Nashville, TN

Hey Reader’s!

I know it has been awhile. Now that I am back to regular life, I am finding it hard to post everyday or even every other day. I am waiting for things to settle down and get back into a regular routine. With the crappy weather here in the ATL, days off from school for The Boy and going on a few trips, I have yet to have a “normal” week since then end of my radiation zapping. Next week will be my first five-day normal work week and I can’t wait. Going to finally put my new work schedule to work!

This past weekend My Man and I went to Nashville and met up with some friends to celebrate her birthday. It was the first time I have ever spent any real-time there and we had a blast. We stayed at a wonderful condo that was centrally located so almost everything was in walking distance. Here are some pictures for you guys to look at.

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Where our condo was.

Where our condo was.

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He looks more scary then sweet.

He looks more scary than sweet.

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Our condo

Our condo

Happy Birthday Dee!

Happy Birthday Dee!

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My Man at the Ryman

My Man at the Ryman

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Andy

Andy

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Third Man Records

Third Man Records

Third Man Records

Third Man Records

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Third Man Records Photo Booth- I would love one of these!

Third Man Records Photo Booth. I would love one of these!

Me, My Man, Dee and Andy

Me, My Man, Dee and Andy

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Not sure what to say about this….

We has such a nice time we are already thinking about where to meet for our next trip. Must be someplace where we can both drive to (they live in northern KY). We are thinking Ashville, NC. Any ideas?

I know I still owe you a post about the Disney Cruise. I will be working on it I promise! I am going to try to get on a schudeual for posting too. I love me a plan! Time to get in the shower and start my Thursday. Have a wonderful day y’all!

Universal Studios theme parks

Hey Reader’s

It’s been a while. I hope y’all have had a good week. Team Hamer sure did! We checked The Boy out from school on Tuesday around noon (so he would me marked down for a full day) we headed down to Orlando, FL. It took us almost 7 hours to get there. I started out driving first and drove about halfway down. It was kinda raining and very foggy out while in GA. There were also a lot of cops on the road. I however, drove safe and was left alone. Once we hit FL, the sun came out and the temperature started to rise.

On our way!

On our way!

We decided to stay in the park at the Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel. It had a cool Hawaii theme to it and the grounds were just lovely.

Me and some elephants at Lowes Royal Pacific Resort.

Me and some elephants at Lowes Royal Pacific Resort.

We went to City Walk to check it out and look for something to eat. We chose a Mexican restaurant that was having its grand opening the next day, so the wait staff where eager please and practice on us. I was able to stick to my low carb diet. It was an authentic Mexican menu, so while there was chips and salsa (I ignored) there was also a lot of fresh sea food and steak. I had steak!

The Boy-ready to eat!

The Boy-ready to eat!

We walked around the shops afterwards and then had a glass of wine back at the hotel, where we mapped out plan for the next day at the two Universal parks. We then headed back to the room since we knew we would be getting up early to hit the parks.

Hogwarts!

Hogwarts!

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Empty! An hour later…not so much!

One of the cool things about staying at the park is that get free Express passes and that the Harry Potter section opens up an hour before the park opens up to the public. We got to zoom to each ride and had no wait. My Man road one of the rollercoasters all alone!

Butter Beer @ 8:30am

Butter Beer @ 8:30am

Watch out!

Watch out!

The World of Harry Potter was so cool. Defiantly my favorite of both parks. I think The Boy would agree too. My Man thought it was pretty cool tool, especially when it was practically empty! His favorite rollercoaster was The Hulk.

Not happy!

Not happy!

Me and My Man after the Rip Saw Falls.

Me and My Man after the Rip Saw Falls.

The Hulk rollacoster in the back ground.

The Hulk rollercoaster in the back ground.

His wand!

His wand!

Cooling off

Cooling off

Duff beer and My Man. A Simpsons dream comes true!

Duff beer and My Man. A Simpsons dream comes true!

We had a wonderful time at Universal. I highly suggest you go and stay at one of the four (soon to be five) hotels and get that free Express pass. Totally worth it. We ended up eating some yummy sushi at the hotel and turned in early. We knew we would be getting up early for the second part of our vaycay.

More to come!

Barnsley Gardens Part 2

Barnsley Gardens Part 2

Very Chilly Saturday Morning!

Very Chilly Saturday Morning!

Saturday morning start off cold!! It was cold when Timber and I went out for our morning walk. Timber was so excited to be out and about. He stopped and smelled and marked as many trees, bushes and posts he could. We then went to a large open field looking over the golf course to play ball. He was in heaven.

Ready for the day!

Ready for the day!

After breakfast Aidan and went and rented some bikes. There are lots of trails and pathways around the property you can walk, hike and bike. I ended up getting a leisure bike. Ok, there is a big difference between my hybrid bike at home and the leisure bike I ended up with. Did not really like it. But off we went. We had a wonderful time until during one of our brakes The Boy some how tripod over himself and his bike fell on his shin. The Boy is skin and bones and the bike banged him up pretty band. He did not cry though! So strong.

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Birds nest we found on our bike ride.

Birds nest we found on our bike ride.

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We made it back to the property and dropped of our bikes. We then went to the lobby and got him some ice for his leg. One of the staff gave Aidan a bag of chocolates. I think he felt better after one or two of those. My Man and Timber went on one run and a hike while we were there. Timber had a blast and even got a bit muddy!

