Trees, Trees, and Trees

It was not what I was expecting. I do not know what it was, but for some reason the trees grabbed my attention as soon as we left LAX airport. There were trees everywhere. Not just typical trees, but on one side of the street there were palm trees and on the other some kind of pines. Then there were these amazing trees with violet flowers. I guess it wasn't so much the abundance of trees, but the variety. Driving through Long Beach I wanted to stop to take pictures, but was actually afraid to get out of the car (unfortunately the trees were the only nice things in this area). We did get to venture out to Hollywood and Beverly Hills....a totally different experience. Overall, it was another good trip to California.

Shades of Blue

Every shade of blue was seen while sailing in the Caribbean. From the turquoise blue waters of Cozumel to the blue Royal Caribbean logo on our pina colada glasses, shades of blue surrounded us. The ship had every amenity you could ask for along with a friendly and energetic crew. The combination of the hot sun and a constant breeze (sometimes a blow-me-off-the-ship wind) was perfect for lounging on the upper deck. The ship cruised from Fort Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel.

Sherry and I at the port in Cozumel (our ship was the Enchantment of the Seas).

Our favorite drinks...Berry Pina Colada

The Cozumel Coast

Cruising in our Jeep in Mexico

Brandy, Aunt Darcy, Mom, Sherry, and Me (our last dinner on the ship)

There is no place like home...

Kane, PA will always be one of my favorite destinations, especially this time of year. Now that I am living in Tennessee, I miss out on the snowy winter season. It's one of those things that you don't really appreciate until you don't have it anymore, but then again, I know there are lots of people out there that would be perfectly ok if it didn't snow. I love it! I miss those early mornings where the trees are covered and walking outside putting fresh footprints in the snow. I miss playing in the snow, wearing heavy snow boots, red noses, drinking hot chocolate, and even driving the back roads when we shouldn't.

Chicago...

One of my favorite cities for so many reasons is Chicago. The culture, the variety of restaurants, the energy, the hustle and bustle, the locals' accents, the shopping, Wrigleyville, and the change in seasons are just a few reasons why I love this city. Each visit, I can not get enough of not only the city and everything it has to offer, but the suburbs are great too (particularly Lake County). It's one of my top places to visit and it is easy to get in and out of having two airports (well, if the weather isn't bad). So needless to say, to kick of 2008 there was no hesitation from me when plans were being made to celebrate the New Years in one of the greatest cities in the US (in my opinion).

The Chicago Skyline...on one freezing cold afternoon.

The New Years Eve crew outside of Wrigley Field.

The legendary Wiener's Circle.

Fall in the Smokeys

It was finally time to explore other parts of Tennessee. A trip to Gatlinburg, TN is a great way to spend a fall weekend. The Smokey Mountains were amazing and hope to do some hiking on my next trip.


The Great Smokey Mountains in October.


Stepping foot on the Appalachian Trail.

Birthday fun...

A reason to get together, a reason to see friends and family, a reason to have a good time...

Youngstown...so familiar almost more familiar than when I lived there…strange, I know. It was a weekend to celebrate the September birthdays (Sherry, Toner, and Gina). Starting at the YSU football game, moving to the infamous basement, and then to downtown... Always a great time getting together with the family and old friends…I miss them all dearly!

The Birthday Crew

Fun times!

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a region of Italy with five cities built in the cliffs and mountains directly on the Ligurian Sea. We started in Riomaggiore and walked along the trails that are built into the cliffs to Manarola. Due to my ridiculous fear of heights, we opted for the train to the remaining cities Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterossa. We enjoyed the beaches of Monterossa before deciding to head back for dinner. This region was amazing and we got some great photos...thought it was worth it's own post.

Almost like home...

Italy is even more wonderful with every passing day. Yesterday, Sara and I took the train to Bologna to meet with Jon (friend from OH). We had a great time last night hanging out with him and his friends. So many times I had to remind myself that I was in Italy and not Youngstown. It was really strange, but brought back many memories of hanging out with the football crew in Y-town. We had a nice dinner and some great mojitos!! We are now in Ravenna, a smaller city on the east coast of Italy and staying in an Italian house in the country...a nice break from the cities we have explored. The beaches on this side of Italy are flat and sandy, not like the rocks and cliffs in Genova.

Night out in Bologna


Cook-out at Jon's with his WILD Ravenna Chiefs team


Sara at her first American football game



One of many Sara and Tara pictures....after going to the football game in Ferrara

Italy...a different kind of love

The third day of my trip and I love Italy more and more each day. Italy is one of those places that you slowly fall in love with each day. I am enjoying getting familiar with the Italian lifestyle and loving the food!
Sara and I have been on the go from the moment I arrived at the train station in Genoa. We have fallen into a routine which includes at least one gelato a day, laying on a different beach each day, and drinking wine (of course) and eating the most delicious bread and pastas. Yesterday, we visited Cinque Terre, 5 small cities along the sea with amazing mountains and cliffs. The views were unbelievable. You could either walk on the trails from city to city (about 5 hours) or take the train. We did a little of both. All in all this place is amazing. I keep thinking of all the people that I would love to have here with me (especially those who enjoy good food like me :). We will be leaving Genoa on Thursday for Bologna and then Ravenna. We hope to make a trip to Venice sometime over the weekend. (at an internet cafe and taking too long to upload picts...will try again later this week)

Montana Mountain Air

The only benefit to having family all over the country is there are some great places to visit. Montana is one of them! In only two days, I was able to visit with my brother and his family, take a scenic (and scary) ride up a mountain, hang out at the Billings Brew Fest, and have a pool party at the Weber’s. The best part was seeing my niece, Addy (4 years old), and my nephew, Joey (2 years old) who are just adorable. Like many of my trips, it was over too soon. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

Sisters - St. Pete Beach, FL

One of my favorite types of vacations is a girl’s weekend away. Sherry and I don’t get to do this very often, but when we have the opportunity we jump on it. We escaped to St. Pete Beach, Florida over Memorial Day weekend for a relaxing beach vacation. The white sands, turquoise ocean, and yummy Piña Coladas were exactly what we wanted for our relaxing vacation. Brandy, our happy-go-lucky cousin, joined us for part of the trip which always adds a little more excitement. St. Pete Beach is great beach destination!