Sunday, September 25, 2016
Pretty garden, movies, interviews and more
So it's officially fall. First few days were still more summer like but now over the weekend the weather has definitely turned more fall-like. We took advantage of the nice weather and decided to do something outdoors yesterday. Checked out Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, NY after our friends John & Jana went last week. Their pictures looked really nice so we decided to go this weekend and definitely weren't disappointed. What a neat place. Had fun wandering around and looking at the pretty landscape designs.
Today we are going to head to the movies in a little bit to see "The Magnificent Seven". Should be a good movie. Probably going to head to lunch somewhere after and maybe catch up on some TiVo shows later. Finished "Stranger Things" on Netflix last night. What a cool series. I can't wait for them to make a second season. How cool!
This past week was filled with more interviews and I have another one coming up tomorrow morning at 9am. Fingers crossed that something positive will come out of these interviews soon. :) I will report back as soon as I have something more concrete to write about. :)
Other than that not too much going on I suppose. This past Monday we went out to lunch with our British friend Robin and hid dad who's visiting him from the UK at the moment. Was a nice lunch.
We will see what this upcoming week brings. I have the one interview scheduled so far. Other than that have a few errands to run, a letter to write, etc. Also just started a new book that I want to continue reading ("A Scone to Die For", Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Book 1, by H.Y. Hanna) Trying to make the most of my time at home while I can. Might as well enjoy myself in between the job search, interview prep and whatnot. :)
Well, off to the movies. Will update when there's more news on the job front. :)
Letter/Mail Update: Received a letter/owe a reply to: Lotte/Denmark.
Posted by Hanna at 10:59 AM in Outdoors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunday, September 04, 2016
Hiking, being outsmarted by a cat and other stuff
Happy Labor Day weekend to all my US friends. It's kind of weird to me because it's really no different to me than any other day at the moment as we aren't working. It's the first major holiday in forever where I wasn't worried about work, arranging all the schedules, figuring out which customers to call when, worrying about staffing and route scheduling and whatnot. It's really kind of weird. Also most of the CT schools have started back up as of last week. Also kind of surreal for me as I used to keep close track of all the school schedules, organize start up milk deliveries and all that.
I guess I will see where I end up in the future and if the holidays will have any kind of bearing on my job or not. At Marcus it definitely always meant a lot of extra work whenever a holiday rolled around. This past week I applied at a bunch of different positions (at a Dutch cheese company, a pet relocation company, a rug importer among others) and also saw a job at a honey importer that I want to apply to. So far no interviews but we will see how things go. Something will happen sooner or later, just have to keep looking and stay confident and positive.
This past Wednesday I had a vet appointment scheduled for Mindy, to update her shots etc. Well that didn't go quite as planned. I should have known that Mindy was not going to be cooperative. I couldn't get her into the carrier. She was so mad, hissing/growling, I was sure I would have ended up scratched to pieces if I continued trying. So I had to call the vet and cancel the appointment. I since ordered a top loading hard shell carrier (the one we had was a soft material with a front loading door) so I am hoping it will be easier to get her into that. Will need to assemble the carrier over the next few days and then make a new appointment for her. Wish me luck!
Yesterday we went for a nice hike at Bear Mountain Reservation. It's right here in Danbury but for some unknown reason we had never been there before. It was a bit more challenging than I thought it would be, especially the part that led down to the lake (quite steep) but all in all we had fun. Nice to be able to spend some time outdoors.
The weather has actually been pretty nice these past few days. It's supposed to rain as the storm makes it way up the coast but so far it's not even cloudy. We are inland so I think we will be lucky and hopefully won't really have too much of an issue. Heading out for lunch in a bit and later will relax at home watching movies or catching up on TiVo. We will probably end up doing the same tomorrow on the holiday. Then back to the job search on Tuesday.
Letter/Mail Update: All caught up with my mail at the moment.
Posted by Hanna at 11:33 AM in Cats, Nature, Outdoors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Oregon Coast .. goodbye West Coast :(
And it's already our last day here
on the West Coast. Where did the last 8 days go? Time always flies by so fast when you are having fun.
We left Portland on Sunday morning and headed to the coast. When we made it to the ocean it was still a bit cloudy but the weather improved quickly and the clouds gave way to sun. Such pretty scenery.
