New York Traveler

Is It All Truly Just Location, Location, Location?

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Tue, 27 May 2014 21:29:00 +0000

I tend to differ from that real estate mantra, "Location, location, location." Do you? I also think that a healthy portion of real estate success is who is servicing you while you buy or sell. As a traveler far and wide, I have seen a whole lot of real estate. I also like to look up the demographics of various places we visit, checking out the population, tax rates, real estate values, and such. So I think of myself as a real estate junkie, a hobbyist who likes to know what's beneath the towns and cities we visit.

I've been to a lot of real estate websites and blogs, too. Is it just me, or are many of those websites terribly difficult to navigate? They are messy and full of weird links and articles. I have, however, discovered a really nice website for Calgary real estate. He's a young gentleman named Cliff Stevenson. His website is really terrific! Everything is on the first page, NEAT and tidy and organized. I love the social media buttons the greet you when you bring up the website, and the small real estate blog video in the sidebar. There's also easy access to the team of Calgary real estate agents. Best of all, you don't have to blindly navigate through any obscure pages or tabs to do a property search. It's right there, in your line of focus. Very nice. I also like the "Featured properties" at the bottom of the page; it's a nice touch.

As a consumer, I think a realtor's website says a lot about his business. It's not all about location, it's service and presentation, too. If you like to browse real estate sites or are looking for an orderly place to buy or sell or browse, check out the site!

Places to go for First Timers Visiting the Big Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:52:00 +0000

Traveling to New York City is usually a right of passage for most Americans, even more so for New York State residents. However, if home life in upstate New York is all you know, a visit to the “city that never sleeps” could make you uneasy to visit if you don’t have an itinerary in mind.

For newcomers and first time visitors, it may not be wise to just wing your vacation or stay, it’s best to know where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and how much cash you’ll need. The last thing you need is to be stranded in the middle of Battery Park without money for a cab or a subway ride. Thankfully, there are several sites that can give you an idea of where to go on your trip to New York City.

Central Park
Even for first timers, most people know that the crown jewel of the city is Central Park. Located in the middle or Manhattan, dividing the West and East sides, Central Park is a lush 843-acre park that serves as an ideal location for films, tv shows, romantic or family picnics or a vibrant jog. Whatever you decide, Central Park should be at the top of your “places to visit” list. The park is just a subway ride away, connecting most railways under Columbus Circle, which is at the southwesternmost tip of the park.

Empire State Building
We’ve all seen it, standing 102 floors from the pavement below, soaring upward in a spire of light. The Empire State Building is the embodiment of the spirit of the state of New York, which also happens to be called the Empire State. Known as the tallest building Manhattan, the Empire State Building has been featured in many films and tv shows, such as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Gossip Girl”. If you just so happen to visit the City with your significant other, visiting the Empire State Building could be both fascinating and romantic.

Madison Square Garden
You haven’t really experienced a concert if you haven’t seen you favorite band or singing artist at Madison Square Garden. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is easily accessible by cab, by car, though you may need to find Madison Square Garden Parking, or the F, B, D or M trains. The stadium also serves as a multipurpose arena known for holding the concerts of the century and being the home for the New York Knicks. If you’re looking to attend a concert or perhaps a basketball game, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended due to the popularity if the venue.

Shopping
If shopping is your thing, one of the places you may also want to visit is Bergdorf Goodman, one of the only remaining luxury department stores on the island. Competing with Bloomingdales, Barney’s and Saks 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman offers shoppers a wide selection of designer apparel such as Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen and Jimmy Choo.
The great thing about Bergdorf Goodman is that it’s divided into two department stores, one for men and one for women, making shopping more accessible. If you’re feeling up for it, call in advance and ask for a personal shopper to help you pick out what you need. Bergdorf Goodman is located on 5th Avenue at the heart of Manhattan, just a few block from Central Park. You can’t miss it!

