Travel Thursday!

Okay, after taking a few days off to travel to my favorite D location, let's get back to business.   Yes, this week we tackle all places "D".


Durango, Colorado
This is a gorgeous town, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, in southern Colorado.  There is so much to do here - fly fishing, skiing, hiking, backpacking, etc.  But my favorite is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad.  This train makes the one-way 45 mile trip from Durango to Silverton Colorado in about 3-1/2 hours.  It leaves Silverton for the return trip 2 hours later.  Roundtrip is about $80 - and worth every penny for the experience of riding this narrow guage train and the scenery!

Death Valley
The lowest, hottest, driest location in the country.  Hard to believe a place like that could be beautiful - but it is!  Located mainly in California, near the Nevada border, this area is like nothing else.  Hot - yes, but a truly unique beauty.  Interesting factoid - the average annual rainfall is 1.58".  Yes, that's ANNUAL!!  A few years ago the valley experienced more rain than normal and an incredible explosion of wildflowers.  The other thing I love about the valley is the mysterious moving rocks.  No one knows for sure how the rocks move - could be they are sliding on a thin ice sheet formed when the temperature drops, could be wind driven - either way, they are fascinating to see.

Disneyland
Uh, yea, what can I say.  I started visiting Disneyland in 1964, and have been a regular ever since.  There is something about this park that makes me feel safe, welcome, and loved.  That sounds a little strange, given that so many think it's "just an amusement park".  As a child, it was a favorite for my family, we even saw Walt in the park in 1965.  When I moved to California in the early 80's, it was about 10 miles from the base where I was stationed.  I remember going out to the base softball field and watching the fireworks.  I visited about once a month in those days.  I found that when I was having a bad day, this was the place that made me feel better.  As I began learning more about the park and Walt's vision, I saw Disneyland in a new light.  I became fascinated with the technology and ideas that the Imagineers used in the park.  I still visit regularly, but my visits aren't always about the attractions.  I can easily spend many hours in the park studying the details.  Needless to say - this is my favorite of ALL locations.  Not only is it my favorite to visit by myself, but it's my favorite with my own family.  Not only did I 'grow up' in this park, but my son did as well.  He was 9 months old on his first visit!

Me at Disneyland, 1967



My son Tony, near the same spot as my photo, 1989

My son Tony, again near the same spot, on his 21st Birthday in 2009

Devils Tower National Monument
While I have traveled all over the state of Wyoming, somehow I’ve missed Devils Tower. You know this geologic landmark from the movie, Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind. This ‘tower’ is located in the northeast corner of Wyoming, and is said to be the core of an eroded volcano. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower the first national monument in 1906. Interesting factoid: as a publicity stunt, a man parachuted onto Devils Tower on October 1, 1941 - he was stranded for six days before he could be rescued. There are many hiking trails available, and in the winter they double as cross-country ski trails.


Denali National Park

Yet another destination high on my list. Established in 1917, it was originally known as Mt. McKinley National Park, named after President McKinley. Interesting factoid: the park was established as a way of protecting the large mammals, not because of Mt. McKinley. In 1980, the area, along with an additional 4 million acres, was redesignated as Denali NP. This land is teeming with wildlife and plants, especially during the warmer seasons. From the large mammals - Dall sheep, caribou, moose, grizzly, and wolves; to the smaller mammals - fox, weasel, wolverine, lynx, marten, pika, porcupine, beaver, and many more. In all, there are 37 mammal species recorded in the park and preserve. If you plan to visit – summer is your season as temperatures in the winter can easily reach -40F! The park sits between Anchorage and Fairbanks, in eastern Alaska.

Wordless Wednesday

Random Stuff Monday

No movie reviews this week, as I was in California all weekend.   Instead, I'll share some random sightings/encounters/eavesdropping.

Sitting at the Grand Californian resort, waiting for the shuttle to the airport.  Couple pulls up and husband gets out to talk to the Valet.  Suddenly wife shreaks and says "honey, you're not gonna believe this, I left my purse at the restaurant!".  Turns out, they stopped in Santa Barbara for lunch - 120 miles away!   Well, needless to say the next 10-15 minutes made for interesting human behavior observation.

