A trip to Fenway Park

We're back.... back home, back to work, back to making lunches, doing laundry, and pretending that we are not totally disappointed to be back to the grind, and done our vacationing for a while.

We had an amazing trip - a lot of fun! It was fun just taking in new sights, and doing some things that we don't normally get to do in our 9-5, Monday to Friday, daily lives.

We took a ton of pictures, but for the purpose of blogging I thought I would break up the trip into a few posts.

For your viewing pleasure today, we have our experience on game day, at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.

As previously mentioned in a short post from Boston, we arrived in the grand city, mid-morning on Sunday, July 22nd. I would like to say the arrival into Boston was smoothly navigated by my directions to the driver; however, we went left (as per the directions), when I think we should have stayed right coming off the Interstate. Much to my pleasure (and PC's rage) we landed ourselves in a nice section of downtown Boston, in the middle of narrow one way streets, tall row housing, and parked cars on both side of the streets. I was happily taking it all in, while PC was yelling 'which way do I turn, where the f%$& are we SARS, eyes on the map not on the road' (that would be the map of Boston that I took the liberty of picking up before we left Ottawa from CAA, but apparently thanks for that wasn't warranted at the time).

It was a pleasurable experience, and needless to say, I thought I recovered quite nicely on the directions, and got us to our hotel in decent time. The whole part about getting lost, was that we got see a nice part of Boston, a section of the city that I don't think we would have ventured to otherwise - but PC didn't exactly see it that way at the time! (***The entire arrival experience reminded me so much of my Mom & Dad - how Timbo would get all riled up over getting lost in a big city, and Connie would say 'now just a minute Tim, I trying to see where were are' - in that tone of hers. And Timbo would shake his head in disgust, as if my Mom purposely got them lost in the first place! I laugh in hysterics when I think about the similarities between the two experiences!)

After checking into our hotel, we set out to get some breakfast (I'll talk more about that in another post, on day 2 of Boston), and then we walked about 15 minutes up the street to Fenway Park. It was about 11:30 when were arrived at the entrance, and there were people everywhere. It was nuts, so much excitement to take in. There was a huge souvenir store as we first arrived, and we headed into there, to pick up a t-shirt for me, and a (another) RS hat for PC, and a shirt too.

Immediately PC and I picked up on the Boston accent, and I knew for next month or so, PC would be reciting lines from our trip with that accent (and he his: POP-corn, crack-ah jacks, hot dawgs).

From the time we arrived at Fenway, everything seemed to happen so quickly... we were there at 11:30, and game was at 2:05 - but it felt like we had our souvenirs, got a couple of beer, and where inside the venue in no time.

Once inside the park, we took the first ramp up towards the field to see where we were, which happened to be right behind centre plate. It was a bit surreal to see the Green Monster live - PC and I both had that sense of awwwh as we took it all in. Batting practice was going on for the visiting time (Chicago White Sox), and so we watched a bit of that, before making our way to our seats - section 43, row 16, seats 1 & 2, right behind the bullpen for both teams. We got to see the starting pitchers warm up, and as the game went on the relievers throw a few pitches in there as well. We had great seats - I actually don't think there would be that many bad seats in the place (a few, but not many). We got to see some fielding action, and the highlight of the game was definitely the 3-run homer that Manny Ramirez hit to the section beside us.

We drank a lot of beer ... to the tune of $100 (PC drinking back $75 or so of that!) - but it was well-worth it. It was so hot, and the beer were so refreshing. It was all part of the experience. Everyone at the game... well 99.1% of the people at Fenway where die hard Red Sox fans, and 98.7% of them were in some sort of Red Sox gear - it was crazy, but nice to see the Bostonians put their support behind the home team.

Boston won the game 8-5, although Chicago made it interesting in the top of 9, with the bases loaded and no outs; however, the RS came through, and the crowd went wild, when the final out was made to end the game: which is when the singing, dancing, and partying ensued!

We took our time leaving the park, took some more photos (one of an interesting fan PC noticed during the game - her top has a Red Sox logo on it, but you wouldn't know it!).

We got a pic taken in front of the Green Monster by a friendly Boston Police Officer, who immediately picked up that we were Canadian 'EH?' - as PC said to him 'Great day for a ball game EH?' - he absolutely loved that!

