31 October 2010
322
R. Linda:
I got talked into taking everyone to Salem, Massachusetts for the annual Haunted Happenings. This celebration of all things Halloween runs the entire month of October, but Halloween is the culmination of the fun and everyone comes to town in costume. Well, most everyone.
I do have a bit of good news, the Dragon will be leaving soon. I will no longer be impersonating a pretzel upon waking up off the couch in the mornings. Yup, I will be able to settle meself in me cozy, comfy bed where I can stretch me over 6' frame instead of crunched up in fetal position like an accordion with dog for blanket.
Therefore, upon that bit of news, yours truly was in a very good mood and all for a drive to Massachusetts. We stuck the children in costumes and headed out. They slept the way down which was early because we knew from once before to get there early enough we can park in the town of Salem instead of in the town of Peabody or Danvers. We also knew to get there early not only insured a good parking spot, but first seating for lunch anywhere. We decided on Victoria Station up on Pickering Wharf. That way we would have a lovely view of the ships in Salem harbor and the costumes parading on by the dock.
Therefore, upon that bit of news, yours truly was in a very good mood and all for a drive to Massachusetts. We stuck the children in costumes and headed out. They slept the way down which was early because we knew from once before to get there early enough we can park in the town of Salem instead of in the town of Peabody or Danvers. We also knew to get there early not only insured a good parking spot, but first seating for lunch anywhere. We decided on Victoria Station up on Pickering Wharf. That way we would have a lovely view of the ships in Salem harbor and the costumes parading on by the dock.
One of the two tall ships across from Victoria Station
We had to take two cars because there were so many of us and we did not have that white stretch limo. Isn't that just like Dragon? When we could use a larger vehicle, she's not having one available unless it is only for herself. So, off we went and of course Tonya had the kiddies in her car with the Dragon (thank the heavens above for THAT). I thought for a second there the Dragon was going with yours truly since the Saturn is way more comfy than that VW bug. Anyway, Tonya took off and once Tonya is off she's miles ahead of me. I knew that would happen and we agreed to meet at Victoria Station.
The traffic was light, the trip uneventful, and parking was a breeze. I texted Tonya that we "had landed" and she texted back she was still "circling" and to go on she'd catch us up. This could only mean they took a pit stop for Dunk's coffee the cheats. I didn't stop for coffee, though I wanted to, but that damn Dragon got coffee!
I took the parents for a slow walk from parking garage to wharf and I needn't have worried about slow walking because they had never seen anyplace like Salem in their lives. The costumes were already on the street. Here let me show you.
The gawking by the parents slowed me down considerably but they were enjoying the creativity of the those dressed up for the event. Until, we came upon the Jersey girl, Snooki.
"She" gave me Da pause she did. He wasn't quite sure what to make of him, I mean "her" but Ms. S was nice enough to pose for me camera. After physically dragging me stunned Da away, we made our way towards the wharf, and it got more bizarre as we went.
About this time I got a text message from Tonya wondering where we were, she had found parking by the wharf and waiting with two excited children and one bored Dragon was getting to her. Where we lost, she wanted to know. I texted her back and said if I was, it be ok because at least we speak the language. Not like in New Jersey where I can't understand anyone and they don't understand me. Finally, we got down there and that damn Dragon was still sipping her Dunk's Pumpkin coffee in front of me. The nerve!
Anyway, Victoria Station was just opening and we got good seats inside out of the wind, to watch the costumes on the dock and enjoy our lunch at the same time. When we had our drinks and our order had been taken, we were all sitting there relaxed and content, even the two wee boyos. An older man walked in with a young chickie and they sat at a table near us. The man pulled out his mobile phone and immediately was calling his friends asking them where they were. From what we could not help overhearing, it seemed he had arranged for his friends to come in costume and meet him for fun and food in Salem, and only the young chickie showed up! So now he was on the phone trying to rouse some interest and it seemed no one could make it, except he did have someone named Brian on the fence. He was loud, he was obnoxious in his self importance, and he was making us all feel unsettled. Me Da whispered he'd like to get up and pull that phone out of his hands just to shut him up. And that brings me to a side story I should tell you, that I told me table to amuse them from the "Brian" conversation at the table next to us.
It seems that our friend Wolfie went to a flick with some friends, and while they were sitting there the fella sitting in front of them, mobile phone rang just as the flick was starting. Well, he answered it and it was a brief conversation and that was seemingly the end of it UNTIL, a quarter way into the flick it rang again. This time longer not so quiet conversation ensued. Well, one more time and Wolfie had had enough. He got up, reached over the fella's shoulder, took the mobile phone and threw it, shattering it to pieces. Yes he did, and the rest of the theatre audience cheered this act. He looked at the man and said, "You're done!" and he sat back down. The man was in a state of shock he was. He knew by the look of Wolfie not to mess with him, so he left his seat and went to the theatre manager to complain. Now if I was Wolfie, knowing that is what was happening, I would have left, but no, not the hard to intimidate Wolfie, no, he waited for the manager to come down. The man did, followed not very closely by the scared phone-less patron, when a very interesting thing happened. As the manager asked Wolfie if he was responsible for throwing the fella's phone, people in the audience shouted at the manager that they had the wrong guy, the one who did it had left the premises. Now THIS turnabout had the phone-less fella not wanting to get into it with everyone, so he leaned over to his girl and said, "Come on, let's get out of here." AND THEY LEFT. The rest of the flick went without incident. Now who does that? We all think of doing it, but we are too cowardly to act on it. So kudos to Wolfie.
