From Saguaro National Park...the sun sets on my first night in Arizona. It was a beautiful time. Soon I would head home, eat dinner, and leave to collect my fellow Gators from the Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport for a trip to Sedona concluding with the Gators winning the National Championship in Glendale. GO GATORS!
11 January 2007
Casa Grande
Heading down to Tucson and Saguaro National Park after arriving in Phoenix. A small detour led me to Casa Grande. See!
The First White House
Overnight in Selma, AL we then made our way down to Montgomery following the path of the Civil War marchers oh so many years ago. While in Montgomery we tracked down the First White House of the Confederacy.
I didn't know mules wear shoes!
Yes, there is a Muleshoe, AL. Just over the border from Florida we found this gem...We actually turned around in order to get this shot!
Location, Location, Location
Mom wanted a vacation home on a lake, so where else would we look but in Alabama? I wish I were joking.
Everyone has a cousin in Miami
Jimmy, you're so right!
If you don't know the Jimmy Buffet tune to which I refer, then you probably don't have a cousin in Miami. Weirdo ;-)
I do, and Christmas was an opportunity to bond with the twins. They are exhausting!
Sing with me!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday Dear Gramma!
Happy Birthday to You!
Christmas in Miami
Once in SoFla, it was time to celebrate my Gramma's birthday (aka: Christmas). This was the first year mom handed over the responsibility of lighting the candles and delivering the cake to my younger sister. She did a great job; I did a surprisingly less than stellar job as photographer!
It's Joe the Lizard
First, over the holiday break from classes we headed to SoFla for Christmas with the family in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. My dad moved from the Ocean to a lake...Here's his new backyard squatter.
03 December 2006
The Gator Team singing our Alma Mater
The Team (plus Albert) down in the Florida section with the band singing our Alma Mater and We Are The Boys. We ARE THE BOYS!
That's Right Boys
Yup Yup! Thanks boys (and Urban)...we LOVE you. Even if you've beaten all of Danny's records.
2006 SEC Championship Georgia Dome
The Georgia Dome's field, where Florida schooled the Arkansas Razorbacks. I'm glad Kirk Herbstreit would never pick Florida over Ohio State, his Alma Mater, because his lack of support virtually assures us a win! J/K...I fear hubris.
SEC CHAMPIONS
Good thing I didn't finalize my plans/flight to NYC for the SEC Championship Game! Turns out a dear friend had an extra ticket, so I headed down to Atlanta with him and his family to see the game IN PERSON. It was my first Game with a capital G. It was so incredibly worth it, I hope to go to Glendale for the BCS National Championship Game...Anyone got some extra cash they can spare to help me purchase a ticket?!
Da Poor Frignatz overtaken by Marvin K Mooney 3
Oooh, da beasts! These are Ignatz (aka Frignatz) and Marvin K. Mooney my mother's cats. Poor Frignatz was minding his own business recovering from Thanksgiving dinner when Marvin K. Mooney threw his "tons-of-fun" self up for some bonding time. Poor Frignatz.
Since Nashville...
Hey All...Wondering what I've been up to since Nashville? Too much and hardly any camera work! Seriously, I haven't been home a single weekend since the trip to Nashville.
Okay, that isn't entirely true. I was in Chapel Hill the following weekend and got to watch the South Carolina game with the Renegade Chapel Hill Gators at Bailey's. WHEW! That game was BEYOND too close. More on that later.
But! Two weeks later I was in Western Carolina for the Western Carolina game. Bummer that the game was AT Florida. I had a great weekend in Asheville with Rocky. We had tickets to Christmas at the Biltmore, an evening tour complete with musicians, carolers, and festive decorations.
We watched the first three quarters of the Florida/Western Carolina game, then we headed out to the main drag in Asheville for the Holiday Parade and a little wine tasting at the local wine shop. We then headed back to the hotel for the Michigan/Ohio State game before going to dinner and the Biltmore. It was perfect, really. I couldn't believe that the evening was just as wonderful as the day! (Although I could have done with a Michigan win over Ohio State.)
Unfortunately, we don't have many pictures from the trip. In fact, I'm not certain we have one! We weren't able to take pictures in the Biltmore and we didn't really think about it anywhere else. :'(
Then it was Thanksgiving with the fam in Kinston, NC. That was a really nice, relaxing weekend. I got some work done. Hung with the family. Watched A LOT of ESPN and various sports, though football largely.
