He'd appreciate it!

So, I'm turning 50 in June.

I had plans with friends to go to Ireland (long been a dream of mine, plus my passport is expiring this year having never been used - which feels like a personal failure), but due to planning being put off too long due to pandemic, it's not happening this year. So I tried to adjust the plan a little smaller, I was thinking Niagara Falls (I've been once, for a day, as part of a bigger trip, but would love to go again) but now my friends will be heading to Kansas for a long-delayed funeral that week instead.

After my bday in 2020 was SOOOO low-key (it fell on Father's Day, my dad wanted to get together the day before because he doesn't like to mess with crowds, but my friends were all with their dads the day of, so I literally did NOTHING), I really need to be doing SOMETHING or I fear I will fall into a single-childless-nobody-loves-me hole of DOOM depression.

So I'm trying to be proactive. I'm reviewing whether any other of my local friends would be likely to be up for a trip on 2 months' notice. Reviewing which of my relatives I might like to go visit. Whether I'd like to do Niagara Falls on my own anyway. Which of my non-local friends (Hi, Guys!) might be up for a visit. Who's near attractions, who's near other people (maximum visit density), etc., etc.

So anyway, I just really wanted to get that out. I couldn't tell my friend how very disappointed I am that she's bailed on me - I mean, her grandmother died, even I'm not that selfish - but I'm really let down. And feeling very, "Well, typical, since nobody loves that much anyway," about it.

Anyway, wish me good plans, I guess.

June 21st, right? Also my nephew's birthday in NY. Anyway, that is around the time I head to NY for the summer and Niagara Falls is about 3 hours away I think. I have my passport as far as going to the CA side goes. I have not made my northern migration plan as yet. I generally try and get there by the 4th of July. Anyway, let me know how the plans progress.

Good to know, Laura, thank you! I actually was thinking about you in Florida and wondering whether you're anywhere near Tarpon Springs (several relatives there). If you might be available as a NY base of operations, that's also definitely something to consider!

And yes, June 21st. :)

Tarpon Springs is north of Tampa on the other coast, so like 4-1/2 hours away.

Tarpon Springs is north of Tampa on the other coast, so like 4-1/2 hours away.

So, you're more of a northern asset, then. Noted!

The Baltimore/VA/DC area is full of us, too, just saying.

The Baltimore/VA/DC area is full of us, too, just saying.

Already on the list, but I'm pleased to get the nomination!

Oh, gosh. M's mom lives 3 1/3 hours away from Niagara, but it would be great to go see her. I'll see if we have any flexibility around then (probably not, though, what with me being out of work for a full year). (Also nearish there - Stratford! Just as picturesque as Slings & Arrows made it out to be.)

However, Epic, if you decide that Canada is a non-starter (I know Ontario has had... issues... around lockdown, and NF is heckin' touristy and therefore super crowded), we'd be happy to have you up here in SF!

Canada is not letting Americans in for casual travel I’m sorry to say. Maybe by June that will change.