But it sure was a great day to be at Fenway... we loved every minute, and we would definitely go back again... and again, and again!!

We did some more touring after we left Fenway, but I will save that for tomorrow's post. For now... take in the photos of our Fenway experience (I know some of you have been waiting a few days for these - Miss Boyd!). The last photo was taken at the end of day two in Boston, as we returned to Fenway to take a few pictures, without the crowds.

More photos and Boston adventures to come tomorrow... stay tuned!

RED SOX WIN!

Just a quick note from Boston, to say we arrived here yesterday, at 10 am (after some minor direction issues) and had a fabulous day. We were able to check into our room early, and headed straight to Fenway park - what a day, people everywhere, many Red Sox fanatics! It was 79 degrees at the start of game time (2:05) - a great day for a ball game. Our seats were great, our section mates were even better, and we loved every minute of it. Fenway park is very historic and people from Boston are some of the most dedicated fans here (Sparty would have loved it)!

We purchased some souvenirs, and I had to tell PC several times that he couldn't buy any "YANKEES SUCK" gear (he was very disappointed, thought Timbo would want a shirt for himself!).

The city of Boston itself is something to see, the streets and houses are unbelievable, they are all touching, yet the front of them are completely different. The roads are very narrow, with parking on both sides, which means the Tony Soprano mobile would have a hard time parking, let alone going up some of these streets!!!

We are off for more sight-seeing today... we took tons of pictures yesterday, and when we get home I will post all some of them.

Hope all is well at home.... back in Kan-ada (Bostonians accent is hilarious!)!!
Cheers!

Sara & PC

Look out Boston, here we come!

So.... making this blog post, is getting me to the short list of things to do tonight before we leave tomorrow morning for a week of vacation in New Hampshire and Boston.

We have a week of activities planned, starting with our arrival to Loon Mountain tomorrow afternoon, and then we really kick off the festivities Sunday afternoon with a Boston Red Sox's game at Fenway park (I can hardly wait!).

The rest of the week will be spent sight-seeing in Boston, and then returning to New Hampshire to take in the mountains, and of course, the tax-free outlet shopping.

All this to say, that I am leaving you again, for another week of vacation, but with the commitment that if I run into a hotel with free Internet access, I might get a short post/update in, so check back once or twice, and who knows you might be pleasantly surprised!

Have a great week - and at the very least, you know that when I do return, I will have some photos and short stories to share with you.

Until next time....

Ready for a patio party!

You may recall the mishap we had with our patio table last fall (if not click here). All winter PC and I have been discussing what we could do to replace the table top we lost, and while several options were brought up, including buying a whole a new patio set, we opted for a do-it yourself project to revive our once lovely wedding gift.

The thought of putting new glass on the top did not sit well with me. I fully suspect that another crazy wind/rain storm would blow through our backyard at anytime, leaving us with a second round of shattered glass, and once again, nothing but a lovely table frame.

After much thought, we decided we would create our own table top, complete with ceramic tiles. This was a sure way to avoid the glass issue, and the weight of the ceramic would also give the table some defence in a wind storm.

So... the first semi-nice weekend in May, PC and I headed down to the local Timbermart, and picked out some stellar tiles that were on clearance. A friend of PC's happily cut them with his special saw, and provide us with some heavy duty glue. PC laid the glue, and placed the tiles accordingly. We were off to a great start.

8 weeks later.... (after dropping numerous hints that I wanted the table finished a month ago), we went to Home Depot, and picked up the grout and necessary grouting supplies. After 8 weeks of waiting, it took all of an hour to do the grouting, and clean up, and it turned out fabulous (in my humble opinion). PC did a bang up job (while I, of course, wore the white hat, and gave encouragement through the entire process!).

After a long, yet easy process, the table cost of all of $36 dollars:

Plywood: $14

15 ceramic tiles: $7.00

Glue: FREE

Grout & supplies: $15.00

It's not the original glass by any means, but for a do-it yourself project, I think it really looks great.

Take a peek for yourself....

STEP ONE: Make sure the plywood fits the frame

STEP TWO: Lay the tiles, ensuring they are evenly spaced

STEP THREE: Let them dry for 8 weeks, then grout!

STEP FOUR: Place on the patio, and enjoy the view through a dirty bedroom window!

