Breathtaking views
Nature outdid itself in Sedona
So Sedona has red rocks. You may ask, “What’s the big deal?” The big deal is an impressive natural wonder that extends across a region, bringing an awe-inspiring display that makes visitors feel “at one with nature.” Plus, you’ll find great hiking, terrific restaurants and amazing shopping!
Imagine trees that lived millions of years ago were all on view to examine! One of the images at the top of this blog is just such a tree in the Petrified Forest National Park. (It is orangy and multi-colored. Reboot/refresh this site if you’re not seeing the petrified tree at the top of this blog.) (more…)
Despite the critics and naysayers, Phoenix, Arizona finally joined the modern world by developing and running a light rail, which debuted in late December, 2008. Although I’m lucky that I don’t need to commute daily with the light rail, trying the rail sounded like fun! (more…)
Scotland – - Fall – - 2009
It’s been a week since my first installment of planning a trip to Scotland on my own. Have I come to my senses and handed it over to a travel agent yet? Have I scrapped the whole idea and decided to sit on my sofa the entire time talking to people at my office on the company provided cell phone?
Absolutely not!
Actually, I’ve been on line looking for a kilt to wear to one of the Whiskey Week dinners! (more…)
While living in Germany, I had occasion to rent a furnished corporate apartment. Notice, I said furnished. To me, that meant it was fully equipped. When all I found were two small towels in the closet, I assumed they were for the kitchen. It turned out that they were the towels for our bathing! (more…)
Even though I live in the desert in Southern Arizona, not many of us actually get to be “one with nature.” A guide, who often leads groups on off-road excursions, offered to take me on a four-wheel drive adventure so I could see more of the desert.
Before heading out in the early morning, we filled his Jeep with gas – “there are no gas stations in the desert, no sense taking chances” – and had brought along a CB radio, GPS tracking, cell phone and other technology to back us up. A sign on one of the early tracks offered many cautions, but my guide was experienced, so I trusted his many preparations.
As promised, I’m filling in the return trip for my recent visit to North Carolina. The four days we spent in North Carolina were rainy, gloomy, chilly and drizzly.
It reminded me of the Judith Viorst book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (great book, not just for children). Only the day was a long weekend. (more…)
On a misty morning, I waited eagerly for Catalina Island to become visible in the distance. The Catalina Express shuttle from San Pedro was fairly full, with tourists, the high school lacrosse team and other locals keeping busy during the one-and-one-quarter hour trip.
As the picturesque harbor came to view, I saw houses terraced into the hillsides and boats anchored in a quiet mooring. The vista was quaint and charming. An unusual round building, the Casino, also dominated the coast.
A 1950s song by the Four Preps called Catalina “the island of romance.” I wanted to see for myself. (If you’re seeing an unusual looking building with boats in the harbor at the top of this blog, you’re seeing something of Catalina.)
What I have in mind – Scotland in Fall 2009
Am I out of my mind?
Yes, it’s 2009…the stock market is in roller coaster mode…businesses are shutting down faster than a speeding bullet…every news show says the world is in a financial collapse… airlines are on the verge of the “B” word…the dollar is worth diddly…
So, why am I planning a trip to Scotland in the fall? Haven’t I heard the news…it’s the 1930s all over again!!!! I should be scared, I should be in panic mode, I should be petrified to travel out of my driveway!
I have my reasons:
Until the end of May, 2009, an exceptional exhibit combining nature and the masterful glass works of Dale Chihuly is on display at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. This eye-popping series of displays encompasses the entire garden, with installations of colorful glassworks mimicking the real flora of the desert nearby.
The glass radiates light, warmth and sunlight (at night some of the works are lit) and allows the viewer a spectacular visual treat. Just inside the entrance, “The Sun” greets visitors with orange, yellow and red tendrils exploding from a core.
Another display consists of floating geometric-like figures that give an otherworldly feel as the glass shifts with the water’s flow.
