Parking It

The harsh and rainy work week turned into a beautiful weekend here in Atlanta. We decided to get out of the house and explore the city some more. We took our first trip to Piedmont Park in Midtown.

We still haven’t mastered the parking situation yet. After being yelled at by some snooty neighbors for trolling their streets surrounding the park, we shrugged and headed to the Botanical Gardens ramp. This was actually super convenient and only cost us about $2.50 for a couple hours.

The weather was amazing, pushing into the low 70s. Every activity known to man was simultaneously going down like some well managed orchestra of awesomeness. Sand volleyball, softball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, jogging, biking, walking, and yoga. This is why we wanted to move to the city!

We found this cool dock and sitting area right at the foot of the lake (big pond?) in the middle of the park.

We finished up the day with a walk around the trails and came across this bridge, overlooking the dog park. This was one of the biggest dog parks that I have seen. Canine heaven!

The Bird is the Word!

We ended up going to our friend’s house for some wine and laughs. They have some of the best pets known to man. Birds? Check. Karate birds? Yep, them too. Furry pups? Awww yea. Lots of fun to be had!

Judo-CHOP!

He was giving his best “Icky Shuffle” touchdown dance.

May the force be with you too.

The wife got into the action. This bird is in love with her. Jealous.

Did she just cheat on me with the bird?

Someone must’ve been telling an intriguing story…

Oh yea, here is the storyteller.

Group shot!

Cricket is the jam!

Sleeeeve!

Yum!

Some shots of the great food I have enjoyed the last few days. Teriyaki Pork Chops from the grill.

With the chops, we had some sauteed onion and jalapeños. It was hot!

I made the wife a hot ham and cheese with sliced tomato.

My fixings for my eggbeater omelette, sauteed green onions and turkey bacon.

And last but not least, homemade green onion soup. Simple and delicious!

Back to the Beach!

It was great to head back to the beach for a weekend, hang out with friends and family, and do some eating and drinking. Thanks to all who made it out to take the city down!

Sunday morning came early but I was greeted by Mother Nature pushing 80 degrees so I had to go out and shoot with the new camera. Met up with my friend Steven and bombed around!

Hahahaha! Look at who is riding on the back…classic!

We then hit up the river, to check out what was going on downtown.

And no doubt the best part of the trip…I got to hang out with my nieces for a few days! Riding bikes with no training wheels (at 4!!) and the other cruising along on her new bike.

Welcome to the iDarkside

Traded in my faithful Blackberry that was on the fritz for an iPhone 4 as my new work phone. It should be interesting to see how this handles the Enterprise needs of my day to day schedule.

Charlotte Amalie

Spontaneity. After talking with the wife about doing more on a whim in 2011, this was the perfect way to start. New Year’s Eve, we had great seats to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, to watch South Carolina and Florida State square off. After the game, we walked from the Georgia Dome to Peachtree Center to watch the Peach drop with friends. After walking back to the car, I realized that Monday was a holiday for me, and the wife was on vacation for the week.

Soooooo, we got home, pulled up Google Maps, and tried to decide on our destination. Flights were pretty full across the board, but we took a shot at some place warm and decided on Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas. Two days later, I was back at work, dreaming of that sand and sun.

I didn’t want to lug my big camera, so these were all taken with my point and shoot.

The island from the plane on the way in.

Birds eye view of the cruise ships.

Sunrise.

Sunset over the bay with the cruise ship leaving port.

The view from our balcony at the hotel.

Beautiful beach. Much better sand in the water than Grand Cayman. No rocks.

The climb to the hotel.

The pool deck overlooking the Caribbean.

Arrival

Dat Mass

Took a trip to visit my brother in Boston, Mass to check out his new spot and take in some of that bitter northeast winter weather. I think my tear ducts are still frozen.

Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall

The Wharf

She’s got that winter helmet going….cozy and warm!

This guy was frozen to the pole.

Inside of the dome.

Thawing out with some hot cocoa with a sprinkle of blackberry.

We hit up this local latin spot near my brother’s loft and stuffed ourselves. Maduros…habichuelas rojas y arroz…strawberry jarritos!

We then decided to head to the top of the Prudential building for a cocktail. I had 5 of these.

This is where they shot that bank robber movie with Mr. Affleck

Attack of the Fisheye!!

My Numba One Stunna!

Fall Back

Crazy to think that it is already November. It was cool this week in Atlanta and all the leaves are changing colors. Lucy and I went on a walk through our neighborhood and to a nearby park to just relax and soak in the sun.