Tropical Inspiration

I'm late in posting pictures of my trip to Puerto Rico, but I've been knitting furiously lately. It's hard to imagine that a tropical paradise could be such a great inspiration for wool sweaters, but it really was. The resort where I stayed was an old coconut plantation at the base of the El Yunque rainforest. The folliage was just magnificent--lush greenery and bursts of color at every turn. I've been thinking about how to incorporate these colors into a Puerto Rico-inspired sweater.  Can't wait to show you what I come up with!

A Different View of Hilton Head

Spent a lovely week on Hilton Head Island last week with my family.  Usually when I post about my trips to Hilton Head, I include a picture of one of the island's gorgeous beaches.  This time, I thought I would highlight something a little different: the amazing trees that cover the island.  Most of the trees are Lives Oaks, which some have characterized as the signature tree of the low country, and many are dripping with Spanish moss. 

The particular trees in these pictures are located in one of my favorite spots on Sea Pines, in a quiet clearing just off of the bike path connecting Harbor Town and Baynard Ruins.  It's one of my favorite spots to sit and read or just be.  The canopy of trees provides welcome shade from the South Carolina sun, and the birds chirping overhead create lovely background music.  

Don't get me wrong: I go to Hilton Head primarily for the great beaches, but the spectacular foliage--and these particular trees--are an added bonus.

Golf Tees and Fried Pickles

I mentioned in yesterday's homage to Fletch that one of my dear friends and I spent a girls' weekend in West Virginia last weekend. We had So Much Fun. We went to the Greenbrier, which in White Sulfur Springs--just past the Virginia line. If you've never been, it's a real experience.  Truth be told, it's more than a little bit too much Dorothy Draper for me, but the spa is amazing, the grounds are beautiful, the service is impeccable. 

While I was out running on Saturday morning, I came across this cool sculpture by the golf course that is (I think) new since our last trip a couple of years ago.  I took a picture of it because I was really struck by how UN-Greenbrier it is.  It's funky and asymmetrical (though the mismash of patterns is right on--if you've been there, you know what I mean!).  It turns out it's serious art, created by Dan Meyer, who is a well-known scultor.  Shows what I know!

Said friend and I are a perfect match in that we love going to little towns and checking out the local color there. (Lest you be confused, the Greenbrier is NOT West Virginia "local color").  Key to this mission is eating in local restaurants, particularly casual, family places.  We went to the Mason Jar Restaurant in downtown White Sulphur Springs (such as it is) and Oh-My-God, the fried pickles were sensational.  The best I've ever had (and I used to live in Memphis, so I've had a lot).  Dill pickle spears (not chips) with more than a hint of spice in the batter.  They were served with creamy ranch dressing and a bottle of hot sauce.  What a fantastic combination!  No joke, we talked about them all weekend.  Ironically, they didn't begin to compare to the fried pickles at the fancy Greenbrier.

Seriously, I want to go back to West Virginia just for the deep fried pickles.

Back from Dallas . . .

. . . and had a great time!  The weather on Saturday was gorgeous.  High 80s, and sunny.  The hotel had a gorgeous roof top pool, so I hung out there all afternoon soaking in the sun.

Then came Sunday, which was everything Saturday was not, at least as far as the weather goes.  It was cold (at times really cold), cloudy, and even drizzling on and off.  But the race was still tons of fun.  The course was beautiful, and it was a fun way to see Dallas.  I was really sorry about running another half marathon so soon after New Orleans, but I think I did ok.  Somewhere around mile 8, I started to hurt a lot, but it actually passed, and I finished really strong.  So I was really pleased overall.  I'd definitely do this one again!

BTW, I stayed at the Joule in Dallas.  If you're ever in town and looking for a place to stay, it's one of my favorites.  Very boutique-y, which really appeals to me.  Plus there's that gorgeous pool.  Check out this AMAZING shot of it here.

Having a Great Time, Wish You Were Here!

I arrived in Mexico without incident yesterday. These past few weeks have been particularly challenging for me, so I was positively giddy by the time the plane touched down at the prospect of a vacation. The airport was something of an overwhelming experience, but then I saw this outside my window. 

Countdown to New Orleans!

I leave tomorrow evening for New Orleans for my half marathon on Sunday.  I'm super-excited!  I've never been, and I'm generally itching for a reason to get out of D.C. for the weekend.  So this trip comes at a really good time (although it also requires me to run 13.1 miles, which I'm increasingly concerned that I'm ill prepared for!). 

My question for you all is: What shouldn't I miss?  Keep in mind that I won't have a car, but I'm staying in the French Quarter.  I won't have a huge amount of time, so a big day trip probably isn't on the agenda this time around.  Any suggestions for me?

