Gypsy Travels

Just a test

2009-04-27T11:42:00.001-07:00

I'm on email and testing to see if this makes it to my blog...bear with me..

My newest designs this week are from my Tudor Collection

2008-12-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Prinia, her daughter Julia and baby
My friend Prinia, who helped me in so many ways to find my grandfather with her geneology research passed away on November 25. I only found out today, almost 3 weeks later. Prinia lived in New Zealand, but she and I conversed via email for many years. The story of how I never knew my grandfather is a long one, that only Prinia helped me to solve. She will be greatly missed. Ten days before she passed away, I saw a large group of white doves, which I have never seen before. I dreamt about white doves in a church that same week. At the time I thought it a wonderful event and cool dream, but in retrospect I wonder if there is a connection with the two? I had no idea she was sick, so I am kind of in shock right now. I wonder if many of my ancestors she helped to find, sent me these doves as a sign of some sort? I will dedicate my December bead Journal project to her and this story will come to light as I unfold it in my beadwork. I am very sad to even mention this but I know she was welcomed with many many open arms of ancestors of people all around the world. She was an amazing genealogy researcher, a kind and generous spirit who loved her family first and foremost.

Welcome Baby!

2008-12-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

Meet the newest member of our family!!! Baby Alec born to Sara my niece and Greg, Alecs' daddy. Isn't he sweet? I have been dreaming about white doves, seeing white doves everywhere and I don't know if that symbolizes anything having to do with birth, but here he is.

Challenge!

2008-11-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Carol of the BJP Beads and Birds blog issued a CHALLENGE that had me taking photos all over the place this past weekend. She issued a challenge to all of us, to show what we see on our drive to work, well here goes...I had fun doing this, and since I am a photo nut, I really paid more attention to some of the things I take for granted that I see every single day. Hope you like my little pieces of pleasure.This woman was gracious enough to allow me to photograph her as she sorted grapes at a local vineyard. Fruits and Nuts are being harvested everywhere in the early Fall.

A common sight around here are grape pickers. The crops on the vine this year must have been really good! Each picker has their own little stand where they sort the grapes to put into boxes. This is a photo taken at the base of the foothills in our town, leading up to Sierra Summitt. While it is a nice 60 degrees and sunny, yesterday it was 71! The mountains already have dustings of snow on them. Behind all of the beautiful mountains also is Yosemite. If you are familiar with Ansel Adams photography you have surely seen many of his photos of Half Dome and the giant Sequoias there as well. We enjoy driving to Yosemite on the weekends.

There is something about trees that always draws me to take pictures of them with or without people in them. This day the almond trees shown had all recently been trimmed showing off their beautiful brown branches.This is a shot of the morning trails we take when we go on our walks with Bella. It was a foggy November morning this day. I usually take my camera 'cause the birds and critters' are in full morning sunrise mode. I love the fog!! On my way home the sun was just setting and the sun was sooo red. The picture doesn't capture how red it is, but it was awesome. This is a farmhouse I pass every day. They have just turned over the crops so the soil is bare and beautiful. A lot of the reason for the redness is the quality of air is bad right now. The fires have brought all the smoky air to our little valley where it sits until the wind takes it away. My throat has been sore for a week because of these fires!! We can't even have a nice fire in the fireplace when it's cool in the evenings because the air quality is terrible. Every single morning when I head out, I drive by the lake and see all my geese friends diving for fish, and paddling around. This is also where we take our walks every morning and night with my furbaby Bella and my husband. We love it out here. On today's drive I saw a giant white something flying low in the air..UFO? Sorry Carol, couldn't capture a true UFO!! As I got closer it was a flock of white doves weaving back and forth over the road. I stopped to get this shot of all of them perched on the telephone lines...They're so pretty!! The only time I have seen white birds is when we get a few seagulls out our way. This is a rare occurence to see so many white doves in one place!! Lucky me to be just in the right place.

We are surrounded by orange groves. They line the roads all over the city. In the Spring the blossoms just permeate the air and it smells oh so sweet. Wish I could bottle the scent! Our valley supplies almost 80 percent of the oranges for the U.S. Every day I drive by several orchards of Almond Trees. We are a huge supplier of almonds too!!!Not sure if they are in season yet..

I see Daddinos egg ranch sign every single day. They sell chickens too! Yes, we do buy eggs here once in awhile. As you can see we kind of live out in the country, but close to the city as well. That is one of the joys out in California. Lots of farmers tending their fields. The Pomegranates that are for sale down this same road are grown by a friend of mine, she owns a bead store too!! Lots of free fruit to be had!! These are the trees that line our street where we live. Every fall they puddle beautiful colors of leaves underneath them.

WELCOME

2008-10-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

ON NEWSTANDS NOW!!!

If you want to view my article in BEAD TRENDS MAGAZINE it is in this months November issue. It is pictured above. It's more like a book than a magazine and is about a 10 inch square shape. Can be found at Barnes and Nobles, Michaels, JoAnnes Fabrics, and most bead stores across the country. Yippee! FINALLY!

So now it's all about the baby...baby Alec and here are some cute pictures of Sara and Greg. With only two months to go before baby Alec is here, everyone is anxious and excited to see him. Sara seems to be worried that he will be huge. Since it's her first baby all those fears are just normal fears. She takes good care of herself, exercises and eats right. Teaching special needs kids all day is her main stress I think, but she can handle it. December 19th is the due date!! I've been looking for a little miniature Police Officer baby outfit to match daddy's (real uniform), but can't seem to find one!!!

_ David as he and Brianne took off for their honeymoon

Love is in the Air!

The BriDavantos WEDDING, was set in the Durango mountains. Clean crisp air and awesome scenery of aspens and pines was breathtaking. It was a beautiful wedding. On Andrews Lake at Engineer Mountain (appropriate since that is his profession), it brought everyone back to nature. Doug and I love nature and to see that Brianne and David have the same love for it also was nice. Everyone was on a Rocky Mountain High I have to say. I have posted a few pictures from the trip to Durango.

Photos from my trip to Albuq., and Santa Fe coming soon. My mother was given an award in Santa Fe. It is the St. Francis of Assisi award given by the Archbishop Sheehan, I will have photos of that soon. Her parish pastor wrote a very nice mini-bio of my mom that gave the perfect description of her.

Sara is expecting her first BABY around Christmas and I took lots of photos of her.. She isn't huge , just showing a bit. I can't wait for baby Alec to come!

If you want to read more, just click the arrows at right to get you in and out of all the stories happening with us these days! I've posted more photos of Bella in the "Bella" section. She's a live wire! keeping us hopping and busy with all day bella activities.

BELLA

2008-01-11T00:25:00.001-08:00

oK, You asked for them, here is a picture of just some of my favorite toys...I play with all of them as the mood dictates. I love chewing on my bones when mommy and daddy are busy, and love to thrash and thrash devil cow around and chew his hair off when I have uncontrollable energy issues. Weirdo is fun to just flip around and make squeek. My favorite favorite is nightmare kitty however. He's rubber, looks ominous, and could have belonged to Jack from nightmare before christmas fame. He feels good on my teeth and I love to chew and chew on him. What do you think??

Me and daddy kissing

May 21 - 2008

The perfect day! Weather a cool 70 degrees, rolling, playing and jumping all day. Daddy came home from work and we played in the backyard while mommy made dinner. Mommy said I was too quiet outside and found me laying in the grass not moving, I threw up too, so Mommy and Daddy became really worried, excited and frantic and took me to the emergency room. On the way there I felt a little better, but I didn't want to move. Mommy sat in the back seat with me so I wouldn't fall off the seat. They noticed I wasn't walking on one of my legs and I was limping when we were in the doctors office. The doctor said I probably got stung or ate something toxic in the yard. I felt much better, but the doctor game me medicine to help my tummy. Mommy and Daddy were soooo worried. I slept in my crate tonight, 'cause I was tired and needed rest. Now I can't go outside without a leash, and have a special diet of hamburger, rice and cottage cheese for a few days. Yum! We all had a group Bella Burger Hug when we got home. Mommy and Daddy are the buns and I'm the Bella Burger while we hug and kiss. Baby Bella, ready for a nap

EASTER WEEKEND

I got up early as usual, but mommy and daddy left me. They went to church and out to brunch, and brought me goodies to eat. Then a fun thing happened. While I was playing outside, I played with these plastic balls laying all over the yard. Mommy said they were eggs. They each had treats in them. I loved that game!!! I got lots and lots of new toys. Of course they all have names now. "leo', "devil cow", "chicky", "sunny", and I got a new tug ball!! I love my tug balls, but "sunny" was my favorite this day. Then I played and played ball with daddy and even jumped on him in his hammock. He was surprised to see me jump up there!!! I love snails. Mommy keeps throwing them away, so I keep digging them up and chewing on them. I am the snailenator!!! I pulled out mommys jasmine plant for her. It smells good and I love the way it tastes!!! I love weeding mommys garden too. I pulled up a lot of old dry stuff in the garden and chewed it up. I weigh 10 pounds now! Mommy said it might be from the snails and wood I like to chew on. Daddy pulled out my favorite bush. It was a lavendar bush that attraceted lots of these flying things I loved to play with. Mommy said they are bees and the would sting me, so they got rid of it. Rascal got bit a long time ago and he had to go to the doctor. They didn't want a repeat performance of that again. Oh well, I guess I'll chase and catch the butterflies and birds that land in my yard. bye.....

My favorite spot in the backyard. My new cot

I have a new place to sit in the backyard. It is my "perch" I can sit on it, and watch everything around me while my toys are sitting beside me. I watch the birds, and lola and sammy the neighbor dogs who I see through the fence. Mommy said this will be a cool spot for me in the summer. I really like it. I get on it first thing when I go outside. I like admiring my big yard and being a guard dog. Mommy's favorite photo of me

Me in the backyard with my outside toy "tug"

Week 4
Well, it has been a little over a month since I was brought home, no more doctors for now. I am feeling better and no more coughing and wheezing. I think my warm blanket and bed cured me. I am loving playing with all my toys, I have over 10 toys! My outside toy is a neon tennis ball that has a red handle on it. I immediately grab it when I go outside, and run and run and run in figure eights so no one can catch me with it. All my inside toys have names. My favorite is frog. He is a bright neon green long thing with a great chew tennis ball tummy. I chewed him pretty much to pieces last week, so mommy bought me a new frog (frog 2). He's still my favorite. I love "marmaduke" too. He is bigger and longer than me. He's bright red and I love to tug, chew and drag him around everywhere.

My hair is growing longer and thicker mommy said, and it is really red. They are always wondering what I'm mixed with. Who cares, I'm cute aren't I?? They keep calling me the Princess. I wonder what that means. Yesterday I ate some snails in the yard. Mommy is grossed out, and won't let me eat them. Since I threw one up in the living room I think they are gross too. The neighbor dogs don't bark at me anymore, I think we are friends now. I tried to dig a hole under the fence, but got caught 'mid dig'. Lots of pictures have been taken this month, so hope you like looking at me, me, and me!!! This is me while my mommy works on the computer, why isn't she paying attention to me?

DAY 1. I pretty much slept most of the day because the stress of the last few weeks at the shelter wore me out. Imagine all the people I saw looking at me through those bars, and all the barking of other poor puppies day and night. I even had to go to the doctor right away where they spayed me and microchipped me in case I happen to escape or run away again.

DAY 2. Today I felt a bit better, and felt much feistier, I played with my brand new kong that had a special treat just for me in it. I still want to sleep, but my mommy wants to hug and kiss me a lot today, so that's ok. I have a huge yard all to myself and it is so overwhelming, I can't move my little legs fast enough to cover every square inch of it. I checked for escape routes and holes in fences right away, no luck. I chased a lot of birds away, and notice I have some four legged neighbors, I wonder who is behind that fence.

