Blue Lollipop Road

August 31, 2011 In Honda, Maine, Million Mile Joe, New Hampshire, New York, News & Updates, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Vermont

never a dull moment

As I am sure you all are very aware of, the Northeast- particularly the Southern parts of Vermont where I have planned to head to to kick off this Honda Adventure has been severely damaged by Hurricane Irene. This means a lot of things, one being there are several road closures, detours and spots that are simply off limits as the enormous clean up is underway. Considering my pre-planned route and meetings go from NJ, through NY and into VT then through NH into ME, I will essentially be attempting to go through the thick of it all. I have been a less planning, moreÂ doingÂ kind of girl duringÂ my travels over the years, just rolling with what happens on the road, so It’s ironic that I pre-planned some things for this trip, and one of the worst floods in Vermont’s history happens right before I plan to be there.

This is all to say that as I set off on my trip north on Friday, I have no idea the random roads I will end up on, what detours I will have to take, which festivals and events will still be on or cancelled, or in general what to expect. I do know there will still be meetings with people like Million Mile Joe and Marcia, the maker of Whoopsies Gourmet Whoopie Pies, along with some other interesting characters yet TBA, which I am very excited about.

Thanks to you all for fantastic suggestions, participating in my plans, and rolling with the adventure as it is ever changing.Â Here’s to expecting the unexpected!

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 30, 2011 In Donations

thank you thank you!

Thanks so much for your donationÂ and note E. Messages like yours are one of the reasons I keep writing and sharing here. That really made my day!

***As always with any donations made here to Blue Lollipop Road, 10% is saved out to pay it forward to someone else along my travels.

August 29, 2011 In Articles, Honda, News & Updates, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Vermont

welcome to adventure kick-off week

Here we are. 4 days from today I will be picking up my loaned 2012 Honda Hybrid Civic and hitting the road! I have anticipated this trip for a long time, worked very hard to make it all come together and I can’t wait for it all to begin!

I wanted to start this post by talking about Hurricane Irene. Where I have been staying since leaving Chicago a couple weeks ago there is no TV, so all news and weather reports come from laptops and cell phones. During a storm like Irene that just ripped up the east coast it’s an odd feeling to 1.) Not be able to watch and see what’s going on as easily as you’re used to 2.) Be in a place that’s gorgeous, sunny, and unscathed while the 3 states you spent your first 32 years in that are loaded with most all your friends and family get pummeled. I am happy to report all my friends and family are Ok and safe. (Phew.) I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who have contacted me from around the country asking about my family in VT. Even though you’ve known I am safe in Western NY, you’ve checked on about the people I love the most and I am beyond grateful for that. I’ve been watching countless You Tube videos and reading news articles about Southern Vermont where I grew up and I’m baffled. I experienced a lot of big snow storms growing up there, but never saw anything close to the flooding and damage that’s happened there over this past weekend.

During the planning for this trip there have been buckets of ideas on where to go and what to do. There are a few surprises I had planned (and still have) but I was going to wait to announce until Friday’s kick-off. Considering the weather and events of the past few days I will announce early now, that the trip kick-off will be in my hometowns area of Shaftsbury/Bennington VT! Â I decided some weeks ago that it was important for me to share with you all a few very specialÂ people, places and things that are huge contributing factors in how and why Blue Lollipop Road originated. I will head to VT after the car pick up at the end of this week. I hope when I get there everyone is still safe, sound and starting to dry out. This storm is yet another reminder that all that really matters are the people we love and the time we have together.

Here’s to supporting your neighbors, holding on tight to people you love, finding something awesome in your day when things don’t feel so awesome, and knowing that “stuff” is replaceable.

Flooded and drenched or not, I LOVE YOU VERMONT! The Blue Lollipop Road has lead me back to you, so I’m coming to show the world how beautiful you are!

