Trina's page of Blogginess

4 People. Seven (count 'em) desserts!!
(we ordered four, and they gave us 3 more!!!)

Labels: travel

Cheers!

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Happy Birthday to my Hubby,
The Talented Mr. Craddock. :)

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Mmmmmmmmm!!!!

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Martin & Dick, ready for some sushi!

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We thought we'd do something new today! We rented a cabana at our
hotel's pool for the day.

Sun, umbrellas, cabana, mojotos, fresh fruit, and a big huge pool! It
just doesn't get better than this.

Labels: dick, friends, travel

It's 12:20am. We're just starting the desert course.

I do believe that this is the latest meal I've ever had!

Labels: travel

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Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

Yes, it's true. We're going again.
In my defense, this is only my second time going this year. (last went in March)
Dick, however....

We're going to spend the weekend with Martin and Celeste. Should be a lot of fun!

Uncle Christopher will be staying at the house, watching the kitties, and no doubt, playing Rock Band. Thanks, Bro!

I'm sure I'll be checking in plenty of times while we're away!

until next time....

Labels: dick, travel

We're in Seattle with Martin! First stop: Alki- the place where in
1851, the Schooner Exact landed, and Captain Folger established the
little colony which developed into the City of Seattle.

Labels: travel

What a wonderful trip that was! We pulled into port in Seattle around
7:00 this morning. We disembark at 9:30. Time for one last vacation
blog entry!

Yesterday evening, we were in port in Victoria, BC, only from
6:30-11:30pm. Dick and I went on our excursion to the gorgeous
Butchart Gardens! I'm happy to say, it's just as beautiful as I had
remembered. We were not disappointed. We had abou two and a half hours
to stroll the gardens in total. We got a little more than an hour of
daylight and dusk, and the gardens were lit wirh lights after that.
Two totally different ways to see the gardens. It was beautiful!
Unfortunately, they only do the fireworks show on Saturday evenings,
so we missed out on that. It was around 75 degrees or so in the
evening, which, compared to the weather we experienced in Alaska, was
quite balmy!!

Before we pulled into Victoria, we had our last day at sea. Dick and I
did all those things one is supposed to do on a cruise: we lounged on
our veranda, had some cocktails on the deck, and later in the Crow's
Lounge, shot some hoops, tossed the pigskin, played some shuffleboard,
and I even managed to squeeze in an art auction, and a game of BINGO!
(I won $185.00!!)

We really enjoyed the cruise, and especially loved sharing the
experience with Dick's family!

We're getting ready to get off the boat now. We're going to hook up
with Martin for a bit before we fly out is SEATAC this afternoon.

Homeward Bound!!

Labels: travel

Welcome to the Salmon Capital of the World!!

Greetings from Ketchikan. We pulled into port at 7:00 this morning.
We'll be leaving at 12:30. Short stop.

We decided against any excusions today. Instead, we decided to stroll
around town on our own.

We walked through town, and eventually found our way to the Totem
Heritage Center, and a local fish hatchery. Both were very
interesting. We were glad that we decided to walk the extra distance
to find them. It turns out that we're here, in the Salmon Capital of
the World during the salmon spawning time, so we've seen tons and tons
of salmon swimming through the creeks.

This will be our last stop in Alaska. We sail for the rest of the day
today and tomorrow, before we port in Victoria, B.C. I'm really
looking forward to that. I haven't been to Victoria since I was a kid,
and I remember really loving it there. Unfortunately, we'll only be
there from 6:00pm through Midnight, but we'll make the most of it. Our
one scheduled excursion there will an evening tour of Butchart
Gardens, which I expect will be quite spectacular.

Since we're leaving Alaska early this afternoon, I'll be "unplugged"
until we're back in port in Seattle early Saturday morning.

Labels: travel

Success!!

So far, we've spotted several Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, deer, and even
a whale or two!!

Just as advertised. ;)

It was a really great excursion, but unfortunately, it's raining
pretty hard. We're in an indoor/outdoor catamaran, so we do have the
option of staying inside if we want. Dick and I have braved going
outside a bit. We're really glad that we bought a couple of GREAT
gortex raincoats right before we left. They're doing a great job of
keeping us warm and dry!

Labels: travel

A School of otters? A gaggle?

Just found out: a "raft" of Sea Otters! :)

Labels: travel

In Sitka, AK.
On our way to see the Sea Otters (and maybe even an eagle, bear, or a
whale!).

Labels: travel

We spent a couple of hours sailing by the amazing and enormous Hubbard
Glacier yesterday!

Unfortunately, the cameras couldn't fully capture the enormous size
and beauty.

Labels: travel

OMG. This was one of the most incredible experieces ever. I'm SO glad
that we did it!

This is a picture of a picture that the staff of the dog camp took
while we were out sledding! I'll scan it when we get home.

So awesome!!

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Ready for our helicopter ride to the glacier!

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Here we are! We spent the entire day at sea yesterday, and this
morning, we pulled into port in Juneau. We just docked (around
10:30am) and we'll be here 'til 8:00 this evening.