DAY 3. I gotta go out...be right back Bella, peeking out from under the covers, first day home Bella, first day home

Anyone who loves animals can tell you how hard it is to walk into an SPCA shelter. Last weekend we found it was overwhelming how many animals are available for adoption, I was happy to see that the cages were clean and the animals were relatively taken care of. I went in with a mixture of excitement to find a new pup, a feeling of sadness for all these little souls, and the reality that I would have to say goodbye to my past puppies. It has been two years since we lost Rascal and we have been dogless during that time. It was bittersweet for me, because I loved him so much and this would make it final. Someone else would be our shadow, protector, and giver and taker of so much love. It was tough. Doug was the one who found our little love. She was scratching, jumping at the cage where Doug was standing, and he was already "gone" , crouching down at her eye level saying "look at this face, she is adorable". She looked a lot like our little Daisy, when she was a puppy. How can you resist that face? I didn't want to take the first one (although the temptation was there!!) so we looked around at all the buildings. There were a lot of dogs to choose from!!! The good news I guess is that they adopted over 45 the same weekend. One worker had us walk this big hairy dog, who was cute, but just too much hair for my taste..although he was very loveable and an older dog, not quite 'us'. Well, we went back to the little feisty one, who was a stray, brought in only 5 days ago. We couldn't take her home the same day, because she would have to be spayed, and given shots, licensed before we could take her home. We waited an agonizing (for me) 3 more days for her, before we were able to bring her to a safe, warm spot in our home. I can't figure out why no one claimed her as lost....but she's ours now......all 8 lbs. of her. Done Deal...wrap her up, we'll take her. She's feisty, definitely has a personality, and very very loveable wanting to sit in our laps all the time. I love that!

PARIS, FRANCE

2008-01-11T00:24:00.000-08:00

Magnifique

View of the inside and outside of the Paris Opera. Our hotel was literally across the street and our room was on the corner (very left of picture) with an amazing view of the opera front. Right to the left of the street light on the very left is where our room was up on the 4th floor....

Paris Weather

PARIS - 2007 Our table at the Musee du Vin in Paris on our final evening June 22-2007 Photo to come
I've finished posting our current European travels. to ROME, and LONDON too. Please drop me a line by clicking the comment buttons!!! I'd love to hear from you and what your thoughts are! Finally all of our 600 or so pictures have been put into albums. I made an album for each city and it worked out really well. I made a little mini-album for Mom. Going through the pictures just reminded me of what a great trip we had. I sort of realized too, that while in Paris, the couples who we went on this trip with, and ourselves shared a common 'brotherhood'. For one moment in time, we all for whatever reason were in that moment of time together, and we will always treasure those fun times we had as a group. Since I am not a big fan of flying ...that was a huuuge accomplishment. If you only new how I dreaded for months the long flights that awaited us. A trip of a lifetime and here I am a nervous wreck.... Now that I have flown over the ocean...North Pole, Greenland...I feel a bit renewed, less nervous, and maybe I can fly anywhere now with a little less fear. Doug and I are seriously planning another trip back...Not 'til Next Year though...we're still recuperating!!
_
May 26-2007
We're back! Wow what a fantastic, awesome, amazing, beautiful trip we had! I can't even begin to tell you everything we saw, and we are still literally recuperating from our every day adventures. We walked so much, I mean all day, every day...that Doug and I each lost over 5 lbs. I thought we would gain weight with all of the European foods, but gotta tell ya...America has the best food!!! I am in sensory overload even today at all of the beautiful things we saw in the way of amazing basilicas, museums, arworks, and in awe from all of the history we read and learned about, in the wonderful countries we visited. I can't pick a favorite. I will say Doug seemed to really really love the ancient ruins in Rome. Paris was so beautiful and the Eiffel tower was magnificent and huuuuuuuge! I never realized how gigantic this thing was! Yes we rode to the top and Doug had a special surprise for me at the top of the Eiffel tower. London, hands down, had the friendliest people willing to help Americans. Love the Brits!!! I'm still kind of jet lagged and collecting all my journals so I can tell you all about this trip of a lifetime. Read all about our trips in the contents at left. It may take me a bit to get every day posted, so be patient please!! I will try and post photos in the Photo section as well as in each city page.
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May 2007 - Ok....I know a little French...I took it in college and then brushed up for two months for the trip of a lifetime, so I do understand it a bit...to speak it is another story. Doug and I did get caught up in the accent. It is such a great language. Everything sounds divine when they say it. Even when you know they are saying nasty things...Well...this trip was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dougs company outdid themselves with all of the tours, dinners etc...and the hotel we stayed at was outstanding. I loved the cafes, the art, the espresso, everything!

DAY one - Musee de Opera - River Seine

Our flight left early in the wee hours of 7am so we were up at 4am....not looking forward to the air trip, since I hate flying...and this is going to be a looong day. Arrived safely in Dallas and met up with 4 other couples going with us on the trip...now the looong ride to Paris! Arrive safely in Paris. Whew...I am now kissing the ground. It is only 9am Paris time, but the next day!!! Two Parisian women are there to meet the couples arriving at this time. Valerie and Cicely...who speak with the sweetest french accents and talk like theese....... direct us to our limousine to take us to the hotel. I want to speak like that!!!!! So begin the "bonjours" and "mercis" We are staying at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand in the Opera district of Paris. Valerie and Cicely speak (speek) in the car as we drive through the city streets and point out landmarks...the arch de triumphe, the champs de lysee...etc...Is this real?? Am I really in Paris? This is amazing and I am so darn tired, I hope I remember all this. We have now been awake for 20 hours!!!...I feel giddy...Upon arrival at the hotel, they have a special room for us with a brunch buffet set up with crescents (of course) Wines (let the wines begin), cheeses, cold cuts, mineral (later it will be Meeneraaal) water, sparkling drinks..etc..and all I want to do is sleep. It is at this time they tell us we cannot sleep, (What???? I'm dizzy) we are going on a walking tour of the Opera House across from the hotel....They say it is better we stay awake and go to bed at normal Paris time so we can acclimate to the time correctly. Well...ok...make like the energizer bunny and keep moving those legs! We go to our respective rooms and change clothes, and we are now walking the city streets! Coooo- uhl! The Opera is amazing!! Ya know the Phantom of the Opera??? Here is the inspiration in this very building. The amazing sculptures, paintings on the ceilings, architecture, stairways, the giant chandeliers, marble everywhere. I am in awe. No time to take pictures, because Cicely (seesaylee) has plans to speak as we walk and tell us about the opera house. I have got to get some photos of this place it is utterly amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back at the hotel, I take 45 minute nap and then we get dressed up for our yacht dinner on the River Seine!

River Seine Yacht Dinner

We meet in the lobby and they drive us to the Seine River . We walk up a walkway of cobblestones...it leads us to a yacht where we will have our dinner. Yes, I took a picture of the yacht!!! and the one next to it! This is too awesome! Cocktails and hors doeuvres await us. We are then led into another room where the tables are all set so beautifully and they have printed menus for us of our dinner to come. A small blue box is at the place of each woman there, and they ask us to open them. Oh this is very cool. Inside each is a pretty gold bracelet with an Eiffel tower charm on it. Love it!...dinner was very traditional french, and then we floated down the seine river by the sparkling Eiffel tower where they took pictures of each couple. Our last night, they would give us the finished picture in a frame. This is really so perfect. A night to remember! Back to the hotel...we have the most peaceful, and best nights sleep!!! zzzzzzz

DAY two - Laduree - Notre Dame

Today we had an 8am wakeup, but Thanks to Dianne, she arranged for us to sleep in and leave at 9:45 instead...(bless her)...our perfume museum tour is cancelled (bummer!!!) The men had a meeting this morning, while the women all prepared to have a french breakfast at "laduree". It is famous for it's fresh made daily "macaroons". They drive us to our spot, and we find out there are two Ladurees. One of them is close to our hotel, but we are going to the original Laduree in the heart of the city. It is wrought iron spirals on the outside of a quaint and very french looking old building. In the display windows are literally hundreds of plates of pastries and candies, petit fours, petit pies, and macaroons that are so perfectly stacked into pyramids of colors...reminded me of "be our guest scene" from Beauty and the Beast. Inside we climbed very steep, carpeted stairs winding around and up to a small room which had several armoires and beautifully carved furniture full of more food on display!!!. Our tables were in the center of the room and each had wonderful china place settings. Everyone including me noticed immediately the bowls of interesting things on the table already. Sugar cubes in browns, powdered, white (Ok I know it's weird, but these were cool!) and a plate of what looked like long wrapped tootsie roll things. I guessed they were butter, and that is what they were!! (very cool presentation of butter) Ok, we are definitely in Paris now!! Sparkling bottles of water lined the table as well, because in Europe ya gotta have your mineral or sparkling water with every single meal! I was busy taking pictures of everything...Yes the butter, the sugar cubes, the armoires...but I wasn't the only one!!!!Anyway we had a great breakfast and we each tried a different flavor macaroon. (I had pistachio) some were licorice, cherry, lemon, etc...and these are not coconut macaroons like you would think...they are sweet and light like meringue... we practiced what little french each of us knew...and then we were off to have lunch with the guys....(more food!!!) We met up at the hotel

and met up with the guys and then drove to La Bouteille d'Or restaurant. Want to visit Laduree for yourself? For a cute little visit, click here...http://www.laduree.fr/

"La Bouteille d"Or restaurant (bottle of gold) 12:00 pm

It is across the street from Notre Dame Cathedral. Had a wonderful lunch there sitting outside on the patio watching people go by, drinking Wine...mineral water (meenerahl)..and then we all walked across the street to Notre Dame Cathedral (about 6 blocks or so)....then the tour began of Notre Dame. Cicely gave the tour and I just didn't have enough time to take pictures and listen to her at the same time...we were on the 'express' and quick in and out tour I think...but I have to say it was amazing...the history, and the hugeness, architecture it is absolutely beautiful! There are murals and paintings retelling the stories of the bible. This is where Napolean crowned himself Emperor of France, and Josephine Empress! Wooowow! It overlooks the River Seine and I wanted to get photos from the outside, but it is just so huge. A bread festival was going on outside as well, so any photos I wanted from far away would have to include the very lovely bread festival tents all over the place....Oh well....we leave for our walking tour of Ile de la Cite', The Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.....In the center of Paris. The city was founded B.C. (incredible!) but had been inhabited 4000 years before that!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember I said there is some history here? It is very staggering to me. We visit what used to be a palace turned prison during the french revolution and this is where poor Marie Antoinette is imprisoned until her beheading (hey...it's history) And into Sainte-Chapelle, which Cicely (Seesaylee) tells us that relics of christ are in this very church which include the crown of thorns and a piece of the true cross...but they only display these once a week/month...and it is not on this day....I am truly in awe AGAIN!!!! (on the verge of sensory overload now............)...once the tour is over we leave for the hotel and sleep???? No, no sleep for you......we will get ready for our evening dinner at

Le Procope which opened in 1686!!!!!!!!!!!!! 6:30 pm...

Yea...1686......Holy...@!#@ This is where Benjamin Franklin fine tuned the Constitution and Victor Hugo and Voltaire, along with other famous writers of the day penned famous writings. We are coached off to the famous restaurant around 6:30 pm and are met up with cocktails and canapes. A three course dinner of very french food once again. Lots of Wine!!! (I don't drink but they smell great) cheeses, rice, chicken (poulet)...(that's me being french).. We sit by the window which overlooks another very tall building with rows of windows with the little wooden shades open and closed. It is a cool 65 or so degrees so it feels very nice outside! I am suddenly feeling very french! .....I am suddenly feeling very tired too!!! Doug and I are not used to the going going going...but Hey it's Paris and we have to make the most of it! Love it..I am so tired I have no time to even write in my journal, I literally jot the highlights and conk out for tomorrows adventures.