Saturday alone was about 16 hours of sports! Starting with SportsCenter at 9, continuing through College GameDay, Florida v. Florida State, USC v ND, and then Florida v Kansas (Basketball). Whew. Mom says I was switched at birth! lol
Okay, that isn't entirely true. I was in Chapel Hill the following weekend and got to watch the South Carolina game with the Renegade Chapel Hill Gators at Bailey's. WHEW! That game was BEYOND too close. More on that later.
But! Two weeks later I was in Western Carolina for the Western Carolina game. Bummer that the game was AT Florida. I had a great weekend in Asheville with Rocky. We had tickets to Christmas at the Biltmore, an evening tour complete with musicians, carolers, and festive decorations.
We watched the first three quarters of the Florida/Western Carolina game, then we headed out to the main drag in Asheville for the Holiday Parade and a little wine tasting at the local wine shop. We then headed back to the hotel for the Michigan/Ohio State game before going to dinner and the Biltmore. It was perfect, really. I couldn't believe that the evening was just as wonderful as the day! (Although I could have done with a Michigan win over Ohio State.)
Unfortunately, we don't have many pictures from the trip. In fact, I'm not certain we have one! We weren't able to take pictures in the Biltmore and we didn't really think about it anywhere else. :'(
Then it was Thanksgiving with the fam in Kinston, NC. That was a really nice, relaxing weekend. I got some work done. Hung with the family. Watched A LOT of ESPN and various sports, though football largely.
Saturday alone was about 16 hours of sports! Starting with SportsCenter at 9, continuing through College GameDay, Florida v. Florida State, USC v ND, and then Florida v Kansas (Basketball). Whew. Mom says I was switched at birth! lol
05 November 2006
The Trailhead
More than just a football town, wait...it's not a football town! :) So we hit the trails and took a quick, rather easy hike. It was gorgeous...
Florida at Vandy
You have to wonder, are we in town for the game or for the tailgating. Good question. Remember: Gainesville...it's not a football town with a drinking problem; it's a drinking town with a football problem.
Irony...
Am I the only one who sees the irony in this? The Florida fans are TAILGATING in the bank parking lot IN FRONT of the "Welcome Vandy Fans"...LOL
It's Great to Be a Florida Gator
Having a BLAST at the Wildhorse Saloon with Tom the Music City president.
Yeehaw
I've always wanted to go to the Wildhorse Saloon since it was on The Nashville Network. Here I go to test my mad linedancing skills!!!
Color in the Mormon Parking Lot
More Chapel Hill color...It's a particularly gorgeous November here in North Carolina. Too bad winter is on its dreary way.
SILS Garden
It is fall in Chapel Hill, and the colors are beautiful! Check out the scenery behind one of the SILS Garden Girls.
25 October 2006
mercury is in retrograde...
Just keep chanting: mercury is in retrograde...mercury is in retrograde...mercury is in retrograde...
Turns out...communication is going to be a little bumpy over the next two weeks. Anna tells me not to make any major purchases (ie: anything I cannot return) and to expect miscommunicaiton (ie: not to worry if I'm unclear about things). Easier said than done, huh?
So...do I buy that ticket to NYC?! It's pretty cheap right now, but I'm not certain I really have the time to go up. Of course, I could always go up after the term, but then I'd miss the SEC Championship game.
Decisions...decisions...decisions...Until next week when I'm off to Nashville!
Turns out...communication is going to be a little bumpy over the next two weeks. Anna tells me not to make any major purchases (ie: anything I cannot return) and to expect miscommunicaiton (ie: not to worry if I'm unclear about things). Easier said than done, huh?
So...do I buy that ticket to NYC?! It's pretty cheap right now, but I'm not certain I really have the time to go up. Of course, I could always go up after the term, but then I'd miss the SEC Championship game.
Decisions...decisions...decisions...Until next week when I'm off to Nashville!
21 October 2006
Smithsonian Institute Castle
The original Smithsonian Castle which was built after the creation of the Smithsonian Institute with monies received from the estate of John Smithson, a British Subject.
Outside the Natural History Museum II
On my graduate program's Fall Break trip to Washington DC, I was waiting outside the Natural History Museum for our afternoon tour to begin. The colors, overcast sky, and time...
Paris in DC
So not only is there a Paris Metro station in Manhattan at MoMA...but now there is one in DC?! What's up with that!!!
16 October 2006
OR - Oct 2006
Fri., 13 Oct - Driving the South on the Pacific Coast Hwy (Hwy 101) at a stop along the way to Florence, OR.
