Tonight Josh and I had dinner at the Whale's Rib Tavern at the Pilgrim's Inn, where we are staying. We had made dinner reservations (when we booked our room months ago) out of convenience more than anything. However, after eating in the Tavern tonight, Josh and I immediately made reservations for tomorrow night as well. Without even trying other restaurants on the island, we would be absolutely stupid for NOT having dinner here one more time.
The chef, Kris Burrin, prepared some amazing dishes for us this evening. An Englishman with classical French training, Burrin is definitely one of the most amazing chefs we've had the pleasure of "meeting".
For starters we had a cilantro spiced cornbread, a seasoned olive medley, and a tuna carpaccio salad with almonds, tomatoes and a pesto dressing. All three were absolutely amazing and paired nicely with the Prosecco we were drinking.
The main course for Josh consisted of a rib eye steak, hand cut french fries and green beans. I, however, opted for the special: Chicken Maghai? Ah hell. I can't remember what it was called. But it was an amazing curry dish with a spicy flavor explosion served alongside basamati rice and naan. Hands down my favorite meal of the entire trip!
Unfortunately we were too full for dessert, but will not make that mistake tomrorow night.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Freedom Trail
Labor Day (2009) was an intense day for Josh and I. We endured the ENTIRE Freedom Trail in Boston and then some.
While I would like to blog about that now...already a day behind schedule...the blog will have to wait because I am tired from driving ALL day. For now, all I can say is the 90 minute tour promised turned into a 6 hour walk (and sometimes jog) of some fascinating areas of Boston (and momentous periods in US history).
A view from atop the Bunker Hill Memorial...
Paul Revere's House (on the left)...
While I would like to blog about that now...already a day behind schedule...the blog will have to wait because I am tired from driving ALL day. For now, all I can say is the 90 minute tour promised turned into a 6 hour walk (and sometimes jog) of some fascinating areas of Boston (and momentous periods in US history).
A view from atop the Bunker Hill Memorial...
Paul Revere's House (on the left)...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Copley Square and Harvard Yard - Sunday
We were supposed to wake up early yesterday to get over to Copley Square for service at the world renown Trinity Church designed by Henry Hobson Richardson but instead we slept in. Eventually we got up, grabbed Starbucks and took the T over to Copley Square to hang for a bit. We did, of course, walk around Trinity, but were not able to check out the interior of the church because Sunday service was in session (yeah...the one we should have been in).
Josh and Angela outside Trinity Church in Boston.
Josh riding the hare in Copley Square.
We walked over to McKim, Mead, and White's Boston Public Library where we called our buddy Nick (who now lives in Portland, ME, but was down in Boston furniture shopping) to see about meeting up with him somewhere. I couldn't remember all the details of our 2 minute conversation, but Josh and I decided to head back to the Kendall so I could change, and then head over to Harvard Square to eventually meet up with Nick. So we did.
The Boston Public Library.
Thanks to my iPhone, we found an Adidas Originals store right in the square, and made a beeline for it. Josh found some beautiful new kicks and I got myself a little souvenir (an Adidas/Cambridge hoodie). From there we walked over to Harvard's campus and picked a little area to sit and rest for a second while we tried getting a hold of Nick again. Like I said, I couldn't remember the plan. Were we meeting up for lunch? Or were we having lunch and then meeting?
Before I could even finish the text, a man, who we presumed to be a professor, commented on Josh's STL hat; said he was from St. Louis. So, we start chatting with this ol' fellow and before you know it, he's walking us through Harvard Yard and pointing out a few of the libraries and their historical significance. After awhile, I ask him what he does. He says "Internet Broadcasting". Hmmm...peculiar. Anyways, we sit down and have a chat with him while he grabs some smokes, and he advises us as to where we should stop on our way up to Deer Isle this week. Before you know it, we're buying him a ginger ale at a little restaurant and we're continuing our conversation of Socialism in America, personal arrests in Moscow, the invention of web-based news casting for CNN in London, a meeting with Mr. Saddam Hussein...the list goes on and on.
The Harry Elkin Widener Memorial Library at Harvard
The Wadsworth House at Harvard
I will call the man Mr. Cashew. This of course was NOT his name, but given the amount of government/CIA work the man had done, we're pretty sure the name he gave us was an alias anyways. We got a great laugh out of this man and had a good time trying to meet up with Nick and his friend Michelle who were trying to find parking at Harvard. It felt like "Where's Waldo" or something. Mr. Cashew took us to the boathouse and showed us where the row team practiced. He walked us through more of the campus all the while giving us a history lesson before finally leaving us for the evening.
We got Mr. Cashew to pose for a photo with us, but I have decided to sensor his face so as not to reveal his true identity.
"Mr. Cashew", Josh and Angela in Harvard Square.
After parting ways with the mysterious Mr. Cashew, we went over to Charlie's Pub (or something like that) for a couple of pints. They were well needed by this point!
Mr. Cashew had given us strict orders for dinner, but by the time we said goodbye to Nick and Michelle and got ready to go out, we decided to eat across the street from the Kendall at the Legal Sea Food in Kendall Square (as opposed to the one in Harvard Square at the Charles Hotel).
Legal Sea Foods in Kendall Square
Following dinner at the Legal, we opted against going out for drinks and instead went back to the Kendall (a whole 75 feet away) for some relaxation. After Josh had a steak (not very good) and three stuffed shrimp with broccoli and mashed potatoes and I had lobster bisque (yummy) and Arctic Char, polenta and spinach, we were in no mood to consume beverages or hoof it anywhere!
The Kendall by night...was originally a firehouse in Cambridge.
Josh and Angela outside Trinity Church in Boston.
Josh riding the hare in Copley Square.
We walked over to McKim, Mead, and White's Boston Public Library where we called our buddy Nick (who now lives in Portland, ME, but was down in Boston furniture shopping) to see about meeting up with him somewhere. I couldn't remember all the details of our 2 minute conversation, but Josh and I decided to head back to the Kendall so I could change, and then head over to Harvard Square to eventually meet up with Nick. So we did.
The Boston Public Library.
Thanks to my iPhone, we found an Adidas Originals store right in the square, and made a beeline for it. Josh found some beautiful new kicks and I got myself a little souvenir (an Adidas/Cambridge hoodie). From there we walked over to Harvard's campus and picked a little area to sit and rest for a second while we tried getting a hold of Nick again. Like I said, I couldn't remember the plan. Were we meeting up for lunch? Or were we having lunch and then meeting?
Before I could even finish the text, a man, who we presumed to be a professor, commented on Josh's STL hat; said he was from St. Louis. So, we start chatting with this ol' fellow and before you know it, he's walking us through Harvard Yard and pointing out a few of the libraries and their historical significance. After awhile, I ask him what he does. He says "Internet Broadcasting". Hmmm...peculiar. Anyways, we sit down and have a chat with him while he grabs some smokes, and he advises us as to where we should stop on our way up to Deer Isle this week. Before you know it, we're buying him a ginger ale at a little restaurant and we're continuing our conversation of Socialism in America, personal arrests in Moscow, the invention of web-based news casting for CNN in London, a meeting with Mr. Saddam Hussein...the list goes on and on.
The Harry Elkin Widener Memorial Library at Harvard
The Wadsworth House at Harvard
I will call the man Mr. Cashew. This of course was NOT his name, but given the amount of government/CIA work the man had done, we're pretty sure the name he gave us was an alias anyways. We got a great laugh out of this man and had a good time trying to meet up with Nick and his friend Michelle who were trying to find parking at Harvard. It felt like "Where's Waldo" or something. Mr. Cashew took us to the boathouse and showed us where the row team practiced. He walked us through more of the campus all the while giving us a history lesson before finally leaving us for the evening.
We got Mr. Cashew to pose for a photo with us, but I have decided to sensor his face so as not to reveal his true identity.
"Mr. Cashew", Josh and Angela in Harvard Square.
After parting ways with the mysterious Mr. Cashew, we went over to Charlie's Pub (or something like that) for a couple of pints. They were well needed by this point!
Mr. Cashew had given us strict orders for dinner, but by the time we said goodbye to Nick and Michelle and got ready to go out, we decided to eat across the street from the Kendall at the Legal Sea Food in Kendall Square (as opposed to the one in Harvard Square at the Charles Hotel).
Legal Sea Foods in Kendall Square
Following dinner at the Legal, we opted against going out for drinks and instead went back to the Kendall (a whole 75 feet away) for some relaxation. After Josh had a steak (not very good) and three stuffed shrimp with broccoli and mashed potatoes and I had lobster bisque (yummy) and Arctic Char, polenta and spinach, we were in no mood to consume beverages or hoof it anywhere!
The Kendall by night...was originally a firehouse in Cambridge.
The First Night in Cambridge
After waking up 2 1/2 hours earlier than usual, yesterday, Josh and I boarded a plane bound for Boston. The flight was nice but the head flight attendant thought she was a comedian and made ridiculous jokes while reviewing the safety procedures. Although she was NOT humorous to neither Josh, myself nor the lady sitting to my right, she somehow managed to receive an applause from half the plane. For 7:00am, it was rather weird and surreal. I did not get it.
So after we landed in Boston, we hopped in a taxi (van) and made our way over to Cambridge. We saw a few rowers practicing on the Charles, but only for a split second. I definitely want to see a bit more of that!
We were lucky in that we were able to check in early at our boutique hotel. So we did and immediately began our trek for food. Eventually we decided on the Cambridge Brewery or Brew House, but there was an Irish Pub that drew us in before we could even get to the microbrewery - Tommy Doyle's Irish Pub. Complete with an Irish bartender, the establishment served your usual Irish influenced pub fare. I think Josh got a burger and I had fish and chips. Nothing crazy. But the Sam Adams Octoberfest on tap was AMAZING!
Josh watching the ever-so-interesting intersection outside...
After lunch, we decided naps were in order, so we convinced ourselves that we were on vacation and were afforded the luxury of midday sleeping. We must have slept long enough to wear off our lunch because shortly after waking up, we found ourselves on the T heading to Harvard Square for some brick-oven pizza from Bertucci's. There was a huge wait, but Josh must have glamoured the hostess because we we seated in less than 2 minutes!
Josh had the Bertucci while I had a spinache and roasted black olive pizza...
We came back to the hotel to regroup and drop off leftovers, etc. before going out for the night. Since we are still trying to figure out what's what and where everything is, my iPhone has been the best tourguide one could ask for. We decided on the Muddle Charles Pub on MIT's campus since it was within walking distance and overlooking the Charles River, however, what Mr. iPhone didn't tell me, was the pub is not open on weekends!
So we decide to get back on the T and head to Central Square this time in search for a dive bar or something! We settle on Tavern in the Square where they are showing multiple college football games on the tele, and have their facade completely open to the outdoors. Again I opt for the Octoberfest but Josh moves on to the hard stuff - Jack and Diane (otherwise known as Jack Daniels and Diet Coke). The weather was amazing and the environment at the bar was enjoyable too. I don't know the smoking policy in Cambridge, but this bar was smoke free!!!
We didn't want to miss the last subway, so we played it safe and came back to the Kendall before midnight. Josh wanted to smoke a stogie, so we walked down to the river and took a little walk along the promonade before heading in for the night.
Our shadows with Back Bay in the distance...
So after we landed in Boston, we hopped in a taxi (van) and made our way over to Cambridge. We saw a few rowers practicing on the Charles, but only for a split second. I definitely want to see a bit more of that!
We were lucky in that we were able to check in early at our boutique hotel. So we did and immediately began our trek for food. Eventually we decided on the Cambridge Brewery or Brew House, but there was an Irish Pub that drew us in before we could even get to the microbrewery - Tommy Doyle's Irish Pub. Complete with an Irish bartender, the establishment served your usual Irish influenced pub fare. I think Josh got a burger and I had fish and chips. Nothing crazy. But the Sam Adams Octoberfest on tap was AMAZING!
Josh watching the ever-so-interesting intersection outside...
After lunch, we decided naps were in order, so we convinced ourselves that we were on vacation and were afforded the luxury of midday sleeping. We must have slept long enough to wear off our lunch because shortly after waking up, we found ourselves on the T heading to Harvard Square for some brick-oven pizza from Bertucci's. There was a huge wait, but Josh must have glamoured the hostess because we we seated in less than 2 minutes!
Josh had the Bertucci while I had a spinache and roasted black olive pizza...
We came back to the hotel to regroup and drop off leftovers, etc. before going out for the night. Since we are still trying to figure out what's what and where everything is, my iPhone has been the best tourguide one could ask for. We decided on the Muddle Charles Pub on MIT's campus since it was within walking distance and overlooking the Charles River, however, what Mr. iPhone didn't tell me, was the pub is not open on weekends!
So we decide to get back on the T and head to Central Square this time in search for a dive bar or something! We settle on Tavern in the Square where they are showing multiple college football games on the tele, and have their facade completely open to the outdoors. Again I opt for the Octoberfest but Josh moves on to the hard stuff - Jack and Diane (otherwise known as Jack Daniels and Diet Coke). The weather was amazing and the environment at the bar was enjoyable too. I don't know the smoking policy in Cambridge, but this bar was smoke free!!!
We didn't want to miss the last subway, so we played it safe and came back to the Kendall before midnight. Josh wanted to smoke a stogie, so we walked down to the river and took a little walk along the promonade before heading in for the night.
Our shadows with Back Bay in the distance...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Greek Feast for Dominique's Birthday
On the 24th of July, the Friday before Dom's birthday, Josh and I met Ben and Dom at Momos for an absolute pig-out! It's too hard for me to remember what all we ordered, but I remember devouring tzatziki and pita, humus, spanikopita, beef dolmades, saganaki, domatokeftedes, potatoes and who knows what else?!
And if that wasn't enough, our waiter brought Dom a baklava for her birthday, which of course we split just as soon as we all finished eating our delicious carrot cake cupcakes from Cose Dolci (in Ferguson) which I had brought with us!
"D" is for Dom.
We practically had to shuffle our fat, little asses out of Momos once unable to consume any more food. Dominique thought she might like to find a place for after-dinner drinks in the Loop, but after driving down to Skinker and back with NO hope of finding parking and seeing a dude waving a knife around as another guy was holding his cut up hand in the air, we decided to hop on over to Sasha's Wine Bar in DeMun.
A good time was had by all...
The Hicks Brothers (minus Joe)
Ben refusing to take a decent pic.
Schischters.
And if that wasn't enough, our waiter brought Dom a baklava for her birthday, which of course we split just as soon as we all finished eating our delicious carrot cake cupcakes from Cose Dolci (in Ferguson) which I had brought with us!
"D" is for Dom.
We practically had to shuffle our fat, little asses out of Momos once unable to consume any more food. Dominique thought she might like to find a place for after-dinner drinks in the Loop, but after driving down to Skinker and back with NO hope of finding parking and seeing a dude waving a knife around as another guy was holding his cut up hand in the air, we decided to hop on over to Sasha's Wine Bar in DeMun.
A good time was had by all...
The Hicks Brothers (minus Joe)
Ben refusing to take a decent pic.
Schischters.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The "Race for the Cure" - 2009
This past Saturday 66,136 St. Louisans banded together and "raced" for the cure. Over 3.25 million dollars were raised locally for the St. Louis affliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Out of the sixty-six thousand participants, 23 of them included myself and roughly 20 other PGAV employees.
