Author: Alice DeForest

With over 30 years experience in various phases of the real estate industry, I would like to have the opportunity to share some of the knowledge, hard work, and fun things with you. I have also had the opportunity to live in all four corners of the US , so I have been a buyer, seller, tenant, and landlord in my personal life. I am now a settled empty nester, which allows me the time to work on this blog...

Perfect timing to avoid the I95 and DC beltway backups-travel Savannah-NYC

ny

After many road trips to NY City from Savannah Ga I finally made it through D.C. without a delay. We breezed right up I95 into Baltimore without a bit of traffic jam frustration.
Here’s the schedule:
Plan to leave Savannah at 10 a.m on a Thursday in the month of June
Arrive at South of he Border (everyone’s must see attraction ) at 1pm for lunch
Back on to the 95 at 2:30
Drive for 4 hours, and pass through Richmond Va about 6:30, no need to take the bypass, breezed right through
Take a coffee break north of Richmond
Arrive in the Virginia/D.C. area about 8:30 pm
Stay on the 95, coast right into Maryland. At about 9:30 just south of Baltimore we called it a day. We were not crabby at all.  Started out the next morning  about 9 am , hopped back on to the I95, be prepared to pay pricey tolls. Stopped in Philly for a cheesesteak , change over to the Jersey turnpike, more tolls, and very busy , lots of big city scenery, bridges, and then there’s the tall buildings….Yay we made it!

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock

the-eleventh-hour-2117015_640

I’m not sure at what point my life changed from sitting at a school desk waiting for the arms on the clock to move, to saying ” I’ll just have to get to that tomorrow,” because my day is over.
Don’t believe it when you hear “they’ll come a time in your life that you can slow down”. No matter how slow I walk, or lessen the commitments I make, the time just keeps ticking faster and faster.

It almost makes sense that five hours of sleep at middle age is all that is necessary to have a good day.  Maybe nature throws in the few extra hours of wake time to compensate for the acceleration of minutes, and hours.
When I sit down and take a moment to look back on the years past  that are packed full of joyful memories, it seems those visions  fade out the not so good times.  I’ve concluded that the moment that I am in now is exactly where I want to be, and I’m thankful for this content feeling.

For those of you that have many past years my wish for you is that you are “smelling the roses”. For those who are still daydreaming my wish for you is that the path you lay out for your life will be a very happy journey.

🎶 Sing with the windows open, and eat the cake!!!!!

Tipsy-reduced calorie cool refreshments

IMG_0527

There’s nothing better than a cold beer or a soft drink on a hot summer day or any day really.

When I decide to cheat on the “unsweetened ice tea” I use these two ideas.

  1. I use 1/2 root beer or coke with 1/2 seltzer water or club soda.  Cuts the sugar
  2. I tried many light beers and I found this Budweiser Select 55, it’s really good and it has a lower alcohol content for the mid day snacking

Yep, I keep my refrigerator stocked….

 

Munich, capital city of Bavaria, Germany

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I broke my rule of waiting for a hint of daylight to get on the road and start the day in Munich.

Our first stop was a small outdoor cafe to have brunch.  The menu offered the customary sausages and eggs.  I decided to splurge on calories and go right to the pastry menu, and since I was struggling with the mineral water, I ordered a familiar “American ginger ale”

Touring the city was spectacular. At times I stood still looking at a beautiful building, church, statue, landscape,  or just anything.  Lucky for me and my wallet that most retailers are closed on Sundays, that left only window shopping at times.  The smaller shops, boutiques and restaurants were open, so if Sunday works into your schedule there will still be plenty of places to spend the Euro.

After a full day out I checked in to my hotel near the airport to get ready for the dreaded 10 hour flight home. I choose a NH hotel, and it was very nice, very clean, accommodating and moderately priced.

The Munich airport is easy to navigate, customs took about 1 hour.  Some of the items not allowed were fruits, vegetables, dairy, or meats.   My candy bars were o.k.

Upon arrival in Atlanta it’s back through customs again, then you have to go to baggage and back through TSA screening.   This all took some time so if you have to book a connecting flight to your final destination keep this in mind.  Upon the return home I gained back my six lost hours, but I did not feel any less tired.   Overall, I would say the trip was not bad….not bad at all…..

Happy travels…I hope you enjoy the photos…..

 

 

For the love of drinking water-Travel Germany

Here’s a little tip to jot down on your  travel “to do” list, and this is a big deal.

You will not get complimentary drinking water in a restaurant and people do not offer you water from their kitchen sinks.  As a result you will have to buy it.  In a restaurant it is part of your order. They will ask you if you would like “sparkling” or “still”, or they may say with or without “gas”.  It may be pricier than beer and you can bet on the glass  being much smaller. If you would like “ice” you will have to ask for it, and they may say “no”.

To save a little on your outings or at your hotel you may want to buy the quart bottles at the grocery store or beverage mart.  Don’t be in a hurry because the selection is broad and not only do you have to decide on the gas, but also the mineral levels.  I bought the one with the picture of  a baby, I just figured I couldn’t go wrong.  If you are on a low sodium diet or have a sensitive stomach I would suggest taking some time to look into this before your trip. Also, bring a water bottle you can carry and add the cost of drinking water to your dining budget.  Happy travels !

Keeping it simple in Germany

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It’s been one full week in Germany, and my family here is settling back in to their daily routines. As for me I’m enjoying the quiet time. Last night my daughter asked if I would like to accompany her today and be a chaperone for my grandson’s kindergarten class field trip.  Ummmm…let me have a second to think about that, ok no thanks.

I decided to walk around the town, do some grocery shopping, be a tourist, and find a lunch café.  The custom of sharing your table with anyone that needs a seat is something to look forward to. I’m meeting some cool folks and the language difference doesn’t stop a conversation.

I did “goof up” and forgot to bring the  shopping bag I bought the other day.  Well I made the best of it by taking two of the plastic vegetable bags off the roll when I picked up the green peppers.  The customers in line and the check out lady were smiling so I had a good sense that I wasn’t in any trouble for sneaking an extra bag.

I also took note that  no one drives pick up trucks.  The cars are compact in  size and definitely  suitable for the narrow winding streets.

With this being said it was a relaxing day, and another one down.

Happy travels and I hope you enjoy the photos!!!