Sterling 2009

Link to photo's on the right

Well, my intentions of uploading photos and writing each night were changed as the Internet connection in our room was all but non-existent. I could get connections from the rooms on the other side of the motel but felt it would be rude to camp out for the night and work on the computer.

So here, we go, home safe and sound, very full of food and with good Internet connection.

Christine and I left the house at 9:29 on Friday May 1st, ready to meet some A's at Bloomington and Bathurst but not before stopping at Starbucks first for a cup of "happiness". Aka a Grande Mocha with Whip for Christine and a Tall Hot Chocolate with Whole Milk for Me. The weekend almost started out as a disaster because they almost made it with skim milk. Ahhhh the horrors.

Other than the fact that I hung up on Judy, the ride was uneventful and when we arrived at the designated meeting spot, Bob and Frank were already there patiently waiting. Moments later in pulled Winnie and Joe, followed closely by Jim then soon after Lincoln and Al with Anne. After fill ups we were on our way at 10:06.

We travelled comfortably along Bloomington going a steady 70KPH almost hitting 80 at one point while we played protector blocking big rigs from getting between the A's.

At 10:22 we passed Hwy 48 and Judy and John joined the line up, everyone is together at last. Christine was getting very .. ummm annoyed (her words were more colourful) at all the modern cars who did not appreciate and respect the Model A's on the road and the stupidity of their driving. She may make a great driver after all :-)

At 10:58 we stopped at Tim Horton’s in Port Perry for a Coffee and bathroom break. We didn't stay and soon got on our way again leaving at 11:22. Shortly after (11:37) we stopped for gas .. again!

After a lovely drive we arrived in the town of Millbrook for Lunch 12.17PM (note time) at "Village Food & Beverage Emporium". Well the poor woman's jaw dropped as 12 of us walked in for lunch. A small restaurant would be an understatement and the poor woman was playing chief cook and bottle washer with no other help.... except dear Judy of course :-) If one more person had ordered a beer, we would have been left in charge while she ran down to the LCBO to buy some more. It was a long wait, although we all tried to order something simple, however, we all had a good chat and when the food came it was enjoyed by all. We got on the way again at 1:53 (note time) *laugh*

Till we reached Trenton the drive was lovely, rain threatened several times but the clouds always seemed to disappear. After struggling through rush hour traffic and lots of red lights we finally made it to the hotel at 4:00.

I knew it was going to be an interested weekend as some members were greeted by Greg with a glass of scotch straight up. Notice I did not say "shot" but "glass" OK that's a lie, paper cup!!!

After checking in and doing some unpacking and attempting but not succeeding at having a short rest, Norm came to the hotel to lead us back to his place for the BBQ. All the A's lined up and off they went followed by those of us in "modern iron" . When we arrived the hot dogs were already being cooked by Sue and inside the "garage mahal" the tables were all set up with an abundance of condiments, salads, veggies and of course deserts. Everyone filled their bellies and as the men talked cars and looked at Norms latest project (another Willy's Knight) the ladies moved out of the cold to the pool room, which was cozy warm, dry with just the perfect amount of humidity to make you feel like you were down south.

After a lovely evening and chat the rain started to fall heavily and the cars headed back to the hotel. Different groups had gatherings in their rooms, others straight to bed. That's what straight scotch at 4 in the afternoon will do to you. Christine and I went to Judy and John’s room with Joe and Winnie, while next door laughter was pouring out the room as some of the men were regaling each other with stories that were apparently very funny. We managed to connect with Glenn on Skype and although the connection was bad everyone had a quick chat with him and were happy to see him again .. even though it was through a monitor. I think Glenn was probably happy it was a small screen as John decided a good greeting would be an attempt at a moon - luckily it was only a 1/4 moon! After a fun evening everyone went back to their respective rooms to rest up for the next day.

Saturday May 2nd.