Back Row: Jean, Emily, Frank, Kartono, Brian, Angela, Josh, April, Erin, Jeremy, Carol and Julie. Front Row: Katie, Josh, Rosey, Kelly, Stephanie, Anselmo, and Claudia. Not Pictured: Nick, John and Leticia.
Before the race, the PGAV team met in the "Social Cafe" of the PGAV offices for a light breakfast. Shortly after 8:30, we began our walk TO the race. Once we arrived at Soldier Memorial Park, we immediately wove ourselves into the walk and continued on.
Kelly and Stephanie
Jeremy and Kartono
All in all we walked over 4.5 miles (in a 5K race) including our walk to and from the office. Our walk began at 4th and Olive, continued down Olive to North Compton, South to Market and back to 4th and Olive. Along the walk, one of the best scenes is when you crest the hill around 20th (or thereabouts). Olive is completely packed with walkers as far as the eye can see.
The only thing more amazing than this view is when you turn around and see walkers behind you as far as the eye can see...
The Race for the Cure is truely amazing experience.
Thanks, everyone, for all of your support!!!
Back Row: Jean, Emily, Frank, Kartono, Brian, Angela, Josh, April, Erin, Jeremy, Carol and Julie. Front Row: Katie, Josh, Rosey, Kelly, Stephanie, Anselmo, and Claudia. Not Pictured: Nick, John and Leticia.
Before the race, the PGAV team met in the "Social Cafe" of the PGAV offices for a light breakfast. Shortly after 8:30, we began our walk TO the race. Once we arrived at Soldier Memorial Park, we immediately wove ourselves into the walk and continued on.
Kelly and Stephanie
Jeremy and Kartono
All in all we walked over 4.5 miles (in a 5K race) including our walk to and from the office. Our walk began at 4th and Olive, continued down Olive to North Compton, South to Market and back to 4th and Olive. Along the walk, one of the best scenes is when you crest the hill around 20th (or thereabouts). Olive is completely packed with walkers as far as the eye can see.
The only thing more amazing than this view is when you turn around and see walkers behind you as far as the eye can see...
The Race for the Cure is truely amazing experience.
Thanks, everyone, for all of your support!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ah...Memorial Day...
This time last year, Josh and I (along with our families) were rummaging through the remains of our belongings following the Memorial Day Fire of '08. Lighting may have struck our house and burnt her to the ground, but we would be defeated so easily. Josh and I spent the next 6 months stressing ourselves to the max! We had to document everything and rebuild our house (while living in a rental home) while trying to stay focused at our jobs. This proved to be extremely difficult but is all behind us now! Thank the Lord!
I began a blog with updates on the Hixey House last year, but upon moving in to our house in December, I kind of just stopped writing. I plan to post before and after pics on that blog:
over the next few days, but in the meantime, please enjoy a little sample of before and afters here!
Okay, so this is more of a during than a "before"...
And this is how she stands now...the yard still needs some help.
Post-fire photo of built-ins and fireplace.
Dog's-eye view of the fireplace as it is today.
I promise to post real before and afters on The Hixey House Chronicles.
I began a blog with updates on the Hixey House last year, but upon moving in to our house in December, I kind of just stopped writing. I plan to post before and after pics on that blog:
over the next few days, but in the meantime, please enjoy a little sample of before and afters here!
Okay, so this is more of a during than a "before"...
And this is how she stands now...the yard still needs some help.
Post-fire photo of built-ins and fireplace.
Dog's-eye view of the fireplace as it is today.
I promise to post real before and afters on The Hixey House Chronicles.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Arthur Bryant's
Thursday, Josh and I left St. Louis around 4pm on our way to Kansas City for a night of Margaritas, friends and fun! We met up with Bailey and her son, Jake, Sara and her fiance Jeff, Marcus and Jason Boone (who unfortunately was in town for a funeral). The drinks were salty and sour, but the chips, salsa, guacamole and tacos were de-lish!
Following dinner and drinks, Jason, Marcus, Josh and I went over to the Peanut for a few beers before calling it a night.
Jason and I at the Peanut - "Cheerleader face!"
Friday morning Josh and I woke up bright and early to continue driving on to Council Bluffs, Iowa, for Rosey and Jeremy's wedding; but that's a whole other post!
Fast forward to Saturday afternoon...Josh and I stopped at Arthur Bryant's for our usual Kansas City lunch. Everytime we're in KC, we stop at Arthur Bryant's before heading back to St. Louis.
Josh just before stuffing himself silly!
While we're eating, Josh says, "Look who's outside." I turn around to have a look (mind you, at any given time there is a line of people out the door waiting to order some bbq). I'm expecting to see Danny, Jason or the Palans, but instead I see the spikey-blonde-do of who else but Richard Blais! Richard was one of my favorite chefs on Bravo's Top Chef (Season 4).
I'm not the usual celebrity groupie type, but I did ask him for a photo after a bit of coaxing by Josh. Richard was extremely humble and quite appreciative of our compliments. What a stud!
Richard Blais and I at Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn.
Following dinner and drinks, Jason, Marcus, Josh and I went over to the Peanut for a few beers before calling it a night.
Jason and I at the Peanut - "Cheerleader face!"
Friday morning Josh and I woke up bright and early to continue driving on to Council Bluffs, Iowa, for Rosey and Jeremy's wedding; but that's a whole other post!