DAY 3 - Versaille - Giverny

Well today we ordered an early breakfast in the room and met up with everyone to go on our day trip to Giverny and Versaille. It is 9am or so, and we travel to Giverny first. The little french village where Monet lived and was inspired to paint 'waterlilies' and many other of his famous paintings. It's nice looking out the windows and seeing the french countryside as we drive 45minutes or so outside Paris. Lots of thatched roofs and green hillsides. We see quite a lot of old ruins leftover from the war which is interesting to us. Once at Monets home, the first think I notice is the scent! fresh, and full of fragrance. I begin to catch a glimpse of why it smells so wonderful. Gardens, and gardens of flowers! wow...irises, peonies, roses...it is absolutely beautiful. I see beyond there is a house which we are told was Monets home. The gardens were his and there are lots of little mini-square gardens in long rows of flowers. It is huge. I especially am loving all of the pretty arbors just overflowing with either roses or vines like wisteria. So Pretty I think I want to just stay here for a while. I am clicking photos like crazy because this is an awesome photo opportunity. We want to see the pond and the bridges which he painted, so we make our way down some stairs and through a brick tunnel of sorts and there is the pond with all the waterlilies just as in his paintings...so pretty and we walk over the bridge which he has painted as well. The pond is actually part of the river seine, which Monet cleverly re-directed (with permission) through his own property to form a small creek/pond area. As we walk through the gardens we make our way to his home and the kitchen is painted pure sunny yellow, the color of bananas. I guess he liked bright colors!!! His house is typical of a french cottage, but larger than you would imagine for those days. The view from his library was of all the gardens. This must have been his view for his painting days....Very cool. There were so many people here it was weird because literally this place is in the middle of nowhere and then there is Monets home full of tourists...Once everyone got back together, we made our way to the coolest restaurant in the middle of the countryside. It had a working windmill/watermill, which I took lots of pictures of..we all had yet another french lunch....of wine, cheeses, salads, and more...and headed out to Versaille....I am loving the sights, but I have blisters on my heels and toes today and every step is a bit painful. It was cloudy today so we took our umbrella just in case. I am tired, but that quickly becomes a non issue once we get to Versaille. Our bus is parked way way on the outside of the 'palace' and we have a long walk on cobblestones leading up to this huge place. Once inside it is just magnanamous (is that a word? ) That is my new way of describing huge, gigantic ceilings and lengths of rooms. I cannot describe how big the rooms where these kings and queens lived in were. The gold and paintings on the ceilings and walls is utterly amazing. I am officially on sensory and artwork overload now...I have seen so much 'stuff ' that I cannot remember one 'magnanamous' place from the next. Anyway....suffice it to say this place was beautiful and just room after room after room of utter extravagance and wealth. As if this was not enough we haven't seen the gardens yet...it is raining now outside, but it seems I am one of the few who has brought an umbrella and I feel kind of guilty standing under it while everyone is looking drenched. A few of us venture out to the garden, but it is raining too hard now and we all head back to the bus to get back to the hotel.

The Eiffel Tower

Tonight we are on our own to explore the city and do whatever we want. Doug has made reservations at a restaurant near the eiffel tower and then we plan to go up to the top of it and I can get some good photos. Later in the evening we decide to forget the restaurant (we're tired)and just eat somewhere nearby so we can relax with friends so we pick the American Cafe across the street...(french food is not the greatest) the french waiter is not the nicest and told us we were a nightmare ( yes he did) We had the hardest time getting ketchup....(a whole other story in itself) so we left and took a taxi to the Eiffel tower. Two other couples and ourselves stood in line for about 30-40 minutes just to get into the thing. I was amazed at just how 'gargantuan' (another new word to describe huuuge), this thing was. Much taller than I thought, I was a bit apprehensive about taking a trip up to the top. Pictures just do not show how large the Eiffel Tower is. In the meantime I have been holding my purse for dear life because of all the stories of pickpockets and oh there was a sign that said be careful of pickpockets...uh huh!!! Sooooo anyway we finally get up there, take an elevator and when we started going up I realized along with the others, that we are kind of going sideways....'cause the tower as you know kind of 'slants' in and up to the center doesn't it? Oooh I am a bit woosy about this. Uh...Doug, I am not sure about this...but we all laugh and just do it anyway. We may die, but what a way to go huh???? We reach the 2nd floor...What happened to the top???????? We have to wait in another line for that too...it is here I see someone getting sick, and one of the women we are with decides she can't go on now, 'cause she is feeling funny, and now I'm feeling kind of weird and dizzy...but I say I gotta do it, we're here, let's go up. Memories of the day I got sick when we went fishing in Galveston are entering my head now...(please noooo) The top was a trip, I did feel a bit dizzy going to the top of it, it is way the !@#@! up in the air for !@#@ sake! I do manage to get some photos, but who knows if they will come out...I wanted down from here...then Doug grabs me and pulls out a box and it has a gorgeous diamond ring in it...I'm stunned...(remember our anniversary was last month 30 years)....so he says a few very sweet words about our being married for so long and gives me this ring....He is just the sweetest...then the other couple comes out of the shadows and snaps a picture of us kissing....Geesh...he had this plannned for a looong time....I have the best husband I think...So sweet. What a night to remember!!! Afterwards we taxi to a small cafe by the hotel and have some more espresso, gelatos, and 'spirits'....and stroll in the Paris lights back to our hotel. I will never forget this night!

DAY 4

THE LOUVRE AND EXPLORING PARIS

This morning we met in the lobby again, but this time we walked to the underground train station. Ok, this is a little scary (we are wimps) I have never taken an underground train, but they assure us it is EEESY! It is just a short jaunt and I am taking in the morning cafes, smell of espresso and bustle outside as we walk. Once there "Valereeee" gives us our day pass to get on and off all day if we so wish, but right now we are taking the train to the Louvre. I feel like a kindergartener with her teacher as she explains to us how to put in the ticket and take it back out etc....so that we are able to get through the swinging door to the train...This is fun!!! Anywhooo...we ride the train...get to the Louvre...immediately off, we go through a series of archways which are amazing in themselves and Valereee tells us about some of the sculptures and the mini arche de trimphe which are outside the Louvre...I'm not seeing the Louvre yet..and am remembering pictures, and my da vinci code story for landmarks...then I see it...the big glass pyramid signifying we are at the Louvre and the large 'square' we are in with tons of people coming to and from the Louvre. We are at the 'ceiling' she says of the Louvre the entrance goes underground. Valerie and Cicely do try and give us a quick tour of the place which is not easy because of all the people here. It is packed with people. A friend who is with us and lived in Paris said he had never remembered it being this busy before...anyway...we did see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo to name just a scant few that you might recognize and then the tour is over, but Doug and I decide to stay and look around for the rest of the afternoon before we head to hotel. Others are going to the flea market or other destinations. I will say this place is everything anyone has ever said about it. Amazing...huge...colossal..the art here is staggering and it just cannot be gone through in one day, much less a couple hours. After we leave, Doug and I take the train back to familiar territory and decide to walk to La Madeline a church that has been pointed out to us every single day.

Le Madeleine

It looks like the Parthenon. Very Roman looking and grey on the outside. Steps leading up to it are very many...but we do it. Doug and I are so proud of ourselves 'cause we got off at the right spot at the train station and are literally walking the streets of Paris exploring. La Madeline is yet another incredible church. Napolean had a lot to do with this as well. It is a Cathedral I should say, because as we are walking in, the altar is so beautiful. A Larger than life sculpture of Mary Magdalene being carried up into heaven with angels at her feet. It is huuuuuuuuuuuuge!!! The sights and sounds of a choir are at her feet, because we learn that there is going to be a requium mass of Mozart tonight with this choir and we are 'privy' to listening to it now. Not your average everyday choir I have to say...these are professional singers. All around are lit candles...small altars all along all of the walls leading up to the altar and circles of candles in some areas. It is simply beautiful. I took a lot of photos in here because to me it was typically catholic and very old fashioned the way I remember churches when I was little. Chopins funeral was held here!!! Yes that Chopin. Afterwards, Doug and I decide to window shop and we see Chanel, Swarovski, lots of chocolatiers along the way, and little street vendors with tourist stuff so we stop and purchase some basic French things to take home with us. Then back to the hotel. We will have our farewell dinner tonight at the Musee Du Vin (Paris Wine Museum) want to know more wisit wikipedia here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89glise_de_la_Madeleine

MUSEE DU VIN

Tonight Doug and I got really dressed up...a semi-formal event...I wore a black halter type evening dress with lots of sparkle and sequins and black tie-up sandal heels. Doug wore a suit to match...we were pretty dressed to the 'nines'...As we entered the Musee, it was obvious this was once a 'cave' or cellar of some kind. Limestone quarry was what the walls and floor, ceiling were made of. Along the sides of us were cases and cases of wine making paraphernilia, very old bottles of wines, untinsils used in the wine making process etc...Who knew this is what all it takes to make wine. The floor again was a cobblestone type shape....When we turned the corner was a gentleman waiting for us and greeting us with what else...WINE....and as we all took our places at little mini tables it was clear he was giving instructions. We are going to be tested on this...He has an easel with a map and begins to give us all the information about french wines, where they come from, how can you tell an old wine and new wine and what year it is made, which places the fruity versus nutty or bitter come from..etc...I am taking notes...but it 'ain't going to help...!!! Then we are all given a sheet and we have to answer questions on it based on the three wines we are going to be trying.....So...here goes nothing...Doug and I immediately become a team (the team that don't know 'nothin' about wine) and we are swirling, scenting, nosing, and Doug did the tasting and we filled our questionare out with the hope we 'did good"...then they lead us into the dining hall....Oh my Goooooo@#@!!!@!!! ...The longest table ever, set all with candelabras and candlelight...it is so beautiful. China place settings and pre-printed menus of what our dinner is for the evening...Dinner was fantastic, fun, we all laughed and then 4 frenchman come in singing, smiling, and marching with red velvet and white robes to the center stage to our right. We learn who the 'winners' of the wine tasting are and they are asked to come up front...this is an initiation into the brotherhood of the Wine Society. We are not winners...but two of our friends are...so I am taking lots of pictures....Ancient French is spoken for the induction and all of them must perform the ritual with the machete....Yes I said a machete...well, it was a huge thick knife!!!! The elder frenchman does a demonstration and slips the knife along the neck of the first champagne bottle up to the top and the top flies off with the top of the neck of the bottle and all....This is what they all have to do...!! Uh Huh...they are now all sweating...This looks dangerous...but they all manage to do it, and as they each do it, they must drink this chalice of champagne from the bottle they topped off....It is the coolest thing I have ever seen...!!! Well....What a night....what a final night in Paris...I am really going to miss this place. I love it I love it I love it!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow our ride leaves for the airport at 4:45 am....Goodbye Paris!! We love you...

FINAL DAY 5

As we leave and say goodbye to our hosts this morning I take one last look as we drive out at a city that we had such good memories of. A trip to remember for sure and I hope we come back one day. ...........On to ROME....Arrive 9:45 am....See the ROME Page

ANTICIPATION - 2006 - A look back...

March/06
Countdown to Paris......Yesterday in the mail we received a box with a Phantom of the Opera mask and a single red rose. The letter teased us and implied we would be going to the famous French Opera House which inspired the "Phantom of the Opera" theatre production. It's only a year away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Last month we got a calendar of Paris, and some other little 'do0dads' pertaining to Paris as well. I really can't wait for this trip, and am brushing up on my french already. Got to get back to the gym!! Of course I am scoping and scoping bead store venues, papiere places etc...I am going to have to ship stuff back, 'cause I know we won't have room in any size suitcase for anything we might find. Living for 4 years in Spain gave me an appreciation of the U.S., but I will always remember certain charming things about living in Europe. Sidewalk cafes, "merienda", evening 3-hour dinners, and the museums!!!! I am counting the days now...

LONDON

2008-01-11T00:23:00.000-08:00

Victoria and Albert Museum entry and sculptures

London Weather

DAY 7

May 2007 - We have arrived in London, we still have 3 days left of our vacation, and I'm looking forward to seeing Harrods, Buckingham palace, and little things like tasting fish and chips. No sooner do we arrive than the air of friendliness is all around. People are just helpful and nice here. We're not sure if it is because we are Americans or we look 'in need of help', but in any case it is a welcome virtue!! The only thing we have planned is our theatre night. We like to just rome and explore and take the hours as they come. It is so easy to get around because their transportation system is very good. We purchased The London Pass which we could use for over 100 attractions and a travel card which gave us access for two days worth of train traveling. We saved a lot of money on Taxis and attraction costs because of that.

Picadilly- St. James

5am...we are up and at'em again...leaving Rome, our cabbie arrives at our hotel to take us to Ciampino Airport. He drives us at the speed of light on the freeway...OMG!!!!! Doug and I held on for dear life on this cab ride...it was unbelievable...as we speed in and out of cars, he just misses the car next to us and I'm telling Doug to tell him to sloow it down a bit, and in that instance he gives the car next to us the Ehhh! with his hands and there are two nuns in the car!!! I mean...the holy city!! and our cab driver is flipping off a nun!! Wow!!! Now we've seen everything, and I'm hoping this is not a scene from The Omen.......where Doug and I will suffer the consequence for that little gesture!!!!!!.....whew..we arrived ALIVE ! This is a smaller airport than we came in at (Fiumacino). We will be flying Alitalia to London. Just a two hour flight, I can't wait to get there...We are early at the ticket counter and this is just the beginning of 'near misses' that we will have on our trip to and in London. At the counter they tell us we have way too much luggage and have to pay extra...how much extra??? 5 euros per kg. We end up paying 360 euros...(about $500 or more) just for our luggage!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am NOT HAPPY!!! Our luggage was within American weight standards but guess what...these little inner european flights only allow 20kg (40lbs) PER PERSON!!!...After we get that squared away...we find out that a Stewardess strike is going to happen at 10am. Our flight is at 9:30 am...we are just crossing our fingers on this one...finally boarded and thankfully on our way at 10:15am...we land at Heathrow...while Doug and I were fumbling with our luggage wondering where the taxis were, a very nice gentleman came up to us and gave us the run down on "use the cart for your luggage, it has a brake, here's how to use it, and taxis are out front...tell them if you want to use credit card etc...." I mean...we had 'tourist' written on our faces or "confusion"...but he was sooo nice...an elderly englishman...in a business suit...Welcome To London...!!!!! Immediately we are happy that people are friendly here...we have to get to the hotel, drop off our luggage, clean up, and then go back out and pick up our 'London Passes" They will give us unlimited access to over 100 tourist attractions and transportation on the "underground" (rail system)...After doing all that, we decide to stay in the area, it is right near Picadilly Square

The Crooked Surgeon in Picadilly Square

which looks like Manhatten to me...lots of Upscale shops, eateries, and more amazing buildings. Doug wants to find a Pub for fish and chips...we end up seeing a small flea market and craft show at St. James Church...(that is Dougs middle name and patron saint) so how cool is that??? We end up spending most of our time with this German lady selling lots of Hitler and WWll memorabilia. I was enthralled with all the foreign money and postage stamps, (for my collage work) while Doug was drooling over all of her Hitler War photos, and Original Postmarked Hitler Stamps...Wild stuff!! Doug loves anything having to do with that time period in history...we did buy quite a few interesting things..and then we decide to go in the Church...it is another Cathedral...and the thing that struck me most was a small altar right inside the door...lots of little white pieces of paper were pinned up on a backdrop with prayers. I read quite a few of them, and they were kind of heart wrenching to read. Just people telling their innermost hopes. Very touching. We basically walked around and took in the sights, and stopped at a place called the Crooked Surgeon for our fish and chips...they tell us..."we're sorry we're out of fish and chips"...What are the chances?????????? Well..Doug orders a "pint" and some scallops and who cares right now...we're in a pub and this is great..My feet hurt really bad and I just want to sit a while...we plan our next day and what we are really looking forward to is our evening at the Apollo Theatre to see Wicked...we already have tickets, but tomorrow we want to go to the British War Museum...and maybe Harrods...we shop a bit and then take a taxi home...tomorrow we'll figure out how to use the 'london pass' rail tickets...but tonight we need some sleep..

1940's Newspaper photo of Queen Elizabeth

DAY 8

BRITISH WAR MUSEUM- ST PAULS CATHEDRAL - THE TUBE

Up early today, we are ready to attempt the 'underground rail', commonly known as The Tube. We decide...if we get lost, we'll take a taxi...we walk just a short way to Paddington Station and down the stairs to the rail...it is here where I learn...we have to walk fast, very fast, as fast as you can possibly walk, because that is what everyone else is doing, and if you don't do that, you will get run over!!! It is something like fish swimming in schools...everyone is going down, and around, and up, and left and right...and all at the same time...It is weird!!!! We are like, what is the big frick!@#! hurry? We learn to be just like them very quickly...We are so very proud of ourselves after we figure out the map, get to our destination, and get off at the right stop!!! Whooo HOoooOO! We are Tube Machines! I'm feeling a bit like Harry Potter right now...at the station. We are headed to the British War Museum first, but we notice St. Pauls Cathedral is the first stop, so we got off there. I want to go to Westminster Abbey, but not sure where it is and this is a famous cathedral as well...so here we go.

ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL

We're so proud...we are riding "the tube" and getting off and on all over the place now...so we get off at the Cathedral. It looks huge! Once there, it is Huge! It is so huge that in fact I cannot take a photo which will encompass the entire front of the church in it...no matter how far back I am....Inside, I actually gasped...and so did Doug. This is an amazing place!...Larger than life sculptures of war heroes. It was built in 604 or something like that...Uh huh...not 1604, but 604!!!! I mean the history this place has seen!!!!! Whooa! It is a beautiful church, archways everywhere, and my eyes cannot see far enough ahead of me to the other side of the church because it is virtually hundreds of feet away! As we walk and read inscriptions, these sculptures are the most poignant we have seen so far because although it is a church, it is very much a war museum of sorts. Memorials to the fallen englishman who died in so many battles for England, memorials to Christopher Wrenn who designed and re-built this church, memorials to Florence Nightingale (remember her?). I would later tonight find out that it was here, not Westminster Abbey that Diana and Charles were married...!!! Of special significance to Doug and I was a memorial to the United States fallen soldiers and the sacrifices which the US gave on behalf of England. This really touched Doug and I, and I actually shed some tears here, because it just seems so long that the US has been thanked for all the sacrifices we make on behalf of other countries...Go Brits!! no wonder they are our allies!!! Anyway..the paintings in here are notable and famous to say the least, and then we go downstairs to the Crypt...Yea...this was a little teeny bit scary.....but it was yet another area of memorials. People are actually buried under these magnificent bigger than life sculptures, and each has carvings of beautiful words written alongside them. Florence Nightingale is buried here as well as Christopher Wrenn, and St. Paul...I could spend hours in here, and we do spend at least one hour in here, and then we head to the giftshop and just as I'm about to purchase my items...a fire drill goes off and a guy comes by yelling FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!!! (remember I said how we averted quite a few near disasters earlier???)..well...we are all led out of the church into the square...What the heck??? NO this is not a drill...Oh...did I mention that St. Pauls has had many fires...the most famous being in 1666 where it burned to the ground and had to be renovated...This is scary!!! finally after about 30 minutes, and a little hoopla with a fire truck...they let us back in....I buy my souvenirs and we ride the tube to Victoria Station (remember this station for later!!! it's important) We get off and make our way to the British War Museum...Winston Churchill memorabilia...etc...

BRITISH WAR MUSEUM

Time to get on the 'tube' again...."mind the gap" "mind the gap"...that is the mantra which a voice from nowhere tells you as you get on and off the tube...meaning watch out for the big ol' crack between the train and the sidewalk...(don't trip, fall into or otherwise hurt yoursef) We get off at Victoria Station (remember this stop for later!!! I know I reminded you about this before..) anyway it is just one stop up...so we get off and find, FINALLY, The British War Museum. It is a hole in the wall museum, and obviously very old, run by two elderly people who are nice enough, and immediately I sense dampness and an undescribable scent..musky, dusty...as we are led in, we take an elevator up to the 'bomb shelter'...this was pretty cool, lots of old cots, bunkers with WWII posters, army paraphernilia and music from the 30's and 40's playing...The posters were of old pinup girls, "how to build a bomb shelter", Army recruitment etc...and tons of information and newspaper clippings about Winston Churchill, the royal family etc...I noticed a 1940's picture of Queen Elizabeth that was so pretty. I took a picture of it, it reminded me of my Mom when she was young. After we go through 3-4 rooms of interesting stuff, we are led downstairs to a somewhat hollywood setup of what it might have looked like the day after the bomb hit England...(ok that's where the smell is coming from and there is fog down here too!) This looks like the "day after movie"....kind of scary...but all in all this place was interesting, I am so so tired and so is Doug, so we head out again. We have to literally kill some time down here, because we have tickets to see Wicked tonight. We had planned to get all dressed up, but it seems senseless to go all the way back to the hotel and come all the way back here, so we stayed down in the area and shopped around, until it was time for the "Wicked" to start. I was a bit worried we weren't dressed up, but all that went out the window, when we saw that everyone else seemed to be 'casual'...I was just glad at this point to sit down, rest and have an enjoyable evening...and it was an amazing show!!! We absolutely loved it, after it was over, we found our way to the station hoping that it would be safe at night. It was perfectly safe and we got to the hotel really quickly. I love the tube, and sure wish we had something like that where we live...! On the news tonight, we hear they had to evacuate Victoria Station, because of a large fire, or some kind of disaster...people couldn't go back home, or get to their destinations...and had to try and find hotels nearby etc...they showed thousands of people literally stranded right where we were tonight waiting and waiting to see how they would get to their destinations. (yet another near miss that we avoided!!!) I get the feeling someone is watching out for us up there don't you???? Anyway...we had a fantastic day again. and tomorrow we are going to Harrods!

Egyptian carvings at Harrods

DAY 9- our last day

HARRODS - VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM - KENSINGTON PALACE

-HARRODS-

Here it is, our last day on vacation...I desperately need bandaids, so I ask the concierge desk clerk for them and he looks at me like I'm speaking greek...fortunately another American is there and clarifies that what I want are "plasters"...London speak for band-aids...okey dokey....I 'plaster' up my heels and we venture out walking to the Paddington Station and along the way stop at a restaurant for breakfast. We're thinking it is a traditional English breakfast, but in fact it is a greek restaurant...What the heck??? Oh well, in London there are many international places to shop, eat, etc. You can find any language here, and it is not uncommon to hear an array of languages spoken on cell phones, or wherever you go. We finish up and take the 'underground' to Knightsbridge station. We immediately see a sign pointing to Harrods. Harrods is huge, 5 floors of shopping, in store restaurants, museums, book stores, pubs, and more!!!!! Lining the outside of the building are green awnings which say "Harrods". Can't miss this place! Inside, we don't know where to start, but first we come across the Harrod souvenirs which are tax free. I bought a few little things, their mascot is the cutest white schnauzer who's image is on towels, purses, key chains etc.. This places is huge!! We head to the food section only because this is where we came in and all we see are delis of fish, meat, pastries, coffee, and ice cream soda shop setup selling gelatos. We stop for Milkshakes (which were huuuge) here. The Exotic food section with quail eggs, escargo, all very interesting to see in these glass cases. Why am I taking a picture of quail eggs??? Whatever!!! Our next floor we're greeted by a massive Egyptian pharoah? It is very cool! We are literally wandering up and around into the furniture dept...with the best of the best pieces of furniture, into a Full size Bookstore, through a home accessory dept. with museum quality pieces of artwork! We also see a "laduree" restaurant...remember I went there for breakfast in Paris? Well, I guess they have one here at Harrods! Oh and there is a Diana and Dodi memorial which we missed somehow! Wow! Well, we came, we saw, we were amazed at Harrods. Want to see more, you can visit them on line at http://www.harrods.com/ We knew we would not have time to go through it all in one day, so we decided to head out to Kensington Palace. Time to hop the tube again.......it is only two stops up to the palaces. We have to get off at the "High Street Kensington" stop.

KENSINGTON PALACE

We are just loving the 'tube'...get on and quickly quickly walk to the train, and figure out our next stop, and we're off...this time to High Street Kensington. So many typically English looking brownstone buildings in pastel colors, beiges...we start walking and following signs to Kensington Palace...it is not all that close, and it is sunny, and hot today...I think it was a good mile away from the stop, but we make it....hard to tell where it is, because it is gardens, grass, and paths that lead to who knows where...it is here we are saved once again, by a nice british person. A golf cart pulls up and asks "do you need a lift?" We look at each other with a 'YES this is unbelievable' look and the nice lady lets us in the cart and proceeds to give us a private little tour of the area...Wow...I'm feeling like royalty here now...(somebody's watching out for us...in the back of my mind)...so we decide to get off at the palace entry...our pass get's us in no charge again...(I love this pass) and inside it is dark, large, opulent, lots of paintings of kings, queens, etc...large movie type staircases, but it seems a bit in disrepair to me...the carpet a bit scruffy...we go into a room filled with cases of original costumes...one with Dianas dresses that I thoroughly enjoyed and remembered her wearing...another room where all the items the royal seamstresses made for the royal court and ceremonial dresses. There were laces, bobbins, buttons, fabric, samples of their artistry...(I enjoyed this much more than Doug)...and then onto the area I had been waiting for...the photos of Diana. The photographer Mario Testino's photos are here, some that have never been published anywhere except in this room...and once inside this is the lightest part of the palace. Large life size photos of Diana the way she was at her happiest. Kind of sad to see them...I see now why she had said this was a gloomy place...IT IS......compared to her personality..this palace while it was huge, was gloomy and had old history. She was full of life...and this place was full of the old lives who had lived here including Queen Victoria etc....no tour of Dianas room??? I'm a bit disappointed about that...We leave and decide to have lunch and just walk up and down the shops along here. We stop for lunch at McDonalds...and a tea store. I bought some cute little cup/teapot combos and some souvenirs for friends. We then decide we want to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum...it is in this same area...and really just straight up from here so we walk and walk until we see the signs...

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM.

