Top Spring Travel Destinations

So I wanted to get back to posting a little about travel for three reasons...1) I have the itch to travel and know we won't be traveling for a long time and 2) I had lots of people tell me it was fun to read and 3) (which you could argue could be combined with 1) I love to write about it!  I think that I should get my own show like Samantha Brown....just saying.

Today's post is about great travel destinations in the Spring. We are safely into April so it's safe to say Spring (er...Summer...er...weird weather patterns!) are here to stay.  Here are some wonderful places we should check out when they are in "full bloom".

1) New York City

Why go now?
Baseball season openers rally Yankees (April 13) and Mets (April 5) fans, cherry blossoms set the Brooklyn Botanic Garden ablaze (April 21–29), and the reels turn at the Tribeca Film Festival(April 18–29). 


Insider Tip (yea, I got this from somewhere, no I have not been to New York!): 

Set out with Urban Oyster for expert guide-led glimpses of authentic NYC (Manhattan food carts, Brooklyn breweries, and more).

2) Tuscany, Italy

Why go now:

Before summer’s tourist crowds pour in, rub elbows with the Tuscan locals for a slew of quirky, age-old spring festivals dedicated to everything from medieval-style crossbow competitions (several locations, dates vary) to luck-carrying crickets (Festa del Grilloin Florence, May 17) to cart explosions (Scoppio del Carro in Florence, April 8).

Insider Tip: 

Explore pastoral Tuscan landscapes via a self-guided weeklong cycling tour, customized with cooking classes or wine tastings, with Pure Adventures.

3) Miami, Florida

Why go now: 

Beach bums-cum-culture vultures can indulge their taste buds at the Miami Wine & Food Festival (April 18–21); or partake in the Miami Beach Gay Pride celebrations (April 13–15). Sports enthusiasts, meanwhile, are anticipating the new state-of-the-art Miami Marlins stadium (it opened April 4), complete with a duo of aquariums set behind home plate. 

Insider Tip: 

For 25 cents, ride the South Beach Local bus for a quick-and-easy tour of the Art Deco Historic District.

4) Paso Robles, California

Why go now: 

Tour the wine trails of this burgeoning California wine region in mid-May and catch the 30th annual Paso Robles Wine Festival (May 18–20), too, with 70 area wineries pouring in Downtown City Park, and a gaggle of local chefs showcasing their farm-fresh fare. Also worthwhile: the 20th annual Hospice du Rhone (April 26–28), celebrating all things Rhône.

Insider Tip: Build your preference-based wine tasting itinerary via the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s recently launched Interactive Trip Planner.

5) Mallorca, Spain

Why go now: 

Head to Spain’s most popular Mediterranean isle during the third week of May for the transporting medieval festival held at Capdepera Castle, or take in other traditional spring fetes, complete with processions, reenactments, and entertainment, like the Festa de l'Ángel at the Bellver Castle in Palma in mid-April, or Les Valentes Dones in Sóller in May.

Insider Tip: 

Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana Mountains—recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—are primed for hiking.

6)  Prague

Why go now: 

Springtime sees Prague blossom in everything from its flowering magnolia trees to its cultural offerings. The world-class Prague Spring Music Festival (May 12–June 3) brings three weeks of symphony, opera, and chamber concerts to the city. Peruse the handcrafted goods and traditional foods of the Easter markets (March 24–April 15) in Old Town Square, or hit the stalls of the foodie-and-beer lover’s haven, Czech Beer Festival Prague (May 17–June 2).

Insider Tip: The generous blooms of Petrín Hill lend well to a springtime stroll.

7) Sydney, Australia

Why go now: 

Sample autumn Down Under with Sydney's ramped-up cultural calendar, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, which re-opened in March, with a new rooftop café and sculpture terrace. Nab hot tickets like the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour(March 24–April 15), or catch Vivid Sydney’s "festival of music, light, and ideas" (May 25–June 11), featuring an illuminated Sydney Opera House.

Insider Tip:

Get a local’s perspective of Sydney from the passenger seat of 1960s classic Australian vehicle, courtesy of My Sydney Detour’s bespoke tours.

8) Saint Lucia

Why go now: 

While peak winter crowds and rates typically wind down after April, the annual Saint Lucia Jazz Festival (April 30–May 13), headlined by Lionel Richie this year, ensures that Saint Lucia remains on the Caribbean’s hot list well into spring.

Insider Tip:  Catch weekly jazz headlined by renowned local artist Carl Gustave at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa (Thursday nights through late spring).

And there you go!  Places to head out to in the Spring (next year!) or if you are super spontaneous you can book it now and head out :)  We will have baby coming so we are saving our money, but maybe we can go somewhere next Spring as a little Babymoon (I know those are suppose to happen BEFORE baby, but we're broke and busy) and graduation present for the hubby!  

Anticipation

I'm anxiously awaiting this weekend.  It cannot come fast enough!  I'm off to Lancaster for a weekend of Easter and Family activities :)  The hubby took off this morning for the cabin and I will pick him up on the way.  We have a baptismal celebration on Saturday...a family Easter on Saturday....another Easter Dinner on Sunday and then the long drive back.  Weekends at home are never long enough.  Luckily, I get to head out earlier on Friday than normal.  We won't be getting into Lancaster at 1am like we normally do.  I have a ton of errands to run tomorrow and tonight I'm not that tired (which, I wish I was so I could get sleep and get up early tomorrow!).  I need to study, get the baptism gift, buy a couple wedding shower gifts, go to the post office, buy a new dress (well I don't HAVE to, but of course I WANT to :) ) study some more, buy a book for my cousin, go to class and pack. It will be a busy day off!  Oh yea, and make sure the house is clean (garbage taken out, dishes done, etc.) before I take off for the weekend.  Then Friday morning I get to head to work and then leave from work for Lancaster!  Have I mentioned how excited I am yet???  Maybe I'll try get a few things accomplished tonight...not sure what though....fold laundry?  Anyway, this was kind of a random post, but I am excited and have way too much energy tonight.

Crazy Busy Beautiful Life

So these last few weeks have flown by and I have neglected my blog once again.  I'll hurry and catch you up so I can start fresh again tomorrow ;)

Halloween came and went - my hubby and I dressed up as Fred and Wilma Flintstone.  I don't have any fabulous pictures of us - plus he doesn't like his photo on my blog, but I'm sure we looked JUST like them ;)

Then we helped clean out the cabin and shut it down for the winter - that's always a sad, sad time of the year. But, I got some beautiful pictures (on my camera that I can't find) - it's even pretty when it's brown. 

The next few days I spent getting my newsletter ready for deer season.  Deer Season is a Holiday for my family (and many extended friends!) We have around 60 people that come up and stay at different cabins whether it be land they bought or on my Grandpa's land.  Then, we all get together for different meals throughout the week.  It's truly my favorite time of the year.  I write a newsletter that is going on 15 years....crazy to think I started it when I was 9!  So, I got that ready and packed and headed home for a 5 day weekend.  It was wonderful - but it was really nice to come home again too.  My hubby hunted at his family's house so I missed him while I was gone, it's always more fun when they can join you :) 

Now, I've been back since Monday and today's Wednesday and I'm working on getting back into my routine.  I didn't do so hot this morning because I slept in and it's already 10:30 and I should be doing something very productive.....I bought groceries yesterday and cut up all the produce right away so they are in handy little baggies to just grab and munch <3  Today I am going to throw some more chopped up veggies in the crockpot for a new stew for tonight's dinner.  Well, now you've caught up on my life.....more interesting things tomorrow - maybe. 

I'm Back!

I've been absent from my blog for a few days - with good reason!  I took a trip North to the cabin (no Internet) and then headed to my hometown for some family time as my sister was a candidate for Homecoming Queen - and won!  Yay Sierra!  So, I didn't feel like taking time away from spending time with them to write a post or two.  Anyway, we had a great time at coronation. Here is a pic with the reining Queen Sierra and my other sister Skyler.

This week is going to fly by.  I was at work today.  Tomorrow I work at Children's and then I head to home again for a wedding! 

I also had my hair cut/colored etc. last night.  I will post a picture of that sometime soon. It was definitely a change I wanted/needed :)

Fall Foliage Tour - Western States

Head West Young Man!  Anytime I think about the Western States I think about Toby Keith's "Should've Been a Cowboy!".  Granted, my list does not only include the cowboy frontier(s), but the song fits for some of them (plus I said a key ingredient for a road trip is a good CD mix!). Okay, let's head West!


 Maroon Bells, Colorado

 

The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains near Aspen, Colorado.  The view to the Southwest is one of the most famous scenes in Colorado and is said to be the most photographed.  Due to its' proximity to Aspen, it's a highly sought tourist area.  However, motorized vehicles are allowed only limited access but you may take a tourist bus during the summer.

Wasatch Mountains, Utah

The Wasatch Mountain Range stretches 160 miles from the Utah-Idaho border, South through central Utah. It's considered the Western Edge of the Rockies and the Eastern Edge of the Great Basin.  Again, mountains and color - I can't resist!

Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming



Located in Northwestern Wyoming, the mountains of Grand Teton National Park make up part of the Rocky Mountains. Unlike many other mountains, the Tetons lack foothills to obstruct the view, making way for sharp peaks ranging from 5,000-7,000ft above the baseline. 

Big Wood River, Idaho

Big Wood River is 137 miles long and suns South through Central Idaho and eventually empties into the Malad River.  Again, I can't stress how much I love the bright autumn colors!  Plus, I think water complements everything so beautifully!!

Pasayten Wildnerness, Washington

 

The Pasayten Wilderness is a protected area within the Okanogan National Forest in Washington. The Western Part (above) features dramatic views of the Cascade Mountains.  Sometimes I wish I weren't so afraid of heights, because climbing that would be very cool! 

Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon

 

 When I saw this red, I had to pick this picture.  We've had a lot of yellows and oranges out West, but not as much red and red is essential on a Fall Foliage Tour. Apparently Lithia Park gets its' name from Lithium Oxide, which can be found in the water of the park - probably not something that you wanted to know, but basically, don't drink the water.

Fall Foliage Road Trips: Mid-Atlantic States

And we're on the road again!  This time to the Mid-Atlantic States - I know what you're thinking, we're heading South and you expect to see foliage??  But yes, yes, I do. Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland have some of the most beautiful Fall Foliage!  I also want to add in there Tennessee and Kentucky, because I think their Fall colors also rival the Midwest (which I will probably always think are the best, except for maybe Paris, but that's a different category).  Anyway, grab your tea or coffee or other hot beverage of choice and let's go!

Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 mile long National Parkway that runs mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, which is a mountain chain of the Appalachian Mountains.  It begins near the Southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive in Virginia at Rockfish Gap and runs to U.S. Route 441 at Oconaluftee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina. The roadway is not maintained during the winter and is therefore usually shut down late fall until early spring.

Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina

Mt. Mitchell (elevation 6,684 ft) is the highest point in the Appalachian Mountains and in the Eastern part of the United States.  The nearest high point East of the Rocky Mountains is Harney Peak in the Black Hills, SD.  The Mountain is in Mount Mitchell State Park and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. 

Maryland..er..D.C.

I know this isn't a typical picture on our usual back woodsy road trip that we were on, but I had to give a little love to the bigger cities. I do know that Washington D.C. isn't considered a state and it's not really in Maryland, but yet it was formed from the land that was originally Maryland, so for this post, that's what I'm going to categorize it as. Anyway, doesn't our Washington Monument look beautiful among all that orange!

Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, Tennessee

The river is 76 miles long and is located in both Tennessee and Kentucky.  It's a major drainage feature for the Cumberland Plateau, a major tributary of the Cumberland River System, which is also known as a worldclass canoe and kayaking stream.  The river runs primarily North through many remote areas.  Imagine the wildlife you could see along there!

Nernix, Kentucky

I couldn't find out much information about Nernix, Kentucky, but the fall foliage is sure beautiful.  I don't think they are known for it, but they should be ;) Louisville is suppose to have some beautiful shots, too, but I loved this aerial photo. 

Fall Foliage Road Trips - North Eastern States

Yes, another post about Fall.  It's my favorite time of the year.  I wish it lasted twice as long! 

If I haven't previously mentioned this - I love going for drives...nice long drives, road trips - anything involving a car, me and preferably someone else I can talk to - oh and a good CD mix or book on CD, those are good too!  And some great snacks - or at least a Caribou Coffee within stopping distance ;) 

Anyway, I decided to combine a few of my favorite things - road trips and Fall into a post about the places in the US that are considered to have the best Fall Foliage.  After I got going, I decided that I needed to cut it down into just a post about the Northeastern states today.  Though I'm sure I won't find a Caribou Coffee joint out East, I will probably find a ton of Apple Cider, Fresh Maple Syrup, Carmel Apples and other hot awesome Fall drinks!

Maine, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire

 

This is Maine.  What I love most about the Eastern States (even though I've yet to go) is the coastal views and all the lighthouses!  My mom use to have a ton of lighthouses and it was a theme in our house for a long time. 

This is in Barton,Vermont.  This is exactly the picturesque view I imagine when I think of fall and a driving through the countryside. It reminds me a lot of home because on our farm we have a road that is covered by trees on both sides just like this.

Upstate New York...........doesn't it look just like the Boundary Waters of Minnesota?  I have a friend who has a cabin in Upstate New York and that's exactly how she describes it.  I'm sure urban New York has some pretty fall colors too, but this takes the cake for me - it's more my style!

Litchfield Hills, Connecticut is famous for its' fall foliage.  And I can see why! Connecticut also has the Wine Trail, which comprises 24 different vineyards and wineries within CT. It's so cool that it definitely deserves its' own post. ;)



New Hampshire and their White Mountains!  I love Mountains too - pair it with some beautiful autumn colors and the view doesn't get any better!

Once Upon a Time...

...in a land far, far away.....

Okay, this isn't really THAT kind of story.  It is, however, where I tell you about how when I was growing up I watched all sorts of Disney movies and as you are familiar with, Disney movies almost always have some form of princess and of course, a CASTLE!  I was always going to be a princess and my husband will argue that I still think I'm a princess. So, why argue with him - here are the castles that I want to live in....  (kidding!) but I do want to visit them.  Again, in no certain order...

1) Chateau de Chaumont - France

Chateau de Chaumont was purchased by Catherine de Medici in 1560, a year after her late husband, Henry II died.  In 1569, Catherine forced her husband's long-term mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to exchange the castle for Chateau de Chenonceau - that one's next - who do you think got the better deal?

2) Chateau de Chenonceau - France

 

This is the picture of the back of it.  You really should look it up and view the other angles - so amazing!  Henry II gave the castle to his mistress Diane de Poiters and it is she who is credited with designing the arch across the River Cher and beautiful gardens.  After "house swap" with Catherine, more gardens were added and the first fireworks display in France was seen when Catherine's son Francis II ascended the throne.

3) Chteau de Chambord - France

This castles is the largest in Loire Valley, where most of the French castles are located, and was the 'hunting shack' of Francois I, but was said to be built so he could be close to his mistress, the Comtesse de Thoury, Claude Rohan, who was the wife of another prominent gentleman in France and who lived next door.

4) Peles Castle - Romania

Located in the Romanian mountains, Peles Castle has over 34,000 square feet and 170 rooms.  Construction was started in 1873 with King Carol I ruling (and owning) the land.  The official inauguration was in 1883 and it was estimated to have cost 120 million US dollars (today).  In 1953, the estate was classified as a museum. 

5) Mont St Michael - France

Mont Saint Michel is located about a half a mile off the coast of Avranches (NW coast of Normandy France) and until pretty recently was only accessible during low tide.  Since the 8th century AD it became the seat for the Saint-Michel Monastery (where it gets its' name).

6) Hunyad Castle - Romania

    

Legend says that Hunyad Castle is where Vlad III of Wallachian was held captive for 7 years - we all know him as Dracula!!!  It was however, a prominent defensive structure in the 15th century. 

7) Bran Castle - Romania

Bran Castle also claims that Dracula made his home there. From my research I found that Vlad III did take over Bran castle for a brief time period (1 year) in 1459.  So maybe he made this his home and then got captured for 7 years????  I have no idea, but the architecture is beautiful!!!

8. Leeds Castle - England



Leeds castle is beautifully set 5 miles outside of Kent, England.  There were  a whole slew full of different Kings and Queens that lived there and attempted to make their mark on the property.  King Edward I and his wife Eleanor were the first inhibitors of royalty in 1278.  The last private owner of Leeds was Lady Baillie, who, besides living there..etc, used it as a hospital during WWII to take care of burned airmen.  1976 marked the year the castle became open to the public. 

9. Alnwick Castle - Northumberland England

 

This castle is CURRENTLY occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland - how cool is that!?  Of course they don't need ALL that space so they rent it out to various organizations...etc.  Plus, do I hear any HP fans out there?  Harry Potter was filmed using different parts of this castle at different times.  Way cool! 

10) Eilean Donan Castle - Scotland

Built in 1220  for Alexander II as a defense against the Vikings, Eilean Donan sits in the Great Sea where the lochs meet. For the better part of the past 200 years the castle lay in ruins, until 1911 when Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap rebuilt it and it opened in 1932.  It is said to be the most photographed castle in the world. 

Whew!  10 castles - being a princess is hard work ;)  Of course I didn't mention my favorite German castle, but that was a previous post.  I'm sure I missed a few that are even more beautiful than the ones I chose, but it was a big selection!  It's incredible to me how many castles there really are.  A lot of them are in ruins, but even still there are so many.  I didn't mention Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Pembroke, Prague...the list goes on and on. So, tell me, what's YOUR favorite castle?

My European/Mediterranean/Scandinavian Top 10

It's no secret I love to travel!  Lately, I have a huge itch.  Today I was reading on Oprah's website about the 10 Marvels of Our World.  It was so fun and fascinating, so I will share with you 10 places in the European/Mediterranean/Scandinavian part of the world that I would LOVE to go to.  It was hard to narrow it down to just 10 - there are many, many more!  So I kind of thought that maybe I would do just 10 natural places and do other posts later on architectural..etc. Okay - here we go!  Come "travel" with me - in no certain order....

1. Bay of Laig - Isle of Eigg - Scotland


Photo from Oprah's website

According to many, other than the breathtaking beauty, what makes Eigg so special is the music that plays in the Bay of Laig. Apparently, the sand grains are pure quartz and completely round. When they are dry and rub together you can hear a beautiful music.  How eerie and cool!

2. Plitvice Lakes - Croatia

Plitvice Lakes are found in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.  The park is Southeastern Europe's oldest national park and the largest in Croatia. There are 16 surface lakes and temperatures in the lakes are around 20C, which translates to 68F.  Can't wait to swim in there!!  Seriously, though, google the Plitvice Lakes, the images are incredible and it was really hard to choose just one to post!

3. Cliffs of Moher - Ireland

 

 The Cliff's of Moher are on the Southwestern edge of Ireland, stretch 5 miles and raise to a range of 390ft to 702ft!  Now, I'm not one for heights, but I definitely want to go there!  Anyone a Harry Potter fan?  The cliffs were featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, as well as other numerous movies including Leap Year and The Princess Bride. More than 1 million people travel to Ireland each year for the  cliffs.  Now I know I didn't put more than one picture up for the last location, but you have to see what these crazy people are doing here...there's no way....

   

4. Paris in the Fall - France

I love Fall! It's my favorite season. I will be sharing more about that with you as the season gets closer and when I can pull out more sweaters!  Doesn't this picture just make you want to pull on your cute cardigan and grab a cup of coffee and people watch, or read, or write, or do whatever wonderful craft you enjoy!  It sure does that for me!  Grab me a cute hat, a trench coat and cup of warm apple cider - awe...to see Paris in the Fall!!!

5. Geiranger Fjord - Norway

How picturesque is that?!  I know there's a cruise boat in the pic, but it was hard to find one without a boat, people..etc because the Geiranger Fjord is such a high tourist area and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.  It's beauty is now being threatened by ugly power lines they want to run over the fjord.  The area is 9.3 miles long and dotted with historical farms along the way.

6. Rhine Falls - Switzerland

Located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the Rhine Falls are the largest plain waterfalls in Europe.  They are 450 feet wide and 75 feet tall.  The falls fall so hard fish cannot swim up them, but eel are able to make it by worming their way up the rocks.  The falls were formed in the last ice age that is thought to be around 17,000 years ago.  You can access the falls by all forms of transportation but the best (according to some random website ;) ) is to take a guided tour boat that will get you the closest, near the bottom rocks!  They warn to wear a poncho though, because you will get wet! =)

7. Cies Island - Spain

The Cies Islands formed during a geological time period called Tertiary (find more about that here), about 65 million to 2.6 million years ago, back when there were dinosaurs.  Anyway, the Cies are 3 islands that are connected by long stretches of sand.  The longest stretch of sand, or beach (as I like to call it) is nearly 4,000 feet long.  The islands are uninhabited and now a nature reserve, which is only open to the public during the summer.  Cies Islands have been ranked the #1 beach(es) in the world from a few different travel magazines.  Bring on the sunscreen - I'm headed out!! (I wish!)

8. Lagos - Portugal

Another beach!  I can't help it.  I love swimming and I love scuba diving and this place just looks beautiful!!  It's called the Dona Ana and is the beach most frequented by tourists because it has slightly thicker sand than the others, plus the amazing rock formations surround you!

9. Tuscany Vineyards - Italy



I want to be a wine connoisseur.  I don't LOVE wine, but I do like lots of certain kinds.  I love dessert wine. I love some sort of Russian or maybe Austrian red wine - see how well I'm doing at this goal!? haha.  Anyway, my hubby and I did go to Rome and Florence for our honeymoon, but we neglected what will probably be my favorite part of Italy - Tuscany!  I want to go back and experience the pasta and wine culture - because Rome (as awesome as it was) was mainly seafood. So, if you choose Italy for the Italian food (kind of like I did) don't go to only Rome - you will be disappointed.  I did see some guy eat a whole baby octopus though!

10. Saltwick Bay - Whitby - England

#10 - you still with me?  Good!

Saltwick in Whitby England is a geological student's dream.  Most of England's coast near Yorkshire is filled with caves, cliffs and ammonite fossils! Many student's come here to see the "Dinosaur Coast".  I can't find any specific pictures of it, but it's said you can see fossil footprints of our non-avian Jurassic friends.  I just want to go for the sunsets - AMAZING!

Thanks for traveling with me! On this journey of exploring all these interesting places, I came across a ton of amazing natural landscapes in my own country and for sure in my own state - no one has lakes like Minnesota!! We will definitely have to check those out.  Stay tuned, I can't wait to see where we go next!!

So, Greece - anyone?



Greece.  That's going on my list too!  My hubby and I like to scuba dive and the sites I've been exploring lead me to beautiful Santorini Greece (pictured below).  It's exactly what I picture when I think of Greece - beautiful white buildings on a hill and (not pictured) millions of stairs ;)

Now I don't want to give the impression that I will be going to any of these places I post about anytime soon.  They are but dreams of places I want to go sometime in my life.  But,  if you have read any of my previous posts, you know that I'm all about setting goals and finding ways to achieve them, as well as learning different ways to motivate myself.  Travel motivates me.  Find what works for you and write it down - via blog, journal, post-it notes, scraps of paper you can fold up in your pocket or put on your mirror - and look at it often.  Remind yourself why you are working so hard.  And maybe someday we can meet up in Greece! (If travel is your thing :) )

"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself.

Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice"

M is for Motivate, right?

"Don't be pushed by your problems, instead, be led by your dreams!"

Isn't it beautiful?!  The "Disney" Castle in Germany.  This is definitely on my list of place to go.  MCAT trip, maybe?!?!  In fact, I'm going to update my Dream Board with it tonight! =) However, first, I'm going to put in two hours of MCAT study time.  I mentioned how I was planning on studying on Tuesday and Wednesday (which is still the original plan) but this week I know I have a commitment on Wednesday so I'm going to "get it out of the way" tonight.  Well, one night of it anyway. Then, I will play with my Dream Board and do some scrapbooking and enjoy my evening!! I'll probably read a little more of The Help, too.  I'm 50% done and it is awesome!! I highly recommend it!  Oh, and I'm going to make more ice tea for my mornings.  Enjoy your Monday!!