Holidays

Our holiday vacation is coming to a close. Christmas came and went with Sean and I being surrounded by family and friends. Here are some photos from our gatherings.

Christmas 2010

Christmas in California

This year Christmas was in California for the Steele family. Sean and I flew in late on Christmas Eve and we all met up at Glen and Amy's house in San Jose on Christmas Day. After enjoying some restful family time, Glen, Amy, Sean and I went on a little excursion to Napa Valley. Nana and Grandpa stayed behind with B. We toured and sampled at several wineries, had dinner at Mustard's Grill and stayed over a night at a lovely hotel. The next day, the 7 of us headed into San Francisco to poke around The Presidio, walk along the beach, and eating lunch at the Warming Hut near the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. And we did need to get warm. It was brisk and chilly along the water. On our last day, Sean, Glen and I headed down 17 Mile Drive to end with lunch and a bit of sight-seeing at Carmel-by-the-Sea (where Clint Eastwood was once mayor . . . I found that to be interesting). Of course all vacations must come to an end, so Sean and I headed back to PA on New Year's Eve. At least we got to enjoy a little luxury by upgrading to first class. Now we are home and reunited with Winter, who apparently "had a blast" at the kennel while we were having a great time in California. We are slowly easing into the new year and trying to get our bodies onto eastern standard time. Enjoy these photos of our trip . . . Link

Happy New Year!

Boys

My nephews came for a visit! They live in Arizona and unfortunately, we do not see them very often. My mom flew out to bring them back to PA for about a month, so Sean and I took the opportunity to have them stay with us for a few days. If you are not familiar with little boys, let me tell you that it's non-stop action and words. But we loved it! We visited a friend's farm and pet the calves, climbed on big machines and had a picnic. We went swimming in our neighborhood pool and played on our neighborhood playground. We watched movies and cartoons. We chased Winter around the yard and played fetch with her. We read books together. We played airplane games on the X-Box. We went to the park and played on the playground, did art projects and visited the petting farm. We went for walks. We ate at McDonald's. We went to Hershey Chocolate World and Zoo America. Like I said, it was non-stop fun! Now that they are gone, I'm having a day of rest. Although, I will miss them. Winter does too. She spent some time yesterday looking for them in the bedrooms and on the couch. Where did those fun boys go?

Here are a few pics from our time together . . . Boys

Life

Life is crazy, isn’t it? It never stops and one just has to hold on for the ride. I have been reminded of this over the past few days. My dear, little Grandma, who is almost 84 years old, took a spill this week. The result of which has been some severe injuries to her aging body. I have had to think about how I take my youth for granted. I wish for slimmer hips and a tighter stomach, better defined muscles in my arms (you know, Hollywood leading lady arms), smoother skin and better hair. Yet, I have health and youth and energy. I am able to run 5k and probably still go for more (but am too lazy to push it). I have also been reminded about faith. My aunt and great aunt who were with Grandma most of the day in the hospital said that as she was in pain and all of the “stuff” of medicine was going on around her, Grandma still prayed with faith. I think I would have been laying there asking, “Why me? Why can’t I get a break?” She is such a good example of calm surrender, but active faith. I often think of her (and my mom) when I think of the kind of woman I really wish I could be. So, now I take her example and see if maybe, with God’s help, I can learn to have that peace and faith that Grandma has. Content in letting life take me on a ride, but knowing that God is there all along.

Holiday Fun

The day after Christmas . . . My belly is full of good food, I love all of the goodies I received (especially the beautiful ring Sean bought for me), and a good nap is in order. This year Sean and I didn't have to go anywhere. The party came to us. We enjoyed a gathering of friends and neighbors on Saturday. Then my parents came to stay on Christmas Eve. Christmas day was spent with Sean's family. I don't think I stepped foot outside in two whole days. Merry Christmas!

Enjoy these photos taken with Sean Christmas present (the lens for his digital camera which he bought for himself a month ago . . . It made Christmas shopping a lot easier for me). Link

Travel

We are back from Phoenix. We had a great time. The 80 degree weather wasn't too shabby either.
However, arriving at the airport and finding your vehicle in 32 degrees, covered with a fine layer of snow will snap you back into reality quickly. Marci was jumping up and down at the car door begging me to let her in, out of the cold while I loaded our stuff into the trunk. It's always nice to come home from a long trip and flop down onto your own bed. There's just something about swinging the door open to your own home that makes you let a out a breath of warm relief. The smell of familiarity. It somehow fells like the most comforting thing to let your house wrap it arms around you again.

