Jamaica for the New Year

Again we find ourselves returning to an island that we never thought that we wanted to go to, never mind return too. Next week we will embark on our annual winter reprieve where we will bask in the sun and bath in the warm tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea.
- I will update the site when we get back!
- LJg

A Furry Visitor for Christmas

We had a "Furry Visitor" for Christmas this year. Her name is Schnooooops. Some of you may have already been greeted by her on occasion this past year. Her Mom & Dad shared Christmas with family and we were given the gift of a little excitement for Christmas morning. She was one excited pup when she figured out that she was allowed to destroy the wrapping paper to find toys inside. At the end of the day she was soooo tired that she made herself a bed in the middle of the sea of wrapping paper to sleep in.

In the picture above, she is investigating the one present that soon became her favorite for the day.

We hope all of you had a safe and happy holiday, and have many good memories!

- LJg

VINCENT's

For a couple of years now, Jaimie, Rockets, Jason, Monti, Ethan and others have been trying to get me to go to Vincent's in Worcester. No way, I said I can't go in there (after seeing the outside). Well, Christmas Eve J said "there will not be many people at Vincent's tonight Mum, we are going, just you and me." OK, I gave in. I thought if we go early, we can get a famous meatball sandwich, have a drink and be done with it. Well, three huge drinks later and a close encounter with the porcelain goddess, I can honestly say that "I have BEEN toVincent's." Guy's, you were right, Vincent's is awesome!

Blue Tours & LL Bean

So, what does Thanksgiving mean to you? Eating and drinking too much, spending time with friends and loved ones, enjoying a day off, or possibly shopping.

It has become a Blue Tours annual tour to go to LL Bean's the Saturday after the holiday (this year, SHA will officially become a Blue Tours member). We travel up to Freeport, Maine and spend the day shopping and enjoying the sights. After a long day of travel and shopping, we spend the night at a local hotel where we can unwind, laugh a little and rest up for the next days excursion... This entails many stops and stores from Freeport to the Massachusetts border. If any of you have traveled route 1 from Freeport, you know that it is a shoppers paradise. Every factory store and anchor store that you can possibly imagine is in that stretch of road.

Last year we had Kath's trunk so full that it was like watching clowns get out of a Volkswagen in a circus when we started to take the items out. Good times!

Will update after the trip.

- LJg

OK, here's the update: Freeport was decorated with true country Christmas tradition. The tree's that lined the streets were perfectly lit with tiny white lights and large colorful balls mimicking the ornaments on a tree. These balls however were completely comprised of lights. The huge blue spruce that is in between the buildings on the L.L. Bean's property was again perfectly lit as well, with multi colored lights and fish ornaments. Yes, I said fish... Where else but L.L. Bean? As we went from shop to shop we could here the sounds of people laughing and bells that were attached to the Belgian horses that pulled the horse drawn carriage that L.L. Bean uses to take patrons for a ride around Freeport. Last year RA really wanted to take that ride, so this year we made the time to do it. It was nice and was in the true spirit of the holiday.

So, how many shoes did RA buy this year? I think she bought at least 4 pairs. This was down from last years 5 or 6 (we really don't care, but we like to tease her about it) however, this year to save space in the trunk, she had the store put them in a bag and throw the boxes out. Genius she is... A good time was had by all, and Blue Tours is looking forward to our next excursion.

BoothBay Bound

As most of you know, we travel north to Maine every fall for one last glimpse of our brilliant New England foliage, the abundance of shopping availability in Freeport (L.L. Bean's), the comforting sights of the ever changing coastline, and of course Booth Bay harbor.

This year, our good friends Willie and Queenie joined us at Brown's Wharf. We were in room 312 and they were in room 212, just below us. For many years we have frequented Brown's but always at different times. This time however, we scheduled our vacations so we could go together... GOOD TIMES!

We got there first... wanting to do something to welcome them back to Brown's, we hung a can of Bud Light over the railing, down to Willie's room. This was our welcome mat! That night we shared much laughter with good friends, enjoyed the wonderful sights, sounds and ambiance of the harbor, and finished the night off with dinner and drinks at Brown's.

