redwheelbarrow

Taking My Mama Places - Hawaii Edition

Taking a Cessna over Kauai, Hawaii.

Getting some R & R at the Marriott resort in Kauai, Hawaii.

Waimea Falls at Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens, Oahu, Hawaii.

Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens, Oahu, Hawaii.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since I've travelled extensively for work, I've accumulated lots of points for free flights, rental cars, hotels, etc. So naturally when my Mom mentioned wanting to go to Hawaii, I was on-board. I love Hawaii and couldn't wait to show Mom the incredible beauty. Here are some of the best shots from our trip - - we went to Oahu, the Big Island of Hawai'i, and Kauai.

 

 - jennifer

 

 

 

 

 

A breathtaking sunset near Waikoloa, on the Big Island.

 

Wailua Falls, Kauai, Hawaii.

IAD-DTW-BHM

We have been staying in Silver Spring, MD, right outside of Washington, DC. Our flights were cancelled yesterday because of the snow/ice. Luckily we were able to get our rental car and hotel room for an extra day. Delta kindly re-routed us through DTW (Detroit Metro Airport), instead of Atlanta, since right now Georgia is an ice block and all flights are grounded.

We drove to IAD (Washington Dulles International Airport) once the roads were plowed. After we checked in, it was shockingly empty. Many flights had been cancelled the day before and only the flights headed from IAD internationally (Dubai, Dublin, Amsterdam, etc) were running. All of the flights headed anywhere in the north- or southeast U.S. were cancelled. Those terminals were empty, except the lucky 40 people (like us) that were able to get re-booked on the Detroit flight. The airport itself feels so 1960s, but a recent interior renovation of terminal B felt very modern. A three-story high atrium had stainless steel escalators darting through the space with large metallic sculptures hanging overhead. The terminal/baggage claim train platform with its modern glass backlit with bright white light looked like it, too was in motion. The large turnbuckles above holding up the undulating facade were also impressive. They had to be at least 6ft long each. Overall, the airport was a visual delight, with every architectural element working together to create a kinetic feel in both materiality and design.

- jennifer

Frozen. That is All.

Silver Spring, MD. Headed to Whole Foods across the street for provisions for the pending snow storm. Its' FREEZING!

Transitions

Today we finally move from the snow laden landscape of New Jersey to a snow free (but still cold) Washington DC. It's been a while since we have been here. The last time was during the Cherry Blossom festival last year. There was also an Oriental Heritage festival going on. There was a wishing tree where we made a wish for a child. It feels more real now than ever. We've been saving you seat.

Hope to see you soon.

 

Washington Monument Today

The Wishing Tree at the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC 2013

Back to Work. BHM-LGA

We flew to New York City yesterday. It was brisk but beautiful and we rode around downtown, upper east side and midtown. We drove near the Empire State Building, the famous Macy's department store and saw other sites along the way.

I love looking at the towering buildings and watching people: some walking dogs, a lady carrying golf clubs, a couple carrying yoga mats, people rushing around other people trying to rush around, small children can barely walk in all the layers. We didn't have time to stop and walk around the City on this trip, but its always great to see the City and feel the City vibe.

As the Super Bowl traffic started to build, we headed to our hotel in New Jersey. The roads were clear, the sky was blue, the sun was shining.

 

 

Then, night fall. And we woke up to this:

Wow. The snow was coming down and getting bigger and bigger. The wind had picked up and was blowing it everywhere. Within a couple of hours, cars would have to be dug out of snow drifts. Snow plows and sand/salt trucks were deployed and went to work. But, the snow had accumulated so quickly businesses started to close and kids were let out of school. By 10 am there was a foot of snow on the ground.

What started out as a gorgeous winter wonderland was a disaster for anyone trying to work.

We worked as quickly as we could. Thad got help from two guys to dig out our rental car. Luckily, we were in a Tahoe and had the power to get out of a 4-foot snow drift.

No snow day here... Back to work...

- jennifer

Throwback Thursday: Portland Head Light - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Sunday, October 6th (2013) Mom and I were in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The photo is self-explanatory, but words that come to mind:

Breathtaking.

Surreal.

Peaceful.

It was windy and the clouds moved quickly across the landscape. There were no sounds except the winds wisking the tides to the rocks. There were birds silently flying around, as if paying respect to the dominant waves. The lighthouse was in pristine condition; white, just as I pictured. The small patches of grass, the greenest I've ever seen. The rocks pushed up from the sea guard the house. In the distance, the original lighthouse is out to sea, watching over its replacement.

A beautiful day. And a great experience to forever share with my Mom.

- jennifer

In Florida for Work, Must Disney World.

There are times in life when you just have to let go of yourself.  Being at Disney is one of those times.  I am normally somewhat of a fuddy-duddy, but being at Disney to my dismay, brings out my inner child and frees me...to explore my imagination.  The fun that ensues is freeing.  The magical and majestic landscape was surprisingly not very crowded.  Jenn and I were able to ride pretty much anything we wanted to as much as we wanted to before the usual crowds arrived to create the salty/sweet molasses that can drain you in such places.  My favorite thing to do is to soar above the crowds on the People Mover in Tomorrowland; gazing down on the suckers with their mouse ear hats and the endless hordes of strollers, smiles and laughter.  All hail the happiest place on Earth.

A sunset to remember!

 

Traveling allows you the opportunity to see ordinary everyday things like sunsets in a different light.  This photo was taken near Cocoa Beach, FL.  The Banana River is alive with fish and manatees.  We were headed back to the hotel and saw this boatlaunch glowing with the late day sun.  We pulled in and walked out to the end of the dock for some pictures.  Suddenly we were surprised by a group of manatees bobbing up for air in a rythmic pattern.  I could not recall ever seeing a manatee in the wild.  It was magical.  I really enjoy seeing something so beautiful and am thankful to be able to this for a living...more to come from Florida.

Secret Spy Cloud

 

Near Cape Canaveral and NASA there was this peculiar looking cloud floating over the land.  It probably had an alien spy ship hiding in it.  Conspiracy Much?

Why I love Forts!!!!!

 

Ever since I first saw Fort Morgan I have been in love with forts.  It would be a dream of mine to build my own compound out of stacked stones and mortar.  I am not sure if it is the geometric design or the 20'' thick walls.  I imagine being bombarded by cannon fire and being charged by hordes of enemy infantry.  This fort was in St. Augestine, FL  and was a lot of fun to visit.  Imagining a time when there were not dozens of high-end housing just across the river from this fort.  Just woods, water, and the power to survive.