Goodbye Wisconsin

Today was our final day here in Wisconsin.  We have really enjoyed our time here.  Skiing during the day, relaxing by the pool or hot tub, and eating out (no cooking) for dinner has been awesome.

Kevin was the first up each morning.  His alarm going off at 7:30am; the Duffy girls kept trying to impress upon him that sleeping in is part of vacation.  He made sure we were all up and ready for our breakfast before taking the needed time to put on 3 - 4 layers of clothes. 

On New Year's Day we skied together in the morning.  We were counting the number of times we made it down the runs before someone fell & much to the Duffy girl's surprise, the first one to tumble was Kevin.  But not one to be outdone, I took a tumble near the top of the slope and slid half way down on my rear end.  It was quite funny...  Kevin collected my gear, which was spread all over, and attempted to help me get my skis on - BUT - we were still on a pretty steep slope so it was almost impossible.  I thought for a moment I was going to have to continue sliding down on my rear.  Once I had my skis back on we met the girls at the bottom of the slope.

Next time up was to be memorable cause the ski lift stopped for more than 10 minutes while we dangled in the air.  Thankfully we were in the area surrounded by trees versus in the wide open so we didn't have as much air blowing on us.

So what do you do when you're stuck on a ski lift ... take selfies of course.  Can you tell who everyone is with all our gear on (Brittney & Sophie are the most recognizable, Brittney can be determined by process of elimination, but Kevin could be just about anybody - don't you agree)

Once the lift was back to running, the Duffy's finished the day skiing in style ... Brittney met up with a friend from school and another friend who recently moved here, and the 3 of them enjoyed tree skiing, black diamonds, and muggles.  Sophie was the trooper who stayed with me during warm up times and braved the more adventurous skiing that Kevin enjoys the rest of the day.  Kevin was mister versatile dealing with all the various levels of the Duffy skiers.  And I was the one who liked to play it safe most of the time.

We ended New Year's Day with some good ole football ... unfortunately my Seminoles must have been sick, asleep on the job, or their clones were playing, cause that was the worst performance I have seen them give. 

Friday was our final day of skiing, and with 3 days under our belt, we had learned a short cut from the parking lot to the ski lift.  Well, never one to shy from embarrassment, let me tell you that I face planted on the path from the parking lot to the ski lift.  Yep, did it right in front of everyone.  Did my family come and help me ... Nope, they just laughed.  Fortunately, I was laughing pretty hard as well, but I finally collected myself, my dignity, and my gear so I could make my way to the lift. 

We all started the day skiing together.  However, after a few too many close calls for me, I decided to spend the rest of the day in the chalet keeping us a table to sit at.  I enjoyed meeting a family from Chicago and swapping some ski stories. 

Today the slopes were making snow most of the day, so when you skied through the trees you came out all wet & covered in ice, and the girls had never experienced frozen hair before today :-)  All in all, today was a good end to our adventure.  No one got hurt, memories were made, and we all definitely want to ski again real soon. 

Also, I would like to give a shout out to whoever invented hand warmers!  If it weren't for them we would not have made it this week.  We kept one in each of our gloves, and at the end of the day they were still warm ~ it was awesome!

WI Skiing ~ Day 1

As usual, Kevin was up & going much earlier than the Duffy girls.  I  prefer to wake up slowly and as late as possible, but can you guess who won this morning ...  yep, Kevin.  We got up early cause it takes a long time to put on 4+ layers of clothes.  You might think that is overboard, but the temperature on the slopes this morning was 0F.  But the Duffy's are tough, and we hit the slopes like experts (plus this is what we came here for...).

Brittney and mom learned early to leave no skin exposed and once the helmet & goggles are added we are good to go

Sophie looks like a professional and after a little time on the slopes was skiing like a professional (I'm not biased of course)

We started the day on the beginner slopes, and after 3 runs Kevin was ready to up the ante. He told us if we took the lift all the way to the top, there was a beginner slope we could ski down.  Well, for those of you out there who have skied with Kevin you know that sounds very familiar, but we fell for it again.  We get to the top, look down & realize real quick that this is not a beginner slope, not even an intermediate slope, and worse yet, not even a black diamond ...  yep, it was a double black diamond.  The Duffy girls were none too impressed ~ we are only 3 runs into the trip, plus it has been over 4 years since we skied...  However, never fear, you are reading this, so you know we made it down.