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 27, 2011 In New York

play day

I’m one of the lucky ones to be in the part of NY thats NOT being hit by rain and wind hurricane weather. In fact, it’s so gorgeous where I am today it’s hard to believe the rest of the east coast is prepped for safety and hunkered down. (Please stay safe everyone that’s in the storms path!) Being thankful we have a perfect sunny and warm Upstate Saturday, we have decided to take extra advantage of it and go for a big ol’ hike and maybe check out a few Finger Lakes Wineries. Off to burn some calories so I can pack on more with my ever building trip “To Nosh At” list.

Hello Saturday afternoon! Thanks for yet another one of your great August weekend days. Time to play.

August 27, 2011 In News & Updates

text messages from an old friend…

…that make you laugh so hard your stomach hurts and when you keep laughing about it 4 hours later you decide you just have to share.

In prep to paint the scene:

This friend I have known since I was 4. We grew up in the same small town together in Vermont. You could say he has been a bit overprotective at times, but never in a smothering way, just that really loving I’ll kill someone if they ever hurt youÂ -way. I often think that he thinks any city is the devil and that no one that lives in one would ever be able to do something like build a fire, or put up a tent. (Even though he knows me.)Â He’s not a big “texter” so as my phone pinged tonight with 3 from him, I was surprised. My eyes rolled and heart filled simultaneously knowing that my long-time, sweet, generous friend was worried about me possibly being in this weekends Hurricane Irene path of destruction:

You are welcome to ride this thing out at our house if you are near. We have an automated generator so we never lose power. Â Whatever you do, get the f*ck out of the city and somewhere safer. Â Don’t be a raytard or an ediotÂ (inside joke from high school) and stay there if that is where you are now. I should know better right…you are a Vermonter.Â By the way, where the hell are you anyway?

Ok, I am laughing again reading this. He will laugh too when he reads it.

Dear J~

You never forget me. A girl sure feels extra loved when a grown man with a wife and 2 kids is worried about her too. You are a true and dear friend. You know I am fine and can take care of myself and get out of dodge when necessary. Admittedly, it will ever get old how regularly you worry about me, when you ask me “where the hell” I am, or mention something about a generator. I promise I am safe in Western New York, where there is absolutely no weather, Godzilla has not yet attacked, and I have food and water. You still crack me up after all these years and I hope that never changes. Thank you for always being so good to me you crazy fool! I’m off to go jump out of a plane with no parachute. (Kidding!) Talk to you soon 🙂

August 26, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Honda, Maine, News & Updates, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure

why should cupcakes have all the fun?

More announcements:

Upcoming lessons and noshings on delicious Maine whoopie pies. Yeah!

I am excited to share that Marcia, owner of Whoopsies Gourmet Whoopie Pies will be hosting me in her sweet world of desserts for a day the week of 9/5!

(That’s Marica on the right with daughter and business partner Berkeley on left. Photo by Mary Amons.)

For a girl like me who craves chocolate in her everyday, this is going to be like a kid in a candy store and then some. I love getting the inside scoop on how companies like Whoopsies came about and meeting the people behind the product. Of course we all know that starting and running any type of business is seriously hard work, but I am thinking if your product is called something like a whoopie pie and upon delivery (just like flowers) no matter what- always makes people smile, that must feel like a party more often than not. I can’t wait to jump into the fiesta with Marcia and her crew, and experience the whoopie magic and fun as it happens. (And taste of course!) Here’s an image of the goodness:

Yummy.

***Um, anyone out there a personal trainer and want to come on a road trip? Votes from readers and desires from me center largely around exploring eats and treats on my travels. (There’s a big surprise!) Consuming and relaxing with good company and conversation in my opinion is one of the very best ways to spend time. I guess I’ll just have to add some mileage to my daily runs so my clothes fit by the end of all this! I’m up for the challenge. Maybe I can throw a 5 or 10k race into the bucket of to see and tops. Anyone know of a good race happening around the Northeast between 9/2 and 9/19?

Back to the fun stuff…

I’m looking forward to meeting you Marcia and all about having an extra Whoopsie to take the place of the “lob-stah” I don’t eat! Two desserts instead of dinner and dessert is Ok if I’m an adult- right? 🙂