Vacations Are Supposed to be Fun
I sometimes think vacations are overrated33 total reviews
Comment from Esther Brown
I recall many disastrous trips traveling. It is like childbirth for me, I soon forget the pain and wanderlust rules again. Tips for a pleasant trip include MiraLAX NOT Dulcolax. Carryon that doubles as a purse. Take a charger for my phone GPS. And most of all, keep my sense of humor high and expectations low. Loved your story. Esther
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
  |
I recall many disastrous trips traveling. It is like childbirth for me, I soon forget the pain and wanderlust rules again. Tips for a pleasant trip include MiraLAX NOT Dulcolax. Carryon that doubles as a purse. Take a charger for my phone GPS. And most of all, keep my sense of humor high and expectations low. Loved your story. Esther
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hello Esther,
thanks so much for great review. I used to like traveling, but perhaps I'm too old and grouchy for it anymore. I didn't include some of the more infuriating issues because of the length of the article, but one of my pet peeves, aside from the plane being late, is that the seats are too crowded together and the isles are narrow. I like to get an isle seat because I know I'll have to pee sometime on a long flight. Without fail, I can plan on having my knee or elbow smacked by the cart going down the isle at least once, and usually several times. When I first started flying, there were only two seats on each side of the isle, not three, and they even gave you a meal. I imagine there will be no return to the good ol' days, as profits seem to be more important than service. I suppose I should be glad that door didn't fly off the plane at 30,000 feet.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I couldn't help but smile. My husband has the same bowel issues while traveling. My favorite story is when three boys and I flew to Germany for the first time to join my husband there. We didn't have housing right away so had to wait was an Army thing. The boys ages were 15 months, 5, and 7. We had a 4-hour airport delay in St. Louis. The baby got diarrhea, the 5-year-old is just always a pain in the butt. He was my fun child. LOL and the 7-year-old got a stomach bug. On the entire flight from St. Louis to Frankfurt Germany the baby screamed. Nothing I or the stewards did quieted him. I was lucky it was a MACK flight. The soldiers were very understanding and worried their spouses went through the same thing when they traveled alone.
The next day we traveled to Marion Ohio, (The following day)
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
I couldn't help but smile. My husband has the same bowel issues while traveling. My favorite story is when three boys and I flew to Germany for the first time to join my husband there. We didn't have housing right away so had to wait was an Army thing. The boys ages were 15 months, 5, and 7. We had a 4-hour airport delay in St. Louis. The baby got diarrhea, the 5-year-old is just always a pain in the butt. He was my fun child. LOL and the 7-year-old got a stomach bug. On the entire flight from St. Louis to Frankfurt Germany the baby screamed. Nothing I or the stewards did quieted him. I was lucky it was a MACK flight. The soldiers were very understanding and worried their spouses went through the same thing when they traveled alone.
The next day we traveled to Marion Ohio, (The following day)
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hi Barbara,
thanks so much for the great review gal. I didn't mention that on the flight back from Cincinnati to Seattle, the couple behind us had a baby that cried for three of the four hours. I can handle that, but behind them a few seats back, was another couple who let two of their three children scream and fight the entire flight. Oh for the want of a cattle prod. I guess I should be glad I didn't have one.
Have a blessed day gal. Hope you're enjoying your trip.
Tom
Comment from Mrs. KT
Oh my goodness, Tom!
What a hoot!
I was right there with you on your travels. Sounded much like the travels my husband and I have taken recently - especially the rental car woes and the many perks that accompany sitting in a car too long and eating strange foods! (Thank goodness for Dulcolax and Imodium!)
Returning home to one's birthplace is always unsettling; I know...
And how I enjoyed your description of Buffalo and the "one steering wheel."
Just one tiny nit:
I have come to the conclusion that I don't know how to have fun on a vacation. Its (It's) sad but true.
So very much enjoyed, Tom!
Now... rest up and enjoy being home again!
Fondly,
diane
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
 |
Oh my goodness, Tom!
What a hoot!
I was right there with you on your travels. Sounded much like the travels my husband and I have taken recently - especially the rental car woes and the many perks that accompany sitting in a car too long and eating strange foods! (Thank goodness for Dulcolax and Imodium!)
Returning home to one's birthplace is always unsettling; I know...
And how I enjoyed your description of Buffalo and the "one steering wheel."
Just one tiny nit:
I have come to the conclusion that I don't know how to have fun on a vacation. Its (It's) sad but true.
So very much enjoyed, Tom!
Now... rest up and enjoy being home again!
Fondly,
diane
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hello Diane,
thanks so much for the wonderful review gal. It's always fun to read about others trials isn't it? We can be glad that we aren't experiencing the same thing, at least not right now. It seems to be taking me a long time to recover, but perhaps that's an age issue. I wish we could do like Star Trek and just translate wherever we wanted to go. Then if a place was too crowded, or there was a line at the bathroom, you just translate somewhere else. Probably won't happen in my lifetime.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Well written.
That was a whirlwind trip, indeed. It sounds like one that was designed to put an end to all future vacation considerations!