Dick and I have one excursion planned while we're here, and it's a
doozy!! We're going to take a helicopter to the glaciers, then (as if
that wasn't already cool enough) we'll be going to a dog sled camp!
Super cool! (I'm very excited)

The weather seems nice so far - I'm sitting on our veranda at the
moment with a jacket on, and I'm quite comfortable.

The cruise has been great so far. I'm surprised just how relaxing it
is to just be on a big boat all day. We had scalp massages yesterday
morning, then just hung out for the rest of the day. I talked Kathy
and Adrianne into playing a round of BINGO with me in the morning (I
confess: I'm a sucker for BINGO). We didn't win, but had a ton of fun.
Other than that, I've mostly been eating or exercising, ;) I think the
two go hand-and-hand when you're on a cruise. :) The food has been
quite good, as expected.

Really looking forward to our excision, and to exploring Juneau a
little. I'm sure I'll touch base again a little later.

Labels: travel

That's a whole lot of Craddock!! (and some Cohen, a Patnaude, and one
singular Chow. : )

Labels: family, travel

This is hysterical.

We're in Seattle now, and we leave on a big boat bound for Alaska today.

We hooked up with Dick's family last night, freshly in from North
Carolina. We're all very excited!

There are 8 of us total: Dick, me, his Dad, his two sisters, and our
two nieces (ages 25 and almost 8) and one nephew (age 10).

Last night, after we all met for drinks and dinner, Kathy and Adrianne
surprised us all with these very funny "Craddock Family" t-shirts!

So, yeah. We're one of "those" families now: the ones who wear
matching shirts while vacationing together. :)

Very Funny.

Labels: family, travel

Sad, but true. I love this stuff. I always make Dick bring this home
for me when he stays here.

Labels: travel

Well, what do you know? Today just happens to be the First Birthday of
Virgin America Airlines!

When we checked in at the counter, they told us that there would be a
party at the gate! I love this airline!

Labels: travel

Yep, we're all set! We're going to Alaska!!!

This is the first cruise that either of us have ever been on.
It turns out that it's kind of tricky to pack for a cruise.

First of all, you know you're going to need at least two outfits per day. 3 if you're planning to work out (which I am).

There's the dinners: two of them are formal, and the other 5 are semi-casual, but no jeans. In my world, that's means that it's still dressy. That means cute little dresses, and nice dress shoes.

There's also the pool. That requires a swim suit. And sandals.

Plus, there are all of those excursions.
In Alaska.
The excursions will include going to a glacier and going dog sledding! (whoo-hoo)
That means, layers, winter coats, scarves, hats, gloves and (in my case) Doc Martins.

Then, there's every thing else. The casual stuff. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters...

Plus, there's the bonus that once you're on the ship, you don't have to schlep around your luggage anymore.

Oh, and we're also borrowing stuff from my parents: a couple pair of binoculars (for when we cruise through the glaciers) and their camera (larger than mine, but with image stability and higher zoom).

Dick and I are usually pretty good about packing, but this one kind of stumped us. I believe this is the most luggage we've ever packed on one trip.

The good news:
We're flying on Virgin America to Seattle.

Among many, many other perks, this also means that their weight restriction for luggage is 70 lbs. versus 50 lbs. on other airlines.

This is pretty darn helpful, as one of our suitcases is tipping the scale at around 55 lbs.

I make it sound like we're traveling with all of our clothes. It's actually not all that bad.

We're checking in two bags (one large, one medium) and carrying on a garment bag and a small carry on bag. And my purse, but I don't think that counts.

Now that we're all packed and ready to go, we're getting really excited!

We leave for Seattle today, then board the boat tomorrow morning.

The house and the kitties are being left under very good care. Thanks to Uncle Christopher, Graham and my sister! (Thank You!)

Labels: travel

Dick and I are leaving for vacation on Friday! Yay!

We are flying to Seattle Friday evening, spending one night there, then boarding a cruise ship to Alaska on Saturday! We'll be traveling with Dick's family (his dad, two sisters, two nieces and one nephew), celebrating his Dad's 75th Birthday! (a little early - his birthday isn't actually until November.)

We are very, very excited. Out of the whole group, only one person (our oldest niece, Adrianne) has been on a cruise before. We all figured that this would be a great trip to take together - easy to plan for a large group of people, and something for everyone.

Dick and I are both planning to go "unplugged" for the week. (Gasp!) I also assumed that we wouldn't use our cell phones either, due to enormous roaming charges.

But, I thought I'd better call AT&T just in case.

Here's the deal:

While on the boat, we would be charged the standard $2.49/minute.
Okay, won't be doing that.

However, because we have a Nationwide calling plan, when we dock and are at port in Alaska, we won't be charged any additional fees!

Whoo Hoo! That's big news!

This will enable me to touch base with my family while we're away. Plus, you know, I can do other important stuff like check my email, check all of my friend's Facebook statuses, and perhaps even squeeze in a blog post or two! ;)

I'm sure that Dick will have to remind me that we'll be in Alaska, and certainly, I can find better things to do than to play with my iPhone.