All Aboard!

I've blogged before about how much I love taking the train.  Every time I'm in Union Station here in D.C., I think how much I like the huge posters on the wall advertising the various Amtrak routes and trains.  The artist behind these cool posters is Michael Schwab, and you've almost certainly seen his work around.  Think of the National Parks Services posters, the Lara Bar wrapper, California avocados.  The posters are for sale on his website, and while I'm not sure I would plan my whole decor around Amtrak, I think they could be really neat (as my dad would say) in the right space.  I love the old-timey look and the way they romanticize travel.  Who wants to go on a trip?

I'

Broadway Weekend

I'm back from a Broadway weekend in New York.  All in all, it was a lot of fun!  Saw a couple of good shows, got to cheer on the New York Marathon runners (albeit from afar), and enjoyed the fall weather.

Here's what we saw:

Time Stands Still: a drama starring Laura Linney as a photojournalist injured in Iraq and trying to cope with life back in the States.  A very intimate portrayal of a relationship in crisis.  Moving, thought-provoking, and humorous.  Loved it!

Rock of Ages: A silly juke-box musical of 80's songs, glorifying the hair bands of a few decades past.  Includes music by Journey, Pat Benetar, Poison, Bon Jovi, and so on.  The show won't win any Pullitzer prizes, but it was great fun for people like me who grew up on those songs!

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson: A rock musical about the life and times of our seventh president.  Parts of it seemed incredibly timely, and other parts were just crass and loud.  My mom HATED it, and I confess I wouldn't run out to see it again--though I did like the music a lot.  I suspect the star (Benjamin Walker) is headed for big things, and someday I'll be able to say that I saw him way back when. 

Hello From Vacation (and FREE SHIPPING while I'm gone)!

I'm back on Hilton Head--one of my favorite places in the whole world--for a week beaches, bike rides, and being lazy!  I couldn't be more excited.  The last few weeks have been so hectic that I haven't been able to catch my breath, so this trip comes at just the right time. 

As usual, I'm offering free shipping on all sweaters ordered while I'm gone.  In-stock sweaters will ship on September 20. 

A Little Bit of Magic

I spent this weekend at one of my favorite places on Earth--the Bedford Springs Resort  & Spa.  Tucked in the Laurel Highlands of South Central Pennsylvania, the resort has always seemed to be a little bit magical to me.

The resort dates to the beginning of the 19th century, when Bedford Springs was still the frontier.  Travelers would brave what was then the Wild West to visit this luxury resort and experience the mineral springs, which were hailed as "healing waters."  Numerous presidents and dignitaries stayed there, and President James Buchanan even called it his "summer White House."

By the late 20th century, the resort had closed and fallen into disrepair.  But a coalition of historians, architects, and builders undertook a meticulous renovation, restoring the resort to it's former glory (and beyond, with all of the modern conveniences one would expect at a top resort).

Today, Bedford Springs is just amazing.  There are gorgeous grounds and colorful gardens, hiking trails, a beautiful outdoor pool, big porches, a heavenly spa, and comfortable rooms.  And, perhaps best of all, there's a cozy fire pit where you can make s'mores at night!  One thing that I really like is that there are so many places to sit and read, think, dream, talk, or just take it all in.

There are also tons of historical pictures all over the resort, so you get a real feel for how it might have been to be a guest at the resort 150 years ago (petticoats and all!).  You can almost feel the ghosts of people who have stayed there walking and laughing in the halls.

The only bad thing about the weekend was that it had to end!  I'm counting the days until I can go back!!

To Cruise or Not to Cruise?

In keeping with my credo that I should always have a vacation planned, I'm starting to think about my September vacation.  Part of me wants to go back to Hilton Head, which is one of my favorite places on earth and has the advantage of being a known, reliable quantity.  But part of me thinks I should do something different. 

I've been thinking for a while about trying a cruise, but something keeps holding me back.  I worry a lot about being stuck on a boat with lots of people I don't know, but many of my friends who are seasoned cruisers tells me that the ships are so big that I shouldn't worry about feeling trapped.  And I also worry whether a cruise is the best use of my vacation dollars and time.  I'm not a big tour person--my idea of a perfect vacation is a beach chair, book, and fruity drink.  So I would likely choose the beach excusions at most destinations.  But is one beach really so different from another?  Should I just go to Florida instead?

And then if I do decide to go for it, how do I know what to book?  The whole Cruise Industry is overwhelming.  What cruise line?  What accomodations?  Do I have to eat dinner with people I don't know?

Have you been on a cruise?  Would you recommend it?  What should I know if I decide to plan a cruise?  Help!!!

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

A huge THANK YOU for all of your suggestions on how to spend my day in San Francisco.  I had a really great day and loved the city.  Although I barely scratched the surface of all San Francisco has to offer, I saw enough to make me want to go back.  Soon.

My picture of the Golden Gate isn't quite the same as the one a few posts below because the weather was at times uncooperative (but lovely other times), but I got to experience that authentic San Francisco fog!

As a bunch of you suggested, I made a beeline for Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, and browsed the shops and ate chowder.  I stopped for a long time to see the sea lions--not surprisingly, the sea lions were one of the highlights of the day!  (As with most animal attractions, I LOVED them!)

I also walked through Chinatown and spent some time people watching in Union Square (during one of those times when the weather was perfect).  I had dinner at a charming Italian restaurant near the Square.  It was a great day!  I fell asleep tired but happy, after looking out at the fantastic view of Union Square from my hotel room.

I think I may be back in Santa Clara again for work later this summer, and I may just stay over in San Francisco again so I can explore more of this great city.  There's so much more to see!

If You Had Only One Day in San Francisco . . .

What would you do?

I'm excited!  I'm leaving for Santa Clara today for work, and I'm going to stay an extra day so I can play in San Francisco.  I've been there a couple of times before, but always on business, so I've never gotten to see more than the little I can glimpse on my early morning runs.

I always say that when I travel somewhere new and/or fun for work, I should go early or stay late so I can experience the city, and somehow it never happens.  Usually the timing "just isn't quite right."  Well this time, this timing is right (partly because I've decided that it has to be right), so I should have most or all of Friday to explore.

Somehow, I think one day isn't nearly enough to experience this city that everyone raves about, but it's better than nothing.  So, the question for those of you who live in or near San Francisco or have visited in the past, is:  How would you spend the day?  What should I not miss?  I can't wait to hear your suggestions!  I'm counting on you!

Hello From Hilton Head!

Checking in from vacation.  So far, I'm having a wonderful, sun-drenched, relaxing vacation, which is just what the doctor ordered.  The weather early yesterday was a little bit of a bummer, but the sun came out late in the afternoon and I managed to make it to the beach.  Otherwise, the weather has been outstanding.  Today was a perfect beach day (see below): cloudless blue sky, low humidity, nice breeze. 

One thing I love about Hilton Head is that, as you can see, the beach is very quiet.  So I really feel like I can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this glorious place. 

My daily routine is something like this: wake up late; ride my bike to Harbor Town for breakfast; sit in the rocking chairs at Harbor Town, reading and watching the boats; ride my bike home; sit on the porch looking out at the ocean and check email, etc.; go to the beach; walk down the beach to the Beach Club for an ice cream sandwich; go out to dinner; lights out.  It's a rough life, but I think I could do this professionally!

Hope you're having a great week back in the real world!!

Sprint to Vacation

Do you ever feel like vacation just isn't worth all the effort it takes to get there?  I leave early Saturday morning for a week on Hilton Head with my family.  I'm super excited about it, and I know that once that plane touches down, all of the hassle will be worth it, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to make it!  My work to-do list keeps getting longer and longer--instead of shorter and shorter--and I have tons of meetings tomorrow and Friday, so I'm not sure how I'm supposed to be crossing things off that list.  Plus, I've given no thought to what I will pack, need to do loads and loads of laundry so I have something to pack, and have to go shopping for travel/beach essentials.  I also have to give a talk in Chicago the Tuesday after I get back, and I've given no thought at all to what I'm going to say, which is starting to stress me out more than a little bit.  At this point, I'm not sure how I'm going fit it all in.  On top of that, I'm really crossing my fingers that the swim suits I (just ordered yesterday) get here in time and look decent!

I'm hoping that in three days, when I'm lounging on a beach in sunny South Carolina, all of this stress will be forgotten . . .

Mid-South Vacation Recap

Well the trip to Memphis was as good as I hoped!  What a nice weekend--we had such a great time!

We left D.C. on Friday morning and got to our hotel by about 2pm.  We went straight to Rendezvous--one of Memphis's premier BBQ joints--for a late lunch, which was delicious as usual.  We bummed around town for a while and then went to a Redbirds game in the evening.  (I'm not a big sports fan, but I think Minor League baseball is really fun, and AutoZone Park is just so charming.)  The game was rained out, but it was fun while it lasted. 

Saturday morning started out pretty ominously, with thunder, lightning, rain, and fog.  We made our way to the federal courthouse, where we had a reunion party with the people we used to work with.   We talked and laughed and ate more BBQ.  By the time we wrapped up, the sun had come out and there was a light, pleasant breeze.  My best friend and I (that's her in the purple sweater in the lower right picture, and I'm in the green dress) got in the car and headed for Oxford, Mississippi.  

