Italy & Greek Islands Adventure- 2022

Venice (10/3 – 10/8)

I completed my “Once in a Lifetime” trip to Italy & Greece. I arrived in Venice Oct 3, late afternoon and took a Water Taxi to San Marco, St. Mark’s Square or Piazza San Marco. I met my Airbnb host at the Bell Tower and made my way to the apartment. It really was a great Airbnb. Every window looked out to a canal. Downstairs was a great bar/ristorante where I could have breakfast or pizza: Bar San Marco 1076

 

Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea and connected by over 400 bridges. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs.

 

I spent the next 4 days exploring Venice, getting lost, watching the gondolas drift through canals, eating and taking the Vaporetto around Venice. Some of the landmarks I saw: Ponte Di Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, Murano for glass blowing, Burano, Doges’ Palace (Palazzo Ducale), St. Mark’s Basilica, Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salute, San Giorgio Maggiore, & more.

 

Ravenna (10/8-10/9)

I took the Vaporetto from San Marco to the train station, then road the train to Ravenna to explore a bit before boarding the Brilliance of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) cruise ship. I really wanted to see a few of the Mosaics Ravenna is known for and eat dinner in the Piazza del Popolo (at Mr. Dante’s). I only visited a few of the main sites, Baptistery of Neon, Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. The mosaics were more beautiful than I expected.

 

Ravenna is a city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It's known for the colorful mosaics adorning many of its central buildings, like the octagonal Basilica di San Vitale, the 6th-century Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the cross-shaped Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. North of the center, the Mausoleo di Teodorico built in the 6th century for King Theodoric the Great, is a Gothic, circular stone tomb with a monolithic dome. It is known for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture, with eight buildings comprising the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna.

 

Greek Island Cruise (10/9 – 10/16)

The 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise visits Ravenna, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece, Athens, Greece, Mykonos, Greece, & Argostoli, Greece. We rode the Hop On/Hop Off bus in Kotor, Corfu, and Athens. We saw the major landmarks and ate lunch at the base of the Acropolis!

 

My favorite ports were Mykonos and Corfu. Both are beautiful and completely different.

 

Mykonos is an island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea and part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. All of the buildings are blue/white like I expected. There is a great bar/restaurant named Birra Birra and we did have a drink.

 

Corfu is an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town is flanked by 2 imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George. They were stunning!

 

Bologna (10/16 – 10/17)

The unexpected stay in Bologna was because of a train strike throughout Italy. Thankfully, Janet, Jackie, and I were able to secure rooms in the same hotel as Mom (Deni) and Sue. Phi Hotel Bologna - Al Cappello Rosso is a 2 minute walk to Piazza Maggiore. Phi Hotel Bologna is housed in a building that has been a hotel since 1375 (Al Cappello Rosso). One of Bologna's oldest boutique hotels, it can boast 600 years of hospitality. Phi Hotel Bologna features a convenient, highly central location, sophisticated details, and high-quality, personalized offerings.

 

What did we see? Asinelli Tower, Basilica di San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore, the incredible portico’s, & Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. Our lunch at Bar Romano Snc was good but not great but our dinner at Trattoria La Mela was really good. The lemon gelato hit the spot.

 

Bologna is the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. It is the seventh most populous city in Italy. It’s located about halfway between Florence and Milan, Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. An old university city with lavish porticoed walkways and squares, fine historic buildings, and a storied medieval center, Bologna is well-known for its beauty.

 

Florence (10/17 – 10/19)

Although I was delayed a day, I still enjoyed my time in Florence. My Airbnb was just steps away from Piazza di San Lorenzo and a few blocks from the Duomo. Since my time was limited, I decided to make a priority list. 1. Piazza del Duomo, 2. Piazza di San Lorenzo, 3. Piazzale Michelangelo, 4. Piazza Santa Croce, 5. Walk the Old City Wall, & 6. Walk Ponte Vecchio. I was able to do 4 of 6 but I got pictures of each. I missed my skip the line to see the David (oops Sunday afternoon). I'm not mad about it. I'll just have to revisit Florence someday.

Monte di Procida (10/19 - 10/23)

I took the train from Florence to Naples Afragoli. This is not a train station for tourists. This is a locals only train station. Kim picked me up and we immediately went for drinks. Kim & I went to happy hour in Lucrino. The bar/restaurant is on the water and is called Akademia! Then we headed off to a late dinner or normal dinner. We went to a beautiful restaurant called Esperia. That was the hike from hell though. Thank God the views were worth it and so was Kim’s steak. I didn’t order well and lesson learned on my part.

I was definitely feeling this trip. Day 2: We got up a little late & made our way to Pompeii! We walked around and took pictures, but I didn’t need to see the entire place. My knees were killing me, and there was no way that I could do it. Then we escaped the heat of the day by going to a vineyard. Kim is a foodie & has great taste. Much more advanced than I am. She picked some wonderful places to eat & drink. Yes we had lunch with Mount Vesuvius as a backdrop, it was incredible. We went to a winetasting at CANTINA DEL VESUVIO. It was absolutely beautiful. I actually sampled each of the wines and there was one that I did like. Then we went out to dinner and boy was that good. We dined on steak at Old Friends. The chicken fingers were awesome but it needed Thai sweet chilie sauce (just my opinion). I was completely wiped out but the next venture would soon begin. Day 3: We drove through the mountains to Maiori, Minori, & Amalfi. It's not the typical route but oh so beautiful! Kim handled those roads like a champ. I’m so glad she took the mountain road because it was absolutely stunning. We had a great breakfast at a café and then walked along the water a little bit and then went for lunch. We made it back just in time to go to her friend Pam’s birthday party which was a fried chicken dinner and it was fabulous. Pam’s husband Derek knows how to cook fried chicken. Kim made the best macaroni and cheese I’ve ever had. I don’t know who brought the peach cobbler but it was to die for. Day 4: We took the ferry to Capri. Then took a private boat around the island. Stopped at the blue & green grotto, took the funicular up the mountain to have lunch and then an open-top taxi to the very top of the island. It was a great day. I’m an idiot and didn’t put on sunblock so yes I did get a mild sunburn but it was worth it!

Rome Italy - (10/23 - 10/28)

Kim dropped me off at the train station and I took a first class train trip to Rome. Let me tell you, that is how you travel with trains, I don’t care what it cost. I was so comfortable & relaxed. On the other train trips, I was not as comfortable. I was also the only one in first class! I made it to Rome safe and sound and I tucked myself away in my very bougie hotel room. I caved for one night & reserved the suite. I really liked the hotel a lot but could never afford it without miles and points. Day 2: Monday I woke up and was going to take a much needed break from sightseeing. So much for a chill day! I decided to suck it up & walk down to the coliseum since it was so close. It's breathtaking. My pictures do not do it justice. I know I looked a sweaty mess but it was hotter than I thought it would be for late October. I also needed to hit the ATM. My hotel is in a very pretty neighborhood. I checked out of the hotel and in to my Airbnb. Boy did I luck out on location but ou the stairs & lift situation. The lip did not stop on my floor. I had to take the lift to the second floor and then walk down 24 steps or I could take the lift to the first floor and walk up 24 steps. This wasn’t ideal but who cares I was in a great location.

I walked over to Piazza Venezia. I spent at least an hour or two there before going to dinner at Bibo restaurant & bar. Decent pizza and good beer! Day 3: I took the hop on hop off bus around the city. I saw a lot but didn't get great pictures. Coliseum, Roman forum, Circus Maximus, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, St Peters, The supreme Court, Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, & more. I walked 1/2 mile to catch the hop on hop off bus. Traffic was heavy, so it took a long time. Then walked 1/2 mile back & had lunch. It was supposed to be an easy day and yet I feel like I've been hit by a mack truck. Day 4: This was my official chill day, but not until after I walked to Trevi Fountain, sat at a cafe for croissant & cappuccino, & then walked to the Spanish Steps. I got lost twice but that's ok. It's part of the experience and fun! I spent the rest of the day in the apartment relaxing. I ate lunch at Ristorante Abruzzi which was downstairs from my apartment and had great reviews. The lasagna was probably the best I've ever had. The best pasta I've had in Italy but second best meal. This is not the typical tourists restaurant. I sat & watched as tourists, nuns, clergy / seminary students walked past. Abruzzi is located near the Gregorian University and Casa Santa Maria, one of the Pontifical North American College’s homes for priests studying in Rome. I sat next to two students who just became Deacons. One from Nebraska & the other from Louisiana. Day 5: This was also more of a relaxed day. On my last day in Italy, I spent my morning/afternoon at the Pantheon & walked the streets around the area. For my final meal, I had carbonara & it was excellent. I was too full to have dinner. I spent the evening doing laundry and packing. It shouldn’t have taken me so long however I messed up and accidentally washed my clothes twice. I thought I had it on the jeans setting for dryer and it turns out that wasn’t for the dryer.

I can't express how grateful I am for this experience. Yes, I met up w/family & friends at times but I traveled solo! I'm bruised, sore, swollen, & exhausted. I wouldn't change a thing.

End of The American Experiment

I want to document this today (5/20/22), hopefully in a few years my fears will be unfounded. Our country is in crisis. I know this has been coming for decades but for me, it really started with the 2016 election. Donald Trump was elected president and everything started to go downhill. He was a Russian/Putin asset. He wanted to pull us out of NATO and basically leave Europe to Russia.

The Supreme Court is corrupt. The conservative judges have been bought and paid for with dark money. They recently decided to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Republican politicians have gone so far to the right, they are becoming the party of Nazis. My fear is we will eventually be under a dictatorship. Far right White supremacist, evangelical Christians have infiltrated politics and are the reason behind all of the changes. These are the extremist.

The majority of republican run states are banning all forms of abortion to include contraception. It is a felony murder charge in most states. Many states have also made it legal for citizens to stalk and harass women regarding their reproductive health. Rapist have more rights than a woman and her doctor. One example is Oklahoma, any Doctor who performs an abortion, no matter the circumstance, will be imprisoned for 10 years and pay $100,000 fine. A a rapist will receive 5 years in prison and then can sue for custody of the child. States are also going after Plan B, contraceptives, IUDs and IVF. It’s forced birth. This is slavery. People say handmaid‘s tale and it’s actually pretty close. 

With Roe overturned, this means the elimination of privacy for everyone. It will start with women but will eventually bleed over to men. The government will be able to access our medical records, banking records, cell phones, & computers without any legal recourse.

Our only hope, at this time, the Democrats need to win the midterms & the next presidential election. SCOTUS conservative judges need to be impeached & replaced. They don’t need to be Democrats, we can have a mix but we need the right mix of judges.

1. Women's rights will be eliminated to include voting rights
2. LGBTQIA rights will be eliminated
3. Interracial marriage will be eliminated
4. Public education will no longer exist
5. Amendments will be overturned specifically the 1, 9, 14, & 19 but not in that order. Then more.
6. The Constitution will revert back to the original, where only white Christian heterosexual males will have any rights.
7. Social security will be eliminated 
8. Medicaid and Medicare will be eliminated 
9. We will be a authoritarian/fascist country
10. Women will no longer have checking accounts or credit cards. I wouldn’t be surprised if they take Home ownership away from us.

The Non-Choice

Over the past few months, people like me have been called scared, sheep, oppressors, and on a few occasions unpatriotic. Why? Because the current administration didn’t believe in wearing masks. 

Enough. Do not ever question my loyalties.

I’ve taken two oaths in my life...both to support and defend the Constitution of The United States. My loyalty is to my country & its citizens.  I pray I always do what’s right, instead of what’s easy.

I didn’t raise my right hand and swear my oath to go against it now.  I may not wear the uniform anymore but I still serve my country. I put the Nation’s needs ahead of my own. 

I wear a mask and isolate myself, not because I want to or just because the CDC recommends it. Is it inconvenient? Yes but I choose to do this to protect my fellow citizens. 

It’s about my conscience and doing what I believe to be right. I couldn’t forgive myself if my actions caused someone else to become ill or worse. 

Do not call me a sheep or question my patriotism.    

- “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."

