Nebraska

I drove through NE on my way to Sacramento, CA. I don't recall spending any significant time in Nebraska, but I know I've been in/through the state a couple of times.

Travelocity Roaming Gnome

I have my own version of the roaming gnome - Berle bear. He has taken lots of trips with me. I was inspired to bring him with me after seeing the French movie Amelie.

Amelie had a friend who was a flight attendant. She stole her father's garden gnome and gave to her friend, who took pictures of the gnome all over the world and sent them back to Amelie's dad. It was a cute sub-plot in an otherwise strange movie.

Berle is small and more portable than a garden gnome. He doesn't really mind being stuffed in a bag. He doesn't have a passport, but he does have a copy of "the book."

Eat your heart out roaming gnome, Berle is about to go on a really cool trip to Europe.

Nevada

I've been to Reno once and Las Vegas too many times to list here.

I really will blog more about past trips to Vegas. That will come when I begin the chronological list of trips.

I am now at the 1/2 way mark - 25 states.

DC May 2009 - final post

I am absolutely star struck! I saw the President of the United States up close - for the first time in my life. I lived in DC for nearly 5 years, and never saw anyone important.

I had just crossed the street from the Navy Yard metro stop to the US Department of Transportation building and heard the sirens. Sure enough, here comes the motorcade from around the next corner. President Obama's window was down, and he waved. We heard from the locals at Starbucks that he had just eaten at his favorite DC burger joint.

It was a great way to end a good week working in DC.

I was in the Old Executive Office Building - next to the White House - earlier in the day, but didn't see anyone of note there. At least...anyone that I recognized.

I had lots of noteworthy experiences in DC during this one (short) week.
CIA
White House
President

Montana

I was in MT as a child to visit my great-grandmother. Just once though.

Missouri

I was in St. Louis visiting the Federal Reserve Bank a few weeks ago. It is a very cool building.

I missed the arch on this trip, but I had been there as a child.

Mississippi

I did a little gambling in Tunica, MS in 2006.

District of Columbia May 2009

I am back in DC. I always feel a sense of "coming home" when I am here. This is Angela's first trip to DC. I love playing tour guide. I am so in my element when I have a newbie to show around.

I went to the CIA's headquarters in Langley, VA today! I had my picture taken in front of their famous seal. They have a very interesting museum and a great gift shop. It was a really awesome experience.

I've been to the Library of Congress before, but went there today with Angela. It is such a beautiful building. I was there for work too. Had a great meeting with their web team.

Had lunch at Old Ebbitt. That was a first for me.

Michigan

Michigan has one entry in "the book" - Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel. I've been there on several occasions; and Jill and I had high tea there on our last trip in 2007.

Mackinac Island is a great place to buy fudge!

I've also visited President Gerald Ford's Library in Grand Rapids, the "UP," Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, and Holland State Park.

Massachusetts

I spent a short amount of time in Bostin in January 1989. I am way overdue for a return trip.

Maryland

I spent lots of time in Maryland during the years I lived in Virginia.

Some of my favorites:
Annapolis - visited the campus of the US Naval Academy
Baltimore - nice aquarium, watched many baseball games at Camden Yards
Ocean City beach

Kentucky

I've driven through Kentucky, and my mother's aunt lived in Lexington. I remember staying at their house when I was a little girl.

Kansas

I spent two days in Topeka, a couple of years ago, visiting a client.

Iowa - go Hawks!!

DH grew up in Iowa City, MIL lives in Coralville, and Andy just finished his freshmen year at the University of Iowa (his dad's alma mater). I've spents lots of time in Iowa.

Iowa has one entry in "the book" - the Iowa State Fair. I've been once and it was loads of fun!

Indiana

I've driven through IN on previous trips to Florida. Not much else to write about right now.

Illinois

Places from "the book" I have visited during my numerous visits to Chicago.

Art Institute of Chicago - better enjoyed without teenage boys
Charlie Trotter's - great meal
Frank Lloyd Wright tour


Places not in the book that I enjoy - Shedd Aquarium (BIL built their first website), Field Museum, Alinea restaurant, American Girl Place, Shopping on Michigan Ave, Navy Pier

I drove through southern Illinois in late December and saved a kitten who was stranded or abandoned at a truck stop. Yeah, I wanted to keep him, but I have too many pets now. I hope he is ok.

Idaho

Yep, been to Idaho. I spent a couple of days in Boise visiting clients.

I never had much interest in going to Idaho, except to be able to check it off my list; but I thought it was really nice there. It reminded me a bit of Minnesota. Maybe I'll get back there someday. They have 4 entries in "the book," but I didn't see any of them.

Hawaii

DH and I (with kids and BIL) went to Hawaii in October 2001 and got married on the beach.


"The book" has one listing for each of the islands. We spent time on two: Kauai and Oahu.


I really liked Kauai. We swam, explored, went SCUBA diving, took a helicopter ride, enjoyed shave ice and went to the spa. It was easy to have fun and relax on Kauai.


I am not a big fan of Oahu. Yes, we swam, went to Pearl Harbor, climbed Diamond Head, went to the Dole Plantation; but Honolulu is just a city on a beach. Traffic is terrible, the local merchants are pushy about selling their junk to tourists, and it is very expensive.


We spent our last night in Honolulu at the Halekulani - and loved every minute of it.

Georgia

I've been to Georgia many times. I have a client in Atlanta that I visit 1-2 times per year.

These aren't in "the book," but I think they are worthwhile to see.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
Coca-Cola World
Olympic Park

Florida - Outback Bowl 2009

This was my 4th trip to Florida with DH and the kids.

I had always wanted to go to a college bowl game. I am a big Hawkeye fan, and it was Andy's freshman year at the University of Iowa. Everything fell into place - gas prices came down, we were able to get tickets to the game, and we were able to use points to cover some of our hotel needs.

The game was a blowout - of course - Iowa dominated!

Other highlights:

collecting seashells at the beach in the Gulf of Mexico

Epcot on December 31 with thousands and thousands of other people

dinner at Emeril's City Walk restaurant

Waffle House

tried a Segway for the first time

Florida - the early years

I went to Florida three times as a child.

1973 - drove to Orlando, did the Disney thing and went to the Kennedy Space Center

1981 - flew (see earlier post - first time on airplane) to Orlando

1983 - flew to Orlando and drove to Miami, stayed at the Sheraton Bal Harbor

3 places visited from "the book":
Walt Disney World Resort
South Beach, Miami
Kennedy Space Center

The 1981 trip was the last time the 5 of us took a trip together - mom, dad, older brother Doug, me and younger brother Bruce.

The 1983 trip was mom, dad, me and Bruce. I lost track of my family right after we arrived at Epcot, so I spent that day alone. I was so relieved to find them at the end of the day.

I found some fun beach pictures from this trip. I will upload them soon.

Delaware

I've been to Rehoboth Beach, DE many times. Most of those trips were with Heidi Salkeld, a friend from my DC days.

Connecticut

I went to Hartford, CT in 1995. I drove up there from Washington DC to spend a weekend with a friend. No highlights. No sights seen from "the book."

Colorado

I've been in Colorado twice, but I've never been to CO....meaning I haven't really visited it, yet.

We drove through part of Colorado in 1977 on our way back from California. I remember my dad being stressed about this drive. It was January and we didn't have chains for our tires to help get through the mountains.

I changed planes in Denver in 1983 on my way to visit my grandparents in Arizona.

California work trips

I've been to California twice for work. The first time was approximately 2000. I went to San Francisco for a training class, and stayed for the weekend. It was the same weekend as the gay pride parade......very interesting event to watch.

I went to Napa and Sacramento in Spring 2007 with Zach Stabenow to meet with clients and prospects. I also had dinner with my BIL - the one who doesn't want to be named.

California 2004 - LA

We went to LA with my brother, Bruce, and his wife, Jodi. It was Jodi's first trip to CA, and Bruce's first trip since he was 8-years-old.

Highlights:
Santa Monica Pier - saw dolphins
Universal Studios
Sitting in traffic
Pacific Coast Highway
Chinatown
Tar pits (remember seeing a guy with an NRA cap sitting on a bench "reading" Playboy)
Beverly Hills
Hollywood
Mulholland Drive

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

San Simeon - Hearst castle

We went to Mr. Chow's again. I remember the food this time, and it was fabulous. Jason Bateman was leaving as we arrived. The best part of the night was when Stevie Wonder and his family was seated next to us. It was everything I could do to keep my SIL from jumping over the table and accosting this poor man. We also saw Robert DeNiro and Denis Leary.

California 2004 - San Fran

Andy and Jill's first trip to California. Spring break.

We stayed in San Francisco for a week and visited their uncle. (Uncle does not want to be named. He tries really hard to have a small footprint on the web.)

We did the typical touristy stuff on this trip, including CA's Wine Country; which is in "the book." My favorite was Domain Chandon.

I can't do cartwheels, at least I haven't been able to do a decent one since I was a teenager. I definitately can't do cartwheels after a day of wine tasting. I learned this the hard way. Two bloodied knees.....and hopefully I will always remember - no matter how much wine I drink - that I can't do cartwheels.

Other highlights:
Dipping toes in the ocean
Alcatraz
Japanese garden
Chinatown
Fisherman's Wharf
Golden Gate Bridge
Haight-Ashbury
Crooked street
Presidio
Winchester House (in San Jose)

California 2002

Finally....a trip to California on an airplane! This was my first trip to LA as an adult. We went over Memorial Day weekend and had a blast.

We started at the Getty Center (in "the book), went to Universal Studios City Walk, Disneyland, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beach.

The highlight of the weekend was dinner at Mr. Chow's. I sat next to Holly Hunter. I don't remember the food, which I'm sure was fabulous, because I was too distracted by Holly Hunter.

California 1990

My third trip to CA was, sadly, also in a car. I was doing a good deed though and helped a girlfriend move from MN to CA.

I hit 3 places from "the book" during this trip.
1. Monterey Peninsula
2. The Pacific Coast Highway
3. Tour on San Francisco's cable cars

My first trip to California as an adult. And, now that I know better, it was the last time I made my way to California in a car.

I also visited Carmel, CA and ate at a restaurant that was then owned by Clint Eastwood. I dipped my toes in the Pacific Ocean. I went kayaking.

It was probably this trip when I realized that I love being near the ocean.

California 1968 - 1976

California is a big state with 11 entires in "the book," so I am going to do several posts on CA in chronological order.

Summary - I've been to 7 of 11 places featured in "the book" and I have visited CA 7 times (that I can remember right now).

But....I don't remember my first trip to CA, so I will tell it from my mom's perspective:

1968 - Picture a woman with a two-year-old (that's me), a six-year-old - and she is pregnant, riding across the country in a pick-up truck camper with her in-laws. Enough said.

I don't remember going to Yosemite National Park, but my mom said I was there so I am counting it. It is in "the book."

1976 - Another driving trip to CA, but without my grandparents. We did stop and visit them in Arizona before arriving in CA.

Highlights of what I can remember:
Walking across the border to Mexico, and having children my own age asking me for money.
Going to Hollywood (in "the book") and putting my feet in the footprints of famous people.
Going to Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Going to the Rose Bowl Parade.

I have another memory to share from this trip - my brother, Bruce, and I were on an old wooden teeter-toter in a playground...and I got a large sliver in butt. Just one of many klutzy moments in my life.

The Rose Bowl Parade was probably the highlight of the trip. The Osmonds were big at this time and they had a float in the parade. Yes, I was in love with Donny Osmond when I was 10.

Alabama

Dad says we drove through part of this state so I am counting it.

Arizona

I've been to Arizona three times.

I was 10-years-old the first time. My dad drove us to AZ to visit my grandparents. (More about that trip later.)

I went back when I was a junior in high school and stayed with my grandparents during spring break. This was also the first time I flew by myself. I think it was a United flight - I remember changing planes in Denver.

My last trip to Arizona was just over a year ago. My parents now spend the winter in AZ - just down the street from where my grandparents had their place. (I'm not sure I will follow this tradition; besides I am way too young to think about retiring.)

Arizona has 7 entries in the "book," but sadly I have only been to one.

The Grand Canyon

My mom would be thrilled if I visited them again in Arizona, but not thrilled to drive me around to the other 6 places I need to visit.

Washington, DC

I worked in DC during the first year that I lived in Virginia. Plus, I visited our nation's capital once as a teenager.

DC is awesome. I had a great time when I lived there and tried to take in as much culture as possible.

DC has two entries in the "book" and I have experienced both.

1. The Mall and its Monuments - I really like Lincoln

2. Smithsonian - there are many - they are great - and they are free

I am now lucky enough to be able to travel frequently to DC for work. Because of my job, I have been to the FBI, Pentagon, Library of Congress (perhaps my favorite building - pic above), FDA, US Courts, new Department of Transportation building, EPA, FDIC, GPO, and USDA and others.

Virginia

I've lived in two states - Minnesota and Virginia. I lived in Virginia from January 1993 until August 1997. I have great memories from this time in my life.

Virginia has 5 places listed in the "book." I've been to 4 out of 5.

1. Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's home.
2. Shenandoah Valley - I used to hike here with my siberian husky, Tia.
3. The Inn at Little Washington - one of the best restaurants in the US. We took Andy here for his birthday in October 2002.
4. Colonial Williamsburg - visited in high school ~1979.

My first job was working at 14th & Pennsylvania - two blocks from the White House. I never met the President.

Minnesota

I've lived in Minnesota for most of my life. Land of 10,000 lakes. We like to poke fun at ourselves by saying the mosquito is our state bird. (It is really the loon.)

Minnesota has one place listed in the "book" - Boundary Waters, Ely, MN. I haven't been there. It is a very long drive from where I live. I should go...sometime.

Minnesota has lots of noteworthy sights, and these I have seen or experienced:

1. giant Paul Bunyan statue

2. Garrison Keillor

3. Itasca State Park - this is where the mighty Mississippi starts

4. First Avenue - where Prince got his start in the music business

5. HHH Metrodome - home of the NFL Vikings

6. a Great Lake - Superior

7. Hockey Hall of Fame

8. Guthrie Theatre

9. Pillsbury and General Mills world headquarters

10. 3M world headquarters

11. Target world headquarters

12. first indoor shopping mall in US - Southdale

13. largest mall in US - Mall of America

14. Brooklyn Park (the city I grew up in) was the city where Jesse Ventura was mayor

Great Wikipeda entry if you want more information on my home state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota