Field Trip Friday: Hometown(s)

My family was quite the wanderers when I was growing up. It was a combination of family issues, work moves and sometimes just plain ready for new scenery. It wasn't always easy being the new kid, but I met a lot of amazing people along the way and got an intimate knowledge of a whole lot of Kansas, as well as a few locales further afield. There were a few times where we moved away and back to a town, as is the case with Emporia, where we moved away and then back for the last three years of my high school. Altogether, we lived there for a total of six years, longer than anywhere else by far. When I think of my "hometown," that is what I think of.

The long list of places I've lived. (The numbers in parentheses represent the number of houses we lived in each of those cities.)

Atlanta, Georgia (2)
Junction City, Kansas (2)
Manhattan "the little apple", Kansas (3)
Emporia, Kansas (3)
Topeka, Kansas
Heidelberg, Germany
Prairie Village, Kansas
Merriam, Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Lenexa, Kansas (2)
Baltimore, Maryland (5)

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Heidelberg. We moved there with my stepdad for his post in the Army. We lived at Patrick Henry Village, an Army base outside of Heidelberg, so we were surrounded by Americans and English speakers. However, we spent a great deal of our time off base. As luck would have it, we met a family who had two daughters that were exactly my sister and I's age. They were even in our classes in school. Their parents were American civilian contractors for the Army who had chosen to live off-base. They spoke fluent German and were more than open to having their fish out of water friends along on their adventures. We traveled all over with them: skiing in Austria, weekend in Barcelona, relaxing at the spas at Baden-Baden. Despite a number of trips to Europe since, I haven't been back to Heidelberg. I have vowed that someday I will.

So how about you? Where have you lived? Link up directly to your Field Trip Friday posts!

Field Trip Friday: The BEST Picnic

Summer is rolling to a close here. The temperatures are dropping at night and we've switched the air conditioner off to enjoy open windows and fresh air. While it can still be quite warm at midday, there is a briskness to the air that makes it quite clear that fall is on it's way. Soon enough, we'll be cooped up in our warm house to escape the frigid Maryland winter. So for us, it means we're trying to maximize our outdoor time while we still can. We've been to the park and the zoo, to the pool and the beach. We've flown kites and chased balls. And we've been on picnics.

There's just something so romantic about picnicking. Spreading out a blanket on a nice shady patch, a cool breeze ruffling your hair and keeping it from being too warm but not so much that your blanket is blowing away. When I tried to picture my ideal picnic, I kept coming back to one image:

The rolling, open prairie of my childhood.

Close your eyes and imagine laying under that tree. Can you feel the gentle breeze brushing over you? Stretched out on a checkered blanket, you feel little pokes from the grass that hasn't quite been tamed underneath. Through the branches, you can make out every single leaf, a million different shades of green represented in one tree. Beyond it, a sky so big and blue, it seems you can see the curvature of the earth. The grass is nearly waist high and waves in the breeze, back and forth. It conceals you from view, not that there is anyone other than your beloved within miles, but it feels so sheltered and secluded. A plate of cold fried chicken sits next to you. A glass of crisp white wine perches on a tray, along with some apples, grapes and sharp cheese. You talk about your dreams. About the novel living inside you. And you build a story framed by that tree. You while away the afternoon, nibbling, talking, planning, taking it in.

Can you see it?

What's your ideal picnic? Please link up directly to your Field Trip Friday post!

Field Trip Friday: Favorite Vacation Photo

I've done a fair amount of traveling. And I am something of a shutterbug, which means that I have taken a vast number of photos during those travels. The great majority of those photos, especially from the pre-digital era, are not all that spectacular. The translation from "Wow! That would be an awesome shot!" to an actual awesome picture is a rocky one, fraught with sun glare, bad shadows, poor composition, and the worst, people moving. But sometimes, despite all of that, you get a good one.

The one that immediately came to mind when I thought of this topic is not one of those.

Despite this, it is hands down my all time favorite vacation photo. In fact, it is framed and hangs on my living room wall.

This is me, my mom and my stepdad* at the top of the Eiffel Tower. If you look down to my right, you can see the Seine. We took this on a family trip about 10 years ago. My cousin was in the Netherlands for an internship and we took the opportunity to visit her and make a big trip out of it. So my Uncle (her father), my parents and I all met her in Paris, where we spent five days before moving on to Rome for five days.

This is the first time I took a big trip with my parents as an adult, and it was a different experience than when I was younger. I will always be a kid in my mom's eyes, but our relationship has changed as I've gotten older and the nuances of our interactions more flavored by my maturity. Importantly, though, it was the most time I had spent with my parents since I had moved to Baltimore several years before. For financial and scheduling reasons, my trips home to Kansas in those days were short and infrequent, so getting to spend that much time with my family was extra special.

So this photo embodies for me the quirky nature of my mom and I's relationship paired with one of my favorite cities in the world, Paris. I can't look at it without smiling.

Link up your favorite photos! Please link directly to the post, please!




*I'm not crazy about this term, because the connotation for "stepparents" is bad and my relationship with my stepdad is anything but. He is a very, very important person in my life and the term stepdad just doesn't do justice to how supportive and loving he has been to me. Unfortunately, there just isn't a replacement that doesn't sound contrived or silly. Sigh.

Field Trip Friday: Best. Post. Ever.

Do you have a great post from back when no one read you? Or one that you wrote recently that needs a little more love? Here's your chance! Link up your favorite post. Heck, link up two if you're feeling froggy. Please visit at least one other person on the list and show them a little love!

Can't wait to see your posts!

Please link up directly to the post!

Field Trip Friday: Marooned!

I was a Lostie. I think partially because it tapped into a fear/fantasy I have of being stuck on a desert island. The idea of giving up all of the trappings of modern life and living close to nature, as people have been doing for millions of years, has its appeals. It's also scary as heck. Because of that, I would want to have just a few amenities along, namely:

1. Toothpaste. I'm a borderline compulsive teeth brusher. First thing in the morning and after lunch, of course, and I can't go to sleep at night without brushing my teeth. A big part of that is minty fresh breath. I think I can construct a primitive toothbrush out of twigs and such, but I don't think mint grows on desert islands, so give me some Colgate and I'll be happy.

2. Sunscreen. I'm not positive I even looked at a bottle of sunscreen until I was 30. For most of my life, I greased up with baby oil when I was out soaking up some rays. But a couple of bad sunburns have left me more vulnerable and these days I am hyper diligent about lathering up with the stuff. Also, have you been to the beach/pool/gym and seen those ladies that are super duper tan and looked like they were a 100 but you know they were only 40? Yeah, I don't want to be that gal.

3. Flip-flops. Sure, I can probably construct primitive footwear out of leaves but I would much rather have my cushy, comfy flip-flops to protect my delicate dogs from hot sand and thorns. Feet are awfully important, after all.

After putting this list together, I realized I probably should have included antibiotics or knives or rope or something more functional. Meh, that's far too practical. Especially considering my list originally had Dr. Pepper on it.

Link up directly to your posts below or talk about your desert island necessities in the comments!

Field Trip Friday: Yellow

When I thought of this idea for a post, the very first image that jumped into my mind was of my bedroom in my last house. It was a hundred year old rowhouse in the Canton area of downtown Baltimore. Like so many of it's kind, it was long and narrow, only 11 feet wide. But what it lacked in square footage, it made up in personality.

From the stained glass windows over the front door and front window that were rumored to be Tiffany; to the original woodwork and moldings around doors, windows and on the staircase; to the pyramid skylight in the center of the second floor. When we did some remodeling where we tore out part of a wall to enlarge the bathroom, we found newspapers dated June 1933, along with a small fortune in square nails.

It was a house with charm. But my favorite room was my bedroom. It had the most gorgeous light in the morning. Facing east, but blocked by the buildings on the opposite street, it glowed in the early hours of the morning. This effect was magnified by the color of the walls: a soft, buttery yellow.

When I bought the house, the walls of the room were white, but it had an interesting ceiling. Floating on the pale blue ceiling were painted a number of cottony, fluffy clouds. I knew that sky demanded a platform as uplifting as it was and I set off to the home improvement store. When I looked out over the sea of color samples, my eyes landed on this yellow and that was it.

I lived in that house for five years. Those sanguine yellow walls and serene blue sky overhead never failed to make me smile.

When we moved into our current house, I briefly contemplated painting our bedroom the same yellow color, but it just wouldn't have been the same.

Smiley. Bright. Happy. Yellow.

So what about you? What does yellow make you think of? Link up your posts or tell us in the comments. Please link directly to your Field Trip Friday post, please!

Field Trip Friday: Top Five Travel Essentials

I am not a meticulous packer. In fact, I would say that I am more accurately described as a frantic, last minute packer. Whether I am going away for a weekend or two weeks, I pack approximately 30 minutes before I leave. When pressed, I will generally snark back that I'm either a) doing laundry b) using some of the stuff or c) have plenty of time. All of which is mostly true, but I reallly should have gotten my merde together earlier. My rationale is that with very few exceptions, I can buy everything I might forget at my destination. So if I forget a few things, it's hardly cause for anxiety.

As it happens, I am in the last days leading up to a trip that I have been looking forward to for MONTHS. Blogher 2010 in New York City! Obviously, you can find anything and everything you could ever possibly want in the Big Apple (do people still call it that?), but I would prefer to be reasonably prepared for whatever comes my way. The following are those things that I absolutely, positively won't leave the house without.

1. Skoosh Neck Pillow. My husband tells me I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, but the fact is if I'm not comfortable, it can't happen. This thing is squishy and smooshy and super duper comfortable. You can use it around your neck or bunched up underneath your head. Versatile and comfy, can't miss.

2. Toiletries Carry-all. I keep mine stocked and at the ready at all times. I have an unhealthy love for travel size toiletries. I'm like a kid in a candy store when I walk down the travel size aisle at Target. I just want to take one of everything. With this, I can just throw it in my bag and I know that I have razors, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, etc.

3. Travel Drink. I can't walk out the door without a drink. When I'm being good, it's a big bottle of water. When I'm less good, it's a bottle of Dr. Pepper. Either way, it's like my mouth instantly dries out the minutes my butt hits the car seat, so I never make it far without a cold drink in the console.

4. Black Cardigan. Regardless of what time of year, I run cold, and inevitably hotel rooms, theaters, restaurants, etc all seem to be so chilly, so it's nice to have a versatile cardigan to throw on in a pinch.

5. Baggies. This is kind of a weird one, but I've too many times had to throw beloved lip glosses or body sprays away when going through security at the airport. So now I make it a habit to always have at least a couple of bags with me. Plus, I find they come in handy in other ways.

What about you? What are your travel must haves? Link up directly to your post or answer in the comments!

Field Trip Friday: Childhood Vacations

We traveled a fair bit when I was growing up. And there are a number of trips that stand out in my memory; a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming when I was 6 where I first learned how to ski; South Dakota and Mount Rushmore at 8; England with my grandparents at 16. But I'm going to focus on one we took while we lived in Heidelberg, Germany when I was 9-10. Because of the close proximity in Europe, making trips to other countries is as easy as it is for me to visit another state here. (And given how small Maryland is, that is pretty easy.) So when we lived in Heidelberg, we took a number of long weekend trips around Europe. One that stands out in my mind is a trip we took to Barcelona, Spain. It was an amazing and eye-opening trip.

Highlights of our visit in Barcelona:

We dined at a restaurant that put on a flamenco dancing show while you enjoyed dinner. While there was nothing risque about it, my parents would never have taken us had there been, it certainly felt naughty to my sister and I. The male and female dancers, twirling around in exotic dress, in a dark cabaret type restaurant. We were prudish American children, after all, unused to late dinners and still fairly new to European openness.

We went to a bullfight. Which I can sum up in one word: horrific. The toreador dances around, attempting to stab the bull through the heart with a long sword, but first piercing it with numerous spears to weaken it. Although supposedly there is the possibility of a bull that fights particularly well being granted clemency and living out its life munching clover and servicing the local cows, it is very, very rare. In the vast majority of cases, the bull is killed. Which is what happened to the two unlucky beasts we saw. We left after that, with more than half of the show left, mortified. I know this is a tradition deep ingrained in Spanish culture, but I just couldn't, don't, understand it.I suppose I can put a check next to that in my bucket list, but I'm not necessarily happy about it.

McDonalds in Spain is not like McDonalds in America. Yes, it's similar, but tastebuds there are different from ours here. We ordered fries and cheeseburgers and were heartily disappointed. Even Coke tastes different. I guess Germanic McDonald's are closer to American ones, because I don't recall that being an issue at the ones we visited there, but woowee were we not happy with our meals.

Probably the highlight of our trip, quite ironically given our response to the bull fighting, was the Barcelona Wax Museum. And in particular the horror section. Beheadings, amputated limbs, gruesome disfigurations. Gore, gore, gore. We loved it.

I was a child. And I saw the city through a child's eyes. I missed the unusual and interesting architecture and if we went to any other museums, they are lost in the archives of my memories. I have not returned to Spain since then, but I would very much like to. To revisit it with an adult's eyes and interests. Someday. I'll make it happen.

Tell us about your favorite childhood vacation in the comments or link up DIRECTLY to your post.

Field Trip Friday: Traveling with Kids

As our daughter approaches her third birthday, we prepare to take our first long road trip as a family. The furthest we have gone is a couple of hours and even that was more than a year ago. Needless to say, I am packing everything and the kitchen sink. But no matter how much I bring there, will always be those things that never occurred to me that we would need.

A few things I will be sure to remember:

1. Earplugs - When the wailing starts in the back seat, even loud music won't drown it out.

2. Benadryl - Sometimes they just need a little nudge in the direction of a nap.

3. Cupcakes - Normally, we're pretty stingy with the sweets, but I'm thinking a couple dozen cupcakes might keep her occupied for at least an hour or two.

4. Liquor - Not for the ride, OF COURSE, but for when we arrive. I have a feeling we'll need a little extra relaxation.

5. A Nanny - Nothing says smooth vacation like bringing along paid child care.

Obviously, these are all in jest, but seriously, what are your tips for traveling with kids? (Please link up directly to your post.)

Field Trip Friday -- Ice Cream "Graeter" Than Any Other!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

I don't actually "scream" for ice cream -- it's more like quietly going to the fridge every evening to dish up some Breyer's Heath Bar or Edy's Slow-Churned Caramel Delight. I try to savor it but end up eating a little too quickly. And since I eat it a little too quickly, I need to return the freezer (quietly, you know, because if you do it quietly, it's like you're not really doing it) and add just one more scoop.

I wonder why my baby weight keeps hanging around? That situation would be even more dire if I lived closer to the source of The best ice cream I ever ate . . . this week's Field Trip Friday Topic.

The best ice cream I ever ate was in Cincinnati, Ohio at Graeter's. There are Graeter's locations all over the Tri-State (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) area where I grew up. Plus, Graeter's is stocked in the Kroger stores all over town as well.

I'm sure I had Graeter's a few times growing up, but I really fell in love with Graeter's when I was living in my first apartment in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Cincinnati. After grading a batch of papers or taking a walk or finishing a tasty dinner out or chilling with friends, I would walk to the Graeter's in Hyde Park Square and get a dish of my favorite Black Raspberry Chip ice cream. For me, Graeter's = Great Memories.

Why is Graeter's the best? First, it is truly premium ice cream. They use the very best ingredients and prepare the ice cream in some fancy way called a French Pot Process. Second, many of their flavors are of the "chip" variety, and these chips (chunks actually) of chocolate are HUGE and high quality. I am not kidding when I tell you that you can get a chip that is way bigger than your thumb.

My very favorite is Black Raspberry Chip, but the past few years I have become increasingly fond of Toffee Chip.

I don't have any further great insights into the ice cream beyond it's just so good. So good.

If you're not an ice cream fan or cannot tolerate dairy (which, really, isn't that the only reason one wouldn't be an ice cream fan?), you might enjoy some Graeter's sorbet. I think they have baked goods too, but can't attest to it because I walk in the door focused on the ice cream.

If you are ever in the Cincinnati or Tri-State area, you must try Graeter's. If you're really into ice cream, you could even order some and have it shipped to you on dry ice.

I'll be visiting in Ohio soon and can't wait to try the special seasonal flavors: Blackberry White Chocolate Chip and Strawberry Chip. I don't know if I'll make it inside an actual Graeter's location, but I know I can count on my mama to have some pints waiting in the freezer.

So, where is the best ice cream you've ever eaten? Share you answer in the comments or, better yet, blog about it and link up your post below!

Photos from graeters.com and from the Wikipedia entry on Graeter's. Sorry I could not find better (and bigger) photos and especially sorry that I couldn't photograph myself eating some Graeter's.

Here's the link up:

Field Trip Friday: Top Five Dream Destinations

I love to travel, obviously. I've been on some pretty amazing trips, but there are still a lot of places I haven't been. Like, oh, five other continents worth. I really do hope to get to all of these someday. It may take a lifetime, but I'm going to make it happen.

My top five dream vacation destinations:

1. Egypt - I have been fascinated by ancient Egypt for as long as I can remember. The collossal memorials to their leaders. The legends and curses. Stinky camels.

2. Moscow - I am a child of the cold war era. In fact, I lived in Germany when it was West Germany. I saw the wall and was very much aware of the secrecy behind the "iron curtain." Perhaps that's why I am so intrigued by this formerly forbidden country.

3. Rio De Janeiro -There's just something so sexy about Rio. Visiting Carnival is definitely on my bucket list.

4. Hong Kong - I've never been to any part of Asia and maybe this is jumping into the deep end, but Hong Kong seems to be such a vibrant blend of old world customs and modernity.

5. Venice - Although I have been to Rome, and what a trip it was, I have not visited any other part of Italy. I have always wanted to visit the city of canals. Riding around in a gondola, while my honey feeds me grapes. Bliss.

How about you? What are your top five dream vacation destinations? Respond in the comments or link to your post below!

Field Trip Friday: Passport to Peevishtown

Hubby and I were long distance for four years which required many flights and road trips. We were also fortunate to travel quite a bit in the early years of our marriage, mostly for fun with and/or to see friends. Truth be told, I don't do a lot of traveling these days beyond loading up the van and driving around the Midwest to visit family.

Rest assured I won't let my at-home lifestyle stop me from sharing my list of travel pet peeves.

MEP's Travel Pet Peeves (in no particular order)

1. I don't recline my seat on airplanes because I don't think reclining makes the flight much more comfortable. Why compromise the space of the person behind me if I don't need to? You can feel free to recline your seat, but please, if your child reclines his/her seat to the full extent, please make sure that child is reclining and not leaning forward and playing on his/her DS. Thanks.

2. "Someone" (not me, of course) forgets to charge the portable DVD player and/or fails to bring the appropriate adaptor, plug, or batteries.

3. I admit that I have rarely been in the following situation, but I do not enjoy traveling with people who are unwilling to stop as often as I need to stop. If I need to pee, I just want to pee. If I want a fountain Diet Coke, I want a fountain Diet Coke. I'm not talking about stopping every hour, but "making good time" does not have to mean "avoid stopping at all costs, nevermind the discomfort of the passengers." Related to this pet peeve is traveling with people who don't want to stop for fast food. If you want to pack your meals and snacks, go for it, but I like to eat French fries on the road.

4. People who sneak up the shoulder during traffic jams.

5. Drivers who enter the EZ Pass toll lane when they do not have an EZ Pass. I know it can be an honest mistake, but try to look at the signs and choose the ones that say "cash."

6. Husbands who refuse to stop at Cracker Barrel.

7. Husbands who sigh loudly when packing the car because "someone" (me?) should "really learn how to pack more efficiently."

8. Packing bags for children when you can't predict what weather, culture, and social occasions will present themselves upon arrival at the destination. More than that, having to remember every darn thing that kids need from sunscreen to comfort items to infant motrin.

9. Staying at hotels that only offer Pepsi products in their restaurants and vending machines.

10. Passengers who do a "number two" in an airplane bathroom when it really could wait. I understand that sometimes it can't wait, but if it can . . . Read my 2007 post entitled "Here and now . . . really?" for more on this important pet peeve.

