Thursday, December 31, 2009

Last post for 2009, Thanks for the Award

What a nice way to end the year, with an award. Thanks to Storybeader
I enjoy looking at the beautiful handcrafted one of a kind jewelry on her site. Do take a look and let her know I sent ya.

With the award comes a few responsibilities....

Here are the rules for the award acceptance:
(1) Thank the person giving the awards
(2) Copy awards to your blog
(3) Place a link to their blog
(4) Name 7 things people don’t know about you
(5) Nominate 7 bloggers
(6) Place a link to those bloggers
(7) Leave a comment on their blogs letting them know of their awards

Seven things you probably didn't know about me:
1...I used to dream of being a good swimmer when I was young, which is pretty funny cause I can't even float. I've apparently got lead in my bones and not at all buoyant in the water.
2...I like wine (dry white and red). You might know that if you've visited my other blogs. Sandy's Space
3...I knit and crochet, mostly for charity. You might know that too if you've been to my other blog, Bridge and Beyond
4...I'm old as dirt. I do feel that way sometimes. I don't mind saying I'm 59 years old, never understood the secret thing women have about their age.
5...I hate to shop, didn't get that female gene, unless you're talking about yarn shopping
6...I don't watch much TV, and rarely without yarn in hand
7...I love visiting, and photographing gravestones. Not because I'm a morbid; but because I love history and want to document old stones before they're gone.

Now to nominate blogs...
1 Shelly at Wine at Five
2 Bev at Romancing Italy
3...Ann at Tuvabox
4...Doug at Historic Travels
5...A craft blog I just found out walking this am
6...Anne at Small Town Mommy
7...Swapna at Crafts and cooking who is given special notice as my very first non-family commentor on my very first blog post here on Traveling Suitcase.


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Traveling, Dear-DEER? Columbus Ohio

Traveling Dear DEER's? Early Sunday morning before I even had a sip of coffee hubby and I looked out the window and walking up the street single file were these 5 Deers! **click on photo for close up**
DeerDeerDeer
DeerDeerDeer
Now, it's note worthy to know we do not live in the woods, or near the woods. We live on a very residential street; as I think you can see by the pictures. We live about 1.5 miles from The Scioto River, but between there and here we're talking a main road--4 lanes connecting 2 freeways, lots of cars, lots of people! Thankfully these traveling Deer's were traveling early enough on a Sunday morning they weren't in the middle of rush hour; but still we thought it pretty crazy. Food must be scarce along the river for them to go in search in such a people populated area. And or, they've gotten far too used to people feeding them that they now are going door to door. I fear the latter maybe true which is a dangerous sign for them.

The house and car you see them clustered by is where they stayed for about 3 minutes after walking up the street, 3 doors up from us on the opposite side of the street. As soon as we saw the traveling Deer, I nabbed my camera and hubby in his socks without shoes went quickly and quietly outside to get the pictures on zoom (they were far enough away, pics are a bit blurred).

I hope they were able to travel safely back to The River without incident.

Watching this type of travel fits nicely into the budget, requires no packing, and is suitable and highly recommended for people of all ages.
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Friday, December 18, 2009

Talisker Mountain, Park City, Utah

Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall Park City Real Estate has it all. Majestic mountain terraine to be enjoyed in any season with quality real estate to fit your every need. Talisker Real Estate Club has 2 decades of luxury development experience throughout Canada, The UK, Bahamas and The US.

Premier Residential development where you can choose a private secluded home, a resort style condo or a townhouse to fit your needs. Whether a young family with small children, a retired couple, or young jet setter this life style is top of the line. Peaceful, private, luxury, and all inclusive. What's more important than you and your family living a life of togetherness in a quality community?

The lists of activities is endless. Swimming, tubing, hiking, water skiing, fishing, birding, horseback riding, golfing or just enjoying the abundance of wild flowers in the warmer months. Colder weather activities include skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding. Shopping and fine dining any time of the year. What to pamper yourself, get a pedicure, manicure, and massage at the spa.

Clubhouses for both the adults and the kiddos. Yes, you read the write clubhouses for the kiddos where they can participate in The Wildstar Rangers program.
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Friday, December 11, 2009

When, Why, and Where of Travel--Follow Me

First let me say, I wish I could take credit for this fabulous picture; but I can't it's one of the sample pictures that came loaded on my computer. No doubt you've got one like it on yours. It seemed appropriate though, ever wonder how many places a butterfly has visited? How many things it's seen?

The when, why, and where of travel may not be something a butterfly thinks about you; but you should. Thinking and planning will make all who travel with you enjoy themselves more.

