Toronto - China Town

We were in Toronto from the 6th of December to the 13th.  Had some very good Thai food.  We got a chance to walk around a little and we could see the CN tower from the hotel.  Otherwise Rita was very busy working again and even though we had a great room with a jacuzzi she never got to use it.

Thanksgiving and Shelbyville, TN

Hi,  we made it back from the North on Thanksgiving eve.  Rita slept in the next day, Thanksgiving.  The family had their Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, Rita cooked.  Great turkey and some very good pumpkin cake.

Then on Sunday, Rita went to Shelbyville, TN.  The hotel was not open yet and no staff to train so Rita set up the computers, built the rates and got everything ready for the opening in a couple of weeks.  We stayed in Murfreesboro and left Tuesday morning.

On Thursday Rita went to Cleveland area for a job interview.  We won't know the until Monday afternoon.

Kapuskasing, ON

We're so far north in Canada that a couple of hours before we arrived here in Kapuskasing we passed a sign that the rivers were now running north and emtying into the artic circle and then we passed the 49th paralell!

We started out the day (Monday) at 50F in New Liskeard this morning and when we got here it was 37 and it had warmed up from their morning low!

The town has weird curving streets and seems rather out of the 50's - sort of a time warp with Wal-mart and KFC added in.

The motel has been updated and is very nice, flat screen tv, glass bowl sink and very modern bathroom.

You know you're in the NORTH when the local tv bulletin board has an announcement for the Fauquier Trappers Council Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Lot's of meat pie sales and dinners also
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Thanks to the staff at the Lambert Clinic in Kapuskasing for fixing Rita's tooth that cracked on Sunday.

Everyone here calls the town Kap.

Midland to Temiskaming Shores, ON

We were in Temiskaming Shores last night (Sunday, Nov 11, 2012) - half way to Kapuskasing from Midland, Ontario.

It was a beautiful drive although a little cloudy. Lots of little lakes with cottages and islands. We even saw a float plane starting to take off on a long narrow lake.  Lots of curves, hills and rock formations along the way. 

Stopped in North Bay for lunch and cracked a tooth.  Rita's dentist had told her she needed it capped just 2 weeks ago.

Midland, ON

Sorry, we're behind on our blogging. 

We had a nice stay last week in Midland, ON.  This is on the Georgian Bay and it's 30,000 islands.  The hotel and staff were very nice and Rita even got to explore a little.  She went to the next town on the bay, Penetanguishene.  Very picturesque.  Midland also has a nice harbor and a very thriving downtown.

Toronto

We arrived here last Sunday after a lovely drive from Michigan.  It was a beautiful, sunny day and the colors of the leaves were yellows, coopers and browns.  We also got to drive along Lakeshore drive and saw some of downtown.

The hotel is in a residential/apartment area near downtown Toronto.  It was originally a nunnery and then a hostel before becoming a franchise hotel (according to the owner).  All the rooms are a little different, with quirky little alcoves and odd room sizes.  They've updated the bathrooms and are still adding all the amenities.

Driving in Toronto during rush hours is extra fun with all the bicyclists and narrow streets. 

We leave Sunday and don't have another assignment for 2 weeks.

Millbury OH

We just got back from Millbury.  We didn't get to see much, never even saw the town.  The staff was very nice but there were a number of computers to set up and some installation problems and they kept Rita an extra day. 

Krystal Lake Campground

We had a lovely long weekend at Krystal Lake Campground near Vassar, MI.  The drive up on Friday (Oct 5th) was a little overcast at times but the fall colors were gorgeous.  We had nice spots right on the lake.  The weekend was a little cold and windy at times but we had a good time anyway.  Saturday we went to the Pumpkin Festival in Caro.  They had a great car show and displayed all the decorated pumpkins on the courthouse lawn.  There were some vendors and pumpkin pies for sale.  Sunday we went back to Caro for the parade.  We stayed over an hour and it was still going when we left.  Great parade.  We had a nice fire that night and woke up to a beautiful Monday morning for our drive back.  A nice relaxing weekend.

