Summer '10 Break

OK. Has been a while since I wrote a blog. Quick version: we were super busy (& still are!).

Longer version: Came back to Palmer from a very busy break.

We traveled to Chattanooga, Tennesee, for a day and a half. We really enjoyed the food and the culture Chattanooga offers. Our hotel, which was so lovely, with a great staff and delicious breakfast http://www.stonefortinn.com/ When we arrived our first night, it was really hot out, but we didn't want to drive anymore, so we walked to a fabulous restaurant just a few blocks from the inn. Table 2 http://www.table2restaurant.com/ had mellow ambiance, but was definitely higher-class fine dining, with excellent selections. The chefs are very creative and the food was to be savored. We relished each bite.

We spent a day exploring the area, visiting Lookout Mountain Park http://www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm and http://www.lookoutmountain.com/ We did not "See Rock City" or "Visit Ruby Falls," but we plan to sometime when Dartagnan is with us, because he loves caves and when he was little, he loved rocks, too.

Most delightful was Fairyland Neighborhood. I have loved fairy tales all my life and loved seeing the fun homes off Red Riding Hood Lane, many built from the rock of the mountain. I also learned that it was the birthplace of mini golf: http://www.historicchatt.com/page.asp?PageID=102

We visited the Hunter Museum of Art http://www.huntermuseum.org/visit/, saw a fabulous exhibit of American artists' glassworks and Jon especially appreciated the Albert Bierstadt that was part of their permanent collection. While in the Bluff Art's District, we ate lunch at Tony's and it was excellent http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g54946-d476294-Reviews-Tony_s_Pasta_Shop_Trattoria-Chattanooga_Tennessee.html and after had wonderful dessert next door at Rembrandt's http://www.bluffviewartdistrict.com/subpage.php?pageId=140 What a beautiful area! On our way back home after our seminar, we had dinner at 212 Market, which uses local ingredients and has been in business for many years http://www.212market.com/.

We then traveled on to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend a seminar held by our practice manager, Dr. Pete Fernandez http://www.drfernandez.com/DC/Home/index.cfm, and it was very informative and encouraging. One of his speakers, Dr. Cannister, was particularly delightful and full of wisdom about how to "Be the Doctor." He reminded me of Dr. Fred Barge, who used to teach at Palmer (& has passed away), because he used to say something similar. We met some really successful and happy people while there and it helped me feel excited about the profession and the career again, especially hearing about some of the cases from other docs. They also offered up great advice and it was so nice to be surrounded by such positivity. The vibe was so good. I really needed that!

We also spent time in Peoria, Illinois, with Jon's dad and his family, which was relaxing and fun. Good to catch up with them, as they are also very busy too.

Near the end of the break we traveled with Delaney to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to pick up Dartagnan & his cousin Thomas and they joined us for a 9-day stay on Washington Island, Wisconsin http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/washington-island-wisconsin/Content?oid=915355 and http://www.washingtonisland.com/. They brought their bikes and spent much time exploring the island, including climbing the tower in the center of the island (on its highest point) and hanging out at School House Beach, swimming, skimming rocks, and probably flirting with girls a little. They also enjoyed riding their bikes to watch the fireworks on Independence Day at the island's baseball diamond. The boys often went to Albie's http://www.yelp.com/biz/albatross-washington-island to get a milkshake & burgers (since we are vegetarian and they aren't, this made them happy).

Jon and I enjoyed taking Delaney for a walk in her stroller up to Red Cup http://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotos-g60360-d609435-Red_Cup_Coffee_House-Washington_Island_Wisconsin.html and http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60360-d609435-r70070036-Red_Cup_Coffee_House-Washington_Island_Wisconsin.html I think it is sooo charming. If I owned a coffee shop, it would be very similar to Red Cup in ambiance, style, color. We did a touristy thing we never do: we actually bought t-shirts with their name on them! I usually hate to wear advertisements for a business, but the t-shirts were super-soft, lightweight cotton and had great design: Jon's is like the old snakeoil posters advertising that their product is a panacea for "all that ails you" (it is very funny to read) and mine is just the name "Red Cup" in large letters, "Washington Island" below. I like that it is a beautiful teal color, is form-fitting & has a peace symbol in the "P" of "Cup." They make a mean Americano and Chai Tea Soy Latte. :)

There is a great little bookstore next door, Islandtime Books, and I can never resist the urge to buy at least one (usually more!) book when I go in there http://www.indiebound.org/stores/islandtime-books-more This time I refrained from buying a book for me, but got two for Lani: "An Elephant & Piggie Book: I Am Going" by Mo Willems (very cute), and "Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa" by Jeanette Winter. I am a fan of Dr. Wangari Maathai. I was priviledged to hear her speak about her work in Montreal at a NAFSA (International Educators Organization) Conference a few years ago. She's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her environmental work carried out through the Green Belt Movement http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/ I want to be sure to surround Lani with strong women as role models as she grows up. Dr. Maathai definitely fits that description (she endured much to carry out her vision and help people and the earth). I like her story especially because it shows that with hard work and inspiration, you can accomplish much.

It was a very nice break and we enjoyed spending time with our family. Was long enough that I was ready to come back to school. I'll update soon on what happened when we returned to school and I was in a situation making me unsure of my financial aid situation. Have to go now because I have my first Systems Pathology test tomorrow and all my Nutrition Analysis papers are due tomorrow, too.