Preowned Honda Odyssey

Lizzie and I after traveling to the Carsense Uwchland, PA location numerous times for the better half of a week, finally made a purchase of a 2004 Honda Odyssey. We originally had picked out a 2005 Jeep Libery, but brought it back with the 5 day grace period that Carsense gives you. George, our outstanding represenative, was a tremendous help. We test drove just under a dozen different cars, to include a VW bug, a mini cooper, a fun boxy little Scion, a honda CRV, a Mazada wagon, several other minivans, the Jeep Liberty, a Ford Freestyle, and of course our final choice, the Honda Odyssey.
If you live in the Philly area, I would highly recommend traveling to either of the Carsense locations. If you make it to the Uwchland location, ask for George, and tell them Lizzie Bean sent you.

Thanksgiving Reservations

Thanksgiving reservations are being made by Lizzie even as I type.

We initially had planned on staying over one night with all the kids. But she now is considering staying two nights, and then going shopping on Black Friday in Philly. Well as this adventure unfolds, we will update the blog.

Thanks Giving Plan Update:

Thanksgiving reservations have been made by Lizzie using Hotels.com. We are dining at Maggianos, which has a special Thanksgiving menu, and we will be staying at the Omni Hotel at Philadelphia's Independence Park. We will be arriving in Philly early in the day Thursday to catch the parade(that is the goal), then the boys and I will be leaving Friday morning. Lizzie, her daughter and mom will be hanging out in Philledelphia for Black Friday shopping. She is far braver than I.

The Aladdin Sky like Ceiling

The Aladdin Sky like Ceiling
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

The inside of the shopping area of the Aladdin Hotel Casino. At first I thought I was outside, but wait a minute is is 1pm in the afternoon, unless it is an eclipse. It looked so real, but if you scanned you could tell it was just the ceiling. A high ceiling nevertheless. The Truman Show was never so real.

Las Vegas Review

Lizzie and I got back about a week and half ago from Las Vegas, but my luggage did not get back until last Sunday. (see previous post) We stayed at the MGM grand, and would stay there again, except there are so many places to stay in Vegas, why stay in the same place twice.

We did a lot of exploring of the strip and the casinos near by. We also took the Tram back to Sahara to get in some Three Dollar Black Jack, but only broke even this time.

I have posted many fo the pictures of the trip on my Flickr account which can be reached by clicing on any of my photos, to include the above picture of the award winning MGM Grand pool.

My favorite meal was when Lizzie and I had breakfast beside the pool. Lizzie, me, a bunch of timid little birds eating my crumbs, and some landscape workers who were installing landscape lighting.

We also managed not to see a time share presentation. We had put a $20 deposit down, but went back and cancelled. We told them we had done some Internet research on the company, so we did not want to get involved with any high pressure sales presentation. They gave us our deposit back without a problem.

Other posts about our trip include:

• Various Las Vegas posts on the Pixelheadonline blog.


• Firstman2006 Blog posting


• Here on The Travel blog of Lizzie Bean

Snack Pack On Southwestern Airlines

Snack Pack On Southwestern Airlines
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

What a delicious meal we had. It was the same snack on both flights, however, we did smartly pack left overs from lunch on the return trip. Overall the flights were fine. Except for Southwestern Loosing My bag, it was an okay flight back from Las Vegas...we did make it home in one piece, and that is the important thing.

Update:And with a bit of Internet research, and a two hour drive, I was able to retrieve my suitcase from the New Jersey home they delivered it to. The did give me a 100 dollar voucher good for Southwest flights for a year, but I was unable to use it before it expired.

We're in Vegas!

The flight was uneventful - which is what I prefer on any flight. We left on time and arrived right on time; picked up our checked bags; got on a shuttle to the MGM Grand and checked in. One problem with the check in - we didn't get the room that we specifically requested. We researched the rooms available at the MGM Grand and really wanted a room in the West Wing. After reading review after review - I knew that I wanted to be in the West Wing and was told online - that it was available. When we checked in - we were told otherwise - or that a non-smoking room was not available on the West Wing. Misty - at the desk told us that the room we were getting was nicer because it was bigger - but that it only had a "regular" king bed. You see, the best feature of the West Wing rooms and what everyone raved about in the reviews were the deluxe king beds with the pillow tops. That is what I wanted and that is what we didn't get. I'm sure at this point we could request to move. So many guests are checking out today - it is Sunday after all and I'm sure we could move if we were so inclined. The thought of packing everything up again - doesn't sound appealing at all.

