Wendy's trip log: fall 2019

Fall 2019-

Saratoga Springs, NY and local areas

This fall was pretty busy. Mark was able to get us a room at the Saratoga Racino and resort one weekend so we spent a few days away from the hectic schedule of life to relax.

Mark grew up at this place and offered reminiscent narrations of his youth. His grandfather once was a jockey here and his parents would spend many hours at the raceway.

The place has changed quite a but since he was a child. There only used to be the race track. Now there is a hotel and casino. This casino has no table games and it closes at night. Unlike most casinos. The casino would not even have opened if there had not been a racetrack attached to it.

There is some beautiful artwork throughout the facility.

Our room was very nice too.

We even had the pool all to ourselves.

The area is definitely pretty.

The resort even had bicycles we could use to enjoy the area. We didn't on this trip, but discussed in the warmer time at our next visit.

The resort also has a free shuttle service that will take you to downtown Saratoga Springs. Mark and I boarded the shuttle after a nice meal at the buffet, and off we were. The village of Saratoga is simply charming. We decided to walk around the beautiful park before hitting the quaint store lined streets.
Congress Park is located right on the main street (Broadway) and has a long history as it host the home of a now closed casino The Canfield. The casino closed several years ago and is now used for weddings and has a museum.

The grounds within the park are home to many sculptures as you walk along the garden pathways, you might run into these interesting pieces.

These appear to be Greek mythology statues, but this one below looks like a devil.

Saratoga is well known for its healing springs and there are several throughout the park.

They all taste (in my opinion) pretty bad. They are very sulfur tasting, but "they" say people are healed by the minerals it contains.

After enjoying the park we walked along the main street taking in the many pieces of art work and the lovely buildings.

It was a lovely evening and we truly enjoyed the time away. Back at the hotel we watched the sun set into the night, played a few games and fell into a restful sleep.

The following day we headed towards home, but first we stopped at another casino in Albany called Rivers. Neither Mark or I have ever been there. It was nice, we played a few games before having the most amazing breakfast. This beauty of a breakfast cost less then $5- with our new card % off.

Speaking of breakfast, Mark and I had a brunch at Del Lago's Portico restaurant. We had eaten there for the brunch in the past, but had not received an invite for the free event in some time. It had been such a nice meal before and it had been so long ago that we did attend. Both of us were quite disappointed in the actual meal, but the desserts were yummy!!!!

School has started again, and Mark and I were invited to my youngest school open house.

Our son was the evenings greeter and information host. He sat at the front door all night as Mark and I enjoyed a nice pizza dinner and speaking with his teachers. It was actually an enjoyable event. He is talking a college level course on public speaking. His teacher says he's a natural.
As Halloween approached, I got my nails done to look the part.

We celebrated my dear friend Becky's birthday both out and at work. Happy Birthday Becky.

I think everyone had a wonderful time!

On one evening, we several of my friends and I went to the Disney Store in the mall and enjoyed a masquerade ball.

Me, Stefanie, Kate and Barb!

We had a little Disney trivia along with some crafting supplies to make masks.

I think we all did a fine job being princesses.

I simply LOVE Disney!!!!!!

I have continued my Tuesday night movie and wings with several of my co-workers. This month we saw, It II and Maleficent II. Below; Jason, Mary, Jessica, Matt, Me, Kate, Stefanie and Nikki.

My kids even joined in for the fun.

Above; Jason, Mary, Stefanie, Me, Alexis, and Nick.

This month we had our work gala. It was held at the MOST in Syracuse. Museum of Science and Technology. There was breakfast as our director gave a speech about the agency, then we had a healthy walk along the Erie Canal way, and then time to play at the MOST.

There were dinosaurs.......

These guys were tons of fun.

We had some fun getting up close and personal.

One weekend, Mark and I traveled back to Saratoga Springs to pick up a cruise voucher.

We got the voucher, a cool picture and a free cocktail. Was it all worth the 3 hour drive? Well we did stop at Rivers casino and had some breakfast first...and we are pretty excited about our next cruise. (To be determined soon.)

We also spent an evening at the Turning Stone casino. We got a room at the Lodge and enjoyed the pool/hot tub.

Later that evening we had dinner, Autumn in Paris...

Dinner was AMAZING!!!!!

We also celebrated a Birthday. Amore turned 16!

In addition to a Birthday song, cake and wishes, we also had a late lunch to celebrate. The Village Burger was the choice....these boys ate like CRAZY. Below is Gavin's HEART attack burger. Just look at all the bacon. I didn't eat. I started Weight Watchers this month.

Not only did I start a new way of eating. I quit smoking, went back to the gym and got a second job! Who says you have to do 1 thing at a time?

Mark and I had another evening out at the Turning Stone. This time it was for a concert. We went to see Stryper and Autograph.

Before the show I had a massage and we met Mark's friends for cocktails. I really did not know much about the bands, but I had a great time none the less.