%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |    My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
| I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon. |
DAY 27 Jones Beach again We had such a good time hanging out the first time, I thought we could do another trip there before our finale. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g48128-d7694803-Reviews-Massapequa... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g60763-d11450017-The_Hampton... We're going to check out either the bird sanctuary or for those of you who want to get some shopping in before the concert. Luke Bryan and Brett Eldredige https://www.jonesbeach.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=... If you haven't got your laundry all caught up,you might want to do so before leaving my home for the bird sanctuary. Just saying, the last 3 days are going to be quite interesting. Hmmm, decisions had to be contemplated and acted upon. What to do for the day? Okay, I opted to spend more time in the great outdoors. I hate to say it, but winter and snow are due to arrive soon enough. That means layering and wearing socks, so while my feet can still be free I will keep busy with all things that permit me to schlep around in my flip flops. Yes, that means I visited the Massapequa Reserve today. I psyched my reluctant legs into another hike by promising them a bus ride to and from the trails. Sure, they still moaned a bit, and displayed their ambivalence with a cramp or two, but in the end they took part in the walking. Actually, my limbs were surprised and pleased that they could follow a path and not a cross-country excursion. .As I strolled, I could not believe that this was Long Island. No hustle or bustle invaded the serenity of this reserve. The water, the trees, the birds all created an area of beauty and peace. I happily encountered wild birds, swans, geese, ducks, and white egrets. So, this evening's concert took us to Jones Beach once again and, yes, there was a deja vu aura. The amphitheatre still appears big, yet welcoming. Luckily, the weather cooperated with no hint of rain. Hey, didn't we see Luke Bryan in Denver? That really was a deja vu moment. He's just as entertaining the second time around. This time, I liked 'Rain is A Good Thing', 'Light It Up', and 'Strip It Down.' Now, Brett Eldredge is a new voice. Definitely a country boy, too. 'The Long Way', and 'Beat Of The Music' sounded pretty good. Both singers fit right in with a relaxed, warm, summer evening. |
DAY 26 Tarrytown, NY Toss your stuff anywhere, I needed to see my familiars on my birthday so we're back in NJ crashing at the house. I suggest you grab a quick respite before we head into the city. Tarrytown is 25 minutes north of Manhattan and we're seeing Melissa Etheridge. She's a force to be reckoned with like yours truly. I'm 62 today. https://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/tarrytownmusichall/melissa-etheridge... We'll be taking in the city's late night scene before returning to the house ATTEMPT 2,,,,, internet crashed just as I hit save,,,, as Charlie Brown sais, "AAAAACCCKKK!" Happy Birthday Lyn's a Witchy Woman  !!! The look on your stunned face was priceless when you heard Melissa Etheridge invite you up onto the stage. It was so freakin' amazing and incredible and unbelievable! She serenaded you, and you deserved it. Then she asked you to accompany her in a duet. Wow! Melissa still has a gorgeous voice. She showcases her considerable talent with songs such as 'Come To My Window'. I warbled and croaked along.We partied well into the dawn. I recall a blur of laughing cab rides, many pubs, karaoke, and a cute wee cupcake with a sizzling sparkler on it, Birthdays are the best excuse to have fun. |
DAY 25 Seattle Take 2 Ladies and Gents, we're sitting in the front of section F3. Ed Sheeran is the artist we're enjoying this evening. https://www.stubhub.com/ed-sheeran-tickets-ed-sheeran-seattle-centurylink-field-... But before you get there we're going on a day tour of Mt. Rainier National Park with complimentary hotel pickup from downtown Seattle, SeaTac, or the Tukwila area. Watch an introduction slideshow to the park at the visitor center, and then journey into the natural region to see Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and Mt. Rainier. Experience the beauty of this nationally preserved outdoor area with help from a guide who knows the best ways around the park. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g60878-d11451466-Mt_Rainier_... You must have guessed I was going to get us some fresh air and hiking in. I've lost 40 lbs this year, I'm not putting any of it back on. What a perfect place to get out and enjoy fresh air and exercise. Mount Rainier National Park sounds so majestic and regal. Perhaps I am thinking of the Rainiers of Monaco? Huh, Count does rhyme with mount... Anyway, our group ventures outside for a full day of exploration and communing with nature. I forgo my usual flip flops and opt for a pair of hiking boots. Of course, this meant I also had to pull on a pair of socks, something my feet rarely see in the summer. Despite their discomfort, I know this is for their benefit. Hiking is a great form of exercise. Basically, it's walking at your own pace with plenty of stops to catch your breath and admire the scenery. No one rushed me. No one shoved me. I was free to meander, to browse, to stare open-mouthed. All the greenery was so, so well, green and lush. The trees dwarfed my insignificant stature and stood tall as silent sentries. Granted I stumbled over more than a few stones and tree roots, but I managed to avoid a complete tumble. Christine Falls and Narada Falls are breathtaking and noisy. Cascading water has its own roar. Reflecting Lake is aptly named. It resembles a smooth mirror. Yep, I could see with my own wondering eyes that Mt. Rainier is very tall. I enjoyed all the photographic possibilities and snapped away indiscriminately. This is why we now have digital options, right? Wow, I'll repeat this, wow! I loved this evening's performer, Ed Sheeran. I listen to his music play on radio stations and my grandgiggles don't seem to mind that I sing right along with them. He is one talented young man. I've always found it fascinating that accents disappear when someone sings, and since I'd never heard Ed speak before I did not know he was British. 'Perfect', 'Dive', 'Shape of You', 'Lego House' and 'Photograph' are all wonderful tunes. The girls would've loved this concert. |
DAY 24 Seattle, Washington We're staying at the Hyatt at Olive 8 in the downtown part of Seattle. https://olive8.hyatt.com/en/hotel/our-hotel.html I've arranged for a relaxing spa treatment at Elaia. once we arrive from Frankfort, North Carolina. We're going to have a quiet evening, maybe catch up on some writing because tomorrow night we're going to see Ed Sheeran in concert. We're going to have dinner at Urbane which is located in the hotel and then head to the Space Needle observation deck. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60878-d123109-Reviews-Space_Needl... and then head to the Triple Door to hear some jazz jam sessions. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60878-d7826875-Reviews-The_Triple... Sweet dreams ladies, tomorrow is going to be really busy. Day 24, and I find myself in Seattle, Washington. This is a new destination pour moi. I am familiar with the Canadian west coast, so the fog and dampness are similar. Now that I'm here, I'm remembering a children's book that my kids had. It featured a creature that lived on the Space Needle.. Will this be a possible sighting to rival the discovery of Yeti, or Big Foot? OMG and WOW [suser:elusive4lyn}. You've booked a day of spa pleasantries and pampering for us? This Hyatt at Olive 8 is a luxury hotel. Everything we could ever need or want for our creature comfort is here in one impressive place. I don't have to dress to impress, or to be civilized. Oh, imagine spending a leisurely day wrapped in a fluffy, white robe. This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences, so I opt to receive a facial, a manicure, a pedicure, and a massage. The in-hotel spa, Alaia is pure decadence. Everything smells divine. Darn, I had to squeeze myself into dining attire, but again the effort was worth it. I honestly don't know where I found the strength to lift my fork, or my glass at Urbane. I felt so comfortable, so relaxed. I suppose I relied upon muscle memory. I've never been one to refuse a gourmet meal, or any offer of refreshment. So, I mustered the wherewithal to feed myself and regenerate my batteries. To this end, I did not decline dessert. Someone created it and I could not be rude and ignore it. Great timing.... apres supper, we explored that iconic piece of architecture, the Space Needle. Oh, thank God there was an elevator, those steps appeared daunting. My stomach didn't relish too much physical exertion, and my two feet were still somewhat relaxed. I did manage to slide across the glass revolving floor. That raised my pulse rate a bit. The view from the observation deck is spectacular. Our evening sojourn at The Triple Door capped a fantastic day. The drinks and the jazz fostered a mellow atmosphere. All I had to do was recline in a comfy chair, sip, and listen. I knew I could handle it. |
DAY 23, 2018 We're going to see Michael Bolton with Priority Seating which includes: seating in the first two rows of the theatre, a concessions pack and a Michael Bolton CD. Priority seating availability is limited. http://www.greatmountainmusic.com/eventdetail.asp?t=i&m=8&d=23&y=201... Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734, USA I'm needing an outdoor fix, ladies, so we're staying at the Carolina River Ranch. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g49146-d12803465-Reviews-Carolina_River... 435 Sam McClure Road, Franklin, NC 28734 I've got us tents along the river. Check out the pictures under the traveler section because that's going to be us. We're going to go tubing on the river in the afternoon before we head for the concert, A beautiful sunny August day. After the concert, we're going to hang around the fire pit and roast marshmallows. Well, talk about existing in parallel planes. At the moment, in my actual life, I am camping. It's not roughing it by any means 'cause I'm enjoying a newer RV with all the extras; a fridge, a stove with oven, a microwave, a shower with hot and cold water, a queen-sized bed..... This is an improvement. Years ago, I slept in a cramped tent tangled up in a sleeping bag on the ground. I kinda like this glamping at Carolina River Ranch near Franklin, North Carolina. The comfy-looking bed is nowhere near the floor and the tent is raised up off the ground too. Now, if only there was a maid.... There was no time to sit in a Muskoka chair and simply idle away the afternoon. Our intrepid group decided to try river rafting, er, I mean tubing. All we had to do was plonk ourselves in / on an inflatable tube / ring and relax. No need to paddle, or kick, the river currents did all the work pulling / pushing us along. Stately green trees waved as we floated languidly. My only suggestion for improvement would be for the camp owners to provide little floating tubes to hold our adult beverages. This evening found us at the Smoky Mountain Center Foe the Performing Arts attending a Michael Bolton concert. I easily recognized several of his songs. They received a great deal of radio play in Canada. I warbled along to his hits such as 'How Am I Supposed To Live Without You' and 'When A Man Loves A Woman'. Back at the "glamp", we relaxed in those wooden Muskoka chairs all circled 'round a roaring fire. We swapped travel stories with our fellow 'glampers". Apparently, we are the first to not only consider, but execute a concert tour . People seem to talk more freely when flames are crackling and snapping nearby. Oh, the s'mores were delicious and decadent in their stickiness. |
DAY 22 Columbus, Ohio woohoo, we're going to see Def Leppard https://www.songkick.com/concerts/32540744-def-leppard-at-value-city-arena-schot... Value City Arena, Schottenstein Center 555 Borror Dr. 43210 Columbus, OH, US We're staying at the Staybridge Suites https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g50226-d12142661-Reviews-Staybridge_Sui... It's been 50 years since Martin Luther King was assassinated so while we're here https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g50226-d278641-Reviews-Martin_Luth... And some quiet time at the Chadwick Arboretum before we have the insanity at the Def Leppard Concert. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g50226-d519176-Reviews-Chadwick_Ar... Hard to believe only 8 days left of our musical insanity. I'm going to miss you. How about a book tour next year? Okay, now we're on the other side of the Great Lakes in Columbus, Ohio. We sure do get around. Great, now I'm singin' the Beach Boys classic... Enough already. The Martin Luther King Performing and Cultural Arts Complex is an impressive venue. It not only promotes a black history section, it features rotating arts' displays from around the globe. I absorbed a bit of culture here as I feasted my eyes. The next stop on our itinerary took us to a serene oasis with a labyrinth, shaded benches, a plethora of green trees and a paved pathway to navigate. The Chadwick Arboretum exudes calm and tranquility, quite a contrast to this evening's entertainment. We rocked out to Def Leppard at the Value City Arena. Huh, I now know this rock/heavy metal group originated in 1977 in Sheffield, U.K. Unbelievable, my in-laws hail from nearby. I cannot fathom them as rockers, no not at all. This is another group that causes me to wonder re their name choice. The spelling is unique, and does it allude to the animal known as the leopard? I don't suppose they intended to be 'The Leotards"? Why the misspelled deaf part? Or could the "def" be in fact a nod to "definition"? Or does it mean "defiance"? Ah, maybe it's the word "deft" minus the letter "t"? I'll never know. Anyway, we rocked out, or is that on? We whistled, (well, I admit I didn't, I still haven't mastered the ol' pursing of these lips), we screamed, we cheered, we hooted ,we hollered. In short, we created noise, but the band's speakers boomed over our fan ruckus. We let loose. The music demands it. We sang along to 'Pour Some Sugar On Me', 'Hysteria', and 'Rock of Ages'. |
DAY 21 Toronto Take 2 I have wanted to go to Toronto since I was a kid. Well,in truth I wanted Montreal, Quebec, Toronto and Vancouver Island in that order. I've done Montreal and Quebec. So I'm beside myself. Rise and shine darlings we're off first to the Music Garden https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d187007-Reviews-Toronto_Mu... then the Botanical Garden https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d2056324-Reviews-Toronto_B... yes, we're walking off the calories from last night. Then we're going to hit the waterfront with its specialty shops and small cafes. Golden opportunity to sneak in some people watching. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d10317678-Reviews-Toronto_... Then we're going to the Amsterdam Brewery, Toss back a couple before hitting the hotel. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d607528-Reviews-The_Amster... This evening we're going to one of the escape rooms to play. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d10721378-Reviews-Mysterio... Ending our evening on the circusbus party bus. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d13372540-Reviews-Circusbu... Ladies it's going to be karaoke night, we're the entertainment so what song are you singing? So, Lyn's a Witchy Woman you've always had a hankering to visit certain areas in Canada, eh? You chose some great spots if I say so. I do hope you have the real life opportunity to explore Toronto and Vancouver Island. In October, I plan to return to the west coast. British Columbia is spectacular and well worth a visit. What can I write about today except whew and wow. Lyn's a Witchy Woman planned a jam-packed day of non-stop activities. I scarcely had a moment to catch my breath, and senses were spinning. Toronto offers so much to experience. I think I might need a new pair of flip flops. The Music Garden offers a tranquil spot along Queen's Quay West to meander and admire beautiful blooms. I must confess the twisting paths confused me, and thus I researched their intention. Apparently, they are meant to encourage people to explore to find music. Ah, so a hunt for the right note? At the corner of Lawrence and Leslie, we strolled through yet another serene site known as the Botanical Gardens. By the sheer numbers of other admirers I surmise it's a popular retreat. Ah, yes, the Waterfront is a wonderful venue for people watching. Like our group, so many stroll, sip, and snack their measured pace along the water. There were so many different vessels coming and going. I perused the wares of the craft vendors, and laughed at the antics of the buskers. I slaked my thirst and regained my strength at the Amsterdam. We sat outside in the glorious sunshine, and toasted our good fortune to be in this city. I sampled a craft beer with the dubious moniker The Boneshaker. Feeling somewhat refreshed and optimistic, perhaps even a wee bit tipsy, I sauntered over to an enclosed room at the Mysterious Minds Escape Rooms venue. I must've been feeling chipper 'cause I willingly entered a locked room only to solve puzzles and translate clues to enable my escape.. Surprisingly, my mind was not completely muddled and addled by the beer intake. I suppose it relaxed me somewhat and relieved any worries. I believe we were victorious and escaped our Grand carnival Room before the one-hour deadline. somewhere, there is a photo of our team clutching a victory banner. Okay, I have visited Toronto the Teeming many, many times and this is the first time I've caught wind of a party bus excursion. Oh, and it's touted as a CircusBus Party Bus, too. But of course, what better way to complete a pub crawl than to travel in a psychedelic-painted former school bus with a fog machine, laser lights, LED walls, and glowing ceiling art? I confess it was a lark, and not at all what I anticipated. Sure, we partook of alcoholic offerings, and yes, we stumbled and swayed from bar to bar.I know I felt no pain. This is a virtual tour after all, and so there are only virtual consequences. As there should be when one is drinking and partying in a converted bus, there was karaoke. We all sing so much better with perfect harmonies when we are less than sober. I love so many tunes, and each one is a given to express the fun and camaraderie I was enjoying. Hmmm, if I had to choose just one tune........ if I belted out one heartfelt song..... it has to be 'We Are Family' 'cause I got all my sisters with me..... wait, I'd probably want to sing some Queen, some Meat Loaf, some Supertramp, and a few others as well. Strangely, booze erases all inhibitions. |
Jumping the border here we come Toronto We're heading north today Ladies, hope your passport is up to date. Toronto has a population of 2,600,000 making it the biggest city in Ontario. It operates on the EDT time zone. We'll be here until Wednesday and doing lots of fun things together. https://www.songkick.com/artists/273059-beach-house#biography Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON, Canada https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g155019-d183090-Reviews-The_Westin_Harb... I hope you slept on the plane because we're going the Royal Conservatory of Music for three hours this afternoon before we hit the concert. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d2525570-Reviews-Royal_Con... What? For a brief time, I am back in my home province. Looking fabulous Toronto! I anticipate that I shall explore you in a new light. I have attended various concerts and events over the years within your teeming boundaries, but this is my first virtual tour. Not such a bad thing either, I save myself a great deal of legwork. The Westin Harbour Castle is an impressive looking edifice, and I love its central locale. Primo real estate for people watching and activities of all sorts. Okay, visiting the Royal Conservatory of Music is a first for me. It too is an impressive and beautiful building. I am familiar with the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts. It's still as massive as I remember. The lobby stretches into infinity, and the hall sports long staircases to climb. Two years ago, my daughters dropped me off out front of this venue, and left me to navigate/avoid several lanes of active vehicle traffic while they sought a parking spot for our car. Ya, I'd just survived yet another knee surgery, and I teetered slightly , precariously upon my flimsy cane. A few of the normally impatient drivers took pity upon me, and stopped their honking progress to permit me to cross the street with an awkward limp., Ah, then I had to climb those endless steps inside. Unfortunately, the security remains ridiculous, but what can I do? It's a necessary gauntlet? At least, I am sans cane today! I had no prior knowledge of this evening's performers, Beach House. I came ready to be impressed, and I was, pleasantly so. The female singer, Victoria, possesses a beautiful, powerful voice. Her playing the organ is a unique touch, Her partner, Alex, plays his guitar and accompanies her with the singing. The song titles were diverse, 'Lose Your Smile' 'Lemon Glow', 'Levitation', and 'Myth\ being but a bit of their repertoire. I enjoyed myself even though I did not sing along. Tonight, I listened. Ah, Toronto never ceases to delight. To cap off my day, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. |
