DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘Maryland’

Freshman Orientation @ Bowie State University | Thankful Thursday

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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


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Breaking the chains

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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?

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Weekend Wind-Down Party #17 | Blogger’s Networking

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!

The countdown is on, there are only two more weekends until the Memorial Day holiday which is the unofficial start to summer!!!!  Next week my “baby” graduates from High School and if you read yesterday’s post or follow me on FB/Twitter/Google+/Instagram or Pinterest you would have seen a picture of him holding his acceptance letter to Bowie State University – if not, here it is

BTW, I won’t be able to participate in next weekend’s party so please link up from one of the other host’s blogs.

Malik and his acceptance letter to Bowie

 

His father and I are so over-the-top excited for him, yet I can feel the separation anxiety creeping into my soul and my heart is beginning to hurt. Parents of college students understand exactly how I’m feeling…please pray for me!

Let’s Get This Party Started with this week’s Featured Bloggers

 

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DIY Map Art

Satisfaction Through Christ

 

 

Flowers for Mother's Day

Keeping Christmas Spirit Live 365

 

Indoor Herb Garden tutorial

Sprouts House

 

 

 

Bacon Ranch Turkey Burgers

Belle of the Kitchen

 

 

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View from the Fridge

 

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Making it in the mountains

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Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you soon!



23rd Wedding Anniversary Dinner

Hello Friends and Happy Friday Eve!

On Sunday hubby and I celebrated our 23rd Wedding Anniversary and had dinner at our favorite restaurant, Chesapeake Inn and Marina.  This lovely restaurant is located in Chesapeake City, Maryland on the waterfront and overlooks the C&D Canal.  We have enjoyed having our Anniversary dinner here for years not only because of it’s location which is only 10 mins from the house, but because it has the best seafood and the atmosphere is enjoyable.

Before leaving for the evening our son took a few pictures of us on the back deck.

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When I think back on our courtship, relationship and marriage I can only say – God is Good!

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Settled in for our Anniversary Dinner

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Overlooking the C&D Canal

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Partying on the lower deck

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23rd wedding

Here’s to another 23!

Linking up today for Thursday Favorite Thing at Katherine’s Corner.

Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!

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Flea Markets & Swap Meets

Would you consider yourself a Flea Market Fanatic or Swap Meet Maniac if in every state you visited you had to seek out one?  

I wouldn’t but I love finding them in my state as well as others that I visit.  The first discovery was in 1976, the year we moved from New Rochelle, NY to Dover, DE and it was Spence’s Bazaar.  As a family we bought and then sold every Tuesday and Friday during the summer.  Buying fresh vegetables, clothing, jewelry, books, and games at a Flea Market was awesome and cheap!  Making money selling at a Flea Market was also awesome, however, my first experience wasn’t so positive.  I sold several cases of 1950’s and ’60’s Barbie Dolls with clothing and accessories to a women for $5.00 – I didn’t know, but she knew that she had ripped me off!

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Tayair and I were there in September (here)

In college during the 80’s I discovered Cowtown Flea Market across the Delaware Memorial Bridge in Pilesgrove, New Jersey.  It was the place to go for sneakers, knock off designer bags, tight Sergio Valente and Jordache jeans as well as items you needed for your dorm room before heading back to campus.  As a matter of fact hubby and I had our second date there, shopping then eating sausage sandwiches at the counter was where I fell in love with him, a man after my thrify heart!  I’ve also gone to some fantastic Swap Meets in California, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.

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cowtown3 The Infamous Cowboy Statue

Even while vacationing in Florida we always dedicate one day to visiting Flea Markets and Swap Meets.  Malik looks for watches and has a pretty nice collection, when he was younger it was model cars of which he has a large collection.  Hubby would seek out new ties for work, me shoes and purses, and Tayair T-shirts.  During President Obama’s run in 2008 we must have purchased a dozen different styles of campaign T-Shirts.

In the ’90’s, and during our early years of marriage we would rent space at New Castle Farmers Market.  Selling surplus household items as well as those tight jeans and barely-there club dresses with hubby practically giving those away – lol!  Now as a couple we go for fresh veggies, vitamins and herbal teas, boy how times have changed!

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Now it’s Dutch Country Farmers Market in Middletown, where for $15 you can rent 3 parking spaces on the 1st Saturday of the month beginning in April to September.  Last weekend I made almost $200 – “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”!

Dutch Country Farmers Market http://dutchcountryfarmersmarket.com/ Trash or Treasures Middletown, DE Water Tower Flea Market Designer Inspired Purse - sold for $5.00

Are  you a Flea Market Fanatic or Swap Meet Maniac?

 If so, where do you go and what was your best find?

Top Ten Flea Markets in America

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Flea Markets & Swap Meets

Would you consider yourself a Flea Market Fanatic or Swap Meet Maniac if in every state you visited you had to seek out one?  

I wouldn’t but I love finding them in my state as well as others that I visit.  The first discovery was in 1976, the year we moved from New Rochelle, NY to Dover, DE and it was Spence’s Bazaar.  As a family we bought and then sold every Tuesday and Friday during the summer.  Buying fresh vegetables, clothing, jewelry, books, and games at a Flea Market was awesome and cheap!  Making money selling at a Flea Market was also awesome, however, my first experience wasn’t so positive.  I sold several cases of 1950’s and ’60’s Barbie Dolls with clothing and accessories to a women for $5.00 – I didn’t know, but she knew that she had ripped me off!

spences1

spences2

spences3

Tayair and I were there in September (here)

In college during the 80’s I discovered Cowtown Flea Market across the Delaware Memorial Bridge in Pilesgrove, New Jersey.  It was the place to go for sneakers, knock off designer bags, tight Sergio Valente and Jordache jeans as well as items you needed for your dorm room before heading back to campus.  As a matter of fact hubby and I had our second date there, shopping then eating sausage sandwiches at the counter was where I fell in love with him, a man after my thrify heart!  I’ve also gone to some fantastic Swap Meets in California, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.

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cowtown2

cowtown3 The Infamous Cowboy Statue

Even while vacationing in Florida we always dedicate one day to visiting Flea Markets and Swap Meets.  Malik looks for watches and has a pretty nice collection, when he was younger it was model cars of which he has a large collection.  Hubby would seek out new ties for work, me shoes and purses, and Tayair T-shirts.  During President Obama’s run in 2008 we must have purchased a dozen different styles of campaign T-Shirts.

In the ’90’s, and during our early years of marriage we would rent space at New Castle Farmers Market.  Selling surplus household items as well as those tight jeans and barely-there club dresses with hubby practically giving those away – lol!  Now as a couple we go for fresh veggies, vitamins and herbal teas, boy how times have changed!

newcastle1

newcastle2

newcastle3

Now it’s Dutch Country Farmers Market in Middletown, where for $15 you can rent 3 parking spaces on the 1st Saturday of the month beginning in April to September.  Last weekend I made almost $200 – “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”!

Dutch Country Farmers Market http://dutchcountryfarmersmarket.com/ Trash or Treasures Middletown, DE Water Tower Flea Market Designer Inspired Purse - sold for $5.00

Are  you a Flea Market Fanatic or Swap Meet Maniac?

 If so, where do you go and what was your best find?

Top Ten Flea Markets in America

dedivahdeals signature


“Got $avings?” – friends don’t let friends drown in debt

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First State Saves Week 2013 as part of the “Got $avings” Program  kicks off on Monday, February 25th

“First State Saves Week reminds us to Save Early and Save Often!”

 You are invited to attend any of these FREE classes that are intended to help Delawareans build wealth not debt.

19 Ways to Find Money to Invest

Monday, Feb. 25th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Bear Library

* * *

Lighten Up Your Energy Bill

Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 6:00-8:00 pm @ Junior Achievement

522 S. Walnut Street, Wilmington

Free Parking, Snacks and Door Prizes

* * *

Understanding Standing Loans

Wednesday, Feb. 27th, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Dover Library

Light Lunch Provided

* * *

Retirement Has Changed, What’s Your Next Move?

Thursday, Feb. 28th, 10:30 – 12:00 noon @ Rehoboth Beach Library

* * *

Snowed Under by Clutter

Friday, March 1st, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Claymont Community Center

Light Lunch Provided

 

Classes are Free but registration is required ~ www.dfli.org or 877.307.6858


"Got $avings?" – friends don't let friends drown in debt

Image

First State Saves Week 2013 as part of the “Got $avings” Program  kicks off on Monday, February 25th

“First State Saves Week reminds us to Save Early and Save Often!”

 You are invited to attend any of these FREE classes that are intended to help Delawareans build wealth not debt.

19 Ways to Find Money to Invest

Monday, Feb. 25th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Bear Library

* * *

Lighten Up Your Energy Bill

Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 6:00-8:00 pm @ Junior Achievement

522 S. Walnut Street, Wilmington

Free Parking, Snacks and Door Prizes

* * *

Understanding Standing Loans

Wednesday, Feb. 27th, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Dover Library

Light Lunch Provided

* * *

Retirement Has Changed, What’s Your Next Move?

Thursday, Feb. 28th, 10:30 – 12:00 noon @ Rehoboth Beach Library

* * *

Snowed Under by Clutter

Friday, March 1st, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Claymont Community Center

Light Lunch Provided

 

Classes are Free but registration is required ~ www.dfli.org or 877.307.6858


Fruity Friday

FRI-YAY!!! I am so looking forward to the weekend because tomorrow is Middletown’s Annual Peach Festival. There are activities for children, a local artist exhibit, historical exhibits, a peach pie contest, crafts, music, food, games, and of course – peaches! The parade starts at 9:00 am but I don’t go just to see that or for “all things peaches”, but specifically for the fried fish sandwiches sold by Dale United Methodist Church!! Three large pieces of fried fish on soft white Wonder Bread soaked with hot sauce ….oh my…I’m drooling already. I know it’s not healthy but man oh man… it is just too good for words and I only indulge once a year.

In September, the month of my birth there is another annual event just as unhealthy, apple picking at Milburn Orchards in Elkton, MD. Apple picking isn’t unhealthy, but the warm, fresh-from-the-oven Apple Cider Donuts are, I won’t even begin to describe them! The boys and I along with my grandmother (God Rest Her Soul) would always start off the season by heading to Milburn Orchards to pick our own fresh apples from a variety of trees. The boys would smash the rotten ones on the ground (must be a boy thing) and jump up high to get the big juicy ones. Apple picking may start early because last Friday, I looked across the yard at my neighbor’s broken fence and saw a small tree laden with apples. I may not need to drive to Elkton, perhaps just a simple walk over to grab a few for my morning Smoothies will be enough. Broken Fences Make Good Neighbors – lol


OOTD – Happy Monday

Happy Monday, I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable weekend. Hubby and I went to dinner at the Chesapeake Inn in Maryland to celebrate our 22nd Wedding Anniversary. The meal was delicious and the atmosphere was pleasant so we had a  nice evening as an old married couple sans our sons.

Today’s outfit is autumn-like in it’s coloring yet summer-like in it’s fabric and comfortable enough for today’s 87 degree weather.  The Octavia Thai Silk open-toe-pumps were on clearance for $12.97, and on the RocketDog website, they are listed for $59.95!

Top – Marshalls// Skirt – Goodwill// Pumps  – The Shoe Dept// Necklace/Earring Set – Jewelrymax.net//Ring – Mizoutlet.com// Watch – Avon// Bracelet – Flea Market Vendor