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.

Traveling Memories

I am reminded of travels here and there even when decorating my Christmas Tree. Yes, we're past Christmas and decorations have been put away. But, as I was un-decorating snapped a few photo's of some of my favorite ornaments. Some are newer then others. Some tell you about where we were when I picked them out, others maybe a bit more about me, my habits.......the things I like. A martini glass....I do love Martini's, sometimes I drink a Dirty Martini (thus the olives), other times a LemonDrop. I love making them too, so this ornament is most fitting. Purchased this past summer while vacationing in Park City, Utah. Lots of info about Park City Check it out if you're heading that direction or are looking for an idea of where to do.
Hilton Head Harbor Light House on the left and a fun Christmas Duck on a sailboat from Lake Erie (Ohio) on the right. Lots of posts for both Hilton Head and Ohio. Need information, want ideas of what to see, where to eat? Try these links to get started. There's plenty more, simply type in the words Ohio and or Hilton Head in the blog's search feature.
This is probably self explanatory here...The Fabulous Grand Canyon.
You might have to give this one some thought. P-Town, Provincetown, Mass. This trip was quite some time ago. To date, I've not added any posts from there.
Bison Bison...Colorado from a trip many years ago.
Zion National Park in Utah, what an awesome place.
A Dorey, from Connecticut. Another trip from long ago without representation yet here on the blog.

Doesn't this make you want to explore? So many places to go, so many suitcases to pack. Save yourself some time and do some virtual travel right here on Traveling Suitcase.

Packing Tip

This is a packing tip for my fellow crafters out there. Knitters and crocheters, loomers and sewers. I've often gotten questions regarding what one can carry on, what's the best way to pack crafts etc. Many people read while traveling (probably more by plane then car), many want to knit or crochet or do other crafts. What works? Knitting and crocheting small pieces work well. You don't want to infringe on seatmates space so stay away from larger items, or pack those in your suitcases.

People have asked about carrying on knitting needles. I've reviewed websites of several airlines and don't find them to be restrictive; though most people think they are. I often gotten questions while flying, as I am knitting. People seemed surprised you can do that. I've not had any trouble. I've flown domestically and internationally successfully with knitting. I do suggest you not have your very best needles...just in case they want them to be left behind and always pack a spare in your suitcase.

Carry your knitting/crocheting in a zip lock bag. If anyone questions what you have via the security check, it's easy for them to see it. Also, it keeps your yarn etc clean. You can tuck the edge of your zip lock bag in the seat pocket in front of you to have your yarn pull out easily to work. You can also nab it quickly, if you need to. Patterns? Leave your books at home, they take up space and their heavy. Type or write your pattern on index cards. I recently found these perfect sized coupon holder to file my in. It will keep you organized both at home and on the road.

Enjoy your travels and pack light, it makes things so much easier. Put your zip lock bag and coupon holder/file in a canvas bag under the seat in front of you. Light weight, easy, and you don't need to mess with those awful overheads. If you only need a card or two, you could easily put your card in the zip lock bag and leave your small file at home.

Get organized, both at home and in your travels.

Traveling on Foot

Traveling on foot can be adventure. This 4 legged creature travels everywhere on foot. AND if you're traveling on foot, through the woods...be careful you don't startle wild life. Startled wild life can be dangerous.
Actually, this creature and I weren't in each other's space at all. I was pouring a cup of coffee looking out the kitchen window at a friends house Christmas morning in Cleveland Ohio. Gates Mills to be exact. She has acreage and so seeing wild life is common place. I took the picture right through the window and so did a bit of computer work to diminish the flash that hit the window and....reduce the blur a bit caused by the distance and using the digital zoom.

Safety though is important when traveling. Particularly in winter. Cars provide protection and heat, and often people forget to pack with safety in mind. Do you have a pair of boots in the car when you travel in the winter? If not, you should. The weather may be beautiful when you start out, then turn cold, wet, snowy icy and cold. Should you have car trouble, or an accident you need to be safely and warmly able to get out of the car in conditions that may not be the safety and warmth of someone's garage. Do you have mittens, a heavy coat and hat? If not, you should for the same reason.