Labels: family, travel

Paula took me around Downtown Kirkland (Home of Costco!) yesterday
afternoon. She pointed out these pedestrian flags that are kept in baskets on every intersection. The idea is that pedestrians should pick up a flag, hold it high and walk with it across the crosswalk every time they cross the street.

Really?

I only grabbed this one for a photo op, and didn't use it as it was intended. Now that I think about it, I really should've busted out into a double swing-flag routine (a la Skylarks 1983) all the way across the crosswalk!


Take It to Make it, Baby

update
Just found this link from the Seattle Times. It discusses the Pedestrian Flag program, it's moderate success (8.6 percent of the pedestrians participate in the program) and the new(er) flag design: a yellow flag with picture of a person carrying a flag.

Labels: funny ha-ha, travel

Flying over San Francisco

Flying Virgin America completely ROCKS!

Really, this whole flight has been amazing. First of all, I'm in the
emergency exit row with extra leg room. BONUS: I have the entire row
to myself!!

Each seat has a video monitor for movies, TV, music, etc. BONUS: it
even has text messaging so I can send a message to Dick (who is
sitting in first class doing work with Schack).

I have some work to do on my laptop. My MacDreamy is being weird, and
lost power when my battery was still at 60%. (I need to look into
that.) But, no worries! As the ads say, Virgin Air has power ports for
each seat! (Love that!)

This has been the BEST domestic flight EVER!!

Try it.
You'll like it.
:)

Labels: travel

..for the very first time!

I'm on a flight from SFO to SEA (Seattle). So far, I'm very impressed!

This plane is so cool. As Omar says, if Apple made an airplane, this
is what it would look like.

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Home, come home, we're going home.....
(does anyone remember the Raggedy Ann animated movie, circa 1977?)

What a difference a week makes.

My sister and I flew home today on an American Airlines MD-80 plane from ORD to SFO. The flight was on schedule and non-eventful. Let's assume they took care of all of the wiring issues last week. :)

It's nice to be home.

Home is where the happy kitties come greet me at the front door.
Home is where it's sunny and 75 degrees.
Home is where my hubby will be in about 1/2 hour.

It was a really great trip, and I'm so thrilled to have had the chance to see so many of my friends. But, as the saying goes, "There's no place like home."

Labels: travel

The Chicago area has these fantastic Oasis(s) along their major highways. I always loved these whenever I made the drive to/from Chicago/Madison.

Essentially, they are like an overpass, spanning over the freeway. You just exit the freeway directly into the parking lot of the Oasis, and once you're ready, you can immediately hop back onto the freeway. The Oasis is indoors, and resembles a very large shopping mall food court. There are 8-12 different fast-food options, plenty of seating, convenience stores, and large restrooms.

Each of the Oasis(s) also have a gas station to the side. They're so handy. I don't know how many other states have them, but I've never seen them anywhere else.

Labels: travel

Packing up, and heading out.

We're driving out of Madison this morning to drive back down from Chicago. Flying out of ORD (hopefully) on American. So far, the flight is still on time!

What a great trip this has been.

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Sticky Twisty Bob Goes Golfing

Tonight we had dinner at P.F. Chang's with Sal, LuAnn, and their two sons, Andre and William.

When we sat down, the kids got little packages of Wikki Stix to play with while they waited for their dinners.

Andre sat across the table from me. We had tons of fun. He spent a good part of the evening creating "Sticky Twisty Bob", and we spent the rest of the time posing Sticky Twisty Bob and taking pictures of him.

At one point, Andre gave Sticky Twisty Bob a golf club, and we decided to take multiple pictures of him in slightly different poses so that we could make a stop-motion-animation of him. (That's my job when I get home.)

When we left the restaurant, Andre gave Sticky Twisty Bob to me so he could live with me in San Francisco. I promised him that Sticky Twisty Bob will live in my office with me, and that I'd take lots of pictures of him in different poses to send back to Andre.

Labels: friends, travel

Mmmmmmm....
Why is it that vacations always seem to end up being about the food?

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five-by-five

Greetings from Madison, WI!

As we were driving today, I realized that my sister and I have driven through five states in the last five days:

Kentucky
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Wisconsin

Wow. I haven't driven around this much in years. It's been great, as we've had plenty of stops along the way, plenty of activities, and have had a chance to see many friends.

We've been really lucky with the weather. For the most part, it's been clear and sunny.

As we were driving up to Madison from Chicago, I was reminded how much I enjoy this drive. I used to do it semi-frequently when I lived in Madison years ago. It's a nice drive - very scenic, and easy. It was actually kind of relaxing.

We went to Sal and LuAnn's this afternoon, and had a chance to see their new (to us) home and meet their two boys for the first time. We all went to Chuck E Cheese's for dinner (the boys are 9 and 4). It's funny - this is the same place that Sal and LuAnn took me when they arranged a surprise birthday party for me when I turned 22 oh-so-many years ago.

Hey - I just realized that I had a picture from that birthday. That's kind of funny. I haven't been to a Chuck E. Cheese's since then! I think Mr. Cheese and I have both aged a bit since then. :)

Trina and the Big Cheese, 1992

Labels: friends, travel

When in Rome....
(I love an Oasis.)