OR - Oct 2006
Fri., 13 Oct - The bridge from Seal Island near Heceta Lighthouse (I hope I got that right). Part of Hwy 101.
OR - Oct 2006
Fri., 13 Oct - Do not call me Jackie O. Stopping at Cape Meades near Tillamook, OR at the start of our southern journey along Hwy 101/the Pacific Coast Highway.
OR - Oct 2006
Fri., 13 Oct - A rock, the shore, Oregon Dunes...who says you cant' have it all. Anyone else think Monet might have made a trip to Oregon?
OR - Oct 2006
Fri., 13 Oct - Me and Mom hiding the Pacific Coast during a stop heading South on the Pacific Coast Highway.
OR - Oct 2006
Fri., 13 Oct - A stop at Cape Foulweather on Hwy 101/the Pacific Coast Highway. There we spotted this bench with beautiful carvings, including a compass and a few constellations. If you look closely you might see the Big Dipper.
Me & Timber
Multnomah Falls was amazing, but so are the extra bits you see along the way...such as this massive, felled tree. It's almost as wide as I am tall! That'll give you perspective.
Over the Bridge, Multnomah Falls
Up on the bridge over Multnomah Falls...the bridge is built on the edge of the final plunge. One side of the bridge shows you the magnificent first drop, but looking over the side you realize you aren't very far from the water. The other side, however, gives you a perfect shot of the second plunge. It's a spectacular sight. It seems scarier from the entrance, but it's breathtaking from every angle.
The Bridge @ Multnomah Falls
Mom's a trouper. She hobbled up the ramp with me to the bridge across the Falls. Wasn't as scary as we'd hoped...err...as I hoped. Here's a close up of the bridge.
Mom @ Multnomah Falls 2
This...THIS is the Number One reason I wanted to come to Oregon...Multnomah Falls! I've waited about 2-3 years to get to Oregon. In this shot, my mother is doing her gimpy best to climb the stairs to the viewing area. Thanks, Mom!
Paris Metropolitan Station @ MoMA
Paris comes to Manhattan. Date Two with Rocky, and we hit Free Fridays at MoMA where we not only found a Paris Metro entrance transplanted but a billet on the ground nearby. Was that there on purpose? Next year, I guess I'll have to have birthday drinks at MoMA to celebrate Bastille Day.
04 October 2006
Hitting Balls @ Chelsea Piers
On my first date with Rocky we headed to Chelsea Piers to hit balls. After, we hoofed it uptown to watch the Florida/Tennessee game with Joachim Noah! (Sat., 16 Sept)
Oh, and, just another week til I'm headed to OREGON!!
The celebration can begin...maybe just the countdown. However it works, I'm psyched because in just one short week, I'll be heading to Oregon. A place I have wanted to visit for many years, now. I'll be there long enough to hike around Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge and make a scenic drive up and down the coast.
Can't wait. Check back soon for those pictures!
Can't wait. Check back soon for those pictures!
Aah...a trip home
I'm leaving for New York on Friday, and every day is one day closer to my trip home. It's a glorious feeling, really, except that it makes me think the week is farther along that it really is. I swear I think I'm leaving tomorrow (Thursday) when it's only Wednesday. I do believe this is the first time I've started packing for a trip more than 24-hours before my departure. Am I ok? Or am I just ready to move back home? If you know the answer, please let me know!
19 September 2006
NYC for the Florida/Tennessee Game
Ahh...Nothing like the third weekend of college football to get the blood pumping. Every season, third weekend...Florida beats up on Tennessee. It's nervewracking. It's anxiety-ridden. It's the best weekend of the season, unless you make Jax for the Cocktail Party.
But, this...this was the best of all Florida/Tennessee weekends in New York. Know why? Because Joakim Noah and his friends not only were in town, but they came to the Gin Mill. Can you give me a Mick Hubert "Oh My!"
The weekend was one of the best ever. Worth every penny I didn't have to spend but did!
But, this...this was the best of all Florida/Tennessee weekends in New York. Know why? Because Joakim Noah and his friends not only were in town, but they came to the Gin Mill. Can you give me a Mick Hubert "Oh My!"
The weekend was one of the best ever. Worth every penny I didn't have to spend but did!
Anna, Noah, Mere
Anna, Noah, Mere
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
I think I'm in heart. Seriously. This man has 'IT' and you know it immediately.
Me and my roommate Anna at the Gin Mill and hanging with Noah. Top that!
30 August 2006
Josiah Beach, 4x4 Excursion, Tortola - Aug 9
Josiah Beach, 4x4 Excursion, Tortola - Aug 9
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
Seriously, this is the beach where Catherine and I were 'stranded' during our tour. I think this may be the start of my jigsaw puzzle picture taking career.
Catherine & her Bud (yuck), 4x4 Excursion, Tortola - Aug 9
Catherine & her Bud (yuck), 4x4 Excursion, Tortola - Aug 9
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
You can go with either headline, really: Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore OR Budweiser the Breakfast of Champions!
The Islands
Not to be ungrateful...but...when you've been to St. Thomas as often as my family, there really isn't anything exciting to see and do. In fact, if you ask me, when you've been to the Caribbean as often as we have, there isn't much left to do anywhere down there. Aside from a few really remarkable locations...if you've seen one...
That said, we weren't took surprised by St. Thomas. We were well versed in the location and its offerings. Coral World was kind of interesting and kind of run down simultaneously. If you've been to Sea World, there's no need to go to Coral World. Stick with Shamu!
The next day we were in Tortola, which was new for all of us and what sold us on the cruise. We were all looking for something new. While we had a nice time, we didn't see anything new. It was the same island tour. This time the family split up. Catherine and I took a 4x4 Land Rover tour, which wasn't very much of a Land Rover tour. Mom stuck with the tried and true bus tour, hoping for some A/C. It's August folks, we were all hoping for some A/C. In the end, we lucked out. While neither had A/C, our stop had beer! Check Catherine out with her breakfast of champions!!!
That said, we weren't took surprised by St. Thomas. We were well versed in the location and its offerings. Coral World was kind of interesting and kind of run down simultaneously. If you've been to Sea World, there's no need to go to Coral World. Stick with Shamu!
The next day we were in Tortola, which was new for all of us and what sold us on the cruise. We were all looking for something new. While we had a nice time, we didn't see anything new. It was the same island tour. This time the family split up. Catherine and I took a 4x4 Land Rover tour, which wasn't very much of a Land Rover tour. Mom stuck with the tried and true bus tour, hoping for some A/C. It's August folks, we were all hoping for some A/C. In the end, we lucked out. While neither had A/C, our stop had beer! Check Catherine out with her breakfast of champions!!!
26 August 2006
Waters of St. Thomas, USVI - Aug 8
Waters of St. Thomas, USVI - Aug 8
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
Here we are on St. Thomas in August. With a cold beer in your hand, life ain't so bad!
With the ship having left the harbor, we are on our way for eight days. We won't be back in the States until Aug 13. The ship is really nice, and best of all...we have two days at sea before we get to any ports of call, which really just get in the way, if you ask me.
With two days at sea, a balcony and a knitting project is necessary! We've come prepared for breakfast room service - it's the best. We have the same routine on every cruise:
1. Room service at 6;
2. Walk a Mile/Gym;
3. Breakfast in the Restaurant;
4. Mass if offered.
You'll notice it's activity - eat - activity - eat :)
I finished the yarn for the project I brought, which was upsetting. Then I had to spend more than I wanted in New York on yarn for a new knitting project. Just what I need, another unfinished knitting project, but that's for another blog.
Ahh...life at sea. Reminds me of "Failure to Launch" when Matthew McConaughey says to SJP:
"Holy Crap! That's a big wave."
Sailing from New York City to St. Thomas, the family begins to relax finding time for craft activities (needlework for mom and Catherine, knitting for me) and reading our books from the ship's library. Now I'm hooked on Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Guess I'll have to rent the movie, now! Catherine had finally broken down and was reading The Da Vinci Code.
Oh, man, land's in sight. I hate that.
With two days at sea, a balcony and a knitting project is necessary! We've come prepared for breakfast room service - it's the best. We have the same routine on every cruise:
1. Room service at 6;
2. Walk a Mile/Gym;
3. Breakfast in the Restaurant;
4. Mass if offered.
You'll notice it's activity - eat - activity - eat :)
I finished the yarn for the project I brought, which was upsetting. Then I had to spend more than I wanted in New York on yarn for a new knitting project. Just what I need, another unfinished knitting project, but that's for another blog.
Ahh...life at sea. Reminds me of "Failure to Launch" when Matthew McConaughey says to SJP:
"Holy Crap! That's a big wave."
