Well, it’s been several months since my birthday trip to the Pacific Northwest and I’m slowly getting caught up with editing photos and writing posts. Today, I introduce you to Steelhead Diner Chef Anthony Polizzi who was flattered when he saw my camera and demonstrated the proper way to shuck an oyster. (more…)
Boca Nut Found on Boca Grande, Florida
A refreshing breeze wafted over the Southwest Florida barrier island of Boca Grande this morning as I toured condo properties managed by Grande Island Vacations. The sky was slightly overcast and coupled with the breeze, kept this August day comfortable. (more…)
Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim Organizer Michael Haymans Shouts Out Instructions for 2010 Swim
Neither rain nor gray skies kept hundreds of patriotic swimmers away from the 19th Annual Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim today. They swam with colorful foam noodles, inner tubes shaped like turtles, swimming fins, and homemade floating devices contraptions. Organizer Michael Haymans shouted out instructions around 8:55 a.m. including asking the crowd whether they were up for the swim.
The Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim is not a race and is gloriously unorganized. Other than using common sense, there aren’t any other rules. For those wanting to exercise the right to experience “freedom” literally, they were instructed to swim to the sailboat with the red, white and blue sail to have their swim trunks run up the mast. Dozens of other boaters in kayaks, pontoon boats and motorized craft patrolled the water to offer support to the swimmers.
(more…)
Journeys have taken me through some parts of England yet, most of the country remains a mystery to me. My friends at HomeAway have asked me to explore their website for Brighton holiday rentals and share my findings in exchange for supporting my traveling habit. So away we go across the pond… (more…)
Walking Tour of Brooklyn with Context Travel
I’m back home absorbing everything learned and experienced during TBEX ‘10 in New York City. While everything ferments, following is a quick rundown of Sunday’s activities. Understand, I had intentions of posting this last night but figured I could use my sole free 90 minutes to catch a nap before heading to the airport.
And yes, this post goes against the storytelling philosophy by sharing my day’s activities but hey, at least I’m purging out something. So much to do, so little time… (more…)
TBEX '10 New York City
The alarm sounded too early this morning and think the same will happen tomorrow, but it was a good day in TBEX ‘10 world, especially once all attendees settled in their seats.
I learned quite a few things over the course of the day while other tips of advice were reinforcement. My struggle with blogging and taking the next level is investing the time and revisiting my marketing plan and purpose. I envy those married bloggers who can rely on another income to pursue their passion. I just need to find a way to press on. (more…)
You can’t call yourself a Floridian if you haven’t scalloped before. No, not “scalping” but the act of collecting scallops. This is one of the coolest – figuratively and literally – activities I have done and had the chance to do it last year in Citrus County, Fla. (You know, Homosassa Springs and Crystal River.) (more…)
Angel Headstone in New Orleans Cemetery
A few weeks ago I received an email from a reader stating she is interested in paranormal places to visit. I’m not an expert on the topic but do enjoy a good ghost story or two. Following is a short list of places, primarily in Florida, where I have participated on a ghost tour or did something related to the paranormal world. Hyperlinks either provide a review or my personal experience along with additional information on the particular destination and/or business. (more…)
Look down the sidewalk! He’s a bird, he’s a plane, no, he’s Electron Boy! During my trip to the Pacific Northwest last month one of the most amazing experiences I had was seeing superhero Electron Boy battle evil and save a group trapped in an elevator at the Seattle Space Needle when all I was expecting was a really groovy view of the city.
When not combating evil with the power of light and saving the world, Electron Boy is 13-year-old Erik Martin who is living with liver cancer and his lifelong wish of becoming a superhero came true because of the amazing work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you’re not familiar with what Make-A-Wish does, they enhance the lives of children living with life-threatening medical conditions by granting wishes. And when they grant the wish, the whole family is involved.
On April 29, hundreds of Bellevue and Seattle volunteers helped orchestrate Erik’s wish come true. They ranged from a professional soccer team to a police department and adoring fans to Spider-Man. Rather than regurgitate the entire story, the Seattle Times has a great recap (Local Boy with Cancer Turns into a Superhero for a Day) and Make-A-Wish has posted a video.
First full day of the 40th birthday getaway to the Pacific Northwest was devoted to exploring (and eating through) Portland, Ore. Thanks to TriMet’s MAX light rail system for FREE transportation (within certain zones) and saving my feet.
The morning started at Voodoo Doughnut (blog entry) and the day included a jaunt to find the 24-Hour Elvis Museum (blog entry). The rest of the girlie Saturday in Portland went a little like this…
Portland Farmers Market: Culinary Heaven
The Portland Farmers Market moves throughout the Rose City during the week but we were told Saturdays at Portland State University is the best. (more…)