The next day, we began the day by stopping for breakfast at Moody's Diner in Union, Maine. The experience is always worth the trip. Breakfast was good as always, and Queenie bought half of the place to take with us on the ride. - Go Figure -

The weather was not cooperating with us at all that day, so we only went up to Camden and walked around a bit.

Upon our return to Booth Bay we enjoyed dinner at the TownsEnd and finished the night with cocktails (what else) on the upper deck, while enjoying each other's company.

OK, so while Willie and Queenie were on their way downstairs for the night, we hung a present (a skeleton) over the railing to great them. HA! We finally got you guys for all of the pranks you pulled on us all of these years!

The weather on our last day was stunning! Bright blue skies and mild temperatures. Seeing as the ocean was calm, we were able to take a ride over to Southport to Hendricks Head Light, this is one of my favorite lighthouses of Maine. After a short drive, we continued on to Ocean Point for our annual drive around the ever inviting Linikin Bay. Absolutely one of the most beautiful areas in New England!

After a brief reprieve in "our" Adirondack chairs overlooking the bay, we returned to Brown's to bid farewell to our dear friends, as we returned to Massachusetts for another year.

Willie and Worm - Thanks for the memories, the laughter, and most of all your friendship!

Kath - You are STILL the "Ballerina Girl!"

- LJg

Cape Cod Here We Come

After a short recovery time for Kath, we finally were able to get in the "Lead Sled" and go to the Cape for a couple of weeks. The weather was hot by day and quite comfortable by night. No rain in sight... just one cloudy day. Awesome... Certainly can not ask for anything more than that.
The picture to the left was of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Training Ship the T.S. Enterprise. This vessel is where the Cadets do their 180 days of "at sea" training while at the academy. If you look closely, you will see the decks lined with all of the Cadets in full dress blues. What an impressive sight!

After a short time home, we were able to return for a weekend or two to join our beloved friends Willie and Worm in laughter, good food and many drinks (it was hot... hydration).

As in years past, the memories will have to last until spring when we hope to return again.

-LJg

Snoopy Goes to the BEACH

As most of you know, I miss taking Zoey to the beach to run and feel the freedom that a dog should feel. So, I asked a friend if I could take their dog Snoopy for the weekend. They thought I had lost it because people don't usually invite dogs to go on vacation, they usually want to leave them home. Well, Snoops came to the beach and she had an awesome time, as did I. We walked the Canal road several times a day, socialized with many other dogs (and people) that were at the Campground, and simply enjoyed the new experience.

Snoops had never been to the beach or felt the sand between her toes, so when I let her off the leash to run in the sand, she was so excited. She ran in and out of the waves and up and down the beach. Stopping only to see if I was watching. I was not only watching, I had the camera going like mad. I know, no surprise to those that know me, but she was really so funny. The last couple of shots that I got, I wasn't paying too much attention to the water and a huge wave came and nailed us both... we were soaked, and it was a little cool (October). It didn't seen to phase Snoops, but I certainly wasn't too pleased to have soaked jeans, shoes and oh ya, the walk back up to the path through the sand was nasty. We were both covered in SAND! Needless to say, that was the end of the beach for the time being. Maybe next year we will do it again. Till then Snoops, thanks for the laughter and the memories!

- LJg

Bald Headed Man with Loafers

During our last days of the season at Scusett Beach, a strange little man appeared mysteriously at Willie and Worms campsite. They called it the "Bald Headed Man with Loafers." Well as you can see the very well dressed ugly Bastard showed up in the evening while we were all enjoying dinner on site 92. Willie saw the guy first as he rounded the corner to the camper, and almost crapped a brick because the thing talks and lights up in the night.

No one has any real idea where this thing came from or who put the Mother on Willie and Worms camp site. Hopefully one day we will all know who the culprit is. Until then... good joke!

- LJg

Kath's Got a New Knee

June 19th-2007
Kath has a new knee... Yup we have been home bound for a good part of the summer because Kath needed a knee replacement.
She is doing great and getting around on her own only two weeks after surgery.