I had to smile at your 'rocketing' at 70MPH. We drive TX, NM, CO, WY, MT, UT areas quite a bit where if you aren't going 90, you may well be road kill.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
Well written.
That was a whirlwind trip, indeed. It sounds like one that was designed to put an end to all future vacation considerations!
I had to smile at your 'rocketing' at 70MPH. We drive TX, NM, CO, WY, MT, UT areas quite a bit where if you aren't going 90, you may well be road kill.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hi Wayne,
I suppose you're right about the speed limit thing. Actually, I kind of wondered when I saw people flying by me if there was indeed a speed limit. I was appalled at the way people drive on the interstate, not only speeding excessively, but the tailgating. When you have cars in front and on the side of you, where are you supposed to go, and how can you go faster than the car in front? We saw a number of accidents in our travels, and of course when that happened, the traffic slowed to a crawl. One thing about traveling down south, it gave me a better appreciation for the lack of traffic we have here. We have less than a million people in the entire state, although at times it seems like most of them are on the road at the same time as me.
Have a blessed day my friend.
Tom
Comment from Sally Law
Wow! What a trip. I would like to go to the Noah's Ark thing in Kentucky. I doubt I will though. I haven't flown since our 25th Anniversary trip of 2000. We did much of the same but in Maritime Canada. It was spectacular. I'm glad you liked Niagara Falls. Jack and I lived just south of the falls for 8 years. We've done everything Niagara Falls had to offer at the time. It's an amazing thing to see, isn't it? The Lord had fun with that one.
Mostly, I'm glad you had fun and lived to tell about it.
Oh, and please go fishing!
Sal :))
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
Wow! What a trip. I would like to go to the Noah's Ark thing in Kentucky. I doubt I will though. I haven't flown since our 25th Anniversary trip of 2000. We did much of the same but in Maritime Canada. It was spectacular. I'm glad you liked Niagara Falls. Jack and I lived just south of the falls for 8 years. We've done everything Niagara Falls had to offer at the time. It's an amazing thing to see, isn't it? The Lord had fun with that one.
Mostly, I'm glad you had fun and lived to tell about it.
Oh, and please go fishing!
Sal :))
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hello Sally,
I do hope you get to experience the Ark Encounter. It was rather eye opening. I never even considered how much food would be required to feed such a vast array of animals and people. There was speculation that there was no meat served, which makes sense, and that all the animals were young, so they wouldn't take up the same amount of space and could be easier controlled. There was a lot to cover, and we could have spent more time, but my body just couldn't handle all the walking for too long.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Its sad but true - "It's"
Tom, you do have good neighbors! I would have told you to get an Uber:-)
where I had my first job, was gone, (add comma after job)
Thomas Wolfe wrote "You Can't Go Home Again" - boy ain't that the truth! I've had the same experience going through my old hometown.
I loved Niagara Falls; I'm glad that you were able to see it. I think people coming from all over the world says something about how marvelous it is. The Grand Canyon did the same thing for me.
"I'm happy to report that I worked." change to "it" worked By the way, I'm glad too, lol! Twice:-)
Comma after Hatteras and Danforth and Carlyle
Was the car trouble because of the low oil? I'm surprised the rental car sent you out in that car, since ignoring things like that can lead to expensive repair.
Thunderstorm is one word
Well, Tom, if there's more, you can write a part two. I found myself laughing through this, as I've had my own wacky vacation stories. Jim and I travelled around the country by car for 5 weeks in 2015, and it was the best trip of my life. Sorry to hear yours was less than stellar. At least there were some high points.
Your friend sounds like a whole story within himself:-)
Welcome home!
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
Its sad but true - "It's"
Tom, you do have good neighbors! I would have told you to get an Uber:-)
where I had my first job, was gone, (add comma after job)
Thomas Wolfe wrote "You Can't Go Home Again" - boy ain't that the truth! I've had the same experience going through my old hometown.
I loved Niagara Falls; I'm glad that you were able to see it. I think people coming from all over the world says something about how marvelous it is. The Grand Canyon did the same thing for me.
"I'm happy to report that I worked." change to "it" worked By the way, I'm glad too, lol! Twice:-)
Comma after Hatteras and Danforth and Carlyle
Was the car trouble because of the low oil? I'm surprised the rental car sent you out in that car, since ignoring things like that can lead to expensive repair.
Thunderstorm is one word
Well, Tom, if there's more, you can write a part two. I found myself laughing through this, as I've had my own wacky vacation stories. Jim and I travelled around the country by car for 5 weeks in 2015, and it was the best trip of my life. Sorry to hear yours was less than stellar. At least there were some high points.
Your friend sounds like a whole story within himself:-)
Welcome home!
xo
Pam
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hello Pam,
I can't imagine spending five weeks living out of a suitcase and spending night after night in a hotel. The expense would be astronomical, and I doubt that my body would endure it. I like to be in control (as much as possible) of my circumstances. I thought about writing a part two, but I don't know if I will or just incorporate some of my other experiences into several different stories.
