If anyone reads this blog, please let me know what types of fun things you do with your sisters or friends.
Have a great Week!
Debbie
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sisters - time to get back to blogging about fun times with my sisters!
Gosh it is hard to believe that I haven't blogged since February. Everyday life including family and work got in the way. I have alot of information to share about fun things to do with your sisters or friends so I am planning to get back into posting information on a regular basis.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Weekend Sisters Recommends Spring Hill Suites in Chicago
I recently spent a weekend in Chicago with my son. We stayed at the Spring Hill Suites hotel on Dearborn. I had previously stayed at the hotel while traveling on business. I love this hotel since it is in a good location close to Michigan Avenue and it is priced reasonably. The rooms are nice and bright with a separate sleeping and lounging area including a desk, small fridge, and microwave. Free breakfast is included and there is a store in the lobby that sells beverages, snacks, and even frozen microwaveable foods.
Check out the marriott.com website for room rates and availability.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
I bought my first Garmin GPS unit today!
I don't know about you but I hate getting lost. Mapquest is great in providing directions but you need to plan ahead to ensure you have all the directions you will need. However, I got hooked on the Garmin GPS system while traveling on business and renting cars along with a GPS unit.
The Garmin was so easy to use in providing directions in cities that I did not know very well. I consider it to also being a security blanket that will hopefully keep me out of "bad" areas. In addition, it is preloaded with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spots so in many cases you don't even need to have the exact address in order to get directions. If you make a mistake and don't follow the directions, you will receive a "recalculating" message. This could be annoying but in the end the Garmin will get you headed back in the right direction.
Next week I am traveling to Orlando for a family trip and I had planned on renting a Garmin with my Avis rental car. The rental cost was $12 a day and would total around $70 for the time I needed it.
Rather than rent a unit every time I rent a car, I decided that the $179 sale at Best Buy today was a good one and one for which I would get return and safety many times in the future. I can also use it when I am home and trying to locate an address I am not familiar with.
My challenge now is to figure out how to change the female voice to a male voice on my Garmin!
The Garmin was so easy to use in providing directions in cities that I did not know very well. I consider it to also being a security blanket that will hopefully keep me out of "bad" areas. In addition, it is preloaded with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spots so in many cases you don't even need to have the exact address in order to get directions. If you make a mistake and don't follow the directions, you will receive a "recalculating" message. This could be annoying but in the end the Garmin will get you headed back in the right direction.
Next week I am traveling to Orlando for a family trip and I had planned on renting a Garmin with my Avis rental car. The rental cost was $12 a day and would total around $70 for the time I needed it.
Rather than rent a unit every time I rent a car, I decided that the $179 sale at Best Buy today was a good one and one for which I would get return and safety many times in the future. I can also use it when I am home and trying to locate an address I am not familiar with.
My challenge now is to figure out how to change the female voice to a male voice on my Garmin!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Twenty Wishes
I just finished reading the book "Twenty Wishes" by Debbie Macomber. It is part of her Blossom Street Series. The book was such an easy read and so hard to put down. She introduced new characters in this book which focuses on AnneMarie who owns a bookstore. She takes us through the lives of several women who are widows. At one of the women's frequent get togethers they discuss compiling a list of twenty wishes representing things they want to do or accomplish. The author does such a good job of taking the reader through the twists and turns in these women's lives. I felt like I knew each of the characters personally.
The list of twenty wishes is very intriguing to me and I think there is so much energy in actually putting these thoughts in writing and then working towards achieving them. Most of us daydream and think about things that we shoulda, coulda, or woulda done. Writing these things down and reviewing them on a regular basis brings focus to accomplishing them.
I have started my list and I am not yet quite at 20. Here is what I have so far:
1. Visit Italy, Greece and Paris with my husband and son
2. Get remarried to my handsome husband, Vito, on the beach
3. Retire at 55
4. Learn how to paint
5. Take my parents on an Alaskan Cruise
6. Make Weekend Sisters a successful business with my sisters
7. Take a pilates class
8. Take dancing lessons with my husband
9. Lose weight and get in shape
10. See my son graduate from cosmetology school and work in his profession
11. Live near the beach for part of the year
12. Take a cruise with my sisters
13. Start a non-profit organization
14. Go white water rafting
15. Visit Sante Fe
Well, that's as far as I got. I need to do some more soul searching and add to the list. I would be interested in knowing if you have put together your list of 20 wishes or if you have read the book by Debbie Macomber. Drop me an email. I would love to hear from you.
