HOMEWERX

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~for all the folks back home~

NOV ’08 :  Miss Ann E. and Miss June at the Gaylord Palms’ ICE

Florida folks raised to believe the great myth that only citrus and strawberries freeze in winter never had their noses exposed to the kiss of 9 degrees in the deep of Orlando. Our chilly photo ops in the exhibit lobby failed to prepare us for the white-breath taking beauty found inside. After trading our flimsy native attire for tundra tested parkas, we traveled down corridors of frost and twinkling lights to enter room upon room of Christmas bedtime stories wrapped in icicles and reminders of the world’s first Christmas.

Special thanks to Miss Tracy Canales and photographer Corey Martin who made these images possible and to Miss Jo Ann, who treated us all as her guests.

( 1: A teeth chattery Miss Ann | 2: Promo photo of ICE main room | 3: The lovely Miss June )

( 1: Hark, Herald Angels | 2: The Nativity | 3: Snowshoes Hares )

( 1: Hope Santa is wide-eyeing that sundae | 2: Goodies in Candy Land | 3: Hall of Ornaments )

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OCT ’08 : Great Caesar’s Ghost – ’tis Halloween at the America’s Best Inn, Downtown St. Pete!

Nothing screams Halloween better than a creeky old inn in historic downtown St. Pete. I booked the America’s Best Inn, nary aware of the magnitude of it’s Hallow Eve’s coolness: built in 1937 as the Macon Hotel of St. Petersburg, the inn is one of the oldest operating hotels downtown. It’s gone through numerous ownerships and name changes. Originally the “Macon” it was also known as the “Moulton Hotel” and later the “Lee Manor Inn” which many still recall. Knowing my sister loves a good fright, I requested room ’13′ and ordered extra spooks with our turn down service. Boy, did that place not disappoint!

( 1: The Inn Courtyard | 2: The Inn Doorway (at night, the lions roam) | 3: Vintage postcard | 4: Miss June at the nearby Vinoy )

( 1: ABI’s comfy lobby | 2: Spooky and narrow halls | 3: Inviting rooms, like auntie’s house )

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MAY ’08 : NOLA on My Mind – A Week at the Ritz Carlton, French Quarter

The NCS Annual Reubens Weekend is the grand poobah of all cartoon related occasions. This year’s event took place at the marvelous Ritz Carlton, situated in the historic French Quarter. Miss June and I spend six glorious days enjoying five star hotel amenities and all the history humanly possible to absorb. A traveling tip: with few and precious vacation photos, do not leave undeveloped film in the privy of your checked suitcases. Airport security scanners, looking for smart bombs and skeletal remains, have a tendency to create pics of static disappointment.

( 1: Majestic Ritz on Canal St. | 2: Courtyard scent of Gardenias | 3: On Trois Lounge )

( 1: Grand Lobby | 2: Reception Hall | 3: Deluxe Accommodations | 4: Fancy marble WC. Photos courtesy of RC.)

Going Against the Grain: fuzzy memories… frame after frame…
( 1: Carousel Bar, Monteleone Hotel | 2: The Monteleone | 3: Miss Ann’s designer, TJ MAXX )