I don't think the low oil had anything to do with the transmission, but if something as obvious as a warning light is ignored, who knows what else might be overlooked? On the other hand, a car is a mechanical device, and things break down. I wouldn't let a series of strangers drive my car, not knowing how they would treat it, but then, I don't have a car rental company.
Yes, Buffalo is quite a character. He was the primary reason we went on the trip. He's going to be 86 this month, and I wanted to spend time with him before one of us passes on. He was a hippie for years and has stories that used to entertain me for hours. In his younger days he was quite the ladies man, and the girls would fawn over him. He had brown hair with a white streak from front to back that resembled a skunk, the result of some medical condition. I suppose if you live long enough, you're entitled to your opinion about things, but traveling with him was a bit of a challenge.
God bless my neighbors. I couldn't have ordered better ones from Amazon. They leave for several months in the winter, and Jan and I watch their house, and I keep the driveway and walks free of snow, so it's a good arrangement for both of us. When we first moved in to the neighborhood, they rang the bell and introduced themselves. Butch said- "we would have come last week, but we were sick. My wife made cookies too, but I ate them all." I knew right then we were in the right place.
Thanks for catching the errors.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from BethShelby
I enjoyed reading this. Your stories about all the bad things that happen are so funny. I would think after those first months at the compound in Alaska everything else would seem like a breeze, biit ot seem you are still "being tried." Your book has me cracking up laughing but I understand the joy of traveling with the Dulcolax/ Imodium thing going. I have that challenge when I travel too. I mailed your check Monday. I regret not making the envelope thicker. With just ckeck in there I hope it survived the trip.
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
I enjoyed reading this. Your stories about all the bad things that happen are so funny. I would think after those first months at the compound in Alaska everything else would seem like a breeze, biit ot seem you are still "being tried." Your book has me cracking up laughing but I understand the joy of traveling with the Dulcolax/ Imodium thing going. I have that challenge when I travel too. I mailed your check Monday. I regret not making the envelope thicker. With just ckeck in there I hope it survived the trip.
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hi Beth,
I'm sure the check will arrive in fine shape, no worries. For some unknown reason, I expect, perhaps foolishly, for things to go well and without issues. Of course that's not going to happen. Life isn't like that. To compound the matter, I'm older now, and less tolerant of things I used to be able to overlook, more or less. Oh well. I made it back in one piece, and to the best of my knowledge, the door didn't fly off the plane, the engine didn't catch fire and all the wheels remained intact, so except for the inconveniences, I suppose it was a successful vacation.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Well, it surely was a memorable trip. Was Buffalo Bob related to Buffalo Bill? Who was the cartoon character host with Calrabell? Wasn't he a Buffalo?
Thanks for the details. Now rest dem weary bones.
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
Well, it surely was a memorable trip. Was Buffalo Bob related to Buffalo Bill? Who was the cartoon character host with Calrabell? Wasn't he a Buffalo?
Thanks for the details. Now rest dem weary bones.
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hi Tom,
yes, there was a Buffalo Bob who used to wear a leather top with fringes on the arms. He was with Howdy Doody and Clarabell. When I was on the farm there was a fellow who used to pack the water for the farm in five gallon buckets who resembled Howdy Doody. He used to play the accordian and sat in front of Gretta Holly at every meeting and farted. He was a person I try to forget. Thanks for the fine review.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
-
Always nice to hear from you.
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
I loved your travelouge. I laughed out loud in spots. Saturday is the day for my move and I am dreading the car trip. I also do not travel well. It is a five hour trip and I pee every hour at least. I will be wearing a diaper. Getting old ain't for sissies. Karen
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
I loved your travelouge. I laughed out loud in spots. Saturday is the day for my move and I am dreading the car trip. I also do not travel well. It is a five hour trip and I pee every hour at least. I will be wearing a diaper. Getting old ain't for sissies. Karen
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hi Karen,
I'm so glad you enjoyed this offering. Thanks for the six gal, I appreciate it. I know about having to pee frequently. I had a bottle that I got after my knee surgery that I put to use at least twice on this trip. I guess a bottle wouldn't be much help with your anatomy, but Texas is a big state, they must have wide open areas you can go in. I'll keep you in my prayers for a safe and stress free trip. Once you arrive, you won't have to think about it again.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Sanku
I can understand that this trip has tired you out .I prefer single destination holidays these days .Go to one place spend three or four days and come back .Short vacations don't hurt the body that much ..Anyway you were able to see the town you grew up...
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
|
I can understand that this trip has tired you out .I prefer single destination holidays these days .Go to one place spend three or four days and come back .Short vacations don't hurt the body that much ..Anyway you were able to see the town you grew up...
Comment Written 15-May-2024
reply by the author on 15-May-2024
-
Hello Sanku,
you've spoken words of wisdom. Ideally, that would be the best thing to do. However, living in Alaska, travel is a bit of a challenge to begin with and there were several things we wanted to see and do, so we put it all in one package. For sure, it won't happen again.
Have a blessed day.
Tom