Turning over a new leaf

(CAUTION: Mom and Dad, do not choke when you read this... )

I am not sure what has gotten into me lately, but I have somehow managed to get my ass out of bed every morning for the past two weeks at 6 am.... in time to make lunches, brew coffee, and put dishes away or fold some laundry.

I know... little old me, known mostly for my accuracy of being late, grumpy, and down right ugly every morning of the year, but somehow... I've managed to turn over a new leaf and actually become responsible and productive 5 mornings of the week.

It seems, since my week of vacation at the cottage, I have been motivated to do something with my life in the mornings. PC is reaping all the benefits too... he basically doesn't have to lift a finger and his lunch and breakfast are starring him right in the face at 6:15 am.

I am surprised at how beneficial making and taking breakfasts and lunches are. I haven't been tracking it dollar for dollar, but I am convinced that between PC and I we are saving at least $40 a week. I don't buy anything from the cafeteria, unless it's a tea in the afternoon, and I am definitely not purchasing any binge snacks either.

And this may come as a shocker to everyone, but I haven't been stopping at Tim Horton's anymore. I've been early enough on my commute that I have time to stop if I wanted to, but I have no need to as I already have my home-brewed Timmy's in hand when I drive past my favourite morning establishment (trust me, it's hard not to go in just for my standard 2 Timbits... but I am surviving, so far!).

I am also finding that by eating breakfast, and the snacks I have packed for the day, I am less hungry at the those peak periods in the day, like 11 am, and 3 pm, when I normally will seek out some empty calories, from whomever is within the closest mile to me!

The other things that getting up early has also established for me is a brain single to take something out of the freezer for dinner. This is also become cost effective, because instead of loading up the freezer with meat that we never un-thaw, I am actually using it before it get freezer brunt (and trust me, I am very stringent about what constitutes as freezer brunt!).

Yes... this getting up early is definitely paying off for me (and PC too, although he likes to class my new routine as standard wifely duties - but that's a whole other post!). I am not sure how long I can keep up the 'new' me, as I am somewhat convinced that it's just an act - a short-term change in daily activities, and only a short-term change.... but one nevers knows. I at one point said that I didn't know how people got addicted to coffee, and look at me now... throwing punches if I don't get mine coffee first thing in the morning!

We are preparing to go on vacation Saturday, so I will get all of next week off from the 6 am schedule, but, if all goes well, this vacation should motivate me to continue with my early rising practices... and who knows, perhaps (perhaps being the key word here) perhaps make the changes permanent!

What's your prediction, do you think I can keep it up?

The Big 2-9!

Today, PC turns the big 2-9. Twenty-nine... wow, I find this really hard to believe... because when I first met him, he was only 24 (just a baby), but upon our first encounter, I thought for sure he was 30, if not older (I even speculated that he might be married with children, although this minor detail did not deter my efforts to reel him in... I digress!).

I wonder if PC knows how crucial the age of 29 really is... in my books, it's the age of the referral.

You know... it's the age that people over 35 refer to, when asked how old they are. From here on in, people at 40, 50, 60, etc. joke that they are only 29 when asked their age. You know... they say '29', with that smirk on their face, and then follow it up with the reaction like 'who me, don't I look 29?'

When I was young(er), I always thought that 30 was such a milestone age.... but the closer PC and I get to it, the less milestone-ish (if that's a word) I think it is (although, I don't like to let PC think that, since he's endanger of being the big 3-0 waaaaaaaaaaaaay before me)!

In January, I will be turning 28... TWENTY-freakin-EIGHT. When my Mom was this age, she already had 2 kids, and had been legally putting up with my Dad for nearly 6 years! Me on the other hand, I am just starting out in this big world... no where near motherhood, nor any major marriage milestones - and yet this doesn't really bother me.

I find it very interesting the change in life priorities over the years. The baby boomers were all set-up and off to the races at 29... having 2 to 5 kids per family, a mortgage, and working hard to get to Freedom 55. Now days... at 29, people aren't necessarily married, kids are sometimes in the mix, but not necessary because of marriage, and careers are at the forefront, mainly because most of us have spent our early 20's getting a decent education. It's all about getting a good paying job, before worrying about anything else, and manageable debt is what my generation lives and breathes. Today at age 29, the real world is just beginning for many people- whether or not this is a good thing will not be determined until our kids are 29, but for now, we have to roll with it, because it's our reality.