Much less can be said for air travel. I don't quite know where, or when I stopped enjoying this part of the adventure. Maybe it was when they made you completely disassemble and then re-assemble yourself at the security checkpoints. Maybe its the long lines at the airports, and is it just me or does every employee of every airline just look miserable and annoyed these days? It's somehow feels like its my fault that the airlines are losing money because of years of poor management, delays, and under staffing. Now, the bar of misery has been raised even higher.

It costs $15 dollars to check 1 piece of luggage, and $25 for the next. Am I the only person who thinks this is completely insane? That's like staying at a hotel, and being charged for the air you breathe while staying in the room. How on earth is one supposed to travel without luggage?
Surely this is part of carrying a passenger. Ok - 250 pounds of extra boxes and junk I can understand, but ordinary luggage? Really??

As we were herded onto the plane I saw a nice sign from US Air, explaining that drinks and coffee are all now $2 per serving, and a small snack is $7. I opened their on-board magazine out of sheer boredom and read the note in the front from their CEO, explaining with his big smile that this was their new "you choose your level of service" strategy, and how it was going to make my whole US Air experience so much better. So, let me get this straight - $15 to check my baggage (per person, so that is actually $30) plus a drink for us each ($4) and a pathetic sandwich with a nice plastic spork for lunch ($14) equals a total of $48 (one way)
He's right - this is much better strategy than free. And they wonder why they are losing money.
When did Southwest - (remember them? the "discount, no frills") airline suddenly become the luxury option?

I wish the Captain would simply turn on the PA and state the following:
"Good morning folks, this is the captain speaking. Today's flight is going to suck - you are going to be cramped, freezing and uncomfortable, and our bathrooms are going to be extra nasty. You will probably have to sit next to some annoying passenger and pretend to be polite. We are going to rip you off with our pathetic cabin service and your luggage is likely already smashed in the cargo hold. We are definitely going to be late for your connecting flight, because I don't feel like making the plane go any faster. So, sit back, relax and enjoy your flight suckers"

And another thing - when are they going to update the Skymall magazine? Seriously, I see the same junk in there year after year.

Pictures from Arizona are here.


Sean.

Home Again

We are home. I'm already missing the 83 degree weather in Phoenix. We stepped off of the plane this evening in Philly and I almost suffered from frostbite. What a shock to the system! But as always, the vacation must come to an end. Sean and I had a fabulous time with my sister, brother-in-law and nephews. It was so wonderful to see them and spend some quality time together. We meandered around Old Town Scottsdale, took in the sights in Sedona, relaxed together, and strolled the streets of downtown Phoenix. Sean and I needed a little get-away and this was a perfect opportunity. Thank you, Lori, Michael and boys. Miss you already!

(P.S. There are photos of the trip. I'm married to Sean and his new camera, aren't I? He's editing them as I type. We'll post those later.)

Busy weekend

We had a rather busy weekend.

Friday night: Bob Dylan tribute concert

Saturday AM: New tires on Sean's car and a baby shower

Saturday PM: Party at the Hoffman's

Sunday AM: Sleep in!!

Sunday PM: Photo shoot for the Wingert's 40th anniversary

Sunday afternoon we drove up to Messiah College and took some photos for our friends, the Wingerts and company. All manner of family and friends were there so we took the opportunity to get some nice family shots. It went great and we had a blast. It's always east to take great pictures when you have lovely surroundings and good weather. I enjoyed every moment.

It feels really good to have total digital control over all my pictures. Gone are the days of film. My new camera is starting to feel like an extension. I just imagine, point, compose and press the shutter. Click. And there it is.

Anyway here are some of my favorite pics: Click Here

To see the whole gallery of pics: Click Here

Have a great evening..

Back to Work

Well our weekend trip to Spruce Lake came to an end all too fast. We had a great time.
The weekend's activities included a nice hike (where I found a lovely little stream and waterfall) a good round of mini golf, and a visit to see some cute puppies.

Who could ask for anything more you may ask? Yes I know, us Steele's live on the edge.

Worthy of mention is the old, creepy, abandoned hotel we found. The old Buck Falls Inn. Once very much the place to be in the Poconos, now derelict and according to local lore, quite haunted.
Oooooooh.

You decide for yourself.

Click here to see the pics.

Camping - American style

Hi folks,

Marci and I are camping with her folks in Spruce Lake retreat in the Poconos Hills.

I say "hill's" beacuse most folks around here mistakedly call them the Poconos Mountains.

Newsflash, these are hills. I have seen and hiked real mountians, and these are definelty not really mountains.

Anyway, we are camping American style. Our camper is air conditioned, we have surround sound, and I am updating this blog via a wi-fi connection.

When I was a kid we camped with a tent, some firewood, a small trailer to pull behind the car and some hot dogs for food. If the weather was warm enough we would sleep under the stars, and listen to the sound of the wind gently breathing through the limbs of the pine trees.

