Photos

September 5, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Funny signs, Honda, New Hampshire, People, Photos, Restaurants, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Vermont, Videos

day 3: bennington, vt to chester, vt to portsmouth, nh

It’s just not a trip to Vermont if you don’t make it to Sonny’s Blue Benn DinerÂ for breakfast:

If you have followed here for any bit of time, you have definitely heard about this place before. I am a serious repeat offender. The Blue Benn has long been written up and praised in publications like the New York Times, countless magazines and a bunch of road food books, but even with all that mega-popularity, I love that it’s always stayed the same:

(Yikes. I’m also a bad hair day and outfit repeat offender! After watching this video I am thinking my no shopping and same haircut for about 5 years habit might need to be broken…)

I digress…back to the good stuff:

I asked Jeannie, one of the always friendly Blue Benn Waitresses if I could ask her a few questions before our breakfast came out:

…as we nibbled on a fresh made cinnamon sugar doughnut for an appetizer:

Finally, scrambled eggs, perfectly seasoned red potato hash browns, and homemade sourdough toast:

Of course I had to snap a photo of this sign that made me laugh:

Blue Benn breakfast builds strong bones and big muscles!

With a full belly, it was off to NH on a much different route than I would usually take. Detours a plenty because of Hurricane Irene which added a bunch of miles and time to my destination, but I am more than Ok with that. Detours and new roads mean new things to see and new people to meet. Like this super cool truck I spotted:

Unfortunately in this detour case, there was some damage to be seen:

A couple miles from the above sad scene, I spotted this lighthearted display on the side of the road:

…and once again had to whip out the video camera. (Boy, I am really digging having a video camera along with me this go- around!):

I saw a few people across the street, so had to ask them if they knew what the deal was with the above. Turns out, one of the women was the creator of the fun scene. Meet Kim:

We agreed making good out of a not so good situation helped keep spirits up and was needed for worker morale. Kim also talked about how her quirky set up had brought the neighbors together; They had started coming over and asking if they could add more to her project. (Yay! Neighbors banding together!) I wonder what the display will look like in another week! (Kim if you are reading this, thank you for the chat. I’d love for you to send me any photos in the coming days/weeks of the additions. I will post them here of course!)

I kept on my way, and was giddy to pass a lemonade stand with a bunch of adorable kids around it. I was a lemonade stand entrepreneur myself when I was a little girl, so I make sure always to support my peers in business (even the ones that are 25 years younger.) Meet Aeden, Anika, Ella, and Gwen

Would you believe I did not stage this? I mean, not only is this the most perfect looking lemonade stand structure, but these 4 girls were like the poster children for cute, and they were raising money for Hurricane Irene victims. (And did you notice that hat on Ella? Just precious.) The best part of all of this was that they were really working well together like a perfect team, and they were smart and organized.

There were a bunch of adults milling around (that I asked permission to take this photo) as there was a bbq happening and a wine and cheese shop open on the property. I spoke with several friendly women who turned out to be the girls Mother’s, Grandma, and Aunts. They asked if I was a reporter and were curious about my car and website name on the side of it. As I was chatting with this sweet group of kids and adults, it dawned on me; The blue lollipops! I have a couple boxes in tow, have had them for a few months now. I’ve never once given what I protect as the most special lollipops ever made- out to a single “stranger” yet in my travels. (I have racked my brain as to how best to gift these out to the special people I meet and spend time with. These blue lollipop are so much more than piece of candy to me.) So, as I was standing in the sun, sipping my .50 cent lemonade on this sunny and warm Sunday, I felt like the world went silent for a moment. Â This was the time to gift the first special lollies. A butterfly fluttered in my stomach, and I excitedly grabbed them to give the girls each one. (After asking mom of course.) They immediately ripped the wrappers off and in no time were sticking out their blue tongues to each other, not even being coached by me to do so. To you few women out there who will read this, and fully understand the overwhelming feeling of joy and memory I had watching this scene- hello! Remember these times? 🙂

As I look at this photo, all I can do is smile. (Really? Can I not get through this portion of the post without tearing up?)Â Such the perfect moment of pure fun and friendship.

I drove away grinning ear to ear as the girls yelled after me: “Come back soon, come back soon!!!” I am still grinning now, 8 hours later. Thank you girls. Driving past your lemonade stand on my detour today was serendipitous, and you gave me a precious gift I won’t forget.