The when of travel maybe dictated to you based on your work load, or when the kids are out of school, but even within those restrictions you need to think about when. Is this window of travel time a high or low season? Meaning are you paying big bucks or getting a deal for travel during an off time. Naturally you can save money if you travel during non peak times, you can save further if you look at what days even to go. Are you staying at a hotel that gives deals on week days or the week ends? A hotel we've frequented in St. Louis (when our daughter was in school there), had great wk-end deals. Why? Isn't that when people travel? It was near a large computer center that had lots going on through the work week with business travelers, and so offered great deals on the wk-end to get people to stay there. If you fly, often the same thing is possible. In other words, check things out before you book.

Why? Why travel? Do you travel to relax, do you travel to see interesting things, do you travel because you like history, do you travel for recreation? Do you travel for family time, or adult time. These are very important questions to ask yourself before you book a vacation/adventure. If you have a hectic life and work schedule; you might not enjoy a hectic busy adventure style vacation like getting up early every morning to be the first in the lift line to ski. You might prefer a quiet relaxing vacation curled up with a book instead. If you're days are filled with children because you're a school teacher, you probably don't want a child filled resort like Disney on your vacation. If you sit at a computer day after day at work, you probably would really enjoy a hiking, skiing, more active vacation. Hubby and I in our early years were very different in this regard. He wanted the active vacation because he wasn't active at work. I was super active at work and wanted down time for vacation. He couldn't understand why I didn't want to get up at 6 am on vacation to hit the slopes and ski to the ski patrol pulled us off the mountain. I was on vacation, I didn't want a schedule. Through the years, we've found compromise; but it's important to discuss and understand what going on vacation means to each person you're traveling with. Otherwise things probably won't run smoothly.

Once you figure out the when and the why; then think about the where. Most people do this backward. As a result they come back from vacation tired, sad because they didn't get to do what they thought they were going to do, and in general...things just didn't measure up.

When? Our next vacation will be in early February. It's a slow time for hubby at work, an ugly time here at home, and it's low season which fits our budget.
Why? I want relaxation, he wants more active.
Where? We're heading to South Carolina where it will be warm enough for him to play golf. I can relax, go for walks, knit or crochet, and sleep in. Perfect! We'll get in some site seeing, because with it being low season things won't be crowded. We both love to do that, and both enjoy history. We'll both get to do what we enjoy; and because of good planning the vacation will be a success. We will spend time on the beach, but probably won't have to worry about getting too much sun.
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Monday, December 7, 2009

Let it Snow, then pack your bags and Go to Argentina

snow sceneMystical looking isn't it! Looking down the mountain towards a sleepy village. A ski village about to come to life in The Andes Mountains in western Argentina near the border. Argentina Ski Resorts pepper the landscape between Chile and Argentina. You can count 9 on this map. A 2-3 hour flight from Buenos Aires and you're there, 1030 meters above sea level with fresh snow to explore.ski map of ArgentinaWhen you Ski in Argentina you have much to pick from. Snowboarding, cross country, or downhill skiing all are available, as well as rental of the appropriate ski equipment for your outdoor adventure. Hotel accommodations have a wide range of pricing so you can select what fits your budget. Better yet, let the experts tailor make a ski package for you. You tell them when you'd like to travel, what you'd like to spend, what type of accommodations you require and let them deal with all the details. Packages can include air fare, and car rental.

Cerro Cathedral Ski Resort offers some of the most advance skiing in all of Argentina and in South America; but don't be shy if you're not an advance skier. Beginning and Intermediate skiers have just as much terrain suitable for them. Lesson are also available for those who'd like to improve their skills.
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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Travel Shopping


If you knew men, you would know I am NOT a shopper. I did not get there fairly typical female gene. I don't go shopping with my girl friends; it's just really not me. There are necessities of life that one must shop for however. So, sitting in the comfort of my computer chair -- clicking my mouse to shop truly calls out to me. ShopWiki is my kind of shopping. I don't have to travel shop to shop, I don't have to fight for parking, and lug heavy parcels once I purchase something. Instead, I let my computer and mouse do the traveling.

ShopWiki let's me shop anytime day or night right from my computer chair. I save time, money, and energy (both mine and the car's) when I shop for any and everything with ShopWiki.

Looking for something with a specific dollar amount, make your search work for you. You can search/shop by occasions such as Mother's Day, Birthday, Valentine's Day; you can shop/search by the person you're buying for such as Dad, Brother, Husband; you can search/shop by seasons, as well as by categories. ShopWiki has on line shops available for several English speaking locations beyond The United States, as well shops in France and Germany.
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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Balsams Hotel, New Hamphire

Snow scene Balsam Hotel
The Balsams Hotel, is more than just a New Hampshire Hotel. Far far more. In winter months picture yourself in the middle of a Currier and Ives Christmas scene with pure white snow glistening as you snuggle up with your special someone in a horse driven sleigh. For the more active types, try your hand at snowboarding, cross country skiing, or down hill skiing. A perfect winter location for the romantic get away, or the whole family.