2020 Midyear Review

Dear Diary 2020 Edition, In ❄️ January, 🔥 Australia caught on fire. I don’t even know if that fire was put out, because we straight up almost went to war with Iran 🇮🇷 . We might actually still be almost at war with them 🤔. I don’t know, because 👩 Jen Aniston and 👨🏻 Brad Pitt spoke to one another at an awards 🏆 show and everyone flipped the crap out 😲, but then there was this thing happening in 🦇 🇨🇳 China, then 👑 Prince Harry and Megan ✌🏼 peaced out of the Royal family, and there was the whole impeachment trial 👩‍⚖️ , and then corona virus 🦠 showed up in the US ✔️“officially,” but then 🏀 Kobe died 😭and UK 🇬🇧 peaced out of the European Union. In February, 🌽 Iowa crapped 💩 itself with the caucus results and the president was acquitted and the 👩🏼‍💼Speaker of the House took ten. Whole. years. to rip up a speech , but then The👨‍🔬 🌎WHO decided to give this virus a name COVID-19, which confused 🤔some really important people 👔 in charge of, like, our lives, into thinking there were 18 other versions before it, but then Harvey Weinstein was found guilty👨🏻‍⚖️, and 🇺🇸 Americans started asking if Corona beer 🍺 was safe to drink🤦🏻‍♀️, and everyone on Facebook became a doctor 👨‍⚕️ who just knew the 🤒flu like killed way more people than COVID 1 through 18. In March, stuff hit the fan👿. Warren dropped out of the presidential race and Sanders was like Bernie or bust 💥, but then Italy 🇮🇹 shut its whole country down 🚷, and then COVID Not 1 through 18 officially become what everyone already realized, a 😱pandemic and then a nationwide state of emergency 🆘was declared in US 🇺🇸 , but it didn’t really change anything, so everyone was confused or thought it was still just a flu 💁🏻‍♀️, but then COVID Not 18 was like ya’ll not taking me seriously? 💡 I’m gonna infect the one celebrity everyone loves and totally infected Tom Hanks👨🏻, get y’all to close all of the schools so y’all can 🙏🏼 appreciate teachers 👩‍🏫 for once (because you can’t teach them anything other than how to use a touch screen🤦🏻‍♀️ ) close down all of salons so you can’t get your 💇‍♂️ hair or your nails done💅 , everyone had to work from home and attend Zoom meetings in their underwear. The 📉 DOW took a crap 💩 on itself, and most of us still don’t understand why the stock market is so important or even a thing 🤔 (I still don’t), We were then all introduced to 🐅 Tiger King and the ONE thing we can all agree on this year , 👍🏼Carol totally killed her husband⚰️ ..... whacked him! And then Netflix was like you’re welcome, and we all realized there was no way we were washing our hands enough in the first place because all of our hands are now dry and gross and were all searching for lotion now. In 🌧 April, Bernie finally busted✌🏼 himself out of the presidential race 🏃 , but then NYC 🗽became the set of The Walking Dead 💀 and we learned that no one has face masks 😷, ventilators, or toilet paper, or THE FREAKING SWIFFER WET JET LIQUID , and by now our 🦁outgrowth is showing, so there’s a shortage on 📦 box hair dye and all of our hair dressers are like , 😱 NO DONT DO IT!!! But, then Kim Jong-Un died, but then he came back to life … or did he? Who knows, because then the Pentagon released 🎥 videos of UFOs and nobody cared, and we were like man, it’s only April…. In 💐 May, the biblical end times kicked off , historical locust swarms, we learned of murder hornets 🐝 and realized that 2020 was the start of the Hunger Games🙈 however people forgot to let us know. people legit started to protest lockdown measures with 🔫 AR-15s, 🏀⚾️sports events were cancelled everywhere. But then people all over America finally reached a breaking point with race issues and violence. There were 🗣protests in every city🌃 ,which was confusing to some of us because people were definitely gathering in 👫crowds of more than 🖐🏼🤚🏼10 and for sure closer than 6 foot away ⬅️➡️from each other . Those people must have forgotten about the 😖pandemic called COVID Not One Through 18. Media 📺 🗞 struggled with how to 🤬focus on two important things at once, people in general struggle to focus on more than one important thing. A dead whale 🐋 was found in the middle of the Amazon rain forest 🌳 after monkeys 🐒 stole COVID 1 Through 19 from a lab 🔬 and ran off with them, and either in May or April (no one is keeping track of time now) that a giant asteroid ☄️ narrowly missed the Earth🌍. In ☀️ June, science and common sense just got thrown 🤾🏼 straight out the window and somehow 😷 wearing masks became a 🏛political thing, but then everyone sort of remembered there was a pandemic, but then decided that not wearing a mask was somehow a ✝️God given right (still haven't found that part in the bible or even in the constitution). then 👨‍🔬scientists announced they found a mysterious undiscovered mass at the center of the earth, and everyone was like 🙅🏽‍♂️🙅🏻‍♀️🚧DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH IT, but then everyone took a pause to realize that people actually believed Gone With The Wind 💨 was like non-fiction, but then it was also announced that there is a strange 🛰radio signal coming from somewhere in the universe 🌌 that repeats itself every so many days 🗓 , and everyone was like 👽 DON’T YOU DARE ATTEMPT TO COMMUNICATE WITH IT‼️🚫 but then America reopened 🙌🏼from the shut down that actually wasn’t even a shut down, and so far, things have gone spectacularly .... not that great 👎🏼. All of the Karen’s came out at once, and people started tearing down 🔨 statues. Everyone is on Facebook arguing 🤼‍♀️ that masks kill because no one knows how breathing works 👃🏼, but then Florida 🏖 was like hold my beer 🍺 and let me show you how we’re number one 🥇 in all things, including new Not Corona Beer Coronavirus. Trump 👱🏻‍♂️decides now is a good time to ask the Supreme Court 🏛 to shut down ❌Obama Care because what better time to do so than in the middle of a pandemic 💁🏻‍♀️ , but then we learned there was a massive dust cloud ☁️ coming straight at us 📍from the Sahara Desert 🐫 , which is totally normal, but this is 2020, so the 👻 ghost mummy thing is most likely in that dust cloud. We then 📚 learned of meth-gators 🐊 , and I'm like that is so not on my flipping 2020 Bingo card 😡 can we use it as the free space?? 🤷🏻 Then we learned that the Congo's worst ever Ebola 🚨 outbreak is over 😓, and we were all like, there was an Ebola outbreak that was the worse ever? 👀 ....... and don’t forget we just discovered FLYING SNAKES! 🐍, seriously! FLYING SNAKES!!!! So here comes July…. at this point we are over it , just tell us what’s next .... 👽 Aliens? 🔱Zeus? ☄️ Asteroids? Artificial Intelligence becomes self aware? Can it just be something cool 😎 or fun for once? Maybe even a good laugh , like hahaha 😂 April Fools! We all actually wouldn’t mind that joke at this point. Also, why didn't I know about the whale in the Amazon? Or a few other things because I just can’t keep up anymore! But I’m sharing it because as long as we make it through 2020, I really want this to pop back up in the memories a few years from now. Copy and share to your page!!!!! (Copy & paste...)

2019 Wrap Up

Where to start....

1. Australia and New Zealand cruise and it was amazing. See the blog and photo's on shutterfly.
2. Mom had back surgery and fingers crossed it continues to go well.
3. I made multiple trips to Bakersfield and even managed a few days in Fresno. The first trip was to get Mom and the family to Los Angeles for the cruise.
4. Grandma Virginia passed away in May and I went home to spend time with the family.
5. Lauryn was married in November and of course I went home to see my sweet niece get married!
6. A few days before I went to Bakersfield for Christmas, I had a flood in my apartment building and definitely had damage to my apartment. My carpets needed work, my clothes were sent off for restoration, and the lovely carpet folks broke my Network Cable 3 times.
7. I spent Christmas in Bakersfield and was able to spend time with most of my siblings.
8. Mom and I are pooling our money to purchase Grandma Virginia’s condo. Mom will sell her house, move in to the condo, and I will have a home to retire too.
9. No love life in 2019 and I think I like it this way. I just don’t want to put forth the effort of dealing with a partner.

I completed my third year as a Federal employee at the USPTO. I love my job but there are major changes coming and I'm not sure if I will still be around. Fingers crossed I still have a job.

Australia and New Zealand 2019

Once-in-a-lifetime

After nearly 2 years of research and planning, the time finally arrived and we were headed on our great adventure. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip because I don’t know if I could do the return flights again! West Coasters have it easy by comparison but I digress.

The majority of travelers met in Bakersfield and made our way down to Los Angeles. We were smart enough to get a day room before heading to the airport. This allowed us to relax, get some lunch and freshen up before our very long travel day continued.

The majority of us were not on the same flights and the second we got to LAX we disbursed. Becky and I were both flying Qantas so we stayed together and spent roughly four hours hanging out in the lounge!  I highly recommend airport lounges if you have long layovers or just a long travel day altogether. Becky is convinced that I am a brilliant traveler...If she only knew!

About an hour before our flights we separated and I met up with CeCe and Zian for our flight to Sydney.  We spent almost 16 hours flying to Sydney Australia in the upper deck of a Qantas Airbus and it was much better than being on the main deck. We had basic economy seats but paid extra for the legroom in the upper deck. It was well worth it because with my long legs, I need to stretch out.

Upon arrival in Sydney, some of us had lost luggage but fret not, we received our bags later that night. Our hotel was in Chinatown and we absolutely loved it! It wasn’t fancy but it had the best location. Three blocks from Central train station and one and a-half blocks from the light-rail. Not to mention the Sydney night market was a block away…directly behind the hotel.

The next few days was a whirlwind of trains, light-rail, buses & ferries. It was fabulous! Do yourself a favor and get an Opal Card, it’s the Sydney MetroCard and gives you access to all modes of transportation...minus taxis & Uber.

I definitely recommend the hop on-hop off in order to get an idea of layout and see the sights in one shot. The ferries are a great way to get around and you will need much more than two full days. I think a week at least and we didn’t have that, so I didn’t get to see everything I wanted but I’m still satisfied.

I won’t go into the details of everything we did; go to my Shutterfly and see everything.

The cruise was great but the only change I would make, I probably wouldn’t have done as many excursions. I did love everything I saw but I’m not sure if I would do it again. Then again, I wouldn’t have seen some of the things I did and what a waste that would’ve been.

The Fiordland National Park is absolutely stunning and I recommend it for everyone. New Zealand has got it going on.

The one thing nobody tells you about Auckland is that it’s very hilly. I would compare it to San Francisco. Be prepared for a lot of walking and climbing. The food is fantastic and the people were friendly. Our hotel was in a great location and made it very convenient. The day after we arrived everybody went and explored the area. On our final day, we went on the Piha Karekare Rainforest wine tour and wow. It was all day and definitely worth it.

The travel back home was very long. From the time I woke up, until the time I walked in my front door.... 37 hours. Did I mention I got sick in Auckland? Auckland to Sydney with a 3 hour layover. Sydney to Los Angeles with a 7 hour layover; 4 hrs were spent in a lounge. Los Angeles to Washington DC.

This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip, not just because of the long-haul flights but because of the cost. Australia and New Zealand are expensive but I find it comparable to Washington DC. That being said, I would not mind going back to Sydney and seeing more of Australia.

2018 Wrap Up

1. Work, work, and work!  I wrapped up my second year as a federal employee and I still love what I’m doing.  I’m so thankful and lucky that I found the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  It really is one of the best places to work.

2.  I did not travel internationally but I did make one of Mom‘s bucket list items happen!  Mom brought one of her friends (Sue) to visit but instead of going straight to Washington DC, I decided they needed an adventure. Since they flew in to Baltimore Maryland, we drove to Lancaster Pennsylvania to visit Amish country and then we went to Gettysburg!  They loved every minute of their adventure and I was thrilled I could do this for them.

3.  Unfortunately, I did not get to go home for the holidays because I was saving up my vacation time for our big trip in 2019. 

4. No dating. Unfortunately and this seems to be my lot in life, a friend and I decided to take our relationship to a different level but he quickly switched gears, met someone else and left me hanging. Thankfully, I am an adult and our relationship as friends is still in tact.  It isn’t the same as it used to be but at least we can still work together. I don't think I want love. I love my life and don't need a man to make me feel happy or complete.

5.  I had a lot of visitors this year.  Damon came for a weekend, was able to go to restaurant week and meet some of my friends. CeCe came to Washington DC and we were able to spend time together. Keith was working in Pennsylvania and we met halfway between our cities for dinner. It was great getting to spend time with everyone.

6.  I spent the rest of the year preparing for our Australian-New Zealand Adventure in 2019.  I researched, planned, conducted three packing dry runs, ordered a Sydney MetroCard and purchased a new camera.  I finally have a big girl camera! Nikon D3500.

2017 Wrap Up

I can’t believe 2017 is over and I’m completing my first year as a Federal employee. I do love my work and am grateful for each day. I now telework two days a week!

The year consisted of dental work, Restaurant Week(s), hanging out with friends and an awesome cruise! Notice I didn’t say dating. I wasn’t really ready. I did have feelings for someone but that didn’t go anywhere except friendship. Typical.

CeCe met me in New Orleans and we went on a seven day cruise to Belize, Roatan, and Cozumel. We had a wonderful time and are planning our next trip...Twelve Day Cruise out of Sydney Australia, Tazmania, and New Zealand in February 2019!

I also traveled to Bakersfield for the holidays. Yes, we are still mourning Dad and some days just take my breath away. There are a lot of days when I’m ok.

Hopefully, 2018 will bring love to my life. I think I’m ready.

2016 Wrap Up

The past year has been extremely difficult. We lost Dad in January and the rest of the year was just trying to live day to day.  The mourning process continues and hurts a little less each day.  There are some days when I just can't get out of bed and others that are OK.  I'm not saying there weren't really good times because there were.

 I won a very nice award from my company and took Mom and Deidra to the Dominican republic for four days.  Thanks to a companion ticket, I was able to bring them to Virginia in September.  We had a great time touring the city. Mom will be flying out here for Thanksgiving and we are going to Bastille for dinner.

I've  also been doing a lot more cooking.  There are a few people at work who I actually want to cook for,  so that's what I've been doing.  Usually they are my taste testers when I'm experimenting with recipes.

 That just about sums up the entire year.  I really just want to see this year over with.

Update: In December I was offered a position with the USPTO as a Federal employee. I resigned from my firm after 14.5 years. I started my new job on 1/17/17.

Winter Restaurant Week 2015

If you have ever read any of my posts, you know that restaurant week is twice a year and probably means more to me than Christmas presents! Don't get me wrong, Christmas week is my favorite time because I get to spend it with my family. Restaurant Week means great food with great friends. Last year I completely forgot to blog about the two different restaurant weeks 

We only made two reservations this time and both were in the top 100 for 2014. However only one of them remains in the top 100 for 2015. First we dined at The Source and the second reservation was at Central - Michael Richards. Honestly I thought Central was going to be my favorite but I wanted to try The Source and as it turns out The Source was actually my favorite. 

The Source had the better appetizers and main course was equivalent to Central. Central had the better dessert. At least for me it was better. 

The Source: The appetizer was a pork and crab dumpling that was so outstanding, I kept sticking my finger in the sauce and licking it clean while nobody was watching!  I would go back to this restaurant simply for the dumpling. My main course was a lemon pepper short rib with different root vegetables and it was unbelievable.

Central: My main course is not on the normal menu and was only available for restaurant week. I had the trout almandine and it was amazing. My dessert was a poached pear sunday, that included vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and shaved almonds. Outstanding.

Most of my friends had the hamburger or the fried chicken but I was not impressed with either of them. This was not your normal hamburger it was very much gourmet. Central is known for its fried chicken and it was not my favorite thing.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and were very impressed with the restaurants I chose. Another hit! I should state that for the first reservation, it was just the Guam girls but for Central there were 10 of us; my Guam girls & NGEN family. I do like combining the two groups on occasion, it's nice when all my friends get along.

Now I'm looking forward to summer restaurant week and trying to figure out which restaurants we will go to. And just in case you were not aware, yes I maintain a spreadsheet of the top 100 and check off which restaurants we have gone to!

China Tour 2014

October 28 – November 9th was spent touring China; we traveled around the country. It was planes, trains and automobiles not to mention River Taxis, Cruise ships and a rickshaws!

We started our tour in Beijing and ended in Shanghai. We traveled by airplane from Beijing to Xian, then by airplane to to Chengdu, then by train to chongqing and finally another plane to Shanghai.

We spent 3 of the 12 days floating down the Yangtze River. Were we  went through the Three Gorges and took a water taxi into the narrow areas that the board could not get too. We docked at a make shift area that looked like lego’s connected together and visited a small village.

We toured the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors, Panda Preservation, Beijing zoo, Xi'an Wall, Shanghai Gymnastic Show, Shanghai Museum, and much more. 

See the itinerary below:

   

It was a once in a lifetime trip I will never forget. Pictures have been posted to Shutterfly

A New Work Adventure

Friday was my last day at Washington Navy Yard! We had a great team lunch on Thursday, salad bar style, and then had a huge cake for the entire office. I was shocked at how many people stopped by and disappointed that a few didn’t come over but oh well. I’m outta there! Both the Program Manager and Deputy congratulated me and told me how much they appreciated my efforts since they met me and when I told them it had been over 5 years, even they agreed it was time to go. The deputy gave me a huge hug and kiss on the cheek. A couple of the Govies wouldn’t talk to me, not because they were angry but because they hate good-bye’s. I wish I thought they did actually appreciate my work but I doubt it. Let's begin with the fact that in 5 years, they never gave me an award. I know it's petty but when you see your coworkers get them and you don't, it tends to make you bit bitter. 

 I went over to US Patent and Trademarks to get my badge and elevator access card the same day that I outprocessed the Navy. It seems I’m not located at the Madison Bldg after all but a few blocks away on Jamieson. It’s the contractors work location. No biggie to me, we are close to the underground walkway between the buildings. Also, the monthly parking garage I chose is only two blocks away from my new location. 

 First the good part, I’m right next door to Pasara Thai, Starbucks, a lunch counter/mini store, and less than a block from the Trade bar. I’m located in a room of 16 cubicles; plus side, my own short walled cubicle (no privacy), I have a window and a view of the skyline and something else! It seems we have a patio up there and when the weather is nice, I can go outside to have lunch. Plus there is a kitchen area. Not too bad. Especially since nobody wears a full blown suit!!! I was told that is the norm. 

 Down side, it’s really quiet up there, a bit warm, and they don't schedule meetings in our building. We have to walk over to Madison multiple times a day. 

Ok, so it's not that bad unless the weather is awful. I'm also in learning mode, knowledge by fire hose; it's a lot to learn.

Loss of Marilyn

A few days before the shooting at the Navy Yard, my birth mother, Marilyn Wilson Phillips had a massive heart attack. I just found out that she passed away suddenly in the hosptial. We thought she was doing better and would be released from the hospital tomorrow. I was waiting to call her again until she was home.

Unfortuantely, I'll never be able to speak to her again but at least I had that trip in July to meet her and the family. I'll always cherish that trip and time I spent with her. God bless and keep you Marilyn. I hope you are at peace.

Update (10/8/13): We found out that it was a pulminary embolism that took Marilyn's life. This is something that is completely unavoidable. I drove to Douglas, GA for the memorial service and to be with the family. I'm so thankful that I was able to spend time with them back in July because it made this trip easier, even considering the reason/situation.

 The service was beautiful and very casual. Marilyn had everything planned; she even had a binder with instructions, music, who was to speak, what she wanted, everything....sound like anyone else? On the way back to Virginia, I stopped in Atlanta to visit with Janet and Tom. Then spent the night with Bonnie and Dan in Charlotte, NC.

Navy Yard Shooting - September 16, 2013

September 16th is usually a great day; it’s my sisters birthday and something to celebrate.

Yesterday was not a great day and I don’t want to forget what happened. An ex-employee subcontractor of HPES, working on NMCI, brought a shotgun on to Washington Navy Yard, entered building 197 and started shooting. First killing the security guard inside the building, taking his weapon and continued up to the 3rd and 4th floors.

He killed 12 people before he was killed. I just can’t believe that someone was able to get on base with a weapon and kill so many people. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims.

The shootings occurred in building 197. I’m located in building 196. You would think they would be next door to each other but thankfully they are not. Building 197 is on 6th Street and Building 196 is on 10th Street. See bottom image.

The base went on lockdown beginning at 0840 and we didn’t depart our building until almost 6pm. At first we didn't know what was happening. All we knew was that someone had been shot at building 197. We had not heard that there was more than one person hurt. Then we started receiving information from our families and friends who where watching the news. We didn't have access to TV and trying to stream the news was nearly impossible. Then we heard that four people were dead and many more injured. Nobody knew if there was more than one shooter, if he was still in 197, or did he make his way to our side of the base. Several survivors from 197 made it to our building and we sheltered them all day. We gave them food, water, coffee, phones to use, and chargers for cell phones. Most people didn't have anything with them when they ran out of the building.

Finally, we were escorted from Building 196 by the FBI, down to the water front to building 211 where people were interviewed and buses waited to transport us to Nationals Ball Park. The ball park, we got off the buses, and finally walked to the Navy Yard metro station or to the Booz Allen office at 20 M Street. Camera crews were everyone and so were the police and FBI.

Our cars were held hostage by the FBI and local police. Jessica had been released about an hour before me and Kim was released an hour after me. I’m so thankful that my friends were not hurt and I could keep track of them. Mama Kat mode kicked in and I made sure I knew where they were at all times.

I love Booz Allen Hamilton and Charlie Hamilton. Charlie stayed at the 20 M Street office until all of his people were accounted for, made sure we had food and water, and a way to get home. When I arrived at the office, the second he saw me, he opened up his arms and I walked right in to them and gave him a huge hug. He hugged me tight and kissed my cheek.

Like I said, I love Charlie Hamilton. He is a retired Navy Admiral (two-star) and really cares about his people. Charlie sent out this message to us “I have been very proud of the 20 M St / WNY Booz Allen family all day – you remained calm, kept a sense of humor, and looked out for your colleagues. Well done and thanks Charlie.”

My leadership is just as wonderful; Tammy, Laura, and Bill are so supportive. Laura had the worst of it because she was in building 197 when the shooting started and was evacuated to the Museum. Thankfully she is alright but I’m sure it hit her hard.

DC Restauarant Week - Summer 2013

DC Restaurant Week Summer (RW), my favorite holiday. What? It’s a holiday, a holiday for foodies! Except this holiday happens twice a year and I turn in to a kid a Christmas. Each meal is a present and one I’ve been wanting all year!

Last summer I was late making reservations, I almost choked on my timing. My smartphone didn’t update my email and I missed the announcement. I had to find out from a colleague three hours after the announcement; oh the horror of it. I know, I’m a total dork but how would you feel if you the known “foodie” in the office and you were unaware of the announcement? It’s not good, I lost a bit of credibility.

This year, I had a new smartphone and thankfully I was home at the time when my both my email and Facebook received the announcement. I made my reservations within 5 minutes and emailed my friends with the reservations. Then I informed my colleagues via a text to make their reservations…………I was back as the credible source!

Off Topic: As the foodie dork I am, I keep the Top 100 Restaurant spreadsheet on my smartphone. You never know when someone will need it. Case in point, friends of friends were in town from Chicago and wanted to know what the good restaurants were in DC. Everyone pointed to me and I was able to supply them with the spreadsheet. Well, one of them is an attorney and loves spreadsheets! I had credibility as a geek and now he loves me.

Back on Topic: I have to admit, I didn’t do my research this year. I’ve been so busy with work and family that the last thing I could do was spend time focusing on Restaurant Week. I’m terrible, I know but time got away from me. I’m losing points admitting to this but oh well, I have to keep it honest.

