San Diego

San Diego was the destination for this year's annual trip with Shelley. We're our only friends left from high school who aren't married (or divorced) or have children, so we figure we should vacation together while we still can!
The 7-day-adventure can be summed up in the following photo collages: click to enlarge




One great thing about a girl's trip is ordering everything on the menu that looks good! We enjoyed all sorts of culinary delights- from tater tots to absinthe, topping it off with a sampling of fish tacos every single day. I will miss 2:00-Taco-Time!




We found the signage to be strangely humorous, everywhere we went. From Drury Lane in La Jolla to the Happy Healthy High Horny Herbs marijuana dispensary in Pacific Beach, we were always laughing. And yes, those gas prices are $4.59/gal!




Of course we had a blast wherever we went! But what we quickly noticed is that there were no blondes anywhere in sight, haha, and everyone wanted to tell us that. So strange, I have never felt like such a celebrity anywhere I've ever visited! And two blondes together? We made unicorns feel commonplace!




And of course I missed my fur kids at home- so this picture is for them! This is the Children's Pool in La Jolla where oodles of seals gathered. And this big happy dog wanted a closer look, so cute. We also saw sea lions here, as well.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Otis is looking for love!

He's in a desperate search for a lady friend- and Sheba seems to be the next closest thing to a female Brazilian Redfoot that he can find on the lanai! He did this same thing last spring when he escaped 3 times. I have the door locked and bungeed closed this year!

Poor doggy, she is so tolerant of Otis, but she finally has enough in this second video. He chases Maverick around, too, but Mav isn't so sure about him and runs away. Sheba will let him walk over her while she's sleeping, and all he wants to do is rub his chin on her fur. It's cute and creepy, all at the same time!

Sheba enjoys her quiet bed inside, all to herself. Here is the princess, snuggled up with Octopus, in the bedroom. She's all wags!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Cape Romano- May 2012

I have several posts about the Dome House- but this is the worst condition I've ever seen it. It's nearly entirely in the water now, and it wasn't even high tide for another hour or more. What a mess, yet still so intriguing!



And the sky looking south towards Cuba was pretty incredible- lightning off in the distance, faint rumbling.



What a gorgeous place. This is my most special place in Florida. And I get to come here for work. Yes, I am a lucky duck ;)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Aero garden week 9

Who craves pesto? Any suggestions on what to do with thyme? Fresh oregano? I made roasted thyme potatoes, but I'm out of vegetarian ideas! And it's not that I haven't been trimming the basil- I've been eating my weight in it... And feeding handfuls to Otis. This is one happy aero garden. The mojitos are going to be making an appearance soon- that will wipe out the entire right side. What will it look like when I come back from a week's vacation? I think I'll need an herb-sitter in addition to a dog-sitter, haha!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Charleston Wedding

It's been six years since the Charleston crew has reunited! Sarah and I left Charleston seven years ago, so it was awesome to be back and see everyone!


This was my fourth of five weddings this calendar year! Kiawah Island was so lovely- and even though I lived in Charleston for two years, I never had the opportunity to visit until now. Destination weddings sure are fun!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Charleston's Finest

From food to art, Charleston has so much to offer. I started my visit with the most delicious Vegetarian Croq' Baguette there ever was: fresh crusty French bread with grilled zucchini, romaine, tomatoes, and loads of cheese. My mouth waters just typing about it!






Then there was Art Walk, which was the quarterly event we looked forward to most as grad students. All the galleries downtown open after hours and serve wine and hors d'oeuvres. What fun to be back for an Art Walk Reunion, 7 years later!



And I finally went to visit the Angel Oak- not sure how I could have ever not done this until now! This tree is over 1500 years old and truly incredible. It is the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi River and stands 66' high and 187' across, branch to branch.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad