Sugar & Champagne - Our Third Year in a Row!

Sugar & Champagne - a benefit put on by the Humane Society in which dessert and cocktails are served from local restaurants.  This year, there certainly were more dogs than in the past years, and they certainly added to the party!  I was way to busy eating, drinking, and checking out the dogs to take many photos.....But Alison DeSilva, photo-extraordinaire, was on top of it!  Thanks again for such a wonderful night, and I'm already looking forward to next year!!

Pine Island, Flordia - Visit with the folks!

I love visiting my parents in Florida. I think this was my fourth trip there, and I never run out of things to do!  And I love the fact they are so willing to do a jump shot for me!!

   

We spent a lot of time out on the boat. This sandbar is one of my favorite spots. When the tides are really shallow this beautiful sandbar appears from nowhere in the middle of the gulf. Low tide for us was still a little high, but we were able to wade in the warm water.

I think every person on the block has a kayak and uses it just about every day. We headed out in the water and went through an area they call the Tunnels. You are completely surrounded by mangroves and have to paddle in a single row. I love all the bright kayak colors!!

I had never been out to the fish houses before, and they were really interesting. People will stay in these houses and use them as a base for their fishing adventures. Reminded me of some sort of hut to hut hike!

And of course by the end of the trip mom is ready for me to put the camera away!! But I don't think she really meant it!! Thank you for such an awesome trip! Looking forward to visiting again very soon!!!  

Presidential Inauguration 2013

It is inauguration time here in the District, and you can feel the buzz in the air!  We are actually jetting out of town, so we won't be here to participate.  But since we live a mile from the Capital, I thought I should take a quick jaunt to go and check things out!

The Capital is looking a little decked out at the moment.  Gigantic flags hanging in front, huge TV monitors on both sides, seats for 1000's of people.  Of course the security has tripled, and I'm sure there is more to come.  Road closures will for sure be in affect......Locals are renting out their houses for 1,000's of dollars, and the Metro is shutting down.

But what impressed me the most was the number of port-a-pots that surrounded the capital, the mall, and the streets!  They were everywhere.  I'm guessing they have cleaned out every port-a-pot rental place within 200 miles of the District!  I am thankful we will be coming home to a urine/poop free city!!!  Congratulations President Obama.  Curious to see what you do in the next four years!

The Land of Enchantment - A week in magical New Mexico

 

It has been a long tine since I have been to New Mexico....A place I have always spoke highly of, yet somewhere along the way, really did forget how incredibly magical that place is! After we checked out the Gorge, in Taos, NM, we turned to see the moon rising above the mountains where we just spent the day skiing!



A New Mexico trip wouldn't be complete with out Huevos Rancheros....and green chili stew and posole and margaritas!!!

Blue bird day!!

 

We were truly grateful for being invited by the De Silva's to join them and their family for their Christmas trip.  We had a GREAT time with Alison's family, and of course I treasure my time with little Alex!


And on one of our last days it dumped snow!  We barely got to the ski hill, but with some pushing (THANK YOU ANDREW!) we made it and then it was fresh turns in powder!!  An amazing way to start the new year!!!  Looking forward to returning next year!

 

Happy Belated New Year

I think this was the first year since I started blogging that I did not do my usual welcoming of the New Year blog post.  It has been a debate whether to continue to blog or call it quits ...I've found over the last couple of years a lack of motivation for something at one time I really enjoyed.  But for whatever reason I awoke this morning with more energy and excitement to get back on track, because I do think this new year is going to be one to talk about!!  Happy 2013 everyone!  May you find your own mojo, your own inner motivation, may new experience and adventures easily come your way......and may this be the most kick ass year ever!