After near 5 hours in the car, I rolled into Portsmouth to be whisked away immediately by a gracious host to a dinner bbq at an absolutely gorgeous Rye Beach house. I left my cameras in my purse as I was busy meeting new friends and having good food and conversation. A very late 2am night again now getting all the days photos, videos and stories uploaded and here to share and make sure I fit it all in. I have a feeling this will be my normal routine over the next couple weeks; full days and staying up much to late to post here, finally hitting the pillow fully exhausted falling asleep like a baby with a big fat smile on my face. Now that’s what I call a good day.

Up tomorrow: Exploring around the gorgeous NH coast!

***(Side note here to say I have been having a blast finally doing video posts starting a few days ago! I am clearly a rookie and don’t have a team of media peeps along in this particular ride, so thanks for being patient with my shaky hands and sporadic snippets. Next go around I am so bringing a videographer along! Ohh- that gives me a few ideas. If anyone out there is interested in talking about some Blue Lollipop Road video stuff, drop me a line!)

***Total miles driven today, day 3: 223

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 563

September 4, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Honda, People, Photos, Restaurants, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Vermont, Videos

day 2: around vermont

What a day around the Green Mountain State!

In true sunny Vermont brochure fashion (it really is like on TV and in magazines!) we spent a full day out in the beautiful countryside meeting small town folks, finding fresh-grown local foods, and stopping at any roadside spot that struck our fancy. First stop was the West River Farmer’s Market in Londonderry:

It didn’t take me long to find some cheese that I loved:

Meet Farmer Mariah:

She was happy to tell me about her cheeses when I asked if I could take her picture. We bought some swiss from her and had it for an appetizer with dinner tonight. YUM!

After Mariah, I met Nick:

…who didn’t stop juggling:

…the whole time we chatted. He was fun and easy to talk to, with that infectious good energy that few have and you just want to be around. I think his branding/logo are fantastic, and couldn’t fit him more perfectly:

Of course I had to buy a jar:

(I know I talk about cheese and chocolate a lot as some of my big fav’s, but pickles have always been one for me too. When I was little I used to eat a whole jar by the time we got to the grocery store register.) This Mad Pickler makes some seriously de-lish stuff. I am taking my jar on the road!

It was time to stock up on goods for dinner, so I headed to the Clear Brook Farm tent:

Do you like how I snuck that one in? Yeah, that’s my little bro. I think he’s the cutest Farmer ever, and grows the best eats too:

We picked up some fresh corn:

…tomatoes:

…and a few other items.

Even though Farmer Brad was being a bit camera shy today, I snuck in a photo with him. Meet my brother:

We took our brown bags full of fresh produce and hit the road:

…stopping next at The Pantry:

We wanted to check out this recently opened cafe’ and grocery store that sells local goods. (Love that building!) It was packed with lunchers, and made the list for a revisit when I’m back in VT sometime.

Next stop was Taylor Farm:

It really was like a movie scene, I couldn’t have planned it better as this Farmer on a tractor rolled by 30 seconds after we stopped with a dog in tow. Little piglets were chasing this tractor. Seriously!

(Unfortunately the piglets ran away before I could snap a photo.)

Inside the farm stand I found homemade blueberry peach coffee cake:

…and 96 year old Arthur carving away:

Talk about a character! Arthur was quiet on the video, but was joking (dare I say flirting?:)- with me telling me about his craft:

…and age.

I spent only about 5 minutes with Arthur and I was wishing for 5 hours. Can you imagine what you could learn from a gent like this? Fascinating and sweet.

The marathon day continued to the Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival that was packed:

Garlic galore! Hanging, in bags, bowls and burlap:

I had originally planned for some big-time noshing at the festival, but after our first 8,734 stops- there was only room for a couple snacks. I opted for a pickle to keep with the theme of the day:

…and we tried some odd-sounding but surprisingly delicious garlic kettle corn:

(Thanks for the special guests pass Lyndie! We had a great time.)

Finally, it was time to call it a day. I managed to sneak in my hoped-for nap on a big cushiony porch swing which was much needed after all that running around. Where was that porch swing? You guessed it; at a gorgeous old Vermont Farmhouse that has this view at the end of it’s driveway:

An hour snooze and up to make a colorful and delectable dinner with all the fresh goodies we had picked up during our day out.

Oh Vermont, how we love you. A day of good memories made, and great company finding new adventures in my home state. It’s nearly 2am now as I type, falling asleep. Tomorrow I’m off to New Hampshire to explore towns I have never been before. Yay! More new adventures.