Fast forward to Saturday afternoon...Josh and I stopped at Arthur Bryant's for our usual Kansas City lunch. Everytime we're in KC, we stop at Arthur Bryant's before heading back to St. Louis.
Josh just before stuffing himself silly!
While we're eating, Josh says, "Look who's outside." I turn around to have a look (mind you, at any given time there is a line of people out the door waiting to order some bbq). I'm expecting to see Danny, Jason or the Palans, but instead I see the spikey-blonde-do of who else but Richard Blais! Richard was one of my favorite chefs on Bravo's Top Chef (Season 4).
I'm not the usual celebrity groupie type, but I did ask him for a photo after a bit of coaxing by Josh. Richard was extremely humble and quite appreciative of our compliments. What a stud!
Richard Blais and I at Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Trivia Gone Wild at the St. Louis Zoo
This past Saturday, Josh and I were privileged to attend the annual Trivia Gone Wild charity event at the St. Louis Zoo. The zoo has been one of PGAV's loyal clients for many years, and we have been patron's of their trivia night benefit for a little while too.
This year's theme, "Go Ape in Vegas," prompted many clever costumes. Christina, dressed as a slot machine, took my vote for best outift!
Christina and Jeremy (newly engaged)
The questions were less "trivia" and more "How many hours are volunteered per year at the St. Louis Zoo?" - I mean, who knows this? Regardless, people had fun; maybe too much fun.
Angela and Josh
The apes are Emily and Angela.
Steve with the nugget ring.
Rosey goin' after that cash!
Kartono and Angela
This year's theme, "Go Ape in Vegas," prompted many clever costumes. Christina, dressed as a slot machine, took my vote for best outift!
Christina and Jeremy (newly engaged)
The questions were less "trivia" and more "How many hours are volunteered per year at the St. Louis Zoo?" - I mean, who knows this? Regardless, people had fun; maybe too much fun.
Angela and Josh
The apes are Emily and Angela.
Steve with the nugget ring.
Rosey goin' after that cash!
Kartono and Angela
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lame-ier Sculpture Park
This past Saturday after breakfast with the Hicks', we decided to drive over to Laumeier Sculpture Park for an afternoon of bird watching. I kid. I kid. It had probably been a good 12 years since I had last been there, and Josh guessed it had been roughly 15 years since he had last visited the park.
I don't know if I was young and dumb or if I had actually like the "art" when I was a teen...but wow! I couldn't believe how uninspiring that junk felt when we revisited the park this past weekend!
My poor parents have some crap-sculpture in their garden that I (quote un-quote) designed 2nd year that is reminiscent of the lifeless hunks of metal these alleged artist have welded together and presumably called "art". However there was one piece that struck me as beautiful, and that was Joseph Havel's "Twins" (as seen behind Josh in the photo below).
I probably thought this particular sculpture was interesting because, in a sense, it reminds me of the "Cow Chair" by Niels van Eijk.
My least favorite work of "art" was the "Eye" by Tony Tasset. What am I saying!? I'd be hard pressed to pick my least favorite! Now, I understand this collection is of a more modern ilk, but what ever happened to the intricacies in the craftsmanship of Gian Lorenzo Bernini or Michelangelo?! I mean, I would have been delighted if there had been a Noguchi in the park; too bad there wasn't.
Regardless, we had a wonderful time walking around discussing different modern day art philosophies...or maybe we had just enjoyed the weather and each others company.
I don't know if I was young and dumb or if I had actually like the "art" when I was a teen...but wow! I couldn't believe how uninspiring that junk felt when we revisited the park this past weekend!
My poor parents have some crap-sculpture in their garden that I (quote un-quote) designed 2nd year that is reminiscent of the lifeless hunks of metal these alleged artist have welded together and presumably called "art". However there was one piece that struck me as beautiful, and that was Joseph Havel's "Twins" (as seen behind Josh in the photo below).
I probably thought this particular sculpture was interesting because, in a sense, it reminds me of the "Cow Chair" by Niels van Eijk.
My least favorite work of "art" was the "Eye" by Tony Tasset. What am I saying!? I'd be hard pressed to pick my least favorite! Now, I understand this collection is of a more modern ilk, but what ever happened to the intricacies in the craftsmanship of Gian Lorenzo Bernini or Michelangelo?! I mean, I would have been delighted if there had been a Noguchi in the park; too bad there wasn't.
Regardless, we had a wonderful time walking around discussing different modern day art philosophies...or maybe we had just enjoyed the weather and each others company.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Chim Chim Cher-ee!!!
I gotta say - I am super excited right now!
For the past two months (at least) I have been anxiously awaiting the pre-sale of tickets for the Broadway production of "Mary Poppins" at The Fabulous Fox. Yesterday I finally received the e-mail announcing the pre-sale, which was to begin this morning at 10am. I set a reminder on my outlook calendar and you'd better believe I got on there promptly at 10:00 this morning with Josh's credit card number.
We now have two of the best seats in the house for the first Saturday evening performance!
I'm usually not that into musicals, but I can still remember the words to "A Spoon Full of Sugar", "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious", "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite", so I'me extremely excited to check out this Broadway Musical!
Now I just have to wait patiently for the actual show which isn't until August 15!
For the past two months (at least) I have been anxiously awaiting the pre-sale of tickets for the Broadway production of "Mary Poppins" at The Fabulous Fox. Yesterday I finally received the e-mail announcing the pre-sale, which was to begin this morning at 10am. I set a reminder on my outlook calendar and you'd better believe I got on there promptly at 10:00 this morning with Josh's credit card number.
We now have two of the best seats in the house for the first Saturday evening performance!
I'm usually not that into musicals, but I can still remember the words to "A Spoon Full of Sugar", "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious", "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite", so I'me extremely excited to check out this Broadway Musical!
Now I just have to wait patiently for the actual show which isn't until August 15!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Antique Furniture Cart Rant
A couple of years back, I saw a photo of this old cart which was used in an upholstery shop and thought it would make a beautiful coffee table. If my memory serves me correctly, it was constructed out of stainless steel and cast iron. So, after our house fire last year (and the subsequent destruction of my coffee table that I designed and built fourth year) I thought, "How great would it be to have one of those carts!?"
(Pre house fire coffee table.)
It took me months and months of constantly researching online, but alas! I found one! Well, it wasn't like the metal one I had seen but it did have the cast iron wheels and instead was constructed of wood. I found it at Wood Stock Supply, Inc. out of South Dakota, where I had seen an advertisement for their excess inventory, to included their antique lumber carts. I didn't waste any time. I immediately ordered two! One of which we are using as a coffee table, and the other of which I plan to hang on the wall above the stairwell.
(Not the greatest photo in the world, but you get the idea.)
Interestingly, just last month I received a catalog from Pottery Barn with this shitteous interpretation of a "salvaged dolly". The resemblance is almost offensive, but hey, I guess you have to get your inspiration from somewhere!
(Wheel Coffee Table by Pottery Barn, $699.00.)
More disturbing than the similarities is how this table sells for seven hundred dollars! Seriously? I bought two antique carts and had them shipped from South Dakota for under three hundred!
So if that wasn't bad enough, last week I received an e-mail from a friend of mine who lives in Kansas City inquiring about my coffee table. As I was responding to her, letting her know who to contact if she wanted one, my "new mail notification" pops up with an e-mail from her with the following link: Furniture Factory Cart. I checked it out and I noticed two things right away.
One - this cart is EXACTLY like the one in my living room.
Two - this cart has a price tag of $910!!!
The amazing thing about this is that Restoration Hardware is selling ANTIQUE carts that have been "restored by a Northern California craftsman". Oh! Now I understand why I would pay 9 times it's value! Don't get me wrong...by no means do I think I'm the first person in history to want to use a lumber cart as an occasional table, but I just find it funny that after a good hundred years, all of the sudden this style is being perceived as "trendy".
Well, it's getting late, so I'll wrap things up. Hats off to Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn for raking their customers over the coals. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the carts I bought from Wood Stock Supply, Inc. and hope that interested parties will look to them for their purchase as a means of saving money and supporting ma and pa shops!
(Pre house fire coffee table.)
It took me months and months of constantly researching online, but alas! I found one! Well, it wasn't like the metal one I had seen but it did have the cast iron wheels and instead was constructed of wood. I found it at Wood Stock Supply, Inc. out of South Dakota, where I had seen an advertisement for their excess inventory, to included their antique lumber carts. I didn't waste any time. I immediately ordered two! One of which we are using as a coffee table, and the other of which I plan to hang on the wall above the stairwell.
(Not the greatest photo in the world, but you get the idea.)
Interestingly, just last month I received a catalog from Pottery Barn with this shitteous interpretation of a "salvaged dolly". The resemblance is almost offensive, but hey, I guess you have to get your inspiration from somewhere!
(Wheel Coffee Table by Pottery Barn, $699.00.)
More disturbing than the similarities is how this table sells for seven hundred dollars! Seriously? I bought two antique carts and had them shipped from South Dakota for under three hundred!
So if that wasn't bad enough, last week I received an e-mail from a friend of mine who lives in Kansas City inquiring about my coffee table. As I was responding to her, letting her know who to contact if she wanted one, my "new mail notification" pops up with an e-mail from her with the following link: Furniture Factory Cart. I checked it out and I noticed two things right away.
One - this cart is EXACTLY like the one in my living room.
Two - this cart has a price tag of $910!!!
The amazing thing about this is that Restoration Hardware is selling ANTIQUE carts that have been "restored by a Northern California craftsman". Oh! Now I understand why I would pay 9 times it's value! Don't get me wrong...by no means do I think I'm the first person in history to want to use a lumber cart as an occasional table, but I just find it funny that after a good hundred years, all of the sudden this style is being perceived as "trendy".
Well, it's getting late, so I'll wrap things up. Hats off to Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn for raking their customers over the coals. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the carts I bought from Wood Stock Supply, Inc. and hope that interested parties will look to them for their purchase as a means of saving money and supporting ma and pa shops!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future
I met a couple of friends at Kaldi's Coffeehouse this past Saturday morning before heading over to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum to check out their current exhibit of Eero Saarinen. At Kaldi's I ordered a soy mocha no whip - pretty standard; pretty tasty, and Brian ordered a quiche, hoping it would be a small serving but ending up with a plate full of potatoes, quiche and salad!
After consuming an adequate amount of caffeine, we left the coffee house and made our way over to Wash. U. I had not yet been to "The Milly" (which was designed by Fumihiko Maki, for all you design-heads out there) so the purpose of my trip was twofold.
The building itself was..................nice.
Actually, I quite liked it.
Even against the rain laden sky, the stark exterior felt somehow inviting. I'm a take-it or leave-it kind of modernist but for some reason, with this particular structure, I was on-board. I'm sure many architects and designers would disagree with me, but I kinda liked the innocent nakedness of the museum against the collegiate Gothic structures of the background.
As for the actual exhibit itself which we were there to see, it could have been designed a lot better. Oh well, who cares; the content more than made up for the poorly arranged, arbitrary layout of the space.
Eero was a total stud. Period.
The exhibit, Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future had letters written to and from Eero, paintings of Eero as a little boy, sketches on trace, furniture that he had designed and tons of photographs.
I am such a visual person...I look at the captions written about the different pieces, but get bored after reading about 6 words. On the contrary, I could stare at a chair or a floor plan for hours.
Unfortunately the small gallery showcasing Eero's drawings for the St. Louis Arch was closed for maintenance. And still a bigger disappointment was how we were about 2 weeks too late to see "On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch" at Steinberg Hall (just across from The Milly). I had really wanted to see this show, as my great great uncle, Louis La Beaume, had been a juror for the competition entries of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. He had also submitted a proposal, and I was hoping to see what his thoughts were for the "arch" grounds.
Anywho, Saarinen's work was quite inspirational to me as a student and it felt good to be in the presence of his masterpieces. I sometimes forget how passionate I am about design, and I often wish that I had more opportunities and/or time to really sit down and put the pencil to the trace. My mind is chock-full of ideas that I am keeping locked-up in captivity and I think it's about time to unleash the beast, dang-it!
After consuming an adequate amount of caffeine, we left the coffee house and made our way over to Wash. U. I had not yet been to "The Milly" (which was designed by Fumihiko Maki, for all you design-heads out there) so the purpose of my trip was twofold.
The building itself was..................nice.
Actually, I quite liked it.
Even against the rain laden sky, the stark exterior felt somehow inviting. I'm a take-it or leave-it kind of modernist but for some reason, with this particular structure, I was on-board. I'm sure many architects and designers would disagree with me, but I kinda liked the innocent nakedness of the museum against the collegiate Gothic structures of the background.
As for the actual exhibit itself which we were there to see, it could have been designed a lot better. Oh well, who cares; the content more than made up for the poorly arranged, arbitrary layout of the space.
Eero was a total stud. Period.
The exhibit, Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future had letters written to and from Eero, paintings of Eero as a little boy, sketches on trace, furniture that he had designed and tons of photographs.
I am such a visual person...I look at the captions written about the different pieces, but get bored after reading about 6 words. On the contrary, I could stare at a chair or a floor plan for hours.
Unfortunately the small gallery showcasing Eero's drawings for the St. Louis Arch was closed for maintenance. And still a bigger disappointment was how we were about 2 weeks too late to see "On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch" at Steinberg Hall (just across from The Milly). I had really wanted to see this show, as my great great uncle, Louis La Beaume, had been a juror for the competition entries of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. He had also submitted a proposal, and I was hoping to see what his thoughts were for the "arch" grounds.
Anywho, Saarinen's work was quite inspirational to me as a student and it felt good to be in the presence of his masterpieces. I sometimes forget how passionate I am about design, and I often wish that I had more opportunities and/or time to really sit down and put the pencil to the trace. My mind is chock-full of ideas that I am keeping locked-up in captivity and I think it's about time to unleash the beast, dang-it!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
NAM
Not VietNAM...North American Martyrs. My grade school and my family's parish.
Facebook can be a funny thing. For instance, yesterday I received two new friend requests; one was from a valid friend, the other...well, I'm not gonna go there. But I think it's nice to reconnect with old friends and Facebook does make it convenient to keep up with everything that's going on now.
Last night, something told me to look up North American Marytrs on Facebook. I don't know why, but boy am I glad I did! Within seconds I had found a NAM group with discussion boards and photos and was pummeled with memories!
I instantly recognized the names of many alumni, and literally went into hysterics when I saw this picture in the photo album:
Yeah, that's a storm drain. And I spent the better half of my childhood in, on and around it! It looks exactly as I remember it, with the exception of the statue of the Virgin Mary which used to sit proudly on the back of it.
Fun times. Haha!
Facebook can be a funny thing. For instance, yesterday I received two new friend requests; one was from a valid friend, the other...well, I'm not gonna go there. But I think it's nice to reconnect with old friends and Facebook does make it convenient to keep up with everything that's going on now.
Last night, something told me to look up North American Marytrs on Facebook. I don't know why, but boy am I glad I did! Within seconds I had found a NAM group with discussion boards and photos and was pummeled with memories!
I instantly recognized the names of many alumni, and literally went into hysterics when I saw this picture in the photo album:
Yeah, that's a storm drain. And I spent the better half of my childhood in, on and around it! It looks exactly as I remember it, with the exception of the statue of the Virgin Mary which used to sit proudly on the back of it.