Saturday morning arrived too early, however, I was still running late. Christine was spending the day with her boyfriend Dan and I rushed to get ready for John and Judy. We were off to the Sterling Flea Market after a day of rain... as I sat in the back of John and Judy's van I could picture my Wellies sitting in the closet at home *sigh*. We stopped at a few garage sales along the way, but the hops over puddles did not find us any great bargains. We made it to the flea market just in time to get a parking spot in the last row .. my kingdom for my wellies. OK it wasn't THAT bad but would have been nice to have them.

Up one aisle, down the next, meeting people, chatting, rummaging. John got a few deals and Judy and I each picked up sweatshirts to keep us warm. A few more visits and some more wondering and we were done. Hmmm OK this blog and weekend is supposed to be all about the "Sterling Flea Market but really what more can be said.

We left and headed to Belleville and a vintage clothing store. Lots of "neat stuff" but again the money stayed in our wallets. So off again, we crossed the border from the main land to the "county" and instantly shoulders dropped and all stress flowed out of our bodies .. again I exaggerate but what a nice peaceful, slow paced area of Ontario. By this time tummies were rumbling as unlike John we didn't pick up a donut at Tim's. So we pulled into The Waring House in Picton and enjoyed a wonderful meal at the The Barley Room Pub. I tried Mussels for the first time in a delicious white wine sauce .. YUMMMMM! Of course I just stole a few from Judy to try and it will not be the last time I enjoy them. The rest of the day was even more amusing as our Tea Total friend Judy got a nice little buzz from the wine sauce :-)

Back to the car, we headed into Picton to a second hand store. Not quite what we expected but Judy got some deals. On the way out the county we stopped at an over priced antique store before heading back to Trenton. A fun day with great company and lots of laughs. Thanks John and Judy.

Back at the hotel I had hopes of a power nap before dinner, this thought came to an abrupt end when Christine and Dan entered the room. Oh well, I'm sure naps are highly over-rated.. nah!

Back outside to socialize then get ready for dinner. Ready to leave at 5:45 we were off to Golden Valley restaurant in Trenton. Christine and Dan braved the elements in Jim's Rumble seat and 27 of us showed up for a terrific meal. A good time, good food and beverages were had by all.

Well you would think that was enough for one day but the day was not over yet.

We gathered with John, Judy, Joe, Winnie, Jim, Lincoln, Christine and Dan in Lincoln and Jim's room. We managed to hook up with Glenn again briefly on Skype to him the tales of the day. Then the stories and the laughter started. I don't think I've laughed that hard in a very long time. Good job the bathroom was supplied with tissues as we took turn running into grab them and wipe the tears of laughter from our eyes. Eventually though it was time to end this wonderful day and get some sleep before starting again tomorrow.

Sunday May 3rd
Wow Sunday already, time flies when you are having fun. So great to escape from the riggers of everyday life and relax, live and laugh :-) I think the bagels are being boycotted as for the second morning in a row no bagels, no cream cheese, what's a girl to do? Good job I brought V8's and yogurt at least I am eating something healthy this weekend.

Many of the group has already left but I am still looking forward to a delicious brunch at the Best Western in Cobourg. Judy and John went back off to the flea market on a mission, Winnie, Joe, Annie and Al, headed back home in hopes of making it after blowing their rad, and the rest of us hung out and mingled waiting for departure time.

We left Trenton just before 10 on a perfect driving day on perfect Model A roads. We had a beautiful drive from Trenton to Coboug, so good that we arrived an hour before our reservations for brunch. Oh, well, they didn't mind and let us take our seats early. So many choices, breakfast, lunch or dinner. OK when in doubt take a little of all. Great lunch, good company and again lots of laughter. If laughter is the "best medicine" I think I had a very good dose this weekend.

Everyone headed home, Christine and I broke off from the group at Port Perry and headed down to Raglan and White Feathers Country Store in hopes of finding a treasure, but all we got was Cheese Bread, it is REALLY good cheese bread though. Back on the road, through Port Perry, Uxbridge and finally home about 4 o'clock tired but happy.

Summary - A great weekend, I think everyone had a good time, everyone seemed very relaxed and happy to be out in their "A"'s again with good company and a lot of laughter. Thanks everyone, can't wait for the next tour.