Social Distancing – Day 5 – A Diary

March 21, 2020March 21, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Day 5…another cooler day at the start and rainy. Cooper was driving us nuts wanting to go out. Now that the weather is getting “nicer”, all he wants is to be outside – which is great BUT he wants us out there with him – and when it is drizzly and 38 degrees, that is a no-go!

The kids are starting to get schedules for virtual school starting again Monday – thank goodness!!!

We finished doing the stalls at the barn, Char had a riding lesson and Cooper got to go for a walk in the woods (with 1 tick found and removed).

Here is a picture diary of our day (I think I will do this when I am writing on the weekends if the weather is nice – like today – need to get outside!!!)

Clearly, it is business as usual around here!!!

Carlos the Ball Python needed some exercise.

Up close with this handsome guy!

Zuzu waiting for Carlos to become dinner!!!

Cooper and I out for our walk in the woods!

Char and Syllabus

Cantering shakes off the germs!

Blacky wanted some attention.

She is a pretty girl!!!

Char got to visit the baby kitties – almost 3 weeks old. There are two kittens whose mom is Nala.

They are adorable little fur balls!

Day 5 and counting….

Social Distancing – Day 4 – A Diary

March 20, 2020March 20, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Day 4…rainy days in the late winter and early spring are hard. We rejoice in the sun this time of year and yesterday, it was dreary and cold.

Cooper was restless being cooped up inside as were we all…so we tried to shake things up a bit for him.

Drying off snuggles.

Cooper got his first bath.

He looks a little sheepish but he seemed to like it! And he is so soft now!!!

Char worked on puzzles.

Finished 1 and started another – Disney’s Villians.

I worked on rebooking clients and doing quotes for fall 2020 and 2021 (people are looking forward to traveling soon and it is a great time to book).

Kelly worked on church stuff and finished Char’s she shed supply list (say that 5 times fast).

We watched Survivor together and the kids had some great burgers for dinner and Kelly and I had some collard greens, potatoes and bacon (Misfits Market collard greens – what else would I use them for? BACON!!!)!!! I can’t believe I have been watching Survivor for 20 years off and on. Now my kids love the show. Time is a strange thing!

You can’t see it all – but I promise there are copious amounts of bacon in there!!!

I am wondering now if I can wear the SAME sweatpants for 8 weeks and no one will know. And I need to find that motivation to hit the basement gym – although if we keep going to the barn to do stalls, I think that will count as my workout!!!

Ended the day with Coopie snuggles! This isn’t so bad!

Day 4 and counting….

Social Distancing – Day 3 – A Diary

March 19, 2020March 19, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Day 3…it was kinda boring. We did our work in the morning then we all went as a family to help out at the barn where Char rides. We spent 3 hours doing stalls, moving horses and bedding pellets and played with the barn cats. We were tired and sore when we got home and my strategizing men are coming up with ways to make doing stalls easier (this involved using the 4-wheeler and cart, building a transitional poop pile closer to the barn to cut done on travel time to the big pile, and hot wiring a tractor with a big bucket).

“Blacky” headed back to the barn. I tried to get her to turn around – but she has a mouse in her mouth!!!

The poop is never ending!!!

When we got home, I sat on the porch with Cooper – he LOVES chillin’ on the porch and waiting for someone to come around so he can bound off the porch and greet them – including the mail person! We have had to add a tie-up to the porch because at his old home he had a fence, so without physical boundaries, he thinks the world is a free for all!

The hubby and I watched The Curse of Oak Island (still waiting for some of the cast of LOST to come out of one of the holes) and are still suckers hoping they find treasure! Char had a group hangout with a few friends and their laughter and antics made us laugh a lot! We got to “see” Kelton’s girlfriend on his phone, and everyone enjoyed the day as much as we could.

This is hard for our teenagers – they are social beings – and do not understand the potential for harmful spreading of this virus to our loved ones who are at great risk. Kelton’s girlfriend is a senior in HS and I feel for those kiddos especially – they will miss out on a “traditional” senior end of the year experience – prom, senior ball, senior skip day, senior pranks, graduation practice and graduation. These are BIG EVENTS in these kids’ lives – ones that many have fought for 12+ years, and they are all but canceled. Of course, they will get though it, but it makes them sad; it makes me sad for them. It challenges their resolve to do what the adults are saying is the right thing. It stresses their relationships and makes them uncomfortable. I will be the first one to say that getting out of our comfort zone is what promotes growth, but tell that to a 17 year old who looked forward to being the kings and queens of the world. My heart breaks for them.

Day 3 and counting….

Social Distancing – Day 2 – A Diary

March 18, 2020March 18, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

We survived Day 2 with ease and even some laughs! It was a rainy day, so we did not get outside much but everyone got to work early (Kelton doing his OSHA training, Char with music, Denise with travel and Kelly on conference calls with church staff).

Virtual flute lessons followed by group Google Hangout with friends!

A little art….

Kelton is always conniving ways to spend money. The kid needs a well-paying job to fuel his imagination! He has been trying to convince Kelly that he should lift the back end of his truck. It is really our truck that we use for camping, but Kelton drives it a lot. Anyway, he decided to build a Lego model to prove that lifting the truck wouldn’t cause it to be unstable. Well, at 10:42am the 17year old came up the stairs and said, “Dad, you were right.” Documented!!!

Char did some baking (made a Hawaiian birthday cake mix sent to me from my sister Becky, who lives in Hawaii!!) and we decided to order out for pick up to support one of our local restaurants in this tough time (Roger’s in Dover – it was yummy!!). Kelly wanted to run to church to pick up his comfy desk chair (he tried to steal Kelton’s that he got for his birthday, but that didn’t go over well😊) so he got the take out and brought it home.

Meanwhile, some wonderful ladies from church lent Char some books for the weeks we will be home. I remember some of these books myself (ahem…Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret) My neighbor was going for a food run and picked us up a few things and we got down to planning a She Shed for Char up on our play platform in the yard.

BOOKS!!!!!

Plans…on paper…we’ll see!!!

The “before”.

We watched a movie together last night (A Quiet Place…..not for little kids😊) and all went to bed early. We are trying to devise a way to play Exploding Kittens online with friends!

The pets are faring rather well!!!!

Today was pretty low key. That is not a complaint! I still question the rational of our government. I guess that is my nature – I can’t balance the potential sacrifice of our elderly and at-risk population for our economy. Is there a happy medium? I just don’t know!!!!! Are we overreacting? Can we afford to under react? I know our economy is going to tank after this – all the government bailout situations amassing will cost us in the end. But I have to rely on God in this and lean into Him more. I need to focus on treasuring my time with my family and modeling a positive outlook to my kids.

Day 2 and counting….

Social Distancing -Day 1- A Diary

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

This BLOG is about adventure. Life right now totally qualifies!

To say these are tough times is an understatement – and a week after I thought the Draconian measures of isolation were a bit much, I humbly accept my social distancing and hope others will too in an effort to slow down the inevitable …we will all be touched with COVID-19 in some way – here’s what it looks like at my house.

Yesterday was Day 1. I can honestly say that having my kids at home is not hard for me and neither is monitoring their school work (whenever that comes out – this is new for our teachers and so they need time to prepare meaningful instruction – until then, the kids worked on previously assigned work and my son, who is knee deep in vocational training for precision machining, started his OSHA training). For years I homeschooled my kids for blocks of time while we traveled – and thankfully they are both really good at getting done what they need to – sometimes with a little encouragement!

March in Maine can be crazy – yesterday was beautiful and sunny – today it is snowing. Yesterday Charlotte hung out on our porch in a tent and did schoolwork with Cooper while I did some early spring yard work – trimming some branches and picking up old and forgotten doggie presents.

Cooper had a playdate with the neighbor dog, and I fetched a lost baseball out of a fenced in area for some other neighbor kids. No one got closer than 10 feet – kinda normal for New Englanders – hahahaha

Charlotte and I went to the barn and discussed with her trainer (via text) our desire to find times during the week where we would be the only ones there to ride and help with chores (the family is going over tomorrow to help with stalls – winter is a hard time to find stable help as it is – if only we could teach the horses to poop in one spot!!!). This will all work out and getting some stable and horse (and barn cat) therapy will help us all through this.

