That’s One Big Apple

It was an amazing trip.  Rachel and I have both came to the conclusions that the stigmas regarding New York from the “old days” are still around, at least where we live.  We felt safe at all times, and only saw a handful of homeless.  I saw many people out trying to help the homeless.  They seem to have people on every block asking for donations.

The first day we arrived late in the day due to plane delays, so we just walked around a little bit and ate dinner.  Our hotel, the Marriott Marquis is located right in the heart of Times Square.  We could see a sliver of the new years ball from our hotel room.

Enjoy the slideshow containing all of our pictures from the trip!

Continue reading “That’s One Big Apple”

A Much Needed Break, I Think

Wednesday, all of us (Me, Rachel, Taylor and Dad) are embarking on a journey I have made many times in my life.  We are going to a little bump in the road where my 3 aunts and 2 cousins live in Oklahoma.  The trip is somewhat less exciting as it used to be, as there is no Speed Trap in Watts anymore.  I might get my aunt Beth to talk on camera about how that Speed Trap became history, as she was involved in it.

The total trip is roughly 700 miles, and can be done in as little as 8 hours.

All of us have never made this trip together, so it’s going to be very, very interesting.

It used to be all about how fast I could make it there, but as I’ve aged, I’ve wanted to see things along the way.

This time we are going to stop at the George Washington Carver National Monument.  He’s the guy who invented countless uses for peanuts.  It’s on our way, and I’ve never stopped before.

The reason for this trip?  My aunt Beth is having a “family reunion” of sorts for the 4th of July.  We are going to stay at her house, which could double as a B&B.

I also have a delivery to make, as my aunt Laura sent me 13 8-tracks and 2 cassette tapes that she wanted transferred to CD.  The 8-tracks were a disaster, but I hope she still loves me.

I hope that someday, they can make the trip here.  It would be great to show them around for a change.  I’m hoping that perhaps next summer one of my cousins can come out for a week or two.  I would love it.

It’s been 2 years since we’ve made the trek, and I must say I’ve missed my aunts.  Their southern hospitality is something that is not found ’round these parts.

This, That and Everything in Between

It’s been an extremely long time since I’ve posted, and there’s a very good reason why.  I haven’t had much free time at all lately.

I took on a paper route, then after getting the kinks out and finally getting it down pat I started a new job as a Handyman for Morgenstern Home Services.

Between the two, I barely had time to sleep, let alone all the other responsibilities I have.

I’m currently in Chicago, IL.  Rachel has a conference tomorrow, and we used it as a reason to get away for a few days.

We’re staying at the Club Quarters Hotel located in the Mather Tower.  It’s the first time I’ve ever stayed in Chicago, and I must say I am enjoying it!

We’ve done much, I’ll list the highlights here:  Wicked the MusicalChicago River and Lake Michigan Boat tour, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute, Navy Pier, The John Hancock Center and “The Magnificent Mile.”

Pictures and more posts are sure to follow.

This break has given me an opportunity to find a replacement for the paper route.  She called me tonight asking about inserts for the Sunday paper.  I no longer have to worry about that 7 day a week commitment.

Now I have time to concentrate on various projects, such as our upcoming trip to Oklahoma to see my aunts.