Palm Springs California

It's a good idea to ask what the special drink of the day is when you head to a resort pool. This tasty Bloody Mary was served at the pool bar in Palm Desert's Marriott Shadow Ridge Resort. You can enjoy yourself, and take advantage of specials/sales without spending the big bucks!
Not perhaps a sunny hot day to lounge in the water..........look the view though folks. We did sit at the pool, we did have our swim suits on with sun screen. The sun did peak out here and there. People did enjoy the hot tubs and yes there is some snow on the mountains way off in distance. A cool day at the pool relaxing and reading and sipping a Bloody Mary, still bits the heck out of being indoors. When on vacation, don't let a bad weather day ruin your fun.

We learned after the fact that this fireplace could have been turned on for us, had we made a phone call. Note to self.....when you're on vacation and see a fireplace by the pool it is for more then appearance. Our friendly bartender told us we could have it turned on if we asked.
Palm Desert/Palm Springs may be known for golf and movie stars and sun; however.......there is more to do and see. Walk around in downtown Palm Springs and you'll fell like you've stepped back in time. Lots of fun tacky things to see. Now if this doesn't call out to you to stop and get a burger...........

Hamburger Mary's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a family place, casual with indoors and outdoor seating.
Even on a day when sleeveless is comfortable........it gets cool as the sun goes down and a fire feels good.
After a fun day exploring downtown historic Palm Springs, you can enjoy a fabulous sunset!

We've enjoyed multiple trips to this area, we've not yet seen it all and so we do plan to return. Put Palm Springs/Palm Desert on your vacation list.

Gift Ideas when you Travel, Temecula California

Recently came across this very creative use of wine corks. I save my wine corks....to do "something" with them; though as yet haven't. Spotted this nifty wine and wine glass holder in a gift shop while touring the wine country of Temecula. Didn't have room in my suitcase as the time to purchase it....been thinking about it though, and looking at the mound of corks I've saved. Temecula is an awesome place to visit. In fact, we've been there 3 times and will be going again. Lots of different wineries, fun and interesting people, and ...the food.............yummy.
So for those of you who've not saved corks, perhaps you have a fancy sewing machine you've done anything with lately. Pull it out and embroidery a cute saying on some nice tea towels. Wouldn't that make a lovely gift? Personally, I loved this one; but you might have one that suits you or the person you have in mind. I'm always looking for neat and unique gifts while traveling. These fun tea towels were in the same gift shop there in Temecula. There's pretty scenery, good wine, good food............something for everyone. Add it to your list of places to visit.

Public Art in San Diego Harbor

View 1 you see Mom, Child, and returning Sailor being reunited in a group hug.
View 2 you see the couple. Public Art is plentiful in San Diego's harbor area and worth the walk up and down to see them all. As you can, they're lighted at night. This particular art's history is unknown to me. I did not see (perhaps I missed it), a plague indicating whom the artist was, or if this was specific to a particular sailor. I did some looking here on line and also came up empty for this sculpture. Perhaps it's new enough, nothing has yet been posted?

We like art because it makes us feel something. Surely this sculpture does that. It also gets you thinking. Before the speed of communication with cell phones, texting, the internet, Military and their family relied on slow mail service during war times. Can you imagine not knowing where your loved one was.........whether they were ok or not? Can you imagine not hearing from them for weeks at a time? Today's military find themselves in difficult situations; but I think the lack of communication that existed back in World Wars I and II, The Korea War (Conflict) etc. had to be a horrible burden. Probably actually harder on families then those who served. Those who served pretty well knew their families were doing ok.

Take time, enjoy the art, and let it give you pause. If you go to San Diego and see this particular sculpture, please let me know if you see whom the artist is.

Scroll back to the last 2 posts for additional art along the harbor in San Diego.

**edited to indicate the name of this fabulous 7 foot bronze sculpture is "HomeComing" by Stanley Bleifeld. A visitor to the blog left a comment indicating that. Much appreciate it Oside Native. I deleted the comment since it had a link as links in comments often cause spam. Links beyond the link that is for the person's blog. Adding Oside's link blog link here.

San Diego Harbor, California

There are many things to see walking along the harbor walkway in San Diego. You can gaze out at the ships, you can people watch, you can shop, sit under a shade tree, stop for a snack. But, leave time to enjoy this marvelous tribute to Bob Hope and to our Military. Bob Hope was born an Englishman, Leslie Townes Hope. After immigrating with his parents to Cleveland, Ohio being teased by his friends about his name; he changed it to Bob. He had a long list of accomplishments in the performing field, singing, dancing, acting, being a comedian. He has 4 stars on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, more then anyone. He received over 2000 awards in his life time.
He was born May 29, 1903 and died July 27, 2003. He's buried in Los Angeles at Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana Cemetery. The single thing he's most known and respected for was his service to the military. He performed all over the world for all branches of the military for 5 decades starting in 1943. These fabulous 16 figures honor servicemen and women in World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, as well as during The Cold War. This 48 foot circle plaza is located in a grove of Coral Trees along the walk harbor with The Midway Museum in the background.
The sculptures by Eugene Daub were dedicated on July 8th, 2009 where Linda Hope, Bob's daughter was present. It's titled "A National Salute to Bob Hope and The Military". The figures are life size and represent: A World War II Paratrooper, Korean Infantryman, Gulf War Desert Storm, Korean War Sailor and Korean War Marine, World War II Fighter Pilot, Vietnam Artilleryman, Vietnam Air Force Mechanic, World War II Marine Corp Sergeant, The Coast Guard, Vietnam Navy Medic, World War II Army Nurse, World War II Navy Pilot Lieutenant, and a Gulf War Air Force Staff Sergeant.
Put your walking shoes on enjoy your visit along the harbor in San Diego. We're told the weathers always fabulous there. We managed to hit one of the 3 days a year where that wasn't the case. Even with bad weather, we really enjoyed our walk and plan to go again. That's hubby with is hand on the shoulder of one of figures.

With Christmas approaching this post seems timely.

Click here for another post about the Harbor Walkway, Remember the cover of Life Magazine?

San Diego Harbor Area, California

Unconditional Surrender sculpture by Seward Johnson stands 25 feet tall and weighs 6,000 pounds commerates a famous Life Magazine photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt on Augst 14th, 1945, VJ Day in Time Square, New York City. The Sailor and The Nurse didn't know each other. There's been speculation about whom they were after the fact. Names weren't obtain when the photo was taken on that exciting day. This sculpture stands along the walk way in San Diego harbor, near The Midway Museum.
There were a variety of women who came forward through the years claiming to be this nurse, sailors too came forward to say it was them. The case was fairly well proven for Edith Shain as the nurse, though less luck in determining whom the sailor was. Edith died June 20th, 2010; but was present for the dedication of the sculpture in February of 2007. Though Alfred Eisenstaedt was credited with the famous photo that appeared on the cover of Life Magazine, it was not the only similar photo taken. One with a bit more of a street scene was taken at the same moment by Navy Photographer, Victor Jorgensen; it was Elfred's photo that got all the attention.
Life Magazine feels their toes have been stepped on regarding this sculpture. They indicate they hold the copyright, and that the artist, J. Seward Johnson didn't have permission to use the likeness in his sculpture.

There's also speculation about the picture, as to whether or not it occurred before or after the actual announcement of surrender from Japan. Even those researchers who feel it likely happened before, say the crowds had started to gather, to speculate that the announcement was forthcoming.

The walk along the water front is very enjoyable with lots to see, even on a cool, windy, and rainy day...such as the day we were there. We did manage to see some sights between the rain drops. I highly encourage visiting this site and many others in the area.

Please keep our service men and women in your thoughts as you give Thanks on this special day of Thanksgiving.

The ABC's of Travel

Summer will soon be here and the kids will be out of school, if they're not already. No doubt you'll be thinking about where to take a family vacation...OR, if you're without children at home where to take a non family oriented vacation.

Here's some ideas for you in Alphabetical Style, there's something here for everyone. (all bolded and or colored type are live links, just click to get where you're going)
A
Aruba
Eating and Drinking and Being Happy in Aruba Iguana's in Aruba (the kids will love them)
Claudia's Bar in Aruba (for the adults)
General Information about Aruba

Arizona
Golf in the desert
Marriott's Canyon Villas, great place to stay for adults and or families
Sedona AriZona (teens and adults, not well suited for young children)
Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright (teens or adults best)
Montezuma's Castle (not for young children with the hiking and climbing)
Grand Canyons (can see lots from the car and on over looks so can be family geared if you stay away from the difficult trails)
Desert Botanical Gardens (ok for all in terms of walking, though the kids maybe bored)
Carefree Arizona (can be family oriented, as the beauty can be seen without doing difficult hiking; though the later certainly exists)
Apache Trail Arizona nice for all

B
Breckenridge, Colorado
Historic Main Street Area (appropriate for everyone)

Things for the Girls in Breckenridge (teens and adults)
The Softer side of Breckenridge (for all who appreciate the arts)
Going to the Dogs (for the animal lovers)

Baltimore, Maryland
Ryan's Daughter (cool Pub)
Inner Harbor (fun for all)
Westminster Hall Burial Grounds (adults and teens)

Boston, Mass
Bunker Hill (depends on the age of the child, great history)

Beaufort, South Carolina
What a place for a bathroom break! (all ages)
Historic Episcopal Church and Graveyard (teens and adults)
Luthers best place for lunch and or dinner, and entertainment (day ok for families, later on best for older kids,teens and adults

Brisbane Australia

California
There are 15 posts for California
covering Joshua Tree National Park
Pigeon Point Light House
Alcatraz
Santa Barbara
Muir Woods
San Francisco
Palm Springs Area
Seals on the Beach
Mission San Carolos Borromeo-o de Carmel
Sausalito
Cayucos
Peeble Beach
Big Sur
Golden Gate Bridge
Temecula
General posts about wine country and beaches

Cape Cod, Mass
Cape Cod Lighthouse

Chillicothe, Ohio
Lots of post covering the first capital of the state,
Historic Carlisle Building and Fire,
Knole Log House and Adena,
Masonic Lodge-Haunted Magestic Theatre,
Adena Indian Mound,
Haunted Cross Keys Tavern,
A general overview of Chillicothe.

There's so much more, check the cloud area to see the full listings, I'm sure you'll find something there of interest whether you want a quick day trip or a longer vacation away. Don't find what you think you're interested in, leave me a note and I'll see if I have something on it for you.

AND don't for get the always popular travels of Flat Stanley. Click here for a full listing of his Travels to date. There are 28 adventures, with ideas of things you can do in your day to day with the kids. Learning can and is fun.

Mira The Newfoundland, Miramonte Wineries, Temecula, California

*remember clicking on the pictures enlarges them

We were greeted by Mira, The Newfoundland as soon as we got out of the car. She sauntered slowly over to us from her shady spot under the tree, as if on cue. Unsure where to go, we followered her to the door around back. Mira seemed to know the way. She walked up a ramp, obviously made just for her.....

She walked behind the counter in search of someone to assist us. She continued her trek into the back room where she announced our arrival. Or at least it seemed that way; as immediately thereafter we were greeted by someone to pour wine for us.

Her job done, Mira rejoined us in the main room and laid down at our feet while we tasted wine and chatted with the hostess. We'd been sent to this particularly winery, Miramonte because I like Pinot Grigio Wine. One of the workers from another winery where we lunched (next post); suggested we make a stop here. She said they were known for their Pinot Grigio.

Miramonte was founded in 2000 and since that time has grown by purchasing additional lands to produce more grapes. They have a nice blog and webpage where you can order wine and learn more about their special Etched Bottles. Like many of the wineries in Temecula Valley, California they have a wine club, and wine tasting. They have entertainment on Friday and Sat; though we elected to avoid the crowds we experienced on our last venture to Temecula and opted for a week day visit. The etched bottles probably appeal to the younger set with a large red tongue sticking out. Not a fan personally; but the etching's were indeed not just painted on...they were etched. They also cater large group events.

You can enjoy your wine on the nice outdoor patio. Even if the weather's a bit cool table heaters are provided. The view from the patio was very nice and peaceful. We were here at the end of the business day; so once we did our tasting at the counter indoors, we made a purchase and headed back to our condo.

This nice bottle of Pinot Grigio was carefully packed in my suitcase for the journey home; as were the 2 wine glass. You keep your wine glasses from the wine tasting; as a souvenir, which is also helpful in remembering which winery you enjoyed. Once home I put colorful napkins in the glasses hoping you can see the logo for Miramonte Wineries (front and back).

The journey across the mountain pass to reach Temecula is beautiful. Lots of switchbacks and here's Ernie and I at one of the beautiful vista's along the way.

We had a beautiful day in the sun; though it was quite windy. No doubt that's obvious to you from my blown hairdo. The valley is below us.