We decide to take the 'tube' again, this time just one stop up from where we are. The museum is large and we couldn't have missed it if we tried. I immediately notice there are a thousand steps up to get into the museum (we are definitely getting our exercise, no wonder everyone in Europe is thin...!!!) Geeesh! Ok...up and at'em. Inside the entry is a massive glass sculpture hanging from ceiling...did I say ceiling? This has no end to the top of this building...It is way the heck up in the air. We need maps again to find our way around this museum. There are 6 levels of chinese, japanese, renaisssance, asia, etc. etc. etc...exhibits. Doug and I are really exhausted at this point, and we comment that we'll just hit the highlights and head back to the hotel, 'cause we just won't make it through everything. They have a Kylie Minogue exhibit...(I am not kidding...) featuring her costumes, back stage atmospheres and more!! (not real interested in that today) I do want to go to the Renaissance area...We head there and are struck by the hugeness of all of these sculptures. Check out some of the photos I have posted. We have seen so many culturally amazing things at this point that we are kind of on overload and skim from room to room. We decide after only 40 minutes we're beat and want to go back to the hotel. We take a quick nap back at the hotel and get ready to go out and eat. We have been seeing the restaurant Garfunkels all over the place...and wonder if it is the same 'garfunkel' so we decide to eat there. Food was good, very much like Bennigans. A little bit of everything. No mushy peas however. Mushy peas was suggested by Dougs secretary. She is from England and has been guiding us as to where to go, eat, etc...she made Doug and I a book of everything from Paris to London on currency, where the American embassies are (just in case) and information on places to go etc...which I thought was soo soo nice. It was very helpful. Everytime we came across something we didn't understand I would tell Doug to email Susan and ask her. Fortunately his blackberry worked fantastic over here and we at least had that little bit of U.S. at our fingers if we needed it. Well...it's the end of a fantastic vacation...so much filling our heads...I can't wait to see my photos...and our air trip back will be 11 straight hours back to L.A.

THE FLIGHT BACK HOME

11 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ugghhhh... We plan to sleep on the flight...but I know for me that won't be possible...'cause I am not a flyer (as you know). On the plane I plan to bead some projects, read, watch the many movies we brought along with us and complete season of Frazier...all of this goes out the window when we find each of our seats has tv right in front of us...(lovin' that) it also has a feature to watch our plane in flight, the temp outside, up in the air, what the weather outside is over the city we are flying, and this is way cool. I am immediately enthralled with this. The pilot says we will be flying over the North Pole and Greenland...What??? Ok, I'm envisioning crashing in the cold freezing ocean where no one will ever find us...(I know....my imagination really goes to town on these flights) but once we are over this area, I take some pictures...it is soo sooo pretty..snow, ice, water. Anyway..we're headed home and I only wish I was heading home to my babies little wagging tails and licks...Oh well...when we get back we plan on extending our family by maybe two little fuzzy pups...what a great trip...we will never forget it. Can't wait to come back sometime...but for now...we want to sleep...zzzzz

ROME

2008-01-11T00:22:00.000-08:00

Naiad Fountain in the Piazza Del Rupublica. Ancient basilica, Santa Maria Degli Angeli in background

May 2007 - We're here!!! In Italy...I notice there is grafitti everywhere as our cab driver drives us to our hotel. I see ancient ruins in the middle of the city with new buildings right next to them. And mopeds galore. Lots of women driving these little mopeds. They're cute! I always thought it would be great to get around in one of them and they come in cute colors! Guys are driving them too...the cost of gas is sky high here too, so I imagine this is very economical here! I cannot wait to sample the food, and feast my eyes on all the artwork here. The city of Michaelangelo, DaVinci, the Romans.......My favorite history subject in school was always roman and ancient history, so this will be fantastic!

DAY 5

Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli

Goodbye Paris....hello Rome...our flight from Paris left from Orly...a smaller airport than the Charles DeGaulle. We are sad to leave Paris, but anxious for some REST! Now we are on our own and it is kinda scary in a foreign country. We were on Easy Jet airline. It is similar to the Southwest airline of Europe...Our flight would be only 2 hours and then we will be in Rome!!! We took a taxi to our hotel. The Montecarlo...(trust me, not quite the Montecarlo you would expect)..we were bracing ourselves because of all the stories about foreign hotels and promised ourselves we wouldn't be disappointed no matter what...Well...we had 4 suitcases...and stairs were the way to our room ...except for the teeny tiny wrought iron gated elevator which only allows 4 people at a time or 2 people and 4 suitcases....Oh boy....this is going to be fun! I can't explain how we got to our room...I still can't quite figure it out...but we took the elevator up...down the hall through a security locked door, and then down one flight of stairs and through another series of doors and then there was our room....But the room was nice I will say...just a weird way to get there. We got in, slept for a few hours..and then headed out on foot to see what we could see. The hotel clerk was not real helpful in the way of what is nearby...nor was his English very good...(I am still in French mode...gotta switch to Italian mode now..Or poor spanish???) He points and says Fountain and shopping...that's all I gotta hear...and we are on our way...We walk and walk and walk straight down...and finally finally see some activity....we go towards it and there is an amazing fountain in the middle of it all...This is the Naiad Fountain and there are some cool artist vendors selling their paintings etc...here...Doug and I stop and purchase some pretty watercolors of ancient ruins and scenes from the area....and basically just walk around until we see what looks like an old old church. It is obvious it was from the Roman era...but looks kind of worn out and crumbling..It is called Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli. It was built 306CE originally the Diocletian Baths .......................I notice on the outsides of the doors they are brass..and have really cool brass body parts coming out of them..like heads, arms and legs...this sounds weird, but it was pretty cool...As I walk in...It is a small lobby and then the shock....It is absolutely huuuuuuuuge

inside. This is a basilica...a tiny treasure hidden away behind the shabby exterior. Oh my gosh...Doug and I cannot believe what we are seeing. The Pipe Organ is huuuge and we are teeny standing next to it. Large massive sculptures of saints, Mary, Jesus, etc...two altars..and the ceiling ....mosaic, mosaic, mosaic...and marble...a large dome ceiling with amazing stained glass...what the heck is this place? After we have ooohed and awed in here..there is a teeny chapel next to it. This room has a pretty painting of St Theresa with all the pink roses on it...I've always liked this painting...what????This must be the original painting...Whooowow! Well...what we do find out is that Michaelangelo designed this basilica...This guy was a busy busy guy! ..yep!!! He designed the fake facade exteriour apparently because this church was built in the likeness of the Vatican and the Vatican had a problem with that. There is also some very interesting round circles and spheres that look like astronomy things...(I don't know what they are!!) I am told they were solar observatory clocks......this has now peaked my interest.....but my pamphlet is all in Italian...will have to do research once I am home. Doug and I are worn out and decide to walk back and sleep then head out later tonight for dinner....we are dog tired...and then the worst thing that could happen happens...we get lost..and see a sign for Hard rock cafe...so we do try and find it...and don't......but we finally find our way back to the hotel....(not sure how because we are so fri!#@) tired) and then sleep, sweet sleep, it is for another couple hours. Later on we are refreshed and take a taxi this time to the famous Trevi fountain...

Trevi Fountain

Remember three coins in a fountain movie??? This is the fountain from the movie they tell me. There are so many people around it, we can't get to it, but it is pretty huge and again sculptures that are bigger than life. The romans used this as their main water source for Rome for over 400 years. Tonight Doug and I decide to partake in an authentic Italian dinner...after shopping in the tourist spots all along this area...(and there are many) we picked up some fake Mont Blanc pens...what a bargain at 5 euros apiece!!! I got some Murano glass beads...great prices...Doug admired a Roman soldier statue which he did not buy..., and the usual fake "Prada" handbags...(which I did buy) we walked and walked and found a nice place to eat. I had a typically italian antipasto salad...and doug had lasagne..when our check came they served it up in a teeny little box with a lock on it...very cute...I took a photo. Well this day wasn't all that exciting, I have blisters on my little toes, and backs of my ankles...and we are still walking walking, walking...and I'm kind of proud of myself that we have lasted this long, but gotta get some much needed rest and get back to the hotel. Tomorrow is going to be an active day going to the Vatican and seeing Ancient ruins for 9 hours of fun!!!

DAY 6

The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel

Today we are refreshed, I have fresh bandaids on my blisters...and I hope comfortable shoes. We have called the "Ancient Tours" people to pick us up at the hotel. A nice service they offer!! They arrive promptly and we're on our way!!! We are dropped off at a bus depot meeting point where they gather everyone and give tickets before departing to our tour. Our tour guide is Italian, White hair, nice looking, and speaks french, english, italian, german. We are on the English tour. There are a few other Americans on the tour and we immediately notice the obnoxious ones. (There's always one) As we drive through the city I am already snapping pictures of things I am seeing as we drive....I mean this city has so many beautiful roman buildings like monuments that it is just incredible. The Romans were definitely amazing people!! As we drive up to the Vatican museum, we immediately see the looooooooooong line wrapping and wrapping around the building. Oh no!!!! We are at the front entrance, and the guide assures us since we are a tour, we will get in quick. He gives all of us air microphones (these are pretty cool and I've never seen these) He is now able to talk and we can hear him through our earpieces...just in case we get lost or separated...or he has to use a low voice. Once inside the building there are a lot of people in here!!!!!!! but we make our way to the first room of ancient maps...huge maps on both sides of the room...(did these people never do anything small?????) I mean everything is giant!! Giant ceilings, giant maps, giant wall hangings, giant paintings...It is amazing once again. We go through the room of wall tapestries....again...GIANT...I'm not that interested in these, but they are very pretty, and the ceiling is painted with religious scenes, angels, etc...I take photos of as many as I can stop for...there are alabaster and marble sculptures...I stop for a picture of a boy and his greyhound in alabaster...very cool. We are now going into the Sistine Chapel...our guide tells us no speaking is aloud, no pictures...(What??) Oh well...as we come inside I'm trying to remember all the paintings from this room that I have seen, and he points out the famous ones...like "final judgement" This ceiling is by Michaelangelo. I have now decided that Michaelangelo was everything and more that people say about him. He owned this town!!! What I never realized about this beautiful ceiling is that it looks like it is carved...an amazingly huge carved ceiling...I mean the shadows are there...and I'm thinking, I thought this was painted, until the guide says..."notice how everything 'looks' like it is carved" This is the great illusion of the Sistine Chapel. It is painted, but looks like carvings....WOW! (my guide is in another room speaking since there is no talking here...but I like these little earpieces. There are people taking pictures (hey!!!!) and an employee periodically saying SHHHHH very loudly, because we are not suppose to talk, yet people are anyway...(what's wrong with them???)...Doug and I just look at each other now and then with incredulous looks of "can you believe this?....at many points I have literally been in tears with all the beauty...It is just staggering to me. They rush us out and into a courtyard with a view of St Peters square. The dome is visible and this is a"photo opp..", as we walk and walk and walk some more, our steps lead us down into the famous St. Peters square..the cobblestones below us ...the hugeness of this place, the view...the view...the view...How many times did I watch midnight mass, Easter services on TV from this amazing place? "Look at us Doug...we are here in the middle of it all". As we take in the view all around us we see huge sculptures of people on top all around the buildings lining the square...I guess they are past popes...? Another photo opp...and then we have to leave...we are led into the gift shop. Finally...I can buy some souvenirs, and we have 10 minutes to shop...What???? Power shopping here I come, this is the place I really wanted a rosary, or medal or something...We buy stamps, postcards, and a few treasures for gifts...and we are back on the bus and on our way to our traditional "italian lunch" This is where the "obnoxious American" (remember I mentioned him?) comes in......

Our Italian Lunch

Lunch is downtown near our next tour (ancient ruins) I hear the "obnoxious American" saying Hey...what's this??? Others tell him this is part of our tour...'the italian lunch".. to which he replies...did we pay for this??? etc..etc..etc...apparently he has gotten on the wrong bus and should have gone home......but he says..."Hey free food"....(what a pain!!) We are led into a small restaurant and immediately in front of us inside, is a gentlemen carving a large piece of beef...or pork.....Welcome to Italy!!! We are seated next to the "OA" (abnoxious......am...)and we immediately move to another table...(I can't handle him, not gonna do it!!!) We have a table to ourself...because guess what...the "OA" wasn't supposed to be there and they are short two places....doug and I are happy to sit by ourselves..Our wonderful meal consisted of a penne pasta (very much like what I make), a traditional salad antipasto, some cheeses and salamis, our main course of spaghetti, and the most wonderfully light and delectable dessert cake that I have ever had. I think a teeny bit of alchohol might have soaked a layer of it. Wine, mineral water, sparkling waters, all here...and we are having a great time. In the middle of all of this I hear the "OA" talking loudly and "obnoxiously" to the waitress...(this is embarassing as an American) Why is he acting like a Jack !@#? This goes on for a while...but guess what...they want him to pay for the meal since he wasn't even supposed to be here in the first place...he is arguing about this. As we're leaving, Doug and I apologize to the staff for the rudeness of this guy...this is not a good representation of US citizens. Well...here we go to the Ancient Ruins and (get this guy off this bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

ANCIENT RUINS

Now that we've filled our hungry belly's we are headed to the Ancient Ruins. We now have a different tour guide and "OA" is thankfully not on our bus!!! This guide is fluent in many languages, but is an Italian and very proud of his heritage. As we drive our guide mentions that the city wants to install a new underground rail system but that it is going to be a long process because of all of the 'ruins' underground. They have to be excavated first. Amazing! To get to the ruins we must first climb what looks to me as 10000 steps up...Oooohhh...this is gonna be painful, but I did good, kept up with the 'young'uns' In fact they were huffin and puffin and lagging behind us....so the first feeling of accomplishment of the day!!!! We go up...across, see another 10 or so 'ginormous' sculptures and then we head down on the other side...as we head down, though the buildings are definitely getting older and older..and we are walking on an awesome cobblestone pathway. The guide tells us that this is the original road built by the Romans through the center of the city...kings, slaves, soldiers, queens, all came on this road so long ago. I take a photo. Doug is loving it, and the look of sheer 'glee' on his face is priceless. This is his favorite thing...we are led down and down, and down...into the ground level where there are so many 'ginormous' columns, steps going nowhere, broken columns, 'ruins' just everywhere. The guide asks us if we want to walk through the archway of triumph. When Romans went to battle and won, they marched back into the city and under this arch!!! Ok...I feel very small now, and under the roof of this arch it is even beautiful. It is covered in small medallian squares of carved flowers. Another photo!! As we walk under and down through all the ruins, our guide is giving us history and adding a touch of drama to his stories, to make them come to life. Awesome! It is hot, hot, and we finally come to a water fountain, but decide not to drink...we'll wait for bottled water later!! We arrive at the place where Julius Ceasar was laid out for all to see and then cremated in public. Wow! as we walk along the paths, it is clear that I am very small in this universe of ours...some sites are still being excavated. That would be an interesting job!and I'm imagining what it must have been like to be Roman in those times. Although ruthless, they were amazing engineers! We see a little kiosk and buy an ancient Rome book, it has 'before' the ruins pictures and what it looks like now with names of what all of these places are. I can see that I am going to be researching and studying yet more history on the horizon! We get back to the bus, to hotel, and get ready to go back out for the evening...we decide to take a taxi this time...(my legs, feet are just not cooperating anymore) and we go to Hard Rock Hotel. We are winging it and just exploring tonight to see what we can see. At Hard Rock we buy t-shirts, charms..etc..and then walk along the sidewalk in the cool air now, about 71 degrees. Perfect evening! We find a Cafe for dinner and I decide to order the pesto pizza, Doug has lasagne. What is nice in Europe is that they don't bother you by bringing the check...they let you sit and sit and eat and talk until it is the customer that asks for the check. And tipping is not necessary!!! Whoooo HOOO! The food is great, and I absolutely love sitting outside in the night air watching people go by. I order what will be my last espresso on this trip and we head to the hotel. Tomorrow we leave for London!!! It is just a 2 hour flight and leaves early in the morning. Cheerio!!!! Caio!

PUERTO RICO -SAN JUAN

2008-01-11T00:21:00.000-08:00

Puerto Rico Say hello to my 'leetle' friends.....These 'little' iguanas showed no fear, aren't they beautiful?

View from our balcony of the morning rainbow over the rainforest

April 2007 - What a fun time we had in San Juan, Puerto Rico!! My only worry was the looong plane ride there and returning, which ended up to not be so bad. I caught up with 3 movies, lots of beading, and several episodes of Frazier! Anyway, San Juan was a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a little more of Nassau the Bahamas part two, but it was far from it. The ocean however was just as caribbean blue as the bahamas, but the weather was 'rainforest' all the way with intermittent rain every day, and then the sun would come out. They told us that it rains every day but stops just as quick as it starts. Our hotel room was in a beautiful resort setting between the ocean and the rainforest. Every day we saw a rainbow over the plush thick forest and the bird sounds out of there were amazing and so peaceful. I found myself thinking of those cd's you buy with 'rainforest sounds' It was very relaxing. The first day we got in a day early so we could make it to the cocktail party the next evening. We got in 7pm or so and just unpacked and went down for dinner. We saw two friends eating at the same restaurant, so that was nice. Dog tired, we ate and literally went back to the room and conked out, where we both slept like rocks. Next morning we had all day to check out the beach, and watched all our friends from all over the country come in one by one....and there were lots of them!!! The company literally took over the hotel! We picked up our daily event guides, and they gave us a cool pale blue straw bag with a starfish button on it which held two cool towels, imprinted with a picture of the hotel, the beach, and the company logo with the 5 stars on it....very coool! (This was a trip for 5 star winners)

View of Fort Morrow

DAY 1

FORT MORROW - SHOPPING

The evening was the welcome party! It had been planned outside on the patios, but SURPRISE!! IT RAINED....so plan B brought us all indoors where we mingled and mingled and saw people we hadn't seen in 10 years to people we had only seen a year ago. I love these trips because it is really like a reunion. Doug is able to see old customers from other states we have lived in, and catch up on old times, and new news. We dined on a great dinner buffet of traditional sea food, paella, lots of plantain type dishes..(not sure if I like these), and everything was good. Entertainment by the coolest dancing / flamenco-like girl who moved her skirt around and flounced around like nobody I've seen. Funny huge paper mache big headed characters danced conga style around our tables to the local latin music. Very fun!

DAY 2

BACARDI RUM FACTORY

We had a guided tour through San Juan on the bus (where it rained), to our destination of the Bacardi Rum Factory!!! (Ok now we're talking) This place was huge!! and Bats were everywhere. No not real bats...Bat logos...what is up with that????? Well we found out that the bat is the company logo. Guess I don't drink that much rum...anywhooooo This bat played a very important part in the original persons life who created the Bacardi Rum in the first place (I won't go into details) The tour was not all that exciting, we wanted to see how they made the rum and see the inner workings etc....but they only got into the history of the maker and his family and the kinds of rum they now make...arrrggghhhh.....Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum...

We were bused to the downtown area where we could shop, so we stayed down there to meet up with a couple of friends who we were going to meet for dinner....we had 7 hours to kill....shopping...to Dougs dismay...but it wasn't all that bad... Except when it poured rain!...lots of shops and lots of walking and we found the local Hard Rock Cafe so we killed a little time in there....inbetween rain showers I spent most of the day trying to stay presentable for the dinner we were about to have with friends....(I know we were in the rainforest) but this was getting just a teeny bit old. I did enjoy going into the shops and everyone in town is so nice! Lots of Spanish/Cuban influences you can really see.

We meet up with our friends, minus one couple...they somehow got separated from each other and one decided to take a taxi back to hotel...we never saw them again tonight, but we had an amazing dinner at the restaurant. It was combination, art deco miami style, with a little cuban and jazz thrown in. Dim yellow walls, low lighting, very narrow restaurant, we had appetizers and steaks for dinner! We talked for hours and laughed and generally had a great time. The last bus was to leave at 10pm, so we just barely made it! Great night again!

DAY 3

THE RAINFOREST

This morning we both woke up early, Doug was going golfing. KC, his friend had the hotel slip him a note under the door along with a golf magazine and instructions from KC to 'read up on the golf tips' as a joke. KC is a great friend of ours who although our meeting began as a business relationship, it has become a wonderful friendship. I had no plans for the day, which was fine with me, because tonight we had a dinner at another off-site place in the rainforest. I had a facial at the spa scheduled and it was fantastic! I saw several friends in there at the same time who all had picked out massages, peels, and the usual things. In the waiting room they had a cool glass pitcher full of water and slices of cucumber and lemon. That was so refreshing to begin the day with. After my facial was through, I walked around and explored the hotel grounds, pool, and took lots of photos of the iguanas who were themselves lounging just about everywhere I looked. They pretty much ruled this place. They are not afraid of people and I thought they were so pretty. The iguanas had lots of different colors, from bright chartreuse greens to kelly green, and red shades. Some of them were striped, some dotted, skinny, and plump. Kind of funny to see so many of them and they definitely did not all look alike. I don't know why I was so enthralled with these things, but I was! I decided to bead on the balcony with our great view of the rainforest, and took an airborne pill, because it felt like I was coming down with a cold or something.

RAINFOREST EVENING

Doug and I met up with everyone in the lobby where we were all shuffled onto buses to a 'secret' rainforest location. The road leading to our location was narrow, bumpy, and had lats of trees brushing up against our bus. When we arrived, we were greeted by a long pathway of Tiki Torches that reminded me of 'survivor' the tv show. Several people were there to greet us with large 'tiki' cocktails and told us we had a minute or two walk through the rainforest to our destination. As we walked, it was dark, and slightly raining, the pathwas was dimly lit and the trees were huge, we all were expecting snakes to drop down on us, but it was fun, we walked over a wooden, moving bridge which was very rickety, and then came across a small waterfall and the most awesome looking tree where I stopped to take pictures. The 'tree of life" I called it because it reminded me of the one from the Lion King movie. As we approached, we saw a brightly lit tent which was full lit somehow in the many shapes of huge leaves in several colors. It was so pretty. Weird tall characters on stilts were all greeting us for dinner and dancing. A rock band who sounded really good was playing and food buffets were all around. We basically ate, talked, and left tonight because we were tired, but we sat with a couple from Atlanta, and another store owner from Texas. The Paella rice was so good (my favorite) and jerk chicken was also good. There was lots of fish (again) on the menu and yet more plantain (banana type) dishes. When we got back to the hotel we organized our suitcases and packed up a little since tomorrow will be our last day here. Although the food is good, we are ready for our own cultures food.

DAY 4

Jet Skiing- Our Last Day

It's our last day here, we had breakfast in the grand ballroom again, and ate with old friends from Texas and California. Afterwards we saw KC again and he and Doug decided they and Tim from Bakersfield would do the jet ski thing. We all met up together with two other couples and while the girls all sat by the ocean and talked and took in the sun, the guys went out on skis. Doug had never done it before, so he had a fantastic time!!! We watched them all speeding up and around all over the place and it really looked fun. We spent the whole day there, but tonight we would have another dinner in the grand ballroom for our goodbyes and we left around 4 pm or so to get ready. Tonight we had a pre-pre-cocktail party. It was for people who had made five star status more than 3 times, so it was a small party, One of Dougs store owners was there. They are the nicest couple and we love spending time with them. Then we headed to the regular cocktail party outside the ballroom where there were so many people it was hard to find anyone. We tried to get all the California people together so we could all sit at the same table or two tables together and we almost made it. They had a big screen tv with pictures flashing to music of everyone on the trip at various activities. I always like this part, it is like watching vacation photos of lots of people you know...and having dinner and conversation all at the same time. Very entertaining and fun! Dinner was a small petite steak, a huge lobster tail, plantain vegetable sides, desserts in pretty presentations of mini pies, pastries, chocolate curl toppings. All really tasty! Great Day!! Time for some rest, 'cause tomorrow we are headed home.

CARMEL-MONTEREY

2008-01-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

Allison at the Monterey Aquarium

A really cool coffee shop sign we came across Allison at "Lush" soap shop in Carmel, Ca.
August 2007 - Allison, my niece came out to visit and we planned a week of making jewelry, shopping and fun! We made her up a bracelet and some earrings to match which she proudly wore on our short trip. Since she is going off to college this fall I wanted to make her trip really memorable, so we went out to Monterey and spent the day shopping, eating, and taking in all the fantastic weather and beautiful scenery on the coastline. The Monterey Aquarium is really one of a kind. I think they have the largest selection of amazing jellyfish I have seen. The weather was absolutely perfect and in the mid 70's. The next day we went out to Carmel and strolled along the famous Ocean Avenue going in and out of all the shops and amazing galleries. Tons of galleries! We found some cool soap and candle shops, my personal favorite was "Lush" they had a feast of color when you walk in, and I loved they way they merchandised their soaps on glass cake platters, colorful bowls etc..stacks of huge soap bars everywhere looked like lots of edible food in shapes of large chocolate kisses and oversized fizz bath balls with bits of herbs in them. They use all natural products and no animal testing. (AWESOME) It was fun to see Allison oooh and aaah everything, 'cause there's not a whole lot of this in Iowa I would imagine. So picture this, we drove a couple 100 miles or so to Monterey/Carmel and while we are 'perusing' the shops, I hear someone calling my name behind me! I turn around only to see Connie, a friend who lives in Denver. Talk about "surreal" she and Leslie another friend are here with business associates on a business/pleasure trip and they're wondering why I'm here and I'm wondering why their here, and it was pretty darn funny, but nice to see them. We were on a time crunch so Allison and I then drove down to the beach to peek at the white sands too!! Not enough time to do everything however, but here are some of the sights we came across!