Fun times. Haha!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Four and a Half Years of Hixey Romance
I was just perusing through old folders on my laptop when I came across some funny pictures of Josh and I from when we first met. I thought about how different we were then and of how far we've come.
This photo was taken on one of our first dates to Seamus McDaniels. We had each been long-time believers of their burgers and felt it would be a great place to start off our relationship. Oddly enough we ended up moving to Dogtown about a year later.
October 23, 2004
This photo was taken a couple of months ago at my office's Christmas Party. We've been married for a year and half now and have grown significantly not only as a couple, but as individuals. We're definitely still as silly, but I'd say we have a much more profound outlook on life.
December 7, 2008
This photo was taken on one of our first dates to Seamus McDaniels. We had each been long-time believers of their burgers and felt it would be a great place to start off our relationship. Oddly enough we ended up moving to Dogtown about a year later.
October 23, 2004
This photo was taken a couple of months ago at my office's Christmas Party. We've been married for a year and half now and have grown significantly not only as a couple, but as individuals. We're definitely still as silly, but I'd say we have a much more profound outlook on life.
December 7, 2008
Monday, March 16, 2009
To me it look like a leprechaun to me...
"Who else seen the leprechaun say 'yeah'..."
Beannacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig!!!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
As it Stands Today
Our yard is a hot mess! Between the fire, torrential rains, trucks driving on the lawn and the jack-hammering and repouring of our porch, walk and driveway our yard looks like a historic marker along the Oregon Trail.
Today we started work on the front yard. There was still a lot of construction debris and broken glass along the front of our house, but we raked out as much as we could and threw it in the trash. We also cleaned up the two flower beds (a bit) and raked up 7 lawn-bags of dead grass and leaves. Our yard still needs a LOT of attention, but it's a start.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Pre Saint Paddy's Day Parade
Josh and I met up with his parents this morning and drove downtown for the 40th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Louis. We parked in my building and walked two blocks South to Kiener Plaza. We had a pretty good spot from which to watch the parade, but the parade was spaced out more than usual and didn't seem as exciting as in past years. Regardless, we had a great time and even saw Josh's friend Paul (who rode his bike downtown from south city).
We spotted a few guys that we recognized in the parade. Warren, a firefighter friend of Josh and Paul; as well as some kids from Josh's Gaelic Football team, who represented the St. Louis Hurling Club.
Once the parade was nearing the end, we decided to beat the crowd and hit the road. We tried to hit up Crown Candy Kitchen for lunch but they were packed as usual. Instead, we went over to Chuck-A-Burger on the Rock Road. This was Carol and Darrel's first visit to the landmark, so we treated them to lunch for their anniversary (which is this Monday, the 16th).
We spotted a few guys that we recognized in the parade. Warren, a firefighter friend of Josh and Paul; as well as some kids from Josh's Gaelic Football team, who represented the St. Louis Hurling Club.
Once the parade was nearing the end, we decided to beat the crowd and hit the road. We tried to hit up Crown Candy Kitchen for lunch but they were packed as usual. Instead, we went over to Chuck-A-Burger on the Rock Road. This was Carol and Darrel's first visit to the landmark, so we treated them to lunch for their anniversary (which is this Monday, the 16th).
Friday, March 13, 2009
Monk Seals in Action!
Not that kind of action!
As I mentioned in a post waaaay back when we were in Kauai, Josh got some great footage of 2 monk seals as they approached the shore from the water and made their way up on to the beach. I finally edited out most of the excess junk; i.e. dumb lady within 3 feet of the seals and Josh's extreme zoom shots.
Have a look!
As I mentioned in a post waaaay back when we were in Kauai, Josh got some great footage of 2 monk seals as they approached the shore from the water and made their way up on to the beach. I finally edited out most of the excess junk; i.e. dumb lady within 3 feet of the seals and Josh's extreme zoom shots.
Have a look!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Martha Stewart as a Model?
Yes! I had never heard that Martha Stewart had once been a model until today. As I was checking out Annie Kevans paintings online, I came across a gallery of "Beauty Queens" and saw this:
The caption read: Martha Stewart modeling as Veronica Lake
Surely this isn't the Martha Stewart...
But it was! As a teenager, Martha had modeled for several publications and department stores, and had even starred in a television commercial for Life Buoy Soap.
What else has Martha done that I am not aware of??? I discovered that she had won a partial scholarship to study art and architectural history at Barnard College in New York City; that she began her career as a stockbroker; and in 1961 Glamour Magazine named her as one of America's "Best Dressed College Girls".
Slowly, I am finding Martha to be more and more badass. You may disagree with me if you want, but she's hardcore, knows how to cook, and has 2 French Bulldogs.
The caption read: Martha Stewart modeling as Veronica Lake
Surely this isn't the Martha Stewart...
But it was! As a teenager, Martha had modeled for several publications and department stores, and had even starred in a television commercial for Life Buoy Soap.
What else has Martha done that I am not aware of??? I discovered that she had won a partial scholarship to study art and architectural history at Barnard College in New York City; that she began her career as a stockbroker; and in 1961 Glamour Magazine named her as one of America's "Best Dressed College Girls".
Slowly, I am finding Martha to be more and more badass. You may disagree with me if you want, but she's hardcore, knows how to cook, and has 2 French Bulldogs.
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