Christmas Wish list...so you have all had plenty of advanced notice

1. Copy of the Hunger Games.  I know I am behind.  Reading anything other than classic literature requires energy on my part, but I must read this one before the movie comes out March 23, 2012!

2. Passport for travel abroad.  {Travel wish list 2012 to come later, but considering London, Paris and Rome the top priorities. Suggestions appreciated.}  2011 has been a year of travel within the continental U.S., for 2012, I need to explore while I, or if, can.

Sweaters, Ralph Lauren, are always appreciated.

-CRS-

Halloween 2011

After visiting Salem, Massachusetts, I have a new appreciation for the history of events.  Honestly, witches scare me, I believe in ghosts, and before going trick or treating, I suggest watching the movie "Hocus Pocus."  Below is a little snippet of the movie...I put a spell on you...

Another excellent movie to understand what happened in Salem is the movie, "The Crucible." 

What are your Halloween traditions?

Grateful for history keepers, hoping we do not repeat mistakes from the past.

-CRS-

October Traveling

Last year Chippy's Ice Cream Parlor was open during October.  This year, because of schools changing to a balanced calendar instead of the traditional calendar, Chippy's closed early.  Teddy and I have decided to take our fall break to explore places we've never been, starting with New England.

Ready Teddy?

First things first, we have our own Vietnam vet navigating for us.  Always best to consult subject matter experts.

Michael Shepard, Navigating in Boston

After a self guided tour of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, the Freedom Trail and several shops along the way, we tried our luck in Salem.

Sweet Witches in Salem

Perfect fall weather graced our travel all week.  We learned about the Salem witch trials in the Witch museum, took the trolley tour all over town, and ate at a local eatery on the main thoroughfare through town.  Salem was the highlight of the trip for me, as it was filled with history, and art.  I have a new appreciation for Wiccans, although I am not a member.  Who could disagree with their philosophy of whatever you do comes back to you three times, and appreciation of nature?

Precious gratefullness to my dad for his company and land navigational skills.

-CRS-

Campfire Grille in Bridgton, Maine



Christina Shepard and My Michelle, preppy pink and green business chics



Over a much needed fall break, my dad and I explored Salem, Boston and Maine.  While in Maine, I was able to meet Facebook Friend Michelle, owner of Campfire Grille.  I always love to promote a great business, especially when one of the team members is a fellow female entreprenuer.  Female entreprenuers often lack mentorship.  Chippy's has survived three seasons.  Campfire Grille will survive their first year this February.

Turkey sandwich and corn chowder

My dad ordered the Mooseburger, and raved about it for the duration of the road trip (giggles).  I ordered a soup and sandwich, allowing me to try more of a variety of the menu.  Sorry, I had to take a bite before this pic, and I ate the pickle.  Michelle is a true food artist and venue coordinator, adore her!

Thank you to Michelle and her hubby Joel for all their hard, underappreciated work!!!!  And for my super cute pink t-shirt.

-CRS-

Washington, DC update

I left my beautiful garden during peak season for our family vacation celebrating the completion of Cubbie's freshman year.

"Da frat haus," also know as "the frat house," which is what I jocularly refer to our home as, was fortunate enough to meet Senator Richard Lugar (R) of Indiana while we were in Washington, DC.  Surprisingly, Senator Lugar was a Boy Scout, and he reached his Eagle Scout rank, very impressive.

One of the many sites we visited was the Vietnam wall, the reflection of the opaque black stone reminds us, it could have been anyone of us who died.  The death toll still has an impact on families today, not just in our country.

-CRS-

Washington, DC on Cardinal 50 via Amtrak

Hubbie has always wanted to take a train trip.  Over Memorial Day weekend (actually for about a week), we went to Washington, DC to catch the end of the cherry blossom season, visit our representatives and take cubbie and friend to the museums.  With lessons learned from this train trip, we may go to Chicago, or New York via train next time.

Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

-CSR-

Kentucky Derby

Every season the Kentucky Derby begins, I am booked.  I have never been.  One co-worker was shocked, I did not know about Preakness, hubbie does not think I would like it, but who could resist wearing one of those adorable hats?  So if you see me randomly in a Derby hat serving food for the Boy Scouts, realize it is because I have only one body, one life, and wish to be in several places at one time.

-CSR-

Grand Canyon

Hubbie, cubbie and I traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona and took the scenic route to the Grand Canyon, for a little pre-spring break.

The canyon, (Theodore) Roosevelt said, is "the one great sight which every American should see."

 

-CSR-

Dreaming of Spring Break

Hubbie calls this my doll farm, instead of farmville.  I am creating outfits to wear for Spring Break, the next highlight of my life.  I realize we have several important holidays between now and then, but nothing as fabulous as the warm sun and Atlantic beach.

CSR

Travel list for 2011

While there are still a few places on my list I can check off this year, most of these trips will have to be A.C. (after Christmas).

• Washington, DC
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Salem, Massachusetts
• New York City
• Wyoming- Yellowstone
• Chicago- museums
• Biltmore, North Carolina
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Bloomington, Indiana- We went to Oliver Winery over fall break and purchased the Creekbed Chardonnel 2009, very mild, and from the local vineyards. Followed up with a trip to Aver's pizza where we gorged ourselves on the Crimson and Cream pizza, made with an alfredo sauce, red potatoes and toppings comparable to potatoe skins. Of course, we went to 'Tis, the campus bookstore, bought Cubbie a graphing pencil with extra erasers and Indiana University t-shirts for the guys a bargain at 2 for $14.99.

• Vincennes, Indiana
• French Lick, Indiana
• Arizona- Grand Canyon State Park
• Maine

Most of these are within the United States, I have done enough international travel for a while. I will save those locations for a future posting.