***Total miles driven today, day 2: 96

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 340

September 3, 2011 In Honda, New Jersey, New York, People, Photos, Restaurants, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Vermont, Videos

day 1: east brunswick, nj to albany, ny to bennington, vt

My Civic:

…getting all organized for my transfer to the loaner Civic. Ahhh…the shiny and beautiful hybrid:

It was a bonus to meet the STI crewÂ I’ve been talking to for a while now, and find out they were even nicer and more accommodating in person! They all helped me get the vinyl on the car and looking perfect:

They all cheered and got excited with me?! How cool is that?

Meet Vern, Paul, Daniel, Badri, and Gary:

No surprise I wanted to geek out about the car a little bit, so Paul was up for being my videographer too:

Thanks guys! You really made start to this trip fantastic. I appreciate all your help!

I was off to the races in this gorgeous car. Traffic wasn’t bad at all even though I made my way through the NYC area close to rush hour time. I decided to still have my traffic-jam dance party anyway. Spoiled with a gazillion XM Radio stations- are you kidding me? I’ll take some hip-hop and 90’s jams every day of the week please. I couldn’t resist making a video of my solo dance party too, when my total fav, Young MC; Bust a Move came on. I’ll save that videoÂ for someone else to find someday and blackmail me with. One can only geek out and post videos showing it all so many times in one day!

I made it to Albany, NY in perfect time for dinner at the highly-recommended Van’s Vietnamese:

Van’s doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food was de-lish, and the service fabulous. I was stuffed silly for my last hour of driving to VT . Here I am! It’s actually 4:41am as I am typing right now so I am technically into day 2. I better get to bed because I have an early morning run calling my name again. Eat, run, eat, run.

After I run in the morning I’ll be heading to the oldest farmers market in the state of Vermont for my first time ever. (Unfortunately the location has changed because the hurricane wiped out the commons it’s usually on.) I’m looking forward to meeting the participating farmers and artists. (Apparently there’s a place near the market I need to get chocolate cake too. Yes, I know- maybe I should up my running mileage!) The second stop for tomorrow will be the Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival. Yeah!

Maybe after that stop, my stinky breath and I will sneak in a nap…

***Total miles driven today, day 1: 244

August 31, 2011 In New York, People, Photos

meet owen and jericho

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve gotten the chance to catch up with some old friends in NY, and of course their adorable kids. Even though most all my peers started having babies years ago, I still find it hard to believe because I feel like we are all kids as of today. How does time pass so quickly? Remember when you were younger and thought someone who was 30 or 40 was like, so totally old? Now we are the “oldies” building families and realizing that “they” were right, years do fly by faster as you get older. All the more reason to enjoy those sweet mischievous moments. Like when you are sitting 2 feet away, but somehow someone still manages to steal the chip bowl:

…dump it on his head, then look up as if to say; “Hi Mom! Look what I did!”

Or, when given permissioned ice cream:

…then shoot a devilish look, as if to say; “Mwah-ahh-ahh! I snuck a treat!”

Don’t you just want to eat those faces UP?! As I write this I want to jump through the computer screen like a crazy old grandma, squeeze these cuties and pinch cheeks.

Kids really know how to do it up right. They are fearless, don’t care about messes, find joy in the simple things, and they just love. We could all learn a thing or two from these little ones…

***(Thanks Mom’s & Dad’s; Sue & Brian, and Traci & Bryan for letting me share your charming Mini-me’s, and time with you all too of course!)

August 30, 2011 In Honda, Photos, Virginia

colorful preparations

There’s more to do besides work on my laptop for 10 hours a day in my lake side office to prep for this trip. Like making sure my toes are Blue Lollipop Road blue of course:

Last summer before driving to Alaska I painted my fingernails “Ogre The Top Blue” a Shrek inspired color:

(Thumbs up for that!) Maybe next year I’ll paint my face?

For this trip I chose “Sexy In The City” blue for my toes. (Who comes up with these names anyway?) Can I just say how fun it is to have an accidental flip-flop tan from walking around Chicago so much? Who knew living in a city would give me my first ever flip-flop tan.

On other trip prep news:

The suggestions have poured in and I have places from New York City, to Portland, South Carolina to New Hampshire. Baltimore to Philly, and Boston love has just come in too. Yeah! I’ve been advised on more noshing suggestions than sights or events so far. (Clearly road food is everyone’s favorite, and I don’t blame them.) Keep sending thoughts, opinions and ideas! I have quite a running tally. If only I could split myself in two…

There will be real-time voting happening throughout the trip along with some possible tag-along adventures and more surprises. If you are in the Northeast and think a house guest would be fun or would like to be a local tour guide- drop me a line. (Post a comment here, or shoot me an email; diane (@) bluelollipoproad.com) Everything is possible and there is oh so much fun to be had!

August 30, 2011 In Honda, New York, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure

sunset over seneca

The BLR-Mobile and I shared quite a view on Sunday night. It was a tad windy and more or less rainy and cloudy with residuals from Hurricane Irene all day until…

…right until the sun was setting.

Just when you think a sunset couldn’t possibly become any more beautiful:

…it does. (And this is from my cheapie 3 year old Nikkon Coolpix camera with no edits!)

Thank you my little car, for bringing me to all these places. Thank you quiet moments in nature, for making me feel like anything is possible. Thank you continuous lessons, for always reminding me the best things in life are free.

August 28, 2011 In Funny signs, New York, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure

…and play we did

It’s been a while since I went frolicking in the woods and wading through streams and waterfalls, so our plans for yesterday afternoon turned out to be even more fun than I anticipated. I immediately started climbing trees pretending I was in the circus (or dreaming about being 8 years old again) before we were in the woods for 5 minutes:

The weather couldn’t have been better and sun streaming in through the trees made for a beautiful walk:

Gasp! Do I spy a rope swing?! Yessss!!!

The water was chilly and I had not planned on swimming, but I had to at least pretend I was Tarazan a few times while my friend took photos:

You should see the other photos of me flopping and flailing! Holy embarrassment Batman. I had to suck up and post at least one here because they were too funny.

***This is where I practice not being an insecure girl. Lets face it, no female I know likes midriff bearing photos of themselves. (Ok, maybe Brooklyn Decker does.) Especially unplanned ones that are of us unshowered and wearing ratty old shorts and sports bras. Reality is though; What’s the biggie? I’ve got one go-around on this life dance, I work out in some form or fashion every day, but I like chocolate waaaaay too much to probably ever have 6-pack abs, and poking fun at myself letting it all hang out here on Blue Lollipop Road somehow makes me feel happy and empowered so I’m just going to keep rolling with it. I’ve also decided to finally debut regular video posts starting with my upcoming Honda Adventure, so this is very good practice. I should’ve been making videos all along, but have been too much of a chicken until now with absurd obsessions of having to look perfect if I am going to be live and uncut or something. I know right?!- I think that’s foolish too. It’s now or never. Time to live on the edge of glory. (Yes, I was just channeling a little Lady Gaga right there.)

Now back to nature…

On the way back down I noticed this wall of rocks that people had scraped things like their names and other varies notes on:

…and lots of pretty, slightly imperfect green things:

Playing in the woods is fun and sure makes you thirsty for some sips of wine! Where better to visit than one of my annual favorites: The superbly quirky, crazy and never fail fun Rasta Ranch Vineyards:

(Ohmigosh they don’t even have their own website. They know they’re cool enough they don’t even need one. That in itself should give you a good idea of what’s about to come.)

How does Rasta Ranch roll? With a tasting room in a barn of course:

A peace dude, relaxed, and welcoming vibe that makes you very excited to be there. It’s like there’s an unspoken memo you get as you walk in; Everyone is welcome and lets enjoy, so don’t even think of bringing your pish-posh attitude, or easily-offended self in here. If you do we will promptly throw you out on your ass. Kapeesh? (How could you not love that?)

There are things filling every square inch of space. No frills or fancy, just impeccably crammed and entertaining:

Tie-dye tees and peace scarves for sale:

Funny signs covering the walls:

…and I’m sure no surprise to see Janis Joplin Ave:

…near wines in jugs named Piece of My Heart:

…and Purple Haze:

We were so busy chatting with Jessie (The Owners daughter/Partner? Jessie- are you out there to confirm?:) who we’ve met in years past that I forgot to get a photo of her. Next year I guess.

Thanks Rasta Ranch! You never disappoint. I always find something new to look at, and walk out of your doors smiling thinking indeed there should be more peace in the world. You are ridiculously fun.

Walks in the woods: Free
Tastings at Rasta Ranch Vineyards: $2.00
Fully embracing your true colors and putting it all out there whether you’re a person writing a blog or a no b.s winery: Priceless

August 25, 2011 In Honda, Maine, Million Mile Joe, News & Updates, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure

well hello joe!

SURPRISE!!!

I told you there would be something good coming. (And this is only the beginning.)

Guess who I get to meet and hang out with in 2 weeks? The one and only Million Mile Joe!

Joe, like me clearly loves his Honda. His 1990 Accord that is soon to hit a million miles is the same exact year and model that was my very first Honda. How cool is that? Joe has logged his miles and miles in notebooks, (which I have done during various trips over the years) and taken countless photos of his odometer. (Me too!) I’m thinking Joe and I will have plenty of good stories to share when we meet. It’s as if we are kindred spirits in Honda love. Maybe it’s because we are both New Englanders?

I was thrilled weeks ago when Honda has mentioned a potential meeting, It’s been hard for me to hold my tongue, so naturally I am very excited to share the news here now.

There is aÂ lotÂ more to come in the way of surprises and tricks up my sleeve, so stay tuned and keep following! 7 days and counting until I pick up my loaned Hybrid Civic and officially kick off this next great adventure!

August 24, 2011 In Funny signs, New York, People, Photos, Videos

meet mike

Last week after a 2nd annual chocolate feast with friends at Max BrennerÂ in NYC, we walked out to the packed Union Square.

***(Omigosh! Check this out. Just found it when Googling Union Square to find a link to post here. So cool; The Say Something Nice videos. LOVE this. The podium was in the same spot that Mike above was giving away free hugs. Talk about a few feet of land with some seriously good mojo! My favorite part of the video is around minute 2.5 when the little boy screams “To infinity and beyond!” with Buzz Lightyear in tow while being hoisted up by his mother, and the group of ladies after that singing together inspiring the random guy walking behind them to clap along. This video gives me about 54 ideas for BLR projects I’d like to create, and reminds me why I fight to keep up with posting here every day; In a world that often seems crazy, sad, too busy for fun, stressed out, and unconscious- I continue to find a plethora of happy, inspiring and hopeful people, places and things like these that totally energize and motivate me to want to do more good.)

Ok, now back to Mike and free hugs…

Stuffed from our chocolate chunks pizza:

(Double chocolate melting chunks, with hazelnut bits, bananas, peanut butter and roasted marshmallows. Can you imagine the smile on my face? It makes me all giddy just typing those indulgent words!)

…we planned to walk our feast off for a while, but just a few steps in is where we ran into the Free Hugs crew. Just like we indulged in chocolate, we felt compelled to indulge in a hug too. My friend embracing away:

…and me too:

…plus photo of course!

Is it weird hugging a random hippie kid stranger who’s been on the streets of New York touching hundreds of people and sweating all day? Nah. I say life is short. When your feeling it- live in the moment. Hug hard and mean it.

I totally bought a t-shirt from Mike too. I never do that. I mean ever, but in that moment I felt the need for my very own “Free Hugs” tee. The money supposedly goes to a bunch of nonprofits the huggers raise money for. Who know where my 10 bucks will actually end up and who cares. All I know is I intend to have lots of fun wearing that shirt for years to come.

Thanks for the hug Mike!

Here’s to hugging it out and saying something nice too.

August 23, 2011 In Funny signs, Honda, New York, Photos

weekday errands

Oh small town America how I love you. I love the characters who live in you, the quiet streets you have that I go for long runs on, and the seeming ease and overall relaxation way of life. I love the businesses that have bells on the doors to let the shopkeepers know I’m there there, and friendly “Hello!” greetings. I love hand written receipts covered in greasy fingerprints from those carbon-copy spiral-bound notebooks that your auto shop hands me after changing the BLR-Mobile oil. I love that restaurants are calledÂ Mr. Chicken:

…that have picnic tables,Â and painted signs with slightly creepy looking beach bum guys on them, making sure to let everyone know you have good eats:

I love that your volunteer ambulance garage has a sign outside that’s missing a letter:

(on both sides) but no one really wants to speak up and tell you because it’s the thought/thanks that counts anyway, not the spelling.

My intention yesterday was simple: Drive “into town” for an hour or so, get an oil change, go for a run and pick something up from the store. Regular ol’ get things done business-day chores turned into once again being presented with the lesson that if I keep my eyes and ears open, stay curious about my surroundings, engage with new people, and keep appreciating the simple, small things- whether I’m “there” for an hour or a year, and whether it’s a teeny town or big city, I will always have soul-filled days and great adventure.

Not bad for a Monday.