Aloha to Washington DC and USF Alumni

On Saturday, my family traveled by Metro to Washington, DC. We arrived at the Smithsonian "Castle" - the headquarters for all the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.

We were invited by the University of South Florida (USF) Alumni Association to a "meet and greet" for incoming freshman.

Can you guess which one is mine?

After the picnic, we walked over to the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence.  Does this fascade look familiar from National Treasure?

Thereafter, we hopped over to the Smithsonian's Natural History Musuem.  Crowds swelled around the Hope Diamond in the Gem Gallery ... so I took a picture of the next best thing - an oversized chuck of alabaster.

I viewed one more treasure at the American History Museum ... the Fort McHenry flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem.  We could not take pictures in the gallery with the flag ... so I offer a historic image from public domain (link).

Have you visited Washington DC?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's posts wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 8, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 9.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out pictures from the USF campus at this link.

Aloha to the New Adult College Game Night - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

We are two months away from the RT Booklovers Convention in Dallas (link), giving me enough time to find the perfect T-shirt for the New Adult College Game Night:

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 8:15pm to 10:00pm

College settings are hotter than ever right now and whether you’re a recent or very distant alumni, we can all experience campus life together! Come sporting your college team T-shirt and some comfy pajama pants. Share a table with your favorite NA author, play college-themed games, eat your way to the "freshman 15" with our junk-food feast and win prizes — hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards to your favorite places! Come early! The first 200 attendees receive a Between the Covers gift bag, so get those pom poms ready. It's Game Night!

Host(s):
Debra Anastasia, Nazarea Andrews. Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), J.L. Berg, Jennifer Blackwood, Elizabeth Briggs, Chelsea Cameron, Cora Carmack, Nichole Chase, Chanel Cleeton, Zoraida Cordova, Amy Jo Cousins, Jay Crownover, Jamie Drowley, Megan Erickson, Chelsea Fine,
Abbi Glines, Cristin Harber, Emma Hart, Colleen Hoover, Sophie Jordan, Tiffany King, Ciara Knight, Christina Lee, K.A. Linde, Stina Lindenblatt, Ophelia London, Bethany Lopez, Cindi Madsen, Jamie McGuire, Jen McLaughlin (aka Diane Alberts), Sarai Noyola, Renita Pizzitola. Jamie Rae. Caisey Quinn, Shari Slade, KA Tucker. Lia Riley, Skye Warren, and Rebecca Yarros.

NA authors Chanel Cleeton and Ophelia London are supporting the SOS America Military Tribute (link).

I attended the University of Tampa (above), housed in the former Henry Plant Hotel with its famed minarets in the Moorish revival architecture (link).  I could wear my UT t-shirt.

My AFROTC classes (and marching drills) were held at the University of South Florida (below), where my son will enroll in the fall (link).   Perhaps I should wear his USF t-Shirt.

But my heart is in Hawaii.  Maybe I'll wear my UH T-shirt. 

If you attended the party, what college t-shirt would you where?  One randomly selected commenter form this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, May 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 15.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out shopping for Western Wear (link) and the YA Spooky Slumber Party (link).

Aloha to Florida - University of South Florida

We visited the University of South Florida, located in North Tampa.   The USF mascot is the bull.

I laughed at this mini beach on campus ... when the real thing is about an hour away in Clearwater Beach.  

My son is interested in engineering, so we spend time on the science side of the sprawling campus.

The guide asked us what the "sculpture" represented - I replied Mickey Mouse.   But my son knew each cluster was water molecules - two parts hydrogen, one part oxygen for H2O.

Phi Mu Alpha is a fraternity for music students ... I just like the cat!

We also visited the AFROTC Detachment 158, where I received my commission many moons ago (after graduating from the University of Tampa).   I asked about The Leaky Faucet helmet - it is awarded to the the most improved cadet.

Do you have a favorite school mascot?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Andrew with the USF Bull!