Char and Syllabus after some exercise.

“Blacky” wanted a little warm up in the car while we waited for Char to groom her horse.

“Big Tiger” getting some sunshine warmed snuggles as I watch Char ride.

My hubby, Kelly, is a pastor. He did go to work yesterday for one last meeting of the minds before imposing social distancing for his office. This is a trying time for those who are active in the community helping others. We want to still serve those in need and those particularly affected by this situation but have to balance safety and service. When people need something, they just need to reach out and ask – we will make it happen.

Day To Day….

We are not going to the gym – I am hoping we find the dedication to do our workouts in the basement – this has yet to be seen.

I had a peanut butter and fluff sandwich (on WHITE bread) and cheese squares for lunch yesterday for the first time in I don’t know how long. And I am wondering if I can wear sweatpants for the next 8 weeks and no one will care!

Our day yesterday was the start of what could be something amazing. This social distancing will be bringing US together. We are looking forward to playing more games together, watching evening movies together and finding different ways to stay connected to our friends and loved ones (the letter writing has already begun). We have plans of doing some home improvement projects, some area beautification and continuing to help those in need in meaningful and appropriate ways. I am going to treasure this time with my kids – my son is 17 and will begin his senior year next year (I hope). This time with him is precious and we will make memories that otherwise would not be afforded to us. My almost 14-year-old daughter is learning about resilience and adaptation. I have a couple new books to read (one is called The Power of a Praying Wife – another example of great timing) and I will be keep up with my travel studies and courses to keep me current with my vendors and trends. We will come out of this stronger than before.

Day 1 and counting!

Athens or Bust…BUSTED

March 12, 2020March 12, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Well – you know what they say? The best laid plans….or something like that!

My travel buddy and I were at our gate last night awaiting our 9:25 boarding time when all the craziness began. My phone started blowing up with calls, messages, texts. I had just been watching the President’s address and knew what was happening.

Immediately we went to the airline desk and these poor folks at KLM Air were gob smacked. They had no idea what was happening! With no time to think about anything other than the prospect of being “stuck” in Europe for 30 days or more, we acted quickly and with the only reasonable and responsible decision we could make. We asked to have our luggage pulled from the plane. As we are at the desk, they start boarding the plane.

A half an hour later “clarification” comes out that of course, US citizens would not be barred entry back on to US soil – but I know this game. Disney plays it. They don’t “close” the Magic Kingdom when it reaches capacity on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, they just make it impossible for people to get there by stopping or diverting transportation. I already have notification that my flight returning from Athens on Monday has been cancelled. So while I may not have been BARRED from returning to the US, I still may not have made it back without considerable time, anxiety, and expense. And while a month in Europe sounds romantic – and I want to do it someday with my hubby – now is not the time for a forced extended vacation.

One of my colleagues, Kerry Michel, wrote this not an hour ago and I couldn’t agree more….”Just some clarification, this ban does not apply to legal US residents (last line of the first paragraph) and does not apply to all European countries. I am in no way advocating travel to Europe for anyone, just providing accurate information, as that is key to making sure we understand the parameters of the Proclamation. Additionally, for those who do travel to said countries on the list, returns will be limited to certain airports with the appropriate screening tools before reentry is allowed. Those airports have not yet been identified; a list is forthcoming. So, flight changes may become necessary for some. Can you still be quarantined? Yes, absolutely, so make appropriate arrangements should you choose to travel to any of the Countries on the list. As I have been telling all of my Clients, this is a fluid situation and is literally changing every single day. Staying informed is the most important first step.”

And, informing my clients and attempting to stay on top of this living beast that is ever changing right in front of my eyes is my top priority.

So, while I sit here on hold (as I am sure I will be ALL DAY LONG taking care of clients who trust me and I will not let them down) I will get to Athens someday – and I feel for all those people abroad whose livelihood is being severely disrupted, but there is a time for stubbornness and a time for responsibility. Last night I had to draw the line.

