Giggle

February in Manhattan

This past weekend I flew out to New York City with my sister-in-law, Dawn and mom & dad in law, Jim and Linda.  I had such a fantastic time! Before I get into the details of what we did and sharing some of the 533 photos I took, I first would like to say THANK YOU to Jim and Linda for essentially being my hosts while in Manhattan.  Everything was so wonderful - thank you so much for your generosity with the show tickets and everything!  I very much appreciated and I so enjoyed every aspect of the trip! Thanks!!

On Friday morning Dave dropped me off at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport. Dave was a bit nervous because I was only arriving one hour before the set departure time.  However, apparently LaGuardia airport or Delta likes to delay vacations and our flight departed two hours late.  Dawn and I hung out in the airport chatting about this and that; but mostly about the upcoming trip and what we'll do and see while there.

We finally arrived at Laguardia at 5:30 pm - prime Friday night rush hour. The Taxi ride took us longer than anticipated; but we still arrived in time to enjoy some fantastic sandwiches Linda picked up from the Deli around the corner before heading out to our 8pm Broadway show for the evening - Memphis.

We arrived at the Shubert theater 20 minutes early so we took a quick jaunt in the rain up to Times Square to check out the scene and snap a few photos.

Then it was time to walk back in the rain to the Shubert theater and settle in for Memphis. 

Walking back to the theater in the rain - I have drops of rain on my lens.

Memphis takes place in the underground dance clubs of segregated 1950's Tennessee where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with rock and roll and Felicia, a beautiful black singer.  Memphis is an original musical with explosive dancing, irresistible music and a wonderful story of fame and forbidden love. 

The show was FANTASTIC! The dancing and music were electrifying. I was dancing in my seat during the show.

(Photography is NOT ALLOWED in the Shubert Theater -- the above photos are from http://www.memphisthemusical.com/)  

When we left the theater we noticed a crowd gathering at the side door of the Shubert Theater. Then we heard a girl's shriek. Naturally we went to check it out and there were a two of the cast members signing autographs.

Crowd outside of the theater

Derrick Baskin - played the character of Gator

More members of the cast.

Linda, Dawn & Jim

Me & Dawn

Since the rain stopped we took the opportunity to walk back up to Times Square again and check out the scene.

9-Face with Go Daddy -- I have to say I did prefer it when Target dominated the NYC 9-face.

I liked the graphics

Shurbert Theatre again

Lion King Theater

More Times Square

Ed Sullivan Theater - Letterman was not taping when we were there so we just walked by the theater.

Then we walked back to our hotel from the Times Square/Broadway - 42nd Street to 76th Street just 34 short blocks. (I'm not being facetious here either - they were short blocks.) We stopped at the market/deli for some late night snacks then headed back to the room to turn in for the night and so ends day one of our trip.

Day Two

We started day two of our trip with some bagels and smear from the deli around the corner then headed downtown to the 9/11 Memorial. We took the subway downtown.  When we emerged from the subway I saw my first glimpse of the construction underway of the Freedom Towers.

Freedom Towers under construction

More construction photos

As you can see it is a very sunny morning. I should also point out it is about 38 F with steady 20 mph winds. It was a very COLD and BLUSTERY day in New York!

Fire Truck we saw along the street as we walked to the entrance of the 9/11 memorial.

It was a very cold walk and then we finally saw the sign...

We arrived on time at 10am for our entry into the memorial.  It is free to visit the 9/11 Memorial; however, you need to arrange for passes prior to your visit on the website. We waited in line outside of the temporary entrance as the main entry for the Memorial is still under construction.

Snapping photos of the Freedom Towers while waiting in line to enter the 9/11 Memorial

Signs along the wall while waiting to enter the Memorial

While standing in line waiting to enter the Memorial my eyes started to water from the wind and the cold. Then tears started to flow just thinking of the significance of the Memorial. The terrorist attacks and all the people that lost their lives -- then my brother Shawn went to Iraq with the Air National Guard directly because of these attacks.  My brothers friends Mike and Jordan were also in Iraq serving and fighting for our freedom. The tears were the mixture of feelings I was experiencing -- my brother and my brothers friends came home while I was about to see the names of many people that never made it home.

When we turned the corner we saw this building. The World Center Hotel. We thought we were about to enter the Memorial; but we were wrong. We first went through security - just like going through airport security only you didn't have to remove your shoes. Then we exited security and showed our passes no less than 5 more times. I do understand why all the security measures are in place but showing your pass you printed from the internet 10 times doesn't really make something more secure does it? Especially when you have 10 foot fencing on either side of you. But I digress...

Looking into the South Pool

South Pool

South Pool

I did not take any photos of the North Pool because it was turned off due to the high winds. The wind gusts were very severe at the North Pool evening blowing hats off of people's heads. Yikes!

However, it certainly looks beautiful outside doesn't it? Just remember - it was DAMN COLD!

We stopped at the 9/11 Visitor Center (glorified gift shop) before taking off for our next destination. Do remember that the 9/11 Memorial is still under construction so the museum and other buildings do not open until late spring/summer of 2012.

We left the 9/11 Memorial and walked into the wind 10-12 blocks down to Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. I lost count along the way.

This was my first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty - I saw her out of the corner of my eye. So I tried to capture the photo as I saw her.

We hopped on the FREE Staten Island Ferry for our ride over to Staten Island and back. I snapped MANY PHOTOS along the ride...

Staten Island Ferry Building.

Ellis Island

Miss Liberty

Can you see the LONG LINES of people? Now think of the 20-50mph wind gusts and you will know why I didn't venture to take the tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I'll save that for another trip.

Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Ferry

Miss Liberty standing tall

Statue of Liberty - you can see how windy it is by the flag and the white caps on the river.

Manhattan

Brooklyn Bridge (first bridge) and Manhattan Bridge behind

Manhattan

Then it was time for lunch.  We hailed a cab and headed over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood to try Grimaldi's Pizza.

Brooklyn Bridge

Our cabbie got lost along the way. OOPS! He was kind enough to stop the meter but we decided to walk the last few blocks instead.  We found Grimadli's just like we were told we would find it on Front Street UNDER the Brooklyn Bridge

(I didn't take this photo - found it on-line here.)

Another photo I didn't take - but wanted to include to remember. We stood in line for about 20 minutes waiting for a table. We found out later that was a SHORT wait. Typical lunch waits range from 45 minutes to two hours.

The pizza was outstanding!  Dawn and I ordered a small italian sausage and mushroom pizza to share. Jim and Linda ordered a Ham and mushroom (if memory serves). The pizza toppings were perfectly balanced with cheese, sauce, meat, mushrooms, and fresh basil.  The crust was cracker thin and amazing. I would stand in line for 2 hours to have this pizza again.  Hopefully I'll luck out again and only have to wait the 20 minutes we waited this time!  Even if I wait 10 years to go back to NYC Grimaldi's will still be there...it's THAT GOOD!

We said good-bye to Brooklyn and took a cab to midtown then got out and walked around and decided to walk through Grand Central Station.

Jim, Linda, Dawn and me

Jim, Linda, Dawn and me

Looking down into the gallery

Then we walked into Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Station and saw the Academy Awards...

Dawn on the red carpet

Dawn striking a pose on the red carpet

Michael Douglas' Academy Award for Wall Street

How they cast/make an Academy Award

Dawn thanking the Academy for her award

I received one as well.

I have to say Oscar is heavy. The award looks lighter than it actually is. Then it was time to say farewell to Grand Central Station.  We set out on foot and continued to explore the city.

Natural History Museum - we didn't go inside.

Chrysler Building

Random-- Mickey Mouse and Cookie Monster on the street

Rockefeller Plaza - ice rink

30 Rock - Ice Rink.

I did contemplate going Ice Skating however only so many people are allowed on the ice at one time so there is a wait. Then it was expensive - more than I wanted/desired to spend for ice skating! Granted it is NYC and it's all about the experience.

Dawn, Linda & Jim

Dawn and I

It was CrAzY on 5th Avenue the people were out in force to catch a glimpse of Cardinal Dolan

All the people on the sidewalks waiting to see Cardinal Dolan

St. Patrick's Cathedral - Newly promoted Cardinal Timothy Dolan led mass here on Saturday.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

All the police officers waiting...all the folks you see in this photo are police officers.

I think this is an episcopal church -- on 5th Avenue

Trump Tower on 5th Avenue.  This is the building the Apprentice is filmed in. One of Dave's favorite shows

Looking up at Trump Tower

Trump Tower's neighbor is the famous 5th Ave Tiffany's

Tiffany & Co

The Plaza Hotel

Fountain in front of Plaza Hotel - I'm sure it would be much more beautiful if the water were actually running

Dawn resting on a bench in the courtyard/plaza of the Plaza Hotel and Jim figuring out what our next course of action will be.

Central Park

Peeking through the trees at the buildings along Central Park

Temple Emanu~el - 5th Avenue

We continued to walk up 5th avenue in the blowing and blustery wind. Yes we are still on Saturday and it is still freaking cold and windy!  So we decide to duck inside and see the Frick Collection.

The Frick Mansion - photography was not allowed - this photo is from the website. Currently there is a Renoir exhibition at the Frick Mansion.

Umbrellas - Renoir

La Promenade - Renoir

After viewing the Frick Collection we decided it was time to hail a taxi and head back up to our home base of the Upper West Side to freshen up before dinner and our evening entertainment - Jersey Boys.

Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The story dramatizes the forming, rise and eventual break-up of the original four members of The Four Seasons. The musical is separated into four 'seasons', each narrated by a different member of the band. Act 1 comprises Spring (Tommy DeVito) & Summer (Bob Gaudio); Act 2 comprises Fall (Nick Massi) & Winter (Frankie Valli); each member has a different perspective on the band and his contribution to it.

While watching the show I couldn't help thinking that Dave would LOVE this show. And he would have sung the songs from the show for the next month - December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don't Cry, Sherry, Walk Like a Man, My Boyfriend's Back, Can't Take My Eyes off of You, and more.  

We all thoroughly enjoyed the jukebox musical! Jim and Linda kept playing down the tickets they purchased - back of the house. We were third row from the back of the theater but you would have never known it. I honestly don't think there is a bad seat in the house.  Well unless you were seated near the Jersey Boys SUPER FAN. She was seated in the front row - stage left. She couldn't stay in her seat - she was up dancing and gushing over the guys on the stage. The ushers were down there at least times making her sit in her seat again. It was fun to watch from the balcony; but I was glad we were not seated near her as it would have been distracting while trying to enjoy the show.

After the show we explored Times Square again.  This time we happened across the Sports Illustrated billboard so I snapped a shot for Dave.

Then we hopped on the Subway at the 50th Street Station which I've nicknamed the Alice in Wonderland station

50th Station mosaics

Other side of the station

Day 3

We all slept in on Sunday morning. Ahhh...nice! We grabbed a taxi outside of our hotel and headed to the Lower East side. We planned to start our morning at the Tenement Museum.

We arrived a touch early so we got out of the taxi a few blocks early and walked around looking at the architecture on the Lower East side.

Tammany Hall, also known as the Society of St. Tammany, the Sons of St. Tammany, or the Columbian Order, was a New York City political organization founded in 1786 and incorporated on May 12, 1789 as the Tammany Society. It was the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in controlling New York City and New York State politics and helping immigrants, most notably the Irish, rise up in American politics from the 1790s to the 1960s. It controlled Democratic Party nominations and patronage in Manhattan from the mayoral victory of Fernando Wood in 1854 through the election of John P. O'Brien in 1932. Tammany Hall was permanently weakened by the election of Fiorello La Guardia on a "fusion" ticket of Republicans, reform-minded Democrats, and independents in 1934, and, despite a brief resurgence in the 1950s, it ceased to exist in the 1960s.

After exploring the neighborhood we went into the Tenement Museum to meet up with our tour group.

Jim selected the tour: Irish Outsiders:

Our tour guide led us outside and we walked down the street to 97 Orchard street and began our tour.

Photography was not allowed in the building and I respected the rules. (Despite my great desire to snap a photo of these leather children's shoes in the corner of the room.) However, I DID find photos of the Irish apartment we saw on our tour on-line:

Irish Immigrant Kitchen

Parlor

I HIGHLY recommend visiting the Tenement Museum and taking one or two of their tours if you are a tourist in NYC. Especially if you love history.

Then we were off exploring the neighborhood headed to our next destination, Babycakes Bakery.

I saw this and HAD to take a photo to remember to look this up when I got home. Found them on facebook -- their internet site keeps timing out.

"Sterling, when we hit Manhattan, the city just rolled over on its back and purred." -Ken Kesey

We have been criss crossing the country for over a year!! Million Dollar Road Trip has covered over 60,000 miles and been to all 48 contiguous states (plus Hawaii). Now, we are hitting the streets of New York City!

Beginning in November, we will be living in the Airstream trailer in Manhattan for 100 days. During this 'Urban Trailer Living Experiment' we will be searching for great small businesses and entrepreneurs in the 'Big Apple.' We will be making new content, awarding more grants, and putting the Airstream in front of millions of people.

Want to find us? Follow us on Twitter (@MillionDollarRT) for our up to date locations.

Interesting to say the least! Not sure if this is THE airstream as their facebook page said they had left NYC when we were there; however here is a photo of the airstream on the street in the Lower East Side of NYC on 2/26/2012.

Dawn at Babycakes Bakery

Babycakes is a delightful bakery offering all-natural, organic and delicious alternatives free from the common allergens: wheat, gluten, dairy, and eggs. Dawn purchased a few goodies to try for herself and for her kids at home. I have to say the donuts and the cookie & creme sandwich she purchased and shared with all of us was simply Delish! NUM---MMMEEE!

Delicious Donut

Jim patiently waiting and inhaling the delightful smells of the bakery.

Then we were off again. Heading to our next destination -- LUNCH!

We continued to walk enjoying the neighborhood.  Walking through an old market and just taking in the sites, smells, and sounds of the lower east side. Then we rounded the corner and our lunch destination could be seen...

Yes, we headed to the legendary Katz's deli for lunch.  The home of "I'll have what she's having." Don't know what I'm talking about? It's a line from one of my favorite movies of all time:

When Harry Met Sally - Scene from Katz's Deli

I did not have what she had. (I was with my in-laws and sister-in-law after all...that may have been a bit awkward eh?) Instead I had a the most fabulous melt in your mouth pastrami sandwich I've ever had...

Not only was it delicious it was HUGE! My sandwich was the half a sandwich in the foreground, the other half is in the background on Dawn's plate. Thankfully I was able to share because it was much to large of a sandwich to eat the entire thing all by myself. Especially if I was going to have sour pickles too!  Jim - FANTASTIC idea! I have to give him all the kudos for this one! (Dad - you need to go here and partake in a pastrami on rye or sourdough. Goodness it's GOOD!!)

For dessert Dawn pulled out a scrumptious goodie from Babycakes to share:

It was CrAzY busy in the deli

But not too busy for workers to check out what horses to bet on at the races...

Then we were off to our next destination - Little Italy and Chinatown. But we were in no hurry so we took our time exploring as we went.

We stopped at Russ & Daughters and checked out the high end appetizers that the likes of Martha Stewart purchases for dinners and gatherings.

Then next door they sold Gelato...so we stopped.

I happened to turn around and caught a glimpse of the Empire State Building.

A building that was tagged.

Then we found Little Italy...

Loved the red fire escapes

So did Jim - he's telling to take a photo of the building with the red fire escapes here.

Busy street

Then the camera was put away and Dawn and I hit the shoppes and shopped our way through Little Italy and Chinatown. We were even told of a secret room behind the mirror where we could purchase Coach, Michael Kohrs and so forth.  We didn't go in the back room. I asked one of the sales ladies in that store if they had Kate Spade in the back room ~ nope. Oh well!

We met up with Jim at the end of the street at a park in Chinatown.

Locals singing in the park

This was as close as I could get - notice the sheet music. It's in Chinese. (duh - of course it is...but I thought it looked pretty.)

Lots of game playing and gambling going on in the park as well

Cards and chips -- no idea what they are playing.

Linda and Dawn - Chinatown

A Chinese store

Linda and Dawn - we stopped for Dim Sum and tea in Chinatown to warm up and rest our feet. 