Poor Guy!

Poor Guy!

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Inside the lobby.

Inside the lobby.

We went and hung out at the Beer Garden for a while before dinner. The Boy loved the fire and had the space to run around. Timber liked meeting new people and being told how handsome he is.

Fire at the Beer Garden

Fire at the Beer Garden

Hi!

Hi!

So happy to be hanging out!

So happy to be hanging out!

Team Hamer

Team Hamer

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After dinner we hit went to the lobby and stocked up on ‘smore supplies. There are fire pits all over the property and we were lucky to have one right in front of our cottage. One of the staff members lit the fire for us and The Boy got to cooking. I can not tell you how many The Boy had but when he later said his tummy hurt, I wasn’t all that surprised.

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We had a wonderful time at Barnsley Gardens and are planning on going back next year. I would suggest you all come and check it out!

Tired Puppy

Tired Puppy

Barnsley Gardens

Barnsley Gardens Part 1

1775-Our Cottage

1775-Our Cottage

Over the past six months, My Man and I have had to cancel two vacations due to f-ing cancer. One was our one week summer trip to Northern Michigan and the other was our 13 year anniversary cruise. After all the treatments and doctor appointments we were ready to get away. We wanted to take a trip that The Boy could go on and where they would have activities for him to do. We talked about going to a few places but in the end decided on Barnsley Gardens in Northern Ga. Reasons why we picked it:

1. No plane fare

2. Easy Drive

3. Things for The Boy to do

4. Good Food and Wine for me and My Man to eat/drink

5. Timber Friendly!!

PET FRIENDLY

Beyond being merely pet-friendly, our luxury Georgia resort offers guests an ideal getaway for dog lovers with more than 3,300 acres of natural beauty. Hike the historic grounds highlighted by architectural ruins and landscaped gardens, or snuggle fireside  during the colder months in a cozy cottage living room. It’s enough to make pet lovers want to stay awhile. 

Pampered Pooch
Bring your furry friend for a getaway on any standard two-night 
package in a Suite or Arbor Cottage and we’ll waive the pet fee of $75 per stay during your visit.  Please mention Pampered Pooch at the time of booking. 

Pet-Friendly Resort
There is no better place in Georgia to travel with furry family members. With more than 10 miles of hiking trails and beautiful gardens to explore, outdoor sitting areas with fire pits, lawn games and outdoor dining venues such as the Beer Garden and Rice House Herb Garden, your four-legged friend is certain to feel like a pampered pooch.

There are no pet weight limits at Barnsley Gardens Resort.  While we do not require pets to be crated, we do require that all dogs stay on leashes while in the village.  All of our public facilities are open to pets, with the exception of the spa, fitness center, pool area and indoor restaurants (due to local health codes).

Pet friendly accommodations include our Garden or Meadow Suites and Arbor Cottages. Standard amenities for pets include pet beds, bowls, bottled water and treats. Pet sitting may be arranged with advance notice.

Barnsley Gardens Resort partners with PAWS Atlanta, a non-profit, no kill shelter dedicated to finding forever homes for dogs and cats.

How COOL is that!? Super cool!

We booked our trip for December 12th thru 15th. We asked for the Arbor Cottage thinking it would be perfect for the three of us and Timber. And it was! We arrived a little after 3pm and was able to check right in. Timber was so excited to see where he would be hanging out for the next three days.

Goodies too!

Goodies too!

A Bed For Timber

A Bed For Timber

They had a cushion for him to sleep on, snacks, a food and water dish and even a cool key-chain poop bag dispenser thingy! So nice! For us the had a box of goodies and two bottles of wine! They gave us a new box of filled with the goodies and two bottles of wine each day. We ended up taking home the six bottles of wine and will save them for the Christmas when we have family in town.

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Welcome Balloons!

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Goody Box!

Goody Box!

After we got settled in, we all took a walk around the property.

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Main Street

Main Street

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My Boys!

My Boys!

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The Boy found ice!

The Boy found ice!

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We had 5:30 dinner reservation at Woodlands Grill. We of course ordered way to much food and had to rolled out of there!

Dinner

Dinner

We walked back to the cottage and grabbed Timber. We heard the ruins would be all lit up and wanted to check it out. It was very cold out but the ruins looked beautiful!

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After our walk, we went back to the cottage and lit a fire in the fire-place. It was a wonderful night! More to come!

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Reader’s! How has your week been? Mine has been busy! I am sorry I have not updated for a few days but the week has zoomed by me. I have been going to my daily radiation treatments (8 down and 19 more to go!) and working. It is a short week for us at The Hotel Yorba. After canceling three trips in the last six months, we have left the ATL for a short family trip. I am writing you from Barnsley Gardens Resort. After today’s treatment, we checked The Boy out of school and head to northern GA. Great thing about Barnsley Gardens is that they allow dogs! Another trip for Timber! I will be posting all about our adventures soon.

It has been raining in the ATL for the last week. The Majestic is a mess and the girls have been wet and are in the middle of molting. Poor things. Poppy looks terrible and she knows it.

Yummy worms!

Yummy worms!

Poppy

Poppy molting

Poppy molting

I said no pictures!!

I said no pictures!!

Have a wonderful night!