Nuremberg – Our Last Stop

March 10, 2020February 25, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Our last stop and point of disembarkation for our Christmas Market River Cruise was Nuremberg, Germany. We had a pretty full day here touring before heading home the next day, but I would have loved more time!

Nuremberg envoked a range of emotions for me. Being a lifelong and enthusiastic student of history, this beautiful place is shadowed in the echos of Hitler and his reign of terror. I often marvel at the some of the cool locations I have visited and wonder dreamily whose steps I am following. But I STOOD where Hitler stood and it brought tears to my eyes. Life’s contemplations resurfaced and one begins to ponder this world. That’s pretty deep for a bus tour!

We continued on to the location of the Nuremberg Trials, then into the Old City…which is stunning!!! But there was that shadow….and it is hard to shake even now in reflection.

The Old City of Nuremberg, with its ancient castle on a hill, HUGE Christmas Market and warm and welcoming people, invited us in. I am a sucker for a castle, so we gladly toured it and enjoyed the views.

The inner courtyard of the castle.

A beautiful view from the great hall.

Nuremberg definitely had the biggest Christmas Market – and I would say, the best prices as well! We found a lot of our goodies there and enjoyed Nuremberg sausages and saurkraut, German ginger cookies, and my most favorite gluehwein was found at the Scotish cultural booth (amoung other nations represented in this small area of the Market) – it had whiskey in it and it was lovely!!!

Nuremberg has something for everyone! I can’t wait to go back and visit again!!!!

Corona-What????

March 9, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Do you have those places that are your unicorn destinations? I have a few….and mine are all based on history – if you have read any of my posts before, you know I am a history buff!!!! My tippy-top unicorn destinations are Rome (check), London (check), Greece and Egypt. And this week, I am going to Greece!!!

Last year, a friend and I took advantage of a great deal to Athens – 4 nights there, hotel, breakfast, flights – and springtime temps in the upper 60s! We can’t wait! But recently, there have been some hurdles – and you all know about COVID-19 or coronavirus.

My travel buddy and I decided (along with many of my clients traveling to Europe this spring) that we were not going to let this media frenzy hold us back. Now, there is a lot to consider, including one’s health and work situation (some jobs are telling people that if they visit Europe they will be forced out of work for 2 weeks post return) and of course, fear plays a factor for some. But not for us!!! And certainly, I would not advise clients to do anything that was counter intuitive for them, but my travel buddy and I are biting our thumb at coronavirus and going to Athens.

Stay tuned for some cool pictures, stories and tips!

Bamburg, Germany

March 3, 2020February 6, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

The vineyards continued as we sailed further into the Bavarian region of Germany. Bamburg is another city with much of its historical architecture intack and as it was built on seven hills surround the Main, the views from the cathedral and fortress were breathtaking!

This is the view from the hill that the cathedral sits on. This has got to be one of the most stunning photos I have ever taken!!!!

Bamburg is known for its famous mills and wine and a unique beer – smoked beer or Rauchbier! There is one particular pub in town that sells it and of course, we had to check it out! We poured over two of the famous hills of Bamburg, wound our way thorught the ancient old city streets, sipped Rauchbier in the Christmas Market and felt like we belonged!

Here are my favorite pictures from this beautiful stop on the Main.

A look into the village from one of the seven hills!

A look upwards towards the bell tower of the fortress.

Quaint neighborhoods are all around the old town.

I’ve heard that allowing vines to grow on the outsides of buildings is not good for the building (you can see these are cleverly trellissed). I don’t think these guys know that – and I’m glad – because it is beautiful!

My hubby trying out the smoked beer!

An iconic Bamburg view of one of the most famous mills.

I loves these details…this handsome little fellow holds back shutters.

Today’s My Birthday

February 26, 2020February 22, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Today is my birthday. It’s hard to believe I am 45 years old – but it’s true. It’s probably harder for my parents to believe!!!!

I have lead a blessed life so far and see many many more years ahead. I am healthy. My family is healthy. And my memories are beautiful and precious! To celebrate, I’m going to share my favorite pictures from the past few years – each one has a story and a special place in my heart.