In fall the words hotel New Hampshire mean hiking, mountain biking or enjoying the abundance of fall colors from a comfy rocker on the front porch.

This New Hampshire hotel has much to offer everyone in the hot summer months from a lazy day at the pool, to boating, and fishing, playing tennis or playing golf. Whether you're in need of booking a fun family vacation, a romantic get away, a work outing (perhaps a golf one) or a special wedding you'll find a variety of room styles and prices filled with old world charm.

Poolside grill, lounge, and fine dining with exquisite 5 course meals; as well as their famous breakfast buffet will pamper even the pickiest of eaters.

In today's world, many of us are concerned about the environment and try to live our lives in a more green fashion. Why not do the same with your vacation dollars? Get the family involved in enjoying the green outdoors and appreciating nature more. Balsams Hotel takes it a step further and reduces it's own independence on oil by generating their power environmentally.

Grab your calendar and book your "special" time now.
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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Carefree, Arizona

desert skydesert skydesert skydesert sky

desert sky
As night falls in the desert I'm reminded how small we are compared to the vastness and beauty of nature. The sun is warm, well hot really during the day; but as night comes knocking in the desert all that changes. This fading of the sun in Carefree Arizona was breathtaking. We watched as the shadows grew and the sky and all around changed colors. The process really only took a few minutes; and then it was cold. Time to go. We enjoyed a drink while we watched natures spectacle take over. Colors beyond what an artist can capture on canvas, and beyond what the eye of the camera can hold for you as well.

Carefree is a small quaint little town north of Scotsdale Arizona. We took a drive there to see an empty plot of land (friends may build there after retirement). Gordon Lightfoot sang about The Carefree Highway after being in the area. It's a young town, an upscale town conceived not long ago reallty-just back in the 1950's. Street names give you a feel for the area, Tranquil Trail, Stagecoach, Easy Street, Long Riffle. The town motto is "Home of Cowboys and Caviar". I've only tasted Caviar once...fish eggs....then again I don't like cooked fish; soooooooooooo.
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Monday, November 23, 2009

Iwo Jima Monument in Washington, DC

Turn on your sound
In honor of those that gave so much, I thought it fitting to post a tribute to all those who have and are serving our country. I encourage each and everyone of you, regardless of age to visit the Iwo Jima Monument in Washington DC. It's not the easiest of the monuments to find; but well worth the effort.

February 1945, the worst battle in Marine Corp history took place in Iwo Jima, just 660 miles south of Tokyo. The 6 men news photographer, Joe Rosenthal caught on film inspired Felix De Welden to capture so well on this monument are: Ira Hayes (1923-1955), Franklin Sousley (1925-1945), John Bradley (1923-1994), Michael Strank (1919-1945), Rene Gagnon (1926-1979), Harlon Block (1924-1945). The bombardment lasted 72 hours and 7,000 Marines perished. Note the 3 names bolded perished on Iwo Jima.

Though this monument/memorial depicts the arduous and tortuous climb the Marines made up Mount Suribachi, it is in honor of and memory of all Marine Dead who served, as well as their comrades who fell fighting at their side. The American Flag flies here 24 hours a day. President Dwight Eisenhower dedicated the monument on November 10, 1951. It's difficult to photograph just the monument (I tried multiple times), there are so many visitors who wish to stand and have the picture taken along side it. The grounds around the monument are beautiful, a wonderful place for a picnic. We saw many picnicking the day we were there. We saw Veterans with tears in their eyes, we saw Boy Scouts; trying to understand.

Being there is very powerful.

On this upcoming Thanksgiving Day of 2009, let us honor and remember and be thankful for all who have served; as well as all those who currently serve.
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Friday, November 20, 2009

Fly like an Eagle to Towers on the Grove, Myrtle Beach

eaglemarshlandsfishing pier
"Fly like an Eagle", you're perhaps thinking and singing the song. But, that's not what this is about. Fly like an Eagle, and go see an Eagle. Where you might ask. Towers on the Grove, an Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resort. Now I know most people are saving, but you walk on the beach and bask in the sun, or play golf at Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resorts--and you would be right.

Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotels offer many activities, like sunning at the pool, having fun with the kids in the lazy river, snuggling with that special someone in the hot tub, building a sand castle on the beach, or enjoying a fine glass of wine on your private balcony. This Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotel offers all that and more. Located in the beautiful Cherry Grove Section you're close to 2 state parks (Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park), where nature lovers can see a Bald Eagle, fish in the marshlands or just enjoy the serene landscape. You're also conveniently located near multiple museums, gardens and Zoo's, shopping,and dinner theaters.