Moose Jaw and Regina

We're back home now but had 2 lovely days in Regina and Moose Jaw.  Sunday it started out rainy but cleared up later in the afternoon.  After exchanging rental cars in Regina we had a nice lunch and then went to the RCMP Heritage Center.  They have some very nice exhibits and the history of the Mounties and a gift shop.  We also walked around the Government House grounds - very pretty.  We then drove back to Moose Jaw and checked into our motel.

Monday started out sunny and crisp and got warmer but not hot.  We took the Tunnel Tour about Chinese Emigrants and the tunnels under the city.  A very interesting tour and only the last room was musty.  There is also an Al Capone tour if you have time.  After lunch we went for a walk in Crescent Park, right in the middle of downtown.  There were walkways along the river, bridges, fountains an amphitheater and more winding walks.  Later Rita went to the Casino and ended up $25 ahead. 

Moose Jaw, SK

This week we're in Moose Jaw.  Nice town, we did get to drive around a little so far.  Rita says she'll take a picture of us in front of a moose!  After Rita finishes work here we have a couple of days off to visit.  We hope we get to go on the tunnel tour and maybe relax at the Spa.

Estevan, SK

Last week we were in Estavan not far from the North Dakota border.  The hotel was very nice and they had several restaurants.  The casual restaurant had a great breakfast.  Grandby's on 9th had great food, the Chicken Webster was great.  Very nice service also.

Brook Park OH

We finally made it to Brook Park, OH on a day and a half notice.  Ended up staying an extra day and just got home yesterday.  New owners, lot's of new staff and renovations going on and no GM.  Lot's of fun and long days.  We didn't get a chance to see anything.  Hope Rita takes us back for a visit.  We're off to Canada tomorrow!

Brook Park OH

We were supposed to be in Brook Park today but the job was cancelled yesterday!!! 

Grove City, OH

We just got back from Grove City, OH (near Columbus).  Rita had some time to relax - but not much.  The one late afternoon she wasn't working, it rained, so she didn't get to go to the arboretum in Columbus.  Maybe next time.

Scranton, PA

We arrived here last Sunday after a nice direct flight from Detroit.  Haven't seen downtown Scranton but the city is spread out along a river valley with low green mountains.  We have a nice view from our hotel room.  The weather has been not too hot abut humid here with some rain. 

Tomorrow we fly home and their are big storms predicted in the Great Lakes.  Hopefully, we'll miss them.

Latham, NY

We spent a couple of days in Latham, NY - just outside of Albany earlier this week.  On the flight back we were delayed about 5 hours because of the Vice-President flying in the area. 

Ponchatoula, LA

We just spent a week in Ponchatoula, LA.  About an hour north of New Orlean, near Hammond.  Only a quick drive through the town.  Rita was very busy all week so we enjoyed the suite they gave her while she worked.  Tomorrow it's an early trip back home with the dreaded change in Chicago.

Montrose, CO

Hi, we're in Montrose, CO.  We arrived Thursday and we were supposed to leave this coming Thursday but the hotel won't  be open for a couple more weeks so their sending Rita home tomorrow. 

Last night we went for a walk along the Uncompahgre River.  There's a nice parkway to walk or ride bikes.  We also drove around looking at the town and the mountains.  Very beautiful.

It's been very hot here and very dry.

Cullum/Kempton IL

Rita arrived home on the 20th at about 2pm and was on the road again at 3:15pm.  This time for a short vacation to visit her brother John out on the prairie in Illinois.  Rita's Mom went with us.  We stopped in Coldwater, Mi for the night and continued in the morning.  Great weather and a great visit.  Rita's sister Robie and her husband Keith joined us the next day (Friday), on their way home from Colorado with their friend Betty - riding motorcycles.

Sunday we went home taking Robie with us in the truck. 

Rita has a couple of days off and then Colorado!

Omaha NE

After arriving home at 2pm on the 12th of June, Rita slept 10 hours.  She found out early in the afternoon that she had to fly the next day (13th) to Omaha!  Lot's of laundry, repacking and paperwork to print out and we were on our way.

We had a nice direct flight to Omaha and an easy, short drive to the hotel.  Lovely room.  Rita's rental was a cute little Fiat 500!

Very busy getting the staff trained and the equipment up and running, so no time for sightseeing.  We left the morning of the 20th.  We had a great breakfast at the "Hanger" restaurant at the airport.  Well prepared, hot and very tasty and a very good price, especially for an airport.  It's before security so anyone can stop by.  Very nice airport.

Keokuk IA

We're behind again!  We went to Keokuk with Rita on June 4th and we were supposed to return on the 11th.  We got to fly in a 9 seat plane from Chicago - beautiful day - great view of Chicago skyline and the lake.  Keokuk is a nice town on the Mississippi.  Lot's of lovely old houses, especially along the river.

On the way back to the airport in Burlington, IA we drove up the Illinois side of the Mississippi right along the river - beautiful drive, lot's of picnic spots and scenic look outs along the way.

We didn't arrive home until 2am on the 12th!

Iron Mountain MI

We've been here since Monday.  It was a nice drive from St. Ignace along the lake to here.  The weather has been nice, warm during the day, cool at night.  Work is going well but Rita hasn't had much time to play.

St. Ignace & the Mackinaw Bridge

Sunday the 13th of May:  We went over the Mackinaw Bridge!  Rita's been before but it was our first time and it was a beautiful day. 

We stayed overnight at the Moran Bay Motel.  Old-fashioned motel but nice and with a great view of the lake.

Stoughton, WI

We're in Stoughton, WI not far from Madison.  We haven't seen too much of the town except for the drive thru town.  Rita took a walk thru the neighborhood this beautiful morning.  Hopefully we'll have time to see some of the town tomorrow.

South Bend Indiana

On March 26th we drove to South Bend.  Rita planned the trip to drive thru the Irish Hills of Michigan.  It was a beautiful Sunday morning. 

There was some very bad tornadoes south of us during our stay - luckily we only got some wind and rain.

The La Nortena Mexican Restaurant at 3314 Portage Ave had very good food and good service.  Also check out the Chinese Restaurant in the same strip center, not much to look at but very good food and service also.

Some snow for the first part of our journey home but it cleared up around Marshal and the rest of the trip was uneventful.

Parkersburg WV

February 13th to the 20th we were in Parkersburg WV. Very pretty area. We didn't have time to do more than drive around the downtown area. Would like to see the State Park that's on an island in the river here.

Logan, OH

On the 12th, on our way to Parkersburg, WV we got to spend the night at an Inn about 11 miles west of Logan.   Great room, service and food.  Rita even had a massage.  It was a great little break.

Indianapolis IN

After being home for Christmas and a couple of days to rest up we drove to Indianapolis, IN.  Very quiet hotel now but the Super Bowl is coming in February and they are almost booked up.  We had some snow and a lot of wind for a couple of days.

Doylestown, PA

Just before Christmas we went to Doylestown, PA.  The hotel staff was very nice and we actually got to drive around a little and see the town.  We made it back on Christmas Eve.

San Francisco & Santa Clara

After Thanksgiving we stayed at the Argonaut Hotel near Fisherman's Wharf.  Actually got to have lunch at a nice restaurant on the waterfront.

Then to Santa Clara Marriott to finish up our project there.  The restaurant had the best Flan ever.

Miami FL

We spent 3 days here just before Thanksgiving.  Rita hasn't been here in a long time and says it's really changed.  We stayed at the Viceroy Hotel for a special project.  Great views from the club at the top of the hotel.

Slymar, CA

We're way behind on our blogging!  It's all Rita's fault of course.

At the beginning of November  were in San Francisco for a few hours on a special project before arriving here very late.  What a long day!  Our luggage did not arrive until the next day.

We have a nice view of the mountains from our room and the people are very nice here.  There is the best Denny's close by with great service.