We did some wine tasting and after headed to Yaquina Head Lighthouse where we checked out a couple of trails and took loads of pictures. Such a pretty area.
Later we had lunch at the brewpub at Rogue Brewery before checking in at our hotel (just a Days Inn.. had gotten used to the Air B&Bs we had in Seattle and Portland which were much nicer of course) Walked down to the main street to check out the various shops and restaurants. What a funky town.
Monday we left Newport and continued up to Cannon Beach. On the way we checked out the Three Cape Scenic Route which was very pretty. Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout and Cape Meares. Saw the Lighthouse at Cape Meares and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Also stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory (yummy samples!!)
Once we got to Cannon Beach we had lunch at the Pelican Brewery. And walked up and down the main street to look at all the shops. Very cute and quaint town. Did some more wine tasting and eventually had a nice relaxed dinner.
This morning we walked along the beach for a bit, out to Haystack Rock. Cool and breezy but really pretty. Now at lunch at the Wayfarer Inn. Had the most delicious double cheese (asiago on the outside, cheddar on the inside] melt with avocado, tomato and bacon & garlic fries. So yum. Now just sitting, sipping on my glass of Pinot Gris, looking out at the ocean.
I so do not want to leave. Of course we will have to make our way back to Seattle airport regardless after lunch. Well Oh well .. until next time West Coast :)
Letter/Mail Update: Received letters/owe replies to Jessica/DE and Carmen/Malta.
Posted by Hanna at 04:55 PM in Beach, Food and Drink, Outdoors, Travel, Wine | Permalink | Comments (0)
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Portland, Oregon
Hello from Portland.
Thursday we went to the Museum of Flight in the morning. Neat museum with lots of exhibits. Afterwards we headed back into the city to take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island.
Managed to get the 12.20 ferry (35 min ride) so we were on the island by 1. Found a place on the water to have lunch (Doc's Marina Grill) and later did some wine tasting, checking out the different tasting rooms along the main street. What a neat island. Had some tasty gelato and eventually walked back to the ferry.
Friday we left Seattle and made our way to Portland. Got here a bit after noon and took the Max Light Rail into downtown. Had a late lunch at a brewpub (Deschutes) followed by a visit to Powell's book store. What a neat store.
Today we checked out the Japanese and Rose Gardens in Washington Park. Both very pretty. Then made our way to the waterfront where we had lunch outside. In the shade by the water the heat was tolerable. It's been a 100F (38C) but at least there is no humidity so much more tolerable than the heat on the East Coast.
Tomorrow we are off to the Oregon coast for 2 more nights. This trip is definitely flying by way too fast.
Letter/Mail Update: Received letters/owe replies to Jessica/DE and Carmen/Malta.
Posted by Hanna at 09:30 PM in Food and Drink, Outdoors, Travel, Wine | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, August 08, 2016
Hopkins Inn
And somehow it's already Monday again. Really, where has this past month gone?
This past week I had my unemployment hearing and all went well. They released my funds so at least there is a little bit of money coming in now which is helpful. I also received a return phone call from the logistics job I applied to. Was really excited for a minute but unfortunately that excitement didn't last all that long. Pretty soon into it they told me that it was an entry level position and what it would be paying (quite a bit less than what I had made at my old job) so I had to decline. I am figuring that I shouldn't sell myself short just yet. If I am still without a job in a few months then I will be willing to accept offers that aren't quite what I really want. But I figure for now I should be reaching high and look for the best opportunities rather than pick the first thing that comes my way. So I will keep searching, looking and applying and see what the future holds.
The weather was pretty decent most of the week. Saturday it was a little off with high humidity and storms during the later part of the day. So we decided to stay indoors and went to see Star Trek which was really good.
Sunday the weather was much nicer so we decided to go for a walk outside, along a river. And afterwards had a small bite and some drinks at the Alpenhaus Steinbock Tavern in New Milford followed by a delicious dinner at the Hopkins Inn overlooking Lake Waramaug. I am always happy when we get to go there (we usually try to go once during the summer). We also usually try to time it so it's a nice weather day so we get to sit outside. They have a huge patio and porch area overlooking the lake - very pretty. And of course super delicious food. Had escargot as an appetizer, cordon bleu for my entree and toblerone sundae for dessert. Soo good!! After we got back home we relaxed for a bit and watched "Moonrise Kingdom", a Wes Anderson film we hadn't seen yet.
