Seattle Day 8 - July 4, 2009

Here's a post from some time ago that didn't get published.

Obviously I didn't make any New Year's resolutions to write more on the blog. I always have good intentions, but life catches up with me. So for more about our Seattle trip, read on.

Our July 4th was a leisurely day. We got up and headed to Pike Place Market. We walked around some, and then decided to eat at . The food did not stand out because I can't remember what we ate except for French fries. After our lunch, we walked around the market some more. We saw some Native Americans protesting, along with the wall full of gum, but we did not seeing any fish being thrown. I would be at the market on weekly basis to buy all of the beautiful flowers, fresh seafood and fruit & veggies. I'll just have to be satisfied with my grocery stores in Atlanta.

During our afternoon, we did a little shopping at the Gap and Columbia. After shopping, we rested in the room before it was time for our dinner reservations.

Dinner was at McCormick & Schmick's Harbourside-Lake Union. Since it was the 4th of July, we had to have reservations, and there was two hour limit for dining. We were not thrilled with the food or the service. We have dined at McCormick & Schmick's in Atlanta and have thoroughly enjoyed it. After dinner, we scouted out a spot to watch the fireworks. We walked along the lake and finally settled on a spot at the drive-thru of a Starbucks near the restaurant we ate at. The hill along the other side of the lake was super crowded so we were thankful to have spot.

After the fireworks, we headed back to the hotel to call it a night. The next day we headed home! I love Seattle and look forward to coming back.

 

 

Another 2011 Travel Update

It may be many months late, but here is another update from our travels from 2011.

May 2011
Billy was attending the Delta Sales Conference in Orlando, so we decided to go down a couple of days early to celebrate Mother's Day with his mom. 

We went to Baldwin Park to celebrate Mother's Day. Baldwin Park is a new urbanism project outside of Orlando at the former site of a military base. Lots of restaurants and shops to check out, but many of the shops were closed on a Saturday evening.

Time for some putt-putt at Fantasia Gardens.

One of my favorite parts of Disney - Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches. 

During Memorial Day weekend 2011, we ventured down to St. Lucia. We stayed the Fond Doux Holiday Plantation outside of Soufriere. It's an amazing little resort in the rainforest. There are little cottages scattered around the properties. This was what we saw upon entering our cottage, Tree House. Ahhhh.....St. Lucia!

We had an amazing driver (Christopher of Christopher Taxi) who picked us up the airport, took us around the area for a day trip, and took us back to the airport.

One of the Pitons. 

Since there was no beach access at our resort, they offered a shuttle to another resort in which you could use the beach. Beaches are public property, so anybody can use any beach.

June 2011

At the end of June, I joined my mom and my sister's family at Mexico Beach, Florida. My mom and I enjoyed a dinner out at Sunset Coastal Grill in Port St. Joe.

When you are in the Florida panhandle you have to play mini-golf. My niece showing us her mad skills.

I get used to this every day. I guess I will have to settle for one week a year.

July 2011

Oh how I love Long Island! Billy's uncle and grandfather treated us to tour of the Great South Bay after dinner one night. Look what we found in one of the crab traps - a spider crab!

Watch out - Billy's driving the boat!

The High Line is one of my favorite places in NYC. I make an effort to visit it during my trips to the big city along with a stop at Chelsea Market.

This was our view while waiting for the fireworks to start along the Hudson River.

Happy 4th of July from NYC!

Later in July, we ventured to southern Maryland to visit one of our good friends, Curtis. He introduced us to crabbing using hand lines. We caught a few crabs - enough of a tasty snack.

More updates for our travels of 2011 to come soon!

It's Summer Time!

Unofficially it is summer in our household. It is one of the joys of being a teacher. Billy and I had a great long weekend at home due to Billy being sick, and I had to work later than anticipated on Thursday. Yay for unannounced meetings!

One major goal for my summer is to regularly update my blog. Now, what do I mean by regular? Hmmmm.....given my past record with blogging, I'm going to start off by saying that I will blog on average once a week. Let's see if I can beat my goal.

I have all of this free time on my hands, so of course I had to find something to do to fill up the calendar for the summer. In the near future, I'm headed to Mexico Beach, Florida with my mom, sister, brother-in-law, and my two amazing nieces. It will be a week of sitting on the beach while reading loads of books watching the two little chickadees play. We might throw in some mini-golf or a trip to a local restaurant. I'm very much looking forward to some quality time with the family. Burglars, be warned - Billy will still be at home! I will miss him dearly, but he will be working on bringing home the dough.

An afternoon storm at Mexico Beach last summer

Further ahead, I will venture off to Europe! Destination is unknown. I know it's tough being a non-rev passenger, but I'll take it. I went the library today to get some books on Italy, Germany and France. Let's see what plane has some space for my friend and me.

Before heading back to work... Did I really just say work? No, no, no....during July, I will head up to Indiana for a dear friend's wedding. I am honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, so I will head up a few days early to join in the some of the festivities. Hopefully, the hubby will be able to join me for the actual wedding. Once again, non-rev traveling has its ups and downs (more ups, in my opinion).

 Beth, I can't wait to see you in July!

Following the wedding, I'm moving on to Jersey City for the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy to participate in professional development related to math and science instruction. I am super excited to be surrounded by other teachers who love math (and science) as much as I do. A big bonus is that my mom will join me so we can have some girl time in NYC. To cap off my summer, Billy and I will take a quick trip out to California for another friend's wedding.

Of course, there will be many days of loafing around, cleaning the house, running errands, watching trashy TV and cruising Pinterest. Until next time!