JerseyFlyGirl

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2009-01-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Sorry for the delay in posts! My daughters recently got me started on "Facebook" and that's where I tend to be spending my computer time right now. I have even said hello to many of you on there too! What fun to keep up with your lives! If you're not on there, I hope that you will check it out? Whew!! This modern technology stuff is a lot of work! ha!! Anyway... for current events of my life and recent photos too, please check it out. facebook.com and Jackie Nagel... even Aunt June is a member there! Too cool, Aunt June!! :o) Love to ALL!

Fun in a Winter Wonderland!

2008-12-22T11:24:00.001-08:00

Little cousins had soooo much fun all week long!! (click on photos to enlarge)

Snow Angels... with Nana... this was the 1st snowfall. We were so excited to get out in it!

Sledding together... how FAST do you want to goooooo??? Hold on tight!!

Above shows the "remains" in Nonnie's hair from the Snow Angels. Now you know that Nonnie prefers palm trees, sand & salt water over bitter cold!... but it really doesn't get any better than time playing with grand babies!!

Becca is always up for ANYTHING!! Even sliding down the driveway on this tiny little sled! HA!! We were laughing hard as I pulled her along as fast as I could go! I wish you could have ALL been there to experience it!!

What is it that makes it so funny to "pelt" Nana with snowballs? The little girls loved it!

A little snowy, sweet faced smile!

Little Miss A. wanted to help Nonnie shovel the driveway... she is such a good helper! She even got the "kick" of the shovel down (just like Nonnie) when she got to the edge! So cute!!

Christmas Trees and More!

2008-12-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

I had a surprise trip to Costa Rica this week, and this was my Crew! Like you, the last few weeks have been about Christmas preparations. Packages to wrap, last minute ones to purchase... a little tree to decorate and so many beautiful sights to take in as the WHOLE WORLD celebrates! So this is my very merry Christmas wish to ALL of YOU! I always feel a little sad that we don't live closer, but please know that YOU are loved, and soooo very special to me! May you find the richest blessings in Christ as we take time to ADORE HIM this Christmas season. I hope that you enjoy these "many" photos of the lovely memories I have been making and that you are enjoying the memories that you are making for yourselves as well! And then I hope that you'll share pictures too!

Above is the tree in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, San Juan, Costa Rica. And below was at the Costa Rica Airport. The burlap bags are "coffee bean bags" (so cute!) Although my layover was very short, I did have time to pick up a couple of bags of that delicious Costa Rica coffee!

The tree below is simple, but sweet. It's located in the Continental Crew room, Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ... and as you know, I've been spending my fair share of time there lately! :o) Thanks for putting up with my "whining"!

One of the most beautiful little cities I've ever been to is Stratford Upon Avon (above & below). It's the home of Shakespeare and is a "postcard perfect" glimpse of England.

My very first trip to Oslo, Norway was at Christmastime (above & below). It was bitter cold, but fortunately I had planned ahead and brought my winter coat, hat & gloves. It was so lovely that I enjoyed walking around this beautiful city all day long. Oh... and a big hot mug of cocoa helped take the chill off too!

You all know that one of my favorite places to travel is little Limerick, Ireland. The next 3 photos share a bit of the festive spirit that they have there.

Above is downtown Limerick, and below is the lobby of our hotel, The George.

This picture of me is from a couple of years ago, but it still brings back such fun memories of time with my lifelong girlfriend Linda from CA. We always have such a wonderful time when we're together... we're just not together enough! Below is Linda's daughter Katy, Me, Julie & Linda. It is one of the richest blessings in my life to have a friend that is like a sister in heart & faith. And we always enjoy lots of laughter together too! :o)

Wow! Being so very close to New York City has been a treat! I've enjoyed Christmas time downtown with BOTH of my daughters and it never gets old!! Here are a couple of photos of the HUGE tree at Rockefeller Center and one of the many incredible window decorations at Macy's. Truly MAGICAL!

Below is a photo that little Miss A took while we were in Florida. This was a store in Celebration which is the Disney community. It's so pretty and quaint. Miss A LOVES PURPLE!

And Merry Christmas from Belfast! They go "all out" downtown during the holidays. The Christmas Market is the best!

Above is a lovely tree at the London Gatwick Airport. Below is a little glimpse of the famous shopping area in London... Oxford Street.

Of course you know that my favorite destinations are with my family! Above is my youngest daughter's tree with a Mickey Mouse Train and all! And below is her cat Katrina. Katrina has been a part of our family for over 12 years now. The poor furry girl doesn't really care for anyone and hisses at most everyone... but we love her anyway!
Fortunately Julie's little ones LOVE everyone! They are a joy and so adorable, if I do say so myself!

And how about these beautiful kids? Can you tell that their Mama has taught them well when it comes to smiling for the camera? I just want to hug them ALL!! Becca's home is always a busy place filled with fun!

I so love how seriously the little ones take trimming the tree! It's important business, you know! And seeing the "bulk" of ornaments on the lower 3 feet of the tree always warms this Nonnie's heart!

Although so far away from my daughters, I'm so grateful that the miles never separate how close we are. And I'm glad for them too, that they both live in small communities where neighbors are friends and the towns are family friendly. Here's a recent parade in OR. I hope that wherever you are, you have time with family & friends and enjoy the Spirit of the season.

My Family...

2008-12-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

I'm still cherishing memories of time with my parents, daughters and grand babies in Seattle earlier this fall. Here are a couple more pictures that capture some of the fun.

My Mom has never liked her picture being taken. And I mean NEVER! Well, except for the one above. Okay... the whole story is that my Mom and I have an inside joke (or code word) that makes us laugh hard every time we say it. So, I throw it in now and then to get a grin out of Mom when I get the camera out. Of course no one else really gets it, but it makes us smile every time. This time the little girls got a kick out of it too which made Mom & me laugh all the harder! It was so sweet to see them "crack up" with us! And Mom loves this picture! :o) (sorry, I'm not giving away the "secret joke"!)

Do you ever just feel like a "door mat" for your family? HA!! Isn't this the best kind? I think I enjoy laughing with my family even more than cooking and eating together.

The boys were definitely outnumbered this trip (3 to 9)! It's a good thing that they are good natured! And what can I say about my family? I am blessed beyond words. Children and grand children are a blessing from the Lord and good parents? A priceless treasure...

Baking with Grandma Great

2008-11-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

It looked like the day was all about Elmo... the grand babies LOVE Elmo... but really? It was all about FAMILY. And TRADITION. We women love to bake! And we enjoy being in the kitchen. The most perfect setting? When we're in the kitchen TOGETHER! We can thank my Mom for that. She still can describe over the phone what she'll be making for dinner and make my mouth water! It's one of those "constants" that is sweetly flowing down from one generation to the next. The size of your kitchen doesn't really matter. Even cooking skill is not a priority. This kind of cooking is more a matter of the heart. It's about caring for your family and those you love. A warm gathering spot to enjoy each other's company. Can you imagine anything more special than having "Grandma Great" teaching you to make a very, very special cake? Fancy frosting and all?! It was a beautiful time. Four generations and a heart filled with gratefulness that we are all healthy and able to cross the miles to spend time like this together.

