Wallpaper Photos For My Blog

I took my wallpaper pictures of the clouds from the window to the immediate right of the door out of the plane

Have you noticed my new background blog wallpaper?  I know you've noticed that I change my header photo often, sometimes daily. 

All of my header photos are taken by me.  I could use other photos but I like to make my blog personal.  But one frustration I've always had is the background wallpaper.  I've always wanted to make it personal but I could never find the right photo.  The photos that I take, while good (in my opinion) were either too distracting or not the right size.  I wanted a background wallpaper photo that covered the whole background without repeating.  

For the past eleven years since I started this blog, I've been experimenting with different photos I've taken as wallpaper background.  Nothing worked. Finally, I found a photo that worked.  Like all such discoveries I don't know what I did, only that it worked!  

The wallpaper photo of clouds on this blog is a photo I took out of the window of my recent flight to Buffalo, New York.  I had a window seat, which I paid a little extra money to secure.  I made a good investment.

While looking out the window I was fascinated by the clouds and the shadows on the earth below those clouds. I pulled out my ever ready iPhone and took some pictures. From my peripheral vision I could see the the seated flight attendant ever so slightly roll her eyes. A slight smile creased her lips.  Oh yes, I was the classic goofy tourist.  I don't care.  Really, I DON'T care what anyone thinks of me anymore.  Well, actually I do care but I don't care that what anyone thinks of me when I whip out my iPhone to take photos and videos. 

So I'm here to tell you folks that I have now have an extra dimension to my blog, personal wallpaper photos! Now to improve my content.  By the way, still no ads on my blog except for those annoying "SKIP THIS AD IN 4 SECONDS" when I post my videos that I've uploaded to YouTube.  For that I apologize but I don't have a choice. If I upload my videos to Google, the quality isn't good.

Always working to improve folks. Thanks to all of you who have been with me on my blog journey. 

The Greystone Manor, Niagara Falls

The Greystone Manor Bed and Breakfast, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Continuing with my recent Canadian holiday, the Greystone Manor is the bed and breakfast I chose for our overnight stay at Niagara Falls in Canada. 

Then dining room

The living room

Pat in the stairwell to the first floor from our room

Last year Pat made our overnight accommodations for our stay in Niagara Falls. I forget the name of the hotel but it was one of those chain hotels that cater to families. Folks, even though I've been in the hotel business for the past eighteen years, I'm finding I'm not predisposed at staying at these touristy, kid worn out hotels.  I was going to say at hotels but I held back because this year we stayed at a Best Western in Hamilton, Ontario, which was probably the best hotel I've ever stayed in.  So I can't make a blanket judgment.  

Pat resting in our room - NO RUGS ON THE FLOOR!

I did my research this year and I chose a bed and breakfast on the Canadian side of the border of Niagara Falls called the Greystone Manor.  I choose well.

Located a short distance from downtown Niagara Falls, on a quiet street, the Greystone Manor was an ideal location.  We were greeted warmly (with a smile!) as we exited our car.  We were expected!  

"Lisa" showed us around the delightful Victorian style house where we were going to spend our night.  Ah, no kids.  No worn out rugs from the rug rats. No surly front desk personnel burned out by all the tourist families with their little kiddies. No dirty carpets. No noise. Ah yes, accommodations for two senior men who are way past the family accommodations.  Oh why it took me so long to discover bed and breakfasts.  

The Greystone Manor was spotlessly clean.  No rugs.  And did I say quiet?  Oh yes, I did.  

We were shown the dining room where our breakfast would be served.  I have to tell you folks, the next morning when we had our breakfast that was the first time in my life I've been treated like that.  Wow.  So this is how the Other Half lives?  It's a shame that Pat and I aren't big breakfast eaters but it was a pleasant surprise to be treated like special guests.  

You know folks, I wasn't going to go back to Niagara Falls next year but after our delightful experience at this bed and breakfast, I'm going back!

Spain's Got Talent

Hey folks, I don't usually post You Tube videos other than my own but I absolutely have to share this You Tube video with you.  It's from Spain's Got Talent show.  This is the best surprise talent I've seen since Susan Boyle's performance. 

Enjoy!

Niagara Falls

Me viewing Niagara Falls 1966

The first time I visited Niagara Falls was in 1966.  I guess you could say it was our (me and Bill's) honeymoon trip.  

Back then I was very impressed.  Oh sure, I had heard all about Niagara Falls as the ultimate honeymoon destination.  I always wanted to go back.  Last year, when Pat picked me up in Buffalo, for my annual holiday with him at his home in Toronto, he surprised me by booking a room at a Niagara Falls hotel.

Pat and me at Niagara Falls last year (2015)

We had perfect weather.  I wanted to take that boat ride on the Niagara River.  Pat didn't.  So we didn't.  See, I don't always get my way (smile).  

The American side of Niagara Falls last year 2015

This year again, Pat picked me up in Buffalo.  This time I booked at room at a bed and breakfast, which I will write about in my next blog.  

