My Kind Of Town

We're off today to Chicago. I can't wait. Hoping to get to the Museum of Science and Industry and dinner at Frontera Grill. Check out our hotel room. I can't wait to hit the Magnificent Mile.

See you when we get back. Any fun suggestions for the trip are quite welcome.

Confession

I know it has been months since I last posted. I just couldn't find the energy to talk about my trip to DC. I think now it will be cathartic to confess. There was a lot of energy put into planning this trip. I did hours of research to find the perfect hotel, make sure I had the right clothes, got the Amtrak tickets, and made multiple lists of what we wanted to accomplish.

With my two great friends, I eagerly anticipated my first Amtrak ride. Let me say that it was great. The people on the train were fun, The scenery was beautiful. We brought cheese, wine, crackers, chocolate, fruit, and more. Everything was going along fine. I wasn't anxious on the train at all. Then......

As soon as we hit Union Station and I stepped off the train and took my first step on ground; it hit. Here came that sickening feeling. Yes, there it was, my most dreaded event when I travel. A panic attack. It broadsided me. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was. I haven't had that happen in years, and I had been travelling and making plans for future trips. Needless to say it basically ruined my trip. I don't just have one when they happen, I have a continuous stream, and then comes along the inevitable depression.

Suprisingly enough it subsided just a bit when we got on the extremely crowded Metro. We could barely squeeze on with our luggage and it was SRO although I managed to snag a seat.

Our hotel, The Palomar was amazing. I highly recommend it. It is just over the Key Bridge in Arlington. Staff was great, view was beautiful. We spent most of our time in Georgetown, because it rained most of the time we were there. We met up with some wonderful friends and visited neat Irish pub in Alexandria. Then on to a Tapas restaurant. They then took us nighttime sightseeing in DC, but at 2:00 am and after being exhausted from the anxiety, I couldn't even hold my eyes open to see. The food in Alexandria was the only decent food be had. That was a great disappointment as I am sort of a foodie.

I did make it through the trip, though they continued to come. I pushed through and I am proud of that, but it left me exhausted and unable to fully enjoy the trip. Now of course am back to maybe square two where I am very anxious about travel again. I am getting ready to go to Chicago again, and although I am excited, I am also very afraid.

I am sorry to post such a downer for my first post after being away so long. I just didn't have the heart to write. I have missed you all though. Hope your days are better.

DC Bound

Tomorrow is the big day I head to Washington. I am so excited. My first train trip, and with friends that I adore. Still stressing over the wardrobe, as I don't feel any of what I have looks good on me. Feel free to leave hints about restaurants and any other secret fun things you know of.

I will write more when I return. Be good but have fun while I'm gone dear readers!

Williamsburg

We are back from our trip to Williamsburg. I had a lovely time and learned something about myself. I found out that I could travel alone and still have a great time. My son and husband were busy with the golf, so I spent a lot of the weekend alone. We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge, which was just ok. I am really selective about where I stay. I found the neatest little coffee shop called Aroma's near William and Mary, which by the way is a very beautiful campus.

I toured the historic area alone and enjoyed strolling at my own pace with no one to hurry me along. We had a delightful dinner at Christiana Campbell's Tavern. I plan to go back with " just girls." There were many things I didn't see and didn't have time to do. I'll post some pictures for all to enjoy.

Tired Golfer!

Zoo Keeper Wanted

It's official.
We now have a zoo. Two dogs, a cat that was conveniently left here after a Christmas vacation by my daughter, and ...... What do you say when your sixteen year old brings this home?



After he was pointedly told NO! He did it anyway.

He sure is cute.

I am the biggest sucker alive.

If he "takes care of him " the way he took care of the other puppy, well........
Please say a lot of prayers for me. Update to follow later, after I go insane.

A Polyvore For Me

The fabulous Imogen of Inside Out Style (http://www.insideoutstyle.blogspot.com/) has created a Polyvore just for moi. It is so exciting. She as combined styles I never would have thought of and it looks quite stylish. She is such a great visualizer when it comes to fashion. Here are the lovely selections she chose for me.

Julianne - by imogenl on Polyvore.com
So lovlies; what do you think? I think it is fabulously stylish.

DC Dilemma

I need help. I am calling on all my blogging buddies for advice. I am planning a trip to DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival. I have tried to put together the clothes I think I will need and enjoy wearing during my trip. My plan is to take the train up and will arrive on a Friday evening around 6 pm. I do want to be comfortable on the train ride; thus the hoodie and jeans. If you don't think they are appropriate, please tell me!

The flat bone shoes I just ordered from Amazon. They are by Privo, and they are very comfortable. You do know that my true inclination is to wear those damn black flip flops with everything. But I won't......

We should check into our hotel Friday evening and then head out for dinner and whatever else we find to get into.

Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday, I plan on sightseeing. Of course there will be dinner out each evening. Possibly a trip to Georgetown for dinner one night to visit friends.

What I am asking is a lot. But, I know how creative and talented you are. If you have the time and inclination, could some of you talented readers put together some outfits with these pieces, and make suggestions for jewelry, shoes, and accessories, like maybe a clutch etc. Also, if you see I am missing anything please tell me. I would be ever so grateful. I am very visual, so if there is any way to show me in pictures, that would be ever so awesome. I would be so appreciative, plus I would love to see some of your creative sides.

I would also love any suggestions for restaurants, must see sights, and just plain fun stuff to do.