River

 

Yesterday’s post: Crazy Messy Love

Tomorrow’s post: Lazy Day Discovering Hands

 

 

Saturday, 23 August 2014

Crazy Messy Love

Being invited into someone else’s family is like watching a reality TV show. You know the people, you get to sit back and be entertained and there are clear moments of truth that cast light on your own life. We’ve just spent dinner and breakfast with our old friends Amazing Mom and Christmas Pudding Dad. The last time we had met they had one sprog, now they have four wonderful healthy fun-loving game-playing kids.

Waffles on a plate

Tacos for dinner, homemade waffles for breakfast

 

It’s a household where there is always someone talking, laughing or fighting. Sometimes all three at the same time. A home where the washer and dryer is always running, the playroom creeps into every corner of the house and shoes are constantly being outgrown. Where imagination runs wild, crafts are done, toys are broken then put together again. It is a place of raw beauty and reminds me of my own crazy messy family.

Watching the kids – minecraft, sweet tooth, eyeball and Spider-Man – at play today was a trip down memory lane. Growing up with three sisters can be described with every adjective in the book. There was never enough room, yet we all managed to create our own space. Meals were at the dining table, but it was like feeding time at the zoo. Noise was a constant – whining, screaming, shushing, negotiating – and smiles could turn into floods of tears and back again in mere seconds. New alliances and enemies made, battles own and lost. Yet at the end of the day blood is always thick.

Girl on sofa with kids in background

Saturday morning family fun

 

In the midst of growing up with all this crazy I remember wishing for order and neatness, matching plates and cutlery, and non-plastic cups. That perfect family you would see in the movies that would make civilized polite conversation, then listen to each other’s reply. That other grass lawn seemed so green, yet now I would trade it all in a heartbeat.

Today was a time warp circa the 80’s. Dear friends, enjoy sitting on your big green couch making rainbow loom jewelry, playing with marbles, setting up tower after tower of Jenga on a Saturday morning.

Girl making a rainbow loom bracelet

Weaving a beautiful rainbow bracelet, ring and necklace

 

Cherish the scrap fights, button pushing and wearing of pajamas late into the day. For one day your siblings may be scattered to the four corners of the world and even endless sessions on Skype cannot recapture those magic moments where you live on top of each other and anything you say or do will be forgiven in a heartbeat. A time when moments would weave seamlessly together and life felt messy in a good way.

 

Previous Post: Detours

Tomorrow’s Post: Treehouse Fun

 

 

Friday, 15 August 2014

Detours

So the original plan was to pack up the apartment, put everything in storage, pick up the RV from the dealership, head to Cape Cod and keep motoring north through Massachusetts and Maine. In some strange time warp continuum this would ideally happen in 10 days. How wrong we were!

Man and baby looking at full storage unit

Packed to the rafters

 

Of course we had a Plan A (aforementioned), Plan B and Plan C. Little did we know that we would run out of alphabet as we shifted gears from city living to life on the road.

Missing paperwork meant we would remain RV-less for a few more days, so we headed up to the Cape via old fashioned automobile. Thankfully so, as the road leading to the vacation house would never have been able to accomodate a 32ft long, 11ft tall RV.

This detour also gave us the opportunity to swing back past Manhattan to check on the painters who were patching up our apartment, ready for tenants. Luckily so, as we had discovered they had unplugged the washing machine drain pipe. Major flooding avoided. Phew.

Paperwork eventually came through, check was handed over and we finally became proud new owners of a tiny house on wheels. We spent a couple of nights camping in the local area to test out all the RV contraptions before we hit the road full pelt. Surely enough the “need to take back to dealer to fix” list steadily grew. Add to that a tire recall, putting our Go North plans further on hold.

RV parked at a tire repair store

Getting new wheels

 

Gratefully our lovely friends SydneyGal and Jaybo took us in for a night, which quickly extended to two. Our impromptu Monmouth Beach detour was a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, break bread, explore a beautiful town and enjoy the sun and surf with fabulous company.

 

Beautiful colorful flowers in a box

In full bloom at the Monmouth Beach farmers market

 

Even in our wildest dreams we could never have imagined a moment like this a year ago. Two mummies, two strollers, two babies. How kindly fortune has smiled.

Two little babies in two strollers

Stroller friends

 

So now we are two and a half weeks behind schedule, and about to finally head north. Although itching to get on the road and make the most of the Summer, I can’t ignore the feeling that it is the univese’s way of allowing us a much needed refuel, restock and recouperate break.

Tomato, eggs, bacon and avocado breakfast platter

Well fed and watered by our lovely friends

 

It is nice to know that things don’t always work out as planned…sometimes they work out even better.

Road leading to river with stop and caution signs

Wherever the road may lead

 

Previous Post: Magic Happens

Next Post: Crazy Messy Love

 

 

Monday, 4 August 2014

An Ocean of Kindness

In a world where news headlines scream death, destruction, war, planes that fall out of skies and so much sadness, it is nice to pause and be reminded of everyday kindness and love.

The Dalai Lama once posted (yes, on Facebook!) that at every moment countless mothers (fathers and caregivers) around the world wake to feed their babies, regardless of how tired they are, they nurse and provide for their children. These moments don’t make headlines. The true depth of this love and kindness may not even be noticed or fully understood until the child one day becomes a parent themselves. And it just happens, minute after minute, day after day, year after year, since the very beginning.

We have been the recipients of an ocean of kindness of late. Aunt Steph who babysat Baby Boy O, giving us a precious last New York City date night out. Irish Lass and English Andy who poured a much needed glass of cold white wine, dished a delicious dinner and prepped a cosy bed for the night after a very long day of moving. Family style fun with JJ, N + C in Cape Cod. Stylish sixth floor neighbors who housed our extra boxes and fussed over us endlessly.

Table set with dinner

The way to one’s heart

 

Add to that the random acts of kindness from people – the girl at the supermarket who held the door open, making it easier to navigate the beast that is our stroller, kind words from little old ladies, a great suggestion from the waiter. The list could go on and on, and for every dear family, friend, acquaintance and stranger mentioned there are a hundred more who deserve to be shouted from the mountaintops.

In the quicksand of sensational and ‘newsworthy’ headlines, this is what I wish to remember – acts of kindness are always there and may they help us keep in perspective all the things that happen around us.

 

Previous Post: Happy Times in Cape Cod

Next Post: Magic Happens

 

 

Saturday, 2 August 2014

Happy Times in Cape Cod

We’ve been invited to Cape Cod by our dear friends JJ, N + C. It’s a magical way to begin our journey, hanging out with people we love. We arrived on Tuesday and the days seem to have blurred into a flowing rhythm of wake, play, eat, beach, fun, laughter and sleep. It feels like the long luscious summers we use to have as a kid, where each day was whole and simple, each moment true and pure. That precious period before the concept of time and grown up priorities seeps in. A time when you remembered to make lists of things that make you happy.

Book on a shelf

A great reminder

 

So in an ode to this tradition, here is a sprinkling of the big and little things to celebrate and cherish:

Steak, salad and a bottle of 2004 St Hugo’s.
An ability to wind in ‘particle accelerator’ into any conversation.
Throw back to the Miami Vice theme song with Crockett and Tubbs.
Learning random Trivia Pursuit facts, like Massachusetts, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia are Commonwealths, not States.
Shooting stars.
Red crabs.

Baby on floor with two toy red crabs

Crab attack

 

Decaf coffee.
Fresh baked morning glory muffins.
Grapes.

Muffins and grapes on a table

What’s the story morning glory?

 

The thought of Gerard depardieu in a speedo (cringeworthy, yet strangely funny).
Spending quality time with dear friends.
Delicious 14 month old cousin E.
JJ’s orange PJs.
Red adirondack chairs.

Red adirondack chairs on a deck

Prime position

 

Sun deck, which miraculously transforms to a star deck at night.
Baby boy O in a Baby Bjorn rocker.
White linen pants.
Long lashes on a sleeping baby.

Sleeping baby

What it looks like to sleep like a baby

 

Old fashioned General store.
Fresh corn on the cob.
Pomi diced tomatoes.
Freshly baked baguettes.
Drivers who indicate before turning.
Coolers with giant wheels.
Ham, tomato, sweet pepper and Swiss cheese sandwich with waffle chips on the side.
Cold coconut water.
Boppee cushion under a beach umbrella.
Sand between toes.

Sand on baby toes

New sensations

 

12 year old girls who are fascinated with babies.
A dip in the water.
Green balls.
Sharing photos on Facebook with faraway family and friends.
Art.

