Ah, to escape. Get away. Vacation. Summer is all but over for the family with kids. I won’t pretend you don’t hear my sigh. But I haven’t been able to make it through a single blog post without three or four interruptions. And, I mean reading YOUR posts, not working on my own! That’s an entirely different story.
So… when the opportunity arises, I grab it. Of course, lately those opportunities have been somewhat limited. Would it surprise you to hear my most recent escapes are to the privy? That’s right! The washroom, water closet, restroom lavatory, john, toilet, loo! It’s the one place I can get some peace and quiet (for a few minutes, at least) in an otherwise crazy day. I’ve begun to hide books in there and now when the kids think mommy is having a moment, mommy is actually reading! Shh! Don’t tell them or my secret will be ruined.
But HEY! I did get out a couple times this summer. I took the kids camping for their very first time. Woooo, that was super fun! We had Auntie Michele with us to help us through the days. She is an expert. She runs the kid’s YMCA summer camps and really knows her stuff. Not only did she make sure we didn’t starve, but she made sure we ate in style.
(Whispers) Guess what? Thor hid in the car and came along for the trip. We had no idea until after we had set up camp. It reminded me of that time when I was a kid and hid under the blanket in the back of the neighbor’s car. Silly Thor. He was right at home, hanging and singing by the fire.
It may not be considered a vacation by some (after all there was a lot of learning involved), but my chance to attend this year’s RWA Conference was a real treat and a fun escape, while it lasted. I met so many great writers and bloggers friends that I had only met online, up until that point. But you’ll never guess who managed to sneak along on that trip too. That’s right – Thor! Every morning he had fun playing games of “find me” with the hotel cleaning staff. And, at night, he hung out at the lounge with all the cool people. *wink*
But, like I mentioned earlier, summer has come to a close. Does that mean your chance to holiday is done? Not in the slightest. My family always takes our annual trip in November or December simply based on the nature of my husband’s job. For many locations, the weather is at its best. Where would you go if you were to hit the road for your next trip? What places would you recommend? I asked the question a few months ago and here is what you said:
August McLaughlin finds Mammoth to be the perfect getaway for the mind, body and soul.
Melinda VanLone believes that, once you see Niagara Falls the experience will stay with you forever!
If you want the perfect paradise to forget it all, Ted Strutz says Hawaii is the place to go.
Relaxation, sun, shade, activities. Kristy James will tell you Higgins Lake has it all.
Feeling adventurous? Check out Coleen Patrick and her family in Maine!
Jansen Schmidt has a heart after my own kids. She loves the Magic Kingdom!
This is where I want to go! I want to join Emma Meade in Dublin. Packing my bag!
Recommendations from me? Sites abound in Washington D.C.
If national forest interest you, check out the giants at Sequoia National Park, take a Cruise – Disney Style, or go to one of my favorite cities rich in history – New Orleans.
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That’s our list so far. Is there someplace you’d like to add to this index? Go ahead and write your recommended location and tell us something about it in the comments. Thor is dying to hear all about everyone’s favorite.
Speaking of Thor… would you like a chance to have Thor visit you? He is looking to visit the world and would enjoy a little blogging tag action while he’s at it. If the idea of the Thor blog tour interest you, simply say, “Aye!” You don’t need to have a blog to participate. Just ask me how.
~oOo~
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Hello Debra,
The school holidays are a blessing and a curse. Thank goodness they’re all behind me. My place to visit would be the resort of Malindi on the coast of Mombasa in Kenya. We’ve been lucky enough to holiday there four times. It truly is heaven on earth. The lagoons are gin clear and like a warm bath.
I’ve never done a blog tour. What does it entail and is it fun? I’m in!
And blinked twice when I saw the bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale! Very nice.
Wow! I just looked that up. LOVE IT!
