Turkey Day in Indianapolis

Landed in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thanksgiving Day.  Not a whole lot to see. Did manage to grab a couple of photos while on a walk in the crisp cool air. Sharing them here.  Otherwise it was very uneventful and that’s probably a good thing. 

Being away from family is something I’ve gotten very used to over the years. I grew up away from my extended family so we didn’t travel much to see them on holidays because of the cost. I honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve ever been at one of my own family holiday gatherings. Over the years, I’ve always joined friends or boyfriends at their family gatherings if I’m invited but when you’re single and have no children, I realize holidays really don’t carry too much meaning. I’ve always welcomed just being at work and this year really wasn’t much different. I was thankful to find my way to Indianapolis.

First Snow in Des Moines, Iowa!!

Let me make one thing straight before I start.  I hate snow and I hate cold weather. What can you expect from a gal that was born and raised in Hawaii and lived in Southern California for the last 12 years? I’ve been spoiled. This is my first year residing in Texas and I’m not a fan either. Keep telling myself I’m moving the wrong direction in the country. Anyway, though I hate snow, there is just something about that first snow that does get me excited.  I probably won’t be jumping for joy in Texas when it happens but when I landed in Des Moines, Iowa and learned it was supposed to snow that afternoon I was excited.  I think I was the only person around who was happy to see the white powder falling. It was my first time in Des Moines, so everything was new to me.  That’s actually a nice feeling - Exploring a completely new place with no expectations. What I loved most about Des Moines (and I wish all other cold cities would do this) was the fact that they have a skywalk in the the downtown area connecting buildings to each other so you don’t have to step a foot out into the cold.  How genius is that????  Anyway, I wasn’t against walking in the snow but the skywalk is so much more comfortable. Found my way down to the court district where I had some comfort food at the Court Avenue Brewing Company. Why is it that I tell myself when I enter a restaurant that I’m going to eat healthy and then end up ordering off the menu a specialty item that isn’t so healthy but oh so good? I’ll put it in writing here, if you’re wanting a hearty meal the Court Avenue Brewing Company has an awesome Meatloaf. Because it was cold outside (yes that’s MY excuse) I also got the bread pudding with ice cream.  Also recommended.  Overall experience at the Court Avenue Brewing Company was great.  No complaints. It’s one of those places I can see returning to again if I ever get back this way.

I did obviously get outside to capture the snow.  I had to.  It was fun to play in it for a bit.  I think I’ve now had my fix and winter can keep the rest of the snow.  I don’t think I’ll be so lucky though.  Have a bad bad feeling that I’ll be seeing more of this cold, wet, powder in the weeks to come...... 

It was fun Des Moines. You’re one city I won’t mind returning to. Hope to see you again one day.....

Boston Sunrise

I have yet to get into downtown Boston and really explore.  Maybe one day. Not a whole lot accomplished on this visit but I did manage to capture this shot on my way out of Boston.  It’s a capture of the sunrise sky.  Thought it was pretty enough to share here.  See you another time Boston! 

Another Check off my Bucket list in DC

Another trip to Washington DC.  This time another item crossed off the bucket list.  Happy to say I finally made it to the top of the Washington Monument. The price of the ticket and the ride up is well worth the price.  I would do it again in a heartbeat, much recommended.  The top of the Washington Monument has 8 viewing windows, two on each side. It’s crowded but not overbearing. They say the tour last a half hour but I took a bit longer than that taking my time along the way.  Posted a few photos from the top.

Since I was at the National Mall I decided to mosey on over to the Lincoln Memorial just to see it and say I got that done too.  Not sure what I’m going to do on my next visit to this city.  I’ve got a laundry list of things to get done and I’m sure in time I’ll manage to get them all done.  Going slow.  Checking one thing off at a time. 