Painting of a bouy on a blue background

Visual delights

 

Nice hot showers.
Nice smelling moisturizer.
Fruit bowls and fresh vegetables.

Avocado and red peppers in a bowl

Shiny and bumpy

 

Taking photos.
Travel crib.
Drinking water.
Cheese and crackers.
Playing Bocci.
Big family style clam bake dinner with steamers, big juicy lobsters, baked potatoes and butter.

Big red lobster with baked potato and corn on a plate

Not a good place to be a lobster

 

Peanut butter ice cream.
A game of salad bowl where Clarissa and licking of lips prompted the answer Hannibal Lecter, crazy lady from Alaska = Sarah Palin, that punk kid = Justin Bieber

Names written on pieces of paper

Who am I?

 

Falling into a deep sleep.
Sunrise.
Smell of sun dried towels.
Ham and cheese croissant.
Breakfast all over cousin E’s face and hands and nose and hair and chair and floor and…
JJ’s mums boy racer car.
Swimming in a fresh water pond.

People sitting on a beach beside a pond

Dip and swim

 

Freshly fried clams.
Lobster rolls with a side of coleslaw and sweet potato fries.

 

Lobster rolls, chips and coleslaw

Really not a good place to be a crustacean

 

Afternoon naps.
Breeze on the deck.
Conversation.

People sitting under a sun umbrella on a deck

Early evening soirée

 

Trees.
Chirping birds.
Sunset.

Sunset from a balcony

Scintillating ball of hydrogen gas

 

Glow worms.
Chicken with amped up barbecue sauce.
Grilled asparagus.
Perfectly cooked hamburgers.

Hamburgers on flaming grill

Flaming goodness

 

Dancing.
Live music.

Drink and limes on cutting board

Night cap

 

Requests for Tom Petty that go unrequited.
Dream feeds.

It may not be a list of 14,000 things, but it is a good beginning.
Previous Post: And Away We Go
Tuesday, 29 July 2014

And Away We Go

Over the last 24 hours our lives have changed. We are now of no fixed abode, we are owners of fewer possessions and we are reveling in our new status as nomads as we hurtle down the I95 toward Cape Cod.

Ziplock bag with chocolate cookies and snacks

Travel snack pack from Irish Lass

 

It’s hard to imagine that just this time yesterday we were swimming in a sea of bubble wrap and packing tape. Nerves fraying faster than the bottom of overpacked boxes.

Crying baby sitting on boxes

Little Baby O summarizes exactly how we feel

 

They say life teaches you lessons everyday. Here’s what I learnt:

  • Moving isn’t fun. It is a temporary form of hell (sort of like a six day root canal). But everything will be okay…eventually.
  • It is well worth the extra two seconds to put the scissors, tape and fat marker pen back in the same place after use. Playing the ‘where the *fudge* is the <insert item here>’ game quickly wears thin.
  • If in doubt, throw it out.
Moving men packing and moving boxes

Even after a big cull we have more stuff than we need

 

Here’s what English Hubby took away from the experience:

  • It’s a bad idea to schedule a long overdue check up with the dermatologist on the same afternoon as moving and vacating the apartment.
  • A hungry wife with screaming baby who just had a daiper blowout is a lethal combo.
  • Staying hydrated is important.

At the end of the day there weren’t too many casualties, plant life excluded.

Two pot plants with dead herbs

Thankfully the only casualties

 

As dear friend, Irish Lass, wisely counselled – This is just one day which will all be a distant memory very soon. You will soon look back on it and laugh.

Little baby sitting in a rocker in the middle of empty apartment

And we’re ready to leave

 

Previous Post: And More Stuff

Next Post: Happy Times in Cape Cod

More musings…The Road Less Travelled

 

 

Saturday, 19 July 2014

Daily Pics: And More Stuff

When will it ever end? How did we accumulate so much stuff? More packing, this time attacking the kitchen with a little picnic interlude with Big Red.

Lots of packing boxes stacked high

The forest of cardboard boxes grows

 

Kitchen pots and pans on a floor

Did we ever need all this shiny stuff?

 

Soren sliced malt loaf

Delicious picnic on Wards Island with Big Red. A welcome reprieve from packing

 

Previous post: Getting Nostalgic

Next post: And Away We Go