This year at Niagara Falls by the intrepid duo of Pat and Ron - 2016

Again, I pushed for a ride on the Maid of the Mist



but Mr. Pat was unenthusiastic about such a proposition.  However, we did take a ride on the Sky Wheel, a gigantic Ferris Wheel.  What a view of the falls from the Sky Wheel, especially at night with the lights on the falls!

We did a lot of limping walking around Niagara Falls.  Pat with his bad leg and me with my new sneakers which was pinching my big toe.  Oh why didn't I break those sneaks in first?  So there we were, two Old Men limping around the tourist clogged streets of Niagara Falls.

The next day we visited the Falls.  This year the weather wasn't as cooperative but the Falls were still very impressive.

I asked two Japanese tourists to take this show video of me and Pat.



No matter the weather, Pat and I always have a grand time!

This will probably be our final visit to Niagara Falls. Unless Pat agrees to go on the Maid of the Mist.

Me in front of Niagara Falls 1967

Home From Canadian Holiday!

Me on way to board propeller plane back to Philadelphia

I'm back home folks!

I see my last post was my last day in Hamilton, Ontario.  Oh so much has happened since then.  

Pat and I returned to his home in Toronto.  We attended the Canadian National Exhibition, also known as "The CNE."  

The crowds, lights, sounds, rides, games of chance, food, smells, and (did I say?) CROWDS!  

Then "home" and visits to our favorite restaurants like Aroma, Udupi Palace (Indian), the Big Carrot.   This is my third trip to Toronto to visit Pat and we always have to visit these restaurants.  My trip to Toronto wouldn't be complete without these visits.  Pat did try to take me to a few new restaurants but that didn't work out.  One restaurant that he was especially anxious for me to visit was the Swiss Chalet.  That didn't work out because as soon as I discovered a two month old "baby in a basket" that was at the table across from us, I got up and left.  I told the hostess "I don't eat at restaurants with babies in a basket."  I prefer a dining without the smell of baby poop and ear piercing screams of a baby that doesn't want to be in a restaurant.  I also don't dine at restaurant where the Mother breast feeds her baby at her table which is what happened two years ago when Pat and I were dining at the Cafe Azafran restaurant in Rehoboth Beach.  Please excuse my rant but I just don't understand why parents bring their babies to restaurants.  Can't they afford a baby sitter or do they think their "miracle from God" is so precious that they want to share their baby with other patrons in a restaurant. Again, my apology for my rant.  Back to my trip.

Yesterday Pat drove me to Buffalo to catch my prop plane back to Philly.  Prop plane?  I felt like I was in the final scene from "Casablanca."  What's with the prop planes?  However I was told by one of my fellow passengers that American Airlines is phasing out the prop planes and replacing the with jets.  About time I would say.

My fellow passengers boarding the propeller plane at the Buffalo airport yesterday morning

The weather was perfect at the Buffalo airport. In fact, all week the weather was ideal.  Wow!  I sure did luck out.  By the way, the Buffalo airport is probably the best airport I've ever been in.  Clean, efficient and plenty of outlets for charging my digital devices (iPhone and Macbook Air).  Unlike LAX, which (and I can't believe this) has almost NO outlets for charging smart phones or other digital devices.  

Me waiting ann charging my iPhone at the Buffalo airport. 

I paid a little extra to get a good seat on the prop plane back to Philly.  Check out these cool videos that I took of my view right next to that propeller. Of course the thought crossed my mind what if I saw one of those propellers drop off?  This thought was especially on my mind because, while waiting to board my plane, I was talking to another airline passenger who told me that the front wheel fell off his plane departing from Chicago!  You just never know folks when your time is up.  Thankfully my fellow passengers and I arrived home safely yesterday in Philadelphia.

My ride was waiting for me at the baggage pickup point.  Our two hour ride back to southern Delaware was on traffic free roads, unlike last year when I made the mistake of returning on Labor Day.  Never again will I make that mistake.

Bill was waiting for me when my ride drove into my driveway.  I was home.  Oh, and the heat and humidity was back.  Now I know I'm really home.

Always good to get away folks but always good to get home again.  

Many, many thanks to my host in Canada, my good friend of three years Pat.  

Thank you Pat for being so patient with me and treating me to one of the best holidays I've ever had.  Your reward is waiting in Heaven.

Last Day in Hamilton

Pat sitting in front of the Burnt Tongue where we had lunch today

Our stay in Hamilton is coming to an end.  Originally we only planned to stay one day but our accommodations here at the Carmen Best Western hotel are so outstanding I've extended our stay twice!

Today was another beautiful weather day.  Pat and I explored more of downtown Hamilton which is undergoing a metamorphosis from a run down steel town to a destination city of those seeking relief for the high prices and traffic nightmare of Toronto.  

There are still sections of downtown Hamilton badly in need of cleaning up but the genesis of a city in the process of being reborn is clearly visible.  Pat is going to love living in his hamster cage at the renovated Royal Connaught Hotel.  

Today we explored the farmers' market located right in the center of town.  All fresh veggies, meats, eggs, baked goods and even flowers.  Something that even I don't have access to where I live in southern Delaware.  

Fresh veggies at the Farmers' Market in downtown Hamilton today

We also discovered another delightful restaurant in a funky part of town.  It was called the Burnt Tongue.  No, we didn't burn out tongue with the fresh veggie soup we got there nor the hot fries.  Delicious!

