DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘traveling’

Freshman Orientation @ Bowie State University | Thankful Thursday

Sell Bookbyte Textbooks
Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world.

 

It’s time to say goodbye to July and speaking of saying goodbye, on Sunday, July 27th, we took our youngest son to Bowie State University in Maryland for his 3-day Freshman Orientation. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss him because I did, after all it was his first time yes, his first time away from home alone for this length of time.

Bowie State is only a 2 hour drive, the traffic wasn’t bad and he slept the entire time reminding me of his younger days when he rode in the back strapped into a car seat.

Arriving on campus around 12:30, our first impression was positive, well at least the landscaping was nice, however that quickly changed because registration was held in the old gym which definitely needed renovations. Walking “the yard” we also saw several buildings that had seen better days with considerable wear and tear including inside the dorms.

However, we were impressed with other buildings including the Library and Student Center and was informed by a student that there was a much better gymnasium which we hadn’t seen.  Bowie State is an HBCU with a legacy dating back 125 years, so there is a lot of history all over this campus.

Bowie State University entrance

We checked in before Malik’s roommate so he had an opportunity to choose which side of the room he wanted then the disinfecting began. He didn’t seem disappointed in the size of the room nor the furniture which was good considering he’s never had to share one.

After completing the dorm room checklist we left to explore more of the campus.  Me of course kept stopping to take pictures, while hubby and son walked on ahead of me, not interested in what I was doing but deeply engrossed in their conversation.

inside the dorms

In the dorm room

Campus of BSU

Beautiful View

Malik on the campus of BSU

Thurgood Marshall Library

Bowie State University

Bowie State University

Deep in conversation


bowie state orientation 040
Breaking the chains

Skinit.com :: Cases & Skins
Orientation began at 2:30 for both the parents and students, with parents sitting in the balcony of the new Fine and Performing Arts Center and the students in the lower level. Several speakers including the Provost spoke about BSU, it’s history and the importance of having a positive experience over the next several days. Reminding us parents that we must allow our sons and daughters to go through metamorphosis so they will be able to break through the cocoon and fly upward.

Fine and Performing Arts Center Ask A Nerd | Homework Help

Malik at the Fine and Performing Arts Center

Fine and Performing Arts Center

 

Parents were then escorted to another location for our orientation to discuss the Wellness Program, Public Safety and last but certainly not least Financial Aid. After that we were reunited with our sons and daughters for a final hug/kiss/pic goodbye as we were told leave by 6:00.

As you can see from the following pictures, there were some tender moments between father and son and I was even able to wrangle a few pictures with him as well (check out the arm grip).

had to hold on to keep him from running away

father and son

Looking into a mirror!

Father and Son moment

Do the right thing

We returned yesterday evening to pick him up and needless to say, he was glad to be back home to his bed, his car, his friends, and hopefully his family!

Today I am thankful to have him home for another month because the next time he leaves on August 27th, it will be for 3+ months.

loading the car

bowie state orientation 053 I am also thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.

time to say goodbye

 

Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png

 


Snow Storm, Sunshine, and a Sunset in Summit Farms

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday

Today many people in the Northeast are digging themselves out from under the results of the first major snow storm of the new year.  Snowstorm Hercules caused a lot of problems for many travelers up and down the eastern seaboard and today we are experiencing dangerously low temperatures and high winds causing snow drifts.  

Thursday afternoon I left work early to get a jump on the impending storm and made it home safely before any major snow began to fall. However, it was well before 8:00 pm when the intensity of the snow increased and calls from the School Districts began.  I decided to use a PTO day in order to avoid a long and possible 3 hour commute into work on Friday. SnowStorm Collage

The snow continued throughout the night and into the early morning which excited hubby because he would finally be able to use his snow blower! He purchased a Craftsman Snow Blower three years ago after the big storm of 2010, but it went unused due to the extremely mild winters that followed.

Snow Day 2014

Like a kid with a new toy, he stayed out so long that the tips of his fingers began to tingle.  Did he use the extra gloves and hand warmers that I threw out to him – nope ~ oh well, too bad, so sad!

Snow Day 2014

Snow Day 2014 010 Despite the intense cold and blustery winds I ran outside a few times to capture the beauty of the day.

Snow Day 2014

These scenes from the back deck and pool made me think – CAN’T WAIT FOR SPRING!

SnowStorm 2014

 

SnowStorm SunSet 010

The beauty of the snow was only intensified by God’s gift of light!

Sunshine and Snow in Summit Farms

SnowStorm SunSet 016

SnowStorm SunSet 021

Where you affected by snowstorm, and if so, how did you spend the day?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in the New Year!

dedivahdeals-signature21


Veteran’s Day 2013

Hello Friends and Happy Veteran’s Day

I trust you all had a wonderful weekend and if you are off today honoring a Vet I do hope that you are enjoying the day, unfortunately for me I have to work.

Happy Veteran's Day in our neighborhood.

Happy Veteran’s Day in our neighborhood.

The month is already flying by, can you believe that we have less than 18 days until it’s Thanksgiving 2013?  

This is what I wore on the first casual Friday of the month which was by far the best beginning to November that I can remember. After an early morning mini downpour, the temps rose to 78 degrees with bright sunshine, it was almost summer like.

First Friday 003

First Friday 006 - Copy

Do you remember this pink suede jacket that I thrifted last year from GW Boutique? The sleeveless tank was thrifted earlier in the year also at Goodwill.

First Friday 001 - Copy

I found these “pink bottom” loafers at Rugged Wearhouse – aren’t they cute?

Goodwill Meeting 088

Have you started planning your Turkey Day meal or will you be eating at a relative’s home instead?

We haven’t made any plans and I am not looking forward to asking hubby because it will be the first one without his mother….maybe we’ll just stay home and have a quiet dinner.

Goodwill Meeting 084

 

Thank You Vets for all you have done for this country – Stay Blessed!

happy verterans day

 

dedivahdeals-signature2

 


On The Road Again

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!

I’m on the road again, this time heading to our Nation’s Capital for a BLMGirls DMV Blogger Meet Up.

I am super excited and can’t wait to get there!

If you too are traveling, be safe and we’ll chat next week!

on the road to dc

BLMDMV

dedivahdeals-signature


Whirlwind Weekend Wedding

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!

Hubby and I left early Saturday morning so we could attend the Wedding of my 2nd cousin Kyton Carolina, who was getting married to Shivon Anderson in Mt. Vernon, NY.  We wanted to be on the road before 9:30 am so that we could cross the GW Bridge before noon…unfortunately it didn’t happen.

Delaware Memorial Bridge

It was smooth sailing going across the Delaware Memorial Bridge

New Jersey

Driving the New Jersey Turnpike wasn’t too bad either…until Exit 11 and that’s when the backup occurred due to road construction!

New York City

Finally the skyline of NYC

George Washington Bridge

Crossed the GW way off schedule

We finally made it to New Rochelle at 1:00 pm. but with less than an hour to relax and converse with our friends before dressing.  Sherri and I sat outside and had a Barcardi Mojito which definitely helped me unwind, hubby stay inside and talked with Curtis.

Friends

August 2013 135

Now I am ready for a Wedding

August 2013 132

I cleaned up nicely – right?!

August 2013 131

We made it to the Church a little late but thankfully we didn’t miss any of the ceremony.

August 2013 145

The Groom anxiously awaiting his Bride

August 2013 149

The Bride taking that nervous walk down the aisle

August 2013 159 August 2013 160

“With This Ring I Thee Wed”

Unity Candle

Extinguishing the Unity Candle

The First Kiss

“You May Salute Your Bride!”

Jumping the Broom

Time to Jump The Broom

jumping the broom

August 2013 180

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Kyton Carolina!

August 2013 191

My cousins

August 2013 183

Hubby with my aunt and grandmother of the Groom

August 2013 195

My 2nd and 3rd cousins

August 2013 194

August 2013 201

Unfortunately my family fun ended abruptly when our son called to tell us he was rear-ended in the school parking lot after football practice.  Hubby and I never made it to the reception at Glen Island Park instead we turned around and headed back to Delaware.