I've gotten a bit off the mark here... but all this to say, that today, PC is 29 ... and although he may not know it, he has reached the age of referral.... the age upon no return... he has this year to enjoy the truth of actually being 29, because after this, the majority of his age statements will probably be lies!!

Happy Birthday babe... I hope 29 is good to you!

Going Green

I have officially bit the bullet and bought the reusable grocery bags. I have been thinking on this for a while now, and wanted to do it, but had my doubts that I would remember to bring them into the store with me every time I went to do my groceries. However, I've been using them for a little over a week now, and so far, I've been successful in remembering them on each trip to the store.

I think the reusable grocery bags are great idea, and the fact that my grocery store (Independent in DT Embrun) has made them available for only 99 cents per bag, you can't go wrong. Supposedly one reusable bag will replace 100 plastic bags per year- that is huge in my world.

What I have also noticed lately, is that a lot of other people in this little town of Embrun are using them too. I think the marketing on this one is working, people are getting the message.

I know for years now certain grocery stores have sold bins, where you pack your groceries in the bins instead of in bags or boxes, but in my opinion, the bins are bulky and take up a lot of space in your car or house, when you are not doing groceries. The reusable bags are so much better because they fold up and you can store them in the driver's side of the car door.

In addititon to the grocery bags, I also bought a three pack of bigger reusable bags from Costco. For $4.99 I got 2 large sized bags, and 1 large cooler bag. I keep them in the back of the Escape for Costco trips, but we also used them when we went to the cottage.... they held all of our stuff, including all of the heavy items... they are durable little buggers! I think they will come in handy at Christmas time too, when we have to cart around a bunch of gifts from house to house - they were a great investment, and one that is helping the environment immensely- so it's worth it in my books!

What's your take on the reusable grocery bag? Have you purchased any for yourself, or are you still into the convenience of the plastic bags?

I suspect that dog owners will want to keep getting their plastic bags, to pick up their dog poop - so that audience might be a hard sell, but is anyone else out there still using plastic or paper? Are you thinking of switching but just haven't taken the plunge yet? What would it take to make you switch?

Do tell... please!

Random Facts and Habits

DaniGirl tagged me for this, and since I didn't know what to post about today, this makes for great filler, which you may also find interesting, as it's about me: ME ME ME!


Alright... let's get started.


The Rules: (I have to post these rules before I can give you the facts, as indicated in the rules below.)


1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


Okay, here we go:


ONE: I have deep passion for Asparagus. This is a veggie that my parents never fed me as a child, and I am really disappointed, because I think I would have eaten it up like it was chips or chocolate. Lately I have discovered European Frozen's Best: Asparagus, and it is truly delicious every. single. time. Especially when you steam it for a bit (I detest over-cooked veggies), and add a little dill seasoning and a drop of butter, mmm mmm good. If I am coming over for dinner, put on the asparagus please.


TWO: I loved the book 'Always Fresh'. I recently finished this book at the cottage, it's the story of Tim Horton's from the perspective of its former owner, Ron Joyce, who built the company into the multi-million dollar food chain that is today. The most exciting part was reading all about Tim Horton's wife, Lori, and the crazy nut bar she was.... it's almost trashy to a certain degree, but entertaining all at the same time. Definitely worth a read if you're into the 'from rags to riches' type stories - and it's Canadian!


THREE: I wish the world would allow women to wear sport bras, every day of their lives. Seriously... I love a good sports bra.... it provides support while ensuring all day comfort. Of course you look flat as a board when you wear one (especially if you lack any initial contribution in the boob area) but you just can't beat the comfort factor of well made sports bra.


FOUR: I haven't ate any ice cream this week, or after dinner treats for that matter. I think this is the start of a new lifestyle for me, no eating after 8 pm. Okay... so its only been one week, but really.... one week is a start. I guess, the real test will be weeks two, three, four, and five!


FIVE: The highlight of every morning and afternoon is my drive to and from work, where I can belt out my favourite tunes on my ipod, at the top of my lungs, like I am the next Tina Turner. I think I secretly wish I was a rock star. I am actually pretty good on the extra high notes... I pretty much put on a clinic, if you what I mean. When I am on the open road, with the windows rolled tightly up, I come alive - it's quite the performance, too bad, no one will ever see it LIVE!


