Monday, May 27, 2019

Monday, May 27, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken on Memorial Day of 2006. That year we took Mattie to Sesame Street Place in Pennsylvania. I had learned about this preschool theme park after talking to several moms at Mattie's school. Given that Mattie loved Sesame Street, and especially Elmo, it seemed like a good place to visit. Mattie had a GREAT time. I am not sure what he loved more.... staying in a hotel, going to the park, or seeing the park's Memorial Day parade. It was a weekend to remember! 







Quote of the day: People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things. ~ Sir Edmund Hillary

Peter and I stayed at the Fairfield Inn in Brunswick, Maine this weekend. I have never stayed at this form of a Marriott hotel before, but I would have to say everyone who worked at this hotel was stellar. Starting with the people working at the front desk. Who always greeted you with a smile and they even gave us a hand written welcome letter when we checked in. Absolutely unheard of living in the city! 

Though Maine is a very rural state, there are aspects of it that are fantastic. Starting with green space and NO traffic EVER! Do you love the humorous signs on the road that we passed??

In addition, people are warm and friendly. Not to mention trusting. A night and day experience from living in Washington, DC. This morning, we went downstairs for breakfast a little after 9am. The hotel said their buffet was open until 10am, given it was a holiday. But when we showed up, the buffet was being dismantled. I spoke with the lady working in the restaurant, and I wasn't sure who was more mortified by this timing error, me or her. She couldn't do enough, and brought us out food and made sure we had a full breakfast. Absolutely amazing service at this hotel and I would love to clone them! 

Before heading to the airport, we stopped at Freeport Village. Which is an outdoor shopping area, situated in a charming town. Though it was a holiday, there were NO crowds, NO trouble parking, and yet there were major sales. Living in a city, this freedom of space is a rarity and a welcomed treat! Though our luggage was packed, we bought several lovely things and I squeezed it all into our carry on bags!

This moose sign was at the Portland Airport. Unlike airports at major cities, this airport was open, no traffic, not a lot of people, and was truly a more relaxing experience!

Check out our sparrow friend who was sitting right near us as we were waiting to get on the plane. Perhaps a sign from Mattie? Perhaps this bird knew I wasn't in the best of moods, as celebratory events such as a college graduation depress me. Either case, the sparrow provided us with a happy diversion and a good send off to Washington, DC.