Well fearless Brittney headed straight down the slope and never looked back.  Sophie took off behind her sister a little more timid at first, and I brought up the rear.  Kevin was conflicted ... does he stay with the mother of his children, does he ski with Sophie, or does he go after Brittney.  After about 10 minutes of his coaching skills, I suggested he go after Brittney while Sophie and I go at our own pace. 

We all made it down, but decided, at that point, to go our separate ways ~ Brittney & Kevin and Sophie & Mom.  Brittney and Kevin enjoyed tree skiing and muggle jumping, while Sophie agreed to ski the intermediate slopes with mom. 

At the beginning of the day, Sophie pondered who would fall the most and if anyone would get hurt today ... let me summarize ... Mom fell on the first beginner slope run (twice), fell again on the second & third run; mom fell on the double black diamond run and just about every run after that :-)  Sophie had a few tumbles, and even Kevin found the ground a few times ... but, I think Brittney wins for the most interesting fall of the day.  While tree skiing with Kevin, she and a tree collided.  Not sure whose fault it was, but the tree has been there for a few years.  Bottom line, SO glad we Duffy girls are wearing helmets this year!

Kevin and Brittney continued skiing late into the day, but after one too many tumbles, I was ready to call it quits.  Sophie was a trooper and came inside with me.  We enjoyed some refreshing chili (Sophie's 3rd bowl), and I had a Diet Coke and some cheese curds ~ yum.

After 6+ hours on the slopes we headed back to the hotel to chill in the hot tub.  Now, I'm not one to enjoy the cold pool or the sauna, but tonight I was willing to give just about anything a try to loosen these stiff muscles.  Ultimately, Kevin and the girls went out to eat for New Year's Eve, and I went to bed about 6pm for a nap ... now, I'm up while everyone else is snoring off the day's adventures.

Good night til tomorrow

Wisconsin Skiing - December 2014

We arrived!  We're here!  And boy howdy is it cold.  We arrived in Wausau, WI this afternoon (after a short 5 hour drive) to a balmy 3F ... now friend, that is cold no matter where you are or where you're from.  Brrrr

We're staying in the Stoney Creek Lodge which has a pool, hot tub & sauna ~ I'm sure the older Duffy's will be utilizing the hot tub & sauna each night in hopes of easing the aches & pains after a day filled with skiing.  We decided to use today as a travel day & organization day.  We familiarized ourselves with the area (eating options, local grocery store & as a just in case, the local hospital).  We drove to the slopes to pick up all our gear & to review the ski options.  We each have a map of the slopes & our 'meet-up' point if we get separated.  I think Kevin said there is over 70 slopes; the girls & I will let you know after tomorrow.

We enjoyed a meal tonight at Wausau Mine Company.  It wasn't the best meal we've ever had, but the scenery was pretty cool, the people were nice, and there wasn't a long wait.

Kevin enjoyed a local Ale & we split some Cheese Curds (the girls wouldn't touch the cheese)

Currently, Brittney & Kevin are enjoying the pool area, while Sophie & I are planning on an early night!  I'll post pictures & updates as the week progresses.  We are so excited - yeah!

Welcome Home

We moved home over a year-and-a-half ago, and it has been over two years since I posted on the blog...  I have a lot of catching up to do.  We are still under construction at "Bit 'O England," we have added horses & dogs to the clan, and the latest addition is an RV Travel Trailer.  I will add more information, pictures, etc., but I needed to get started.

Walk Like an Egyptian

Today was Sophie's Egyptian Day at school. She has been learning all about Egypt and since we were there just a year ago she has become quite the Egyptian expert.

Do you see the side-way's glance...

Sisters Walking Like an Egyptian

I remember 3 years ago when Brittney was the Egyptian, now it is Sophie's turn and Brittney is the WWII expert (will post after our visit on Friday to the bomb shelters)...

Egypt ~ part 4

Now, for the last post on Egypt. We spent Tuesday in the Red Sea. We took a boat ride out to 3 different reef locations to do some snorkeling. When we signed up for this adventure I envisioned snorkeling in knee deep or maybe a little deeper water, not the middle of the sea. When I jumped off the back of the boat & felt just how cold the water was and realized how deep it was, I had second thoughts. Both Brittney & Sophie decided that the snorkeling was not for them, so once I knew they were safe on the boat I decided to give it a second go but with a little flotation help ~ hence the picture below with me in a yellow tube. I obviously couldn't go down into the water to see some of the things that the guide was showing us, but I never had to worry about how choppy the water was or how tired I was getting; I could just float along & enjoy the beautiful scenery under the water. The girls stayed on the boat and played cards. They were really good sports!

