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!

Portland, Oregon -- Dia Dos!

 

Our first full day in Portland started, of course, with Stumptown Coffee (above) and a Voo Doo Donut (below)!  Followed by as much in-town exercise we could get!!  It was a bit overcast, so we decided to head out to Washington Park.  The rose garden was beautiful, as well as the Japanese gardens.  Worth checking out if your ever in the area.  We made it back to the hotel via another food-truck stop, and then it was off on bicycles for the afternoon.  The ultimate goal was to cross over every bridge that connects the cities quadrants.  We were doing A-OK until Andrew got a flat.  Luckily, we were not too far from the hotel for the walk back.  Later that evening it was off to meet Ann Marie and Jon for a lovely dinner and a quick catch up!  I am still disappointed to have missed the wedding, but it was great to spend the evening with them one-on-one!

Portland, Oregon -- Dia Uno!

Andrew and I have been itchy to get out of town. Ok, maybe I tend to be a little more itchy than he! My friend Ann Marie put the bug in our ear! She recently got hitched in Oregon, but we were unable to make the ceremony, so we decided to head out the first chance we got!

 

We were starving by the time we arrived, so we stopped by the food trucks pronto! Of course it was a difficult decision on what to order because everything looked delicious! Andrew went for the Mexican truck, while I hit up the Indian food -- YUMMY!

 

I hope one day we have official bike parking with appropriate signage! We stayed at a great hotel called the Ace Hotel.  It was located in the Pearl District, so super close to everything we needed.  Each room had been decorated by a local artist, a Stumptown Coffee was downstairs, and an old-school photo booth in the lobby.....how could you go wrong??!!

 

Sugar Skulls

Our friends Eric, Alison, and Alex always seem to be up to something fun!!  They were planning on decorating Sugar Skulls.  I didn't know much about it, but didn't want to miss out, and I'm so glad I didn't!!  Tons of fun!!!

Sugar skulls are exactly that!  Sugar mixed with something??? and then put in a mold.  Once dried it is easy to decorate with icing.  I don't think this is something I would want to eat.  Traditionally, sugar skulls are used during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to remember and honor the memory of  ancestors.

 

Ta-Da!  Our decorated Sugar Skulls!!  A great evening with the DeSilva's & Coyne's!!

Because Once Just Wasn't Enough - Old Rag

 

I just recently did a post about Old Rag, so I won't go into much detail....other than it really has become my numero uno hike in the local area....!!  I just love it there....awesome trail with some awesome scrambling!!   

The leaves are just starting to change....I would give it another couple of weeks before things really start to take off!!

 

The weather couldn't have been any better....Amazing views of the valley below. 

Kira and I had fun messing around with the new panorama feature on the iPhone! It only took us about 10 shots to get it right!!

 

And perhaps my most favorite part of the day -- FOOD!  Kira had not been to Griffin's since she returned from Africa, so of course we filled our belly's with burgers after our trot!  

St. Mary's County Fair

 

I love going to a good fair! So, when Kim Carter said the fair was this weekend, I said I would be there. I have to admit, I was surprised how big this one was!! Animals -- big pink pigs, cross-eyed goats, crazy looking chickens! Vegetables -- cabbage and large pumpkins!! It really doesn't get any better!!

 

They even had my favorite ride -- The Zipper!! I love the way it spins within spins within spins!! Its sooo much fun. We took a turn on the Orbiter, and for the first time in my life, I actually thought I was going to vomit when I got off. The whole experience made me feel old, which made me sorta sad.....Note to self, stick to the zipper!!!

 

One of the many unexpected highlights was the pig race!! Our pig lost, but it was a close second!

 

A huge thank you to Alyssa Carter for inspiring me to take horse-back riding lessons. May I one day ride as well as you!!!   And of course thank you Kim Carter for sharing your life with me!!

For more info on the St. Mary's Count Fair check out this link:

http://somd.com/smcfair/

Reston to Great Falls -- Its so amazing to be getting out again!

So, Kira left for Kenya, and I started my internship program, and it felt like my life had changed forever!!  There has not been a lot time for all the things I enjoy most in life.  Additionally, the summer heat and humidity of DC didn't help with motivation!  But now, Kira is back, at least for a little while, and I have completed my internship, so there is more time!  This trail is so impressive to me!!  It can be difficult to find the trail-head in Reston, but once you do you can travel through the rolling trails for the 13 miles before hitting Great Falls.  Of course my favorite part of the day is eating!!!

Here's the data of the day!!  Enjoy!

Inspiration and Thank You!!!