Women in jeans rolled up to mid-calf with a cuff.  This seems to be a growing trend - saw a lot of it this weekend.  I guess this is replacing the capri?  or maybe it's a seasonal thing?

Tattoos - they are everywhere, literally.  I've seen tattoo shops in the nicer hotels in Las Vegas, and people are putting tattoos in more body locations than ever.  They seem very random, like 'oh, here's a blank piece of skin in the middle of my thigh, let's put it there!'  I have a tattoo, had it for many years, so I'm pretty accepting.  I just don't get the randomness of it.

Travel Thursday

This week we were going to discuss all places "D".    However, as it happens, I will be traveling on Travel Thursday to my all time favorite "D" location - Disneyland!!

And to add to the D hilarity, I will be spending 2 days at Destination D, with the Disney Company.   :)

So, I'll leave you with a few pictures of my favorite D travel spot, and next week we'll pick back up.



Inside the Lilly Belle car, Disneyland Railroad



My son and I (front row, middle) on his 21st birthday

Wordless Wednesday

I'll be here tomorrow!!

Movie Review Monday

Once again, I have 2 movie reviews.

Prince of Persia, the Sands of Time:  While it wasn't the blockbuster we all hoped it would be, it was a pretty good movie.  I thought Jake Gyllenhaal did a good job in a physically demanding role.  The storyline and dialogue could have been better, but I enjoyed all of the characters, including Ben Kingsley's.  The actions sequences were very well done, as were most of the special effects.   3-1/2 Junior Mints

Hot Tub Time Machine:  Okay, I'd like my 2 hours back please.  The plot was ridiculous, and some of the characters were very annoying ... to the point that I almost turned it off at 15 minutes in.  The crude language was too much even for me.  I could have cared less about any of the characters, including the cameo appearance by Chevy Chase.  I normally like most anything that John Cusack is in, but this was just embarassing.   1 Junior Mint

Finally Friday!

What's my favorite day of the week?  That would be 'every other Friday'.   Yep, not every Friday - every other. 

I work an 8x9 schedule, which means every other Friday is a day off.   Today is my day off ... and it's my favorite day!

I'm not sure what makes it better than Saturdays and Sunday, but it is.  Maybe it's that I'm the only one home.  I get up early (my usual 4:30), watch a couple of DVR'd shows while working on my cross-stitch, then off to the gym.  As soon as I get home, my dog reminds me that it's his turn for a walk.   :)

I also use this off-Friday to run errands - my own personal errands.  Today was shoe shopping, picking up a new design pack at the Bernina shop, PetsMart (for my dog), and then home.  How do I spend my afternoon?  I hang out in my 'cave'.  I work on whatever sewing project is at hand, I play video games, I lay on the floor with my dog.  Pretty much I do whatever I want - I guess that's what makes it my favorite day. 

Travel Thursday!

Ok, you guessed it - this week we are talking "C".

Cape Town, S. Africa
I talked about Cape Town in my earlier review of South Africa.  A few facts:  second-most populous city in South Africa; famous for its harbor and well-known landmarks Table Mountain and Cape Point; National Geographic listed Cape Town as one of the most iconic cities on the planet and "Places of a Lifetime".   I loved the feel of this city.  Its a major destination for immigrants an expatriates.

Chimayó, New Mexico
Chimayó is located in northern New Mexico - between Sante Fe and Taos - and was founded by Spanish settlers in the 17th century.  Its a quiet town known for its talented weavers, red chile, and the Santuario de Chimayó.  Chimayó is believed by many to be the site of a miracle which occurred about 200 years ago. Because of this a chapel was built in 1816 called el Santuario de Chimayó.  This chapel is the destination of thousands of pilgrims and travellers each year, some hoping to be healed, some just curious, and some hoping to be restored spiritually by the surroundings.  Another local establishment, Rancho de Chimayó, has been serving traditional New Mexican dishes since 1965 - and is a favorite of my family.  My grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary here in 1970.