Anyway - that's all the complaining I'm going to do today. After checking into the very nice, clean room - we took off to find Cat. They're staying at the Monte Carlo - right across the boulevard from the MGM. We walked over to that hotel via New York-New York - which was really crowded and not very inviting. We met Cat and Dave at the Monte Carlo Brewery & Pub. They had a limited menu at that time (it was after 10pm) and we were starving - not having eaten anything since noon - and it was about 1am our time. So we ordered Nachos, Quesadillas, Hot Wings and Pepperoni Pizza - 3 glasses of wine and 3 beers between the four of us. It was all great.

We had high expectations of going out on the floor and gambling - but when we got out to the casino - I was about to die from exhaustion. We decided to all head back to our rooms; get some sleep and I was in serious need of some servicing too. All was great and we're looking forward to an eventful day today.

Going to Vegas!

After many flip-flops on the decision of whether we should or should not go to Vegas - we're going!

The timing just didn't seem right this year and finances are unsure for the coming year as well - so there was a lot of debate and issues regarding this trip to Vegas. But, a trip is a trip and the constant need to travel won over the lesser need to be practical and responsible.

Of course we tried to find the best deal using Hotels.com and Travelocity.com - but, unfortunately - all of the flights were at least one stop and paying a little more for a non-stop flight seemed preferable (did I mention that being practical wasn't the first choice for this trip). In general I've always had great experiences with both those services - but, time was a factor with this trip since we waited until the last minute to book the vacation.

We ended up going through Southwest Vacations.com - their flights are never part of the discount travel sites. They had a fabulous selection of non-stop flights to Vegas and although fairly limited for the dates we're traveling - we found a great hotel. We will be staying at the MGM Grand Hotel in the West Wing.

Needless to say - we're really excited about this trip. Since it all was planned so recently - we don't even have to wait long to go.

The reason for the trip - other than the 2nd annual business meeting that always takes place in Las Vegas - is to see Cat. We had the pleasure of being at her Vegas wedding last year in November - which was our first trip to Vegas ever - and coincidently - the first business meeting.

We'll be leaving Saturday, October 21st at 5:50 pm out of Philly International Airport and arriving at 8:25 pm in Las Vegas. Our return flight is at 4:45 pm on Tuesday the 24th and doesn't get into Philly until 12:45 am - the next day!

French Poutine

French Poutine
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

Poutine and Chicken Fingers for lunch. We tried the regional food while in Gananoque. We had seen it on the menu the night before at the Lansdowne Restaurant. Apparently, it is kind of like nachos or cheese fries here in the US. Fries with cheese curds and gravy. I was quite surprised, but seriously doubt that I will find any near us in PA.

The Golden Egg

The Golden Egg
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

Lizzie's Daughter pointed this egg out, so we stopped and took pictures. It is located along the road to Shawmere Cottages. Located along Red Horse Lake Ontario, Canada.

Red Horse Lake from Shawmere

Red Horse Lake from Shawmere
Originally uploaded by Emperor Anton.

The view from Shawmere of Red Horse Lake Ontario, Canada. The weather for the weekend we were there was unbelieveable.

Shawmere on Red Horse Lake, Ontario

We did make it back from our unplugged weekend at Shawmere. It was a much needed restful weekend that included trips to Kingston and Gananaque, two nights of campfires, a bike ride, and card games. I also got some great pictures that will be posted on my flickr account when I have the opportunity.
Since coming back form Ontario, I have been spending way to much time working on the Pixelheadonline blog. We moved it from a subdomain folder to a subfolder off of the root url of http://pixelheadonline.com/blog/. This turned out to me much more work than we had anticipated. All in an effort to get the blog cached in google.
Anyway, the trip was very relaxing. A more detailed post will follow when time allows, along with pictures.

Red Horse Lake Ontario Canada

Going back to Red Horse Lake for a short weekend, actually leaving in under 10 minutes. Lizzie, her daughter and I are going. We had asked several other people, but they bagged on us. Oh well. It is suppose to be a great weekend up there, sunny and in the 60's- very fall like. Taking our bikes so hopefully we will be able to get some bike riding, canoing, hiking and maybe a camp fire. Looking forward to being unplugged.

Going to Las Vegas?

We were planning our annual trek to Las Vegas (last year was the first), but now we're unsure if we'll be able to make it. We did enjoy Las Vegas and that was our primary reason to return. But, we've done an excess of traveling in 2006 - and the budget may not allow for this excursion. We did consider "slumming" it (something I really never wanted to do again). I feel far too old to be staying at seedy hotels - I've come to enjoy the luxury of finding only 1 or 2 hairs in the bathroom as compared to the layer of filth that seems to cover the surfaces of the 2 star or below establishments. Or the fresh coat of paint that has encased the filth for the duration of the hotels existence. But, Vegas may be worth it - we haven't decided yet.

On our trip to Vegas last year we stayed at the Sahara - which was a three star hotel. I thought that rating was very generous of those that rated the hotel. Overall it was old and dirty but it did have all the glitz that is expected of a Las Vegas hotel. It did offer quite a few conveniences with the monorail right at the hotel and one of the few casinos we found that had slot machines that would actually pay out in coins - if that's what you wanted.

If we do decide to go to Vegas - it would be on the weekend of October 21st - so we better make a decision soon.

The Beach at Avon,NC

Avon, NC is a nice little beach town, with one main road, and many little off shoots. The main road has most of the businesses on it, and the off shoots have all the houses. The Atlantic ocean is on one side and the sound is on the other. From our top porch, we are able to see both the sound and the Atlantic.

Upon arrival, we were unable to gain access to our house due to its not being ready and a check in time after 5pm. So we drove around during the hottest day we have had since we have been here. We headed south on rt 12 and left town and once we were out of town, proceeded to turn around. When turning around, we decided to go and check out the ocean. Everyone except Lizzie ended up going in with what they had on. Their was a lot of sea weed, and cars were parked on the beach. Lizzie was worried that cars would be on the beach the whole time. I eased her fears by telling her that this is outside the city limits, so they will not be allowed on the beaches withing the city limits. I was right.

So about 5pm, we loaded our wet selves back into the cars(the cars reek) and went to see if we could check in. Lizzie went in and came out with a frown on her face. With time to spare, we decided to go and visit the Dairy Queen we passed at the beginning of town. Just gotta love DQ. After DQ we came back and were then able to check in to hour beach house.

We unpacked and ordered two pizzas from Ninos pizza, since Lizzy had eaten there on a prior trip. Very good pizza. Inspite of the eagerness to go back to the beach, we were way too tired to go to the beach again. Lizzy and I went to bed about 9pm.

The next day, Sunday, we got to the beach at about 1030am- 1pm, then again for several hours after 5pm. Moderate waves. Lizzy made hamburgers.

Monday began the over cast weather. Monday thru Wed it was over cast, but inspite of the weather, we made it to the beach every day atleast one time if not twice.

Monday afternoon when the kids initially went to the beach without us, Lizzie and I went shopping. I was looking for some NewSkin for a hole that was developing in my foot. Once we located the towns pharmacy, I discovered they were out of it, so we headed over to the hardware store for the next best thing, Duct tape.

We also stopped off at Deep Blue gift shop and bought gifts for those who did not come and a few for those who did. I got a new swim suit because the only one I had was for a swimming pool, and the mesh netting served to collect the granular ocean sand. Both times I wore it, when taking the suit off, I deposited atleast a pound of debris on the floor. This also made for some extreme discomfort for me...ouchy.

After the hardware store, Lizzy and I stopped for lunch at Toppers Pizza and Pasta. Lizzie had a black olive onion personal pan pizza. I had a chicken cheese steak, that was not a Philly Cheese steak, but it was quite delicious in its own right. Not Norristown bread, but still quite good. I would eat it again.