The list of twenty wishes is very intriguing to me and I think there is so much energy in actually putting these thoughts in writing and then working towards achieving them. Most of us daydream and think about things that we shoulda, coulda, or woulda done. Writing these things down and reviewing them on a regular basis brings focus to accomplishing them.
I have started my list and I am not yet quite at 20. Here is what I have so far:
1. Visit Italy, Greece and Paris with my husband and son
2. Get remarried to my handsome husband, Vito, on the beach
3. Retire at 55
4. Learn how to paint
5. Take my parents on an Alaskan Cruise
6. Make Weekend Sisters a successful business with my sisters
7. Take a pilates class
8. Take dancing lessons with my husband
9. Lose weight and get in shape
10. See my son graduate from cosmetology school and work in his profession
11. Live near the beach for part of the year
12. Take a cruise with my sisters
13. Start a non-profit organization
14. Go white water rafting
15. Visit Sante Fe
Well, that's as far as I got. I need to do some more soul searching and add to the list. I would be interested in knowing if you have put together your list of 20 wishes or if you have read the book by Debbie Macomber. Drop me an email. I would love to hear from you.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Destin - 2nd Day at the Beach
We awoke on Sunday morning and I quickly pulled back the curtains and headed out to the patio. It was overcast and cloudy with some rain in the forecast. However, I was not discouraged. It was another day in beach paradise!
My son and I headed over to Starbucks for breakfast and to buy the New York Times Sunday edition I love Starbucks even though I don't drink coffee. I mentioned this in a previous blog post. I love knowing that I will have a consistent experience at whichever Starbucks I go to. I ordered my favorite Venti unsweetened black iced tea with an energy shot. I also had a very delicious cranberry muffin. Some people go on vacation to eat gourmet meals and sample every local restaurant. As for me, I like good food but I am also satisfied by the simple things. A Starbucks iced tea, cranberry muffin and NY Times is perfect for my Sunday breakfast at the beach. Who could want more than this?
After breakfast, we headed back to the condo for a quick change into a swimsuit and I was off to the beach. I took my new beach chair to the edge of the water and plopped myself down. I had my book and the water was rolling in around my chair keeping me cool. This is living! It doesn’t get any better spending Sunday in my little beach chair at the water’s edge. I was in heaven!
My husband had some work to do so he did not come down to tbe beach until later. We then hung out together for awhile at the beach before heading over to the "Another Broken Egg Cafe" at the Baytowne Wharf. This awesome restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch and its menu has a long list of breakfast items, sandwiches and salads. It was very quaint and the staff was very cheery. I had the chicken quesadilla which was very good. My husband had the Greek Salad with the Greek dressing which was also very good. I highly recommend this restaurant.
During lunch, the dark clouds and thunder were moving in but I was not to be discouraged. I headed back to the beach which was not as full as it was earlier. I continued to read my book until I finished it at about 5PM. With some rain drizzle in the air, I headed back up to the condo.
This was the best getaway I have had in some time. The spontaneity of deciding at last minute to head to Destin made it more of an exciting adventure. My son actually enjoyed himself and only got in trouble once for skateboarding in the covered garage. Oh well, we can’t get through a weekend without something happening.
I am looking forward to another weekend getaway in the near future.
My son and I headed over to Starbucks for breakfast and to buy the New York Times Sunday edition I love Starbucks even though I don't drink coffee. I mentioned this in a previous blog post. I love knowing that I will have a consistent experience at whichever Starbucks I go to. I ordered my favorite Venti unsweetened black iced tea with an energy shot. I also had a very delicious cranberry muffin. Some people go on vacation to eat gourmet meals and sample every local restaurant. As for me, I like good food but I am also satisfied by the simple things. A Starbucks iced tea, cranberry muffin and NY Times is perfect for my Sunday breakfast at the beach. Who could want more than this?
After breakfast, we headed back to the condo for a quick change into a swimsuit and I was off to the beach. I took my new beach chair to the edge of the water and plopped myself down. I had my book and the water was rolling in around my chair keeping me cool. This is living! It doesn’t get any better spending Sunday in my little beach chair at the water’s edge. I was in heaven!
My husband had some work to do so he did not come down to tbe beach until later. We then hung out together for awhile at the beach before heading over to the "Another Broken Egg Cafe" at the Baytowne Wharf. This awesome restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch and its menu has a long list of breakfast items, sandwiches and salads. It was very quaint and the staff was very cheery. I had the chicken quesadilla which was very good. My husband had the Greek Salad with the Greek dressing which was also very good. I highly recommend this restaurant.
