Traveling to Greece

J.T. with our stack of electronics in Philly's airport. We traveled there with Roger and Julie. In Philly, we met up with Steve and Robin (also from Greensboro). In Athens, Bobby and Debbie kindly met us at the airport with our 9-passenger rental van. Bobby returned to the airport in the middle of the night to pick up Mike from Atlanta. They had a story to tell the next morning about having been stopped by the local police. Luckily, the police waved them on after they said they were in town to run the marathon. Surprisingly, the police cars did not look very official and they were not wearing uniforms. Even the official ID of the police looked like a simple college ID. The guys were relieved to not be robbed! The next day at the race expo, we met two Americans who work at the embassy there. They confirmed that although surprising, Bobby and Mike's traffic stop did sound like the work of the official police.

The Fabulous Alps. I'd love to visit/ski there someday.

We flew from Charlotte to Philadelphia (6-hour layover allowed us to ride the train to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell) to Zurich to Athens.

On our return trip, we flew from Athens to Charlotte via Munich (photo below):

Myrtle Beach Non-Marathon

For several years running, we have traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C. in February with friends. The guys run the half marathon. One year, another wife and I ran the half marathon. Mostly, though, we just cheer. This year, it snowed 2 inches the night before the race and the event was called off. JT and his buddy who had flown down from Rhode Island were quite disappointed. Neither of us had ever seen snow on a beach. It was fabulous!

The Breakers Resort

Enjoying our traditional lunch at Fuddruckers with: Kim, Bruce, Erik, J.T., Jon, Roger, Julie, and Jen.

My 40th Birthday

My cake was amaretto-flavored, from Maxie B's in Greensboro.

J.T. and I realized that we met 20 years ago this month. It's half-time and I feel so fortunate to have him!

In our living room with sweet friends Marcello and Ellen

Jen and Julie pulled things together. Thank you!

California Trip: Napa Valley

Above, J.T. stands in front of the Berringer Winery. Below, I'm inside those front doors.

I had to snap a picture of this unique cork bulletin board at the Berringer Winery. It's a 'green' way to reuse corks!

Jen inside Napa's Olivier store. Yummy samples of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. :)

California Trip: Oakland

Looking across the bay towards San Francisco from our room in the Oakland Marriott.


Above, J.T.'s wonderful boss (Dennis Stearns), me, J.T., and three Fee-Only business associates. We attended a baseball game in the new Oakland stadium.

During our biking expedition, I just had to get a photo of a fire hydrant. We saw many of these huge hydrants. These people are serious about their fire fighting.

California Trip: Yosemite

Our first view of Yosemite Valley. Simply amazing.

This was our most beautiful lunch picnic spot. Ever. Anywhere. Hands down.

We hiked among some waterfalls. Then I rested a bit and J.T. climbed even higher.

On our second (and final) night in Yosemite, we slept at the Inn at the Falls

and dined at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel.

California Trip August 2009: San Francisco

My parents kindly came to keep our kids during the first week of August so I could join J.T. on his business trip to the Bay Area.


Our first evening in San Francisco: We walked down to the touristy wharf area in search of dinner. We ended up retracing our steps away from The Wharf to the Cafe Pescatore, a charming Italian restaurant. Their balsamic vinegar traditionale was unforgettable.

We rented bikes and rode around town, across the Bay Bridge to Sauaslaito, and back to town. In the top center part of the photo above, you can see the curvy section of Lombard Street. J.T. walked down that section while I took a city bus (AKA 'sag wagon') back to the bike shop.




City view from Coit Tower. Our Hilton Hotel is the 2nd building to the right of the iconic Transamerica Building.



We had lunch at The Spinnaker, which is literally on the water in Sausalito (upon the great recommendation of Rick and Phoebe Clawson from Georgia).


Our final dinner in San Francisco: At Pelligrini's. We were wedged in their charming outdoor cafe. Notice that the gentleman behind us hid behind his menu as the waiter took our photo. :)