Aloha to the Washington Wizards with the UT Alumni/DC Chapter

My children and I attended the Washington Wizards versus the Chicago Bulls on December 22 courtesy of the University of Tampa (UT) Alumni chapter in Washington, DC. 

The Wizards invited a hand bell choir to perform the National Anthem.

This was my first basketball game ... it was action packed.

During one of the time outs, the Wizards recognized military personnel.  The entire stadium stood and clapped.

During another time out, the Wizards asked the audience to vote for the "freshest fan of the game".

I voted for the fan in the blue starred jacket ... and he won!

The half time show included a dance troupe ...

... and the cheerleaders.  It was an energizing performance.

Have you attended a basketball game - local league, high school, college, or professional?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, January 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 12, at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Annapolis Book Store

Last week I parked in front of the Annapolis Book Store to tour the Hammond Harwood House (link and link).   The book store was a treasure, too!  From its website (link),

As a small-town independent bookstore, we know and value our community. Though you will find books on almost any topic, we specialize in maritime titles, the classics, children's books, and a reading selection for St. John's College students. At The Annapolis Bookstore we celebrate the art of writing, the joy of reading, and the community of good people in conversation.

Our passion for stories extends beyond the work of the authors that grace our shelves to the many tales that walk in our door, tales of where you've been and who you are. We've seen marriage proposals, birthday surprises, and first steps. The heart of The Annapolis Bookstore is people and the books that open the world to all of us. We are your community bookstore but we can't do it without you.

Oh, the secrets he could tell!

We all have keepers on our shelves!

Looks like Santa is a reader, too!

I enjoyed the children's section.

Love the holiday stockings ... and the community bulletin board.

The book store resides in a historic row house in Annapolis. The basement yielded a few more treasures ...

... including books about magic!

Do you have a favorite book store?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, January 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 12.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Hammond Harwood House - the Jewel of Annapolis (part 2)

Continuing our tour of the Hammond Harwood House, the Jewel of Annapolis (link),

The museum proudly showcases the finest collection of colonial furniture in Maryland. With authentic works from Philadelphia, New York, Massachusetts, England, Ireland, and China, the collection represents a broad spectrum of 18th century artistic endeavors.

The ballroom entertains all ages, including a doll's tea party ...

... and classical music!

Garden clubs decorate the rooms for the holiday season ...

... one club included symbols of Maryland in the master bedroom ... 

... including the calico cat, Maryland's official feline.  The calico cat is the same color as the Maryland flag - black and gold.

The upstairs guest room offers sweet treats for overnight visitors ...

... including Santa!  What is your favorite sweet treat?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's posts wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, January 3, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City