During lunch, the dark clouds and thunder were moving in but I was not to be discouraged. I headed back to the beach which was not as full as it was earlier. I continued to read my book until I finished it at about 5PM. With some rain drizzle in the air, I headed back up to the condo.
This was the best getaway I have had in some time. The spontaneity of deciding at last minute to head to Destin made it more of an exciting adventure. My son actually enjoyed himself and only got in trouble once for skateboarding in the covered garage. Oh well, we can’t get through a weekend without something happening.
I am looking forward to another weekend getaway in the near future.
Destin, Florida - Beach Lover's Paradise
The drive on Saturday morning went pretty well until we hit Hwy 98 in Destin. We crawled the last 10 miles to the resort. It took over an hour to go a few miles. Much to my husband's dismay this brought down our average mpg for the trip. Finally, we arrived at the Sandestin Resort - woo hoo!
We were greeted warmly by the staff at Sandestin and surprise – our room was ready early. Normally the check in time is 4PM and there we were at 1PM and our room was ready. Someone above was watching over us. (http://sandestin.com/)
Our one bedroom rental condo was on the 14th floor of the WestWinds tower with a direct view of the beautiful emerald green and blue Gulf of Mexico! I was in awe of the view. I think that my blood pressure immediately dropped 10 points. Even my 18 year old son was impressed with the view, the condo, and facilities.
No time to unpack, just a quick change into a swimsuit and I was headed to the beach! I walked to the water’s edge and again my blood pressure dropped another 10 points! We rented 2 chairs and umbrella at a surprisingly high cost of $39 a day. But hey the rental comes with two free souvenir Sandestin Beach towels. As if we don’t already have enough beach towels! What the heck, we are on vacation so we will splurge on the very nice Sandestin chairs. The chair guy was from Mississippi and was named Destroy. Hmm. Guess there is a story behind that name but not sure I wanted to hear it so I didn't ask.
My husband, Vito, was so good. He carried my beach bag that held my reading material, iPod, camera and flip video camera, water bottles and snacks to the beach. We took a nice walk on the beach scoping out other vacationers and properties along the beach. We love the beach and walking on the beach is one of our favorite things to do besides sitting in a chair with a drink reading our books!
About two years ago, my husband developed some sort of strange sensitivity to the sun. He has to ensure he puts on lots of sunscreen and wears a hat. This is something we all should do anyway but take for granted. So he doesn’t enjoy going to the beach as much as he used to but he says he will do anything to make me happy. He is such a sweetheart.
I stayed on the beach longer than my husband and took in the smell of the beach and the Gulf, listened to the music playing at the pool, and started a new book called Life’s A Beach by Claire Cook. How could I go wrong with a book with that title? Turns out this was a great book that was an easy and interesting read.
On Saturday night we drove over to Sandestin Baytowne Wharf to check out the restaurants and shops. I already narrowed our restaurant search to Graffiti & Funky Blues Shack and Roberto's Pizza. Graffiti’s is an eclectic restaurant with Italian food and entertainment. It appeared to be a really cool place until I checked out the menu and saw that spaghetti was priced at $24. I have an Italian husband and an 18-year old son who both like to eat a lot so I was a little concerned about the prices. Not that we couldn’t afford it. I just have a hard time paying over 5 times what it would cost me to feed us the same meal at home. So we headed over to Roberto's.
There was no wait at Roberto's and we were quickly seated at an outside table. We weathered the heat and humidity and did some great people watching waiting for our delicious pizzas to arrive. The pizza was very good. The wait staff was friendly but not overly attentive. They appeared to be college students and spent more time socializng with each other more than attending to their guests.
After dinner we checked out the stores which had great and even unique merchandise. However, none of the items jumped up and shouted "Buy Me." I was just so happy to be at the beach and I didn't need to buy anything
My son took the free Sandestin shuttle back to the condo. My husband and I stopped at a grocery store fpr some breakfast food, snacks and beverages. I also went to CVS and bought a little beach chair that I could sit in at the edge of the water on Sunday. Then it was back to the condo for some R&R.
We were greeted warmly by the staff at Sandestin and surprise – our room was ready early. Normally the check in time is 4PM and there we were at 1PM and our room was ready. Someone above was watching over us. (http://sandestin.com/)
Our one bedroom rental condo was on the 14th floor of the WestWinds tower with a direct view of the beautiful emerald green and blue Gulf of Mexico! I was in awe of the view. I think that my blood pressure immediately dropped 10 points. Even my 18 year old son was impressed with the view, the condo, and facilities.
