Continuing My Trip
The other day I shared my blog about visiting my daughter in Manassas, Virginia for a few days to celebrate her and my son-in-law’s 8th wedding anniversary. I had made a Gift Book for them and they loved it.
The drive to their house is about 7 hours from me and this was actually the first stop of two trips. I left Chris and continued to Albany, NY where I planned to me my 2 sisters. This leg was close to 9 hours but I made it without any problems other than being tired. Once I got to Schenectady, I met my younger sister who had come down from Maine to celebrated our older sister’s 80th birthday.
I arrived about 6pm and Nancy had already been there a few hours. The first stop we made was to Jumpin’ Jacks, a burger joint on the river that we have gone to since I was way younger. So every time I visit, I stop for the memories.
After our burgers, Nancy asked where we should go now. Since it was close to 9pm and I was so tried of driving 9 hours I was ready to hit my pillow. Then Nancy said, “Well Rivers just around the corner, do you want to go there?” I immediately perked up, forgetting how tired I was and said to Nancy, ” I forgot all about Rivers Casino! Yes let’s go!” LOL
We got to the casino and walked around half asleep not know which machine I wanted to try. When I go to the casino, I need to have “that feeling” or I don’t play. After checking out the machines I found one that looked interesting. I put my $10 voucher in and I won some then lost some. My total was $152.00 but I made one more spin got that me a $96.00 win, That was enough for me, time to leave! LOL
Nancy had made reservations at a beautiful old hotel, The Inn at the Century House. It was so welcoming with cookies at the main desk, a beverage bar with delicious water with fresh strawberries along with all kinds of teas and coffee. Breakfast was delicious and such a variety of food. I loved the fresh fruit!
My sister’s birthday party wasn’t until 2pm so Nancy and I decided to take a drive up to Lakeside Farms, another old time apple farm that has been in Ballston Lake for what seems forever. They have delicious homemade goods, fruits, vegetables and a gift shop. Since I knew one of my high school classmates lived nearby I called and asked if she wanted to meet me at Lakeside spur on the moment. I gave her a 20 minute notice! LOL We haven’t seen each others since 2017 when our 50th high school reunion was but we knew each other right away and had a short but great time remembering things of the past.
It was time to met my sister at Olive Garden where we celebrated Anne’s 80th birthday. The last time the three of us have been together was in 2017. Anne is 80, I’m heading to 78 and our baby sister Nancy is 68. (She was a surprise package in our family LOL) It was a long drive but it may be the last time all three of us would get together unless I can talk Anne into coming to South Carolina for a visit.
Sunday morning it was time to head back south but I had one more stop to make. I went to the 8am Mass at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Schenectady, the church that Rich was baptized, had his 1st communion, confirmation and our wedding was held there on July 29, 1967. This was always a stop when Rich and I went back home to visit and I have kept up the tradition.
By 9:30am I was headed back to Chris where I would spend the night. I wasn’t looking forward to a 9 hour drive but it turned into more like an 11 hour drive due to construction and accidents. When I get to Chris and Bryon’s I was so tired but she had a delicious dinner ready and they waited for me to get there to eat. I left their home Monday morning but it’s so hard to leave, I love them both so much. I pulled in my driveway about 5pm, tired but happy that I made the trip.
I love the fact that you logged all this down and have a lot of photos as well. I need to do that more often.
I’m always taking photos Iku and use them like my journal! They help me remember things that happened since I get brain fade. LOL
You pretty much checked all the boxes for travel and leisure… from casino to the farm and to the church. Thank you for sharing your trip with us, Martha. I enjoyed reading this post and looking at the photos.
I “journal” with photos when I travel Danwil, that way I remember things easier. Thanks for visiting and glad you enjoyed the photos.
There’s something so special about reconnecting with your sisters, old friends, and places that hold so many memories. And ending your trip with Mass at the church where you and Rich were married makes it even more meaningful. What a wonderful way to celebrate family and a lifetime of memories!
It’s hard when we are all so far away Tamara but I’m glad we got together again. Going to Mass was the highlight of my trip, we would always go there when Rich and I visited back home. I still do the same them. I can feel his presence with me when I’m there.
Such a beautiful,memorable trip… enjoyed looking at the pictures of the church…very beautiful
Thank you Shweta, I love old churches and St. Anthony’s was formed in the late 1800’s. Thanks for visiting.
Driving nine hours and then perking right up at the mention of Rivers Casino made me laugh, and walking away after that $96 spin was a smart way to end the night. I love that you gave your classmate only 20 minutes’ notice, Martha, and the two of you still picked up right where you left off in 2017. Keeping up the tradition of Mass at St. Anthony’s, where you and Rich were married, is such a meaningful way to start the drive home, and I hope Anne takes you up on that visit to South Carolina.
It was a long but fun trip to upstate NY, my old stomping ground. Of course the highlight was going to Mass as Rich and I would always do when we visited back home. I’m glad you got a laugh about the casino!
Getting Anne and I to come for a visit next year might have gotten much easier for both of us. Breeze Airlines just added direct flights (under $80 each way) to Myrtle Beach from both Albany and Portland! Let’s try to make it happen for her 81st!
That’s cool about Breeze! Get it Nancy, cool, breeze…LOL Check to see the schedule of flights, maybe June would be better, not sure if Anne can take the heat of summer.
Oh I’m so glad you got to go, Martha! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. And in so many ways – Chris, your sisters, a friend from school and the church where you got married. That’s great!
It was great Jeanine, I always love visiting my daughter and driving to VA is a piece of cake. It was nice to have us three sister together, we never know how much longer Nancy and I will be able to travel those distances.