If you'd like to learn more about Newfoundlands, please visit my SIL's blog and be sure and tell her I sent ya. She takes part in rescues.

HEY...did you miss Stanley's adventure?

Pebble Beach, California

Pebble Beach, a golfers paradise, famous even among non-golfers. Seen by many of us when watching The US Open on our TV's. A scene of wind swept sand, waves crashing the beach along side a lush green golf course comes to mind. Pebble Beach in Montery County on the Monterey Peninsula is a gated community about 40 miles north of Big Sur.

If you wondered about how the affluent live behind those gates communities, take the 17 mile sometimes scenic Pebble Beach Tour. A fee of $9.50 per car is charged to take this tour. Sometimes you get a glimpse of an elaborate house, though often they are completely out of sight due to large stone walls, or privacy landscaping. Sometimes you see a scenic view of the beach and ocean as you wind your way along. Here you see seals dotting the beach landscape, a house barely visible up in the trees.
The US open has been held here in 1972,1982,1992, 2000 and is scheduled again in 2010.
The famous Ben Crosby Clambake tournament began here in 1937 and continues today, though now named AT & T National Pro-Am. The property was once owned by DelMonte, was sold to a Japanese businessman, then purchased again by a group of investors lead by Clint Eastwood and Arnold Palmer to name a few. No surprise then to learn there are 7 public golf courses, and 18 Private Golf Clubs.

The lone cypress tree, twisted and bent withstanding the strong winds, salt air has become the symbol for the city. This is perhaps one of the most photographed trees around.

Take a stroll on the boardwalk, stop for a picnic and enjoy the view. We didn't stop for a picnic, I think these pictures tell you why.



Should add for all my furry friends, those traveling with furry friends, and or children. Look at all places to walk and explore along the beach.

Big Sur, California, Forest Fires

This picture has not been doctored to appear yellow, the yellow shows you our proximity to the Forest Fires that ravaged much of California last summer. Some of the areas we had planned to travel to were off limits. Some areas were smoky, some were yellow from the flames, some streets and cars had ash from fires, carried sometimes for miles. This pretty but very eerie scene was around Big Sur. We traveled quite a ways, only to find out we couldn't get throw and had turn around and head back. We were then able to approach some of the area the next morning from the other side.
The sun did come out a few times, tried hard to burn away the smoke, fog, smog etc, but was unable to. This is one of the few times we actually saw the sun. We passed a staging area for the fireman, a fire camp loaded with equipment before we had to turn around.
We spotted planes that were making drops of chemicals and water on the fires in several locations. Normally Big Sur is crowded is with fisherman, hikers, campers, as well as those that come to shop, eat in the many lodges. A beautiful area in the central California Coast area bordering the Santa Lucia Mountain Range.

Bixby Bridge, about 13 miles south of Carmel, one of the worlds tallest single span bridges is also one of the most photographed. You can see why.
Big Sur Light Station...hard to see I know but it's there way way on top of this large outcropping. We were looking at this from the main road. Off to the left is a narrow rode leading up, though it it was not open to visitors during this time. It is possible to tour this lighthouse with advanced reservations. It's listed as one of the top 10 haunted lighthouses in the US, is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Limited numbers are permitted to tour the facility in this ghost town. The light station was opened in 1899 and the last keeper left in 1974, when it became automated. Parts of the park area in Big Sur were closed, other parts had signs suggesting volunteer evacuation, and no one new was permitted in. Shortly after we existed the park, it was closed due to the fire.

Golden Gate Bridge, California

Crossing The Golden Gate Bridge is quite an adventure whether you drive your car, ride a bike, or walk. We opted to drive the car over due to the time of day and the weather.

You feel almost like you're in a tunnel, and as you look up you feel quite small. When it was built in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Looking across you get a feel for the size and strength of this structure. Though no longer the longest, it ranks 9th. It's ranked the 5th most favorite Architecture in the United States according to Wikipedia.



Please take time and pay homage to the Navy and Merchant Marine Memorials. The Lone Sailor Memorial was dedicated in 2002 and is a replica of the one in Washington D.C.






I highly recommend taking time to site see here, dress warm and prepared to wait your turn to get pictures, and to use the bathroom.

Sadly this beautiful location is a suicide destination, the most popular in fact in the United States. No exact figures were listed however. The feeling is, many bodies aren't found once they do jump due to the strong currents in the waters below.