Check the managers specials and save yourself some money as you enjoy yourself in brand new upscale 1,2 or 3 bedroom Art Deco Condo's. Grab your suitcase and start packing.


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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Golf = Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

golg bag
Time Time is on my side - it is. Oh, if only I could sing it for you. lol

If you say 3 words, Myrtle Beach Golf; you've said a mouthful. 100 beautiful golf courses await you, your family, or your group. Play a round or two with Greg Norman, Davis Love, III, Gary Player, Raymond Floyd, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. Those names are known to even those who don't play golf, they are just some of the famous golfer's who've designed the courses for your enjoyment. Plan a Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation any time of the year the weather's a bonus.

Have you racked your brain trying to come up with the "perfect gift idea" for your special someone? Choose a Myrtle Beach Golf Package, your honey won't return it like a sweater that doesn't fit or a tie he doesn't like. Look at the comprehensive list of courses, pick dates, times, check for discounts or special group rates; one stop shopping from the ease of your computer chair. Think of the time, and gas you'll save shopping this way. Make your guy happy and shop green this holiday season, just click your mouse.

Boys week out, Girls can play too, family vacation, work retreat? Golf Packages Myrtle Beach is your answer. Sun, Sand, and Golf....life is good.



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Monday, November 16, 2009

Auckland and Brisbane

New ZealandWhat do Auckland accomodation and hotels in Brisbane have in common? After all, Auckland is in New Zealand and Brisbane is in Australia. They are destinations for World Travelers seeking adventure. They are destinations for the savvy traveler looking for something out of the ordinary; something different something exciting.

Read on, if you dare!

Beaches, sunshine, sailing, shopping, fine cuisine, cafe's, museum's and more. Words that are often used to describe vacation destinations; but add coffee, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, ANZAC Square and The Shrine of Remembrance and you're talking about Brisbane, an important location during World War II. Brisbane was The South West Pacific Headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur. And don't forget to stop and see The Old Windmill, for something quaint. It's one of the oldest landmarks in Brisbane.

Add words like yachts, extinct volcanoes, yachts, dolphines, yachts, Polynesian, and did I mention yachts? Now we're talking about Auckland. Auckland, the capital of New Zealand with a nickname of City of Sails; is rich in Polynesian history and culture. Viewing Auckland from the water, either the Pacific Ocean or The Tasman Sea is a Kodac moment. So come prepared.

Adventure doesn't have to break the bank, plug in travel dates and see the wide range of pricing available for you and your family.
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Friday, November 13, 2009

The Horizon at Myrtle Beach

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. What are you and your family doing for Thanksgiving? Plan your most memorable Thanksgiving ever. Plan a trip to this Myrtle Beach Hotel, The Horizon. The Horizon is a family oriented, modern ocean view facility with spacious 1-2-and 3 bedroom condo's. This Myrtle Beach Accommodation located in the heart of Myrtle Beach offers a unique tranquil environment in a beautiful residential area; away from the hubbub and noise. A perfect place for families to enjoy each other.

These Myrtle Beach Accomodations, offer something for everyone with 80 golf courses nearby, indoor and outdoor pools, full kitchens, and oversized balconies really have your families comfort in mind.

Sign up for discount alerts, or enter to win your free 4 night vacation! Couldn't you use some tranquility right about now?Add to Technorati Favorites
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Avista Resorts, Myrtle Beach South Carolina

New Bathing suits. Can you tell I'm getting geared up to pack? Actually the green suit in the middle is the new one I bought. I figured if one is heading to the newest of Myrtle Beach Resorts; one should have a new suit.

That's right this Myrtle Beach Resort is the newest. That means you could be one of the first to stay at this plush resort. How often do you get that chance? Schedule a special Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years get away. They have specials to celebrate being brand spanking new. Maybe you prefer to get away yet this fall and enjoy all the amenities one can possible want at this Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resort. Walk the beach, sit on your private balcony and enjoy the ocean front views. Spend the day at one of the 3 pools, where you can enjoy the poolside grill. The average temperatures right now are 70-85 (see why I bought a new suit?)

Want a more active vacation? Play golf, rent a sailboat, enjoy a tour by helicopter. Give a gift certificate for a spa retreat, a girls get away, book a wedding. Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resorts, can do it all. Book a 1-2-or 3 bedroom condo and tell'em Sandy sent ya. I'll be the one in the blue, or green, or pink bathing suit.Add to Technorati Favorites
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