No time to unpack, just a quick change into a swimsuit and I was headed to the beach! I walked to the water’s edge and again my blood pressure dropped another 10 points! We rented 2 chairs and umbrella at a surprisingly high cost of $39 a day. But hey the rental comes with two free souvenir Sandestin Beach towels. As if we don’t already have enough beach towels! What the heck, we are on vacation so we will splurge on the very nice Sandestin chairs. The chair guy was from Mississippi and was named Destroy. Hmm. Guess there is a story behind that name but not sure I wanted to hear it so I didn't ask.
My husband, Vito, was so good. He carried my beach bag that held my reading material, iPod, camera and flip video camera, water bottles and snacks to the beach. We took a nice walk on the beach scoping out other vacationers and properties along the beach. We love the beach and walking on the beach is one of our favorite things to do besides sitting in a chair with a drink reading our books!
About two years ago, my husband developed some sort of strange sensitivity to the sun. He has to ensure he puts on lots of sunscreen and wears a hat. This is something we all should do anyway but take for granted. So he doesn’t enjoy going to the beach as much as he used to but he says he will do anything to make me happy. He is such a sweetheart.
I stayed on the beach longer than my husband and took in the smell of the beach and the Gulf, listened to the music playing at the pool, and started a new book called Life’s A Beach by Claire Cook. How could I go wrong with a book with that title? Turns out this was a great book that was an easy and interesting read.
On Saturday night we drove over to Sandestin Baytowne Wharf to check out the restaurants and shops. I already narrowed our restaurant search to Graffiti & Funky Blues Shack and Roberto's Pizza. Graffiti’s is an eclectic restaurant with Italian food and entertainment. It appeared to be a really cool place until I checked out the menu and saw that spaghetti was priced at $24. I have an Italian husband and an 18-year old son who both like to eat a lot so I was a little concerned about the prices. Not that we couldn’t afford it. I just have a hard time paying over 5 times what it would cost me to feed us the same meal at home. So we headed over to Roberto's.
There was no wait at Roberto's and we were quickly seated at an outside table. We weathered the heat and humidity and did some great people watching waiting for our delicious pizzas to arrive. The pizza was very good. The wait staff was friendly but not overly attentive. They appeared to be college students and spent more time socializng with each other more than attending to their guests.
After dinner we checked out the stores which had great and even unique merchandise. However, none of the items jumped up and shouted "Buy Me." I was just so happy to be at the beach and I didn't need to buy anything
My son took the free Sandestin shuttle back to the condo. My husband and I stopped at a grocery store fpr some breakfast food, snacks and beverages. I also went to CVS and bought a little beach chair that I could sit in at the edge of the water on Sunday. Then it was back to the condo for some R&R.
July 4th Weekend At Destin, Florida
The morning of July 4th, my husband, son and I decided to get away and head to Destin, Florida. This decision was made without any reservations for a holiday weekend. We packed within an hour and dropped our two dogs off at my mother in law' s house and we were off to the beach. This was the first time we have ever done something so spontaneous.
You have to know that both my husband and I are typical Type A personalities who like to plan before leaping. We are not impulsive in the least. However, a break at the beach was just what we all needed so off we went.
Packing for this beach trip was easy. We didn't need much more than shorts, tees and bathing suits. That was the easy part. The tough part was all the technical gadgets we took with us including laptops, sprint connect any where cards cell phone and blue tooth chargers, power cords, etc. I think the electronics took up more room than our clothes!
Now granted we didn’t leave until 1PM in the afternoon on Friday, I was looking forward to the 2 full days at the beach. About half way into Louisiana, I started to call resorts in Destin trying to find a place to stay. Good news was that I found a beach front condo at Sandestin for Saturday and Sunday nights but no availability for Friday night. No sweat. We ccould just stay at a less expensive hotel in Destin area since we will be getting in prettylate at night any way.
Back on the road after dinner, I started to call various hotel chains for a one night stay in the Destin Pensacola area. I guess I waited too long and all of the rooms closer in were already booked. We chose to stay at a fairly new Comfort Suites in Tillman’s Corner, Alabama. Nice room, free breakfast, and 2 hours from our destination. No sweat. We got a good night’s rest and headed out to Destin in the morning.
You have to know that both my husband and I are typical Type A personalities who like to plan before leaping. We are not impulsive in the least. However, a break at the beach was just what we all needed so off we went.
Packing for this beach trip was easy. We didn't need much more than shorts, tees and bathing suits. That was the easy part. The tough part was all the technical gadgets we took with us including laptops, sprint connect any where cards cell phone and blue tooth chargers, power cords, etc. I think the electronics took up more room than our clothes!
