Treasure hunt in my closet-adding up the unused gift card money

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Just by chance I stumbled upon a Walmart gift card in my desk drawer. I called the 800 number on the back and found out I had an $8.00 balance. So, I decided to take a look through my old wallets stored away and sure enough before I finished up I found a total of $102.00 in unused cards and a un-cashed lottery ticket.
Finders Keepers…Just in time for the Holiday weekend…

Summer travel USA-Niagara Falls, NY

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Whenever I get asked about a great US vacation destination I always share one of my favorites, Niagara Falls.  Located in Western New York and on the Canadian border in the province of Ontario this is an ideal location and within a days drive of all the popular North East Cities.

For US residents without a passport the view of all of the Falls is amazing from the NY State Park, and you get to walk over a bridge above the white water rapids.  There is plenty to do and see for all ages, with restaurants and a casino within walking distance of the park.

For those carrying a passport you can drive or walk over the Rainbow bridge into Canada.  To get the full experience I would plan one full day on each side.  Also, plan to get wet from the mist as you get close, and bring your sweet tooth and eat some Maple fudge.

I can sit for hours and listen to the soothing sounds of nature harmonizing with the  wind blowing, water flowing, birds flying, fish jumping, snow balling or sun shining, it is truly a wonder of the world.

For more information visit : https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com

I hope you visit and “fall in love” ❤️

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

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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

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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

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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

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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…..