Wherever you decide to go on your trip to New York City, make sure you know where you’re going. This doesn’t mean that you need to strictly stay on schedule, it just gives you an idea of where to go so you don’t get lost. It’s always good to have a flexible itinerary and subway map handy to navigate you through the city. If you need more ideas on where to go in your stay at NYC, check their website for fun, seasonal events taking place during your stay.

House Flipping and Other Strange Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:36:00 +0000

I had some weird dreams last night. It must have been those spicy chicken wings I had for dinner. Ever hear of "house flipping"? It a way of making money, done by people who purchase an old, run-down home, renovate it, and sell it for a nice profit. Sometimes, they can fund their purchase with a nice 203k loan or from the profit from their previous "flip." I have often considered getting into such a business. I LOVE old homes (I have always lived in old homes) and I'm pretty handy with the hammer and electrical cabling.

But my dream was about house flipping, reality-style. Yeah, the house flipped. Over.

I wish I could remember all the details... the house was shaken off its foundation and fell over into a heap on the ground. WEIRD. I then dreamed I wandered through an old home I once lived in as a little girl. It had changed somewhat, and had been put on the market. In the dream, I was considering a homepath deal and buying the house. Then I woke up.

House flipping -- the "real" kind -- does have some appeal. But I think I'm too old now to be a house flipper. Lord knows, there's a ton of decrepit old homes around here that need repair, but I think the selling part would be the most difficult. A local company tried house flipping in the city and it hasn't turned out as profitable as they liked.

Clark Howard (the affable radio financial/thrift geek) says that now is a good time to buy a home. I was flabbergasted, actually. Doesn't it matter that the economy is kind of shaky? But Howard says its a great time to buy because people are eager to sell. And I can imagine that people are probably relocating to new areas for better job opportunities. That's been tossed around a lot, here in Upstate New York... it
s becoming more and more difficult to make ends meet in Upstate. I admit, I am nervous about the future. For forty years, everyone and their mother have been clamoring for more "change" but nothing ever happens. It's discouraging. On the other hand, one man's trouble is another man's treasure. Who knows, maybe NYS will get some real flippers who can turn everything around here....

A Great Family Destination

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:27:00 +0000

The 2012 travel season is rapidly coming to a close here in the Northeast. Because of the winter weather (and heating expense), most places shut down for the season. It's too bad, really, because I love to travel during the autumn and early winter season. The weather is usually perfect -- it's after the agonizing summer humidity but before the snow starts. Oh well. These days, I'm expanding my sights and have a few out-of-state destinations coming up for the 2013 season. I've never been west of the Ohio River, and I want to see the county a bit more. Of course, our travels will still be very "history" based. We love historic sites and museums and other related family vacation destinations. I want the kids to see some of the highlights of the United States, particularly the Rockies, the Mississippi river and the Gulf Coast area. I saw the Gulf of Mexico as a girl, and it remains one of the highlights of my life. What a glorious area! I would SO love to take the kids on one of those Mississippi river tours, or walk the sandy-white beaches and see the turquoise-tinted waters. It's so lovely. The Mississippi tourism website is spectacular -- not only do they list attractions, but they also list events and special deals. The photos of the region are so tempting!

How about you? Do you have any special vacation desires? Have you been to the Gulf Coast? What special thing do you remember about it?

Just so you know, I am being compensated to mention the website in this post. The opinions expressed here are 100% mine!

New York Traveler: Lake George Redux

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:28:00 +0000

New York Traveler: Lake George Redux

Technology for the Country Folks

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:46:00 +0000

HAHA! Click the image for a large (readable) view.

Vacation for NY Residents in Their Very Own City

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:35:00 +0000

New York is one of the greatest cities in the world, and millions of people visit there every year. While many tourists from around the world come into the city on vacation, it is possible to enjoy the city even if you live there. If you are a resident of New York, you might want to consider taking a vacation in your very own city. What could you possibly do on a trip in your own city?

Accommodations

One of the most important parts of the process is making sure that you have some place to stay. Many people in this situation would be tempted to simply stay at home and go out to see things in the city. If you want it to really feel special and feel like a vacation, you need to stay somewhere other than your home.