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"Bear Left."
"Right, Frog."

I love a good road trip!

After flying into Kentucky, driving to Dayton, Ohio, driving through Indiana and into Illinois, today my sister and I are driving up to Madison, WI!

I haven't been to Madison in about 9 years. I can't believe it's been so long. I love that place. I lived there for two years, and have so many fond memories.

We'll be visiting Sal and LuAnn and their two boys. I'm very excited, as I haven't had the chance to meet their sons yet.

Whenever I take a road trip, I can't help but hum the "Moving Right Along" song from The Muppet Movie along the way!


(I love youtube!)

I haven't quite figured out if I'm Fozzie or Kermit.
I have a feeling that I'm the bear. I'm a little goofy that way. :)

Labels: funny ha-ha, travel

I love this man. What a friend.

My favorite quote of the night:
(Jason to Trina)

"If you ever started a cult, I would totally drink the Cool Aid."

Now, that's a friend! ;)

Labels: friends, travel

Sent from my iPhone

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Goodbye, Ohio!

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The best (and cheapest!) High Tea! Central Perc in Dayton.

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"The Girls"
Tiff, Trina, Eileen & Tammy

Labels: friends, travel

It's that time of the year again!

With any luck, I'll be heading out this morning to fly into Cincinnati, OH. WGI finals are tomorrow, and I'll be hooking up with a bunch of friends.

Dick and I started a tradition a couple of years ago: I go away for a "girls weekend" (usually, it's just me and Tammy traveling together, although this year, there will be 6 of us!) and Dick and Martin get together for a "Boy's Weekend".

So, I'll be in Dayton, while Dick and Martin will be in Las Vegas.
(Hmmm... somehow, that doesn't seem right!)

Dick had an early flight and left a couple of hours ago. I'll be heading out in about an hour.

Uncle Graham is here to hold down the fort and to stay with the kitties. (Thanks, Graham!)

Labels: travel

what are the chances?

I only fly to Chicago once a year. I usually fly on United. I can't remember the last time I flew on American Airlines.

So, what are the chances that the one year that I decide to buy a ticket on American, it coincides with one of the three days that American has to ground 2,400 flights (most of which are flights to Chicago and Dallas).

I should be boarding a flight to Chicago right now. Instead, I'm at home typing this blog post.:)

First of all, I should say that my story has a happy ending, and that it is all going to miraculously work out. I have heard from from some friends who were not so lucky and had to cancel their trips all together.

So, it's that time of the year again! That time in early April when all of the World's Color Guard geeks converge onto Dayton, OH. I've been going to WGI as either a participant, an instructor or an spectator for almost every year since 1986. (I've only missed 2 since then!)

The last few years that I've been attending in spectator/social butterfly mode, I've flown into Chicago on Thursday evening, hooked up with my friend Tammy, and the two of us would drive to Dayton on Friday, arriving in the evening.

We usually get up early on Saturday, and make our way over the Kentucky border to make our annual shopping spree at the Gap Clearance Center in Hebron, KY.

So, here's the funny part:

My sister (who is coming to Dayton for the first time in 10 years!) and I found out yesterday afternoon that our flight to Chicago for this morning was canceled. Not a huge surprise, given that American had been grounding flights for the past 2 days already. The only thing was: we really didn't know what kind of options we would have, and whether we would make it to Dayton at all.

There was no way we were going to get a flight into Chicago anytime today - it just wasn't possible. Plus, flying into Chicago on Friday wasn't an option, as we would have missed our ride to Dayton. Instead, we managed to secure a flight on Delta Airlines from SFO direct to the Cincinnati airport. Cincinnati is only about an hour away from Dayton.

Luckily, Tammy and I are planning our trip this year with 6 people (!), instead of just the two of us. This means that Tammy will have plenty of company (and fun) on her drive from Chicago, and the whole gang will get in just in time to pick up my sister and me from the airport.

But wait: that's not funny yet, is it? Here's the funny part:

Little known airport trivia: the Cincinnati airport is actually just over the border in the state of Kentucky. Even better, it's less than 5 miles away from the aforementioned Gap Clearance Center!

What does that mean?

Well, that means that a light bulb went off in my head, and I reserved 3 rooms for our party at a hotel near the Cincinnati airport/Gap Clearance Center. This way, we won't have to drive the additional 1 hour, 15 minutes to Dayton on Friday night, only to turn back and do the drive back on Saturday morning! Now, we'll be able to relax for the evening, have a nice dinner, certainly have a few drinks (because really, after all of this, I'm going to need a drink!) get a good night's rest and not have to wake up extra early on Saturday morning. Score!

So, yes, it really looks like this scenario will all work out just fine. Our flight back home is still out of Chicago next Thursday on American, but let's just hope that they get their act together before then.

Frankly, I'm amazed that this all worked out as well as it did. I know that we essentially lucked out. I've already heard from one friend who was supposed to travel from San Jose, whose flight was canceled, and they just couldn't' find a way to get him there. That's really too bad. He said he had already tried that flight that my sister and I got on, so I'm guessing it's fully booked now. I also heard from a friend who is already in Dayton who knows of at least 5 groups (Scholastic A High School guards) who had to cancel their WGI trips altogether because of their flights on American. That's really too bad. I feel sorry for those poor kids - how disappointing for them!

So, that's my story. With any luck, I'll be in the air tomorrow, landing in Kentucky, on route to Dayton. We'll see what happens....

Labels: travel, wgi

We checked out of our hotel at Noon, grabbed a cab, rode to the airport, checked in our bags, and made it through security within 15 minutes!!

Considering how busy Vegas' airport and roads usually are, I think we may have set a record! ( at least a personal best. )

Labels: travel

hmmmm.... I don't think this is a good thing...

This afternoon, Dick, Graham, Tiffie and I went across the street to Planet Hollywood, our favorite casino. Bruce turned us onto this place last year. (and I still thinks it's funny that it was my cousin, the pastor, who not only turned us onto the Planet Hollywood Casino, but also got the whole Chow Clan hooked on Pai Gow!)

We love Planet Hollywood's casino: they play great music (mostly 80s) have a nice atmosphere (bright, clean, and not trying too hard) and really friendly dealers. It was where we played (and won!) at Craps (Trina) and Poker (Dick) yesterday.

There were four Pai Gow Tables open when we arrived: two with $10 limits, and two with $25 limits. We managed to find 3 empty seats at the $10 table (My sister opted not to play).

We went through 3 different dealers while we played for just under an hour and a half. When the third dealer sat down, she looked at Dick and me, and asked if we were from New York. We said, "No, San Francisco", and she said, "Oh, that's right. I remember you two. You haven't been here in a few months."

Oh, my.

What does that mean when the dealer remembers you from your last trip to Vegas?

lol.

Now granted, we do tend to get chatty with the dealers at P.H., but still, the last time we came to Vegas was 6 months ago!

Perhaps that's our clue that we've been coming to Vegas too often in the past year.

Did I mention that Dick is coming back with Martin in a couple of weeks?
(but we're not addicted..)

Labels: funny ha-ha, travel

Dick, playing at the final table. At this point, there are only 5 players left. He is the one with his back to us. Graham is standing near his watching

Dick played his first Poker Tournament ever today. It was a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament (aren't they all?) and there were about 60 people who played in the tournament.

The tournament started at 2:00pm. Dick and Graham both played, while my sister and I went out to lunch. We figured it was a good sign when neither of the guys called us within the first hour.

Graham called us after about 1 hour, 45 minutes. We thought that was pretty good for his first time!

Then the three of us (me, Sis and Graham) wandered around the casino and the adjoining mall for a while. We still hadn't heard from Dick.

We went back to the Casino Poker room after around 3 hours into the tournament. Dick was still there! At this point, he had made it to the final table, and there were about 7 players left. (The last 6 players would receive winnings of various amounts.)

Graham went into the poker room and watched the last few rounds, while my sister and I watched from afar. I was totally afraid of jinxing Dick with my presence!

One by one, we watched the players stand up, shake hands with the others, and leave the table, yet Dick was still there!

Dick ended up in third place!!! We were all very excited for him, and couldn't believe he did so well on his first tournament.

Today was a good day in Vegas. :)
(but, we're not addicted.)

Labels: dick, travel

Okay, my sister totally turned me onto the Wizard of Oz penny slot
machine. I put in $5, played for a few minutes, somehow won the Flying Monkey Bonus, and eventually walked of winning just over $30!! Not quite sure how it all really happened, but it was super fun!

On a sidenote, I also had a really GREAT roll at Craps this morning!

I heart Vegas! (but I will still claim that I'm not addicted!) ;)

Labels: travel

Isn't that the song with the video of the guys on the treadmills?

We're back at the airport!

We're going back go Vegas! (Vegas, baby, Vegas!)

Yes, we did plan things this way: We decided to squeeze two vacations into one this time around. We got in late last night from North Carolina, and left the house again early this afternoon. We're going to Vegas with my sister and her boyfriend to celebrate her (belated) birthday.

Our flight has been delayed twice so far. We were originally supposed to leave around 3:00ish, but it's been bumped back to 4:00, then to 4:30ish. No biggie. Short flight, no layover connection, etc.,

We had lunch at the little airport food court, and now we're just hanging out in the Red Carpet Club lounge. I'm charging my laptop and my phone, and I'm connected to the internet via Dick's new phone.

Groovy.

We should get into Vegas in time for some cocktails.

I really love vacations.

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Just landed. They had us board another plane - and just in the nick of time! A few more minutes and the pilots would have been on overtime, and not have been able to fly. Flight left at 4:30. In baggage claim now. Going to hop iin a cab to go meet up with Dick, Martin & Celeste for sushi.

Labels: travel

My 1:00 flight to Seattle has been delayed (at least) 2.5 hours due to
aircraft servicing. They claim to have the part, are installing in,
then need to test it before we board. At least we didn't have to board
THEN wait.

I'm patiently waiting with my iPhone charging, and a slice of carrot
cake from "Just Desserts".

We hope to board (and depart!) soon.

Stay tuned.

Labels: travel

ugh. 2 hour delay on a 1.5 hour flight.

They had us line up to board three times, each time telling us that the flight has been delayed further due to earlier weather-related delays at SFO.

They just had us board, and we taxied out to wait on the tarmac for another 30 minutes or so.
At least we can still use our cell phones or electronics while we wait.

Good thing I bought that muffin an hour ago. I'm going to get hungry soon.

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...and an even better photo!
(and I can't stop blogging from my phone!)

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Dinner at "Prime" at the Bellagio.
After dinner, the waited took us to a reserved table on the patio -
just in time for the water show.

All time. Epic.

Labels: dick, family, travel

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We're going to Vegas! (again!)

Yep - three times in one year. This is certainly a record for us. :)
I repeat: We're not addicted!

Dick's Birthday is tomorrow (Happy Birthday to my Hubby!).

We're meeting his sisters (neither of whom have ever been) in Vegas tonight. It should be a blast! We'll be seeing the town, going to the Hoover Dam, having some huge meals, and seeing a show. Oh yeah, there may be some gambling, too. :)

Uncle Graham will be staying here to watch the house and take care of the kitties while we're away. Thanks, Graham!

Labels: family, travel

After several lovely, family-filled days in North Carolina, Dick and I are packing our things, and getting ready to head back to SF. We've had a really nice visit with the whole family - including an afternoon with Dick's Uncle, Cousin, and his family as well.

We fly out of the Raleigh/Durham airport this afternoon, with a layover in Chicago. Apparently, Chicago is experiencing some delays in and out of the O'Hare. Our first flight has already been delayed, so we called UAL, and arranged for a back-up flight, in case we miss our connection. One way or the other, we should still make it home sometime late tonight.

Here's a nice photo that I took during our visit with Dick's extended family. We had a lovely lunch at Dick's Mother's 2nd cousin's house, along with his Uncle Gilbert, and Gilbert's son & family.


...and just for kicks, here's a photos of Kathy's adorable little kittens, Dusty & Jack :)

Labels: family, travel

Greetings from North Carolina - where the temperature is 100+ degrees, but the humidity level is surprisingly low. Dick and I are here visiting his family in the beautiful Chapel Hill area.

We took a red-eye flight last night, which left SFO at 11:15. We had an hour lay-over in Chicago, then another flight from Chicago to Raleigh. Through the modern miracle known as Tylenol PM, we both managed to sleep almost the entire flight! Dick slept about 6 hours - from take off to landing on both flights. I read for less than an hour on the first flight, and slept the rest of the way.

When we arrived in RDU at 9:15am this morning, we both felt relatively rested, considering we had just flown all night.

We even had a great rental car experience! Dick is a preferred member with Avis - this means that the shuttle dropped us off directly at our car, and (even better) the key was in the ignition, with the engine started and the air conditioning on!

After we picked up our rental car (an enormous Chevrolet SUV!) our first stop was Bojangles for a biscuit and sweet tea. (when in Rome...)

We came to Dick's sister's house, took a quick nap, then met both of his sisters at Mama Dip's for lunch!

We're getting ready to go visit Dick's father at his new apartment now, then an evening with the entire family. Should be a lot of fun.

More later!

Labels: family, travel

Yeah, baby.

Back to Vegas!
(and no, we're not addicted.)

Dick had actually planned this trip a few weeks ago - before we went to Vegas with my family.

We're going with our friends Martina (ha ha! just noticed my typo 4 days later!) and Celeste, who live up near Seattle.

Should be a GREAT time! We'll be seeing "Love", the new Cirque du Solei show that uses music by the Beatles.

Graham will be holding down the fort again (thanks, Graham!). He'll be here watching our home, keeping our kitties company, and playing the piano.

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

Labels: travel

Our trip to Disneyland was so much fun!

We arrived early Friday afternoon, checked into our hotel, ate a little lunch, then walked over to the park. The crowds on Friday weren't bad at all. We waited in line for a maximum of 25 minutes for 2 or 3 rides, but other than that, we usually made it on in 10 minutes of less. We were able to hit most of the big rides (Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours) within that first day.

Saturday was a bit more crowded, but still not bad. We started the day by having a "Character Breakfast" in the park. My Mom really wanted a picture with Chip (of Chip and Dale). We were walking around Critter Country, when we realized that Splash Mountain was up and running (it was supposed to be closed) so we made it on without too much of a wait. Later in the afternoon, we went over to Disney's California Adventure. We enjoyed the sites and rides there - most of which we hadn't seen before. The ride for Monsters Inc. was really cute, and I especially LOVED the California Screamin' Roller Coaster! (my Dad and I rode it twice!)

We all managed to stay at the park until 11:45pm Saturday night. A whole lotta Disney fun!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend:


Group shot at the entrance to the park


I love this picture. It's the shot that the park takes as you're plummeting down Splash Mountain. I took a picture of the screen with my camera.


Dad, and Mom with Chip - my Mom's nickname for my Dad is "Chip"


My Dad and Mom on the Roger Rabbit ride in Toon Town!


Me and my Dad - about to be jettisoned off at the beginning of the California Screamin' Roller Coaster!


in front of the Castle at night

Labels: family, travel

We're going to the Mouse's House for the weekend! Woo-hoo!

I haven't been in almost four years, and Dick hasn't been.... well, since Star Tours was brand new. (mid-80s)

We're going with my parents - it's where my Mom wanted to go for Mother's Day!

I'm really looking forward to it. It should be a lot of fun.
Any bets on whether or not I can get a picture of Dick wearing Mouse Ears? :)

We'll be back on Sunday. This will be a non-computer/no-internet vacation!

Uncle Graham will be staying here with the kitties all weekend. Thanks, Graham!

Labels: travel

Here are some of my favorite photos from our trip to Vegas with the Chow Family.


Happy 60th Anniversary


The Happy Couple


Grandma & Tiffie


Another Happy Couple! Bruce & Robin


Cheri & Kenneth


Fun at the Paigow Poker Table!


Chowing Down on Dim Sum


Annie with her doll without a name
I think she later named her Nancy Pelosi


The Star Trek Experience


Trina & Dick meet a Klingon
(I was standing on my toes in this picture!)


Grandpa & Grandma bobble heads in the back of their car

Labels: family, travel

Just got home from Vegas. We had such a wonderful time!

It turns out that traveling/making plans with 20 people is quite a challenge!

Dick equated it to "herding cats".

Just when you think everyone is "on board" and ready to leave...

"meow" (one of the cats strays...)

Then that cat is wrestled back into the herd, and...

"mew" (another cat gets distracted...)

Round up that kitty, and everyone starts moving along again, and...

"meep!" (yet another kitty falls behind...)

It was pretty funny, and all things considered, went really, really well!

I'm not saying that I was a "herder". I'm sure that I was just as much as a "cat" as anyone else! 20 is simply a lot of people to organize and keep together!

Now that I'm home, I'll offer a few closing remarks:

1. Happy 60th Anniversary, Grandma & Grandpa!
2. I LOVE my family.
3. Gambling at a poker table filled with family members is really fun.
4. Gambling with my family members in Vegas is a surreal experience.
5. What would we do without cell phones?
6. I think I'm addicted to Paigow. (thanks, Bruce.)
7. (and speaking of...) My cousin, the gambling pastor. enough said :)

An amazing trip that turned out to be even better that I ever imagined.

I'm so glad that we were all able to make it, and to celebrate the entire weekend as a family.

Labels: family, travel

Another fun day in Vegas!

This morning, the 20 of us made our way to the New China Town in Vegas. My Grandparents had been about 8 years ago, and incredibly, my Grandpa was able to remember where it was, and how to get there.

Now, here's the thing. There are 20 of us, and we were going to Chinatown for dim sum at Noon. At any given time or place, we would have had to wait for at least an hour to be seated. We, however, have Grandma Chow! Anytime we go anywhere in Stockton, she always seems to know everyone, and is always able to "get us in" to where ever we're trying to go. Come to think of it, she was able to do the same thing for us when we all traveled to China together in 1992.

Anyhow, we arrive at the restaurant, and she tells them that we'll need two tables of 10. Miraculously, they offer us a private room, which just happens to have two tables! They were also able to seat us immediately! None of us knows just how Grandma manages to pull off such tasks. We just watch in awe and amazement. Like I said, it was Noon on a Sunday, and the restaurant was plenty busy.

The dim sum was delicious, and so much fun to do with the whole family.

In case you don't know, one of our favorite dishes is a (wide) noodle dish called Chow Fun. I've joked now for many years that when you're with our family, we always have Chow Fun. Now, here we were in Vegas. All twenty of us, having Chow Fun - in both senses! Great fun.


Chow Fun

I have some really great photos that I'll post once we get back home.

After lunch, my Mom, Dad, Sis, Graham, Dick and I made our way to the Hilton to checked out the Star Trek Experience. The four of us had come to this attraction about 8 years ago, but they have a whole new addition of a Borg 4-D movie, as well as other updated things. Graham and Dick have never been before.

We all had a blast! The two atractions: the Klingon Enounter and Borg Invasion 4-D were both really fun and enjoyable. It was especially fun to do all of this with my Mom again, since she is a long-term Trekkie.

After we finished with both attractionsk, we stopped for drinks and snacks at Quarks. That was fun, too.

Graham wanted to get in a few hands of poker, so we made our way out to the casino. Dick and I found a $5 Mini-Paigow table, and hung out there for about 45 minutes. (we came out $35 up!)

We meeting my immediate family for dinner again tonight at 9:00, while the rest of the family is out at a couple of shows. We're all hooking up again later tonight for some more Chow Fun in the casinos.

I can't get over how much fun this trip has been for the entire family. Who knew that we'd all have so much fun in Vegas! It's really neat to be here with everyone, and to spend time with each other in a whole new place. (Not to mention how much fun it is to gamble with all of them!)


Chow Fun!