The best day of the week for the beach while we were there, I would have to say was Friday. It was in the mid to high 80's, and very calm. Upon waking in the Am there was not a cloud in the sky. The waves at the beach were coming in at a decent rate, atleast good enough for a few good bodyboard rides. More than one wave was able to slam me down into the sandy beach. Also noticed a number of people riding skim boards into the waves.

We had bought a skim board at Connors Supermarket, a grocery store located in Buxton for $8-quite a bargain. Too bad none of us could use it. I guess we gave up a little to easily. I for one was not even able to get on it. Perhaps next time I will take some lessons. Not sure I want to take skim board lessons. Pretty sure I would rather take regular surfing lessons.

Restaurants

We did manage to dine at several restaurants while vacationing with the crew.

• The first other than Sonic or Dairy Queen(yes there is a DQ) was Topper's Pizza and Pasta were Lizzie and I had lunch. Nice place that had a cool picture that Lizzie liked.
• Mack Daddy's Seafood Grill& Raw Bar was the next place we visited. Actually took the whole gang out here for dinner one night. They put down a sheet of paper that covers the whole table, so the kids were able to let their creative juices flow. Should have gotten some pics of their creations. So Mack Daddy's gets a thumbs up for a family type atmosphere. Lizzie and I woulld also give them a thumbs up for their wine selection. The Red Truck wine was quite tasty, so much so that we got a bottle at the Village Grocery Store. All of the food was awsome, to include the frog legg apetizer and the deserts. Loved the Creme Brule.
• We also had pizza from Nino's Pizza, since Lizzie had eaten there before.
• We also ate pizza again at Island Pizza and Steam Bar located in Waves in the St. Waves Plaza. Great gormet pizza. The waitress we had here, had been working at Mack Daddy's the previous night when we were there. She said she remembered us and that they had saved one of the kids drawings and put on the wall. Will have to get them to send me a pic of it.
• Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard in Buxton. Lizzie and I ate here twice. Once with the kids and once without. They have this one treat that is like a blizzard, but not a blizzard. You can get as many ingredients in it as you would like.
• Fat Cat Ice Cream in Avon.

We really did not eat out that much. With six of us, it became very expensive to eat out. We manly ate pre planned meals. This was ideal since our house came with a complete kitchen.

Driving to Avon, NC

The Avon trip began 45 minutes later than planned. Lizzie told me to set the alarm, I did, but she didn't tell me to turn it on. David woke us up 20 minutes after 4am and asked if we were leaving. Well we got up and and got into the prepacked cars and we were on our way. Stopped on the way at a WaWa for gas, coffee and a couple of bagels. The kids were all asleep, so it was just Lizzie and I, although we were in two separate cars. The drive was pretty uneventful: I do recall arriving in VA at 830 am. We also passed two Sonic restaurants, but did not stop.

When the kids woke up, I told them we passed several Sonics and they flipped. One of David's friends is giving away 1 million meat on a KOL(an online game) for the first person to get a picture of themselves infront of a Sonic sign. The kids woke up when we stopped for a bathroom break in VA. Thankfully, because I really needed a co-pilot to keep from getting lost. A true shock came when we came to the bridge to cross the Chesapeake bay- twelve dollars..holy hanna. But halfway across we came to the conclusion that there price was just and would have been acceptable to ask 20. About 30minutes later after two tunnels and two long sections of bridge we made it to the other side. My two passengers made it through both tunnels without breathing. On the other side the two teens began groaning from hunger, so we began to look for some grub. As we came around a turn, to their surprise, there was another Sonic.
So we stopped and had a delicious meal.

We even got two frisbees from our server, Brandi, because we were so enthusiastic. We are continually seeing the commercials, but have none in our area. I have heard they are only in ten states.
After chowing we were on our way. Within an hour and half, we were in Avon, but unable to get into our beach house.