Brooke Edwards posted this on Facebook, and I felt I needed to document it somewhere in my own personal records.....Brooke, thank you for making such a fabulous video, and for being so amazing yourself!!! And thank you to Kirsten, and ALL of the other people out there that have been such an inspiration to me throughout my life......! You will never be forgotten!!

 

Pioneering Spirit of Alaska Award from Brooke Edwards on Vimeo.

Old Rag - The Best of the Best

Old Rag is my favorite hike in the Shenandoah valley.  Its got everything....great elevation gain, on a great trail, followed by about a mile of awesome rock scrambling to the peak, and an awesome easily trot-able trail down the back side!

I do get bummed out that this trail, to me, is the best of the best here on the East Coast, the trail is often super packed with people, and the two-plus hour drive doesn't win it any points......BITTER PARTY OF ONE......But I'm trying to stay focused on the positives -- at least I have access, and now have a schedule that allows me to get out more often.....(just had to vent, because sometimes venting makes a person feel a little better!).

Andrew had never done this one before, and he certainly had a great time!! Bummer for us when we reached the top, the clouds rolled in, so we didn't get the fabulous views of the Shenandoah Valley below.  Regardless it was an amazing day, and I was super excited to busting out the Houdini!!! Fall is in the air -- enjoy everyone!!

Thievery Corporation, Gogol Bordello, and MICHAEL FRANTI!

I've been a little manic if you haven't noticed.  My first "real" time off since I finished my internship, and with not much of a summer I PACKED it in over the past few days!!  But how could we resist this line up -- Thievery Corporation, Gogol Bordello, and MICHAEL FRANTI!??  And with cooler temps and an outside venue we just had to go!!

My neighbor Kathy rallied, yet again, and joined in the fun (so great to have such a wonderful neighbor)!!!!  We finally took the time and stood in-line for taco's from the Takorean food truck.

  Super yummy!!

I'll be honest, I was pretty worked from the last couple of days....But when I saw Michael Franti make his way towards the back of the crowd, I knew this was my chance!  The next thing I knew Franti was looking down at me, and said, "Come on up!"  And that was exactly what I did!!    

The show was perfect!  Lots of people, yet lots of space.  Great energy, and a great mix of people.....An amazing few days, and hoping for more of the same in the very near future!!

What an amazing way to spend a Saturday morning!

Bruce Springsteen Rocked the House

All I can say is when I'm 62 years old I hope to have 1/2 as much energy, passion and enjoyment for life as this guy has!  It was a sold out show at Nationals Stadium, with people of all ages dancing the night away.  He played my two favorite songs back-to-back - Spirit in the Night & Blinded by the Light....An Album (Greetings from Asbury Park) that everyone should know cover to cover!.  He played over three hours, and continued to play after the stadium lights came on as an indication that is was time to wrap it up!!  (I have recently learned we have curfew's in the area!!)   A great show with GREAT friends!!!

And if your interested,  here is the set list from the night!

1. Set list:

   1. Prove it All Night (with 1978 intro)

   2. My Love Will Not Let You Down

   3 .The Ties That Bind

   4. Hungry Heart

   5. We Take Care Of Our Own

   6. Wrecking Ball

   7. Death To My Hometown

   8. My City Of Ruins

   9. Spirit In The Night

   10. Blinded By The Light (tour premiere)

   11. Jack Of All Trades

   12. Jackson Cage

   13. Shes The One

   14. Johnny 99

   15. Darlington County

   16. Shackled and Drawn

   17. Waitin' On a Sunny Day

   18. The Promised Land

   19 .Racing In The Street

   20. The Rising

   21. Badlands

   22. Land of Hope and Dreams

   End main set

   Encores:

   23. We Are Alive

   24. Thunder Road

   25. Born to Run

   26. Detroit Medley

   27. Dancing in the Dark

   28. Tenth Avenue Freeze-out

   29. American Land (with guest Ali Weinberg - Max's daughter - on accordion)

   30. Twist and Shout

The Front-yard Landscaping Project

This project has been on the list since we moved in to our place....and with some motivation from friends telling me how beautiful the flowers looked in their yard, I found the motivation to move forward!

This shot looks like I have a dead body in my front yard!

Luckily for us we live a block and a half from the best hardware store in the world - Fragers!  They even have  little red wagons you can use to haul your supplies home.

Everyone at Fragers is super helpful, which made the picking out plants part super easy!! There are sooo many to choose from!!

Just one more trip and I'll be done!!

Ta-Da!  I've been super happy with the finished project, and I was really surprised how easily it all came together.  Now I just need for it to fill in a bit so I can finish it up!!!