Pat buying fresh brownies at a bake shop

Pat and I are headed out again in a few minutes to sample another veggie restaurant.  

Customer buying fresh cold cuts at the Farmers' Market today

Tomorrow we leave Hamilton.  I have to say I am saddened.

Canada - Day Three

Me and Pat at Niagara Falls this past Tuesday

Where does the time go?  It's Day Three of my annual Canadian holiday!

Folks, I am having a GRAND time.  I am so fortunate at this time of my life to have the health, means and friends to take a holiday like this.  All my life I dreamed of holidays like this but always had to settle for those solo vacations.  Some years ago I gave up on taking solo vacations because they just weren't fun. Now I am having fun.

Here is a brief synopsis of what we have done since I landed at the Buffalo airport this past Tuesday.

Pat picked me up at the airport.  We had lunch at Wegmans in downtown Buffalo. We always make it a point to have lunch at a Wegmans just because of the great selection of good food at a reasonable price.  Pat is a vegan and I go vegetarian when I am with him. 

After lunch Pat drove us to Niagara Falls, Ontario for the next leg of our stay. I made reservations at a bed and breakfast called The Gray Stone Manor. First time I stayed at this bed and breakfast.  It's always a roll of the dice when choosing a hotel or bed and breakfast.  I always check Trip Advisor for some guidance to avoid any disasters.  This time I choose wisely.  The Gray Stone Manor was magnificent!  An old Victorian house that was spotlessly clean and spacious.  Centrally located near downtown Niagara Falls, couldn't be more convenient. 

Pat in the staircase of the Gray Stone Manor, our bed and breakfast in Niagara Falls

That night we drove to downtown Niagara Falls to take in the super touristy atmosphere that is Niagara Falls. We rode the giant ferris wheel which is "Yuge."  

After the ferris wheel ride we weaved our way through the massive tourist crowds and found a small Indian restaurant where we enjoyed a tasty Indian meal.

And what would a trip to Niagara Falls be without a visit to the Falls River Casino?  Oh yes, we walked (and walked) our way to the casino which probably wasn't such a good idea.  Pat has a bad leg and my new white Rebook sneakers were pinching both of my big toes.  I knew I should have broken in those sneakers.

After a few rest stops we finally entered the brightly lite environs of the acres of slot machines. We both were prepared to spend $20 on the slots. Pat and I are such novices we still don't know which slots to play.  After passing several lonely slot machines, Pat settled on one that look interesting. He put $5.00 in and started to play.  Spin, spin, spin. First three spins no matches. He was down to $3.50.  Then on the fourth spin he had a match!  An eleven dollar credit showed on the screen.  I urged Pat "Let's quit now while you're ahead!"  He agreed.  I didn't even feel like playing the slots.  I still have my $20.00.  

The slots - money suckers

We went to the payout section of the casino and Pat cashed in his receipt.  By this time both Pat's leg and my big toes were killing me.  We attempted to walk to our car but we only made it a few blocks until we stopped and tried to hale down a cab.  Lot's of luck!

After a few misses we got a cab.  Now we didn't even know where our car was parked. Pat knew the general direction so we told the cab driver to drive in that area.  He did and dropped us off.  Pat and then hobbled around several streets until we finally found his car.  Thank goodness!

In the car and back to our bed and breakfast and a good night's sleep.

Pat at our Victorian bed and breakfast in Niagara Falls

The next day we woke up to a glorious breakfast.  All that food just for us and the other guest in the bed and breakfast, a young lady from Switzerland.  For breakfast:

Fresh fruit cup
Oatmeal
Scrambled egg burrito
Ham
Potato patties
Toast
Fresh squeezed orange juice
Coffee
Yogurt
Danish

And some other selections that I forget.  Our breakfast hostess was a Portuguese woman who emigrated to Canada over twenty-five years ago.  That's one of the things I love about Canada.  So diverse in the many cultures who live in harmony.  So unlike many of the places I've been in the United States where too many people get nervous when they see a woman wearing a hijab or a man wearing a turban.  

On Tuesday we left for Hamilton, Ontario.  Pat's new home.  I would write about that visit but this blog is already too long.  But one thing I can say, we're staying at the best hotel I've ever stayed at in my life.  In fact I've extended our stay by two days.  We won't leave hear until Saturday morning.    The photo at the heading of this blog was taken in downtown Hamilton a few hours ago during a free music concert.  Hamilton is a lovely town.  So welcoming.  Pat has made a good decision to move here.  The photo below is where Pat will live next year when the conversion of the Royal Connaught Hotel is complete into condos.  Pat's condo will be where the sheet is hanging.  

Pat in front of his new front door, the Royal Connaught

Royal Connaught Hotel, Hamilton, Ontario this morning under going conversion

Good times folks.  Life is wonderful!

P.S.

Sorry about the lack of photos and videos but I'm working from my MacBook Air and I don't want to load it down with videos and photos.  I'm inundate you all with photos and videos from my trip when I return home next Tuesday.  I know this week is going to go by fast.