We cooked dinner over the camp fire, and an old guitar usually provided the evening's entertainment. The days were spent hiking the in Drakensberg mountains, and drinking ice cold water straight from the pristine streams. (See above picture for clarifiaction on what a mountain looks like - that is the Drakensberg, in SA)

I treasure those days, they are great memories for me.

On another note, today I went for a hike to a lovely waterfall to take a few pictures. The hike back up the hill with my tripod slung over my shoulder was long and hot. The 87 degrees and humidity didnt help.

It felt really good to get back into the air conditioned camper......

South Africa

What a trip! Sean and I are now suffering post-vacation blues. We would love to be back in Cape Town, but reality calls.

Our adventure to the Mother Land, as Sean puts it, was fabulous. We started the journey with an 18 hour flight from JFK to Cape Town. We did have a layover in Dakkar, where we refueled and had a security inspection. However, we did not leave the plane. We arrived in Cape Town on Friday, June 13 and met Granny and Grandpa. After some tea, good conversation and good old South African bobotie for dinner, we headed to bed for much needed rest. The following morning, Granny and I joined Zonna and the girls for hair dos and giggles. Excitement was in the air! Later that afternoon, we celebrated Zonna and Steven's wedding. What fun! Those South Africans love to give speeches and they love their wine.

Here's the rest of the vacation in a nutshell:
Sunday, June 15: Lamb cookout at Annika and Martin's house (friends of Auntie Viv and Uncle Ron). Yum!
Monday, June 16: Scenic road trip to Calvinia with Granny and Grandpa for a visit with Auntie Viv, Uncle Ron and Arron at their hotel, Hantam Hotel.
Tuesday, June 17: Sean and I meandered around the small town of Calvinia. He finally got his biltong (jerky-type food. His was made from kudu). I got my mango juice. Tasty! Had a lovely dinner with the gang.
Wednesday, June 18: Headed back to Cape Town in the rain. Winter weather there. Sean and I checked out Tyger Valley Mall that evening. Had a delicious meal at Annapurna Indian restaurant. Probably the best we've ever had.
Thursday, June 19: Breakfast with Grandpa's brothers. Great to see them! Then Sean and I ventured out alone and booked a hotel at the waterfront. Walked along Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Shopped a bit and had dinner at Ferryman's Tavern. Braved the rain and wind again.
Friday, June 20: Drove all along the Cape peninsula. Saw beautiful cliffs, bays and beaches and a mangy baboon. Ate delicious fresh fish. Didn't get to see Cape Point due to heavy fog.
Saturday, June 21: More fog so we missed out on Table Mountain. Instead we headed out to Stellenbosch and found a lovely guest house to check into called the Villa Grande. Walked around the quaint town and had dinner at De Volkskombuis. More bobotie and chicken pie. Of course, the ever present bottle of wine and rooibos tea.
Sunday, June 22: Drove out the Stellenbosch wine route and checked out some wineries. Found my favorite Spier chardonnay and brought it home with me. Dinner at 1802.
Monday, June 23: Time to leave. Granny and Grandpa got us to the airport. We met Zonna and Steven for lunch (they were coming back from their honeymoon) in the airport. Sad goodbyes!
Tuesday, June 24: FINALLY arrived home at 11:15 a.m. after 24 hours of travel. Ahh, home!

Thank you to Granny, Grandpa, Zonna, Steven, Viv, Ron and Arron and all of the wonderful friends we met there. You made our stay extra special and we miss you already.

Check out all of the links for a bit of education and check out these photos . . . South Africa (Sean would like you all to know that Picasa doesn't do a great job displaying them. Unfortunately, the compression they use doesn't give photos the same quality that the originals . . . whatever that means).

Zonna and Steve

Ok,
Just a quick update. Here are the pic's from Zonna and Steve's fabulous wedding in S.A
I promised everyone I would post them asap, after my final editing and quality control!
I am now also faced with the daunting task of going through the other 518 pictures I took.
Updates on those to follow as soon as I can get through all of it!
If you would like the original copies, let me know and I will gladly email them to you.
Picasa's lousy jpeg compression tends to really make things look grainy...


Click on the link below.

Wedding

Phoenix

The sun was high but the temperature was not. I thought Phoenix, Arizona was supposed to be warm. But when my mom and I arrived there the day after Christmas, it was only about 50-something. That didn't bother us too much because we were there to see my sister, my new brother-in-law and my crazy nephews. My sister didn't tell the boys we were coming. So when she pulled up to the curb at the airport, the 7-year-old sees my mom and starts yelling "Momma!" They were so excited to see us, and we were thrilled to finally hug them. It's not always easy having family across the country, especially with the boys growing up so fast.