Me Da celebrated the destruction of the annoying mobile with a toast to the brave man who rid the theatre of it, and we all sighed wishing we could do that to the man at the next table, but like Tonya said, we'd scare the wee ones and yes, that be a great excuse for not doing it, but the truth be told we were, all of us, too timid. Yes, I admit it. BUT Dragon wasn't too timid, no she has a mouth on her and it was loudly complaining and she'd glance over at him, but HE was oblivious! So much for that.
After our less than quiet lunch we left for a few amusements, the haunted houses and such for O'Hare at least, his brother wanting none of THAT. Dragon, and me Mam were busy shopping as we went, and me Da was gawking at the costumes and the sights and sounds of Halloween in Salem. Here are a few more pics for you.
I think that's enough for now. Am out of juice meself and if I think of anything more I'll write later. For now, enjoy the Salem pictures!
The traffic was light, the trip uneventful, and parking was a breeze. I texted Tonya that we "had landed" and she texted back she was still "circling" and to go on she'd catch us up. This could only mean they took a pit stop for Dunk's coffee the cheats. I didn't stop for coffee, though I wanted to, but that damn Dragon got coffee!
I took the parents for a slow walk from parking garage to wharf and I needn't have worried about slow walking because they had never seen anyplace like Salem in their lives. The costumes were already on the street. Here let me show you.
I thought this was clever, the wicked queen from Snow White and her mirror.
And the Queen of Hearts and her man
Ms. Snooki
Thought this dude quite charming to look at until it looked like he was coming for me
About this time I got a text message from Tonya wondering where we were, she had found parking by the wharf and waiting with two excited children and one bored Dragon was getting to her. Where we lost, she wanted to know. I texted her back and said if I was, it be ok because at least we speak the language. Not like in New Jersey where I can't understand anyone and they don't understand me. Finally, we got down there and that damn Dragon was still sipping her Dunk's Pumpkin coffee in front of me. The nerve!
Anyway, Victoria Station was just opening and we got good seats inside out of the wind, to watch the costumes on the dock and enjoy our lunch at the same time. When we had our drinks and our order had been taken, we were all sitting there relaxed and content, even the two wee boyos. An older man walked in with a young chickie and they sat at a table near us. The man pulled out his mobile phone and immediately was calling his friends asking them where they were. From what we could not help overhearing, it seemed he had arranged for his friends to come in costume and meet him for fun and food in Salem, and only the young chickie showed up! So now he was on the phone trying to rouse some interest and it seemed no one could make it, except he did have someone named Brian on the fence. He was loud, he was obnoxious in his self importance, and he was making us all feel unsettled. Me Da whispered he'd like to get up and pull that phone out of his hands just to shut him up. And that brings me to a side story I should tell you, that I told me table to amuse them from the "Brian" conversation at the table next to us.
It seems that our friend Wolfie went to a flick with some friends, and while they were sitting there the fella sitting in front of them, mobile phone rang just as the flick was starting. Well, he answered it and it was a brief conversation and that was seemingly the end of it UNTIL, a quarter way into the flick it rang again. This time longer not so quiet conversation ensued. Well, one more time and Wolfie had had enough. He got up, reached over the fella's shoulder, took the mobile phone and threw it, shattering it to pieces. Yes he did, and the rest of the theatre audience cheered this act. He looked at the man and said, "You're done!" and he sat back down. The man was in a state of shock he was. He knew by the look of Wolfie not to mess with him, so he left his seat and went to the theatre manager to complain. Now if I was Wolfie, knowing that is what was happening, I would have left, but no, not the hard to intimidate Wolfie, no, he waited for the manager to come down. The man did, followed not very closely by the scared phone-less patron, when a very interesting thing happened. As the manager asked Wolfie if he was responsible for throwing the fella's phone, people in the audience shouted at the manager that they had the wrong guy, the one who did it had left the premises. Now THIS turnabout had the phone-less fella not wanting to get into it with everyone, so he leaned over to his girl and said, "Come on, let's get out of here." AND THEY LEFT. The rest of the flick went without incident. Now who does that? We all think of doing it, but we are too cowardly to act on it. So kudos to Wolfie.
Me Da celebrated the destruction of the annoying mobile with a toast to the brave man who rid the theatre of it, and we all sighed wishing we could do that to the man at the next table, but like Tonya said, we'd scare the wee ones and yes, that be a great excuse for not doing it, but the truth be told we were, all of us, too timid. Yes, I admit it. BUT Dragon wasn't too timid, no she has a mouth on her and it was loudly complaining and she'd glance over at him, but HE was oblivious! So much for that.
After our less than quiet lunch we left for a few amusements, the haunted houses and such for O'Hare at least, his brother wanting none of THAT. Dragon, and me Mam were busy shopping as we went, and me Da was gawking at the costumes and the sights and sounds of Halloween in Salem. Here are a few more pics for you.
Here is a Vampire leading a tour of the old burial ground (Vamp on the right)
Here's me Mam and Da (kidding, but then again . . . , LOL)
Equal time to the Dragon (Kidding again, well not really and no costume necessary!)
Tonya, pretty in pink (kidding again? Maybe . . . maybe not, LOL)
Me standing around (kidding, or am I? LOL) watching the levitation in the graveyard (see below)
Levitation in the graveyard - how high can she go? Amazing these guys have no clue what's going on behind them!
Typical Salem Family out shopping for the day
And the best one, the Jonas Brother's as GHOSTBUSTERS! Who ya gonna call?
Gabe
Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved
Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved
