New and different in NYC

On August 2, 2015August 2, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Food, hotels, New York City, Parks, Shopping, Travel, vacation, walkingLeave a comment

It’s a bit of a challenge for us to do new things when we are in NYC because we have lots of favorite haunts and habits from our prior life here. But this trip, we actually managed to have some never-been-done-before adventures. HALLELEUJAH! From new events to new stores to new walkabouts, we had a fantastic time getting out of our comfort zone and taking that road less travelled. Well, there is no road in crowded NYC that is “less travelled” but you know what I mean.

Stumbling into a NYC outdoor experience, Summer Streets, we got to join the crowd biking/walking/skating down Park Avenue that was closed to all but pedestrian traffic from lower to upper Manhattan. Taxi’s were hating it but we loved it! Very well organized, there were free bikes and rollerblades along the way, water stations, singers to entertain us and all played out on a beautiful sunny day. Free fun for all!

Music along the way celebrating Summer Streets

Our destination on Saturday was my favorite store, Fishs Eddy, but along the way we found a new, first-in-the-US store that I just love. Flying Tiger from Copenhagen is filled with under $10 stuff that you probably don’t need but have to have. I got super cute hostess gifts with a mustache theme for my boss—something about that crazy black curly mustache just makes me smile so hopefully she will find it amusing too especially in the form of mustache scrubbies for the kitchen and potholders to match. Just what ever kitchen needs to make it a happier place!

After buying as much as I could carry and storing it all away in my new canvas “RECYCLE OR DIE” bag (how Seattle!), we were off on the subway to visit Thom’s niece who had a baby and moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn so they could buy a house. And what a beautiful house it was! After visiting with Thom’s sister and brother-in-law too who were in town for the baby’s 1^st birthday, we Ubered it out of there to go to Dumbo to meet up with Thom’s best friend since Kindergarten, Ronnie, and his wife, Andrea.

Our group caught up on our busy lives and walked along the East River and right into a Hindu Lamp Ceremony, called Aarti, complete with make-your-own ceremonial containers that you lite up to signify life and the burning of negative tendencies to purify our hearts and serve others with humility. What a great message to guide our existence! Thoroughly embracing the custom, we watched the containers drift out into the waters and listened to the chanting taking place to honor the ceremony. Cool.

Wood fired pizza joint-cash only and gin-infused lemonades!

Eschewing the long lines at the local popular Brooklyn eating joints, we pooled our cash for a pop-up pizza outlet, no wait, and happily munched on wood fired pizzas and gin-infused lemonade. HAPPINESS IN A GLASS! I was struck by the message of life that the pizza guy was putting out there on the back of his shirt, “Eat Pizza, Make Love”. HELLO! Another great message for all to heed!

Going back to the lovely Grand Hyatt, we enjoyed watching the Mets win (again!), drank wine and relaxed in the Presidential Suite that the hotel was nice enough to upgrade us to. SPOILED ROTTEN, WE ARE!

We appreciate every moment of our blessed lives and don’t expect to be able to visit NYC again, though we can always hope. My work here is done for the foreseeable future and budgets are tight at work. With friends and family here plus our love of this urban wonderland, the connection to NYC is so strong. If the stars align, we hope to live here again some day.

In the meantime, we will continue to expect nothing and appreciate everything! Life is so good.

Savoring the Manhattan Experience One More Time

On July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, hotels, New York City, Nightlife, Shopping, Travel, Uncategorized, walkingLeave a comment

Back in NYC after a business trip to Orlando (in July…HELLO, event planner, what were you thinking???–so hot and humid I was always moist) I couldn’t help but immediately take to the streets. It’s what I do and makes my FitBit so happy. On the way to work on Sunday morning, yes I work 24/7, I managed to walk by Rockefeller Center, the LOVE sculpture, Central Park and St. Pat’s Cathedral. Only in Manhattan is that all in a morning’s walk.

FishEddy's is my go-to store every time I am in NYC — Fishes Eddy is my go-to store every time I am in NYC

St. Pat's Io's always awe-inspiring and iconic — St. Pat’s Io’s always awe-inspiring and iconic

Waiting for Thom to join me later in the week so we can celebrate out 27th Wedding Anniversary, I wanted to save the fun stuff so we could do it together but I did manage a walk to my favorite store, Fishs Eddy, on Sunday. The lure of kitschy hand towels, Hillary mugs, and fun stuff always has me leaving with a bag of goodies to bring home. Putting in 17,000+ steps = 7+ miles on Sunday left the feet hot and tired for sure but, fueled by my beloved $1 cheese pizza, I just kept on walking, walking, walking….

With Thom finally here, we set off for the TKTS booth in Times Square to get a deal on Broadway tickets. Having scoped out the Tony Awards and the NYTimes reviews, I knew exactly what shows I wanted to see and, sure enough, at 7:00 p.m. last night we scored 50% off 4th row seats to see Taye Diggs in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. AMAZING. GO. He’s only been the lead for 7 shows yet I can’t imagine anyone else pulling off that story with the grit and sassy bravado he showed off in this explosive drama musical. We were just shy of the water spout he shot out into the crowd and three rows away from him grinding on me like he did the lucky gal in the first row who really was into it. That’s cool–little too up close and personal for me anyway.

Despite some microphone miscues, Taye just rolled with it and shook his fist at the so-called ghost who haunts the Belasco Theater and cussed him out. Leaping out into the audience, he picked on the preppy guy in the second row, licking his glasses and then politely handing them back. Sharing spit is caring! This is the type of show I could go to again and enjoy it even more. If you’re in NYC, go to TKTS, get your tickets at 50% off and enjoy it–may want to avoid that third row middle seat, however, unless you wear a raincoat.

Classic theater and explosive drama musical

Adding to my Broadway sippy cup collection makes me so happy!

Today, we celebrate our 27th anniversary. Seems like yesterday that I was in NYC at the Cadillac Bar picking up the cute guy with the long hair, earring and fur-lined leather jacket. We went dancing the night away at the trendy Limelight Bar in an old church and have never stopped the adventure of enjoying our lives together. While I had to work today, Thom braved the rain and got to see his Mets play (and lose-pity!) but enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Tonight we will go to Toshi’s, our favorite bar in the Flatiron District with Hello Brooklyn singing on stage and will thoroughly enjoy the Presidential Suite the lovely Grand Hyatt just upgraded us to.

Using my many Diamond status perks, we had been promised last night to be moved but there were Secret Service here who took priority, watching over somebody far more important than us. Hmmm… wonder who?? Could Thom be wearing the very hotel robe that a foreign President just wore??? Yes, we are not only blessed with ridiculous adventures but, more importantly, we have each other. I don’t have to worry about anything because, no matter what, I know Thom has my back and will be there to support me and love me and, really, what else matters?? Best friends and soulmates for the last 27 years. How lucky I am.

Presidential Suite at the Grand Hyatt is amazing!

The adventure continues... — The adventure continues…

NYC Never Disappoints

On July 19, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, New York City, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

While it’s good to be back home again in Seattle (at least for a few days), as I walk the silent, relatively clean streets, I ache for the hustle and bustle of the NYC action where, night or day, there is a whole lot of something, something going on. Speaking of action, I had the good fortune to be in the city when the Asian Art Alliance was having their benefit. Our friend, Andrea, runs this great organization so I was able to hang out with her hubbie and Thom’s best friend since kindergarten, Ronnie, and enjoy super talented artists doing their thing. From a Broadway singer giving us a sneak peek at the new George Taikei musical coming this fall, Allegiance, to a beatbox artist and a singer from Thailand, it was such a lovely evening with some energetic dance moves from the master of ceremonies-queue the video:

Going downtown to attend the event, I bravely hopped on the #1 subway and prayed it was going in the right direction. Thank God–the numbers were decreasing so I was headed to south Manhattan as planned! Confident as I exited on Hudson Street, I got the loveliest random compliment from a random dude as he walked into a Dunkin Donut–” You’ve got style!” he quipped as he checked out my new black dress anchored by my turquoise belt that I’ve had for years and still dearly love. Why thank you Mr. Complete Stranger! Way to make my day!

On to the Asian Art Alliance event….I do appreciate all artists as I have no musical talent whatsoever. As I chatted with the beatboxing guy, complimenting him on his performance, I contemplated how brave and determined these performers must be to endure what has to be a hand-to-mouth struggle as they pursue their passion. I’m too practical and scared to do anything like that, preferring a steady paycheck and benefits but I do envy them following their dream. If I can encourage and thank them for sharing their music, I always try to and have had great conversations recently with everyone from a singer at a Vancouver benefit that was performing for the first time in public to Allen Stone at a company benefit. What a joy they bring to us who are musically challenged!

Bryant Park does outdoor movies in the summer

Earlier in my NYC week, I envied the huge crowd queued up to watch an outdoor movie in Bryant Park with their blankets spread out hours in advance. I wonder if the hotel would have minded me taking their nice white towel to the park?? Not as much fun without Thom but maybe next time. I did finally have a Shake Shack hamburger–good but not quite worth the hype. The Shake Shack in Madison Park always has a huge crowd and lines where you wait an hour or so. Crazy! There is one by my hotel near Grand Central with no line so I came home from the Asian Arts Alliance late and was starving so it was time to check it out. Yum but our local Seattle joint Dick’s puts it to shame for half the price and quite frankly, much better taste. Plus, Dick’s just makes me giggle every time Thom says, “Let’s go grab a bag of Dick’s”. What am I 12?

After a very busy week in Manhattan, I actually slept on the plane home which I rarely am able to do. I arrived home to a gorgeous “cotton candy” sunset and a weekend spent catching up on life and cuddling with my puppies. Thom is back home in Indiana supporting my Mom while my sister Becky is in Europe-lucky her! Jealous with Europe envy, I finally booked our September vacation. We are off on another adventure–AMSTERDAM HERE WE COME!

Good Karma in NYC!

On July 14, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, New York City, Nightlife, Parks, walkingLeave a comment

WP_20150712_20_55_22_Pro — Shake Shack Madison Square Park-packed on a Sunday night

Tonight, a NYC deli dude gave me some milk for free. So what you might say? No, this is epic, I say. I feel surrounded by good karma on this business trip. I went in to the deli next to the Westin at 10 p.m. wanting nothing more than a little milk to go with the Trader’s Joe cookies I brought with me for my nighttime snack. They had strawberry and chocolate milk but no white milk in sight. Disappointed! Asking the counter guy, he immediately got me a cup of milk and refused to take my money for it. WOW. I even had an amazing driver on my ride in from the airport and had a lively discussion with him about world soccer, regaling him with tales of seeing Messi score 5 goals in Camp Nou in Barcelona a few years ago. He wanted me to meet his kids after that story and tell them since they are huge fans. I was a rock star!

Being in Manhattan without Thom is strange but I’m forcing myself to get out and enjoy what could be my next to the last trip to my home away from home, what with work budget cuts and all. Walking down 3rd Avenue the first night here, it just felt like I belonged. Families were out getting ice cream, the young crowd was just getting back from the beaches and pouring into the bars. Shopping for snacks for training, the folks at the grocery were pleasant and talkative–yes, in NYC! My second night I put on the miles and walked to Central Park, my center of beauty in the city, and people watched at Rockefeller Center too. All my favorite haunts were experienced within 24 hours–Madison Square Park (dog park!), Bryant Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center! My FitBit was so happy with my walking performance but my feet… not so much! Glad I brought band aids!

Central Park at dusk...beautiful — Central Park at dusk…beautiful

Tonight I went to City Winery, our most favorite music venue in lower Manhattan, to see Boise’s own Eilen Jewell enchant the crowd with her indie country tones and her oh so cool band. I’m sure she is struggling to make ends meet but she had the audience eating out of her hand as she played her guitar and harmonica and sang her butt off. I hope she makes it big soon if that is what she wants for her music career. If you haven’t seen her in action, go. Now. She played the Tractor in Seattle last month and the crowd was far more lively, dancing and rowdy vs. the more sedate NYC crowd. I’m looking forward to seeing her in her hometown once we get to settle there in the future. Probably distant future but one can dream, right? Living in our house in Boise vs. renting it to strangers would be super cool.

It’s off to sleep now as the three hour time change is kicking my butt seriously. I look forward to another $1 bagel from my street cart tomorrow morning and $1 pizza for dinner. Crabs galore! That’s healthy, isn’t it? It’s surely budget friendly and tasty. Three nights in a row I’ve had $1 pizza for my dinner… yum and super yum! Good night all!

Shoes and Tattoos-Let the Anniversary Celebration Begin!

On July 3, 2015July 3, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, expat, SeattleLeave a comment

“Delightfully strange” is how we were described by one of Thom’s friends today when he explained on his social media that we were about to celebrate our 27th Anniversary with our “shoes and tattoos” tradition. What–doesn’t everyone inject their body with ink and buy ridiculously expensive and fabulous shoes on their wedding anniversary? If not, I am so sad for all of you. Start living the delightfully strange life like us–it’s never too late to start! An anniversary dinner might taste good but a tattoo and quality shoes last forever.