Enjoy your holiday travels and be take a little precaution...........pack for an emergency.

Time Travel and Froehliche Weihnachten

Time travel of sorts. This is my ancestral family (Dad's side) 5 generations ago. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas (Froehliche Weihnachten).

My great great grandfather was a big man, especially for those times. Born in Germany Wilhelm Heinrich Mader, he immigrated to this country when he was young and single. He came alone after the death of his parents. He married Anna Heinlein who was also born in Germany; but immigrated to this country with her parents. They made their home in Chillicothe, Ohio.

I'd love to know what their Christmas's were like so long ago. I know they had a goose pen in their yard and that would have been The Christmas Dinner.

So, from my family to yours.
Merry Christmas

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.

ARUBA

Me in a bathing suit! When in Aruba you just don't know what you might see. Actually, we were waiting on the city bus to go to the grocery store....fun is everywhere in Aruba, even at the bus stop. You don't need a car to get around. The public transporation is quick, easy, and very affordable.


It truly is One Happy Island, where else would you see these 2 teams cuddled up? lol

It's cold in so many places now, with everyone rushing around trying to get things done for Christmas...thought you needed a little hint of warmer weather.........think Aruba. Which reminds me, I need to schedule our next trip there.

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.

Time Share Travel Tip

When you travel and stay in a hotel, a condo, and or a timeshare (even if you're not the owner), keep the container/ insert that generally comes with your room keys. Often a location map of the resort is included. If you plan to return to this location, it's advantageous to remember the lay of the land...so to speak. Additionally, it's helpful when you try to remember whether you liked or disliked the room location. Where you on a top floor, was the view pleasant? Do you have children and if so, were you near the children's play/pool area? If you liked where you were, you'll know what to ask for with your room assignment on return. If you didn't, you'll have the lay out of the resort to make a selection from. It's hard to trust your memory if you travel often and sometimes your personal pictures simply don't show this type of information.

Call you resort/hotel about 3-4 days before your arrival and make your requests. You generally can't make your requests too far ahead because they may not know what will be available. If you need an early check in because of your flight times, this is also a good time to do that. While you never get a 100% guarantee, it's been my experience most resorts are willing to do what they can to work with you on your request and or special needs.

Street Art in St. Louis Missouri

These words popped immediately into my head when I saw this street art out the car window in St. Louis. I almost always have my camera in my purse when traveling. You just never know when you'll see something of interest. Take time, look around when you travel. Travel is more then your final destination.

If I had a hammer
I'd hammer in the morning
I'd hammer in the evening
All over this land
I'd hammer out danger
I'd hammer out a warning
I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters All over this land

This words come from the song "The Hammer", written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays back in 1949.
The song was written in support of The progressive movement and song by Pete and Party on June 3,.
1949 in New York at a testimonial dinner for leaders of The Communist Party who were on trail here.
The progressive movement wanted change in tenement housing, change in child labor laws, and improved
working conditions for women.  Art in many forms speaks.  The purpose of these words was probably
forgotten by August of 1962 when the song,  hit the top ten song by Peter, Paul and Mary.

Demo Man is a 20 foot statue made from "stuff laying around". Don Bellon of Bellon Wrecking and Salvage Company had a small statue on his desk, a gift from his wife titled, "The Wrecker". He liked this little statue and wanted a larger version of it. When outdoor art became popular this was made and placed on Vandeventer at Highway 40 across the street from his business. It's visible from Highway 40.

Perhaps next trip, I'll be able to get a picture without the electrical box blocking part of it by parking the car.

Look around when you travel, you'll be amazed what you see, and what you can learn.

**Just deleted 67 comments in my spam folder that were nicely caught by the blogger spam filter, and reviewed 9 comments half of which were good to post, the other half I marked spam. The filter works great folks. PLEASE get rid of your captcha it takes time, it's annoying, it's hard to read, and it's unnecessary. It makes people not want to leave comments**