Balsams Hotel, New Hamphire

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.

Carefree, Arizona

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.

Iwo Jima Monument in Washington, DC

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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.

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

"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.