It is too early for jokes

While driving my grandson, Corbyn, to his childminder on Friday, I asked him to tell me a joke. I have done this for years now, and considering he was only 3 on Monday, you might wonder what sort of jokes Corbyn tells.  For awhile, he never responded to this - mainly because he could not talk! So I would say "Tell me a joke" and he would look at me.  One day, however, I asked Corbyn to tell me a joke and he responded by saying "Joke".  Not bad for a little kid!  So I am used to Corbyn saying Joke whenever I ask him to tell me a joke.  But on Friday, after I asked him to tell me a joke he said "It is too early for jokes, I will tell jokes tomorrow!"   Quite a leap from "joke".

I didn't actually see Corybn "tomorrow" since we were busy with other things - mainly helping Whitney get ready for his birthday party on Sunday.  Corbyn stays with his daddy Friday night and Saturday day, so it was easier to do this with him not around!  We got fabulous helium balloons at Jac's Balloons in Ayr, one number 3 and one big Buzz Lightyear!  Whitney also requested the Ranch tortilla roll ups I discovered on the Pillsbury website. These are absolutely delicious and I never remember them - Whitney does though!  In addition to this, I made 73 tiny cupcakes and put a little arrangement together on a tray, this was fun and a real hit at the party. In fact, Corbyn hand-picked a cupcake and presented it to each individual guest! 

But before that, Jim and Jennifer came over Saturday night for a quick pizza and maybe to book some hotels for our trip.  Now I remember why I pulled the plug on us going to New England for the Fall, too expensive. I know I have said that before!  We literally spent hours looking at our laptops and maps and could  not even find one hotel or little apartment we could either afford, or agree on, or both.  It was a bit depressing and I think we were all wishing we had looked at the cost of hotels before committing ourselves to this trip.  We have even made the painful decision to only stay 2 nights in New York, instead of the 3 we had originally planned.

Eventually, we gave up on New York, our first stop and went on to Niagara Falls. We were luckier here.  Alan and I discovered Michael's Inn the first time we were there and knew it was affordable and a good location. And we got a booking there for about £35 a night, each!  Phew!  So we are staying there for 4 nights!  Will do day trips to Toronto, Niagara on the Lake and what ever else tickles our fancy.  It felt good to at least have this under our belts.http://www.michaelsinn.com/

Our mission has been to locate other hotels, etc, on our own and possibly discuss over the phone.  Plus, Alan's cousin in Washington suggested contacting runs Largs Travel.  Alan has done this and it might be very helpful for us.  At least a bit of guidance, and more knowledge about what is good and what to avoid, will help us have a better vacation!  http://www.largstravel.com/

My friend, Gina, is also very familiar with Boston, because she often goes there to visit her daughter.  She has given good advice too.  Every little bit helps when you do not have a clue about somewhere. 

Alex also very kindly invited us to stay with them when we are in Washington DC! So that will not only help with the pocket book, but will be fun too! Alan and I have stayed with Alex and Mindy before and they are wonderful hosts!  So we are really looking forward to seeing them again and meeting their daughter! (actually, I think we met their daughter when she was really, really small. But she is 16 now, so it will be a very different person we meet!)

The trip seems to be shaping up a bit and is beginning to seem like a good idea!  Let us hope that continues!

Let your dreams outgrow the shoes of your expectations. - Ryunosuke Satoro