For example, if you live in the suburbs of the city, you could book a hotel room inside the city. This will make it feel as though you are traveling somewhere away from home. Otherwise, it will just feel like you are going out for the day and then coming back to your regular life in the evening. If you're planning on being gone for an extended trip, you might need to find some of the best self storage New York has to offer. This way, you can still access your things while you're 'away' from your home.

Seeing the Sights

When you live in New York City, it's common to take all of the tourist attractions for granted. Many people who live in the city have never actually been to the Statue of Liberty or to Central Park. They've never been to The Met or to The Empire State Building. On your vacation, you should spend some time taking in these sights. They'll make you feel that much more proud to be a New Yorker.

Other Options

Besides just sight seeing, you may want to do some of the activities that New York is known for. For example, you might want to take in a Knicks game, watch a Broadway show or one of many other activities along the way.

Regardless of which options you choose to pursue, just make sure that you have a good time. If you treat it like a vacation and enjoy your time in one of the best cities in the world, it will be one of the most memorable trips of your life.

The Jobs Conundrum

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:54:00 +0000

The reports have been rolling out, detailing how dire the economy is here in Upstate New York compared to other states. I marvel that these reports are still rolling in -- I mean, the lousy business and jobs environment in New York State has been in the making for FORTY YEARS. You'd think there'd be change? Nope, all we get are more reports lamenting how lousy it is here. It's all too bad.

There ARE jobs around here, I think. You have to be a bit more creative these days. This is actually a great time for the small business or independent entrepreneur. All the big companies are high-tailing it out of here, so the board is wide open with opportunity. How about an enrolled agent cpe job? These jobs are becoming more important. I am thinking or hiring someone to help me de-tangle the mess that is the tax code. The site offers a hefty enrolled agent ethics course (a highly recommended course) as well as a myriad of other tools to get you going. I would much prefer a local agent to a nationalized, faceless entity.

I think there are opportunities out there. Gone are the days of the "Father Knows Best" and "Leave It To Beaver" jobs where you just walk into an office or factory and get a cushy job for the rest of your life. Nope, that's only for the politicians these days. The rest of us have to hunt around.

What do you think? Are you optimistic about your region's job opportunities?

In Which the Frozen Chosen Collectively Melt into the Atlantic..

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 19:31:00 +0000

Who cares about the glaciers, WE in the Northeast are dissolving into tiny pools of sweat across the region! Hey, who the heck turned on the heat? Shut it off!

It's *only* 86 degrees (so says my computer thermometer) but it feels like 95. I am struggling to maintain control after the weather man says it will be nearly 100 tomorrow. If I can barely manage when it's 86....

I had travel plans for tomorrow afternoon, but if it's going to be this scalding hot, I think the last thing I want to do is sit outside, baking on a grassy field, watching a reenactment in which actors clothed in wool Redcoat uniforms duke it out with the Patriots on a dusty, sweaty, gunsmoke-filled, cannon material handling blitz of a battlefield. :( I really wanted to go but now I am not so sure. It won't be very fun, sprawled out unconscious from heat stroke.

Last summer we were flooded THREE times. This summer we're baking in drought. What the heck?!

Trying to Make Some Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 01:58:00 +0000

Sometimes a tourist attraction or hotel will sponsor a trip at a discount, sometimes they won't. Even though my NewYorkTraveler.net website is incredibly popular and is the only one of its kind in New York State, it seems some companies are still very wary of the Internet as a means of advertising. These places seem determined to waste their thousands of dollars on colorful, beautiful, expensive brochures that no one ever reads.

I've made some really great deals lately, and folks in Central New York seem to be a little more open to Internet word-of-mouth. But in New York City? In the Finger Lakes? Not much.

We'll see what develops. I'm working hard to promote my talents and my website right now. We've only got 3 more months of travel season up here, and when the crowds start to to thin that's when I really like to travel. I'm hoping for a number of big trips before the year is out. I'll have more on that later.