SIX: I have been contemplating child birth A LOT lately. I can't make a firm decision about whether or not 'I'm ready'. I want children... someday, but is someday in the distance future, or more so just around the corner. Is there ever such as thing as being ready when it comes to parenting? Probably not.... but yet, I don't want to take the plunge just yet ... and the fact that PC and I spend 80% of our time a part, doing social things and sports... I value you what little time we spend together... so I am not entirely sure I am ready to give any of that up for kids - BUT... the itch is there, and every so often I start to scratch it... just a bit!

SEVEN: I need new glasses. The ones I have are falling off my face half the time. I think they have stretched, or my face has shrunk, and every time I look down at something, they literally fall to the floor, if I am not careful. I hate that our health care service plan works in 2 year cycles... meaning that if I purchase glasses right now, I am not covered for an eye exam until next year, when the new cycle begins. But then next year, if my eye exam determines my eyes have change, I will be shit out of luck when it comes to glasses, because I will have already used my coverage this year - it's a vicious cycle I tell you.

EIGHT: Sometimes, I wear my wedding veil and tiara around the house while I am cleaning! I know... you weren't expecting that, were you (of course, it's only when I am all by myself). It's my dirty little secret - I mean, I am never going to wear it again, at least not for getting married, so who cares if I get a little bleach, and vinegar on it! It makes cleaning a little more enjoyable when I can twirl around in it between mopping and dusting!!

Phew... this post took me two days to write (I started it on Wednesday)! These little known facts about me are hard to drum up on short notice, I guess!

So... now onto the tagging of others:

Roz @ Chez Roz

Lisa @ Your Inner Dog

Rebecca @ Brown Eyed Girl

Kerry @ Popwatch

Shawze (maybe this will get you back blogging) @ Shawze's Adventures

Amanda @ Drake Update

Loukia @ LouLou's Views

Have fun!

Work in progress....

The basement project has been underway since the long weekend in May.... and if PC didn't have a day job, or a passion for golf, and I didn't have him doing other things around the house half the time.... we might be finished it by now, BUT .... he has put two solid long weekends into it, mostly working alone, and considering we had nothing down there before.... it's coming along nicely. The framing is almost complete, and now we are onto doorways, plumbing, and the electrical.

I thought I would share a few pics, of what has happened since May.... we are getting there, slowly but surely. At least with some of the walls in place, you can picture what it will look like: a laundry/storage room, a bathroom, an office, and a family room. It's all there, if you look really hard - you can visualize the end result - or at least I can, and since I'm the one breathing down PC's neck all the time, this is a good thing!

More updates to come as progress continues...

Note: Shout out to faithful reader Miss Erin Boyd... who celebrates the big 2-7 today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOYDER!

Sunsets & Fish

We're back.... from a week of doing a whole lot of nothing, and yet I am feeling exhausted tonight!

It was a week filled with lots of relaxation.... we took in many sunsets on the water of the Georgian Bay... an ideal paradise in my world.

The weather was different every day, but the sun did shine for a good portion of the week, long enough for me to get a good burn on the ol' arms and legs. It rained a few mornings, but that gave me a reason to sleep in every day (not that I needed one!).

For the majority of the week it was just PC and I - it was a nice change to be together, and not have the interference of our daily schedules - no baseball, no golf, no dinner engagements, just us, spending some hard earned quality time together!

We PC did quite a bit of fishing.... his fishin' rod got quite the workout this week.... and when I wasn't reading my books and trashy magazines out in the boat, I reeled in a baby frish, just my size. PC didn't want to make me feel bad though, so he caught a baby one too!

All in all it was a restful, relaxing week of vacation... now it's back to grind for a few more weeks, until we take-off to New Hampshire & Boston - can't wait!

For your viewing pleasure....some pics of our fish, and the beautiful sunsets from Parry Island.

Note: While we were on vacation we missed some exciting events. Good friends of ours Sophie Savage & Julien Benoit, gave birth to a baby boy, Sydney, on July 5th. PC's cousin Sarah & Travis Ford gave birth to twins, Colton & Abaigail, on July 4th. As well, my sister had a b-day, so birthday wishes go out to her on the 6th, and Mrs. Lucy Rolland, celebrated a b-day on June 30th - so happy birthday to her! I think that brings upto date for now! Cheers to everyone!