Then we parted ways for the evening. Jim and Linda went to see Million Dollar Quartet and Dawn and I continued to shop...

then our feet were getting tired and our wallets were getting empty so it was time to leave Chinatown and head up to the Empire State Building

Empire State Building Observation Deck

Sunset at the top of the Empire State Building

The sun is almost set and gone for the evening...

Not a great photo - but can you find the Statue of Liberty?

Dusk at the Empire State Building

Humm....I wonder where Times Square is?

Brightness of Times Square shining up

My best shot of the Chrysler building at night

This one isn't too bad of the Chrysler Building

Looking down at the Ice skating Rink

The actual view through the grates.

Dawn at the top of the Empire State Building. I took this photo a bit early before she had a chance to smile...but the photo where she's smiling...

is a bit blurry! GRRR!!!  I'm kicking myself for not taking a few more photos...but we were tired and ready to drink wine and relax before dinner.

Me at the Top of the Empire State building with wind blown hair and all my make-up gone from the day of being in the wind and cold.

Dawn in the lobby of the Empire State Building

Then it was time to hop the red line back to the Upper West Side. We stopped for some wine then kicked our feet up and relaxed until we met Jim and Linda for a late dinner. We had a carefree, cheery, gay evening.

Day 4

Our last day in Manhattan and it was BEAUTIFUL outside. It was 50 and sunny with only a slight breeze in the air. Much different than our previous few days. Our plan was to explore Central Park and then go to MoMa. But I couldn't bring myself to go INSIDE on such a glorious day!

But before we could wander through Central Park we needed to complete some business first. While in Chinatown the day prior Dawn and I each purchased perfume. Dawn also purchased some agave nectar. Well we both planned to do carry-on no checking luggage to avoid the $25.00 checked bag fee.  Well we couldn't carry on our purchased items. DOH! So we found a post office and mailed our perfume and the agave nectar home. Dilemma solved!

Photos of the Upper West side as we walked to the post office...

Fire Station

I took this photo because it reminded me of an old Tgt coworker that would like to open a bar here in the Twin Cities.

Our Hotel -- I didn't take a straight on shot as part of it was under renovation

Iron work

Mother and Daughter walking

Upper West Side Brownstones

Upper West Side Brownstones

Completely Random....UHAUL - with Alexandria MN on the side...

Daffodils in Central Park

Snowdrops in Central Park

Crocus in Central Park

Belveder Castle

Dawn and Linda

Bethesda Terrace -- looking towards the lake

Bethesda Terrace -- looking towards Bethesda Terrace Arcades

Linda and Dawn - Bethesda Terrace Arcades

Linda and Dawn - Bethesda Terrace Arcades

Ceiling tile work in Bethesda Terrace Arcades

Central Park

Saxophone player in Central Park

Central Park

Flowers in the grass

Linda and Dawn walking

Drinking fountain - "Wallace Walk"

Clock outside of Central Park Children's Zoo

Then we said good-bye to Central Park and walked over to MoMa

Walking towards Radio City

Right after seeing these we saw our celebrity sighting - Biff Henderson the stage manager from the Letterman show

Our last stop - downtown. MoMa. I went into the museum store and picked up a few things. Then we hopped in a taxi and drove back up to the Upper West Side. We had lunch at the Shake Shack. NUM! Fantastic Shake! Then it was time to go back to the hotel to pick up our bags, hop in our town car and head to LaGuardia and then Minneapolis, MN. 

It was a FANTASTIC Trip! I had a wonderful time with Jim, Linda and Dawn. When we were leaving Linda said - same time, same place next year. Dawn and I looked at each other and said SURE! *Giggle* Although - I think if they all go next year it will need to be Dave's turn to go instead.

Thanks for reading this 4130 word post and viewing 204 photos of 533 I took on this trip. :)

Door County Day 2

We started our last day in Door County at Fall Fest in Sister Bay.  We checked out the art/craft stalls where we found a fun polar fleece hat & mittens for Zach.  I found a fantastic fall colors painting of maples and birches that I passed on and am now am regretting that I didn't make that purchase. Oh well...too late now! We did all the typical Sister Bay things with Zach, stopping at Al Johnson's to look at the goats.

We had lunch in Sister Bay then it was time to hop back in the truck and head back to Egg Harbor for Zach's nap.  Zach fell asleep in the truck so instead of heading back to the condo we drove around and took some fall photos.

 

Then Zach woke up from his nap. We stopped to explore Egg Harbor then went back to the condo for dinner and swimming.

Zach all smiles in the pool now!

Looking up in the skylight.  It acted like a mirror, as you can see Zach thought this was pretty cool.

Paddle those arms and kick those legs!

Zach enjoying swimming

Door County Evening 1

After the naptime and get up from naptime routine was completed we were off in the car again. This time we headed for Stone's Throw Winery. Stone's Throw is my favorite winery and has some of the best wines made in Door County in my opinion.  My second favorite is Simon Creek Winery. Anywhoooo....I tasted a few wines while Dave chased Zach around the tasting room. I was very happy to see they brought Grandma's Barrel back so we left with three bottles of Grandma's Barrel and three other varieties. Then we were going to go to Simon Creek Winery but got sidetracked by a park in Jacksonport. We let Zach run around and play on the playground.

We played on the jungle gyms climbing up high and sliding down the slide,

Zach went for a turn on the merry-go-round (but didn't like it and said, "no! no!"),

Then he rode a bouncy Zebra and went for a swing. After all of that we walked down to the shores of Lake Michigan because Zach wanted to try see fishies again.

It was VERY COLD with the wind coming off the lake so we didn't make it very close to the water.  But we looked at an anchor and ran lots!

Then it was time to head home and make pasta for dinner and then go for a swim in the pool.