Los Angeles, CA

So I’m notorious for just sitting in my hotel room and popping on my area map and looking at what’s nearby.  That’s usually how I find things to do and it’s usually on a whim. Los Angeles is a city I seem to stop in the most for some reason. No complaints, my old stomping grounds.  My home away from my real home of Hawaii.  So it’s always fun to return to this city.  On this visit I looked on a map and saw a nearby park.  Walked to the park and it was just a baseball field.  Either way here are some photos from that simple walk to the park on a typical LA morning.  

San Diego, California

Every time I come to this city it’s been a very short stop over.  Never long enough to do much and I guess that’s OK.  This is the one city that really does have a lot of personal bittersweet memories for me. I love this city and I love what it has taught me. I realize that this city and the person I think about every time I’m here has completely changed my life and transformed it into what I am living today. On this last visit the one thing I realized is that time, distance and space cannot erase from the heart people that truly matter. I don’t know what is ahead of me in my life journey but I am still grateful for the role he played in my life during the short time we shared here.....  

El Paseo, Texas

Been on the road for I don’t know how many days straight.  Here are some photos of my short time in El Paseo, Texas. Didn’t get to explore a whole lot but then again I’m not sure how much there is to see.  I did learn though Carlsbad Caverns is about 2.5 hours away.  Might have to trek down this way on a future visit just to check out those caves. Adding it to the bucketlist!

My Week: Miami - Washington DC - Los Angeles

Miami - Washington DC - Los Angeles

It’s been a busy week on the road.  This is a quick round up of what I’ve seen. Seems like a big bulk of my week went to the birds.  From the ducks at the waterfront park in Miami, to the geese on the waterfront park on my stop in DC, birds were the theme.

Waterfront Park in Miami, FL

Duck showing off at the park - Miami FL

My visit in Miami was a real blur.  Short blip on my clock.  The ducks were really the highlight of that short stay.  Got a shot of one showing of a bit at a waterfront park that I walked to.

Driving through the trees in Mount Vernon

Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria, VA

Waterfront Park in Alexandria, VA

Resident feeding the birds in Alexandria, VA

 Next stop was Washington DC.  Ended up staying out in Alexandria Virginia, so I had lunch with my old college roommate whom I haven’t seen in about 15 years in Old Town Alexandria. It was nice to catch up. Old Town Alexandria actually really reminded me a lot of Fell’s Point out in Baltimore, MD.  Same vibe.  Nice place to visit.  I later wandered down to a waterfront park where I ran into a resident who decided to feed the birds.  It amazed me how quick those birds were to find the food.  It started with a single duck and then the geese were quick to the show; then the seagulls.  It’s amazing what a little bread can do for the birds. It was an amazing treat to get photos off.

Art Mural in Burbank, CA

Driving on the 134 Freeway at Sunset - Burbank, CA

Being photobombed by my BFF!!

After DC, it was off to my old stomping grounds of Los Angeles, CA for a quick personal visit. Call me weird but I actually find driving in LA traffic as therapeutic in a strange way. Had a impromptu lunch with my old bosses in Beverly Hills while I was there and got filled in on all the glamorous entertainment business work I’ve missed since I moved away. It’s amazing what changes happen in a few months time but I guess that’s life.  The highlight of my LA visit has to be seeing my BFF.  He’s my baby; the only creature on this earth that cries with joy when he sees me - His name is Buddy and he’s a German Shepherd dog. I just wish I could see him more often.  I’m so grateful the ex still allows me to spend time with him and I try to make every minute I have with him count. The funny thing about Buddy is that he’s gotten camera shy over the years.  As a puppy he would plop in front of the camera and practically beg to have his photo taken.  These days, it’s not quite the same.  I tried to get him to take a selfie with me the other day and he refused and walked away.  He then proceeded to photobomb all of my selfies (pictured).  I couldn’t help but laugh.  Love him so much.  Was planning to get down into the jewelry district while I was in LA to shop for some beads this go-around but I didn’t quite make it there. Maybe next time....   

Anyway, that’s where I’ve been all week. Gearing up for next week.  Will hopefully be sitting down some time soon and making some jewelry.  I have earrings on the brain so stay tuned!