| After we get our luggage dropped off in our rooms we're heading to the Shark Reef Aquarium https://www.mandalaybay.com/en/entertainment/shark-reef-aquarium.html then we're hitting the pool party https://www.mandalaybay.com/en/nightlife/daylight.html and ending our evening with the 9:30 show MICHAEL JACKSON ONE BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL https://www.mandalaybay.com/en/entertainment/michael-jackson-one.html and if you still have energy then hit the casino https://www.mandalaybay.com/en/casino.html We're virtual the limits are whatever we make them. Who bothered to sleep last night? Las Vegas is one bustling, teeming, very alive city. All the glittering lights and the pounding rock music bullied any idea of slumber. What? We've switched hotels? There are so many here, all glass behemoths. Oh, I get it. The Mandalay is THE spot, central to today's forays and spectacles. Like the humongous posters advised, I became an aquarist for a most pleasurable time. I meandered through the immense Shark Reef Aquarium scarcely daring to breathe , or blink. Standing within / under a glass arch of ocean water with swimming sea life circling over my head is an amazing experience. I just had to wait my turn in line to hand feed a stingray, a shark, and a turtle. All my fingers are still attached to my hands. The komodo dragon is a fiercesome beast. Huh, I can now lay claim to attending a pool party in Sin City. You know what they say about while in Rome... I shimmied into a bikini more so that I'd blend in as I observed the carefree partiers. What can you say about pulsating , nonstop music, glorious sunshine, sparkling pool water, and bottomless beverages? Yes, I partied. I splashed and rubbed shoulders with hundreds of glistening bodies. Alas, my pale skin refused to adopt even a sun-kissed hint of a tan. Tonight's show is hands down my favourite concert so far. I've attended and enjoyed many a Cirque du Soleil performance in Toronto. I'm never disappointed by the showmanship, the music, the elaborate costumes, and the enthralling themes. This fantastic tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is no exception. I was so captivated by it all. All I could do at times, was stare wide-eyed, unblinking, loathe to miss anything. The visual and musical montages are incredible works of acrobatics, dance, and aerial antics. The light show, the pulsating music, the mime and magic, the electric energy, the costumes and make-up, all mesmerized. Of course, I felt compelled to sing along to MJ's greatest hits. This was dazzling fun!!After such an electrifying show, it was impossible to relax. I felt jazzed, and I needed to do something. Again, because of this locale, I ventured into the hotel's casino. Again, my senses were overpowered by gleaming, sparkling lights and the general buzz. What the heck, I actually tried my luck and gambled. I had no clue what to do, but I winged it. In reality, I mimicked the oblivious obsessed nearby. I hummed MJ songs as I played. Sadly, I cannot report any winnings. There was no ' Luck Be A Lady Tonight'. I'm okay. I'm in no danger of developing an addiction. |
| Look at usCity of Sin, remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas *Rolling* We're here for the weekend. https://963kklz.com/event/joan-jett-blackhearts/ Time:8:00 pm Star of the Desert Arena 31700 S Las Vegas Blvd Primm, NV 89019 United States We'll be staying at the Rio https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g45963-d91673-Reviews-Rio_All_Suite_Hot... if Joan Jett isn't keeping your attention you can always check out some male eye candy. https://www.chippendales.com/vegas-show at the Rio. It's going to be an interesting weekend ladies. You're free to explore the strip or hang out at the pool. Look at us in Sin City, such a provocative name for a little stop in the desert. What a contrast between Las Vegas and Philadelphia. There are so many sparkling lights. It never seems to be dark. Really, Lyn's a Witchy Woman . male strippers? This is definitely a first for me. I appreciate your description of "male eye candy". Yes, there was some ogling. My eyes enjoyed their unusual treat. Wow, the Rio Hotel sure does gleam with all its glass. The word sumptuous came to mind. Nah, the casino does not appeal to me. I dislike the constant noise and the fluorescent lighting. Gambling has never seemed like entertainment to me. I preferred to sit, sip a drink, and people watch. Each person is a potential character and has a story to tell. This evening's concert turned out to be rollicking fun. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts delivered quite the show. Their love and enthusiasm for rock is contagious. I happily sang along and bopped to the classics, 'I Hate Myself For Loving You' and 'I Love Rock n Roll'. Vive Las Vegas! |
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