Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix Arizona

ButterfliesMonarch Butterflies, trying to catch them in flight was a challenge. They're so beautiful. When I was a child they were abundant, now they are protected and we can see them in various Butterfly Gardens around the states. These are in The Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix.
It was extremely hot the day we were there, thus the sunglasses and hat pulled way down on my eyes. I did have on lots of sun screen and we walked slowly throughout the 50 acres enjoying over 130 rare desert plants. You often don't see me, The Traveling Suitcase; because I'm the one behind the camera; but this is me showing you the sign indicating we're in The Sonora Desert.
tree limb sculptureThese are HUGE, one was large enough hubby could stand in the middle of it. I wanted you though to see the whole exhibit by Patrick Dougherty, titled Childhood Dreams. These are constructed with tree saplings. To date, Patrick has made over 200 massive sculptures globally.
cactusLook at the detail and color in this one cactus! It's awesome. There were so many, I took 100 photo's the day I was there and everyone was interesting and unique. The gardens has a 63 year history of conservation and research of rare desert plants throughout the world.
cactusThere are many educational programs open to adults and children, a garden shop, gift shop, and patio cafe. Something for everyone. Through out the year many special events take place, such as Music in the Gardens on Sunday from noon til 2pm.
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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Hocking Hills, Ohio

warming up by the fireplaceFrozen NativityHocking Hills is a spectacle all year long. In summer people picnic, and hike. In fall folks enjoy hiking, and the fall colors. In all seasons wildlife is abundant.

cabin in the woods








We've visited and enjoyed this area many times in all kinds of weather; but find it too be almost mystical during the snowy cold months of winter. There is much to explore at Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow, Cantewell Cliffs, and Rock House. You can take a leisurely walk or a more rugged hike. In any weather you're apt to see some fantastic sites. Who doesn't enjoy a water fall? The frozen nativity above is a water fall; but look how special it is during the winter.

We stayed in this fabulous little log cabin in the woods where we able to warm up at the fireside after a cold hike. Looking up at the full moon at night as snow blanketed the woods and our little cabin was very peaceful. This really is quite a get away, and only an hour from home for us. Reading through the journal inside the cabin shows people come from far and wide to enjoy Hocking Hills all 12 months of the year.

Hocking Hills is located in southern Ohio, near Logan and easily accessible for a day trip from anywhere in the state. The parks offer camping, cabins, and plenty of family oriented activities.
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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Traveling and Insurance


My family (Daddy, Hubby, and Darling Daughter) and I recently traveled to The Columbus Zoo to see the Christmas Lights. It's like walking through Disney. Twinkling lights everywhere. My camera didn't really capture how beautiful they were though which is a bit disappointing. I love my family and wouldn't think of making even a short journey like this without good car insurance. Something I hope you don't take for granite.

Why do you need car insurance? You need insurance in case of theft, vandalism, or accidents. Car accidents happen every 5 seconds here in the U.S. Nationally, 14% of Americans don't have auto insurance. Perhaps if they realized this easy way to get insurance quotes from multiple companies in the US, from the comfort of their computer chair more folks would be covered.

As we enter a new year, many folks are looking for ways to save money. So, from the comfort of your home save yourself time and money as you get car insurance quotes, it's free. Free fits my budget, how bout yours? Are you thinking about buying a new car? Are you driving an older car that you feel needs less insurance? Or maybe you've got a teen about to get his or her's license--you definitely need to get auto insurance quotes!

I highly recommend taking your family to see the lights at zoo. There are over 3 million LED lights, and it is magical.
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Saturday, January 2, 2010

Homestead Resort, Park City, Utah

sleigh ride
Think back to your days of high school English when you might have been asked to write a large list of descriptive adjectives. Words like gracious hospitality, luxury, pamper, serene, breathtaking beauty, superb service, and food for the soul would certainly appear on a list of adjectives describing Utah Resorts.

Homestead has something for everyone, in any season. This Utah Resort nestled in the picaresque Wasatch Mountains can boast 120 years of exquisite hospitality and Best of State Vacation Resorts 3 years running. This 4 season country resort has much to offer families of all sizes and budgets. Individual rooms, suites, cottages, executive suites, and condo's all with beautiful timeless quilts beckoning you to make yourself at home. Wheelchair accessible and pet friendly room are also available.

Activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing at nearby Sundance and DeerValley Resorts, fly fishing (lessons available), golf (lessons available) on a championship course, tennis, hiking, indoor fitness center or maybe you prefer to meander along the manicured gardens taking in the fresh mountain air or pamper yourself at The Aveda concept Spa. The most unique activity though is the 55 foot limestone crater filled with water ranging from 90-96 degrees. This crater is a perfect place to learn to scuba dive and is the only warm water scuba destination in the Continental United States.
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