Summer Travel

We've been out and about a LOT in the last month. We had POM leave - Pre-Overseas Movement vacation days - scheduled for late June-early July. Luckily for you, I forgot my camera most places we traveled. Whomp Whomp.

Dave and I spent a few nights in San Francisco, where we played tourist. San Francisco Giant's baseball game, Alcatraz night tour, Point Loma National Seashore, 1917 Earthquake spot, and fantabulous Indian burritos. Those were the highlights.

We spent the 4th of July visiting Dave's family in the South. We bought fireworks and set them off! I know, it sounds boring but let me quantify. 1) I grew up outside of DC, and we usually only had sparklers. 2) We bought big exploding fireworks in Mississippi. 3) We attempted to blow up a watermelon. Additionally, we ate at Rendezvous, the originator of Memphis-style (dry rub) ribs. We got to spend time with our nieces, who eventually accepted Dave, and Dave's family. It was relaxing and fun. Except for the fact our return flight was canceled. But we made it back.

Last on our tour-de-everywhere, we drove six hours up the spine of the Central Valley to Redding, CA. Redding is the northern-most point in the CenVal, and as such, it doesn't feel so much like a valley but more like you are surrounded by mountains on three sides. Dave's future roommate, TJ, and my friend, Amy, tied the knot in a lovely, lovely ceremony. We bought a camera for the occasion, but it was left behind at the reception - never to be seen again. So no photos of Dave in his dress-whites and I dressed up. Whomp Whomp.

Jaime and I wiating for the ceremony to start - I was so excited, I wanted to cheer during the vows.

The newly married couple. (I was there when she chose her dress, so pretty.) 

OCF girls

Now we are home for a few weeks. And no more traveling. We were glad to accomplish so much during our time off, but we were exhausted.

Obviously, this would happen while you're in Japan...

A severe wind storm breezed through Olive Branch, MS early this morning (late in the evening for those on Eastern Time). The Wrigley's home was hit pretty badly, but Tom and Samantha's was left untouched (which is good, since they have two wee ones!). Most roads are closed due to debris, power is out city-wide. Even local tv stations aren't broadcasting - woah! The Wrigley's will need a new roof (at least in part) and new carpeting, who knows what else. Sam's already put in a claim with USAA but its difficult being 8 time zones away.

We're anxiously awaiting Tom's cellphone pictures.

Also, Willow, Emily's cat, was readily found, but Lucy, Dave's 18 year old feline, has yet to surface.... Could this be the end of Lucy!? (This cat has been "on the way out" for as long as I've known Dave.)

A Very Wrigley Visit

This week, the Wrigleys are here to visit! Sam, Jenny, and Emily flew in on Monday - Five days later, they are finally able to stay awake until 9pm. Dave and I drove to the airport to pick them up, got lost, were late, it was a regular adventure. Dave's parents and sister were able to spend some time with him (24 hours) before we drove to Yokosuka and dropped him off at the carrier (again). Yesterday, we took the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto, where we walked for miles and miles. Emily and Jenny came home with blisters. We spent the afternoon there today and made the 4 hour adventure home in time for dinner - left over chicken pot pie, which is always better the next day.



Jenny, Sam, and Emily were accosted by grade school students dying to practice English and get as many signatures as possible. Here, their teacher takes a group picture, while Em signs away. Now Dave's not the only one who's autograph will be famous!


The Nijo Castle - the first shogun's house. It is especially famous for it's nightingale floors. Built to warn of sneaking intruders, the wooden floors sound like nightingales singing. The noise would have alerted the household to an approaching person(s). No Ninja attacks here.



Nifty lantern in the Gion district, famous for Geisha. We spent an hour hanging conspicuously about but, alas, saw no geisha.


Folded paper hung over a tori gate., Gion distrect.


Blue crane in Gion.



Kinkakuji - or Golden Pavillion/Temple. Covered in 24k leaf gold!

After today's killer Body Pump, wherein I did a shoulder-lift exercise with 5lbs on each arm and decided I should not use 5lb free weights ever again - we had a big Ikea trip planned. Obviously, I only went for curtains and clips. So obviously I came back with much more. This new entertainment console could not be passed up - even though I paid more than 120$ for it here... Imagine it in white, and laid out long-ways. The middle rack is perfect for cable box, dvd player, and an Xbox. The top and bottom shelves will have baskets to hide things in.

It balances out because I purchased this new guest bed for 40$. Yes, fourty. Amazing. It is a full-double, so Jenny and Sam beware. But the upcoming matress will more than make up for it's small size.

Our group was large, and I think we will all agree not to travel to Ikea with six other women anytime in the near future. Just a lot to keep track of, everyone with different needs, and Heather and I purchased a lot of furniture so it becomes more time consuming. We even had an Ikea-freshman with us. Lauren had never been to an Ikea - can you just imagine the overwhelming the came over her? Too much visual stimuli there.

Much thanks to Gizelle, who let me borrow her car to bring my new items home in. And to Kelly and Laura for their patience. And to Heather and Lauren for their help moving my items upstairs - we all know particle board is no feather. And last of all, many thanks to Dave, for in addition to funding this trip, is deployed and therefore had no say on the items or their prices. (But he finds me financially responsible.)