Sailing from New York City to St. Thomas, the family begins to relax finding time for craft activities (needlework for mom and Catherine, knitting for me) and reading our books from the ship's library. Now I'm hooked on Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Guess I'll have to rent the movie, now! Catherine had finally broken down and was reading The Da Vinci Code.
Oh, man, land's in sight. I hate that.
19 August 2006
Mustering with NYC as the Backdrop - Aug 5
Mustering with NYC as the Backdrop - Aug 5
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
The roadtrip finished, it was time to sit back and relax on our summer cruise. We took the Norwegian Spirit out of New York for eight days with stops in St. Thomas, Tortola, and Bermuda.
'PlayHouse' at Boldt Castle, Heart Island, NY - Aug 2
Mom in 'PlayHouse' at Boldt Castle, Heart Island, NY - Aug 2
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
Visiting Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands. I love this photograph!
18 August 2006
HOT! HOT! HOT! Oneida, NY - Aug 1
HOT! HOT! HOT! Oneida, NY - Aug 1
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
Driving around Oneida Lake in New York; it was freakin' hot. Just to prove it...I took a photo of a time & temp board!
17 August 2006
Philadelphia & Western New York
WooHoo! Family roadtrip. Mom and I on the open highway, looking at the map in the morning to see where we'll end up that day/night. LOVE IT!
Over the next week/ten days we drove to Bethlehem, PA where we had dinner with my grandmother and down to Philadelphia for a long weekend. Checking out my old 'hood and city was fabulous. So many things hadn't changed; yet, so many things had. The best part was catching up with an old pal and recently retired president of the Philly Gator Club.
With our visit in Philadelphia at an end, mom and I wound our way back up to Bethlehem, crossed in to New York and over to Brewerton on the edge of Oneida Lake. We wound our way around Oneida eating at Grazziano's in Canastota often. Honestly, it's the best Italian I've eaten in a very long time.
We then worked our way up to Thousand Islands following the coast of Lake Ontario until we came to the St. Lawrence River. The coast and island area is really quite nice and quaint, almost untouched.
Then it was time to return to Syracuse to collect my sister from the airport just in time for our cruise out of Manhattan!
Over the next week/ten days we drove to Bethlehem, PA where we had dinner with my grandmother and down to Philadelphia for a long weekend. Checking out my old 'hood and city was fabulous. So many things hadn't changed; yet, so many things had. The best part was catching up with an old pal and recently retired president of the Philly Gator Club.
With our visit in Philadelphia at an end, mom and I wound our way back up to Bethlehem, crossed in to New York and over to Brewerton on the edge of Oneida Lake. We wound our way around Oneida eating at Grazziano's in Canastota often. Honestly, it's the best Italian I've eaten in a very long time.
We then worked our way up to Thousand Islands following the coast of Lake Ontario until we came to the St. Lawrence River. The coast and island area is really quite nice and quaint, almost untouched.
Then it was time to return to Syracuse to collect my sister from the airport just in time for our cruise out of Manhattan!
Entering NY State - July 31
Entering NY State - July 31
Originally uploaded by da_mere.
My piss-poor "Welcome to New York" picture captured from the car coming from Penssylvania.
16 August 2006
Back in the States...Safely
Landing safely at JFK and making my way to Raleigh; my roommate and I finished packing up our apartment. We moved from one apartment to another within the complex that Monday and Tuesday so we can enjoy a patio during our final year of study. It was 100-degrees outside, but we got it done.
Immediately following, I left with my mother for a three-week roadtrip and an eight-day cruise. After which, I would leave one family to visit with another, my girls in NYC.
Here I'll post the stories...
First, mom and I drove to Mechanicville, NY (outside Albany) to take an elderly grand (?) aunt to a variety of doctors. We drove from Greenville, NC to Mechanicville, NY over the course of two days. While in Mechanicville, we took a trip around Great Sacandaga Lake. A few days later we headed back to Greenville for our own doctor's appoitments, a family birthday party, and to play with the kittens.
Immediately following, I left with my mother for a three-week roadtrip and an eight-day cruise. After which, I would leave one family to visit with another, my girls in NYC.
Here I'll post the stories...
First, mom and I drove to Mechanicville, NY (outside Albany) to take an elderly grand (?) aunt to a variety of doctors. We drove from Greenville, NC to Mechanicville, NY over the course of two days. While in Mechanicville, we took a trip around Great Sacandaga Lake. A few days later we headed back to Greenville for our own doctor's appoitments, a family birthday party, and to play with the kittens.
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