I was a bit leery of my reservations because I went off my instincts and not my research. This could have been a disaster.

My choices: Belga Café (old favorite and Monday evening) for my dinner with the ladies of NGEN. For my Guam Girls, we had two reservations, Birch and Barley (Thursday evening) and Willow (Saturday evening).

To make a long story short, not everyone could make the reservations but at least most of them gave me a few days’ notice. This is a first and I’m a proud Mama Kat, I have trained them well. Nobody wants to make Mama Kat angry and as the cruise director, last minutes changes tick me off.

Belga Café: For the first time in four years I was not happy with the menu or with the RW choice and ordered off the main menu. They didn’t even have my favorite dessert on the menu anymore, so I only ordered appetizer and entrée. My meal was very good and I even indulged in alcohol. I had two Stella Artois’. My friends jaws dropped when they saw me drinking. Well everyone except Patrick, he wasn’t aware that I do not normally drink. Patrick was a trooper and joined us when Amy had to cancel.

Birch & Barley: This restaurant is pretty cool, pairing beers with farm to table meals. The location is at Logan’s Circle which is cool but the parking situation is awful. I lucked out and found a spot in front of the restaurant after circling only once. Kim and Heather were really impressed with their meals and said that this was the best RW experience ever.

I didn’t do my research and didn’t order correctly; at least not my appetizer. Had I stuck with my gut instincts and I would have ordered differently but I asked the host what he liked and I’ll never do that again. Heather had the best appetizer. I tasted hers and it was fabulous.

Kim’s braut burger disgusted me and I almost threw up but she seemed to love it. It’s my funky taste buds, I had stinky cheese and braut.

What We Ordered:
Assortment of freebies: pretzels, cornbread, & blueberry rolls with homemade mustard and butter. As well as Risotto balls. Very good! I loved the homemade pretzels.
As a side dish, Heather and I both ordered the Truffled Herbed Mac & Cheese and totally dug it.

Kim: Grilled Octopus Pickled Eggplant, Fingerling Potatoes, Herb Salad, Pearl Onions and Brät Burger Beer-Braised Sauerkraut, Emmenthaler, Hand Cut Fries, Cornichon (she loved both!).

Heather: Seared Grouper Cheeks Coconut Gold Rice, Fresno Pickled Pineapple, Lime Jicama, Cilantro (the best first course and what I wanted to order), and Seared Beef Ranch Steak Blistered Corn Pudding, Minted Favas, Queso Fresco Gnocchi, Piperade (she really liked it).

Both Kim and Heather ordered the same dessert and loved it: Peanut Butter Cheesecake Grapes, Honey Roasted Peanuts, Ginger Syrup, Grape Sorbet, Micro Basil. Also, both of them had the alcohol pairing with each meal and they both raved about how it enhanced the meal.

Kat: Handmade Flatbreads White Bean Bruschetta (ok, not great), Seared Blue Fish Fingerling Potatoes, Jarred Tomatoes, Lima Beans, Fennel Sausage, Littleneck Clams (fantastic and the best entree!) and Cashew Snickers, Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream, Hostess Cupcake, and Snickerdoodle (good but not blow my head off).

Overall, we had a wonderful meal, the restaurant decor and ambience was awesome and the service was outstanding. I’d go back to Birch and Barley.

Finally, Willow in Arlington (Ballston), across from the Ballston Metro. I know it isn’t DC but what an outstanding location and has underground parking. The restaurant’s décor is up scale and the ambience is wonderful. Yes, it was noisy but only because everyone was loving their meals and enjoying themselves. I liked the atmosphere.

Cliff and Jessica showed up 15 minutes late but what else is new. It took me about 2 minutes to get over my irritation and be nice to them. I actually felt bad because I think I hurt Jessica’s feelings by being angry.

I think Willow was my favorite locations this RW. Cliff had the best entrée and all of us had the same dessert! Jessica loved her meal and was happy all around.

What we Ordered:

Cliff: Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque (really liked it) and Roasted Norwegian Salmon Corn Ravioli (outstanding).

Jessica: Tomato, Almond & Basil Gazpacho (loved it) and Ratatouille & Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms (really liked it).

Kat: Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque (excellent) and Day Boat Sea Scallop & Ratatouille (the scallop was good but all the other stuff was just too much).

All three of us ordered: Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Caramel Sauce and Moorenko’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream (soooo yummy)

This was my favorite during RW and I’d love to take my mother here. I think she would like both Willow and Birch & Barley.

That is my test for all restaurants; if I wouldn’t take my parents then I won’t return.

Meeting My Biological Family - The Backstory

I think everyone is aware of the fact that I’m adopted. It’s not a secret nor has it ever been. I’ve known since I could walk and talk that I was adopted at 3 day’s old and was the family Christmas present that year.

When I was 23, I was married and figured it was time I located my biological mother (Marilyn). To make a long story short, my Dad and I both located her and we began a friendship. In 2001, I flew to the Hampton Virginia area for work and Marilyn I decided to meet for lunch in Williamsburg.

That was the one and only time I met her and over the years we drifted apart. It’s not a big deal because all friends drift apart. Who knew social media could actually be a positive thing, go figure. Somehow, Marilyn and her sister Elaine became Facebook friends. Oh, I now have a few of my biological cousins on my friends list.

To make another long story short, Marilyn contacted me in May 2013 and wanted me to travel to Georgia for her birthday but most of the family wouldn’t be there. The timing didn’t work out and we changed the plans for July, which was also her high school reunion weekend at Amelia Island. The reunion was for everyone who graduated in the 1960’s, which means that Elaine will also be in attendance. I’m not sure about Lou or Libby but I believe they are 1970’s grads.

Marilyn wanted to show me off and has already started by posting pictures of me all over Facebook. In her words “it’s a southern thing and what we do” and also “I want to show you off”. Not too sure how I feel about being shown off/displayed and I have to admit to feeling some reluctance. The feeling is about my insecurities and not wanting to offend anyone and make my family uncomfortable.

My mom and dad both think it’s great that I’m meeting my biological family. They are so curious and want to hear about everything. They want to know if I have similarities in personality, appearance, likes vs. dislikes, upon meeting the family. My parents are very secure in their status as my parents, their relationship with me and are willing to share. They won’t give me back but they will share; isn’t that pleasant!

Before I went home to Bakersfield to help mom out (broken arm), I was really nervous about going to Georgia and the reunion but now, not so much. I think I’ve been so focused on the PMP exam and taking care of mom that my nervousness just went away. Or, it’s in hiding and will jump up and smack me down right before I travel. I think this is actually the case but hey, nothing I can do about it and will just embrace the emotional rollercoaster I’m about to ride.

The Upgrade!

Well, after a year of looking at vehicles and reading reviews, I finally picked my new car. 

I wanted an SUV but didn't want the parking issues that come with working in Washington DC. 

I'm completely in love with my CX-5 (Mazda).  As soon as I sat in it I knew but had to hold off until after the test drive.

I'm feeling a bit of buyers remorse but I always do when I buy a vehicle.  Especially because I'm living in Virginia and have to pay property tax on the car.  It's going to be awful this year with a 2014 SUV but that is what I get!

Isn't my crossover cute!

18th Annual Cruise to Mexico - MDSF

For the first time in years, I went on the Mother, Daughters, Sisters, and Friends cruise. My mother has been putting on this trip for 18 years and this year we had about 65 women. At one point we had 140 women but that was just too difficult and drama filled.

The only reason I agreed to go was because my best friend needed a weekend away from everything….PERFECT……it gave me the excuse I needed to go on the cruise. I couldn’t justify the trip (costs) but I needed to put family and friends first, and this allowed me to just suck it up.

The trip started in Bakersfield, CA; we left my parents house Friday around 9am. The drinking started around ohhhh 9:05am. Those women can put it away, that’s all I have to say. Well, that and I did join them. I know, right. Me, the non-drinker actually had a drink.

We made it to the ship and the experience was a bit different. First, muster does not include the life preserver but does require a trip to the life boat. Ok. Then we did the group photo.  Lord help us.

Let’s just say, trying to get a bunch of tipsy women to pose for a picture is like herding cats. My sister Elisa was doing her best as “Picture Bitch” to get them to line up. Yes, she called herself Picture Bitch and when she said to me “hey, line up, I’m picture bitch…” I turned around and said “Hey, I’m all the time bitch and I’m already in line!” We ended up getting a good group picture and a fantastic one of the Francis Ladies.

Saturday we went in to Ensenada for facials, massages, shrimp taco’s, mango margaritas, and shopping. Most of the group went to Papa’s and Beer’s but not CeCe, Mom, and I. We walked back to the ship or make that tried to find our way back through packed streets due to the parade. It turns out that it was Mardi Gras and the street between us, Papas and the ship was blocked off for the parade. We didn’t even attempt to cross but a lot of our people did and made it to the bar. We had a nice day in Ensenada and a good dinner on board the ship. Plus, we took a great family picture.

Sunday was filled with more alcohol, shopping, and the Disney themed cocktail party. I loved all the costumes. Mine was good but not great. There were four Cruella’s and mine was the hottest by far. I even had teenagers asking to take pictures with me, not to mention older men giving me a thumbs up and telling me “that’s hot girl”.

Dinner, well that wasn’t much fun for me. Everyone was hammered and the service that night was horrible. My appetizer didn’t come and the drink waiter never came to our table. I almost lost it and said “that’s it, I’m going DC snooty bitch on these people”. That is when Mom stepped in and mentioned my appetizer never came and that we would like the drink waiter to finally come over and take our orders. This was an hour in to dinner.

Monday I came back to Virginia with a hangover, swollen feet, legs, hands, headache, and wonderful memories.

Basque Meat Tenderizer Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Recently I came across a recipe for my favorite marinade.  It's probably as close as we are going to get unless of course I go out and buy the bottle online and have it shipped.  I did order 12 bottles and shared them my friends who actually cook. 

Basque Meat Tenderizer Barbecue Sauce

1 /2 cup Red Wine Vinegar

1 /4 cup Burgundy Wine, any brand, suggested Carlo Rossi

1/4 cup Lawry's Lemon-Pepper Marinade, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE brands

1/8 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon finely ground red pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

2 tablespoons soybean oil

Note about wine:  If you won't drink it with dinner then don't cook with it, enough said.

In a plastic or ceramic mixing bowl, carefully measure ingredients and stir together until well blended. That's all there is to it! Transfer to appropriate container and store, with lid tightly closed in refrigerator. The marinade will store indefinitely.

From: http://www.erench.com/RECIPES/BBQ/SAUCE/BASQUE/index.htm

 

Hurricane Sandy - Day 2

New Jersey Coast - Boardwalk is Gone

The worst of the winds came around 8pm Monday evening and continued past midnight.

I couldn’t even sleep in my own bed due to the noise of the wind, the noise of the building being hit by the wind, and I swear I could feel the building move in the wind. I decided to grab my blanket and pillow and sleep in front of my bathroom door. I even had my emergency bag, rain boots, and flashlight in front of the apartment door for just in case purposes.

This is not my first rodeo; I’ve been through typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. I don’t normally get scared but lying in bed and feeling the building move and the noise it made, did rattle my nerves a bit. As soon as I got down on the floor, I was out! I did wake up few times during the worst of the wind.

I’m so thankful that I don’t live in New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), or West Virginia (WV). All three were slammed by the superstorm with WV getting blasted with snow.

The images from the NYC/NJ are incredible; I can’t believe the amount water (14 feet) throwing through the streets of Manhattan and Battery area. There is a huge fire in NJ and explosions at power stations. The National Guard and Army are there to assist the first responders.

So far “Sandy” has claimed the lives of at least 16 people on the east coast. The cities are devastated and with NYC being under water, the economy is going to suffer greatly.

Downed Tree

In my area, hundreds of thousands are without power. Thankfully I have power and never lost it completely. It flickered off and on during the worst of the winds but in Alexandria near Huntington are all the power is out, trees are down, and there is flooding.

On a side note, the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier maintained their post, even in the middle of a hurricane. Their dedication to service and country is outstanding.