After our 3 stops on the reefs for snorkeling, we headed off to 'Paradise Island' along with all the other tour boats...
The water was absolutely beautiful, and now the girls could enjoy it as well.

Remember me talking about the choppy water while snorkeling... from the picture below you can tell it is windy by Kevin's windblown look

The Duffy's in Paradise...

On Thursday the family enjoyed a day in the Sahara Desert. It was so much fun. We went 4-wheeling, dune-buggy driving, horse/donkey/camel riding, visited a Bedouin village, and ended the night with an entertainment show. Before we could go out in the desert we had to get a proper head covering...

Duffy girls with our heads covered & our faces protected

First off was dune-buggy riding. Kevin drove first while Sophie & I sat in the back seat. You know how they say if you aren't the top dog the view never changes...

In the reflection you can see Kevin & Brittney in the front tearing up the course

I did get to drive near the end of the track, but Sophie & I enjoyed our time in the back seat; it was less sandy back there...

This was our view of the Sahara Desert; the Red Sea is in the horizon.

Next came the animal rides; I didn't post any pictures of the girls riding the horses & the donkeys because you have seen tons of those types of pictures on other posts. However, the family did enjoy riding the camels... The worst part about riding a camel is when it gets up and when it goes down. It can be very rough and is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Below is Brittney's camel getting up

She is now up & ready to go for a little ride

Sophie, Madison, Kevin, and Brittney

Sophie enjoyed riding the camel so much, she took a second ride as well

SMILE for the camera (even the camel smiled)

Sophie asked if she could go for a third ride...

Sophie & I did not go to the Bedouin camp... the Egyptian stomach bug had made its way into poor Sophie's tummy. We stayed back at the main camp sight & actually considered going back to the resort. But Sophie got some rest and some Sprite to help settle her tummy while the others went on the 45minute bumpy jeep ride to the Bedouin camp.

The night ended with a variety show. At one point they asked all the girls to come up on stage to share time with the belly-dancer. Below is Sophie & Christina on stage...

Madison & Brittney preparing to belly dance

After the Belly Dancer came a guy who twirled & turned for 10 minutes straight without stopping. I was getting dizzy just watching him...

Where did he go?

Oh, there he is... he took off his skirt, while continuing to twirl (I'm still dizzy)

Last up was a fire-eater

Gives a whole new meaning to spicy-hot food

Looking back on all the pictures & updating the blog with experiences from Egypt helps me remember just how much fun we had. The Duffy's really enjoy playing in the water, but I think the highlight of this trip was getting to share the adventure with the Shaffer family. Until next time...

Egypt ~ part 3

A huge advantage of going to Egypt with a friend is the ability to babysit for each other, then we could both enjoy a date with our hubbies... plus Jeanne found the fabulous resort that we stayed in and since they had been to Egypt before, they were a great source of information. On the Wednesday Kevin & I took a tour into Cairo to see the pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. However, our first stop was a Muslim Mosque (didn't get the name of it - sorry). I wasn't expecting this stop but enjoyed learning about the traditions and seeing the inside of the Mosque.

The heat was so intense that a head covering became a necessity.

don't know if you can see, but in the horizon past Cairo are the pyramids

motorway in Cairo with the pyramids in the background

Once we got to the pyramids I was blown away with how big they are. The individual blocks used in the base are taller than I am and the cuts are perfectly straight, even after all these years. Amazing...

Kevin is such a clown - he loves doing these type of pictures but of course I join in as well

Kevin decided to go into one of the pyramids. I had been warned that it would probably be too much for my asthma due to the heat & the dust. Kevin did emerge from the pyramid, but after his trip in he agreed it would not have been good for my asthma...

One of the locals tried to get Kevin to buy a turban. He even went so far as putting it on Kevin & taking a picture but Kevin wasn't in the buying mood...

Our next stop was the Sphinx. The detail & the size are just breathtaking.

I love how this picture shows the huge size and detail of the Sphinx's feet stretched out in front

Not only are there orange carrots in Egypt, but they grow red carrots...

Lastly we visited the Egyptian Museum. We were running very short on time with our tour so we had to quickly go through the museum... but we were amazed at the artifacts inside. Again a very surreal experience looking at things that I have only read about in history class or seen on the History Channel.