Delaware Memorial Bridge

Crossing back over the Delaware Memorial Bridge at sunset

What a WWW – Whirlwind Weekend Wedding!

BTW – Kyton was a Jr. Usher in our Wedding 23 years ago – talk about feeling old!

Wedding 4 (1)

dedivahdeals-signature


WIWW in Marlton

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!

In my current job I no longer have much of an opportunity to travel and my daily commute from Middletown, DE to West Chester, PA can be quite boring.  Yesterday I had the chance to make a site visit to Marlton, NJ, or as I like to call it, “Exit 4 on the Jersey Turnpike”.  Not to say that driving straight away on the turnpike wasn’t boring because it was, what made it all worthwhile was the location itself.

The building is surrounded with a man made pond that has ducks, a fountain and beautiful flora.  The Atrium is also serene and peaceful with tall palm trees, plants and flowers.  I think coming into this building on a daily would put anyone in the right frame of mind no matter what the traffic was like in getting there.  Here are just a few pictures of the outside, I will post the interior shots tomorrow.

OOTD 7 23 13 007

OOTD 7 23 13 010

OOTD 7 23 13 017

Quasi Botanical Gardens

OOTD 7 23 13 019

OOTD 7 23 13 021 Blouse – Walmart // Capris – GW Boutique // Sandals -Rainbow Shop

OOTD 7 23 13 020

OOTD 7 23 13 018

There are tables and chairs if you want to sit outside to have lunch or just enjoy the view

OOTD 7 23 13 008

OOTD 7 23 13 015

OOTD 7 23 13 016

OOTD 7 23 13 014

OOTD 7 23 13 023

Have a fantastical day – Smooches!

Linking up with Transatlantic Blonde – come on over and join the fun!

dedivahdeals-signature


OOTD – Two Hour Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Friday Eve!

My normal daily commute into work is 90-minutes, but throw in a gapper delay or a car accident and it can easily turn into 2 hours which was the case this morning.  My ultimate fantasy is to have one of those space cars that George Jetson drove…remember that 1960’s cartoon, The Jetsons?

Life is so unpredictable and I was granted traveling mercies for which I am blessed and truly thankful!

ootd 5 2 13 002

ootd 5 2 13 003 The weather has warmed up nicely and today is a beautiful Spring day.

ootd 5 2 13 008

Dress via JCPenney – On clearance for $6.40!

ootd 5 2 13 009 Blush Peep Toe Fioni’s – Payless

ootd 5 2 13 006

Today is Thankful Thursday

ootd 5 2 13 007

ootd 5 2 13 001 Linking up with Diva’s with a Purpose & Thrifters Anonymous – come on over meet some new bloggers.

Have a fantastical day – Smooches!

dedivahdeals signature

jetson car


Goodwill Locator App

Heading out of town on vacation and feel the need to thrift but don’t know where to go?

There’s an app for that!

Image

Find the nearest Goodwill location on-the-go with their new mobile app for Android and iOS devices!

Enable your phone’s geolocation services to see a list of Goodwill locations near you, or search by entering your address information. You’ll also see hours for each location and the various types of services they offer.

Download the free app today and be on your way! 

Happy thrifting and remember to only use hands-free devices while driving!

Download the app on Google Play         Download on the App Store

OOTD – Work Week Skirt Week – Last Day

Happy Thursday my friends, I hope you are having a stress-free productive day.  This is the last day of skirt week because tomorrow I will be traveling and won’t be in the office.  I still have a lot more to wear but I did find several that will be sold at next month’s Flea Market.  This weekend I may tackle the shoes but if not, it will definitely be done before the end of the month.

This skirt still had the price tag on it, clearance for $7.98, from Burlington Coat Factory and I almost didn’t wear it.  It’s ruffled on the sides and I thought it might accentuate my thighs but the color matched the shoes (purchased here) so I cut the tag and wore it.  The multi color top is a closet staple as is the jewelry (because I can’t remember where purchased).

I picked up this cloth fan at Dollar Tree to keep in my purse for those “personal summer” moments!

Have a blessed day ~Smooches!