If it's possible, the weather got even more gorgeous as we drove further South.  By the time we got to Oxford, it was absolutely beautiful.  It was the Double Decker Festival, and everyone in Oxford was out, feeling festive. We walked around the Square, listened to music, and people-watched, until it was time for dinner at City Grocery, another of our favorites (the homemade whoopie pies for dessert were--in a word--amazing).  We spent a good hour at Square Books, one of the best bookstores in the world, browsing (and buying) before heading back to Memphis.  

On Sunday morning, we had brunch in downtown Memphis and then got ready to leave.  All in all, it was a perfect weekend. 

Unfortunately, all good things must end, and I came back from Memphis with a high fever, cough, and sore throat,  but I'm so grateful that my sickness didn't set in until the plane ride home.  So I'm at home today catching up on my daytime TV (and blogging!).

Memphis is Tomorrow!

You may remember a few weeks ago when I posted about having made plans to go to Memphis.  Well, Memphis is finally this weekend!  We leave tomorrow morning.  I can't remember the last time I've been this excited about a weekend out of town.  (Maybe it's because work has really been dragging lately, and I'm really just looking for a day off work!)

But notwithstanding the day off, I am genuinely excited about the trip for lots of reasons.  I loved living in Memphis, and I always enjoy getting to go back.  My apartment was on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River.  The picture on the left was the view from my front door--you just can't beat sunsets over the Mississippi as the scenery for an evening walk.  Mr. Bullet loved to play in the river (though he didn't smell so good when he came out.)

But I digress.  I'm also going with one of my best friends, who I travel really well with (and I don't travel well with a lot of people--I'm way too particular about things).  And the best thing is that on Saturday afternoon we're going to go to Oxford, Mississippi, which was one of our frequent destinations when we lived in Memphis.  I remember so fondly walking around the square, running through Ole Miss, and spending hours in Square Books.  The Double Decker Festival is this weekend in Oxford, and we have reservations at City Grocery, one of our favorite restaurants.   I'm so excited.

The only wildcard is the weather.  Right now the forecast shows storms on Saturday, but I'm optimistic that the sun will shine.

Once more:  I'm SO excited!!

The iPhone Way to Fly

I don't think it would be hyperbole to say that my iPhone has revolutionized my approach to air travel.  In the old days, I would lug a stack of books and magazines along with me and hope that the movie was worth watching.  But flying was still pretty tedious, especially for long cross-country flights.

But then I started downloading TV shows and movies to my iPhone.  And suddenly I had a way to pass long blocks of time in the air.  Occasionally, I rent movies to watch while I'm flying, but more often I download an entire season of a TV show and watch one episode after the next.  I love that because I don't have to wait a week between episodes, I don't have to suffer through cliff-hangers.  It's been a great way for me to indulge my obsession with TV without committing to watching new shows each week.  I've discovered Gossip Girl, Greek, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and Raising The Bar this way.  I'm currently working my way through the Good Wife (which is a great show), and I'm planning to watch Glee next.

I don't mean to suggest that my iPhone has made squeezing into a tiny seat with absolutely no legroom and no peanuts pleasant, but it's at least more pleasant than it used to be.  And the period of unpleasantness seems to go faster.

(The thought has crossed my mind that if travel is good with an iPhone, it would be really good with an iPad . . . )

"The most exciting National Championship . . ."

One of my friends who knows more about sports than I do proclaimed last night's game "one of the most exciting National Championships we'll see in our lifetime."  I suspect she's probably right.  About midway through the second half, she texted me to see if I was still there (because I had threatened to leave after 15 minutes), and indeed I was. 

The game was really, really fun!  The crowd in Lucas Oil Stadium was very pro-Butler (not surprising because we're in Indianapolis), and we all really wanted Butler to win, so the loss was a real heartbreaker.  But they put up a really good fight, and it was a real nail biter at the end.  Our seats were GREAT--about 30 rows back, so we could see everything, which was awesome.  I was really glad I got to go--what an experience!

The Ultimate Irony?

I am not a sports fan.  I am especially not a basketball fan.  I think the last basketball game I went to was in high school, so almost 20 years ago.  The only reason I know the difference between dribbling and traveling is because I have seen Fletch approximately 1.2 million times (I identify with Gail Stanwyck).

What's so ironic, you ask?  Well, it turns out that I'm going to the NCAA championship game tonight.  And we have really good tickets.  I'm in Indianapolis for business, and our client offered us tickets.  I couldn't say no, because I couldn't resist the opportunity to tell people that I'm going to the "Final Two."

I think I'll be cheering for Butler because I like to see the underdog win.  I'm actually kind of excited--I figure I'll stay for a good 15 minutes!