We spent a lovely 5 days with them in their new house. My mom and I took the boys with us as we did some sightseeing. If you ever head out that way, I highly recommend a trip to Sedona. It's breathtaking. My photos do not do it justice. The rocks are just red and amazing. The variety cactuses (you don't have to say "cacti" anymore) were neat to see. The architecture of the homes and buildings was interesting since it's so different than back east. The southwest flare is everywhere. I really enjoyed Old Town Scottsdale as well and it's quaint cowboy-esque and southwestern buildings and shops.

Our vacation ended quickly and I already miss the boys. But it's back to reality.

Click here to see the photos from the trip . . . Phoenix

Thankful

I am so thankful that we were able to go to San Jose for Thanksgiving. Glen and Amy opened Hotel Steele for the 6 Steele's and our friend Steve. Sean and I had a very smooth trip out to California on Wednesday and stayed until Monday morning, when we took a very early flight back home. The days included wandering around Los Gatos, eating a very yummy turkey, a visit to Trader Joes so I could get my favorite chocolate truffles, snacking and drinking tea, a day in San Francisco, a little wine tasting at several local wineries, the Body Worlds exhibit at the San Jose Tech Museum, and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory near Santana Row. Besides all of the tourist-y activities, we enjoyed family (and Steve) time back at house, while the men rocked at Guitar Hero. Amy and I made a valiant attempt, but were booed off by the cyber-fans on the game. As it always is, vacations must come to an end. Sadly, Sean and I made the trek back home with ease. It wasn't until we got our car and started the drive home from the Baltimore airport that we experienced any delays. We hit rush hour traffic on the beltway. Welcome back to reality!

Thanks, Glen and Amy, for a wonderful time.

Click here for some photos of our trip . . . Thanksgiving Vacation

Guinness is good for you....

Last week, Glen and Amy flew out from sunny San Francisco to spend some treasured time with us, friends and family. So, in order to celebrate their visit we all went out for dinner to my new favorite place in Lancaster, Annie Baileys. 5 Reasons why its my favorite new place are as follows:
1: Our other favorite place "Kalhouns" closed down. :(
2: They serve chilled Guinness.
3: The fish and chips is amazing - Marci let me try a bite of her dinner.
4: They serve chilled Guinness.
5: The authentic Irish charm is really cool.

Interestingly, last time we flew back from vacation in Ireland, I sat next an Irishman who is a good friend of the guy who built Annie Baileys!

We had a great time. Here are a few pictures.

Amy and I

Mom and Dad

My hot wife

Inside.

Other events this weekend included us watching the new Harry Potter movie.
3 reasons I really liked it:
1: We sat so close to the screen, I felt I was in the movie.
2: Last night I dreamed that I actually was Harry Potter.
3: Stadium seating at the new movie theater, with seats that actually lean back easily - its about time.

Another observation I had at the cinema - Why don't they just get to it and build a footrest behind every seat? Surely this would solve a lot of the typical movie-going issues we all face. It would spare the seats from greasy, popcorn laden shoes, and solve the problem of the 7 year old kid behind you kicking your seat.

In other interesting news, our house is in the final stages of delivery. My daily inspections are going well. I fear that soon however, we will not be able to break in anymore, as the deadbolt will be installed shortly. It seems that after some lengthy negotiation with Marci, my hope of having a riding mower is slowly slipping through my hands. Oh well. I guess she is right. My other compromise was for us to buy a goat and name him Kubota, or John Deere, that way our lawn would trim itself. That also was shot down during final stages of approval. Who cares what the neighbors think, I say. Think of all the carbon emissions from lawnmowers we would save in America if every household had a "Lawn Goat" Hmmm......

Oh well,
Take care everyone.
Sean.

Spruce Lake

Sean and I spent 5 days in the Poconos at Spruce Lake Retreat. My family has been vacationing there since I was three years old, although we did take a summer off here and there for other trips. But Spruce Lake has been a big part of my growing up years. My mom's sisters, their husbands, my cousins and now their children also have been camping there for years. We have so many memories of playing together on the playground, swimming in the pool, paddle boating, hiking back to the Wilderness Camp, watching fireworks, sitting around a campfire, eating ice cream and candy in the snack shop, making mountain pies, and playing games in the sun room. I can think of many more memories of the things we used to do, but that would take too long to list them here.

My cousin Patti and I then

My cousin Patti and I now

I knew Sean would enjoy the restful, relaxing atmosphere, so after my 12 year hiatus from the campground I took him back last year. We had so much fun, that we made the trip again this year and mooched sleeping quarters in the camper off of my parents. Roughin' it in my parents' air conditioned, TV ready, surround sound equipped camper is my kind of camping. Click here for some family snapshots and beautiful scenery. Spruce Lake Pics