The blog tour with Thor? Well, he will actually travel to you! You can involve him in any activity you like and post about it. Send me a teaser so that I can promote you on my blog and send traffic your way on that day. After all, we all want to keep up with Thor. I’ll be tracking where our guy goes on the map so that we may keep track. The more that play, the more fun we will have. When your time is done you will mail him to the next person. I will provide the address. You can get creative with your posts. It can be fun, informative, whatever you see fitting for your blog. Just so long as Thor is involved and you post a picture as proof he was there. If you want to take him to a famous landmark – go for it! If not, that’s fine too. I’ve added you to the list. Thanks Christine!
Some of those places look really fun. I have to admit, I’ve never had any desire to go to Disney (even as a kid). I’ve never been a big crowd lover. Niagara Falls… I probably won’t go there again. I’m pretty sure that’s what caused my 5 or 6 year old brain to decide that heights suck. In a big way.
I am thinking about Atlanta for the RWA conference next year, however, that whole height thing means it would be hard to get there. I won’t go on a plane, and driving involves mountains… Maybe if enough people protested, they’d move it NORTH of Kentucky. 🙂
I didn’t know you were afraid of heights. Not being able to fly makes things rather difficult. What will you do when your first “Best Sellers” book tour comes up? 😀 That would be pretty neat if we could all make Atlanta next year.
LOL…’when’ it happens, it will have to be limited to the upper Midwest and east coast, I guess. I may yet conquer the mountain thing. I haven’t been to Tennessee since my dad died nine years ago, and I’d like to see his grave again. That would be right on the way to Atlanta. I’ll have to see if there’s a flatter way to get from Nashville to Atlanta. Cause I’d love to see all of you, too. 🙂
It would be wonderful to see you!
KK, have we spoken about this? I developed a claustrophobia panic/anxiety thing in 1998 and found out it was hereditary (13 people on my mom’s side of the family have or had some sort of panic, anxiety, or depression issue). Even though I flew all over the world before that in the AF, I’ve only flown twice since 1998. I was alcohol-ed and medicated pretty heavily. But I REALLY don’t like it.
Long and high bridges, and elevators are also kryptonite for me. And I got trapped in an elevator for an hour and a half in San Francisco in 2001 – not pretty.
Ha, and Niagara Falls is where MLB and I honeymooned 26 yrs ago. 🙂
You sound a lot like me, MJ. I’ve only had two panic attacks in my life (thank goodness!), but I also have a thing about small spaces…and bridges. I love the U. P. (Upper Peninsula for non-Michiganders), but the Mackinaw Bridge stands between here and there. I took my kids up to Mackinaw City for a day trip a few years ago, and they were both disgusted that we stayed on this side of it. I have a hard time being a passenger, much less the driver.
I don’t do too bad in elevators. Of course I’ve never been trapped in one either. I’m not sure how I’d handle it if that were to happen. At least it wouldn’t be as bad as having an MRI. I’ve had a couple of those…and like with you and your elevator, it wasn’t pretty. Every disaster movie I’d ever seen started flashing through my mind, and I really wished they’d have an eject button. I mean like NOW. Push the button and it hurtles you across the room at the speed of light. I hate those things. 🙂
Um, I don’t think I could do the lay-down MRI that goes around one’s upper body. You’re very brave, my friend.
When my kids were little, I used to hide in the bathroom too. It was the only place to get away from the tugs and pulls. Amazing how serene that room can be huh? LOL!
There are so many places I want to go, I just need a winning lottery ticket to do it all!
New Orleans is on the top of my list and Ireland as well. But I’m kind of a sucker for animals and with my granddaughter coming to visit soon, I can’t wait to take her Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL. The last time we went, my daughter was 17 and she got to feed the giraffes. I’m looking forward to experiencing it all again through the innocence of a two-year old. 🙂
Great post!
I need one of those as well. Know of a good place to buy them? He he.
Oh! The zoo sounds like fun. My daughter has been asking to return to our smaller zoo up in Santa Barbara for some time now. We really need to go. Thanks for the compliment. Glad you liked the post.
Fantastic post, Debra. Thanks for including my Mammoth jaunt!
I’ve wanted to go to Maine ever since I wrote a report about it as a kid. Back then, I imagined myself reading near the water and eating lobster, which I’d never had. 😉 Now, I imagine writing there. Dublin would rock, too… In fact, I’d love a tour if this post becomes a package!
Thanks so much! Wouldn’t lobsters in Maine be to die for? Not literally, of course. Jeez! And Dublin! Someday I will get there. To plan a WANA party there would be something. Thor would love to see that. 😉
What a really clever post, Debra! My WDW photo made me smile – again. Thanks for including me. I love that place! The hubs and I have another trip planned for late October. I’ve heard the parks are really fun at Halloween so we’re going! Perhaps Thor would like to join us? Hmmm.
New Orleans – another really fun place. Yosemite – also very cool. Yellowstone, Hawaii, the Caribbean. The possibilities are endless for Thor’s future adventures.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Thank you. Your photo is lovely. It brought back wonderful memories for me as well. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there, but it’s not easily forgotten. I haven’t been there in October, but Disneyland is really cool at that time of year. I imagine The Magic Kingdom is equally amazing. We went at Christmas and that was a sight to see.
I agree with New Orleans, Hawaii and Yosemite. I have yet to see Yellowstone and would really like to see the Caribbean. Someday. Soon, I hope.
I will be sketching out Thor’s schedule and making contact. He’s looking forward to the visit.
I saw pictures of Thor at the conference, on Tameri’s page I think. 🙂 Good to know he’s a supporter of writers!
Like Jennifer above, New Orleans is top of my list. At the moment, it’s just a dream but dreams can come true. right?
Enjoy the rest of the summer with your kids, Debra.
Dreams can most definitely come true! Believing is a good place to start. I love New Orleans and don’t think I could get enough of it. When I first went there many years ago I actually considered moving there. My, how my life would have been different.
Thank you or the lovely summer wishes. May your days be sunny and bright.
Vacation time is absolutely the best time in the world. I’m so glad you were able to join Thor this year … uh, I mean, I’m glad you found Thor hiding in your vehicle, Debra. 🙂 My favorite vacation spot is the Rocky Mountains of Alberta in Canada and along the coastline on Vancouver Island.
That sounds lovely, Sheila! I have always fancied a train ride through the Rocky Mountains. I’ve never seen them. Nor have I been to Vancouver Island, or Vancouver for that matter. I need to live vicariously through all my wonderful friends. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for including my trip photo! I can vouch for Guinness in Dublin–definitely a must see! 🙂
Your welcome, Coleen! Thank you for sharing it. That’s great that you’ve had the opportunity to visit Dublin. Lucky lady.
Wow! Thor likes Newcastle Brown. They guy’s got taste 🙂
Living in Texas, I like going to the mountains. Actually, I liked the mountains before I moved to Texas. Val d’Isere and the Trois Vallees has some of the best mountains and skiing.
But a Guinness tour sounds pretty appealing 🙂
Cheers!
I’m a mountain girl myself, Nigel. I suspect we would get along swimmingly. There’s nothing more beautiful than nature at its purest. Although, I don’t really ski anymore. Haven’t tried it in years. I’d probably be a sight if I gave it a try now. LOL!
There are a lot of Ayes for Guineness. I say we plan a meet for all! 😀 2017? Hehehe
Fantastic places and photos! ….leaves computer to pack bags…..
Sounds good to me. I need to win the lottery first. Then I’ll be right behind you!
What fun! I was about to write that this summer sucked as far as vacations go, but then remembered we went to Comic-Con and I had RWA, so I did get away, just not very far. Still, I had huge amounts of fun at both, so it’s a win.
I would love to have Thor come hang out with us for a bit. We could get into some serious trouble. Has he learned to surf yet? How about trampoline? I think it’s time Thor tasted his first Long Island, or maybe we’ll head to Dublin for that Guinness tour! Yes, please.
Sounds like our summer getaways are strangely similar. 😀 But then, we don’t vacation until November this year. As it always is for us. Always at the holidays. I did manage to get our 2013 Comic-Con tickets. I heard it was a mess. So many never got theirs. I sat in a holding pattern for 40 minutes. My girlfriend was told they were sold out and she logged on at exactly 8 am as I did. So crazy. And I was 10,000+ in line!