So, here's ELMO!! We didn't plan on covering him in sprinkles and candles, but from the enthusiasm of a three year old, we thought he turned out perfect? Yes?! xo Jackie

Calvary Chapel & Crew in Paris!

2008-11-19T04:11:00.000-08:00

This update finds me with an incredible answer to prayer and new friends in far away places! Many of you know that I have been praying to tie in with missionaries and churches overseas, as much of my time is spent away from home. My Pastor's assistant, Sheree (here at Princeton Alliance) has been a huge encouragement and this past summer our Pastor led a series on "Passing the Baton" about looking beyond ourselves to encourage those who are coming up "behind" us serving the Lord. That really planted a seed in my heart! Well, this past Sunday was a FIRST! I attended Calvary Chapel Paris and although I was hoping to encourage this young family, as always I think I ended up being more blessed myself! Below, I'd like you to meet Michael & Becky Dente and family. They felt a call from the Lord quite some time ago to serve the Lord in France and have been in Paris for the last several years. What a wonderful place of Worship, Teaching & Fellowship they have established here. (click to enlarge photos)

They currently meet at this "Jews for Jesus" building, and have created a warm, welcoming place for all.

Their two oldest daughters were two of the best greeters I've ever encountered and they met ALL with a smile! They also served us yummy biscotti and coffee after the service. So young and yet already cheerfully serving... what a wonderful heritage they are growing up with!

Below are Josh & Laureen. They felt the call of the Lord to serve here and took the leap of faith to relocate last August. I had a chance to chat with Laureen who is originally from NJ and it was so inspiring to hear the fervor of this young couple to serve the church here in any way they can. You can read Josh's testimony on the Calvary Chapel Paris blog @ http://web.mac.com/calvaryparis/Site_3/Blog/Blog.html. Josh's cute "sidekick" is Lex and apparently the French make a huge deal over him wherever they go! Dogs are a BIG thing in Paris, so Lex is his own walking testimony! ha! Can pets have a testimony? hmmmm... or maybe they just open the door for possible discussions with their owners? :o) Anyway... he is so cute!

Here is another couple bringing so much to the church in gifts and giving. I regret that I can't remember all of the names of everyone I met, but I do remember that this couple is from So. Cal. (I love that!) and they are quite talented in animation. Check out their major production done a few years ago... Andy Griffith was a part of this Christmas special! Wow! http://www.veryfirstnoel.com/

These lovely ladies were an absolute JOY to chat with! The gal 2nd from the right was visiting with the Dentes and she and her husband will be starting a church in southern France this next year. She and 2 of the others are also from So. Cal., and we had an instant bond. The gal on the far left is from New Mexico and what a warm, friendly spirit she had! I felt like I had known her for years and I was wishing that I could get them on my flight home, so I could give them the "royal treatment"! I hope that our paths cross again in the future!

And I have to say a special thank you to Becky Dente. From the first time I contacted her she has had one of the warmest hearts that I've met in a long time. With 4 little ones, she was such a woman of grace and gentleness. Not much older than my daughters, I immediately thought of how much they would enjoy her company. What a blessing she is to her husband, her children, her church and ALL who meet her! A true example of Christ and His love. Thank you for such a warm welcome, Becky! I look forward to my next visit to Paris and hope that I can be as much of a blessing as you were to me! It was also so refreshing to sing songs, so familiar, and hear a sermon that really made me think about the times that I feel unsure about what to do... out of the book of John it was all about the "King" that Christ is and the "Truth" that He is as well... I want more of Him... Truth.

It was dark by the time I got back to the Eiffel Tower. Just as I got out of the taxi the "sparkle lights" started! Young Asian girls nearby squealed with delight and even after 3 years, the sparkle lights still take my breath away too! The lights are blue now as of June 30, 2008 marking France's 2008 presidency of the European Union.

Well, I still had more to do after church, so I headed to my favorite gift shop around the corner from my hotel. Below is Darjhi. A new friend and the store owner. He knows me well now and always gives me a hug, discounts and free key chains! Well.... you all know I enjoy shopping and I have found some great bargains for Christmas gifts this year! :o)

The next morning I had a few things to pick up at my nearby grocery store. A few of you are enjoying the shopping bags that I've brought home from here. The Fran Prix. It is a little version of the Mono Prix which I also frequent often.

Okay... time to get back to work... I can almost forget that I am WORKING! ha! I had flown with all three of these pilots before and the Capt., Ralph is one of my favorites. The young gal (Andrea) that worked up in Business First with me was so much fun. She had a fantastic sense of humor (like my Becca) and kept me laughing the whole flight (sorry the photo is dark)

Above from left to right: Me, Andrea, Orel & Sandra. We've all flown together before and it was great seeing each other again. Happy Travels! Love you ALL! (for more of Paris? Check out Jan of 2008 too!)

Hello from Hamburg!

2008-11-03T10:21:00.001-08:00

Hamburg was LOVELY!! I was so excited to trade for this trip as I hadn't been here before AND this would be one of my last trips before I would go back on "RESERVE" for the winter (ugh!). Two of my crew members who fly to Hamburg regularly told me that the "city center" was a great place to walk to. Clean and classy with upscale shopping along a scenic canal. How RIGHT they were! Above is my hotel... and the following 2 photos are the views from my room. Wowie! I do LOVE my job! :o)

There was a lovely "Town Square". And like so many cities in Europe, there was a little piece of home.... Starbucks. Anybody for a warm Mocha Mint? (click on photos to enlarge)

These photos don't do "City Hall" justice! Built in 1886 it is one of those buildings that you stand in front of and just "take in"... from every angle... so much detail... so beautiful!

As always, I enjoyed some "window shopping in this "upscale" neighborhood.

Lake Alster... one of 2 lakes here in the city and a beautiful sight. Another lovely sight (below) was my "friend" George... it seems like he's everywhere too! He wanted to get together, but I was a little busy! Sorry Georgie! Ha!

Above was the produce department of a nearby grocery store where I ended my day at. It's always fun to pick up a few things to go along with my regular tuna sandwich and salad dinner. Isn't this a lovely sight?

Hamburg was wonderful! I learned that it is one of the wealthiest cities in Germany. And it made me thankful for my German roots that have given me such a strong work ethic. I have to say a special thank you to my Mom, who is one of the hardest workers that I've EVER known. I so appreciate that she passed on that German trait to me AND my children, grand children, nieces & nephews. A heritage that is surely a blessing! Thanks Mom! "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord..." (Eph. 3:23)

Another lovely view of Lake Alster. So many clouds, but I never had to use my umbrella! What a beautiful afternoon exploring the lovely city of Hamburg.

Seattle Aquarium... Too Much Fun!!

