Ice Storm 2008

We have a huge maple tree in our backyard that is in the middle of the property line of our neighbors.

This tree is old and branches fall quite often, but nothing like what fell to the ground on Wednesday. First one branch fell, which is about 15 feet at least. I was just about to walk in the backyard to get a better look at the damage to my fence and to see just how big this branch was, when my 4 year old called me into the living room to show me something she "wants for her birthday" on the TV, just as I was walking back through the house to exit my back door, down came this branch that made you stand in awe for a couple of minutes. This branch is at least 40 to 50 feet in length and just missed my garage by about a 1/2 a foot. The branch broke more of the fence and one of my bird feeders, but still amazes me how it missed my garage by just a hair. The ironic thing is that my home insurance will only cover the clean-up and removal of the tree branch if it WOULD have hit my garage, plus cover the damages to the garage. My pictures don't show the mass volume of the tree but you can get the idea.

Thankfully no one was injured and it shows what the power of mother nature can do.

Flight Tracking

This is a great website to track flights.

Flight Aware is a free website, with no need to register, all you need to do is insert the airline and flight number. If you don't know the flight number the website will assist you. The site shows you where that aircraft is between the two cities you are tracking. It's pretty cool.

This is a great site to bookmark, especially when you need to pick someone up at the airport and want to know the ACTUAL arrival time.

New Baggage Policy

US Airways has announced it will begin charging $25 fee for those who check a second bag.

This fee applies to travel on or after May5, 2008. Travelers who purchased tickets before February 26, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, are exempt from this new policy.

There are a few exemptions:
All Dividend Miles Preferred members
Confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at time of check in
Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members
Active military personnel in uniform with ID
Unaccompanied minors
People checking assisted devices

Passengers are able to have one carry-on, one personal item, and one checked bag (under 50 lbs) free of charge.

For more information visit US Airways.com.

Happy Packing!

My White Cabinets

In August 2007 I shared my kitchen refinishing cabinets experience, these are some of the after pictures I was never able to display properly.

Although my kitchen is still being updated the cabinets made a huge difference for such little money.

The cabinets paint color was "Abby White" from Lowes'. If you don't have a sander already I recommend the Craftsman Mouse hand sander, it's simple.

Butterflies In DCA

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History located in Washington D.C. has opened its newest exhibit, Butterflies and Plants: Partners in Evolution, February 15, 2008.

This is where you walk among hundreds of live butterflies, in 1,200 square-foot pavilion with more than 400 butterflies.

If this is something you have never done it is a must. We toured a similar exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, Canada, which was so much fun for me and my children.

There is an admission for the pavilion with the exception of Tuesdays, which is free of charge, first come, first served policy.

This is just another great thing to do with your family in Washington.

Nonstop to London

US Airways has announced new nonstop service from Philadelphia (PHL) to London's Heathrow International(LHR) airport.

US Airways begins service March 29, 2008, so be sure to book your flights early.

Happy Travels.

Cinderella at Station Theatre

As a follow-up to the new at the Station Dinner Theatre, we went to see Cinderella Sunday, February 17, and thought the show was fantastic.

Not only did we laugh out loud numerous times, but I also found a lot of adult humor intertwined in the dialogue that was too funny.

The children were equally impressed with the show, and were entertained the whole time, there were numerous audience participations.

The meal was served before the show began, which was served family style with as many helpings as needed. Our meal consisted of real chicken tenders, tator tots, chicken salad croissants and a fruit and vegetable plate which was all served by a cast member, not yet dressed for their role. During intermission the cast served a basket of cookies for the table, which was exciting for the children, because now the wicked-stepmother was serving our table.

Job well done by the cast and crew at the Station Dinner Theatre.