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.