MORE PARIS PHOTOS

2008-01-11T00:19:00.000-08:00

At left, a view from our hotel balcony of the Paris Opera House.

At right, the area between elevators where we all met up mornings to head out for sightseeing The Estee Lauder Offices above Cartier Jewelry Store

May 2007 - Doug and I found that some days when we had a bit of time, we just enjoyed 'strolling' down the 'rues', taking all the sights and sounds in of Paris. As we strolled, common sights such as Estee Lauder offices, The Sorbonne Paris University, Cartier, or L'occitane offices, we would stop in a Patisserrie or a Chocolatier for a chocolate eclair, or amazing chocolates treats. Cafes where we stopped, served us espressos, or gelatos. Each stop I had to pinch myself that we were really here. One of my favorite things was seeing the flowers along the window bottoms on many high rise buildings. Lots of Geraniums!!

View from below one of the many chandeliers in the Paris Opera House. I loved these so much.

Le Madeleine Church, in the Madeleine district of Paris. Built in the likeness of the Roman "pantheon" type buildings. This is where the choir was rehearsing for a Mozart Concerto that evening. We were able to listen in and enjoy just by chance! We lit candles for our loved ones.

Just look at the immense size of this structure inside the Paris Opera House. The staircase was actually used in the movie Marie Antoinette with Kirsten Dunst. Doug and I were constantly looking up! The architecture was so amazingly beautiful. I loved all of the chandeliers! The 'glow' lighting was so beautiful

To get this view of Notre Dame I tilted my camera almost backwards, to get the top half frontal view of Notre Dame. It is amazingly monstrous, beautiful, old, and awesome. I absolutely loved all of the mini-altars inside along the walls with iron candelabras and cups of votive candles in circles of 50 or so lit at a time. The other view is of the bottom half of the front door entry with just incredible carved stone likenesses of saints, popes, etc.

AUTUMN WEDDING

2008-01-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

Perfect Couple - Brianne and David The three bridesmaids, Jamie, Nicole, and Sara.

Is that not a pretty backdrop for a wedding? Sisters, Sara (expecting in December) on left , and Brianne
I arrived in Albuq. Thursday evening, and re-packed my bag that same night, for the next days trip to Durango, Colorado. It was the setting for my nieces' late September wedding. I can't even explain to you how beautiful the mountains of Durango are. The colors of the leaves were really at their peak of spectacular. Neon Gold Aspens and pines were everywhere surrounding the small Andrew Lake where Brianne and Davids wedding was held. It rained a bit, maybe more of a gentle misty rain, which they say is good luck! The sun came out in time for the "I now pronounce you man and wife" and the photo session. On Doug and I's wedding day, it also rained and I feel it was good luck for us! The road up to the top was winding and winding with breathtaking scenery perfect for any photo enthusiast (me included) past Purgatory Ski Resort and several other ski resort areas, we made our way to close to the top and there nestled among all the pines and aspens was this small lake hidden for only us to see it seemed. Perfect setting for a wedding, and I can see why Brianne and David brought all of us here for their special day.

RODEO LAS VEGAS 2007!

2007-12-20T08:04:00.001-08:00

December 20
Friday-Monday we spent in Las Vegas...with friends and went to the National Rodeo Finals. We stayed at the MGM Grand. A Fantastic hotel, I will say. I have never been to a rodeo final, and wasn't sure what to expect. Our friends are big into the rodeo scene since he used to be a bull rider years ago. The rodeo was amazing...they had lazer light shows and entertainment before the rodeo began each night. On Friday and Saturday we saw great country music groups before the rodeo started for the evenings. I felt like I was back in Texas again. I'm still a little squeamish when it comes to the calf roping and tieing, but we had a good time. Evenings after the show we went to the Chinese restaurant Mr. Chow, and made it to the Palms at Gardunos for Green Chile Enchiladas. I don't think S. felt very good after tasting her carne adovada, but they had never had NM food before and we wanted them to taste it. We felt really bad about that. "No good deed goes....." During the days we visited our favorite casinos, like Paris and New York, and oh....we went to a show. All of the cirque de soleil shows like O, KA, Mystere, or the popular Producers etc.... were not running since it was vacation time for them for the holidays. We decided to see Tom Jones who was appearing in the MGM. We debated over going to Emerils or Wolfgang Pucks restaurants, but we had dinner at Kimmea (Italian food)...they use only KOBE beef..and I had spaghetti and meatballs that were so flavorful...Doug had the Sea Bass. Both of our dishes were delicious...then we headed to Tom Jones.
Tom Jones...
Yes....lots of panties flying even after all these years. Great seats....3rd row from the stage and center. The seats were actually tables and chairs, and ours was a cushioned bench behind a large rectangle table. Just like old style Vegas seating... We found out we would be sitting with two other people. Two of the most demure and librarian looking ladies sat next to us, so we thought no problem with crazy ladies here... only to be bounced around in our seats and hit by their flying arms during the performance...No...they weren't really drinking, but they were having a great time. They were like a couple of school girls laughing and jumping etc..it was actually kind of cute. Doug was less than enthusiastic. Tom Jones looks as though he has lost quite a bit of weight and he managed to pull up his shirt to show his abs at least once during the performance. Doug was rolling his eyes a lot...I was laughing, because there was a lady literally crawling to get to the stage..and she was clearly disrupting the poor people who paid for front row seats. Tom Jones voice is still good. He still knows how to get a crowd going, and we had a good time. Show was only an hour and 20 minutes. The lady 'crawling' peered at the curtain tilting her head sideways and down as the curtain came crashing down on almost her head...not once getting a touch from Tom Jones...

THANKSGIVING

2007-12-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

View of the Albuquerque sunset as we came into Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE - THANKSGIVING
2007 Thanksgiving was so wonderful this year. For the first time since we left Albuquerque, 30 years ago, we spent the holiday with my family! Not because we didn't want to...we have always had pets to take care of and they don't travel well. This year we took advantage of our 'situation' and it was so nice to be in snowy weather again. I love snow!!!! Everytime we make a trip the snow seems to be there waiting for us and this year it was funny, because everyone said they have not had snow on Thanksgiving for years....so we were happy. The last time it snowed on the holiday was last year at Christmas when we were there, once again it snowed and had been the biggest snow storm for over 20 years!!! I think the snow knows we love it...(I should speak for myself, because Doug says 'not so much')...The snowflakes were the big, huge, soft ones that gather and stay on the ground. It was short lived, because the next day it had all melted! My family is close and a week before the holiday my niece surprised all of us with "I got engaged"!!!!! How's that for wonderful???? I was so happy for her! Her fiancee, David designed the ring for her from scratch. He made it so there is a small curve on each side that when you look through the gallery below the diamond, on either side, you can see an infinity sign through it. Very cool!!!! and very thoughtful. Want to hear more? Check out my Albuquerque07 entry with more pictures.

TO GET TO MY CLASS SCHEDULE CLICK HERE

http://www.beadgypsy.blogspot.com/

OUR EUROPEAN TRAVELS

If you'd like to read about our travels and see photos, click on the "CONTENTS AT RIGHT" Day 1-5 is in Paris, then we continued to Day 5-7 in Rome, and onto London for day 7-10. I have finally posted all of Puerto Rico travels, and will change pictures every now and then. The two trips were only a week apart, so once we got back from San Juan we literally had to plan our packing for the European trips. In 20 days we experienced a whirlwind of travel, history, beauty, and once in a lifetime memories. Along with all the great photos from San Juan that I just had developed, more pictures of Paris were found on my digital compact flash. I had wondered what the heck happened to all my opera house pictures...so that was a nice surprise. "Ya gotta" see my iguana pictures!!! I thought they were cute! They're not afraid of people at all! I don't have a problem with reptiles, snakes, or lizards, and took several pictures close-up of them.

ALBUQUERQUE 2007

2007-12-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

View of the snow coming down on Thanksgiving 2007

Our trip to N.M. was good as usual. I wanted to make sure I had all my holiday shopping for everyone there done so I could bring all their gifts with me. I don't know how I did it, but I did, and I am ready for the holidays...(I can actually enjoy them with no stress) We wanted to surprise everyone this year, so the only one we told was my mom, since we were staying with her. No thanks to caller i.d. I was 'outed' since I called one of my sisters from my moms house and she said 'why are you showing up as calling from moms house'? That was a big Duh on my part...Oh well, we surprised my other sister at Starbucks and she was kind of speechless for just a moment. It was fun! A week before we went out, my niece called me out of the blue in the mid morning to tell me she got engaged by a pretty lakeside mountain area in Durango!! HAPPY!!!! Is not the word...I think I came close to breaking her poor eardrum when she called to tell me that...I was so happy for her.....Wednesday I had to visit Kameyab imports, the bead warehouse...I took Sara and Mom with me. I cut it short, because they were not all that excited to be there. Everyone was busy getting ready for tomorrow's festivities. Thanksgiving dinner was so nice, nieces, nephews, sisters etc...enjoying each others company. We also went over to Doug brothers house and visited with he and our niece. They had the juiciest turkey breast, and later went back over for pumpkin and apple pie. Yum!!!

San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town
Day after Thanksgiving

Doug and I wanted to go to the UNM bookstore to buy alumni stuff. We had green chili stew at the Frontier Restaurant right across the street from the university. We love their N.M. food. The Frontier is always packed with people and students. It is a landmark in the community for gathering and eating. After shopping we took tons of pictures by the lobo on the UNM grounds. Perfect fall day with all the leaves and colors. Afterwards I wanted to go to Old Town to take in the sights. I love going out there because of all the shops, galleries, and the old San felipe church sits right in the middle of the Plaza is beautiful. This time while it was snowing and snowing in large flakes mom and I went inside. I could hear what sounded like a choir of monks which was piped in to the speakers as you walk in. No music, just chanting. If that didn't get you feeling religious nothing will. I always get a holiday feeling when I go to old town. Unfortunately the snow was coming down hard and no one but me and mom were wanting to go. (Mom went just to be nice)...I told you I love snow...and it wasn't sticking...but it was cold. Nothing like shopping in the snow..it definitely got me in the holiday mood!

LAS VEGAS!

2007-08-31T00:49:00.000-07:00

View of Paris, Las Vegas Casino

VEGAS WEATHER

DAY 1 - Thursday

Paris - The Palms - Le Reve

Our flight left in the early afternoon. It was just a quick jont, only an hour flight and we were in Las Vegas. The hotel shuttle picked us up and once there we quickly unpacked and headed out to the strip. Doug and I wanted to visit the Palms, because the "home boys" from Albuquerque, the Maloofs own it. My sisters and brothers went to High School with the Maloof boys, and their father had a successful beer distributing business while we lived there (a little history). Doug wanted some good New Mexico chili and he knew there was a Gardunos restaurant in the hotel. Gardunos is a favorite restaurant we love to eat at in Albuquerque. Fantastic, a taste of home in Las Vegas!! The Palms is one of the young hot spots in Vegas and we noted quite a few popular nightclubs that all the celebs go to. We wanted NM food however and Gardunos did not disappoint. Enchiladas and Carne Adovada were our choices and YUM! They even had Sopaipillas!! Very Cool. After our lunch/dinner, we headed to Paris. Paris, Las Vegas that is. I wanted to see how it stacked up to the real thing of course. On the taxi ride there, I was happily amazed at how Vegas had changed since I had been here, many years ago in the late 80's. Sad that many of the old historical casinos are now gone. I did not recognize the Flamingo or Las Vegas for that matter, at all. These massively beautiful fun palaces are amazing. I spent quite a bit of time with my face in the air looking up and around and wondering what the electric bills here are and how did they do that? After lunch we headed to Paris!!!

