my journey, destination unknown
Travels in Turkey, Part 1 of 12 [For the next dozen or so Tuesdays, I’ll be writing about our experiences in traveling Turkey with kids. We spent 3 week in June and July 2010 exploring many different areas of Turkey. We had little idea of what to expect and ended up having a wonderful time.]…
As part of our 101 things project, we are taking the time to make sure we celebrate at least one “other” holiday a month. Last month, we celebrated Harry Potter’s (30th) Birthday. In August, we celebrate the fourth anniversary of our kids’ music blog/radio station Gooney Bird Kids. Not only did we replay the first…
Our mini-retreats last weekend and this weekend have provided a fascinating study in contrasts. Last weekend we were in Panama City Beach; today, the girls and I headed in the opposite direction to the Pigeon Forge area to stay at a waterpark resort, Winderness in the Smokies (I haven’t spotted the wilderness yet). At this…
Photos from the Holiday Inn Resort and WonderWorks in Panama City Beach, FL:
Tired of the summer Atlanta heat, last Friday I decided that it was time to head to the beach for the weekend. While I have certain preconceived notions of the Florida panhandle, I decided that the gulf would be preferable to the Atlantic. I found a good rate at the Holiday Inn Resort in Panama…
Photo taken in Panama City Beach, FL, on 8 Aug 2010. Yes, I realize that it is not Friday, but Thursday. However, I’ve decided to begin submitting my weekly contribution to the Photo Friday contest (not that my photos are in the same league with the other entries), and the submissions are due by midnight.
For the past two weeks, I’ve been working like crazy to pare down my massive “to do” list. By Friday, I felt that I had almost conquered it, so, with much happiness, booked a weekend at the beach for the family. We headed out Friday afternoon and had a wonderful time not doing anything —…
The Hagia Sophia/Ayasofya in Istanbul is a place that both my girls have longed to see for years. In their history readings, they have learned about the beauty and historical significance of this now secular museum. The entrance fee was steep and there was a line (5-10 minutes?), but it was well worth it. I…
Photo taken in Blue Ridge, GA, on 30 Jul 2010. Yes, I realize that it is not Friday, but Thursday. However, I’ve decided to begin submitting my weekly contribution to the Photo Friday contest (not that my photos are in the same league with the other entries), and the submissions are due by midnight.
Two weeks ago, I asked for music listening ideas . Last week, I mentioned having trouble finding time to listen. And, last week, I did find time to listen. While blogging, while on the treadmill, and even while working, amazingly. And learned something about myself, no less. I have known, for a long time, that…
Happy Birthday, Harry Poter! Five years ago, we had a huge party for Harry Potter’s birthday. It was a blast! Tons of Harry Potter food, butterbeer, potions making, Quidditch in the pool and lots, lots more. While that would be fun to do again, we had a much smaller scale party at the cabin this…
I don’t have a knack for learning languages. In high school, I took five years of Spanish, which served me well in grad school. In college, I took three years of Japanese, which, well, hasn’t helped much, other than being able to understand bits and pieces when we were in Japan a couple of years…
My children have come to equate touring with ice cream. (Did I offer them too many bribes when they were younger? ) Needless to say, they consumed lots and lots of ice cream in Turkey. Around Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, street vendors sell dondurma, a “taffy-like” ice cream. Dondurma’s sticky elasticity makes it possible for…
Photo taken from a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey on 2 Jul 2010. Yes, I realize that it is not Friday, but Thursday. However, I’ve decided to begin submitting my weekly contribution to the Photo Friday contest (not that my photos are in the same league with the other entries), and the…
Last week, I asked for music listening ideas and was bombarded with wonderful suggestions! Thanks to all who contributed! I have listed to some Avett Brothers, Spoon and Vampire Weekend this week. However, I am faced with a couple of issues. Maybe my brain is too simple or I’m too crazed, but WHEN do I…
Each Monday, I hope to review and update our ever evolving 101 Things List. I’ve added a bunch of new things and linked to my entry about our trip to the US Space & Rocket Center. Another item from the list that we managed to enjoy this past week was a trip to the Decatur…
Inspired by a good friend, the girls and I created an ever-evolving 101 things list to try to make sure that we are doing some interesting and new activities on a fairly regular basis (instead of falling into a boring routine). Instead of staying home and washing the dining room windows and cleaning out the…
Luckily, we arrived in Selcuk, Turkey early enough on Saturday that we were able to get to the market before everyone closed up for the week. I love street markets like these; you never know what you are going to find! Sure lots of fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meat, but also boxes of lids, piles…
Photo taken at a convenience store in Selcuk on 9 Jul 2010. Yes, I realize that it is not Friday, but Thursday. However, I’ve decided to begin submitting my weekly contribution to the Photo Friday contest (not that my photos are in the same league with the other entries), and the submissions are due by…