UTICA, MASS, AND PROVIDENCE TRIP

MONDAY:
The end of Provincial Rally: After breakfast in the hall, everyone returned to coaches to start packing up.  A few had left bright and early due to a long trip home to Michigan and Ottawa.
We left about 11:00 and was greeted by the Customs Agent at the Peace Bridge.  He came inside the coach.  I thought, oh here we go-an inspection.  But he looked down thur the coach and said okay.  He returned to his cubby hole and handed us our passports.  Walla, we could go.
At home, I started the washing.  I had done one load at camp but forgot to pack soap so the one load was like a rinse job.

Bob mowed the lawn, I watered plants.  Betsy had supper all planned, new recipe.  Salisbury steak that tasted like meatloaf...that recipe is not a keeper.
During the evening, Bob watched his programs and I read.
TUESDAY:
We packed the remaining needed items and was prepared to take off for Turning Stones Campground just west of Utica on Wednesday.  We are hoping to visit with our grandson Eric and go out to dinner.  (He goes to Utica college) 
WEDNESDAY:
Finished packing and left about 11:30.  Our trip went good and we arrived and set up around 3'o'clock,  Eric had football practice and had to take a player to the doctor who had hurt his wrist so he didn't arrive until 8:30.  We had cheese and crackers while waiting.  We went to a steak house and they had just closed the kitchen..just our luck.  They offered to cook for us, so we stayed.  Bob and I returned to camp ground and relaxed.
THURSDAY:
We pulled out about 9, arrived in Greenfield, Mass. about 1:30.  The parking crew brought us to our site.  We registered and picked up our Goodie Bags.We had cocktails with the NY crew from all across the state.  There was Bingo in the evening.  No internet but we are battling lots of flies.
FRIDAY:
Meetings, meetings and more meetings.  We did go to the Yankee Candle Mall. 

Decos and flowers all around.

You could smell all the fragrances.

What's your choice?

That store was just like a grocery store, huge!  There was also Vera Bradley, Pandora, Dept.56, Toys, etc.  I shopped until my legs ached and had to give in.
Supper time we had to cook our own potatoes.  They had given us 2 big potatoes for baking at check in.  We then went to hall where they had all kinds of toppings and a salad which our Chapter had volunteered to serve.  I had the sour cream to dip.  I had one lady telling me-one tablespoon and another telling me to give them more.  Considered a Potato Bar, I guess. 

I couldn't wait to finish this caper.

The MA & NH Chapters presented "Hee Haw" for entertainment, we had a lot of laughs. 
Followed by an Ice Cream Social.  I think it was today that I saw the "smart cooks" using plastic bags in crock pots.  They told me if you buy the plastic bags for oven baking, you can line the crock pot with them before putting in the food and it's easy clean up.  The hot fudge was heated this way. 
SATURDAY:
We had a hot cooked Egg McMuffin with cheese and sausage for breakfast.  Some of the ladies worked on a Christmas Craft after.  (a hanging quilted ball)  Then we had to meet at 12:30 to car pool to the Connecticut River for a river boat cruise.  It was cold and damp, and boring.  I took a nap. 



Right out of the movies. Just like the boat in the movie Jungle Queen  (I think)

Our dinner was catered followed by entertainment with Art Harriman; who supposedly played with the great county stars.  He was good, played drums, guitar and harmonica. 
Our raffles were next.  They made over $500.00 from the charity baskets for Make A Wish.   I wasn't able to see who won my basket with the decorated wine bottle and etc.  Bob won a $20.00 gift certificate to Applebee's during the door prize drawings.
SUNDAY:
After a Continental Breakfast we went to the dump station, then hooked up the car.  We were headed for Providence, RI., to see Sarah.  We found our campground, unhooked the car and left.  Sarah was waiting for us.  We had coffee and visited. 




Relaxing at Sarah's apartment.

 She drove us all over to see the "hot spots" and downtown Providence.  We had dinner at Siena's on Federal Hill.  



 



Pic by the car attendant, parking is at a premium here.

Goodbyes are such sweet sorrow.  Wish we had more time. 

 We are now back to the motor home and thinking about our trip home.  Early to bed, early to rise.
It's been a fast week with a busy schedule.  I'll be glad to get home as I miss Cinder.
 Have a good week everyone.  Thanks for clicking in.


 GOLDEN GRAM