2008-09-24T08:31:00.001-07:00

A week in Seattle with FOUR generations! What a blessing!! I hope you will "humor me" in my enthusiasm toward my family... this large group of photos is just one of many segments to come in many moments of joy with those who mean the most to me (click to enlarge photos)
My beautiful daughters and grand daughters... oh... and baby boy in his little "cocoon" (sling)! A perfect outing for the day! The Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market. So much FUN!

Baby boy didn't have a clue what was going on, but what a sweet day he had being carried so close to Mommy all day long!
We were all intrigued with the many colors of starfish... so lovely... "And God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind... and God saw that it was good" Gen. 1:21
It was great fun to touch the water... but touch the "creatures"? Not so much! ha!
Does it get any CUTER?!! All of the girls together! "Big" sissy/cousin was such a big help!
Nana Banana and her oldest granddaughter... so nice to have fun together!

Wowie!! Look at ALL those fish up above!! The little ones were amazed!

All of the little ones were thrilled to take pictures themselves with Nonnie's camera...

My oldest with her girls and Miss A. Her 4th (Joe) stayed home in OR with Dad for some fun "guy time"!
The above was taken at the end of our day at the aquarium. Nonnie brought some "Disco Lollis" from Amsterdam and they were "Yummers"!!

After the aquarium we walked over to Pike Place Market. As always I love the beautiful $5. bouquets of flowers and all of the sights, smells, and sounds of this city landmark.

Little Missy was so cute in her little purple sunglasses. :o)

A wonderful day with my girls and their little ones (and "big girl"!)... what a blessing to see the wonderful Mommies that they are and to enjoy their company... they are truly two of my best friends and I am so very proud of them. "Her children rise up and call her blessed" Prov 31:28a

Remembering 9-11

2008-09-11T12:37:00.001-07:00

Sitting here in my room in Dublin, Ireland I can't help but be reminded of that catastrophic event seven years ago today that would change lives and aviation history forever. The British news stations have been running clips of memorials showing countless families whose lives were so dramatically affected by those terrorist acts.

I think that most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we got word that the Twin Towers in NYC had been hit. I was living in Phoenix, AZ at the time. A flight attendant for America West. I had just gotten in from Washington D.C. the day before and was looking forward to a week off to enjoy one of life's most joyous moments. The wedding day of my youngest daughter. Her fiancee' (now husband) called us from back east to see if we had heard. We hadn't. And once we did? We were glued to the TV... so much so that we finally had to make ourselves stop. It was surreal... yes? I remember too my young "son-in-law to be" in a panic that he wouldn't make it for his own wedding and how he rented and van, piled in his brothers and best friend and drove 30 hours straight through to claim his young, lovely bride. Such a special time in the midst of devastation.

They never really prepared us for this in flight school. In fact, the "old" way was to be "empathetic" and "passive" with hijackers and their "demands". To try and make them feel as if you understand their cause, etc. That training is now history and we are taught aggressive moves and self defense in a whole new way. And on a personal note? I would never be so trusting again. Even seven years later, I find myself much more aware and sensitive to passengers who show negative or unusual behavior, etc. I remember feeling so badly too for those traveling shortly after who had similar physical "features" to the terrorists and how many of them wore hats and t-shirts plastered with American flags. Making a statement of their loyalties and maybe deferring potential judgement as well?
It brings to mind too the strength God has built into us (in His image) to rally in compassion and service in times of distress. It makes me ever so grateful that we still live in a country that is free and although it seems far from it's original "pillar of faith".... it WAS founded on faith... in a Mighty God who is Just and Loving... Forgiving... All Knowing... All Powerful... full of Compassion and Mercy. So to my country... to it's people I say on this anniversary date...may God continue to bless America and may we seek Him and His Ways! (2Chron. 7:14) Love to ALL! xo j

Beautiful Buildings, Buses, Boats and Beaches in Barcelona!

2008-09-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking Barcelona! It was soooo hard to choose which pictures to post! There were ENDLESS sights to see here. It truly was one of the most beautiful cities that I've visited! I do regret though that I wasn't able to track down the names of most of the buildings that I saw. But the one above was one of my favorites and was near the marina. And the two photos below were of Casa Batllo' built in 1877 and restored by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. I've never seen anything quite like it and it looks so modern to have been designed so long ago!

So here's what it looks like to be sitting on the top of a "double decker" bus... it really is the best way to see a new city and what a city Barcelona is!! It was an extra treat to have my girlfriend Shawn along. We also enjoyed getting to chat with some young men on the bus who were visiting from Ireland. (click to enlarge photos)

Although I didn't go inside, the National Art Museum of Catalonia was a perfect place to "hop off" the tour bus and take in the spectacular views of the museum and the views of the city.

With all of the "hopping on and hopping off" the bus, Shawn and I enjoyed some relaxation and great conversation over a cool drink at the Barcelona marina. We both marvelled that we were spending our day between flights this way!! What a job!! Wish you could have come along!!

The above is a statue of Christopher Columbus. It was so intriguing that I took at least a dozen photos of "Chris" from every angle I could manage! You know that we have some great "history" with him! ha!
This was the setting on every floor of our hotel just outside the elevator. Isn't it lovely?

On my 2nd trip to Barcelona this summer, I took a good long walk through the shopping district and then it was on to the beach via the subway.

This giant bronze whale was designed for the Port of Barcelona for the 1992 Summer Olympics

Barcelona beach on a warm, sunny day.
On my walk back to the hotel I passed this nearby building that had "tiers" of plants growing on it. Just one of the hundreds of beautiful buildings in this modern and picturesque city.

Special Summer Memories with Family

2008-08-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

My view of Mt. Ranier from 30,000 feet on the way to Mom & Dad's. Always majestic, and a breathtaking view of the 14,000 foot peak... a beautiful day! (click on photos to enlarge)

Equally lovely was the water view from Mom & Dad's balcony... I couldn't have asked for nicer weather here in the Pacific NW! It was so great to have a week to relax with them and catch up! Why is it that coffee always tastes better when enjoyed with them over our morning chats? :o) Mom & I enjoyed sharing lots of conversation with this view in sight. So special! And Dad and I enjoyed his extensive collection of VanGogh & Monet prints and computer time that would "stretch" us both! ha! Then as always, we ALL enjoyed some of the best cooking you'll find anywhere!

I took a little excursion to one of my favorite places in Seattle... Pike Place Market.... you want "fresh"?? Fresh anything?... Fish, Flowers, Fruits or Veggies? Then this is the place to come! Not to mention fun shopping with local artisans, etc.
I was pleased to see that you can still buy a huge, beautiful boquet of fresh flowers for $5.! Wow!

A little lunch and goodies to take home from this local Russian bakery... Yummers!

Enjoying a little quiet time on this deck near the water. Thanks for a wonderful time, Mom & Dad!! I sure miss you!

And I always look forward to time in AZ with Aunt June & Uncle Darrel! I've been doing it since I was a kid and it is always a little "Oasis" of relaxation and fun!

If we all could enjoy the healthy and peaceful life of these two, we'd be blessed! And I could go on and on about their generosity and patience through the years with endless kids and teenagers, including me! They have one of the greatest gifts of hospitality of anyone I know.
Enjoying our favorite Mexican restaurant. And soooo much more to follow... a day of shopping (Aunt June & I are definitely "soul mates" when it comes to shopping! ha!), puzzle time, talk time, walk time, endless laughter, and even our very own little "play pool"... ooohh!! That's cold water! ha! I can hardly wait until my next visit with two of my most cherished friends/family!

The above photo was from a prior visit including my youngest daughter and family... we all treasure the "welcome mat" that is always out for us all in our desert retreat!
"Where's Dottie"??? Hmmm... she's not outside? Where did she go? Well, we laughed so hard when we went in the "guest room" and here she was... with my purse (which had been put up on the computer desk). She had even taken my pink wallet OUT of my purse! Okay June... what are you teaching your dog??!! HA!! You can see by Dotties ears back on her head that she knows she's not suppose to be there! Too cute!! So many laughs! I love it!! xo

Berry Picking...

2008-08-12T05:03:00.001-07:00

Picking blueberries... it's been years since I've picked berries. In fact, it was when my two lovely daughters were just little girls themselves! And now, here I am with my "baby" and her babies! What a treat! We headed out early to avoid the "crowds" and visited the cherished farm that brings joy in the fall with pumpkins and cider and now in the summer with sweet offerings that come in a tiny round blue ball. To begin our adventure we stopped at the little country market that's here on the farm for a few homemade cinnamon donuts... Yummers!! I'm loving this country livin'! ha! (click on photo to enlarge)

The hayride out to the berry fields was as fun as any amusement park ride I've been on! Yee-haw!!

Mommy and her 3 little treasures. Baby brother pretty much slept thru the whole event, but I'm sure he'll enjoy the pictures when he's older! I so appreciate that Little Mommy wants to ensure that her kids are aware of life's simple blessings.

We were each allowed to choose a berry of our own to taste. Big Sissy took this very seriously and chose carefully!

Little cutie pie didn't really understand the concept of "just one" and quietly indulged in several of these sweet treats! And of course "Bear" was included in the fun!

Such a special treasure in a tiny blue berry!

Big Sissy is always such a great helper! Wowie! Look at all those berries!

Whew! This is a lot of work!! Time for a little rest! ha!

Another reminder that the best things in life are truly the "little" things! xo

Ciao' from Roma!

2008-07-28T19:05:00.001-07:00

Rome... what can I say? It has been on the top of my list of places I'd like to see and it was a thrill to finally make it here! But how much can a girl see in one short afternoon? A passenger on my flight over, who lives in Rome said that we needed a minimum of three days to barely begin seeing all there is here. I'm certain he was right! But take a look at all that I DID get to see. It made me want to check out more of the history of this extravagant, beautiful and troubled city. You know... the rise... the fall? But for now... please join me in my little tour in Roma! (click photo to enlarge)

Just a few blocks from our hotel I came across this open square. It's the Piazza del Popolo which in modern Italian literally means the "piazza of the people". In it's tragic past it was a place for public executions, the last of which took place in 1826. Ouch!

I would soon discover that there are endless fountains here in Rome. This one was one of many in the Piazza del Popolo

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Via del Corso is the main street that runs through the historical center of Rome. A good portion of it is for pedestrians only and it is lined with designer stores, small shops and also leads to many of the major sites here.

What a treat to see this lovely wedding party strolling down Via del Corso... the happy couple was gracious to allow us "tourists" to photograph them and I'm glad for that.

The famous Spanish Steps. It has 138 steps and is the longest & widest staircase in all of Europe. An interesting piece of trivia? Eating lunch etc. on the steps is forbidden & fines are given for doing so. A law was established by Roman urban regulations. Guess I'd better find another spot to enjoy my potato pizza! (an Italian delicacy... yum!)

The Trevi Fountain. I had been walking for a while and wondering if I was getting close, then I rounded the corner... it literally took my breath away! (see panoramic view at top of blog) Such a huge, ornate building, right in the middle of more common structures. It was a very warm, humid day here in Rome and the fountain created a cool retreat to take in it's grandeur. I didn't know it at the time, but the legend goes that if you throw in a coin, you are ensured a return visit to Rome and throwing in two coins will lead to a new romance... Why oh why didn't I do my research ahead of time and bring more change! HA!

I'm not sure what all of these buildings are, but as always I love the architecture in Europe.

This of course is the Pantheon. It is the oldest standing domed structure in Rome and is the best preserved building of it's age in the world. It means "temple of all the gods" (alas the "fall") and was rebuilt as far back as 125 AD.

A view looking outward from the Pantheon.

The above is Largo di Toree Argentina. It is the remains of four Republican Roman temples. (where were the Democrats? ha!) On an interesting side note? There were what looked like "wild" cats dwelling here... they were sleeping on rocks and in the shade. A curious tourist ventured down to get a closer look (what was he thinking?) and I was kind of hoping for a little excitement, but the kitties just ignored him. :o)

The last major building that I saw before I headed back was the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II. I thought the name sounded familiar from my visit to Milan and yes... Victor Emmanuel was the first king of a unified Italy.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my tour. I always wish you could ALL join me in the fun! Some of my crew spent their day touring the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel and said it was incredible. Guess that will be on my next trip to Rome. Well, hopefully my next trip... I was too cheap to throw coins in the fountain! Ciao! xo

Kilts Across America....

2008-06-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

*Click on photo to enlarge

Just a quick post here today... I'm in tonight from lovely Edinburgh and had a couple of very special passengers on my flight home. They stirred up quite a bit of attention too!... you see they were in KILTS... okay... you DO see that every now and then while in Scotland... but what really made them stand out was that one of them had on a "Continental Kilt"... with a Continental logo and a Continental seat belt around his waist for a belt! Very cool! But the most important part? It was their story... Colin (on the left), a married father of four has a little boy (5 years old) who has a rare disease called Moebius Syndrome. He and his friend/business partner, Iain are riding motorcycles (YES, IN KILTS!) across America to raise funds for much needed research of this disease. His story was moving, his heart so passionate for his little boy and he was so sincere as well... I was touched. So I am sharing their website with you. I hope you'll take a look, say a prayer for them and send them a note of encouragement or a donation if you feel so led. May the Lord richly bless their journey! http://kiltsacrossamerica.co.uk/

Classy, Clean Zurich...

2008-06-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

My hotel... oh MY! This is where my "classy" journey starts! Pure luxury... and just minutes from the airport... that's a rare treat, as we usually have van rides that are 20-30 minutes (or more) away. (click to enlarge photos)

While we waited for our rooms they served us a sparkling juice blend in "fluted" glasses in this lovely sitting area... what a nice touch!
My room... have I told you before that there's NOTHING quite like the feeling of "falling into bed" after a very long night flight? Talk about life's little pleasures?!! Ha! It's the best!!

The view from my room... rain was probable... but didn't arrive until late evening... Yippeee!! from this sightseeing gal!!

The train station... a VERY busy place! Whew! A nice way to get around, but I was glad that I was with another crew member that knew their way around!

I was surprised to discover that the main language spoken here is German (Swiss German)... it's because it is so close to the German border... as compared to Geneva, which is near France, and French (or Swiss French) is commonly spoken. Oh... but they DO have Swiss Army Knives everywhere, and that just seemed "right"... ha!

I had a "bratwurst" here for lunch (my Mom's favorite! ) with this lovely water view...

Am I really here? In Zurich, Switzerland? It still amazes me that I have been blessed with such a great job!

The clock towers are a lovely sight here... one of the largest in Europe is located here too...Old Town was absolutely breathtaking! The colors... the shops... and especially the restaurant fronts were such a treat!

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of Zurich... it was known in the 70's as the "world's cleanest city" and I'm not surprised... so classy and pretty... I look forward to going back!

Gooooo Yankeeeees!!!

2008-06-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

My very first Yankees game! What fun! You may not believe this, but it poured down rain the day of the game... torrential rains... really... ALL day! We were sure that the game would be cancelled... but we headed north anyway... and by the time that we reached Yankee Stadium it was just drizzle... and by the time that the game started it never rained again! Gooooo Yankees!! (or not so much! they lost this one big time!) But still GREAT FUN!! (click photos to enlarge)

Is that Continental Airlines?? A sponsor? I LOVE my job!! :o)

My oldest daughter Becca all the way from Oregon... such LIFE! such ENERGY!! She makes ANYTHING FUN!! So... GO YANKEES!!!! (Do you EVER get tired, Becca?!!) xo

Me with my last date... (I need your prayers!!) I THOUGHT he was a little quiet??! Ha!

The Yankees "warming up"

Becca & Scott... it was the #1 thing that he was hoping to do while here... we were so glad that we didn't get rained out!

It will be the Yankees LAST year here at the old stadium... lots of history here...

There was almost a "melee"!! The Yankees "star", Derek Jeeter was hit by a ball! Hard!! Whew! Was there going to be a fight??! Oh MY!! Thanks for being gentlemen... this "Nana" was glad for that! But it was exciting!!

The "OLD" stadium....

The "NEW" stadium... what a fun night with my kids! xo J

Milan... A City of Fashion and Faith....

2008-05-31T15:16:00.001-07:00

Above is the local train station... pretty to look at, but I opted for the 45 minute walk to Milan City Center, a fashion capital in the world, but surprisingly also very industrial... not near as "glamorous" and "polished" as I expected... an interesting twist to my visit. The Galleria Mall and the Duomo Cathedral made it well worth the flight and walk. I hope you enjoy! (click to enlarge photos)

There were military soldiers and police present throughout the city. I had been warned by friends and co-workers to be careful for "scam artists" who not only try to manipulate you for $$ by forcing you to buy bird seed and cheap handmade yarn bracelets, but even try to rob you!... I guess where there are hoards of tourists, there is also the opportunity to take advantage. Oh, the beauty of the Duomo Cathedral! (The man on the horse is Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of Italy). I don't think I've ever seen a more majestic church. The details in the architecture were endless and incredible! I'm so grateful too for a young co-worker (on a prior flight) who told me to be sure and take the elevator ride to the roof. I have since discovered that most of the crews I've been with didn't know there was an elevator... it was the ULTIMATE to walk high atop the church and take in the details of this building close up, as well as the breathtaking views of the city and the crowds below!

Finally at the TOP! Even having taken the elevator, this was quite a trek! And the trip down on foot almost made me dizzy (not a first!) as the steps circled round and round and round... etc... etc. ok... you get it! Ha!!

You know my love for interesting sidewalks and tile, etc... above is the floor in the cathedral and below is the same floor illuminated by a sun-lit stained glass window. The floor, as well as ALL of the church is made of marble! To add to the beauty, there was a mass going on... the Scripture... the hallowed singing of a Priest... the congregations humble response. Although I am not Catholic, it moved me to tears and was an incredible blessing to feel the Lord's Presence in this place... as Scripture says... "His Word does not return void and He truly is EVERYWHERE!

Leonardo DiVinci... an important person in Milan's history...

The Galleria (Vittorio Emanuele II) Mall... famous for it's designer stores and glass dome roof. It also has the fanciest Mc Donalds (Mc Cafe) I've ever seen. And don't forget, once again beautiful tile work on the sidewalk floor. And there's a story! Well, I had decided ahead of time that I wasn't going to do my usual souvenir shopping or even eat out... all I wanted to buy was a nice Italian leather purse... or NOT! The least expensive purses in this shopping area averaged around $300 Euros, or over $450 U.S. bucks!! Yikes! Where are my reading glasses when I need them!! Even a Dolce Gabanna tiny little I-pod case was a "whopping" $285 Euros! Whew! Back to reality? I REALLY like my new leather purse that I bought AFTER my trip in NJ at the Macy's Memorial Weekend Sale! Ha!!

Choose your transportation... train, trolley, bus, on foot (like I did)... or remember how Amsterdam has it's bicycles? Well Milan has motorcycles... everywhere... men, women, young and old... it looked fun, economical and very pratical.

Or maybe you'd like to keep up with the stylish image of Milan? Then check out this ride below... it got more than a few stares... hmmmm... I wonder if he's SINGLE?!! HA! Ciao' from Italy, Baby!! Vroom! Vroom!! xo

Lisboa, Portugal

2008-05-20T06:50:00.001-07:00

My little room... small, but ever so classy! All in leather and dark wood and fresh flowers always add such a nice touch! And just look at my view below? Have you ever seen such pretty sidewalks? Lovely!

So many "public squares"... I can only imagine the community gatherings that they've had here in times past...

Sidewalk cafes... local performers and a good meal with a cool drink...

Local shopping... so much to see! Beautiful hand embroidered tablecloths, tempting bakery goods... a nice way to spend the afternoon!
Lisboa (known as Lisbon to the English)... the people here really know how to live simple... to enjoy and relax! A leisurely pace... so different from what we're used to... we could maybe take a lesson from them? Ahhhh... so nice!

Edinburgh Castle

2008-05-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Castle... it honestly looks like a movie set out of Hollywood... but it's REAL! Habitation of "the rock" goes back as far as the 9th Century BC.... huh?? That's OLD!! It intrigues me more than ANY structure that I've seen... such history! such beauty! I hope you enjoy this glimpse... (click to enlarge photos)

Young soldiers guard the castle... after I bought my ticket an older gentleman told me that he too... many years ago... was a young guard just like these... wow... what a heritage...
Come on in!... oh... wait... look at the photo below... are you friend or foe?? You might want to think about it before you enter!

Breathtaking views from up here on the hill!

The Royal Jewels of Scotland are here.... they were absolutely beautiful... what was it like to wear them? Such royalty... did you know that Prince Philip is the current "Duke of Edinburgh"? He is the husband of Queen Elizabeth of England.

The castle on the hill... wouldn't you love to know the people who dwelled here? Did they feel "safer" to dwell behind these walls? Did they appreciate and enjoy it's beautiful view? How did they spend their days? A marvelous adventure!

Edinburgh, Scotland... one of my Favorites!

2008-05-09T09:59:00.001-07:00

Edinburgh Castle... it's like walking back in time... many years ago... I can't even express what it's like to catch a glimpse of it every time I visit... it's surreal... and a piece of history that I cannot comprehend... I've even grabbed a sandwich at the local Marks & Spencer, sat in the park in the heart of the city and just "looked" up at the castle in awe... remarkable... watch for my next post with photos of my tour of the Castle... (click to enlarge photos)

Yes.... I took a "Double-Decker bus tour" here... so insightful... did you know that the very first "fire department" was started here? The city was on fire! It was a good reason to change things and protect this lovely city.

You know how I LOVE Mexican cuisine? Would you believe that I actually found the cutest little Mexican restaurant right here in Edinburgh? Yummy! Ole'!

Fine dining with my crew at our old hotel.... it was fun flying with my classmate Chris from flight school.

So authentic... a Scottish Bagpipe... and it seems that he knew that I was American... He started playing the Battle Hymn of the Republic when I tossed a few pounds into his case... "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.... His truth is marching on.... glory, glory hallelujah!"...

Deacon Brodie's Tavern... this is the very first pub that I ate at while visiting Scotland... the tavern was inspired by the story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde... hmmmm.. I think I might have dated one of "him"? Not sure if it was Jekyll or Hyde! ha!

Such beautiful architecture....

A lovely setting near the castle... once again the "realtor" in me wants to know... how much $?? And who lives here?? Last year a Captain that I flew with was moving here once he retired (he has family here) ... I'm not surprised. A lovely location.

The grounds keeper's home in the heart of the city... Quite "storybook", yes?

I've said before how much I enjoy the importance that the Scottish and English put on "Tea Time".... it's not just about "tea"... but a time in the day to "slow down"... "relax"... and take in all that is good!... here's a glimpse of what I enjoy overseas... would you like tea, coffee or cocoa and "biscuits" (cookies)? Yes, please!

My view from our new hotel... it is located right on the Royal Mile... just down the hill from the Castle (watch for my next blog)... a fantastic location! I've sat a few times now and browsed the Internet with my computer in the window sill and this gorgeous view... oh my!... so relaxing... God is Awesome!... what beauty! I hope that you enjoy this glimpse of Edinburgh! Take care and Lord bless YOU!

New Baby Boy!

2008-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

So exciting to share in the birth of #7 grand baby! And my youngest always makes it look soooo easy!?? (click to enlarge)

What a joy to welcome Baby Boy!!
Such a proud Daddy!

And Big Sissy is sooooo SWEET!

A birthday celebration!

And soooo much lovin'!

The happy little family!

Nonnie couldn't be happier!!

So sweet....

Balloons Over Bristol...

2008-04-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Bristol International Balloon Festival last summer was SPECTACULAR! Around 100 balloons were launched and I enjoyed about 75 of them before sunset. 2008 will be the 30th anniversary of the Fiesta, hosted by the "Discovery Channel" and it's sure to be better than ever. Over 100,000 people attend each day and with acres and acres of land, there was plenty of room for us all! As you can see, I couldn't have asked for nicer weather... a real treat in the UK. (click to enlarge photos)

It was definitely a "family affair", and I had wished I had mine with me to enjoy the games, food, fun and BALLOONS, of course!

This balloon sponsored by Jaguar just happened to be right in front of where I was standing and allowed me a great opportunity to watch the process from start, to finish, to FLIGHT! I never realized how much work went into getting one of these beautiful rides off the ground!

Wishing I could catch a ride in one of these!

There were even a few balloons with unique shapes... how about this house? Good advertising!

The setting for the Fiesta is "Ashton Court"... originally built during the 15th century. The main family that owned it through the years (the Smyths) started expanding it as far back as 1545. In 1949 (over 400 years later!), with no Smyths left, the property became derelict. The city of Bristol took it over in 1959 and began restoration. It covers 850 acres, and is filled with endless recreational activities, is available for weddings and conferences and also houses a great variety of wildlife. A truly breathtaking setting.

Beautiful Bristol

2008-04-03T04:30:00.000-07:00

What a lovely spring day here in Bristol. It was a pleasure to walk and take in the beauty of the historic churches and Oh My! The Bristol River! How lovely! But to be honest?? My main goal was shopping! And I found the best of it at the city center with these beautiful sites along the way... enjoy! (click on photos to enlarge)

Wouldn't you love to dine here? Right on the river? At sunset?

I would love to know who lives in these classy Condos? And what do they cost? What a charming area, nestled among rustic bridges, cobblestone sidewalks and historic churches.

Hot air balloons... keep an eye out for more photos on Bristol... a highlight of my travels was the International Hot Air Balloon festival here last summer... and I also toured the Roman Baths in where else? Bath! (just a 15 minute train ride from Bristol) But those are for another blog! I hope this finds all of you well and blessed! Jackie

Olives... Eggs... Bubbles & Alleluja!!... HAPPY EASTER!

2008-03-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

WE LOVE OLIVES!! What else can I say???

Happy Easter!! I hope that YOU had an EASTER filled with FAMILY... JOY... and JESUS! Oh... and BUBBLES!! I had forgotten what FUN bubbles could be!! We blew bubbles over and over again!! And we colored eggs... hid them... and looked for them like buried treasure... oh my! What FUN! And of course Easter cards and Easter dollars $ from Aunt June... for three generations now!! Thanks Aunt Junie!! (click photos to enlarge)

So much fun with Mama & Dada!
Mama played the piano (Christ the Lord is Risen Today) while the girls danced around....
and more egg hunting!

I rejoice that we share the joy of a Risen Lord!... Matt. 28:6

Little Wooden Shoes, Bicycles, Canals, Van Gogh... Amazing Amsterdam

2008-03-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

Little Wooden Shoes... the grandbabies love them! I wish I had bought a pair for my house too! Maybe next time! (click photo to enlarge)

I had heard about the bicycles... but until I saw it, I couldn't really imagine how many there are! EVERYWHERE!! And EVERYONE gets around on them!! There are bike lanes all around the city... maybe WE should try it here in the States as an alternative to our outrageous gas prices?? And a good cardio workout as well! ha!

I always love the old city/new traditions! This is a skate park in front of history...

The Van Gogh Museum... what a wonderful opportunity to see Rembrandt as well! It was all INCREDIBLE!! I bought a Van Gogh reproduction canvas of his work "Almond Blossoms"... he painted it for the birth of his brother's baby... so pretty. Such talent, so troubled, and not to be famous until after his death... a true tragedy.

Lovely canals... another way to get around this beautiful city.

If you know me, you know that I love a good pizza... so I had to try it here! Pretty good... and the "ambiance" of the location made it all worthwhile!

My hotel... such a great location... views of the canals and close to everything!

My friend Evelyn... she has been flying around the world for many years, and I always enjoy flying with her.

So glad to be part of the Continental Crew!

An Evening in Paris

2008-01-26T06:47:00.001-08:00

A cloudy day for us in Paris... but you know what?? I don't think you would EVER use the words "dreary" or "gloomy" as we do at times. Paris is just too beautiful!! There truly is something about this glorious city that makes it one of the number ONE places that girls dream about going! And I am no exception! It's ALWAYS a treat to visit! (click on photos to enlarge)

How about our new crew room? Wowie!! Modern, comfortable and free Internet too. A great kitchen even includes a coffee, espresso machine! And how do you like my live model, Mary?! Ha! She was a good sport to pose for me and a real joy to work with too! I never tire of young, hard working FA's who are full of spunk and life! It's what makes my work fun.

What a perfect outing we had in Paris! The "ISM" (Inflight Service Manager or "Lead FA") on our flight over, Rex invited us to join him to take the train for dinner near Notre Dame, which is considered the "Latin Quarter" in Paris. Here are Mary, me & our crew's ISM, Marissa enjoying the quaint streets of the Latin Quarter.

We were sooooo fortunate to find a little Bistro that really was the epitome of what you hope to find when looking for an authentic french restaurant! The ambiance was enchanting, the food was fabulous and the company and conversation, the best! Thanks again Rex!

This photo of the Eiffel tower at night was actually taken on one of my summer trips... but it captures the essence of the "Sparkles" the best! I really can't even describe how INCREDIBLE the Eiffel Tower is at night when at the top of the hour the sparkling light show begins!! I can't get enough of it!! And I can hardly wait to start taking friends and family there with me!!

Well.... sooner or later we DO have to fly passengers back to the States! Ha! Oh yeah, that's right! I'm working!! I almost forgot! Here is my final view from the hotel parking lot of that ever magical landmark.... Tour Eiffel... until next time... au revoir! Lord bless you ALL! xo

Lovely London.... and LOTS of photos!!

2008-01-14T07:17:00.000-08:00

LONDON! So much fun!! We stay at the Hilton right at the Gatwick Airport, and I have to admit... for as often as I fly there, I only take the train into the city maybe a third of the time I travel there... often, it's just nice to relax in my room and I've become QUITE familiar with the airport terminal shops! HA!! I love the little boutique stores, and the Marks & Spencers grocery store has become a favorite. (I always look forward to their "pasta, chicken, tomato & basil salad") But for those times that I DO want to get out?? I am fortunate to get a FREE train ticket on the Gatwick Express for the 30 minute ride to Victoria Station in the heart of London!! From there?? The sky's the limit!! I've been to the famous Harrod's department store, and recently went shopping on Oxford Street for Christmas gifts. It was as bustling as NYC!! GREAT fun!

The trains are frequent, smooth, fast and even have a beverage & snack cart that comes through... nice to be served now and then for a change!...

I will always remember my first "Double-decker" bus tour through London... it was INCREDIBLE!! It lasted over 2 hours .... and my first impression?? The city was so much BIGGER than I expected! It just went ON and ON! Absolutely beautiful!

And EVERYWHERE I go there is STARBUCKS!! Look what we started! ha! A Mint Mocha in the winter? Divine!

Hyde Park was beautiful and quite a gathering place... I look forward to taking a picnic there this coming summer...

Another definite "must do" in the future? The London Eye ferris wheel... it stands over 400 feet tall, and takes 30 minutes for a full circle ride. The views are said to be up to 25 miles on a clear day... ahhhhh... that's the secret... getting a clear day in London! grin!

The "London Bridge"??? No, but most of us tourists think that it is... the London Bridge is really just a basic bridge... this Tower Bridge is more eye-catchting though...

I always love and appreciate the "old" and the "new" of the architecture while traveling overseas.

Westminster Abby Church... another great tour to look forward to.....

Big Ben... such a lovely sight!

Always more fun to be had with a great crew! Rosemary (on the left) and I stay in touch... she is from Atlanta, GA, and a true "southern belle". It didn't rain the day we toured, but it was windy and cold... how do you like our free "slickers"??

And what would a day in London be without "fish and chips" at a local Pub??

Buckingham Palace... I'd love to go back and see the "changing of the guards" sometime.

My very first London crew.... as I've said before, a crew can make a trip "fun"... or "very long"... I'm so glad that this one was wonderful!! Many happy memories and I always enjoy running into them at the airport or in the crew room... I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of London! (p.s... remember to click on the photo, is you want to enlarge them! ) xo Jackie

Happy New Year!!

2007-12-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all!! Wow! 2008 already?? I hope this coming year finds your life filled with God's BEST!! Here are a few reflections of my December... lots of smiles and warm memories. The main reason for my big smile?? Just look at the photo below... two of the greatest "treasures" in my life... my lovely daughters... truly two of my best friends... I am humbled by their love for me, am so very proud of the women they have become and I'm so grateful for all that they bring into my life.
My youngest daughter was the "Ideal Hostess"... watch out Martha Stewart!! It took very little effort for older sis Becca and me to help, and there's no place we would rather be than all together!! What FUN!!
I have to mention my son-in-law as well... he treats me like a queen... who wouldn't love that? A young man of strong character & integrity... plus he puts up with all of us women! ha!! Shall we sing? These photos are the reason for our "gathering"... the annual Christmas party!! The pianist was hired and I was recruited to lead Christmas Carols... we had a blast!! Over 50 people enjoyed the festivities, including neighbors, family & friends... it was fantastic!! "Jingle Bells" was a favorite with the kids!!
Joe & Emma start off the "kids" portion of the party downstairs! It was crazy!! They all had so much fun, but we definitely will have someone assigned to "kid duty" next year! Toddlers, kids and boys, boys, boys everywhere!! Ha!
Auntie Becca & "Cassie" (her alias!) sported a new fashion in the kitchen! Too funny! Another generation of jokesters!! I LOVE it!! Can you ever laugh too much??

Michigan grand babies in their new Christmas dresses.... does it get any cuter??

A highlight of our visit in MI?... a trip to Frankenmuth, where we visited the largest Christmas store in the U.S... It was freezing cold outside, but we had a ball anyway!! I picked up a few new ornaments that reflect some of the special places I've traveled this year. And in this little town?? Jesus is alive and well and they are proud to display the "Good News" everywhere! And how happy was I to be surrounded by grand babies?? I was in "Nonnie Heaven"! grin!

Back in NJ, Becca, Joe, Emma and I took the train into NYC.... look out Big Apple... here we come!!! Becca is my "energizer bunny" girl and we always do NYC in a BIG way when she comes to visit! Thanks to her I'm ready for "willing and able" (ha!) visitors who are anxious to enjoy the City!...

Baby Emma was all smiles taking in the sights and sounds of the city... it was pretty special too to put on Nonnies fur hat, but I think she still wonders if Nonnie is a little "nutty"... ha!!
Dinner in Time Square at Bubba Gumps, the beautiful tree and decorations at Rockefeller Center, window treats at Macy's and Saks... it was magical!! Joe walked for hours without a word about being tired... what a trooper! But by the end of the night we were all ready for a "long winter's nap"!! Happy New Year everyone!!

Merry Christmas from Limerick!

2007-12-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from little Limerick, Ireland!! As many of you know, this is one of my favorite places on earth!! So cozy, charming and the people are the nicest! And at Christmas? Magical! Every street has a different decoration... Christmas music with Bing Crosby, etc. plays throughout the town... so lovely!

Always wonderful to spend an evening with my friend John. Born & raised in Limerick he has such an interesting life here. He does accounting for a local church here, and also lectures all over (including the U.S.) on the history of Irish music, as well as reviewing Irish bands for local publications. We have enjoyed Irish concerts, wonderful conversation and good meals as well. We share our faith in common and he has been such a blessing!

Christmas blessings to you ALL!! xo Jackie

Belfast Part II

2007-12-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help but add a couple more photos! I enjoyed Belfast so much that I was glad to pick it up again this week. And what a treat to have a "fly-girl friend" along! More Christmas market fun at Belfast city hall with Shawn! We had the best scalloped potatoes with smokey ham for dinner and some divine mulled hot wine that warmed up the chilly night. Delicious thin wafer cookies were bought for Christmas gifts and some summer sausage & Bratwurst for Mom. Oops! The sausage & Bratwurst was confiscated at customs when I returned... OK... none of us knew, but now I do.... NO meat, fruits or vegetables allowed from overseas!... even if vacuum sealed! NOW I'm travel savvy! ha!! On a side note... we had a really great crew, which always makes our job a pleasure!
(p.s... click on the photos to enlarge)

Belfast, Ireland

2007-11-29T03:26:00.000-08:00

I hope this finds all of you happy and healthy this holiday season! I wanted to share a bit of Belfast with you. What a blessing to see cities around the world preparing for this wonderful Christmas season and the birth of our Savior! Belfast was no exception and was decorated from top to bottom. I even got lucky and enjoyed a Christmas market in the center of the city! What a treat!

As I spent this trip doing a little Christmas shopping, I thought I'd include a few more photos from a prior visit. (Notice the leaves on the trees and blue skies!) My observations of Belfast? The Irish people are some of the warmest, friendliest people that I have found anywhere. On my flights they tend to be the most humble, polite, and appreciative passengers that I've had the privilege of serving. In contrast, within the city of Belfast there is still a presence of "unrest" with a "division" of the people still lingering from years past. Hotels and restaurants throughout the city have "security" men outside the doors once the sun goes down. It is such a contrast to the people as a whole. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse of Belfast.

Copenhagen, Denmark

2007-11-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

What a thrill Copenhagen was! One of the most beautiful hotels I've stayed in, and both the city and the people were lovely . Interesting that I was there on a Sunday, and other than restaurants & convenience stores, ALL stores, shops and businesses were closed. Remember when OUR country used to be that way? A true "day of rest", family day, Lord's day? Although it wasn't the most desired for this "sightseeing" gal, I was glad to see it. The Scandinavians really do seem to have a higher quality of life in many ways. An obvious observation while traveling. They are "dressier" while out... many wear jeans, but they are dressed up... you can tell that it is a special thing to be out and about enjoying leisure time. And oh my! The waterfront area! With it's colorful buildings and docked boats! It looked like a post card! I only hope that I've captured the flavor of it all in my photos. An interesting side-note as a Flight Attendant? Because the cost of living is so high in the Scandanavian countries (a Big Mac meal can cost around $15!) they tend to enjoy our free beverages & cheap cocktails and on flights many passengers will order 2 or 3 beverages (per person) every service! Whew! It challenges my memory! Ha! We certainly earn our pay on those flights! High maintenance, but a very polite, classy group of people. Well, bye for now. I'd love to hear from you on my "comments" if you enjoyed this, ok? Love to all!

Life Outside of Travel...

2007-11-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've been looking forward to posting some photos of my travels to Stockholm & Copenhagen, but first I wanted to share a glimpse of what means even more to me... my family & friends! What a wonderful summer and fall I've had making memories that I'll treasure always!!

First was family time at Becca's new home. What a blessing to see their family of 6 with 2 stories of comfort & beauty! I am so happy for them! It is well deserved! Julie, Mom & I threw a housewarming, open house and enjoyed meeting many of their neighbors & friends.

What fun I had in Chicago with Julie & family celebrating Julie's birthday! Always "first class" when Bryan is in charge! What a beautiful city! Julie even found a "Chocolate Cafe"... wow! Yummy! And I couldn't get enough of little girl time... I was in heaven!

I had a "whirlwind" trip to lovely Orange County and so enjoyed all the girl time there! (and Uncle Darrel! ha!) Barb & I strolled the Dana Pt. Harbor, with so much to catch up on, then I had a great lunch with my lovely "escrow daughter" Lisa. My cousin Tracy's daughters Bat-Mitzvah was a blast... a perfect party! Dinner with girlfriend Linda & family at CPK... yum! And as always, I cherish any time spent with my favorite Aunt & Uncle, June & Darrel, from AZ and look forward to their visit out east later this month.

Next came a few weeks with my Mom "beautifying" my little Condo! It's truly been transformed! Our whole family stands in "awe" of Mom's stamina & love of painting... an incredible gift to all of us! Check out my new "brick red" kitchen! I love it! Mom & and I enjoyed shopping & our meals together were the best!

Part of the above "beautifying" was in preparation of a visit from my best girlfriend of over 40 years! Wow! Is that possible? Linda and I spent 4 fun days of discovering NJ & NYC!! (Now I'm ready for the rest of you to visit!) We lunched at a beautiful tea house, shopped & took a "fall foliage" train ride in New Hope, saw Legally Blonde on Broadway, took a rick-shaw ride through Central Park, ate in Time Square and spent a warm sunny afternoon at the Jersey Shore. Even more we had HOURS of encouraging, deep "girl talk" and were so pleased to discover that we are studying the very same devotional right now! It means so very much to me that the Lord is one of the greatest gifts that we share in common. Sisters of the heart for sure!

Well, I hope this wasn't too long... there was so much to share! But now you know how much all of you mean to me... and if you're reading this and we haven't had a chance to get together, let's work on that for 2008, ok? Until next time, I hope you enjoy this, and I look forward to keeping all of you involved in my travels... because I really do take you with me in my heart! xo

2007-11-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hi All! I'm hoping to stay connected and in touch with my new blog! I'm sitting "Airport Alert" today, which means a four hour shift here in the Crew Room, waiting to see if they need me for a last minute flight assignment. Definitely not one of my favorite things to do, but I have gotten some great flights in the past while sitting "AAA". Such is the life of a "Reserve" Flight Attendant! As you all know... I do LOVE my job and I'm so grateful to have enjoyed a regular schedule (we call it "holding a line") through the summer. Hope this finds all of those I care most about doing well... I look forward to sharing photos & thoughts from my travels soon!

My New Blog...

2007-11-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

My new blog....