Tomorrow we have tickets to see Best Coast in Hamden and on Wednesday I am going to meet up with our Australian friends. They are currently in L.A. but will be making their way to NY tonight on a red-eye flight. Will be great to see them again. :)
Letter/Mail Update: All caught up. No outstanding mail at the moment.
Posted by Hanna at 12:41 PM in Film, Food and Drink, Outdoors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Summer Hikes
Finally the weather has cooled down a bit after a whole week of 90+ degree F (33C) temps. It's dreary outside today, cloudy with the occasional rain shower passing through. But I am totally fine with that. It's a nice break from the crazy heat and sun. Nothing against nice summer weather but when it's so hot and sometimes humid on top of it ... yeah no, that's not my kind of weather. Honestly I would be happy with year round mid 70ies F (23C), a nice breeze, no humidity, that's my perfect weather. :)
Well enough complaining. Yesterday, while humid, was still a pretty nice day especially the first part of the day. So we took advantage of it and went to Ossining, NY (about 35 min drive from us) to check out a place called Teatown Lake Reservation. A bunch of neat trails. We only did the Lakeside Trail which as the name suggests circles a lake. About 1.5 miles so not super long but it was really nice with lots of pretty views. There are plenty of other trails we will need to check out when it's less hot and humid. I bet it would be super pretty there in the fall as well. Always excited to find new places.
After our hike/walk we went for lunch at a restaurant nearby called "The Boathouse". It was right near the Hudson and we were able to sit outside in the shade overlooking the river/boats. Had a delicious avocado and crabmeat salad. Yum. Glad to have found a new restaurant that's close to some nice hiking trails. Perfect combo. :)
Today we are going to stay indoors and head to the movies to see the new Bourne film. Looking forward to that. Afterwards we will probably go to lunch somewhere. Should be a relaxed day all in all.
Tomorrow I have my unemployment hearing over the phone at 10.15 am. It's mostly a formality since I was laid off (they have some questions in regards to the vacation pay that was paid out to me etc) So I will need to deal with that tomorrow. Other than that nothing planned for the rest of the week as of yet. Will try and get some more reading in. Applied for a neat sounding job close to home and hoping that I might hear back from them as well. Fingers crossed.
Letter/Mail Update: A letter went out to Celia/MA on Thursday.
Posted by Hanna at 10:54 AM in Film, Food and Drink, Nature, Outdoors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, July 04, 2016
4th of July weekend
Happy 4th of July to all my American friends. :) The holiday happens to fall on a Monday this year which is turning this into an extended weekend for most of the country. I say most of the country because I still ended up working on Saturday and today. But it's ok, not the end of the world.
We really aren't the BBQ or picnic type people mostly anyway so it's not the end of the world. We actually did have an invitation to go to a BBQ/picnic yesterday but already had other plans so that didn't work out.
Saturday after work we had a leisurely lunch at 121 in Oxford. And on Sunday we took advantage of the nice weather and spent some time outdoors. Went to Hyde Park and walked along a trail by the Hudson. The weather was pretty humid though so even the short 2.5 pretty flat trail felt like a challenge. We did have fun being outside though.
Afterwards we went to the Mill House in Poughkeepsie for a late lunch and to watch the France-Iceland Euro game. When that was done we went to the place where Candy Hearts was playing. It was at a pizza place in Poughkeepsie and had more of an open mic feel. Kind of weird but pretty neat all in all. There were a bunch of other people playing before Mariel came on. Had fun hanging out and listening to the various people though.
Today we are at work but should get out of here by noon. Afterwards we are going to check out a winery not that far from here (Glorie Wines) for some wine tasting and then lunch near the water at the River Station Restaurant. Should be a nice afternoon.
