Flying is a big deal for me. Last year was the first time I had flown in 17 years. Changing elevations makes me queasy. Thankfully, this year I knew more what to expect at the airport so I was a little more relaxed.

Wisk sent a car to my house to take me to the airport. Then when I got to the airport, a driver came to take me to the hotel. I stayed at the Marcel Hotel in New York City. This was my first time in New York.

The driver that picked me up at the airport was crazy. It was 12:30 pm in NYC and he was in a hurry.  The previous nausea from the flight, the lack of food, his aggressive driving, and his overbearing cologne were almost more than I could handle.

My hotel room was very sheek . . . and small.  I have never seen a hotel room this small.  I figured this was probably normal for NYC.  It was just me staying in the room anyway, so it didn’t matter.  The blinds and the hanging light fixture also matched the bedding.  I wish I could have slept in this comfy bed for more than four hours.  

 The hotel had a nice outdoor patio on the 10th floor.  Here’s one of the views.

 After getting settled, I set out to find some lunch.  I had no clue where I was going, but I managed to find a funny Chinese Mexican fast food restaurant.  It was odd to me because the restaurant had been a Chinese restaurant.  The images on the walls were ones that you would normally see in a Chinese restaurant.  Even the menus looked that way.  The folks working there were Asian.  There were even the lit up menu picture items on the wall.  Everything looked like Chinese restaurant, except they served Mexican food.  I found the place interesting, so I ate there.  And here is a picture I took while walking through the city.  I am so sure that I looked like a tourist.  haha

I’ve already written about the Wisk Bubbles & Bubbly event, but I thought I’d show you a picture of some of the food we had at the party.  Doesn’t the image of cotton candy just make you happy? 

I had a great time in NYC.  I really regret that I didn’t have more time to stay and explore the city, but I had three kids waiting at home for me.  It was a treat to see some of the ladies that I met last year at the Pampers Mommy Blogger Event.  I also made some great new contacts for future projects and met some bloggers in person.

Well, that’s my overly wordy Wednesday.  How are things your way?

images (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Keeping the Castle

I thought you might enjoy these pictures and I’m also hoping you can tell me what kind of bird this is.

So, what do you think?  Do you know what kind of bird this is?

images (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Keeping the Castle

This is a shot from the deck in my backyard. Yep, this is what I see when I go outside. They are really that close. Look at the funny expression on this cow’s face. I wonder what he is thinking.

Sometimes when I go outside at night, I can see little eyeballs at the pond. The cows are funny animals. Some mornings there are 50 cows in the pond. They just stand there.

A few of my neighbors also have horses. Here’s a new one that my neighbor got in April.

And this is life out in the country.  If everything goes well with the new house, these beautiful animals will no longer be my neighbors.  That saddens me a little, but I’m excited about moving. 

Happy Wednesday!

images (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Keeping the Castle

To help keep up with the dishes, try this tip. As soon as the dishwasher is done washing the dishes, unload the dishes and put them away. This will allow you to put the new dirty dishes inside without cluttering up your sink and making a big mess. When I follow this tip, my kitchen stays cleaner and it leaves me not as stressed. And now, your family has no excuse for not putting their dirty dishes into the dishwasher.

Stay tuned as we will be discussing laundry tips soon.

Do you have any dishwashing tips to share?

Post from: Keeping the Castle

images by Karen

Post from: Keeping the Castle

images are mine

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Post from: Keeping the Castle

image from personal collection, ©mmacalincag2008

Post from: Keeping the Castle