Yes, green boots for Thom. He is Irish after all.

We started our tattoo tradition just before leaving on our adventure to live in China. I got the Chinese symbol for happiness and Thom got a Dr. Who time machine, more commonly called a Tardis, on his arm… that’s not strange, right? In China, we had to pause on the inking due to health concerns and wanting to live another day but we did get amazing handmade, custom shoes to celebrate.

Notice the details that make this booties the best-stitching, wood soles in two colors, silver heel and the list goes on and on... — Notice the details that make these booties unique–bold-stitching, wood soles in two colors, silver heel and the list goes on and on…

This year, we stumbled upon a charity event at the John Fluevog store in Vancouver and enjoyed a lovely evening of music, booze and shoes when they kindly invited us in to partake. Walking out, we agreed that we just had to have our own Fluevog shoes to celebrate this year’s anniversary. When I saw the yearly sale ad for their local store here in Seattle, off we went to find a deal, not that those quality quirky shoes aren’t worth $300+ but I at least have to imagine I am on a budget and care about my credit card balance. We scored some awesome boots, black with silver highlights for me and green for Thom because he is Irish after all. Tucked away in their burlap bags with the company mantra on it, they will stay in their boxes until anniversary day. Now on to the tattoos!

Peace... simple with very little ink needed to convey the message. — Peace… simple with very little ink needed to convey the message.

Thom is thinking of a horse theme for his tattoo to commemorate 2014 spent in China during the Year of the Horse. We brought back a lovely heavy-as-hell stone horse statue but I guess he wants that “on body” constant reminder of our expat experience. I’ve decided to stay with my Chinese theme as well and have the symbol for Peace stenciled onto my body opposite the Happiness symbol in a place that will remain nameless. Some things are better left unshared. It is a simple design with a strong message that no one but Thom will see, except a stranger who will hopefully be quick and talented. DAMN that inking hurts.

So, 27 years after we “officially” started our adventure by the pool in Key West when we eloped (at my mother’s suggestion to avoid a wedding at their house and after my lawyer sister got Thom his divorce right before the wedding), we will ink up and wear our snazzy boots and continue our great adventure! It’s off to Italy next for us with a fall trip being planned now. Can’t wait to explore the Cinque Terre with my best friend and the love of my life! Together forever with lots more shoes and tattoos in our future-OH MY THE FUN WE WILL HAVE!

John Fluevog--specialty retailing at it's best! — John Fluevog–specialty retailing at it’s best!

The John Fluevog mantra..not a bad one to live by

Pride Parade in Seattle is a Rainbow of Diversity

On June 28, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Seattle, Travel6 Comments

There were rainbows shining brightly today all over Seattle as the Pride Parade attracted 500,000+ spectators celebrating a really totally damn good week for all citizens in the U.S. Well, unless you still fly the Confederate flag. Just take it down already-you lost. BOOM!

I love a rainbow balloon arch-kudos to Nordstrom's who had a huge contingent in the parade! — I love a rainbow balloon arch-kudos to Nordstrom’s who had a huge contingent in the parade!

Dancing on the Cupcake Van to celebrate!

But today, it was all about celebrating diversity and equality with the crowds of all ages waving their flags with spirit and pride. Way to go Supreme Court! Your history-making decision affirmed everyone’s right to be married in every state. WOW. About time and just in time for the celebration today. To say that smiles were on everyone’s face would be an understatement–there was dancing in the streets, on the cars, in the bars, and one naked guy entertaining the crowd with his bagpipes. Crazy and fun to be sure!

Thom and I love the Seattle Storm, our WNBA team here that plays next door to us at Key Arena so we joined their contingent to spread the Storm love to the parade goers. The local women’s soccer team, Seattle Reign FC, also joined our group as we passed out boom sticks to the cheering crowd. As we neared Belltown and the boom supplies dwindled due to Thom making sure every child along the parade route got one, the water guns came out and the team mascot, Doppler, started drenching the delighted crowd on a thankfully cloudy day. “Spray me, spray me!” the crowd yelled and Doppler was glad to oblige.

Doppler and I shared a moment with our boom sticks!