Now granted we didn’t leave until 1PM in the afternoon on Friday, I was looking forward to the 2 full days at the beach. About half way into Louisiana, I started to call resorts in Destin trying to find a place to stay. Good news was that I found a beach front condo at Sandestin for Saturday and Sunday nights but no availability for Friday night. No sweat. We ccould just stay at a less expensive hotel in Destin area since we will be getting in prettylate at night any way.
Back on the road after dinner, I started to call various hotel chains for a one night stay in the Destin Pensacola area. I guess I waited too long and all of the rooms closer in were already booked. We chose to stay at a fairly new Comfort Suites in Tillman’s Corner, Alabama. Nice room, free breakfast, and 2 hours from our destination. No sweat. We got a good night’s rest and headed out to Destin in the morning.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Fond Memories of Wildwood Crest, NJ
I love the beach and so do my sisters! It is so relaxing for me to walk on the beach or just sit in a chair on the beach while reading my favorite book. The sound and smell of the ocean have the most relaxing impact on me.
My sister, Diane, is at beach this weekend, with her husband, son and her son's girlfriend. My nephew, Stephen, celebrated his 21st birthday this week so the trip was a special celebration. They live in Pennslvania and keep a camper trailer at a campground near Wildwood, NJ. I am so envious that within a few hours from home they can be at the beach smelling the salt air and hanging out. Wish I could have been there this week.
The beach has always been a special place for our family. When we were young, we would rent a house at the Jersey Shore for just a week. But it was the best week of the year. We looked forward to it all year long. It was a time to leave the day to day behind and live carefree. Within a few years, we started staying at hotels with efficiency units and swimming pools. We have so many fond memories of those weeks at the shore in Wildwood Crest, NJ.
My parents and my sister, Donna and her children still go to the Pan American Motor Inn in Wildwood Crest for one special week every July. My family has been staying at this same hotel for over 30 years! Can you believe it? The Morey family owns the Pan Am and are gracious hosts. They also own various Piers with rides, foods, and games in Wildwood Crest.
Things have changed over the years. It is no longer safe to allow your pre-teens to cruise the boardwalk at night without an adult. The boardwalk is a little worn out but still has a special aura or shops selling trinkets, restaurants, and carnival games. The cost of renting a bike for 2 hours has increased from $2.00 to $6.00 or more.
One of my favorite activities in Wildwood was renting a bike in the morning and riding on the boardwalk with my sisters and cousins. We would ride all the way to the end of the boardwalk in North Wildwood. Then we would stop for a donut and a drink before heading back towards the hotel. I have even had the opportunity to do this with my husband and son. No matter how old I have become, I still look forward to renting a bike to ride on the boardwalk the next time I visit Wildwood.
I recommend the Jersey Shore for having a great vacation with your family and friends.
My sister, Diane, is at beach this weekend, with her husband, son and her son's girlfriend. My nephew, Stephen, celebrated his 21st birthday this week so the trip was a special celebration. They live in Pennslvania and keep a camper trailer at a campground near Wildwood, NJ. I am so envious that within a few hours from home they can be at the beach smelling the salt air and hanging out. Wish I could have been there this week.
The beach has always been a special place for our family. When we were young, we would rent a house at the Jersey Shore for just a week. But it was the best week of the year. We looked forward to it all year long. It was a time to leave the day to day behind and live carefree. Within a few years, we started staying at hotels with efficiency units and swimming pools. We have so many fond memories of those weeks at the shore in Wildwood Crest, NJ.
My parents and my sister, Donna and her children still go to the Pan American Motor Inn in Wildwood Crest for one special week every July. My family has been staying at this same hotel for over 30 years! Can you believe it? The Morey family owns the Pan Am and are gracious hosts. They also own various Piers with rides, foods, and games in Wildwood Crest.
Things have changed over the years. It is no longer safe to allow your pre-teens to cruise the boardwalk at night without an adult. The boardwalk is a little worn out but still has a special aura or shops selling trinkets, restaurants, and carnival games. The cost of renting a bike for 2 hours has increased from $2.00 to $6.00 or more.
One of my favorite activities in Wildwood was renting a bike in the morning and riding on the boardwalk with my sisters and cousins. We would ride all the way to the end of the boardwalk in North Wildwood. Then we would stop for a donut and a drink before heading back towards the hotel. I have even had the opportunity to do this with my husband and son. No matter how old I have become, I still look forward to renting a bike to ride on the boardwalk the next time I visit Wildwood.
I recommend the Jersey Shore for having a great vacation with your family and friends.
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