* Also, I think Southwest now has a new boarding system, but it used to be a pet peeve of mine that people practically camped out to get a "good seat." Read all about that phenomenon if you wish.

Okay then, what are your travel pet peeves? Share in the comments or link up your own post below!

Field Trip Friday: Nosh!

When I thought of this topic for Field Trip Friday, I figured it would be a no brainer to come up with a meal from my travels that was my all time favorite. Surely, some dish stands out among the throngs as superior in every way. But I'll be honest with you, I couldn't pinpoint one exact dish. So I'm going to go on a little around the world trip for my meal, taking a course from here and there.

First Course: Costa Rica - Ceviche
My entire family: parents, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents visited Costa Rica for my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary when I was 22. It's where they went for their honeymoon and they wanted to spend their 50th with all of their loved ones in a spot that held such fond memories. This trip is especially poignant for me because it was one of the last times we spent with my grandmother before Alzheimer's took her away from us.

The resort we stayed in was unbelievably gorgeous. A short distance from San Juan, it was surrounded by tropical rain forests. It was an oasis. In this resort were a couple of restaurants, one more casual for breakfast and lunch and one more fancy for dinner. We ate each morning in the more casual one, where they had a delicious buffet, and among the items on the spread was ceviche. Ceviche is a dish prepared by marinating seafood, in this case shrimp, in lime juice and then combining it with tomato, onions, peppers and cilantro. It is absolutely divine and I do believe I ate my weight in it during my stay. It is not a complicated dish, and I have had it since, but when I think of ceviche, I think of that trip. It. Was. Delicious.



Second Course: Colorado - Schnitzel
When I was a kid, we lived in Heidelburg, Germany for a year. Spending an extended time in a foreign country as a kid is an eye-opening experience. I was introduced to people and food that I would never have encountered otherwise. I wish I could say that I remember all of the German I learned while I was there, but the truth is that more than 20 years have passed and other than a few key phrases and numbers, I don't. I do hope to return there someday, if nothing else to partake of the hearty German food, which I fell in love with while we were there.

But there was one dish that found its way particularly into my heart: schnitzel. Schnitzel is thinly pounded veal that is breaded and fried. Again, this is not a terribly complicated dish, but one that is not found in many American restaurants. So imagine my surprise and delight when on a family ski vacation to Colorado, we stopped off in a small hotel/restaurant that had a primarily German menu, including schnitzel. We stopped at the same place several times over the years, and every time I got the schnitzel. I tried to find a picture that showed it in a slightly more enticing light, but this photo is EXACTLY how I like it. Don't waste time on anything extraneous on the plate, just throw down some meat and fries and be done with it. Just like the Germans, straightforward and fattening. (Okay, Germans aren't fattening, well, maybe they are, I've never actually tried to eat a German. But they are very straight to business folks. You get my point.)



Third Course: Scotland - Sticky Toffee Pudding
After too many years of reading trashy romance novels that took place in Scotland, my best friend and I decided to take a trip to the motherland. We didn't meet any lairds, but we saw plenty of lochs, and we ate. A lot.

On one of our day trips jaunting about the Scottish countryside, we stopped at a tiny rustic inn on the side of the road. There was nothing for kilometers and kilometers in either direction. It looked like it had been there forever and if the reception we got was any indication, they didn't get a lot of tourists and were not super excited about the two American chicks that came barreling into their establishment. We were not to be deterred, though, and went about enjoying our meal. We ordered typical Scottish inn fare, probably shepherd's pie or something. Frankly, whatever it was was completely overshadowed by the Sticky Toffee Pudding we had for dessert. It was chocolatey cake covered with caramel sauce goodness. They served it in a little cast iron skillet . It was divine. One of these days I am going to attempt to make it myself, until then I will savor the memories. Mmmm.



So that's my favorite vacation meal. How about you? Tell us in the comments or link up your Field Trip Friday post!

PS - If I were to actually attempt to eat this very meal, I would probably have the worst case of indigestion. EVER. Not to mention more calories than any one person should consume in a week, let alone one meal. A girl can dream, though.