Avon, NC- Outer Banks

Lizzie and the gang will be traveling to Avon, NC next week. Did some research and apparently Avon is known for its wind surfing and para sailing. Lizzie will have to take some lessons. Driving directions from Boyertown, Pa:

Turn right onto the PA-100 S ramp to Pottstown - go 4.7 mi
4.7 mi
5 mins
409.5 mi
(10h 36m)
5.
5.6 mi
(8m 33s)
Bear right at PA-100 - go 1.7 mi
1.7 mi
2 mins
404.8 mi
(10h 30m)
6.
7.3 mi
(10m 53s)
Continue on Pottstown Pike - go 13 mi
13 mi
20 mins
403.1 mi
(10h 28m)
...
7.
20.3 mi
(34m 29s)
Bear right at N Pottstown Pike - go 4.9 mi
4.9 mi
7 mins
390.1 mi
(10h 4m)
8.
25.2 mi
(42m 20s)
Bear right at Pottstown Pike - go 0.8 mi
0.8 mi
1 min
385.2 mi
(9h 56m)
9.
26.0 mi
(43m 37s)
Continue on PA-100 S - go 2.2 mi
2.2 mi
2 mins
384.4 mi
(9h 55m)
10.
28.1 mi
(46m 28s)
Bear right into the US-202 S entry ramp - go 3.0 mi
3.0 mi
3 mins
382.3 mi
(9h 52m)
11.
31.1 mi
(50m 21s)
Continue on West Chester Byp - go 0.8 mi
0.8 mi
1 min
379.3 mi
(9h 48m)
12.
31.8 mi
(51m 34s)
Take the Wilmington Pike ramp - go 0.4 mi
0.4 mi
378.5 mi
(9h 47m)
13.
32.2 mi
(52m 20s)
Bear right at Wilmington Pike - go 4.5 mi
4.5 mi
8 mins
378.2 mi
(9h 46m)
14.
36.7 mi
(1h 2m)
Continue on Wilmington West Chester Pike - go 3.0 mi
3.0 mi
5 mins
373.6 mi
(9h 37m)
15.
39.7 mi
(1h 7m)
Continue on Concord Pike - go 5.0 mi
5.0 mi
7 mins
370.6 mi
(9h 31m)
16.
44.7 mi
(1h 16m)
Bear right into the I-95 S entry ramp to Delaware Memorial Bridge/Baltimore - go 8.6 mi
8.6 mi
10 mins
365.7 mi
(9h 23m)
17.
53.3 mi
(1h 27m)
Take the SR-1 S/SR-7 S exit 4A to Christiana/Mall Road - go 0.3 mi
0.3 mi
357.1 mi
(9h 11m)
18.
53.6 mi
(1h 28m)
Take the SR-1 S/SR-7 S exit 4A to Christiana/Mall Road - go 1.1 mi
1.1 mi
1 min
356.8 mi
(9h 11m)
19.
54.7 mi
(1h 30m)
Continue on SR-1 S - go 4.3 mi
4.3 mi
5 mins
355.7 mi
(9h 9m)
20.
59.0 mi
(1h 35m)
Bear right at S Dupont Hwy - go 2.3 mi
2.3 mi
3 mins
351.4 mi
(9h 3m)
21.
61.3 mi
(1h 38m)
Continue on SR-1 S - go 35 mi
35 mi
38 mins
349.1 mi
(9h 0m)
...
22.
96.1 mi
(2h 24m)
Take the US-13 exit 97 to Salisbury/Norfolk - go 2.0 mi
2.0 mi
3 mins
314.3 mi
(8h 14m)
23.
98.1 mi
(2h 27m)
Bear right onto the S Dupont Hwy S ramp - go 317 ft
317 ft
312.3 mi
(8h 11m)
24.
98.1 mi
(2h 27m)
Turn left at S Dupont Hwy S - go 9.5 mi
9.5 mi
11 mins
312.2 mi
(8h 11m)
25.
107.6 mi
(2h 41m)
Continue on S Dupont Hwy - go 12 mi
12 mi
16 mins
302.7 mi
(7h 58m)
...
26.
119.4 mi
(3h 0m)
Continue on Sussex Hwy - go 15 mi
15 mi
20 mins
291.0 mi
(7h 39m)
...
27.
134.1 mi
(3h 23m)
Continue on Sussex Hwy S - go 12 mi
12 mi
16 mins
276.3 mi
(7h 15m)
...
28.
146.1 mi