Daddy Dave found two toys in a bin at the pool a ball and a fish. Zach loves fishies right now from watching Finding Nemo.  We thought he would think the big angle fish with the tail that wiggles was pretty cool. Nope. Zach was afraid of the fish and wanted it out of the water. We swam for another 30 minutes and Zach finally warmed up to the fish and was giving the angel fish kisses. Nope I didn't bring my camera....no photos.  Just use your imagination. :o) When it time to go back to the condo Zach didn't want to leave the pool Here just a few weeks ago he was scared to swim in the pool and now you can't get him out of the pool.  This is a change we like!!

Tomorrow we'll be going to Sister Bay for the Fall Festival.

Door County Day 1

Zach woke up at 4:30 a.m. but we managed to convince him that it was still night time so back to sleep for another four hours for all of us. Yeah! After showers and a breakfast of waffles and strawberries we were all out the door. 

We started our morning of shopping at a little toy store in Fish Creek. Zach had so much fun running around the store looking at the toys and stuffed animals that he cried and ran away when it was time to leave. When Dave caught Zach he picked up the slithering sack of spaghetti out of the store. Poor Zach.  In the car we showed Zach how to use his magic microphone and he was happy again.  We continued on towards Sister Bay. We had to make the one stop we always make when in Door County, the Tannebaum.  A beautiful store of Christmas ornaments.  As I collect Christmas Ornaments of all shapes and sizes this is a store that can not be missed! However, this time I was unable to spend the hour in the store I normally spend.  I was done in 15 minutes as Zach's little hands could have cost us more than we were willing to spend. Not a store for little hands.

We made our way back to Ephriam while singing "Zachary Hated Bumblebees". The song is magic - Zach hears his name and stops crying. *giggle*  We stopped at Anderson 
Dock to look at boats and fishies.  Believe it or not we did see fish in the water and there were a few smaller boats docked at Anderson dock. Unfortunately the Anderson Dock Gallery was not open.  Zach ran around looking in the water for fish as I snapped away taking photos.  

Anderson Dock

 

Zach @ Anderson Dock

Fish in the water @ Anderson Dock

Dave and Zach exploring Anderson Dock

Dave & Zach @ Anderson Dock

Dave & Zach looking at fish in the water below

Zach showing me where the boats are

After Anderson Dock we headed inland to the junction of Co Rd E and Co Rd A for some lunch.  If you are familiar with Door County you know already where we had lunch.  For those who are not familiar with Door County we ate lunch at PC Junction.  We sat at the counter (which is made up of old doors - door knobs still intact) with Zach.  Zach sat in a special high booster stool and daddy Dave and I flanking his right and left on our own stools. Then Zach heard a train whistle blow and out of the kitchen a model train came chugging along the track around the counter delivering sandwiches to a family at the end of the counter. Zach stared WIDE EYED in AMAZEMENT then excitedly said, "CHOO-CHOO!!" Dave and I could not help but chuckle and say, "Yes a train!" We ordered our lunch and our drinks arrived first by train then our sandwiches arrived soon after.  Zach would watch and wait for the train to depart the kitchen to deliver drinks and food to other patrons. The best part was when the counter was full of families with lots of little kids and the server put two little machines on the flatbed cars of the train.  As the train left the kitchen he turned the machines on and suddenly the train was chugging along the county with two bubble machines churning out bubbles enveloping everyone at the counter in bubbles. Excitedly Zach told us he saw "Bubbles"! "choo-choo!" "Bubbles!" "caboose!" "Bubbles!"  Zach said, "buh-bye choo-choos" and we headed back to the condo for nap time. Both Zach and Daddy Dave took a nice long nap while I finished the book, "the Lost Symbol" curled up on the sofa.

I now hear movement in the loft and both boys are awake from their naps.  Time to go out and have more fun!

Ciao!

Freshened from Florida

Our trip to Florida was a nice, fun, warm and RELAXING trip! And I'm finally getting around to blogging about it so I can share what we did with all of you! (Okay, and for cutting and pasting into my scrapbook for later purposes when I finally get around to scrap-booking this trip!)

We left on Saturday, March 21 and flew 1,469 miles from Minneapolis to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida arriving around 11:30pm. Before we left we purchased a GPS for the trip, which ended up being a very good thing. Okay, so I admit that I was rather touchy (okay - crabby) when we were trying to figure out how the GPS worked as we were driving from the airport to the condo. No, we didn't' look at the directions during our flight, which would have been a good thing to do. So I was trying to figure out the GPS while also reading the printed directions at the same time, not a good thing for the tired navigator (aka Megan) to be doing. But we made it to the condo to check in.  While Dave was checking in I looked at the brochures.  The office needed our license plate number so I went out to write it down. Meanwhile, a guy was pushing his black Grand Prix into the parking lot. I asked if he needed help.  He replied, "No, honey I think I have it. I just need to push her into that spot there," pointing with his index finger and flicking his hand up and down to the two open spots next to our rental car.  He made it, than sat down in his car to rest.  His car started to roll and he shrieked!  I yelled, "PULL YOUR EMERGENCY BRAKE!"  He did and the car stopped.  He got out of his car and wiped his brow and said, "thanks honey, you're a doll! Now I need a breather and a cocktail!"  We laughed. He asked if we would be able to get our car out, I said we would be fine and I returned to the rental office.  He was still there when we came out of the office.  I walked over to him and asked if he needed help again as he was turning the key and trying to get the car to start.  His lights were on so it wasn't his battery.  I told him it may be his alternator.  "DAMN! Oh I'm sorry pardon my language" he replied.  As I was walking away to get into our car with Dave, I replied, "well you are from New York, you could have said worse!" He laughed, "true, true! Thanks again." 

We stayed in a condo at the Vacation Village in Weston, FL.  It was listed as a studio but it was more like an Embassy Suites type room. It was nice!  (Thanks Jim & Linda!) I was planning to take photos of the room; but I never did.  OOPS! Perhaps it's because we really didn't spend too much time there other than sleeping and a few evenings swimming in the pools.

Sunday, March 22 we slept in...ahhh!  Something we're not able to do together because Zach is normally up by 8-8:30 on the weekends.  So we enjoyed cuddling and sleeping in - LATE. We went out for breakfast at this little diner, Bagelmania. It was packed, full of New Yorkers, and probably a few from New Jersey too. *giggle* Food was good.  After a little Publix shopping to stock the condo we headed to the Ft. Lauderdale beach.

We started at Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area. We strolled along a tropical nature trail, the last remnants of the original Fort Lauderdal coastline. Here is Dave along the trail. The vegetation was lush and thick.  You almost felt like you were out of the big city, except you could hear the cars driving along Sunset Blvd and A1A which bordered two sides of the park. Here are a few more shots along our twenty minute walk.

This is part of the inter-coastal waterway.  The untouched inter-coastal waterway. Most of the inter-coastal waterway is built up with HUGE homes, more about that later.

 

This is a Banyan tree up close.

The nature trail was teeming with these little lizards.  We would see them up ahead of us basking in the sun and as we walked closer they would scurry away.  I happened to catch this one before he ran away thanks to my fast digital SLR camera!

It was then time to take the tunnel from Hugh Taylor Birch Recreation Area under A1A and head to the beach! (If you plan to go to Fort Lauderdale Beach, park at Hugh Taylor Birch. It is only $4.00 for the day per car for full day access to the recreation center and a very short walk to the tunnel under A1A to Fort Lauderdale beach. Much better than trying to find parking at a meter along A1A!)

We opted not to bring our swim suits for our trip to Fort Lauderdale Beach, walking along the shore barefoot in the sand and wading in the warm Atlantic Ocean instead.  While taking in the sites, sounds and smells we met a gentleman from Quebec. He asked where we were from and during the course of our short conversation we learned he worked for a company that did business in Duluth, MN. Small world, that's my hometown. Dave joked with him said there are a lot of "je me souviens" around Fort Lauderdale. ("Je Me Souviens" is the slogan on the Quebec license plate.  For those of you interested, "Je me Souviens" means "I remember") The man was very nice and sociable. Dave inquired recommendations for where to eat in Fort Lauderdale.  He gave us three options, Catfish Dewey's, The Rustic Inn Crab House, and Cap's.  We said our good-bye's and continued our walk along the beach.

  That evening we went to Catfish Dewey's for dinner. Not only was the food excellent, there was a ton of it AND it was very inexpensive!  If I hadn't gotten a strawberry shortcake frozen drink it would have been a very cheap dinner! *giggle*  But it's vacation you have to indulge in alcoholic beverages right?!

Monday AND Tuesday were spent watching baseball.  We went to two MN Twins spring training baseball games during our week in Florida and neither of them were in the Ft. Lauderdale area where we stayed.

On Monday, March 23 we drove about 124 miles one way (248 miles round trip) through Alligator Alley to Ft. Myers, FL for our first Twins game. (Thanks to TGT for the FREE tickets!!)

We arrived there early to check out the Twins spring training facility and Hammond Field as it was our first time.  Some of you may remember our previous trip to Florida we saw the Twins play during Spring Training - but we went to an away game at the Pirates stadium in Bradenton, Florida.

Dave outside of Hammond Field

...and Megan outside of Hammond field

Denard Span being interviewed

Dave tried to get some autographs... here he is trying to get Denard Span's autograph. He stopped over to give autographs after his interview. Too bad the cute girls showed up, Dave shouldn't have been so nice to the kiddies and let them go first. (I'm kidding folks!) 

Then it was time to go into the ballpark and check things out.

I took the above photo from our seats. We sat in section 110 row 10 seats 1 and 2 (which are next to section 109). I was not expecting such great free seats at such short notice. We received confirmation of receiving the seats from the Twins/Target the day before we left.

We said a big HELLO to Matt & Sarah (and their friends: Dave, Amy, Zach and Angela) who were also at the game and staying in Ft. Myers for the week for some sun, baseball and the beach.  We all hung out before the game trying to get a few autographs - well they were trying I was taking photos.  Here are a few pregame photos of the Twins stretching and warming up:

Catcher Mike Redmond (Joe Mauer wasn't there due to an injury)

Justin Morneau practicing a few swings

Nick Punto running some sprints

Michael Cuddyer stretching

Couldn't resisting taking a butt shot...

Michael Cuddyer doing some leg lifts and sit-ups

Then it was time to throw out the first pitch of the game.  The first pitch was thrown out by Tony Oliva.

Then he signed autographs, but unfortunately we were not in the right place at the right time. (DANG!)

Then it was time for the game to begin.  Dave and returned to our seats and we watched the game. Here are a few photos during the game:

At Matt Tolbert's first time at bat he broke his bat.  The large piece went flying into the seats. (Section 114 or 115 - see above)

Here is Justin Morneau taking off after hitting his home run.  He brought in Casella too.

And here they are celebrating the home run!

Here is Jason Kubel at bat. (Hey I'm getting better at shooting through the net!)

We watched the TWINS WIN from our individual sections.  We hung around for a bit after the game. Matt & Sarah's friend Dave was able to get Brian Buscher's autograph:

Look at that smile on Dave's face!

Here are Dave and I.  I should of checked the photo...oops!  Dave isn't smiling here. Oh well.

We all headed out to Shoeless Joe's for from drinks & eats following the game. (Nice to see you Matt & Sarah!)

On Tuesday, March 24 we drove 78 miles one way (more on the return trip because we took the scenic route back) to Jupiter, FL for the Twins vs. Marlins game. We got to the park early and watched the Twins warm up. (That's us with the Twins warming up in the background).  Again I took LOTS of photos.

But, that's not how the day started.  Our day started hanging around OUTSIDE of the stadium watching the players walk in.  Dave was hoping for an autograph or two. Alas, the bus was late getting in so the players were more concerned with getting on the field to warm up than to speak to the handful of Twins fans (six of us) waiting by the back gate to the field.

#25 is Alexi Casilla - #44...not sure...

#25 Alexi Casilla again - #21 is Delman Young

#23 Brendan Harris

We soon realized that they were down to business and weren't going to give us the time of day. Which I understand they had to get to work and get warmed up.  Besides, I don't have people yelling "Hey Megan can I have your autograph...come on...just one!! It'll only take a moment" while I am running and trying to pull together marketing review.  Then again, I don't make over $1 million dollars a year, nor is my job based on my adoring fans paying to see me play in this economy either.  Maybe I should have yelled that out to them...naw...

After a quick picnic lunch we packed, we entered Roger Dean Stadium.

Isn't there something magical about palm trees next to baseball stadiums in March? I think so!

My excited, "14 again" husband excited to get inside and get some autographs from the players.

Twins warming up...

I took lots of photos of the twins warming up and during the game, but I think I've posted enough baseball photos in this entry. The Twins stomped the Mariners!  What a great way for us to start out our baseball season - two wins right in a row.

After the game we drove north to the Jupiter Inlet lighthouse where I snapped a few photos.  We weren't able to tour the lighthouse because we missed joining the final tour for the day. Access to the lighthouse and the grounds were not permitted, they had everything fenced off.  But I was able to snap some great photos by walking into the inter-coastal waterway beyond the fence in the water.

This lighthouse used to be painted a bright red.  But they cleaned the bricks bringing out the natural red brick.  Beautiful isn't it?  I have a thing for lighthouses...always have.

We then drove south along the A1A to Palm Beach.  We parked the car and walked along Worth Avenue (a.k.a "the avenue" to the locals) window shopping in stores such with the names of Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Tiffany & Co, Juicy Couture, Neiman Marcus, Valentino, Cartier, Escada...you get the idea. Let's not forget all the SIX Bentleys and TWO Rolls Royces parked along the "AVENUE" as well. 

After taking in Worth Avenue where your personal worth better be in the  7-figures in order to shop there on a regular basis, we headed

to Ocean Blvd (aka A1A) crossing the street to see how the beach looked in Palm Beach.  It looked the same as it did in Fort Lauderdale only the water was more turquoise blue in Palm Beach - but that could have been the lighting and time of day. *giggle* Then we hopped back in the car and drove through town to look at the homes...errr mansions. WOW!  We kept driving until we reached Boca Rotan where we stopped for dinner at this FABULOUS coal fired pizza restaurant.  NUMMMM-MMEEEEEE!

Wednesday...we slept in just a tad.  We couldn't sleep in too late because Wednesday was our Miami and South Beach day!

We found a parking ramp in the heart of the Art Deco area of  South Miami Beach.  Beautiful architecture and colors that you would only see in warm climates...lemon yellow, turquoise, aqua green, peach, and so forth.

As we were walking across the street we took in the scene.  There under a cluster of palm trees there was a photographer and his crew shooting a model in a bikini, there was a man selling coconuts that he must have either gathered from the ground or climbed up the tree and cut down...I'm thinking the former...and cutting open and adding rum to it selling them as 'coco-coladas'. He was singing a song that was actually quite good.

Considering it was a Wednesday and about 11am when we reached Miami beach it was just as busy as I expected it to be. As we approached the beach all the sand dunes were fenced off to protect them from people. You can get the feeling from this photo. The beach closest to the sand dunes was very hard.  So hard you could drive vehicles along it without sinking at all. My favorite part as we walked onto the beach were all the blue umbrellas...

The water here was bright turquoise blue.  We walked along the beach taking it all in.  Dave was looking for naked boobies but didn't see any. 

We walked all the way down to those tall buildings you see down the beach. That's where we headed inland to walk back to check out all the art deco architecture that we missed while walking the beach.

One thing I do not like about south beach is that you need to walk through the side walk cafes with the host/hostess throwing menus in your face and saying, "everything is 50% menu price." It felt like you were walking right through the cafe.  We did end up having a snack at one of the cafes.  We were seated next to this group of four good looking black men.  One of the men in the group must have been famous because many guys that walked by were excited to see him.  NO IDEA who he is/was...oh well!

We left the South Beach (Miami Beach) area and headed over to the area of Miami called, Little Havana. If we would have known that is was very similar to St. Paul's West side we would have skipped this.  Not too exciting - just a cuban neighborhood.  Maybe we shouldn't have been expecting more.