I hope you are blessed with so many fabulous memories to look back on year after year!

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2015 – in front of Hampton Court

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Lighthouse Beach, Eleuthera, Bahamas

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2015 – Big Ben

San Gimignano in the mist…taken from my torre bedroom window

My sister, Becky, and I!

So much Caprese!

A gorgeous setting for a wine tasting at Palagetto

Touring the Colosseum

It isn’t hard to eat like a local in Italy. Lemon risotto – the most amazing risotto ever!

Culinary magic!

In Florence at the most adorable cafe right near the Duomo!

My hubby and I!

Cheers – again!

Fire and Ice…I love this picture!

Lined up for the toboggan ride! Quebec City, Quebec.

What a beauty!

I didn’t know she stuck her tongue out until I looked at the pictures that night!!! Notre Dame in the background.

Eiffel Tower!!!! 2019

Sea Lion Encounter, St. Maarten 2019

June 2018. Shortly after sunrise over Vatican City. I ache for another opportunity like this one….we were high tailing it to our private Vatican Tour so we could barely stop to smell the roses, but man, I wish I could’ve frozen time in this very spot. It was so peaceful and serene.

Pucker up!!!

February 2019 aboard the Symphony of the Seas. Sunset while docked off the coast of St. Marteen.

March 2013. Argenton-sur-Creuse. This was sunrise out the window of our charming 16 century townhouse at the end of the bridge.

I have a picture of my kids doing this SAME thing in London in 2013. It is fun to recreate special moments in different locations! EPCOT 2019

Symphony After Dark! Stunning!

Yes, these were BOTH for me!

Brother had to get into the action!

Photo from the top of one of the towers – San Gimignano, Italy

Try to blend in. Zurich, Switzerland – these are our “Polish faces” – my sister in law is Polish, and she said Americans smile too big in pictures – so this is how we imagine the Poles smile!

Prickly Pear blossom – so many foods are made from prickly pear – candies, licorice, jams and jellys, beer…you name it! But look at those thorns!!! Tuscon, AZ

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Sagrada Familia – needs no introduction!

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2015 – Barcelona cathedral rooftop. Spain

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Try a new form of transportation….Char and Sable on a Segway tour of the city – in Europe, kids can do many things they aren’t “allowed” to do in the US.

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Atop the battlements of Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George Castle)

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2015 – Outside of Jeronimos Monastery

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Malaga – breathtaking!

Scooting in Cinque Terre, Italy.

On board the Anthem of the Seas, moored off the coast of Nice, France.

Gibraltar – long lost cousins? Oh and behind Kelton in the distance? AFRICA!!!!!

Cousin’s Trip – Animal Kingdom 2016

Magic Kingdom 2017 – mom and dad’s second trip to Disney without kids!!!!

Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Magic Kingdom 2018

Windsor, Char and Sable – you all haven’t met Sable yet, but this kitty gets around. She even has her own book series in the works!

Family photo taken by dad. Yes it was cold, rainy and windy – it was April in England!!!

Kelton’s hair resembled Albert Einstein’s a bit too much!! Madame Tussauds.

My beautiful rose petal and Hampton Court gardens.

Mind the gap. We got an Oyster Card and used all manner of public transportation throughout London! I love this shot of Char and Sable!

These adorable sheep were all over the city and the kids posed with them whenever possible! The sheep were dressed in outfits that represented the area where they stood.

Monte Alban behind me!

Seasoned crickets at the market – I tried one and it wasn’t too bad!

Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Ossippee Lake, New Hampshire

Swift River, Kancamagus Highway, White Mountains, New Hampshire

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Ossippee Lake, New Hampshire

The best welcoming committee EVER!!!

Near sunrise, the island of Oahu, Hawai’i

Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawai’i

Sunset Perfection!!!

Char playing her Ukulele at sunset…so perfectly cliche!!!

An evening toast to the good life. We are standing on the Old Stone Bridge in Wurzburg, Germany, marveling at the fortification in the background and enjoying a common daily activity.