A national holiday...to men

Curse you NCAA football! Last year you delayed my trip to Monterey CA. This year you've turned my boyfriend into this:


And this


After traveling from 2 pm yesterday till 2 am this morning in conditions like this:



Steve is thrilled to be home on his couch playing "football". It was touch and go for a few minutes when the sound appeared to be not working but that turned out to be a user error. Samantha and I are so greatful for the Palazzolos hospitality and are really hoping our luggage turns up soon...we smell and look like hobos!!!

I still have to load our pictures from Nashville so that post will come soon! We had such a wonderful time in Tennessee! I'll leave with one last photo:


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HOT fun in the summer time

Happy Weekend to everyone in the real world.  For those of us in baseball land, it's just another Tuesday...I spiced up my otherwise "groundhog"ish day by exploring downtown Jackson, TN with my sister Samantha.  Downtown Jackson must have been built in the late 1800s, according to all the signs we found in town:

Our first stop was going to be to the Art Under a Hot tin Roof, which was a modern art gallery.  We thought we'd find some cool things to show Katy in there, but it must have recently closed, here's something that was left:

A lot of other stores seemed to be closed recently, judging by all the vacant store fronts.  Probably a sign of the times.  There are plenty of chain stores and strip malls full of "generic" places to go about 2 miles from downtown Jackson.  My guess is that the local shop owners just couldn't compete.  It's very unfortunate because the town center has so much potential to be a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy some uniqueness.  (Buy Local and support small business)!!! Unfortunately the downtown seemed more like a ghost town, I half expected to see a tumble weed blow by.

There are a few businesses still operating.  My first morning here, Steve and I went to a local restaurant called the Bakers Rack for an outstanding and very affordable breakfast! The Green Frog Coffee Co. I spoke of yesterday is also located in downtown Jackson.  And today, Samantha and I found a charming little treasure, Yesterday's antique store.  The store is operated by an older couple.  We were greeted by the husband, Bill.  He was so nice, warm and helpful! He even offered us freshly popped popcorn from his 1920s movie popper! A resident of Jackson came in with visiting friends and claimed that Bill's store was always on his list of places he takes friends and family while visisting Jackson! Samantha and I drooled over his jewelry collection:

We each bought gifts for special people we know! Nothing for ourselves, my we are giving.  Bill gave me an espescially great bargain! Love me some thrift store shopping! Again, buy local and support your local shop owners it's a much better experience!

We melted a little as we walked around the rest of downtown but we didn't find much else. Sam and I came home did A LOT of baking then we went to Steve's game.  It's Christmas in July at Pringles Park which is so much fun.  Samantha enjoyed some thunder sticks:And there was an amazing fireworks show set to christmas music after the game.  Very fun!

We had some sad news after the game, Steve is no longer with the Mariners orginazation...Boo! But he will have a new job in no time and his great spirit and love for the game will be appreciated somewhere else, I just know it! We are off to Nashville in the morning and then we are alll headed home to Boston.

Sister in town!!!!

I apologize for being so lazy about blogging the last few days! I have some great experiences to share from Mississippi. I will post that very soon. I want to quickly share the great day Steve and I had yesterday.







We started out our Thursday morning with a delicious breakfast (turkey scramble and homemade bread and of course French press coffee!!). After a little relaxation and cleaning Steve and I went to check out the west Tennessee Farmers Market in downtown Jackson. It was fantastic!!! I looooove farmers markets!! One woman even gave us a zucchinni and 3 yellow squash for $1!!! And so far the produce we've had from there has been outstanding!!!!!!!!







On our way home we spotted a little coffee shop downtown called the Green Frog Coffee Company. I got an ice coffee that was sooo delicious and a large is only $1.90!!!!







Yummmm! Steve said his hot coffee was great too! They roast their own beans and have some yummy looking sandwiches too!



Today, we got a special delivery from Ft. Lauderdale so we must report that now. My little sis Samantha arrived in Nashville this morning. The 2 hour drive( and the running out of gas in the middle of a Kroger's parking lot!!) was well worth it when I saw her beautiful face. Side note: I had an angel watching over me that I ran out of gas 20 ft. from a gas station.  Not only that but as I was waiting in line with my newly purchased red gas carrying thingy the nicest stranger called me over and filled up my red gas container for free!!! And he also made me feel like less of a loser because he had run out of gas last week!! Loving God's country. Before driving home we explored Brentwood a little. The houses we saw were like mini palaces. We also found a lost family business:

We then trecked back to Jackson (2 more hours) to our palace. . . Sam and I drove Steve to "work" then I went to the gym and Samantha did a little of this:

Then I woke her up and took her to Wally World!!!!!(walmart for those not in the know) I am the coolest sister evah!!!!! After losing my keys in the camping section, yes it's a winner kind of day for me... We bought stuff to cook this(it's Erica's turkey, beans, rice and spinach recipe from itzy's kitchen:

Samantha was such a huge help, I think I'll keep her! After we scarfed down our dinner, we headed here:

Upon finding our seats, Samantha caught a foul ball!!!! It was ridiculous.  And, the sweetheart that she is, she gave it to the 11 year old boy who was pouting in the background...he was mad that a girl could catch better than him!! We had a great time at the game, and I am very happy to have some company.

Now the 3 of us are all in 1 bedroom.  Steve and I are marveling at the way teenagers interact, we actually said, "when I was a kid...." Mainly I do believe that watching Samantha my 4th grade dreams of "video-phoning" in the future have become a reality.

"When I was a kid, all I had was Nintendo, the controller had 3 buttons, Mario could only jump and run, and we had to walk up hill both ways, barefoot, through glass, in the snow, just to play it... " ~Steve William Palazzolo III 2010

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Freeways, Freedom and Fireworks continued

And we're off again! Nothing like a fourth of July roadtrip....alone! Steve had to travel on the bus with the team. I was left to follow in the rental car. I set out around 8:30 for my five hour trip to Jackson, MS.



I was so happy at the start of my drive.

While Steve was fast asleep on his bus trip I decided to make a slight detour. I did some quick research on the old iPhone and found a place to stop for coffee in Memphis! I got off the highway and the exit lead me past the riverfront and steamboats. Score!



I followed the directions and found myself on the cutest city street. There is even a trolley that goes through!



The coffee shop was named bluff city coffee. It was a really cute place and there were locals inside enjoying breakfast. They even cell their own coffee. The place had a real urban feel to it. A little rock n roll even, well I was in Memphis.



I got a large iced latte yummmm

The street was so cute I decided to keep exploring. I came across this gem: Franks south main deli and market.

I met the owner Adam inside. He was so friendly!!! He explained to me that they smoke in house all their meat (turkey ham) for their sandwiches. It was a little to early for a sandwich but I think I will be stopping on my way home! I picked up some breakfast bars and Adam gave me a free reusable shopping bag!

This deli is great. Adam even personally delivers all orders!!!

Most shops on the street were closed for the holiday so I called Steve on my way back to the highway and told him we need to stop there.
Then I was back on the highway!! Only 20 minutes and I was in Mississippi!!!! I wish I could say some interesting things about the next four hours but.....

This is pretty much what it looked like. One awesome thing that happened: after getting gas I got back on the highway the wrong way and the next exit was 12 miles away!!!!! Awful!

The first sign of life came 20 minutes outside Jackson. A big Nissan plant. I was so excited to have something other than trees to look at!

Finally I made it to our hotel. It's the holiday inn right across from the field (Trustmark park, home of the Mississippi Braves!). Our hotel is very chic. Check out the lobby.

The room even has a mini kitchen. Steve helped me unload the food (were on a budget).

Then we relaxed!
Steve went to the field. I took a nap then did yoga then went to the game. It was a sold out crowd!! Very fun time!

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Location:Braves Way,Pearl,United States

Freeways, Freedom, and Fireworks

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!! I do miss being home on today but I'm out experiencing this beautiful country!!! I wanna say a special thanks to all the armed forces but espescially my cousin Glenn and my cousin Char!!! We are eternally greatful for the freedom you ensure us, daily!!!.





Tonight is a quick blog. We had a long day traveling and a rough game (3 ER's ouch!)... I will give you much more info on my travels tomorrow. We are in Jackson MS!!! Both of our first times in Mississippi (everytime I spell it I do that chant you learn in elementary school hehe m, i, crooked letter, crooked letter....).  I made a small detour on my drive so I'll share that too. Until then....



hour 4 of my never ending drive through Mississippi





This is Steve on the mound!!! He struck this guy out!!! woohoo 
I'll end tonight with a few pictures of us in our patriotic gear and a video of the fireworks display! I hope everyone's 4th was Wicked Awesome!

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America's Favorite Pastime

Tonight I fulfilled one of my girlfriendly duties of attending Steve's baseball game. Shockingly I arrived late to see the Jaxx take on the Smokies





The diamond Jaxx park is super nice!! Pringles Park is part of a huge sport complex. It's a great little field!











It was a beautiful night. The temperature had dropped from an oppressive 93 to a gorgeous 85 with low humidity. Excited to enjoy the night air, I grabbed my ticket and ventured into the park.(I'll admit it's still intimidating going to a game alone but I'm getting better.



                                                                           Notice the price on my ticket! Haha

Unfortunately I missed my favorite part of the game, the 7th inning stretch. I decided to console my dissapointment and loneliness by enjoying an ice cold one!

A cold beer on a summer night at a baseball game... It's as if I'm living a Toby Keith country song. (cold beer hot nights gotta live this American life... Anyone?)

It was a huge crowd. Tons of families and lots of great energy!!!
Unfortunately the smokies scored the only 5 runs in the top of the 9th.

After the game was an amazing fireworks display!!! Love me some pyrotechnics sent to tear jerking USA tunes!!

I had a great time. It definately made me miss my 
girls from Fresno last summer!!! Now I'm off to tell Steve he did a great job scratching throwing his balls in the bullpen!! Hehe. Goodnight!




















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My first post

First things first I'd like you all to meet the "bird" I'll be following:

Heres Steve!

This time he's lead me to the beautiful and sweltering Jackson, TN. After a 3 hour plane ride and a 90 minute drive with a southern gentleman B, I arrived at my honeys apartment to find I had 3 new roomies in a 2 br apartment. No sharing a room but the living room and dining room have been completely taken over!! Always an adventure.

But now it feels like home. (after a trip to target walmart and the dollar store). I even broke in the kitchen!!

I only set off the smoke alarm once!!!! (Those of you who know me know I'm not kidding...Side note: I was banned from using the toaster for the greater part of my life thus far...)

After some delicious French press coffee we are off to check out a local farmers market. More to come!!!

Location:Jackson, TN