Catalina Island, California
Catalina, or Santa Catalina Island, is located off the coast of Southern California. just 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles. Catalina Island is the only island in the Channel Islands chain that has a significant permanent population - city of Avalon and the unincorporated town of Two Harbors.  There are several boat companies that provide service to the island, or you can splurge and take a helicopter.  The waters around Catalina are home to the Garibaldi, the California State marine fish.  My son and I visited here in 1990 and found it to be a beautiful island with many good restaurants and lots of water activities - diving, glass bottom boat tours, etc. 

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Ah, another New Mexico favorite - this time in the southern half of the state.  If you ever get the chance ... this is definitely worth the visit.  The Caverns were designated as a National Park in 1930. and contain over 80 separate caves.  They offer self-guided tours, docent led tours, and expanded cave excursions.  One of the more fascinating things about Carlsbad Caverns are the bats.  Each night at sunset, between April and October, nearly 1 million Mexican Freetail bats leave the cave in gigantic swarms.  This begins with a few bats fluttering out of the natural entrance to the cavern, then, in a matter of minutes, a thick swarm of bats spirals out of the cave into the night sky. The exodus can last 20 minutes or as long as 2.5 hours. Once out of the cave, the mass of bats flies towards the Pecos and Black River valleys. There they begin gorging themselves on moths and other night-flying insects.  The return of the bats at sunrise is also fascinating to watch as they hover high above the cave, fold in their wings and plummet into the cave with a buzzing sound.

Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Ohio
I am a fan of a good zoo, and have been to many in my life.  But this one has eluded me.  The Cincinnati Zoo is ranked among the top in this country, both for visitor appeal and for its conservation programs.   Once in Cincinnati for your visit to the zoo, take in a Reds or Bengals game, or visit King's Island amusement park. 

Costa Rica
Another location high on my list of places to visit.  Here you can ride a zip line through the rainforest canopy, lie on the beach, or scout for the many varieties of butterflies, birds or orchids.  From crocodiles and sharks, to turtles and toucans, the wildlife variety is amazing. 

Chicago, Illinois
My son, mother and I were here in 2003 for the US Open.  It was played at Olympia Fields Country Club, just south of Chicago.  While that was an interesting experience, it was the few days after that were even more fun.  We spent time in downtown Chicago - from Navy Pier, to Shedd Aquarium, to Soldier Field.  Then mom went home and the boy and I headed north to Six Flags Great America.  What fun!

Chincoteague Island, VA - Chincoteague ponies
This is another interesting place - more for it's historical event than the location itself.  Legend says that the 'chincoteague ponies' arrived on the islands when a Spanish galleon with a cargo of wild mustangs sank off the coast.  The surviving animals swam to shore and are the ancestors of today's herds.  These wild herds can be seen in numerous locations on both Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.  Each year the ponies are herded and swam across the channel for the Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction. 

Corning, NY
There isn't much I recall about Corning, except for the way we got here.  I was in junior high, and we were living in Maryland.  We'd planned a week-long trip to New York.  It was Friday night - the car was packed up, we'd eaten dinner, and the family was sitting around the living room.   Suddenly my Dad gets up out of his chair and announces that we are leaving now!  So, after some grumbling, we pile into the car and off we go.  We drive through the night to Corning New York.  We had planned to tour the Corning Glass Factory, but for some reason they weren't open when we arrived - AT 6 AM!!!

Chesapeake Bay
This is the largest estuary in the country.  The Bay is approximately 200 miles long, and sits between Maryland and Virginia.  What I remember best about the Bay is the fresh blue crab that we could buy along the shore.  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is an architectural wonder - its a double span bridge, over 4 miles long.

Wordless Wednesday

Two-Cents Tuesday - Pet Peeves

Yes, its true.  I have a few pet peeves.  Okay, lots of them. 

Grown men (and women) who won't clean up after themselves.  Whether at the office or in my own house, if you spill something, or food explodes in the microwave - clean it up!!  Don't let it sit there for the next person.

Don't complain that you never get to do anything, unless you've actually tried!  I have some friends and relatives who are always complaining that they never get to go on trips, or "do anything fun".  Well, they make no effort!  What do you expect?!?  

People with no hobbies because they don't think they have any talent.  Some of my relatives say things like that - "oh, I could never sew like that, I'm not talented like you".   I have NO talent!  I just enjoy my hobbies, regardless of the final outcome.  If you want to try something out - whether it be sewing, photography, hiking, archery, whatever - just jump in!.  Even if you completely suck at it, it may make you very happy!

People that think Reality TV is real.   Get a clue!

Oh, and one more.  Clutter.   I hate clutter.  Everything has a place, put it there.  If it doesn't have a place, make one - or get rid of it. 

Movie Review Monday

this week I'll start using a scale to rate my movies - Junior Mints! 

1 junior mint = total crap, don't bother
5 junior mint = great movie, loved it


Moon: This is the story of a man who has a three year contract to work for Lunar Industries. For the contract's entire duration, he is the sole employee based at their lunar station. His primary job responsibility is to harvest and periodically rocket back to Earth supplies of helium-3, the current clean and abundant fuel used on Earth. There is no direct communication link available between the lunar station and Earth, so his only direct real-time interaction is with GERTY, the intelligent computer whose function is to attend to his day to day needs.

I can’t say much more beyond this description, because it will give away key plot points. But, let’s just say that the man – because of certain events – begins to question first his sanity, then identity, and then the support of GERTY and the company.

Bottom line – I really enjoyed the film. The story is intriguing with twists and turns along the way that kept my interest. Sam Rockwell is the primary actor in this movie. I’ve heard of him, but can’t recall what else he’s been in.

I give this 4 Junior Mints on my scale of 5.



The Green Zone: Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, CWO Roy Miller and his men are charged with finding the so-called weapons of mass destruction, whose existence justified American involvement. This is a political war drama that is a bit too opinionated for me. Doesn’t matter which side of the coin that opinion is on, I don’t like big blatant message films. When I watch a movie, I want to be entertained. My husband enjoyed this one, but then he can sit and watch FoxNews for hours on end. So, if you like controversy over the American involvement in Iraq, you’ll probably like this.

My vote – 2 Junior Mints.

Friday Funnies

This guy goes into a restaurant for a Christmas breakfast while in his home town for the holidays. After looking over the menu he says, "I'll just have the eggs benedict." His order comes a while later and it's served on a huge fancy chrome plate. He asks the waiter, "What's with the fancy plate?" The waiter replies, "There's no plate like chrome for the hollandaise!"



Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank–proving once and for all that you can't have your kayak and heat it, too.



What do you get when you toss a hand grenade into a kitchen in France? Linoleum blownapart.



Two silkworms were in a race. They ended up in a tie.



An Indian chief had three wives, each of whom was pregnant. The first gave birth to a boy. The chief was so elated he built her a teepee made of deer hide. A few days later, the second gave birth, also to a boy. The chief was very happy. He built her a teepee made of antelope hide. The third wife gave birth a few days later, but the chief kept the details a secret. He built this one a two-story teepee, made out of a hippopotamus hide. He challenged the tribe to guess what had occurred. Many tried, unsuccessfully. Finally, one young brave declared that the third wife had given birth to twin boys. "Correct," said the chief. "How did you figure it out?" The warrior answered, "It's elementary. The value of the squaw of the hippopotamus is equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides."



What happens when you have 1) nothing to do, 2) a sharp knife, 3) a large lime, 4) a patient cat, 5) too much tequila, 6) and it's football season?

Travel Thursday!

This week we tackle "B".  My top 10 list of places I've been, want to go, or otherwise considered important enough to mention.

Barcelona - We visited Spain 2 years ago - spent a week between Madrid and Barcelona. Barcelona was definitely my favorite. This city has the Spanish 'flavor' that I was looking for. From Las Ramblas - the main pedestrian walkway through the heart of the gothic quarter, to La Sagrada Familia - the yet-to-be-finished church designed by Antoni Gaudi, this is a beautiful city. We visited several of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces - La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the strangely fascinating Casa Batllo with its dragon skin exterior.  And the food, and the sangria! 

Beaufort, South Carolina – Twice I've lived in this area - bootcamp on Parris Island (an experience that changed me forever), and again for my specialized Avionics traning.  This is a beautiful community, celebrating its 300th birthday next year. Beaufort is in the heart of low-country, and the varied cuisine is outstanding! The historic antebellum architecture has brought many film companies to town – great films like Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, The Big Chill, GI Jane, and Platoon. Beaufort also has a strong military culture and is home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and a US Naval hospital. Their pride in country and military is very evident.

Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles – this is part of the ‘ABC’ islands in the southern Caribbean - Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao.  I haven’t been yet, but it is known for incredible diving. In fact, that is the major tourist draw, and the communities have embraced that and really cater to the dive community.

Bratislava, Slovakia – this is now the capital of Slovakia, although when I visited, it was still a small city in what was Czechoslovakia. Bratislava sits just over the border from Vienna Austria. When I lived in Vienna, we took a day trip for lunch and shopping. At that time (1990), Bratislava was just beginning its recovery after the fall of Communism. What I remember most was that the city was very gray – the buildings, the streets, the people. They were struggling to survive, and welcomed the Viennese and American tourists and our money. Since then, the city has flourished. In 1993 it become the Capital of the Slovak Republic.

Butchart Gardens – a gorgeous park near Victoria Canada. The Butchart family started the garden in 1904, and it has grown over the years into a beautiful 55 acres. Included are many individual themed gardens – Japanese, Italian, rose, Mediterranean, sunken, etc.  And for you Epcot fans, it is Butchart that is represented with the garden at the Canada Pavilion.

Boston – we all know about the baked beans, baseball, historic tea party, Harvard, etc. What I really want to do, someday, is visit on the 4th of July. For years I have watched the Boston Pops and their 4th of July concert on PBS. The moment that I would love to experience in person is the performance of the 1812 Overture, with the canons, bells, and fireworks.

Burbank, California – again, for my Disney friends, this is probably quite obvious. Burbank is home to the Disney Studios. Twice I’ve visited the Studios, and hope to again someday. In addition to the Disney Studios, you’ve got all the other major studios located here. Burbank is also home to the oldest remaining Bob's Big Boy in America, opened in 1949. I had dinner here in July, and it was like stepping back in time. And the food was great!

Belize – this small country sits on the eastern coast of the Central American coastline facing the Caribbean Sea. Not only does it have spectacular beaches and barrier reef, you can also visit a lush tropical rainforest and ruins of the Ancient Maya.

Bolivia – not sure I want to visit this country, but I have to mention it because it was a hideaway for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (one of my favorite movies)

Belgium – ok, this is all about the chocolate!  They are known for many other things – beer, waffles, and french fries (that’s right – fries didn’t come from the French). But the chocolate that this country produces is among the finest in the world. From Guylian to Leonidas - Belgian chocolate is considered to be the gourmet standard by which all other chocolate confections are measured.

Wordless Wednesday

Movie Review Monday

Didn't realize it was Monday ... gotta love these 3 day weekends!  

As I do most weekends, I watched 2 very different movies.

Clash of the Titans - this film got some bad press for its crappy 3D conversion.  Watching it on the home TV eliminates that issue, but there were others for me.  Story was slow to start out, and the main character - Perseus - hardly spoke.  He is supposed to be the hero, but he was just dull.  After 30 minutes, I found my mind wandering.  The special effects, storyline, you name it - none of it held my attention.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - my office mate recommended this film.  She'd read the book, then saw this Swedish film and liked it.  It is subtitled, which I don't normally enjoy, but I was able to make it work.  Before I say anything else about it, I want to quote IMDB:

'Rated R for disturbing violent content including rape, grisly images, sexual material, nudity and language'

Yea, it had all of that.  There were some very uncomfortable scenes in this film.  Most violence doesn't bother me, but the sexual violence made me want to look away.   That being said, I did like the movie.  I thought the mystery and intrigue were very well written, and it kept my interest.  The young woman who played Lizbeth was very good.

Random Sunday

Not sure why this popped into my head ... probably the documentary I was watching on Marine Corps bootcamp.  

3 events that truly scared me

• The "swim" tests and qualification during Marine Corps bootcamp in Parris Island.  I've never really talked about this, but that day in the pool affected me for over 20 years.  From the added weight of wet camouflage and other gear, to the constant yelling of the drill instructors, I had a moment of panic and started to go under. 
• The first time that I lost a relative.  I'll never forget the phone call when my grandmother died.  My parents left right away, and I was home to watch over my brother.  I had never experienced a family loss, and it scared me so bad I couldn't sleep.
• Getting caught in the current.  Last year we went for a late season dive at a new spot in Puget Sound.  We were going to dive around some old pilings, which required a relatively short swim from shore.  We both started out, but Jim - being much stronger than me - pulled ahead.  The current was worse than we thought, and I found myself struggling.  Next thing I knew, Jim was at the pilings, and I was drifting away - caught in the current. 

How about you?  Have you ever been truly scared?  Scared to the point of uncontrolled shaking?

Travel Thursday - let's start with "A"

I'm trying a new twist on Travel Thursday.  I'll work my way through the alphabet, with my top 10 places I've been, or want to go.  This week we'll begin ... in the beginning!

Austin, Texas
I don’t know much about Austin, other than people seem to really love it there. And I hear the BBQ is pretty darn good.

Arlington, Virginia
Besides being next door to our nation’s Capital, Arlington is home to so many great attractions. From the somber Arlington National Cemetery to the Marine Corps War Memorial, The Pentagon, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park.  Anytime I’m in the area, I always pay a visit to the Marine Corps Memorial. (as a Marine, this is a must-do!)

Alaska
Alaska has been on my must-see list for most of my life. Why I haven’t made the trip is beyond me. So many things I want to experience - Denali, moose, bear catching salmon, eagles, caribou, and the great vast wonder that is Alaska.

Australia
There is something exotic about Australia. I don’t know if it’s the language, or the fact that it’s so far away – but it has always intrigued me. The Sydney Opera House is gorgeous, and the thought of diving the Great Barrier Reef is exciting. I’d really love to see a kangaroo or a koala.

Albuquerque, New Mexico
There isn’t much about Albuquerque that I don’t like. I spent most of my childhood summers here (or in nearby Santé Fe), so I have a real affection for the town. The culture is an incredible mix of Anglo, Latino, Native American, and Hispanic. From restaurants to museums to craft fairs, that cultural mix brings a unique flair to the city. One of the biggest events is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta every October. From the daily ascent of 500+ balloons, to the Night Glow and Special Shapes Rodeo – this is a must-see! If you can arrive a few days before, or stay a few days after, you can enjoy a hot-air balloon ride for a little lower price. I highly recommend a balloon ride! I’m not real fond of heights, but this is such an incredible experience! I don’t think I’ve found anything more peaceful than floating along in a hot air balloon. Other than the gas burner, there isn’t a single sound up there … and the views!!

Astoria, Oregon

This is one of my favorite stops when visiting the Oregon Coast. It isn’t the tourist destination that Seaside or Cannon Beach is. It’s smaller, less developed, and a little quirky. But you can find some really neat little shops, and there are some great seafood restaurants. Astoria’s location is unique from other Oregon coastal towns – it sits on both the Pacific Ocean, and the Columbia River. If you drive up to the Astoria Column, you get a great view of both.

Anaheim, California

This should be pretty obvious. Anaheim is home to one of my favorite places – Disneyland!

Animal Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World
Ok, it’s not a city or country, but it is a great place. In fact, of all the Disney parks in the US, this is one of my favorites. I love the relaxed feel of this park. I can spend an entire day here and not go on a single attraction - from the nature trails, to the Tree of Life, to the incredible detail in the architecture.

Arkansas
Okay, I don’t actually visit Arkansas. But it should be mentioned as my father’s parents were both from Arkansas – Paragould to be exact. Gotta mention the southern roots if you got ‘em!

Aiken, South Carolina
While not a place I would go out of my way to visit, I was truly impressed with the hospitality in Aiken. I spent almost a month here on a work assignment. Aiken is just across the border from Augusta, GA. A couple of hours to the east are Charleston and Hilton Head, north is Greenville, and southwest is Atlanta. Aiken is horse country - thoroughbred races and the steeplechase are a BIG deal!

Wordless Wednesday