Thanks for the Memories

This morning while watching the news at the gym, I heard that there was a traffic issue on a highway in Baltimore because of a fire. It sounded like they said at the Mt. Washington Tavern, but then I thought to myself, maybe I misunderstood and there was just a fire in the neighborhood with the same name. A few minutes later, they started the broadcast with the lead story, and in fact, there was a fire at the Mt. Washington Tavern. I couldn't believe it. I think about all of the wonderful memories that Tyler and I have had there, and can't believe that it is gone.

The old wooding building was beautiful and nostalgic. It looked like an old tavern, and you could easily get to know the staff and the other patrons there because if you go once, you have to go back.

Tyler and I actually had our first date there, spent many nights hanging out at the Tavern as it was right down the street from Tyler's apartment when we were dating, had our rehearsal dinner there before our wedding, took my mom there last year for Mother's Day and just had a date night there a few weeks ago.

Can't believe that this wonderful place has gone from this...

to this in just a few short hours.

And these pictures are from exactly three years and one day ago. Celebrating with our closest family and friends, just two days before we were going to get married.

We want to thank the Mt. Washington Tavern for so many great memories that we will cherish forever. We hope that they will be able to rebuild, and we can make some more memories here with our family and friends in the future.

A Weekend to Celebrate

Wow... this time three years ago, we were getting ready to rehearse for the big day. And three years later we are doing the exact opposite, trying to find a way to completely relax! These last three years have been nothing short of amazing, so definitely a reason to celebrate. We spent a quite evening Friday night enjoying a dinner of filet mignon and some delicious wine we bought on our trip to California this past summer. And then we exchanged gifts. Three year anniversary is leather, and let me tell you, that is a difficult task. So we stretched it a bit and I got Tyler a football helmet signed by the 2011 Washington Huskies. Football helmets used to be made out of leather! And Tyler got me a new set of luggage, which I have been asking for for awhile. Also, used to be made out of leather. 


On Saturday we headed to Southern Maryland to a beach resort to relax and enjoy some time together away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We got a suite with a fire place and a jacuzzi tub, enjoyed a nice dinner and brunch together, and finally, Tyler enjoyed a nice massage before we headed back to Baltimore and the two pups. Here is a snap shot of our weekend.

A wonderful dinner of filet mignon, scalloped potatoes and broccoli. There was also wine from Napa Valley and our guest at the table, the Husky Helmet. Our anniversary gives us another reason to use our china too!

The view from our suite out on to the Chesapeake Bay. It was a little too cold to sit out on our porch because amazingly it snowed this past weekend in Maryland, but it was still a beautiful place to watch the sunrise.

Another view from the balcony at sunrise.

And thank goodness we had this in the room because it was super cold this past weekend. Oh and now I want one of these... it was amazing!

And our own fireplace too! Well used to keep warm on a cold wintery type night!

Brunch on the water with some mimosas to celebrate with!

A walk on the docks after brunch and we found this guy eating a crab... we can't blame him, sure it was delicious!

And after a massage for Tyler, it was time to head back north to Baltimore.

Finally seeing signs for Baltimore!!

And finally back in the Charm City! While it is nice to get away, it is always even nicer to get home, the saying is definitely true... there is no place like home!

Three amazing years have come and gone... and now we can't wait to see what our future holds. We have had some amazing adventures together already, but we are sure that the best is yet to come! Thank you to all of our family and friends for being there with us through it all! We can't express how much we truly love you all!

Swim with the doggies

So I decided to join a gym, and this post isn't about that, but the awesome fundraiser that they have each year. To raise money for the local animal shelter, the gym opens up their outdoor pool to the dogs of the neighborhood. And thankfully this happens after the pool is closed to the humans, there was a layer of dog hair and slobber on top of the water as we left that afternoon.

We got to the pool and tried to get the dogs to chase a tennis ball into the water, but they weren't having it, so Tyler jumped in hoping they would follow him. Still not all about that, so I decided to hand them off to Ty and see what happened.

Oliver trying to figure out how to get out!

He just went right to the wall but couldn't figure out the steps

The drowned rat

And enough tormenting of Oliver, it was Jack's turn

Now Jack has been swimming before, but he was so freaked out he starting swimming sideways.

So we got him to the steps and the wall where he hung on

I wish sometimes our dogs could talk... I feel like they would have told us what they really think of us after this!

The drowned rat look again

Not having a very good hair day

Jack doesn't look so sad when he gets out of the water

And if once wasn't enough, we decided to throw them back in for one last swim!