Thor would love to come visit you. He is putting you on the itinerary. He has no fear. Monkey, on the other hand, fears he may not return from his grand adventure and begs him not to go. LOL!
And me too. Dublin = yes, please.
We like the beaches on the East End of Long Island, NY. Of course there are about a zillion other places to go. Luv Paris. And Christine’s description of Malindi has me dreaming.
We would be delighted to have a visit from Thor on our blog!
New York has been on my list for ages! I will get there!!! And Paris, oh is sounds so lovely. Thank you for those add-ons.
Thor would be delighted. I have added you to the list!
Those are some great spots, Debra. We lived in England for four years, and it was like a vacation every other weekend. It’s such a beautiful country. I’ve so enjoyed watching the places stories about towns and traditions in England. Really miss it.
I remember you mentioning that. I was lucky enough to visit England when I was in high school and it was an amazing trip. I would love to go back without a chaperone! 😀 BTW, I had your “ABC’s of Great Blogging post open for ever the other day and meant to post, but such is my life.” Kids. I loved that post. I want you to know. It really hit home for me. I have been thinking about my content A LOT lately. Thanks for stopping in MJ.
Thor needs to come visit me! We’d have a good time. At the very least, we could play WoW together 😀
I’m sure that you guys will have a blast whatever you do! 😉
I don’t know if Thor would have that much fun with me here in Canada, in a few months he could shovel snow with me :/ or hang out with Lady Croft on my desk (wink wink). I am hoping to get to Ireland soon – celebrating our 15th anniversary this fall and hubs keeps dropping hints *fingers crossed*
Lady Croft? He likes the sound of that. Much better than the Loki he must fight here. Ireland! Lucky you!!! YAY! I’m SO happy for you. And yes, I am using a lot of exclamation points. Because I am so happy for you. Dancing around in circles!
Not sure where my absolute favorite vacation spot is, but I had a great time taking my daughter and her friends to Chicago last week! So much to see!
I think a bit of aviation history is in order for Thor, if he’d like to visit Dayton, Ohio!
LOVE the new picture, Jennette! You look so pretty. 🙂 Chicago. I have a ton of family there. That’s where we all started. I have yet to visit. I really need to get back there some day. It sounds like such a fabulous place. Thanks for such a great recommendation.
Thor would love the chance to visit you in Dayton, Ohio!
The Thor Blog Tour sounds like a fun idea! I can’t wait to see where Thor goes. I know Wendy Williams used to do a bit like this on her tv show. I’m sure there are clips of it on YouTube, if you want to check it out.
Thanks, Tracey. I didn’t know anyone was tracking something like this on a television show. But why not! I was involved in something like this once a very long time ago. It should be fun. We have nine stops so far. That will go well beyond two months with visitation time and travel time. I can’t wait to see everything Thor is doing.
between your post and the comments I have a list as long as my arm of the places I’d like to see. thanks
You’re welcome! I have a list just as long! 😀
Send Thor this way and we’ll have a photo shoot on the volcano….
Cool! A volcano! That sounds like Thor’s idea of a good time. I drop you a note. 😉
This was a really cute idea, Deb. If you are traveling in wintertime, do you ski? I would go to Hawaii and take a break from winter. Glad you had such a good time at the RWA conference. I belong to a couple of chapters in the Seattle area.
I haven’t skied in years! I’m sure I’d remember but would look pretty silly in the beginning. 😀 We will be heading to Hawaii this November. Can’t wait. RWA is great! Bummed about the whole RITA thing which fits what I write. We’ll see what happens.
Great recommendations. I enjoyed Mammoth in the late summer. It snowed in September. Beautiful place and the pass into Yosemite was still open then. One of my favorite vacation places is San Diego. I lived there for two years and it still feels of home there. The beaches, the parks, the city. It’s an amazing place. Plus there’s SeaWorld. 🙂