Mail Update. A letter went out to Eunice/Malta on Tuesday last week. All caught up with my mail at the moment. :)
Posted by Hanna at 10:41 AM in Food and Drink, Holidays, Outdoors, Wine | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunday, June 05, 2016
More Croatia :)
And it's already Sunday again. Why does time always fly when you are enjoying yourself? I am currently sitting on the balcony with my feet up, a glass of wine, reading "The Shell Seekers" and listening to the waves.
Friday we drove to the island of Vir. Also stopped in Nin for a bit and bought a bunch of neat things at the salt museum gift shop (rosemary salt, basil salt, fleur de sel sea salt, olive oil and various scented bath salts) Had a great lunch close to the water. Super yum.
Yesterday, Saturday, we took the road along the coast and drove all the way to Senj. Very pretty drive. In a way reminded me of a Croatian version of CA Highway 1. Really pretty scenery and a great drive along the coast. Had lunch in Senj and then cut through the mountains over to the highway inland to drive back to the hotel.
Today, Sunday, we drove to Primosten (about hour and a half away) and had lunch in another lovely restaurant right on the water. Had yummy fish soup and a delicious grilled fish platter with veggies, olives, etc. Cappuccino, wine, ... life's good :)
Will see what the weather holds in store tomorrow and decide what to do then. 2 more nights here after tonight. Making the most of my time near the sea and my balcony :)
Mail Update: Received letters from/owe replies to: Nina/WA and Lotte/Denmark.
Posted by Hanna at 11:10 AM in Beach, Food and Drink, Outdoors, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunday, May 01, 2016
Walkway over the Hudson, Broadway and more
And already Sunday afternoon again. Can't complain. Had/having a very relaxed weekend. Didn't have to work Saturday which was nice.
Saturday the weather was pretty nice as well so we took advantage of that and spent some time outdoors, on the Walkway over the Hudson. Always enjoy spending time there and when the cooperates it's extra nice. Walked across and back again and then had a leisurely lunch at the Millhouse Brewpub. Yum.
Hung out at Two Steps with some friends and later watched "Special Correspondents" (Ricky Gervais, Eric Bana) on Netflix. Really neat and funny movie. So all in all a fun day.
Got to sleep in again this morning. Managed to write two letters while having some tea before we headed out for lunch. Now at 121 in Oxford having some yummy food and wine, relaxing, before we are heading back home to catch up on some recorded TiVo shows and movies. Should be a nice relaxed rest of our Sunday.
In other fun news just splurged on some Broadway tickets for my birthday which is Oct 24. The tickets are for Sunday 3pm, Oct 23. I love Broadway and it's been ages since we have been to a show. These seats are really great too, pretty much right in the middle of the action. If you want to check it out go take a look here. Really can't wait. Should be worth the price for an unique and different experience (you can check out the seating when you click on "Tickets") We have two of the blue dots, the swiveling arm chairs. :)
Well that's all for today. Going to spend the rest of this rainy day drinking some more tea and wine and catching up on shows. And tomorrow it's already Monday again.
Mail Update: Mailing letters tomorrow to Charles/TN and Celia/MA.
Posted by Hanna at 03:48 PM in Food and Drink, NYC, Outdoors, Performances | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Relaxed Weekend
Only worked Wednesday to Saturday this week but the week still felt long. Busy after coming back from Chicago. Even though we technically only took 2 business days off it still felt like there was a lot of things to catch up on. Always so much to do.
And of course the weekend flew by like crazy. Worked Saturday till about 2pm. Then headed to a winery near work (Brotherhood) where we had some wine and a meat and cheese platter. Then hung out at a local place with some friends watching the Mets game before heading back home.
Today, Sunday, we slept in a little and then went for a walk near a reservoir across the border in Brewster, NY. Was a nice walk near the water and woods. Nice being outdoors. When we were done we headed to Oxford to 121 for a leisurely lunch. Happy surprise that they rolled out a new menu for spring/summer with some interesting new additions.
Later we are going to stop at the store for some necessities and then catch up on our recorded TV shows on TiVo. Yay for a relaxed Sunday night. :)
Mail Update: Mailed letters on Wednesday to: Carmen/Malta, Laura/Spain, Lotte/Denmark and Jessica/DE. Still owe a reply to: Charles/TN.
Posted by Hanna at 03:51 PM in Food and Drink, Outdoors | Permalink | Comments (0)