(3h 43m)
Continue on Ocean Hwy - go 3.7 mi
3.7 mi
5 mins
264.2 mi
(6h 56m)
29.
149.9 mi
(3h 48m)
Take the US-13 S ramp to Norfolk - go 409 ft
409 ft
260.5 mi
(6h 50m)
30.
149.9 mi
(3h 48m)
Take the Salisbury Byp ramp - go 11 mi
11 mi
12 mins
260.4 mi
(6h 50m)
...
31.
161.2 mi
(4h 3m)
Continue on Ocean Hwy - go 27 mi
27 mi
38 mins
249.2 mi
(6h 35m)
...
32.
188.3 mi
(4h 49m)
Continue on Charles M Lankford Jr Memorial Hwy - go 92 mi
92 mi
1 hour 58 mins
222.0 mi
(5h 50m)
...
33.
280.4 mi
(7h 11m)
Take the I-64 E/I-64 W ramp to Chesapeake/Suffolk/Hampton - go 345 ft
345 ft
129.9 mi
(3h 28m)
34.
280.5 mi
(7h 11m)
Take the I-64 E ramp to Chesapeake/Suffolk - go 10 mi
10 mi
12 mins
129.9 mi
(3h 28m)
...
35.
290.7 mi
(7h 25m)
Take exit 291B to Elizabeth City (VA-104 S)/Dominion Blvd (US-17 S)/(VA-168 S) - go 0.3 mi
0.3 mi
119.7 mi
(3h 14m)
36.
291.0 mi
(7h 25m)
Merge into I-464 S - go 0.3 mi
0.3 mi
119.4 mi
(3h 13m)
37.
291.3 mi
(7h 26m)
Bear left onto the VA-168 S ramp to Nags Head/Manteo - go 14 mi
14 mi
16 mins
119.1 mi
(3h 13m)
...
38.
305.4 mi
(7h 45m)
Continue on S Battlefield Blvd - go 0.8 mi
0.8 mi
1 min
104.9 mi
(2h 53m)
39.
306.2 mi
(7h 46m)
Bear left at VA-168 S - go 0.8 mi
0.8 mi
1 min
104.1 mi
(2h 52m)
40.
307.0 mi
(7h 48m)
Bear right at VA-168 - go 0.2 mi
0.2 mi
103.4 mi
(2h 51m)
41.
307.2 mi
(7h 48m)
Continue on NC-168 - go 18 mi
18 mi
25 mins
103.1 mi
(2h 50m)
...
42.
325.5 mi
(8h 17m)
Continue on US-158 - go 3.9 mi
3.9 mi
6 mins
84.8 mi
(2h 21m)
43.
329.4 mi
(8h 25m)
Continue on US-158 - go 24 mi
24 mi
32 mins
81.0 mi
(2h 13m)
...
44.
353.1 mi
(9h 3m)
Bear right at US-158 - go 0.1 mi
0.1 mi
57.3 mi
(1h 35m)
45.
353.2 mi
(9h 4m)
Continue on N Croatan Hwy - go 1.6 mi
1.6 mi
2 mins
57.2 mi
(1h 35m)
46.
354.7 mi
(9h 6m)
Bear right at US-158 - go 2.4 mi
2.4 mi
3 mins
55.6 mi
(1h 32m)
47.
357.1 mi
(9h 10m)
Continue on W Croatan Hwy - go 1.4 mi
1.4 mi
2 mins
53.2 mi
(1h 28m)
48.
358.5 mi
(9h 13m)
Continue on US-158 - go 3.6 mi
3.6 mi
6 mins
51.9 mi
(1h 26m)
49.
362.1 mi
(9h 20m)
Continue on S Croatan Hwy - go 3.8 mi
3.8 mi
5 mins
48.3 mi
(1h 18m)
50.
365.9 mi
(9h 26m)
Continue on US-158 - go 3.5 mi
3.5 mi
5 mins
44.5 mi
(1h 12m)
51.
369.4 mi
(9h 32m)
Turn left at NC-12 S - go 0.2 mi
0.2 mi
41.0 mi
(1h 7m)
52.
369.5 mi
(9h 32m)
Continue on NC-12 - go 40 mi
40 mi
54 mins
40.8 mi
(1h 6m)
...
53.
409.9 mi
(10h 37m)
Turn right at Harbor Rd - go 0.5 mi
0.5 mi
1 min
0.5 mi
(1m 22s)
54.
410.4 mi
(10h 38m)
Arrive at Avon, NC 27915

Thats going to be a nice long drive. Two cars and four kids.
Lizzie and I will get out though, we are bringing babysitters.