What an amazing women my best friend is! I wish her even better days ahead.

Stay tuned at the end of the month as the Lead Sled will be on the move!
-LJg

FENWAY Park

OK, you are probably wandering why we added Fenway Park to our Lead Sled site. Well, although the Lead Sled did not take the trip we certainly did! I have not been to Fenway, but once when I was in High School and Kath has never been. Jaimie got us some tickets and it was great! We sat in the first row looking at the Red Sox bull pen. While we watched the game go on, we could also watch the "warm-up" of the pitchers and catchers. Up close and personal...

Jason Varitek was warming up and I got a great photo of him looking at me taking his picture. Jonathan Papelbon, Kyle Snyder, and Okajima were also in the bullpen warming up. The game had gotten rained out the night before so we had a day game (double header) the next day. RA was with us as well, but couldn't get the day off for the make up game. We had a Fenway frank and beer for her. Have no fear RA, the Blue Tours WILL travel again soon... It was an awesome experience for us all!

-L

Sunny Jamaica

Jamaica 2007 - We arrived in Jamaica on New Years eve day, tired and travel weary. The plane flight was relatively short, but the bus ride from the airport to the hotel was 2 hours in length. It was bumpy and unsettling at the very least. By the time we got to the hotel, it was dark and we hadn't eaten all day. We just wanted to get to our room and unwind a bit.

Our first impression of the island from the air was good. The view from the plane had turquoise green waters and numerous reef ridges surrounding the island. Upon arrival at the airport however, we had a totally different feeling. The "shuffle" from the plane through customs, etc. was long and drawn out.

We then went from the airport to a small bus behind the airport where we waited for the "locals" to decide when to bring us to the hotel. "Hurry up and wait." We then watched the drivers literally throw our luggage through the bus windows and told us to get in. The driver was pleasant and said that we would stop halfway for a "water/bathroom break." The roads are horrendous at best. It appears as though they are redoing the roads to prepare for a Cricket match some time in the spring. The roads were so bad that on the way back to the airport, Kath almost vomited!

Our room was really nice. Ocean front with a view of one of the two sprawling Infinity pools. What a welcomed site after a long day of travel! We quickly changed our clothes and headed out to the check out one of the many bars on the sprawling complex of over 900 rooms. Of course we did not have to go far! We sat awhile and just took in the gentle warm breezes and a refreshing cold vodka and grapefruit (of course)!

New Years eve was well organized and pleasant. We had met several wonderful people and shared space with them at "our hang out bar" on a regular basis. Just before midnight, the numerous staff of the hotel handed out bags with horns, hats, banner string, etc., and of course glasses full of champagne. At midnight the band counted down the minutes and the entire hotel of over 2500 people yelled happy New Year! After the toast to the New Year they had a bon- fire on the beach, with a band as well. It was different and fun.

Every night the hotel had a different entertainment theme. It had several different themes and was always an enjoyable experience.

The last night we were there, the hotel had a Tribal Dance theme with fire, etc. on the beach. We choose to watch from "our" bar, which was located just above the beach. Prime viewing without the sand.

The week was full of sun and relaxation. An hour or so on the beach, and then cool off at the in- pool bar with cocktails.

The island does not have much to offer in the way of entertainment though, and one is advised not to wander to most areas. One day we took a tour to Ochos Rio, the town closest to us and where the cruise ships come in. The bus driver warned us where to and not to go. We checked out the "local wares" from the Jamaican flea market type area and were ready to go back to the hotel in a hour or so. Another day we took the bus to Dunn's River Falls where we walked beside a huge waterfall that others were climbing up. Not an adventure that Kath and me were interested in taking. There were also many little huts surrounding the area where, once again, the locals were pedaling their wares such as local wood carvings and the like. A little intimidating, but fairly safe none the less.

All in all it was a great vacation, a welcomed and enjoyable vacation. The hotel was clean and new, the food, drinks, and entertainment were good, the sun was always warm and inviting, and of course my best friend helped make the experience memorable.

~ LJg