Saying good-bye to Little Havana we made our way to Key Biscayne.  If we had been watching more TV and actually paying more attention to the local news we would have been aware that it was the first day of the Sony Ericsson Tennis Tournament.  So there was A LOT of traffic.  But once we passed the club where it is held we were on open road. Some of you may be thinking...no the Sony-Ericsson Tennis Tournament happens in Miami.  Nope, it's actually on a little island (key) called Key Biscayne.  (Read here to find out how one resident feels about this...*giggle*) 

We arrived at Bill Baggs Park on Key Biscayne about an hour and a half before dusk. Not much time to see the park, beach, and the Cape Florida lighthouse BUT we got a discount on the entry fee to the park - because it closed at dusk! *giggle* (That was not our objective by the way.) I was able to take some great photos of the Cape Florida Lighthouse...

 

After taking a few shots of the light house we went to the other side of the key to catch the sunset.  Normally you only get sunrises on the Atlantic coast of Florida but because we were on the key we were able to catch a sunset.

The tall buildings in the distance are the Miami skyscrapers.

My last sunset shot, just as the park was closing.

As we were heading back to the car I saw something moving on the ground in my peripheral vision.  When I turned around I saw this...

A racoon! Almost felt like being back home in Minnesota! Well except for the palm trees and the fact that it was 70.

Thursday....

Thursday morning we slept in again....ahh refreshing.  It's nice to have a laid back vacation. *giggle* We spent our afternoon cruising the New River.

Nestled in the heart of downtown in the city of Ft. Lauderdale's Riverwalk area is a small park area offering a contrast to tall, glass office towers and lovely shade trees lining the picturesque New River. Grassy picnic areas and copper-topped pavilions complete the view.  Just across from this park is where we found our riverboat.  We arrived about an hour early, so we walked along the famous Las Olas Boulevard, known for its shops, galleries, fine restaurants and cafes. Then we walked back to the dock and boarded the riverboat. Our 2-hour cruise along the New River was fun!  It was fun to look at all the huge multi-million houses along the river.  Of course I took photos! Here are a few:

This is the Historic Stranahan House - it's the oldest house in Ft. Lauderdale along the New River that has not been moved from its' original location.

This was the home of the "six-million dollar man" - Lee Majors.  He lived here until his wife had Faucet troubles, Faucet as in Farah Faucet.  Hey, that's not my line but the guy giving the tour on the boat.

This "small abode" is the summer home for the owner of Kohl's (which is based in Milwaukee).  Apparently all those sales they have there pay off well.  His boat yacht is normally parked out front so you can't see the mansion.

This is the Utopia, a Feadship Yacht.  Feadships are made-to-order yachts. However, this one is different.  The original millionaire/billionaire that commissioned it to be built ran out of money to complete it.  Normally with a Feadship they destroy it instead of finishing it, but the company used its' own money to complete the building.  Then they brought it to the boat show (If I remember correctly, the Ft. Lauderdale boat show is the largest in the world according to the captain.). As there is normally a 6-year waiting list for a Feadship all the millionaire/billionaires at the boat show could buy a Feadship and have INSTANT GRATIFICATION, something most of us love.  I looked up the Utopia on the internet and apparently this Yacht is available for charter.  It's only 450,000-475,000 EUROS per WEEK + expenses, i.e. captain, staff, fuel. Anyone want to go in on it for next year?! *LOL*

Docked next to the Feadship was this beauty.

Then this boat passed by us...

a carcharias - the captain of our boat could not stop gushing about this sleek, sliver beauty.

This mansion is nicknamed "The White House" because of its Jeffersonian columns similiar to the White House's.

According to the captain the owners of this home left the "small boat" at home for the day.

This is the house used in the filming of "Miami Vice".  The house is in Fort Lauderdale not Miami.

This is called the Lego Brick house because it was constructed in stages and is many different colors.  The backside of the house is yellow and orange but the other sides are other colors.) It's a funky house and currently owned by Wayne Huizenga - owner of Waste Management, Blockbuster Video and part owner of some Florida professional sports teams.

It was a great cruise.  After the cruise we cruised around town in our wheels - until I felt sick. Not sure if it was too much sun or what.  So we returned to our condo and then spent the evening down in the pool.

Friday...our last full day in Florida.  We drove north of Ft. Lauderdale beach to pBeach area to check out the Pompano Lighthouse.

As you can see by the palm trees in the photo is was a rather windy day.  So it wasn't a really good beach day.  We just took our time driving down the coast along the A1A from Pompano Beach to Fort Lauderdale.  We ended our site-seeing with a dinner at The Rustic Inn Crab House (recommended by our Quebec friend from Ft. Lauderdale Beach).  I desperately wanted crabs while I was down there.  The Rustic Inn Crab House is definitely rustic, right on the water way and if it is crabs you see, it is crab you shall get. The menu was pretty extensive, but I stuck to the crabs, Dave had  shrimp. I ordered the 'crab sampler platter' which was an absolutely MASSIVE amount of crab steamed and sauteed in garlic butter that will make your mouth water.  It was pricey - but not overly so.  The waitress helped me out by putting on my bib and I got to it banging my mallet and opening up claws. If you like potatoes that can SWIM in butter then you'll like the side dish with the crabs. (I much preferred Dave's cole slaw than the potatoes.) I ate so much crab that I don't think I'll be able to eat crab for a year. No kidding here.  Dave and I should have SHARED the sampler platter.  It wasn't very busy when we walked in because we were between the lunch and dinner crowds so we weren't able to scope out what was on other people had on their tables.  Oh well.  No doggie bag...I don't think the people on our plane would have appreciated that.  One note, I wasn't too impressed with the blue crabs - they were a bit mushy.

After dinner we went back to the condo and got things ready so we could catch our 7:30 a.m. flight back home to Minnesota. Early I know - but it was a direct flight *wink*.  A fantastic trip!