January 3, 2016

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 5 DAYS

Luckily I wasn't Speechless!

Welcome Back!

I'm gonna get right to it and tell you about yesterday...

We started out by taking Cosette to the stables. As we approached the arena Cosette had jokingly wondered if Dream would recognize her.
​At first I had no idea what she was talking about, and then realized that she meant because of her haircut! LOL

After our visit, we did a switch-a-roo with the kids (dropped off Cosette and picked up Dominic), and went to Target...Nothing special.

We then came back home, I started making dinner, and we then headed to the movies. Jet, Andrew, and Chaplin met us at the theatre and we all saw 'Love the Coopers'.

It was a cute and entertaining film with an ensemble cast.
It had it's laugh out loud funny moments where even 4yo Chaplin was cracking up in giggles.
A Home For The Holiday lighthearted comedy that was wholesome and didn't need any shock value (i.e. sex scenes, blowing things up, etc.).
Overall the experience was enjoyable.

I say overall, not because there was any major fault with this movie;

BUT a terrible thing had happened during the film.
About 10 minutes before the end, there was a big commotion coming from behind us. It was so disruptive that I had jokingly commented to Cosette "what is somebody dying back there?"...

Well I wasn't too far off, a woman in the row behind us had what the paramedics believe was either a heart attack or a stroke!

The movie was paused and the lights were turned on, the woman did NOT look good. I immediately bowed my head in prayer.

A few good samaritans came to assist in the situation. 9-1-1 was called and it seemed like forever for them to finally arrive (if she was dying, she would've been dead by the time they got there).

HOWEVER get this...
While this woman was going through these awful and terrifying moments, there was a group of kids ranging in age from 10ish-16ish years in age in the row behind her (2rows behind us);
And they had the audacity to be laughing and making fun of this woman!
I was in shock and this was nothing short of despicable!
I sternly turned to these kids and scolded them and their awful behavior. I was and still am truly disgusted that anyone could display such actions. Shame on them and shame on their parents for not teaching them any better!

This instance had made me very ashamed to be a member of a society that accepts this, where there can be such a lack of compassion, empathy, or any sympathy!

Cosette was embarrassed to be in the same generation as these pathetic souls. 

​It was a sad snap-shot of what some of our youth is turning out to be. As parents it is our responsibility to teach our kids compassion & respect. And to teach by example.

That woman will remain in our thoughts and prayers and I hope that she will be okay, and I also hope that those kids who I reprimanded and anyone else who heard my words will remember to have respect for others and to show some kindness and empathy. ​

I am a very passionate person in all that I do, and I hold my principles close to my heart.
I refuse to stand or sit there quietly and watch anyone hurt/harm someone or something who cannot stand up for themselves.
​That is not something that I can nor that I will ever accept. 

Now on to lighter subjects...

I've been doing much travel planning/bookings that I can't wait to share with y'all, but I will hold off wait until Travelin' Tuesday. Don't miss it!

As far as today goes, the kids have decided to give me a break from cooking and they will be treating us to a big plate of handmade pasta for dinner tonight!!!!

You have no idea how excited I am for this!

A. That I will be eating a BIG plate of handmade pasta for dinner tonight!
& 
B. That my kiddos know their way around the kitchen and want to cook for me!

I guess I'm doing something right! LOL 

And since I have the day/night off from the kitchen/cooking and my kiddos will be in the kitchen all day long, I'm gonna head out to the mall and check out a few things!
(I need my shopping fix!)

I'll let you know what I find and how delicious my dinner is all in tomorrow's Daily Scoop!

I hope that you have a blessed day,
-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop

Happy Sunday to you!!

Boy, was I tired yesterday after being at the barn all day.  The chilly weather knocked me out!

The girls spent a full day riding and I did my usual filming.  They did fantastic considering that they haven't been on a horse in over two weeks!

They loved seeing all their friends as well.

We ordered in a pizza and watched The Wedding Planner, (which I've seen about ten times) last night.  Between my extra-exciting New Year's Eve and Saturday night this week, I'm really becoming quite boring these days!!

My goal is to get back to some "local travel" hitting local sights and events here in the New York City/Long Island area.

Filling in my January calendar of events will be my priority this coming week, with the kids back in school.

Today, will be another mellow day.  Aside from hanging out and relaxing before the school routine begins again tomorrow, I'll be heading to get a much-needed manicure this afternoon.

I'll be making a nice, big, comforting pot of vegetable soup for dinner today.

But, before all of that, I headed out early for another long and refreshing walk.  I started taking a two to three mile walk each day, while in Florida at my parents' last week and I am trying to continue the routine now that I'm back home.

And, speaking of great walks, here are a few great outdoors places to venture to if you are in search of 
an invigorating walk, here on Long Island...

​

ELISA'S 5 TOP WALKING & HIKING SPOTS ON LONG ISLAND

1. Seal Halout Hike | Montauk
This is totally a great place to visit from November to April if you want the treat of seeing harbor seals!

A walk along the shoreline will bring you to the Seal Haulout Trail.  In addition to enjoying a brisk walk taking in the cool sea air, it is the perfect spot to observe harbor seals.  These little chubby sea creatures hoist themselves onto the rocky shoreline each year east of Oyster Pond, where they call home for the season. Great photo ops too!!

2. West Hills County Park | Melville
This past October I was fortunate enough to chaperone Gianna's sixth grade class to Walt Whitman's birthplace and museum.

Right nearby is the scenic wooded paths along Walt Whitman Loop, leading to Jayne's Hill. You can also say that you have visited Long Island's highest peak!!   

3. David Weld Sanctuary | Nissequogue
If you can't decide between a walk in the forest or a stroll on the shoreline, you may have the best of both at the David Weld Sanctuary.

A little bit of Long Island history to this place for your reading pleasure...Richard "Bull" Smythe actually won the land that is now called the David Weld Sanctuary by winning a bet with a Native American Chief. If he could ride a bull around from sunrise to sunset, he would, in turn, get the deciduous forest. And that's precisely what happened!

Here is an opportunity to hike among overpowering tulip trees and red cedars leading to the bluff along the Long Island Sound. It's off to the beach for a hearty walk along the shoreline by carefully making your way downhill. 

4. Caumsett State Park | Lloyd Harbor
Once the home of Marshall Field III, the heir to a department store fortune, and his Winter home, today the 1,750 acres is the perfect hiking destination.  

Lined with paved trails that used to make up this once-privately owned land, it also contains wooded areas for enjoying nature and engaging in bird watching, horseback riding, spying salt marshes, and there is even a dairy complex.

5. Muttontown Preserve | Syosset
It amazes me how much incredible history is held on Long Island, and specifically within the many state parks and former estates of notable individuals.

The Muttontown Preserve is no different. The first monarch of Albania fled during the Italian invasion and later purchased a now crumbling Long Island mansion for the alleged sum of $100,000.  

Today, it is Long Island's largest nature preserve where you can stroll past the garden walls and the mansions on this property, once inhabited by this former monarch.  It is also home to apple trees, numerous ponds and wild violet.

Well, my dear friends, I hope this is a fantastic day for you!!!

-E
xoxo