The SeaFair Pirates were working the crowd as well as some amazing dancers wearing headpieces bigger than me. How on earth they were able to walk even a block is beyond me. I was impressed! Whether gliding along on rollerblades or walking the route in stiletto’s, the parade moved along briskly and I got in my 10,000 steps on my FitBit before it ended by the Seattle Center. Our church, First Church Seattle, was handing out cookies at the end of the route to all who had walked and provided communion as well-what’s not to love about a church like this! There was even a rock band cranking up the crowd.

Elaborate headpieces and shoes were the standard uniform.

Every major company in Seattle embraced the Pride and had huge company representation: Nordstrom’s, Boeing, Microsoft, Expedia, Amazon, etc. In front of our Storm crowd, the Café Vita, a local coffee roaster was throwing coffee into the crowd…how Seattle of them. Fresh roasted beans for all! What impressed me the most was the inclusion of all the families in the celebration. How wonderful that these kids will grow up knowing it’s okay to love and marry whomever you want. It’s all good. What a happy day!

Families and LOTS of kids enjoyed the diversity in the parade.

Family Vacations ROCK!

On June 21, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Family vacationLeave a comment

Thom is feeding Mia a native apple banana on the patio while James and Hannah are drinking pina coladas and, tired from all that pool time, taking a break out of the sun to watch Scrubs, a longtime fav that never gets old despite repeated viewings. Everyone is enjoying our final day of family vacation just hanging out. Damn. Time needs to stand still for just a while. What will we do when we can’t see our family especially Baby Mia every day???? Yes, family vacations do indeed ROCK but need to be more like two weeks or a whole summer instead of a puny week. We barely just got into our vacation rhythm–breakfast/beach/nap and repeat. How will I ever work a whole day again?? Of course, I do realize no work means no vacation so off I will go on Tuesday when we return but only under protest. Serious protest.

With two grown kids, a granddaughter now and everyone with busy, busy schedules working and going to school, we haven’t gone on a family vacation since Florida four years ago when Mike was newly dating Hannah and Mia wasn’t even a possibility thought about yet. Since then, Thom and I have lived in Seattle/NYC/Seattle/China/Seattle, James has graduated from college and is set to go to law school in the fall, and Hannah graduated from college, married Mike and had Mia-she’s been a busy girl! Mia just began walking last week and had us all running so hard we needed those multiple naps a day more than she did. Yikes!

With the dishwasher and laundry running non-stop to keep up, we ran to the beach, the pool, and cooked all that food we got at Costco after we landed on the Big Island. Somehow we were able to drink up all the booze we bought but the leftover food will hopefully be of benefit to the cleaning crew tomorrow when we leave. I hate to waste but goodness we bought a lot!

We found our home away from home on VRBO, which we also use to rent out our cottage in Boise. We have always had great luck, using VRBO places from Florida to Barcelona with great results. Our 3 br/3ba condo here was no different with lots of room for everyone, a view to die for from all windows but especially our master balcony and a pool that was perfect for baby Mia. The beach was just a short walk down the road where the surfers rode the waves and the snorkeling was the best on the island. Paradise found indeed!

At the last minute, I insisted on my own checked luggage and then ended up not wearing hardly any of what I packed. Next time, a carry on is all I need with shorts, bathing suit, flip flops. It never got cold and there was no nightlife on the Big Island so quiet nights at home needed very few wardrobe changes. Live and learn and always pack light. Really no need for the six pair of shoes I brought.

Siblings together again and enjoying ziplining over waterfalls

Tonight is our last night together and we are hoping for an awesome sunset. While there are always rain clouds over the middle hills of the island, the sun is usually shining by us on the beach side. Unfortunately, a few of us got a little too much sun despite repeated sunscreen applications. The weather woman talked about being burnt in just 10 minutes in this sun which is frightening. As a skin cancer survivor, I use SPF70 and move to the shade whenever possible. With Mia being a “ginger”, her momma put her in l/s swim shirts, large hats and sprayed liberally with sunscreen at every opportunity.

Though no one wanted to play euchre with me (Midwest card game I grew up on) or Scrabble with me, we may try to do another round of Cards Against Humanity again, though I usually need to look up in the urban dictionary some of the more crazy terms that everyone but me seems to know. WTF! Yes, I know that one. It’s weird playing this with my kids but they get a kick out of Mom’s responses so it’s a fun time.