How is your summer turning out? Have you done much traveling?

The Adirondack Scenic Railroad

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 02:44:00 +0000

LOVED IT.

LOVED IT!!!

I did a full review here.

Riding the train is magnificent. I love taking Amtrak to New York City. It's so relaxing, like a quiet oasis after the city's heat and noise.

Riding the ADK RR is spectacular. The views are great and the crew is greater. The husband and I are already planning another special trip just for us. I'm going to have to write a lot of articles on cleaning leather furniture, but it will be SO worth it!

I'm Giving Away Free Audio Walking Tours for NYC App

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:35:00 +0000

I recently downloaded and reviewed a new iPhone/Android app called Racontours. It's a really neat app, one of the best travel apps I've seen! The app contains numerous historical walking tours of New York City, loaded with videos, images, and much history.

You can read my review of it here. As part of my enthusiasm, the app developer has given me a coupon code so you can check out the tours, too.

I am giving away some FREE tours for the app this week only. All you have to do is email Oscar at Racontours with the coupon code NEWYORKTRAVELER. Racontours will send you a coupon code for a free tour. Even if you don’t plan on visiting the city, you can still learn a lot. Most tours are very long — it took me several hours to get through a few of them — so they are somewhat like a movie/audio book/video. I especially liked the Central Park, Wall Street, and Old Manhattan tours.

The tours are valued at $10 each, so it's quite a deal. And I'll bet that you learn something new about the history of NYC and our founding fathers!

Hacker Gains Entry to Hotel Rooms

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Who comes up with this stuff?!

A hacker is apparently able to enter a locked hotel room without a key. According to Forbes, Mozilla developer Cody Brocius can hack into certain keyless hotel room locks in a matter of minutes:

Using an open-source hardware gadget Brocious built for less than $50, he can insert a plug into that DC port and sometimes, albeit unreliably, open the lock in a matter of seconds. “I plug it in, power it up, and the lock opens,” he says simply.

The hack works only on certain locks made by manufacturer Onity, "whose devices are installed on the doors of between four and five million hotel rooms around the world according to the company’s figures." And the hack isn't always consistent, either. It failed two out of three times on tests.

But STILL.

Read the story, it's very enlightening.

My Post About the William Seward House

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:45:00 +0000

Part 1 is up about the life of William H. Seward! We visited his Auburn home a few weeks ago. Since that time, I've looked into his history and have learned many amazing and admirable things. I hope you can take a little time to learn about him. After reading about his life, I greatly admire the man.

William Seward House in Auburn, NY

I'll have Parts 2 and 3 of the story later this week and next, too. Enjoy!

Well That's Nice to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:37:00 +0000

Looks like my photographs of our travels throughout New York State have become quite popular on the Internet. While searching for information about my travel blogs, I found that scads of people search for, visit, and link to some of my photos. The most popular seem to be our visits to historic military sites and my miscellaneous photos of "old stuff" like old books and personalized jewelry boxes.

I used to play "Photo Hunters" on the other travel blog, a fun Internet scavenger hunt game. We were assigned a word and had to post a related photo and description of the photo. Some of my blog traffic comes directly from the game!

I especially liked showing (and viewing) photos of antiques, heirlooms, old toys, personal keepsakes and very old jewelry, etc. Those things are fascinating to me. I like to imagine what life was like way back when, and these "everyday" types of objects seem to tell the story.

I have almost 6,000 photos on my Flickr account now. :|

High Fire Alert for Adirondacks, Says NYS DEC

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:42:00 +0000

New York State hasn't seen any rain in several weeks, and therefore everything is bone dry. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a High Fire Alert for the Adirondacks. Please read the DEC's webpage on Fire Safety Outdoors. Also, please be aware that it is now illegal to transport firewood in New York State unless it has been treated against pests, and it is illegal to transport untreated firewood less than 50 miles from its source.

Hat tip Adirondack Base Camp.

Um, It's Hot

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Just read an update from WSYR (a local news station) that it's 93 degrees out and we will probably break out record of 94 today. :| This is our 12th day of 90+ degree weather for the season-- and we're not even in the hottest part of the year yet!

:-p

The Adirondacks Beckon....

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:32:00 +0000

We haven't been up there yet, but I hear them whispering to me: the Adirondack Mountains.

Right now, however, is the heart of black fly season up there. Black flies love me. For dessert. Even bug spray doesn't keep the nasty little buggers away from me. So I must wait until the weather cools. Hopefully, in September or October we will go. Lord willing, we will trek up to Lake Placid to see the Olympic Center and Whiteface Mountain. I'm hoping to ride on their ski lift and take a video. I've been very lackadaisical with travel plans this year, however. I have lots of desires but I also have lots of things to do around the homestead (like fence mending, finishing up some projects and setting plastic stanchions)... right now, I'm taking one day at a time.

Still, I've got plans for a few smaller trips planned for the summer, most of them to urban areas. I have to get to New York City again, we want to see Harriet Tubman's home in Auburn, and I want to go to the Erie Canal Boat House in Chittenango, NY. All in development!

Discover the Pearl of the Adriatic - Travel and Hotels in Dubrovnik.

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 20:00:00 +0000

It is perhaps a nod to its' illustrious history that prices in Dubrovnik are higher than elsewhere in Croatia. But, as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” and this incredible fortified city that rises imposingly from the indigo waters of the Adriatic is well worth it.
What's more, it is still cheaper than its counterparts in Western Europe.

Booked.net profiles what Lord Byron called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

Two hundred years after the poet visited, it continues to charm tourists. A mainstay port of call for Mediterranean cruises and Croatia's most upscale city, Dubrovnik has dominated “up and coming” destination lists worldwide for several years.

Dubrovnik was from 1358 to 1808 the capital of the Republic of Rusaga – a wealthy maritime nation that at the peak of its power in the 16th century possessed one of the world's largest merchant naval fleets.

To guard its wealth from the threat of other states, huge walls were built around the city to defend it and protect its mix of limestone-paved streets and baroque buildings, now recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, in the pedestrian-only old town.

For seven months between 1991 and 1992 the city came under sustained attack by Yugoslav People's Army forces causing extensive damage. When the turmoil ended, the city's architecture and monuments were painstakingly reconstructed and little trace of the damage wrought is evident.

Today's Dubrovnik has the atmosphere of a resort town, thronging with ever increasing numbers of tourists in and around the main street Placa, with is full of cafés, restaurants and shops and dominated by monuments at either end.

Where to stay
Typical of a tourist city the range of accommodation options in Dubrovnik are broad. From small family-run businesses to spa resorts and chic, new-builds, Dubrovnik hotels cover the full spectrum.

They range from the luxurious, cliff top Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik to inexpensive but highly-rated hideaways like Apatments Villa Doris Stikovica Dubrovnik, there is something for every taste and every budget.
Having checked in, it's time to discover the best of this Renaissance city.

A City for All Seasons
Under the hot summer sun Dubrovnik comes alive with events and festivities. The most famous of these is the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival, a staple through June and July for almost 65-years, the 47-day event brings together thousands of artists from across the globe in a celebration of music, dance, folklore and theater.

Days spent swimming and exploring under the Adriatic sun and rubbing shoulders with the celebrities that flock to the city are followed by a vibrant nightlife that encompasses wining and dining on the local specialty fish dishes el fresco, followed by music, night clubs and cinemas under a blanket of stars.

Summer in Dubrovnik is a hive of activity. But the resort-like feel of the city, coupled with a typically mild Mediterranean climate means Dubrovnik is never boring and hosts various events year-round.

The Pompey Orb

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 19:25:00 +0000

That's what we call it-- the Pompey Orb.

We were driving on Route 20 just outside of Pompey, NY, and we saw this on the hill. What the heck is this?

In case you can't tell, it's a huge white orb. Like Epcot Center or something.

Anyone know what it is? I can't even begin to think how I might search for information online. I doubt the owners call it their "orb." hahah

Restaurants Needed

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 19:24:00 +0000

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to own a small business in New York State. I see places opening and then closing left and right. :( It doesn't leave New Yorkers with a whole lot of choices, either.

We're going to be going back up to the Adirondacks this autumn, Lord willing. I am very excited because it's SO magnificent there, so peaceful, so refreshing. But it's also a real pain because there are so few restaurants. When we stayed at Blue Mountain Lake, there was only ONE restaurant open, 15 miles away, and it was not a very pleasant experience (had a bar and the food was poor). Some folks we talked to knew a great deal about Hospitaliy Supplies & Hotel Catering Supplies but had little means to get heavy Restaurant Equipment and other Restaurant Supply products up to the Dacks.When we visited, we had to get our food at a convenience store that cost a TON of money.

There are some pretty cool places to stay in the Dacks-- loads of cabins and campgrounds and hotels and etc... but so few places to eat or get food. The nearest cities are, what, Utica and Rome to the south, Plattsburgh to the north... ? How does these people live in the Dacks year round and still eat?!

There's a great need for food venues up there, in my opinion. While I'm looking forward to our stay, I'm not too keen on paying through the nose for hotdogs and eggs.

Civil War Weekend in Peterboro

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

You have probably never heard of Peterboro, NY, in Madison County, but lots of stuff happened here.

Peterboro was the home of Gerrit Smith, a man converted to Christ under the revival meetings of Charles Grandison Finney. Inspired by the teachings of the New Testament, Gerrit Smith dedicated the rest of his life and his large fortune aiding the abolition movement. The abolition movement began in Upstate New York. This was the stop of the Underground Railroad, where negroes seeking freedom received money and a safe passage to Canada or money and some of Smith's land to start their own farms.

Smith's daughter, Elizabeth, also supported women's rights, and she invented the scandalous bloomers (the first trousers for women) in Peterboro.

We visited this tiny hamlet today for the Civil War weekend event. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the "war to end all wars." I wrote about our trip on my travel blog NewYorkTraveler.net. We even got to meet the President and his wife!

It was a terrific visit. Peterboro is an amazing little town filled with amazing and tenacious people.

Things I Want To Do in New Jersey

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 03:24:00 +0000

ROFL ROFL ROFL. I found this on Facebook. As a New Yorker, I approve of this message. LOLOL!!!

LOL< I know I know-- I'll probably get slammed by you New Jerseyites. Hey, the "sports rivalry" between the two states is just a game in jest. And believe me, I complain 200% more often about New York!

If My Cat Could Drive...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:38:00 +0000

... she'd drive just like me. :)

Traffic Intolerance

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Mecomber) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:25:00 +0000

Perhaps it is because I stay so closely to home during the six months of winter we have up here. Perhaps I am getting impatient in my old age. I'm not sure. But I do know one thing: I am starting to hate driving.

It's a heck of a lot of work, dodging crazy drivers who yak on their phones, reckless weave between two lanes or tailgate me in my little car. We traveled to West Point, NY, recently and the drive was awful. Just awful! The traffic was thick, fast, rude and a tangled mess. It didn't help that my GPS seemed to have a vendetta against me, LOL!

I used to love driving. Ah, the open road! Now, I almost dread it. I love taking the train; I wish it wasn't so expensive to do so (and so slow). I also wouldn't mind the bus. When we visited New York City last, we rode the city bus for a time. It was a very peaceful experience. Older folks and mothers and nurses garbed in 3 4 sleeve dresses seemed to prefer the bus to the subway. I chatted with the friendly bus driver, and it was a terrific experience.

So even after a week, I'm still in shell shock from the traffic. It nearly drove me to the deep end! I can't wait until my kids start to drive-- then I can close my eyes in the back seat and wait until we reach our destination!