Red Horse Lake, Ontario

Red Horse Lake is located in the Heart 1000 Islands area of Ontario, about half an hour from the "CANADIAN GATEWAY TO THE THOUSAND ISLANDS", Gananoque, which is a charming little town off of the St. Lawrence River. Lizzy and I(surprisingly) made the journey to Red Horse Lake on Friday evening after work. At only a 5 hour drive from the Philadelphia area, it is a great place to visit for a vacation.
Lizzie had planned on making the trip early Saturday morning to visit her parents and daughter who were vacationing there for two weeks. She had also planned on taking several of her sons. I was planning on spending the entire weekend with my own kids. However, plans changed, and none of the boys wanted to go when it was time to leave. Also, she had changed her mind about the departure time and decided to leave Friday after work instead of Saturday morning. I changed my plans because I did not want her to make the trip by herself and I saw the disappointed look on her face when the boys cancelled. A decision I am thankful I made, because I look forward to making the trip to Red Horse Lake again.

The above picture is Lizzie sitting on an Adirondack Chair on the cottage porch looking out at Red horse Lake mid Saturday morning.


Red Horse LakeTrip Events

• Departed Boyertown 645pm
• Slices of Pizza from Pasea mio in Allentown
• 1130pm Watertown...Gassed up at the Sunoco
• midnight Canada
• 1245am Shawmere Cottages, Red Horse Lake, Ontario
• 8am discovered sleeping
• 830am Breakfast
• 10am trip to Gan
• 1230 Boat ride on the Red Horse Lake
• 5pm Slaw dogs with Dixie Slaw
• 8pm Trip to Thousand Islands Charity Casino:-(
• 1100 back at camp in bed
• 730am up with the Loons
• Coffee and walk by the lake
• Breakfast at Twist Outlet Major Gas store(funny name, but good breakfast)

Wake-Forest Return Trip

We had a good time. It is now morning on Sunday and we are packing up and getting ready to go home. Very restful trip.
Ate at Cities Bar and Grill last night...Lizzie said she had some of the Best Crab Cakes she has had, and the best she has had in Winston-Salem(she did have them at all three restaurants). I had the small 12 0z prime rib, which melted in my mouth. Tom had a Filet Mignon Neptune, which is a Filet Mignon with three grilled shrip with Bernaise sauce. He said it was the best meal he has ever had to date, and the best restaurant he has ever been to.
On another tanget went wine shopping last night and found one of Lizzies favorite wines...Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon...was unable to find the famous gate.
Well got to go, Lizzie is getting cranky due to hunger. Will finish review later.

Returning to Wake Forest University

Lizzie and I will be returning to Wake Forest for a parents weekend next Friday and leaving on Sunday. Lizzie made reservations via Hotels.com for The Marriott Courtyard near the University. Hopefully we will get some time to go out into Winston-Salem to site see, but we may have many events scheduled for us by the camp. We are also taking our bikes to ride around campus and any bike trails that we may find.

Calling Cards

Some time ago, when we were going to Whistler, we had been talking to a bartender who works at the airport. She had been on vacation in Europe with her daughter, and her daughter made some phone calls with her cell phone. Low and behold our bartender got a surprise when her phone bill came. The roaming charges were amazing. I guess her daughter had been talking to her boyfriend a little too long. Anyway, I am wondering why people don't just use International Calling cards as their emergency communications back up when on vacation. These calling cards are really cheap. Take for example the International calling cards from Cloncom.com, which I have discussed on Network of Sites: Affiliate Programs to Develop a Network of Sites. When you search for calling cards to call from Germany to the US, rates vary from about half a cent per minute to 61 cents per minute. Rates vary due to amounts of minutes being purchased, service charges such as connection fees, and types of phones being used. Had our bartender gotten one of these for her daughter, she would have not only saved money, but prevented the shock from an excessively high cell phone bill.