Now, it’s on to Italy (Cinque Terri) in late September and planning for another family vacation back here in Hawaii next year. After all, Mia needs to run in the Keikei Run every year now and try to beat her record. She was so adorable trying to walk the 100 yard course with her mom and dad assisting as needed. They are putting her on a path of healthy habits. With her dad’s love of all things baseball and Mom’s expertise in swimming, tennis & soccer, I see sports in Mia’s future. I can’t wait! So, ALOHA for now as the sun sets on our family vacation. Mahalo to all and to all a good night!

Mia's first Keikei 100 yard run in Kona — Mia’s first Keikei 100 yard run in Kona

Waterfalls, wild pigs and zipping through the air with the greatest of ease!

On June 20, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Big Island, Family vacation, vacationLeave a comment

Hannah, James and I after ziplining by this gorgeous waterfall

The day ended well but boy did it start out rough. So bad, in fact, that we wondered if God really wanted us to zipline today at all with the obstacles we faced. I never give up, not now and not ever, and so when the cars stopped ahead of us and then started turning around on the two lane highway as we approached the Hilo side of the island for our big adventure, we groaned and followed the guy driving away who told us that there was an accident and the road would be closed for hours. Damn.

As we beat a hasty retreat north back through Waimea where we had just come from, Hannah got on with spotty cell coverage and, never giving up, talked persistently and politely with our tour group manager several times before they magically found a spot for us in a later outing, which we had to madly drive another two hours on the only other road to get to them. This road being one lane in spots with dead wild pigs lying by the side of the road-okay, only one dead pig but it was BIG! Bleak volcanic fields on either side of the lane, that poor pig didn’t make it out alive but we did, dodging wild drivers in our lane who obviously were new to driving and, with one minute to spare, the rest of our group already on the course, we signed away our lives on the liability release forms that none of us had time to read and, after a bumpy gut-wrenching trip over rutted dirt roads through fields of purple sweet potatoes and apple bananas, , we lined up and got ready to practice.

WP_20150619_14_09_19_Pro (2) — James zipped with style and finesse

Our kind guides, Corey and Phillip, instructed us in the proper way to hurl our bodies down through the forest without killing ourselves. Check. Ready. Set. Go. Since this was an “Eco Adventure”, our knowledgeable guides pointed out the local crops of ginger, pineapple, sweet potatoes, taro, and apple bananas, which we thankfully got to eat right off the trees since we didn’t have time to stop for lunch. Who knew that pineapples grew up on little cute bushes???

Waterfalls everywhere-thankfully didn't rain the day we zipped — Waterfalls everywhere-thankfully didn’t rain the day we zipped

The rest of our group hailed from the great State of Texas which became very apparent when the guides were discussing how locals liked to capture the wild pigs, more prevalent than people on the Big Island, and somehow gun control came up. Our Texas clan proceeded to excitedly share with the Hawaiian guides how easy it was to get “same day” guns in Texas at their local WalMart with very little background checks. No kidding. So happy that Thom didn’t come with us (bad back and all) because he would have never been able to hold his tongue and would have proceeded to throw the guy down the line for his remarks, which most would consider a tad insensitive (and just wrong on so many levels) given the innocent people recently killed in Charleston. Looking at my caring kids who were visibly biting their lips to hold back the opinions on gun control they longed to share, we took our turns and off we went to fly over the gorgeously green forests and valleys filled with waterfalls and rivers. Needless to say, we didn’t mingle with our Texas group much. Thank goodness.

Each of the seven lines got progressively longer until the final BIG one, almost 2/3 of a mile, where we went soaring by a huge waterfall too quickly for me to take it all in. What a fantastic way to experience the beautiful back country of Hawaii that most people never get to see. We are truly blessed. Aloha!

Enjoying Family Time on The Big Island

On June 17, 2015June 17, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Big Island, Family vacation, Hawaii, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

Best thing hands down about the Big Island… not the beaches or the palm trees. Nope, though they are nice and all. The very best most wonderful thing about the Big Island is my family being together again. How often do I get to spend a week in paradise with my grown kids who lead very busy lives??? Well, this is a first in the last few years as they pursued their college degrees–both are now college grads, Hallelujah!!!–and Hannah got married to Mike and gave us the magnificent Mia. How time flies by! With Thom and I moving between Seattle, NYC, Shanghai and back to Seattle and the kids’ busy schedules, we have only connected at the holidays, which are hectic and action-packed.

Thom and Mia exploring the great outdoors

This week the biggest decisions are: pool or beach? Pina Colada or Wine? Yep, that’s pretty much it. I had Facebooked that there was no one more in need of a vacation than me. My daughter countered that she was much more deserving than me, because not only did she work all day but then started Mom duty at night capped off with baby Mia doing her business while taking her bath. Okay, she wins. Hands down.

Getting to Hawaii from Boise and Seattle was no mean feat but after James graduated Sunday from Seattle University, we all took off on Monday, starting with Mia running us around the airport with her newly found walking skills. She was a joy on the flight, taking two naps and playing with all the other babies on the flight. After quaffing free Mai Tai’s (adults only)–thanks Alaska for the free booze–we found our new home for the next week in Kona, otherwise known as the sunny side of the Big Island. With water views from every window of the condo and everyone with their own bed/bath, we were ready to start relaxing. A workaholic, A Type for sure, I haven’t disconnected from work on a vacation in years. This week I unpinned my work email tile from my start screen and ignored the need to check in. They’ll manage without me and maybe even appreciate all I do even more with me not doing it. Maybe. In the meantime, I’m enjoying trying very hard NOT to think about work and concentrate on my lovely family and pool time, which Mia enjoys very much. Glad to see she is taking to the water and will probably be a great swimmer like her Mom.

So far we have walked to the snorkeling beach from our place a few times and had a close encounter with sea turtles, which I like from afar but really, really don’t like touching me in the surf. Icky!! They are large and have snapping, sharp teeth which I don’t want to encounter personally. I swear they were attracted to my sassy red toes–note to self, next time go for beige vs. red for the pedi if going to be in an ocean with animals who can chew. Thom said I screamed loud enough to be a tsnumai warning signal, which is probably a useful skill here on an island where those things happen. I think being called a “siren” is a good thing. Right?

Tomorrow we are off to a new beach in Waimea and later this week we will be zip lining down mountains and across waterfalls. That should be a good tale to tell! Aloha!

Lower Queen Anne is HAPPENING!

On May 25, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

Musical artists were featured all over Seattle Center in small and large venues..

Sorry you folks who live in the sleepy ‘burbs or, God forbid, in the country boonies because YOU. ARE. MISSING. IT. Yes, I am an urban snob. Seriously, I can walk out my door in Lower Queen Anne and be surrounded by crazy talented musicians at the Northwest Folk Festival or go up the block and attend The Seattle International Film Festival at the Uptown. DONE. As Thom quipped, Seattle forecast this weekend: Cloudy with 100% chance of aging hippies..all sporting too tight tie dye t-shirts and dreadlocks from another era. So fun to people watch!

Kids-this is NOT a pool, it's a fountain but, hey, I can smell the chlorine from far away so go for it! — Kids-this is NOT a pool, it’s a fountain but, hey, the chlorine smell is actually stronger here than the weed so go for it–probably healthier for you!

This weekend was particularly crazy in our hood with people streaming into town to enjoy the cultural overload–hippy dippy drum circles or serious foreign films, pierogies or elephant ears–pretty much everything could be had within a short walk. Of course, having all those food vendors was an absolute necessary for festival goers who pretty much got high just by being there among the clouds of weed drifting by. Yes, there were cops here and there and signs reminding folks that smoking grass in public is still not legal in Seattle. Really??? Could have fooled me but you put that much tie dye in one place and shit is bound to happen and does.

We walk the dogs through Seattle Center every day multiple times and they treat those lawns, where everyone is lying around this weekend, as their private toilet–note to future festival goers: you might want to bring a blanket next time or you will be in close contact with Izaak and Thor’s DNA. Lesson learned.

I love the Uptown... great place to grab a film at the SIFF. — I love the Uptown… great place to grab a film that is part of the SIFF.

The lines outside the Uptown theater speak to the great support that Seattleites give to the SIFF-a very well orchestrated film festival that goes on for weeks featuring indie films at venues all over town. I just wish I could go see Kevin Bacon in the flesh on Wednesday when he makes a special appearance to support his film showing. Damn-got to go cheer on the Sounders to a win instead. Too much good stuff going on to take part in!! We are rarely home and, when we are, I know we are missing out on something good. So, time to take to the streets and check out the remaining acts as the incense/tie dye/corn on the cob merchants wind down and pack up and move on to the next festival. Party on Lower Queen Anne!

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