 Oliver's last swim... I think he had enough, but Tyler was having a great time

A big thanks to the Merritt Athletic Club for hosting this wonderful event. We had a wonderful time (don't know if I can  say that for the dogs) and the money certainly helped a wonderful animal shelter in the city.

A Martin Family Trip to Costco

 Whenever entering one of those big box stores, did you ever notice that you have to either walk by or through the electronics section? Well, when you have a husband who LOVES electronics, this walk can be a very long and painful one. Tyler and I have been together now for about seven years, and everytime we go to one of these stores, he is very good, and looks but has never bought. In a recent trip however, after that long wait, I told Tyler to pick out what he wanted and we would buy it and voila the results are below.

I have to admit that after watching TV on a 25" tube television, the 42" flat screen is pretty awesome. I know nothing else beyond that on televisions, I just know my favorite shows look and sound amazing. I know however that Tyler is looking forward to football season even more now because of this purchase.

And while Tyler got a TV, I had to buy myself something as well, and this beauty now hangs in my backyard:

Compliments to the lady at Costco that pointed out that there was quite a difference in what husband and wife "picked up" while shopping... wasn't sure if Ty noticed!

Welcome Spring!

 Spring is finally here! After a very long and very cold winter, it was nice to have some temps in the 60s this past weekend in Baltimore. It meant that we got to spend some wonderful time outside, and we cleaned up the "garden" out front as well. Living in the city, you take what you can get.

So after months of fighting with the city, we finally got them to come out and plant a tree in the empty tree box in front of our house. To clean it up a little bit, we planted some hosta and put down some soil and mulch. Now if only the little doggies in the neighborhood can stay out. And big big thanks to Mama Rogers for her help. I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to gardening.

We also got some wonderful flower pots (again courtesy of Mama Rogers) and planted some flowers in front of the house. Pansies on the left, and I have no idea what I planted on the right. Just know that it said that it was very hardy and could take the heat and direct sunshine which we definitely get. Definitely something nice to come home to everyday!

12th losing season

As summer finally ends (and thank goodness because it was the hottest summer on record here in Baltimore), we also said goodbye to another baseball season, and unfortunately the 12th losing season in a row for the Orioles (we got it next year!). Even though we had to watch another bad season by the Orioles, we went to one of our last games in style when we got tickets to sit in the Governor's box right behind home plate. Here are some of the highlights of our day.

Outside of the skybox

The tickets that got us to club level



In the sky box, with beautiful Camden Yards behind us.

Our view of the game

Another shot

Tyler enjoying some of the grub that they fed us.

And it must have been fate for us to sit there because right outside the door was the jersey of the greatest third baseman to ever play the game!

Definitely ready for some football

With the Orioles having another not so stellar season, we have both been looking forward to football. And maybe I can't blame it all on the Orioles, it could be the record breaking summer we had and we want the cooler weather, or even the fact we are ready for some tailgates that include friendly games of cornhole and finally getting the chance to use our firepit. Well whatever it is, we are ready to watch the Washington Huskies on Saturdays and Baltimore Ravens on Sundays!

With all that being said, the first Ravens home game is not until the end of September. So while we were ready for them, they weren't coming down to Baltimore for a little while. Also, we were unable to get to training camp because it is an hour outside of the city, and typically Monday-Friday while we are at work. However... the Ravens brought one training camp session down to M&T Bank stadium on a Saturday, so we walked down and got to take in a day of football.

The Ravens opened the stadium to fans, so we could sit wherever we wanted. We were able to make it about 8 rows back to watch Baltimore QB Joe Flacco warm up on the sidelines. (And for those of you in Seattle, that is in fact Jim Zorn to the left of Flacco in the white shirt and black shorts. Brought on as Baltimore QB coach)

My personal favorite Raven, Todd Heap. A Pac-10 product out of Arizona State. Can't wait to hear the Heap chants this fall!

Offensive line drills. Tyler used this practice as a chance to get soem drills for his Lansdowne High team.

QB huddle. Troy Smith out of Ohio State and a Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Flacco who is probably the first franchise quaterback in team history, and Mark Bulger.

After individual drills, the team also ran some inter-squad drills.

Team huddle at the end of the three hour practice.

Number 74, Michael Oher. Many of you may remember his story that was brought out in the movie The Blindside

Joe Flacco again, still focused after practice ends. Ready to win a Super Bowl in Baltimore!

Self-taken photo. We are getting pretty good at these!

And then a nice couple took a picture for us. It was a great day, and now we are ready for the regular season!