Bowling Green, Ohio. Car stopped. Wouldn’t start. We’re fine.

To be continued…

Broken Down Car – Liz Fohl

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Today we drove to London to visit with Richard’s daughter, son-in-law, and six month old granddaughter. We really couldn’t have asked for a better drive.

Yesterday I received a video of my grandson pretending to be a frog so we just had to send him this pic of me today.

So nice to spend time together with his family. When you live far apart it makes visits even sweeter.

We arrived at the perfect time. His granddaughter had just woken up from her morning nap. What a sweetie. She can sit, crawl, and play. So full of new discoveries. Plus she has a fabulous great big smile.

I loved playing with her but even more than that, I loved watching Richard play with her. They immediately hit it off. He’s a great entertainer.

I have to mention our meals. My salad was delicious. But this is what made the noon meal extra special. His daughter had gone to a British shop and bought him a Cornish Pasty and a Vanilla Slice. Richard was so pleased as he loves both of these and hasn’t had them in a long time.

The rest of the day was spent, in between the little one’s naps, watching and playing with his granddaughter. And of course spending time with his daughter and son-in-law.

Supper was a delicious red wine and short rib pasta dish. super tasty. Followed by more ‘watch the granddaughter’. Great entertainment.

She went off to bed and then we were next. Early morning 4:00 am departure tomorrow. Not easy to get up but well worth it at the end of the day, especially this year as we’ll be driving a new route. Hopefully interesting but uneventful.

Child of Mine – Carole King

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Today’s post could be about our drive or the weather.

But it’s not.

It’s all about family.

What a way to spend the day.

With my daughter and son-in-law.

A little walk about in Fairview Mall. Marvellous memories came washing over me. I couldn’t count the number of times my daughter and I shopped there. Ahhhh.

The best part?

Off to the movie theatre. Oooo. Nice place. VIP. Leather reclining seats. Servers to take and deliver the food and drink orders. Not too shabby. There to see “Wicked”. Oh my. Excited. Well three of us were excited. One was a good sport and went along for me. My daughter and I had seen the musical in Toronto years ago. Mind blowing. And then my best friend and I saw it on Broadway. Amazing. Needless to say I was sceptical about the movie. We’ve all seen musical movies over the years where some of the vocals, how should I say this, were less than stellar.

And the movie? Loved it. Do I have some criticisms? Sure. But I won’t go into them. Just go and enjoy it.

To Eataly for supper. Lovely spot. Delicious authentic Italian cuisine.

Enjoying the Christmas ambiance.

Followed by a relaxing evening.

Wicked – Overture

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A big change in our route to Gulf Shores, Alabama this year.

In the past we’ve driven to Houston, Maine and then down through the states.

This year partly through Canada with stops in Ontario. In Toronto to visit my daughter and son-in-law then to London to visit Richard’s daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter.

Change is good.

So today.

On the road at 4:32 am. During today’s drive we experienced mist, rain, fog, snow, and a hint of sun. the good news is most were short lived. Good weather and traffic for most of the drive. That’s always such a blessing.

Couldn’t not take this. Always fun to see.

A little car hiccup. A couple of times it wouldn’t start but then started immediately after. We’ve had this issue before. Two car dealerships, one in Gulf Shores and one in Summerside, could find nothing wrong. It doesn’t happen often but annoying when it does.

Other than that’s it was a great drive. Long. 13 hours but worth it. Even made it further than our anticipated destination. We planned on Cornwall but made it to Brockville. And our hotel there? Mediocre. Well until we saw the chair. You decide.

Side By Side – Kay Starr

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“Just in case” is the curse of packing. 

Alexandra Potte

In the last few weeks I’ve been asked my title question many times. My response? Not yet. Too much to do.

I always forget how much preparation goes into getting ready. Hmmm. Could that be a sign of my age?

I have ‘to do’ lists! Many, many lists, House lists, before leaving lists, packing lists (suitcases, travel bags, rubber-made tub, gym bags), food lists, tech lists, and more. But get this. I no longer make paper lists. They’re all categorized in an Alabama folder on my phone. Imagine that. A sign of the times.

Even with all my copious lists I still fall under that curse of “ just in case”. I vowed not to pack so many clothes/footwear and I did just that. Less clothes and less footwear. Then a little voice whispered to me “just in case”. I succumbed. Not a lot, but a little.

Thankfully almost everything is checked off. Just those last few things that can only occur early tomorrow morning. And I mean early. We usually leave around 4am.

Now for a cup of tea, a bit of dark chocolate, and early to bed. Yawn🥱

At the End of the Day – Music Travel Love

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“There is something magical about the way a sunset can make us feel at peace, grateful, and alive all at once.”

Morgan Harper Nichols

Richard often comments on these beautiful, warm days that we’re experiencing are our “ bonus days. “

This week when listening to an interview we heard the person describe turning seventy and all additional years as his “ bonus years ”.

Maybe these bonus years, like sunsets, can make us feel at peace, grateful, and alive.

Yellow – Amber Leigh Irish

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I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.

Will Arnett

A day of thanks. A day of gratitude. I am grateful for so much in my life. Too much to list. But in particular my sweet grandson who calls me GiGi. He somehow shortened Grammie to GiGi. Ok by me. Love hearing him say it.

Grateful – John Bucchino (sung by David Campbell)

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Take care and stay healthy.

Love Dr. Seuss. And this says it all.

Back on lovely Prince Edward Island.

Going on an adventure creates a feeling of excitement.

Coming back home brings a feeling of contentment.

Both wonderful.

Little side note. I think we had the only driver in Toronto yesterday who didn’t know how to get to Toronto Pearson Airport. Scott had to keep giving him directions. Yikes.

But back safe and sound.

Normally I unpack immediately but last night? Nope. Couldn’t do it. But first thing this morning? Oh yes. Glad it’s all done. 👏👏 Even though I didn’t take much with me it still took a lot of time to finish the task. How’s that happen?

Now back to reality.

And that’s that.

Summer excursions I’ll share with you when they occur.

Enjoy your summer.

Take care and stay healthy.

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I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t a part of my life. What would we do without music. It’s there for us. For every aspect of our lives.

Why am I discussing this today?

Last night I attended a Ben Platt concert at Massey Hall here in Toronto.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massey_Hall

My son-in-law had bought my daughter for her birthday and since he knew I’d be here at that time he bought one for me too. Sweet. Grateful.

Who’s Ben Platt you ask.

Ben Platt is an American actor and singer. He is best known for starring in the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen (2015-2017) and its film adaptation (2021). Platt has won a Tony, Emmy and Grammy award for his performance as Evan Hansen. He also has appeared in the first two Pitch Perfect films (2012, 2015) and on Netflix’s The Politician (2019-2020).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Platt

Those of you who know me know my love of musicals. Oh yes. Love watching them, performing in them, directing them. Just love them.

And if you read his bio you know he’s already had an amazing career in musical theatre.

But I didn’t realize he is also a song writer and has released three albums.

Opening the show was Brandy Clark, a GRAMMY® winner and songwriter for the Tony®-winning Broadway musical Shucked.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandy_Clark

But back to the main event, Ben Platt.

Simply outstanding. Amazing voice. So many vocal colours. Bright. Dark. Smooth. Strong. Gentle. Seamless register transitions. And what vocal control. Wow.

https://www.vocalsonstage.com/vocals-on-stage-blog/vocal-colors

Incredible performer. Embraced the whole stage with the precision of a Broadway production. He held the audience in the palm of his hand. Wanted their participation and they didn’t disappoint. They were super responsive to his every move, on their feet and singing along with him. Almost every song he sang was his own composition. I think there were only two that he hadn’t written.

His band? Drummer, bass player, two guitarists, keyboardist, and two backup vocalists. Incredible musicians.

One encore. I liked that. I’ve never seen the need for multiple encores. He did an excellent show. Graciously gave us one last song and that was it. Well done. Always leave them wanting more.

Imagine – Ben Platt

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Every ending is just a new beginning in disguise.

Keep your holiday memories tucked in your heart.

The journey doesn’t end here; the memories are just beginning.

My London adventure ended today.

Early morning was just relaxing, packing, and reminiscing on what a great week it was. Busy week. Saw and did tons. Tired but a happy tired.

No problems at the airport. Hung out and had lunch in the Maple Leaf Lounge. Then departed. This flight we were in Premium Economy. Seats were super. No need for Business Class on the day flight home. I had plenty of room and was served a tasty meal. I watched lots of movies. The Green Book, August Rush, and Jersey Boys. I’d previously watched them. Loved rewatching.

But now

I get to spend three days in Toronto. How lucky am I to spend some more time with my daughter and son-in-law.

Extremely lucky.

And extremely thankful for being given the opportunity to go on my adventure to London,

England’s Glory – Ian Dury

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