Tomorrow we're going to check out the Hoover Dam before catching our flight home in the afternoon.

Labels: family, travel

Oh, boy. Last night was a lot of fun.

We had a really nice dinner with the entire family at Panevino Restaurant. My sister had previously arranged this dinner with a friend of a friend who works there. It was a perfect way for all of us to celebrate Grandma & Grandpa's 60th Anniversary together.

After dinner, 8 of us went back to the MGM to see Ka which I really loved. The visuals and staging were stunning. I've never seen anything quite like it.

While we were at the show, the rest of the family (minus the 3 little girls) were out and about on the stip! We hooked up with them after the show at the new Planet Hollywood Hotel (formerly the Aladdan). They had spent a large part of the evening playing Paigow Poker. I'd never played before, but decided to jump into the table to join in. It was a lot of fun. We took up the entire table.

Let me tell you, it's a bit surreal to find oneself playing poker in Vegas with one's Aunts, Uncles and cousins! We've never vacationed together as an entire family before, let alone played poker together in Vegas!

Dick and I left the party around 2:00am, which I thought was pretty good for us!

We're hooking up with the family again later this morning to experience Dim Sum in Vegas! Yes, Dim Sum. We're all going to drive over to Las Vegas' Chinatown. (who knew)

After lunch, I think we may go our seperate ways for a while. Dick and I are planning to hit the Star Trek Experience with my parents! (this time, we'll plan to go before they close!)

Labels: family, travel

Here we are in Vegas!

We took an early flight this morning (8:30am) and arrived around 10:00. We are staying at the fantastic Signature Hotel at the MGM Grand. We just checked into our room, after being out-and-about all day. This hotel is spectacular. We have a full kitchen, a LCD TV, a clock radio which will play my iPod, huge bathroom, full sitting room, etc.,

Dick and I took a nice walk around some of the neighboring hotels: the MGM, New York, New York, the Excaliber, The Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. We played a little Blackjack at the Luxor ($10 table) and managed to win $115 between the two of us! :)

We haven't had a chance to hook up with the rest of the family yet. We'll all be having dinner together tonight at 6:00, then a smaller group of us will be seeing "Ka" at the MGM. Should be a lot of fun.

Okay, that's it for now. Will post more later!

Labels: travel

Can you believe I just got home from the Mid-West on Wednesday evening, and I'm already taking off again tomorrow morning?

Where are we going to this time?

Vegas, Baby. VEGAS!

Ah, yes. Las Vegas.
Sin City.
The City of Lights.
The Entertainment Capitol of the World.

..and why are we going to Vegas?

Why, to celebrate my Paternal Grandparent's 60th Wedding Anniversary!

Yes, you read it right: 60 years! Pretty amazing, huh?


Chuck and May Chow
April, 1947

In honor of their 60th Wedding Anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa wanted the whole clan to go to Vegas together.

Just how many people are in our family?

count 'em: 20.

That's 4-Generations of Chow.

20 people

How many Chows can fit in Vegas?

20.

That's a whole lotta Chow.

It should be a really great time. We've never ALL traveled together as a family before. The ages in our family ranges from 3 (my cousin's youngest daughter) all the way up to 85! (Grandpa)

I'm sure we'll have many-a-tale to tell.

My cousin Bruce has already begun the battle of the blogs!
Bring it on, cuz. Bring it on.

We're lucky to have Uncle Christopher here to stay with the kitties while we're away. Thanks, Bro!

Labels: family, travel

Big breakfast with a great friend to start off the day.

No traffic on the way to the airport.

On-line check-in at home 24 hours before my flight. All I had to do at the airport was check in my luggage at a special booth, which had no lines. Total check-in time: less than 2 minutes.

10 minute line through security.

30 minute wait until flight boards.

Flight leaves on time.

Good movie on flight. (The Pursuit of Happyness)

Flight arrives 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

Turn on phone, walk down to baggage claim.

Get a call from hubby - he was able to leave his conference early, and came to the airport to pick me up! (Surprise! I was planning on taking a cab home.)

Find luggage, find hubby, drive home.

Happy kitties.

Lucky Girl.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip. :)

Labels: travel

My how time flies.

It's already time for me to pack my backs and head back home.

Our time in Chicagoland has been really wonderful. We spent the majority of our time visiting with our many friends here: breakfast with Eileen, dinner with Bill, and a raucous night in downtown Chicago with Jason.

It's been a great trip - as always. I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful friends here.

Time to go home. I miss my kitties. I miss my hubby. :)


Breakfast with Eileen ("Hi Eileen!")


Bill & Tammy


A visit to Chicago is never complete without a visit with The Amazing Jason!

Labels: friends, travel, wgi

Okay, technically, I'm in Bloomingdale...

Good morning!

It's a sunny day out, albeit cold and there's still a lot of snow on the ground!

Tammy and I are up and getting ready to head out to make our trek across Illinois, and Indiana to Ohio!

Once again, I'm proudly sporting the Ohio t-shirt.

The trip (not including any frozen custard spots along the way) should take about 6 hours.

See you in Ohio!

Labels: friends, travel, wgi