I'm A Jersey Girl

I'm a Jersey Girl and it was proven this weekend.  I can't pump gas into my car.  See in Jersey, its illegal for the customer to pump their own gas and I've never done it regularly.  I know the basics of HOW to do it but putting it into practice isn't always the easiest.

This weekend, I filled up right before I got to Sis's house.  We stopped at the end of the Garden State Parkway and filled up.  Then we drove a couple hundred miles north, into Self Service territory!

My car gets really good gas mileage and I didn't think we'd have to stop until we got to the Garden State Parkway on the way home.  But 95 South through Connecticut is SO long and lonely.  We were about 30 miles outside New York City when I decided we'd better stop for gas.  We might have made it but I didn't want to be the car stuck on the Tapanzzee Bridge blocking traffic.

I pulled into the gas station (on the right side to fill up!) and looked for instructions.  Nothing. Ok.  Let's stick the credit card in and see what happens.  Most of the screen was out and I couldn't read what it wanted.  I tried putting in an amount to pump.  Wrong.  I pulled the nozzle out but couldn't see how I was to let the pump know what grade I wanted. 

Ok.  Don't be a man about this, ask for help.  There was someone in the booth and they walked me step by step through process.  Gas FINALLY started into my starving car! 

I ended the transaction but couldn't get a receipt to print.  Nice.  A little maintenance would be nice for us Jersey Girls.

Sis and I continued on and finally made it back to the land of Full Service.  I gave the attendant an extra special "Thank you" when he finished filling up my baby.

There is one thing Jersey is good for!

Graveyards

I don't know why but old graveyards fascinate me.  When I was in Massachusetts on the Holy Cross campus, there was a lovely old one on the grounds and I couldn't resist exploring!

It was a COLD walk, with spring coming I'd been enjoying some warmer temperatures but going just a few hours north, the air was colder and there was snow on the ground. At least it was on the ground and not the roads!

The graveyard had stones with dates in the early 1700's.  Some were so weather worn I couldn't make out a date.  Seeing the dates reminded me that people settled in this area long before they ventured south to my home area.  I wish I had more time and freedom to explore Easton, MA more.  Maybe someday I'll head back to share it with Jakes.

I couldn't make out what this one says.

There was a marker on one that was from the War of 1812.  I thought that was pretty neat!

It was a small graveyard but with lots of character

Time and weather takes a toll.

I had a lovely brisk walk about the church campus and took a bunch of wonderful pictures.

Retreat

This weekend was lovely!  It was relaxing and peaceful.  The drive up to Massachusetts was uneventful and smooth.  We didn't get lost once!  But that could be because Sis has this AWESOME memory.  She was at this retreat house once before and while she wasn't confident in her memory.  When we were in the area, she recognized things and with the help of the GPS, we arrived at the Retreat house without incident.

The Church

We settled into our rooms to wait for the others to arrive and the party to start.

My Room
NO Wifi AND   No TV!

Sis's wonderful memory provided us with dinner at 99, which was around the corner from the Retreat House.  There was Wifi there!  YAY!  Gave me a chance to check email and let my facbook family know I'd made it safe.

After dinner, the retreat started.  There were 44 women there for spiritual guidance through their recovery from their addiction.  Sis gave her talk, there was a pizza party and candlelight  walk.  Sis and I went to bed before the walk, its amazing how tired driving makes you!

On Saturday, there was a full schedule of meetings and discussions.  Sis gave two more lectures which were enlightening and entertaining.  I knew she would be a fabulous speaker, she is just a fabulous person in life and I knew that would come out in her lectures.

In the afternoon, I took a walk around the campus.  The Holy Cross campus was huge!  And it butted up to Stonehill College Campus which was massive!  Sis and I drove around and checked that out.

The Fathers house

Holy Cross Chapel

The Retreat House

They provided our meals and they were super yummy!  And the volunteer staff who served us were wonderful!  Saturdays dinner was kick a$$ meatloaf with killer gravy!  Mouthwatering!

While the group discussions and the "cult" atmosphere wasn't my cup of tea (I'm not in recovery and didn't "get" some of what the women had been through) I could see the good that was being done for the women who were participating.

On Sunday we woke up to a nice sunny day, had breakfast, Sis gave one more lecture and we were off!  We had another uneventful smooth trip home.

I came home to a clean house, laundry done (except for what I had with me), a wiggly dog, tons of email, and My Own Bed.  I took Monday off work so that I could have all day to get settled in and organized for work this week.  Back on track!

Hello? Is anybody here? Just some Tidbits

Where does the time go?  I didn't think it had been so long since I checked in with ya'll!

Been livin' life.  Not much improvements to talk about.  Just waiting out my time until I have to make a decision.

Jakes sent over a picture of his middle of the marking period grades and I just want to say I am one proud Momma!  He's doing so well!  All A's and B's.  Just one C and that's in English where there is so much writing and he doesn't like that!  He's working on it though!

Just finished a Federal Application for work and while it took a LOT of reading (boring reading), I think it came out pretty good!  My bosses and other proof readers seem to be impressed with my work.  Fingers crossed that we get awarded the much needed funding!  Now onto reading the Mental Health Regulations for the state so I can write policies to get all the offices licensed.

Daddy received a commendation from the County Fire Police Association.  He's been a part of them for over 5 years now and they did a lovely job of recognizing him and others at their annual dinner. So proud of my Daddy!



We finally got back to riding lessons!  Its been either too cold or too wet and rainy since January for lessons.  We're hoping the weather stays clear so he can go back again this weekend.  The horses missed all the kids!



In a couple of weekends I am going to insure my place in Heaven.  I'm taking Sister Anne (she works with me and is an angel!) to a retreat in Massachusetts.  We'll be up around Stone Hill College so if you know of any good places to eat or just to sight see, let me know!  Also say a prayer for good weather on the drive up.