Summer 2009 - Newport, R.I.
A girlfriend in college once shared with me her Aunt's favorite saying: "Girl on a mission, finds a man with a mansion." When we visited Newport, R.I. in July, this phrase kept playing in my head along with "over-the-top" as we walked through the ginormous rooms that the Vanderbilts, the Berwinds and the likes once spent their summers many, many years ago. It was really mind blowing to see the facilities and amenities these mansions had to offer for a 6-9 week escapade each year.
It's easy to suffer mansion overload, so we had to choose wisely which ones we thought were worth visiting. We ended up in these super abodes.
Breakers
The Elms
Marble House
RosecliffRosecliff is probably my favorite
house mansion. It's not too cluttered and decorated with gilded trimmings - less is indeed more.
CliffwalkAfter experiencing a misty and dreary day before, we were very fortunate to enjoy a beautiful, sunny Sunday. It was just perfect for a walk by the cliffs. Definitely not to be missed if one were to visit Newport.
What a glorious day :) Blue skies and all...
Even "Marley" here agrees :)
Bowen's WharfHats anyone? It's truly a summer staple...
What about some singing? Happy Birthday America!!!
Or, some R & R on board a yacht
We also came to a seaside town to enjoy... what else - SEAFOOD, of course! We tried two places near Bowen's Wharf - The Black Pearl and Barking Crab, over the 2 days.
The Black PearlBlack Pearl patrons enjoying good food and summer sunshine
Our lunch, yum!
Barking CrabLove the sign
Complete with instructions for the first-timers (it's unkind to write dummies)
Our appetizer - Stuffies
New England Clambake
Burp!!! I'm full and time to sign-off...till our next adventure.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Trish's Family - Maidenhead, U.K.
During our trip to England for Janet & Darren's wedding, we stayed with Trish and her family in Lower Cookham, Maidenhead. If you read my earlier entry last year, Trish came to the States and lived in Florida in 2008. Well, the Radotics have since moved back to the U.K. for Milko's job. My last trip there was about 8 years ago sans the three Radotic boys - Max, Ollie & Hugo.
We had lots of fun catching up on old times. Trish & her family played the perfect host. We were well-fed, with warm breakfast greeting us each morning before making our way to London for our daily romp.
This post is especially for Trish and her family. Thank you so much for your kind hospitality!!!
The Radotics
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7/12/2009 01:28:00 PM
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Note: I've disappeared from the blogging scene from a while and now it's time to get back on the bandwagon. I've fallen off a few times. This is the longest...
Janet & Darren's Wedding, Burton-on-Trent, U.K.
He did exceedingly well :) Or, was it a lucky guess?
The Ceremony
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7/10/2009 02:16:00 PM
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Labels: Weddings
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Washington D.C. - Part 3 (Final)
Mount Vernon
I have always wanted to go to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. We missed it 6 years ago but not this time. Off we went to Mount Vernon on a rainy Saturday morning. Great! The rain came down hard and didn't stop till 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.
In spite of the rain, there were plenty of visitors. We began our tour at the Visitor's Center and watched a 15 minute film about Mount Vernon and George Washington. We learned that he inherited Mount Vernon from his brother in 1761, and the house was not the large mansion that we see today. Additions to the house came slowly with the large dining room being added last around the end of the Revolutionary War.
Another attraction in Mount Vernon is the final resting place of George Washington and his wife, Martha. A tomb was built for him underneath the Rotunda in the Capitol Building, but his will stipulated that he was to be buried at his beloved Mount Vernon. The empty tomb in the Capitol now houses a bier used to support the casket/coffin of those who lain in state in the Rotunda.
Lunch at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
The rain hasn't stopped and we were getting hungry. We took a chance and waited in-line for a table at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Everyone had the same idea. Fortunately, it was not a long wait.
Old Town, Alexandria
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4/26/2009 01:39:00 AM
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Labels: The American Experience, Travels (USA)