PARIS

I wanted our first stop to be Paris and see just how close it came to the real thing. The Eiffel tower was large, but not massive like the real one in Paris, but it was very pretty at night and I loved the neon hot air balloon outside the casino. We meandered through all the shops and cafes along the way and it brought back a lot of memories of Doug and I at the Eiffel tower. One of the first things I noticed was the 'sky' in the 'village' of Paris. It looked just like we were outside!! They had the ceiling painted sky blue with clouds. Maybe a strange thing to notice, but it affected every one of my pictures! The illusion of being outside overshadowed the fact I needed a flash 'inside' to take pictures, so as a result many of my great pictures never materialized!!! I was without my favorite camera which was broken after I fell outside a cafe back home. Someone had left a trail of water in my path and I slipped, fell, and my camera which was in my purse, hit the pavement first and broke. Needless to say pictures with the little instant cameras just are not up to my preference in photography.!! Of course we did a little gambling and my favorite is always the roulette wheel, where I picked up some cash. Doug is luckier than I because he is willing to bet larger amounts therefore winning larger amounts...I always have to steer clear of him when he bets because I am 'bad mojo', however when we gamble separately we are both pretty lucky. I didn't want to leave "Paris", but we decided to go to MGM, where I was amazed once again at just how large the casinos have gotten. They all seem to be competing for the biggest, grandest, beautiful casino contest. Tonight we are going to "Le Reve" I can't wait. Le Reve means "the dream" and it is going to be a nice break tonight from walking and walking.

Le Reve

We made our way to the Wynn Hotel. It smells clean, fresh, and I thought it must use ionic air filters or something, because it is a fresh outdoor smell. It is another magnanimous and beautifully designed hotel. In the Wynne theatre, we were 40 minutes or so early and I wondered if I should have dressed up a bit more, but no worries, there were casual dressers arriving for tonights performance. I was actually a bit overdressed!!! We waited in the lobby for just 10 or 15 minutes and shopped the gift shop. The ushers waved us all in and inside the theatre was huge! They had stadium type seating on a small scale, and I see why the promoters of the show said 'not a bad seat in the house', because it is an audience in the round surrounding the stage. Did I say stage??? Now I see why it smelled fresh and clean as we entered the hotel!!! The stage is water!!! A very large pool of water. There are lights surrounding it, and mists and fogs are eminating from the water which has a brass bed sitting in the middle of it on the water. Seemingly floating on the water with an ocean blue taffeta beadspread. Thoughts of what is to come are already exciting to us. Very cool. We notice some of the top seats have small tv screens and plates of chocolate covered strawberries, with champagne glasses in wait for their customers. I learn later what the tv's are for. The performance begins with 4 men in white suits traveling through the audience and they are the 'comic relief' of the performance throughout the night. They perform funny little antics and comedy routines in mime. The actual performance begins with a couple strolling along the side of the pool as if they are in a park on a date. The man leaves and the woman goes to bed...(on the bed in the water)...she is then sleeping and the dreams begin. The dreams are actually major performances like cirque du soleil on a huuuuge scale...up in the air, flipping around, acrobats, swimming, diving, jumping from daredevil and death defying heights and sinking into this pool of water which is actually 21 feet deep!!!!! All the while we are amazed, in awe, and wondering how did they do that? Where do they go when they sink in the pool? They never come back out of the water, they just sink in, or they float up to the ceiling on vines never again to be seen. Le Reve is amazing. Rememer the tv screens upon entering??? Those are to watch the performers underwater and see where the heck they exit underwater or high in the ceiling after their performance and it is here you are able to view where they go. We didn't buy these expensive seats....so the mystery remains. I highly recommend it if you want something between Salvador Dali, and Cirque. We loved it!!!Tomorrow...Bellagio and a bead store!!!

The Bellagio as beautiful as everyone had told me. Glass sculptures in the lobby

DAY 2

Bellagio-Titanic-New York

First thing this morning we headed out to the bead store that I had 'staked' out before we left for Las Vegas. I promised Doug I wouldn't spend too much time in there, and I didn't. They were so nice and I picked up fantastic deals on swarovski crystals in here. They told us that we could take the bus just right outside the store , directly to the strip, so that saved us some cab money right there. It was HOT TODAY!!! so walking was not what we really wanted to do in this heat. The bus dropped us off at New York, New York, and it soon became one of our favorite places. We gambled a bit, and both won some money. We enjoyed reminiscing about our trip to the real New York as we walked through all the delis, 'cheers' bars, shops etc...we decided to have lunch in a deli, where we both had reuben sandwiches. They were very good, and and then we headed to the Bellagio. Along the way we decided to stop at the Tropicana where they had a Titanic exhibit. We thought that would be interesting!

TITANIC EXHIBIT

The tour began with headphones, and a boarding pass for each of us. I thought cool, a nice souvenir already. They had lots of glass cases of plates, sinks, jewelry, silver cases, leather bags of some of the passengers. It was a weird feeling in here, and sad. From many of the stories, it seemed that a lot of passengers were not supposed to be on the voyage, and at the last minute had to take it for one reason or another. It was an amazing ship for its' time, and the ships rudders were huuuuge. The last room had a large piece of ice representing the iceberg the ship ran into, which added to the dramatic effect of how tragic it all was. As we left, they had names of all the survivors and lost passengers. We had to check the boarding pass we were given against the names of the survivors. I did not survive, however Doug did...That was kind of a weird ending to the tour, but it was very interesting. Then we headed for Bellagio and another trip to Paris, even if it's in Las Vegas!!!

At the Venetian, we took a ride on the Gondolas, down the canal

DAY 3 - SATURDAY

Mirage-Caesars-Venetian -Treasur Island

FAMILYFRIENDSFLUFF

2007-06-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

JULY BIRTHDAYS!!!

Sean

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, MY BROTHER!!!!

- Sweet - Easy Going - Artistic - Nice

and also Loveable - Talented - Amazing!

ERIC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !!!!!

Quiet - Thoughtful - Loveable - Intelligent

JUNE BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday My Love!!!

To the most thoughtful, and loving husband !! I love You! May you

stay forever young!!!!!!!!! Happy 50th!
_

"I've learned that I should try to keep my words soft and tender, because tomorrow I may have to eat them." ....(advice from someone 83 years of age)

"I've learned to gather all the crumbs thrown my way. They soon form a lovely, thick slice of life and memories.... (advise from someone 92 years of age)

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO BE CREATIVE?

you have to check out this link I found...it says everything and more about the creative endeavors! Love it

http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/000876.html

FALL-WINTER PHOTOS

2007-04-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Christmas lights December 2006, around town, there were quite a few awesome ones like this house that went all out on roof, lawn, and left no space unlit. Love it!

_On Thanksgiving morning, Doug and I took our walk on the trail and I took these shots of the morning fog. The trees were in the park across the street from our house. That was Rascals favorite place to walk and sniff. I looove fog. Reminds me of Oregon.
_

Pretty Fall pictures from our neighborhood. October 2006, I loved the way the leaves 'puddled' around the trees!

FAREWELL

2007-03-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

On March 31'st we all drove up the beautiful road to the top of the Sandia Mountains. We had hoped this day would be a sunny day, which it was. I am always so amazed at how beautiful the mountains are in Albuquerque and how much I miss them. We drove up the winding road to between 8000 and 10,000 feet up to spread Dougs Moms ashes as she had requested we do. A day we had not really looked forward to turned out to be a memorable and bittersweet one. We all shivered and huddled together as we each remembered what a wonderful and beautiful person Marjorie was. She will be really missed by all of us. The dusting of the ashes was softened by the wind and as we all tossed rose petals into the same wind and there was just a hint of the soft and ever fresh rose scent that sweetened our good memories of our mother, sister, aunt and friend. It reminded me very much of when my own Dad passed away, in that the end is so simply personal and final. It never seems to be the right time. She lived a very simple, uncluttered and honest life, and that is the same way she left us. We Love you Marge!

ALBUQUERQUE 2006

2006-10-31T10:50:00.000-08:00

I went with my nieces Brianne, and Jamie on an Old Town Ghost Tour. Lots of fun. It was at night, and fall was in the air. A walking tour that included lots of historical facts from as far back as the 1600's. There are apparently a lot of ghosts in Old Town roaming around. I took this photograph of what is currently a tourist gift shop, but it used to be the town "Bordello" where quite a few of the "ladies of the night" were murdered. Lots of little "orbs' appeared in my nighttime photo...but maybe it's just dust...Who knows? You be the judge. This same night one of the young ladies who was on the tour passed out while we were in the back alley of this bordello place. The "ghost tour people' said this is a common occurence around haunted sights. Hmmmmm?
Pretty painted pony. Lifesize! I had to take this photo. There were quite a few painted ponies throughout Old Town, in varying sizes. Local artisans painted this one.
This was just one of the pretty paintings and entries into one of the shops in Old Town. Note the picture of Freda Kahlo, and the red chiles which are a welcome sight all around Albuquerque in the Fall. The influence of the Catholic religion is everywhere as is evident with many Saint references, as well as shops full of religious iconic jewelry, paintings, shrines.
Kameyab Imports (K&I) A favorite stop to buy semi-precious gemstones and cabachons. (Wholesale only) Just look at the tables. They are packed full with cabachons from pink opal, to amethyst, to turquoise, to gaspeite in awesome shapes like ovals, skinny ovals, triangles, rounds, and they had at least 3 large tables of them! The tables in the back had strands and strands of $5 to $8 strands of pearls, amethyst, mother of pearl, turquoise, coral and lots more. Whooa mama!

SEANS' METAL-WORKS

2006-10-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

SEAN

Sean, my baby brother is a talented artist. He makes wonderful clay sculptures of dragons and whimsical figures. He also makes these awesome metal sculptures. Had to share them with you, 'cause I think he is amazingly talented, but doesn't know it.
Looove this huuuge chime which Sean made. It hangs in the back area of his property, from a large tree in the Cibola National Forest area. I can just imagine the beautiful sounds coming from it, when the wind blows in the quiet of the forest. I saw a very large one in a Zen garden at the Dallas Arboretum many years ago, and this reminds me of it.

A World held up by Angels is one of Seans latest metal sculptures. This one is still in progress, and I think he said he is going to use it for a gate entry. I think it's really cool. He has not yet engraved and etched the angels outlines.

GLASS HEART PENDANTS

2006-04-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Dichroic Heart Pendant

BACK IN!!

If you would like to purchase a glass heart pendant, please contact me. Available in REDDISH/PINK SHADE, these pendants are so pretty. These sold out last time and once they're gone they're gone. A sparkly silvery dichroic center that looks like a starry sky within a colored glass heart. Due to the unique nature of these pendants no two are alike. Includes the silk cord for $15. Perfect item for a loved one or yourself. Order DHpen or order page. Only a few left!!
$15

To order click below or email me for special arrangements

http://www.gypsy-hands.com/gypsy-hands_ship.htm

Hwy 1, Big Sur and Fear

2006-03-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

September, Labor Day weekend, 2006
Doug and I took a mini trip to the coast. We wanted to visit the Reagan Library and decided we would go there first and then see where the road took us. Little did we know what fears lay ahead.....

_stay tuned...I will have photos to match up with the rest of the story...

GYPSY GIRLS!!!!

2006-03-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Look at my cute little Gypsy Girls! They sent me the cutest photos of their "travels" to China, Paris, Africa, the ocean, and Greece. Just having fun!! I miss them soooo much! Pictured are Sara, Brianne, and Jamie, three of my nieces. Brianne graduated from the university recently and works locally in her hometown as an actress. She is pursuing her Journalistic/Media productions career. Jamie still attends college and is majoring in business but will go into the medical field. Jamie is my little beader protege so to speak. Sara graduated two years ago from college and is pursuing her masters degree while teaching special ed students at her childhood elementary school.

"SaraBear"

"Breezy", Jamie, Sara

OREGON COAST

2006-03-24T01:47:00.000-08:00

On our way back from the wedding, to Portland Airport, I took this photo of early morning mist on a pond. The roads are so dense with forest pine, rivers, brooks and ponds it is hard to find a favorite spot. We saw lots of bluejays, and deer as we drove through. This is so typical of the beautiful scenery I have always remembered about Oregon. It is so peaceful and full of natural beauty everywhere.

Mural on the side of a Fish Cannery

It says "Pacific Future, Newport, Oregon"

All along the seaport while we were in Newport I took photos of the awesome "sea murals" lining the streets. Almost every building had a mural painted on it related to the sea. I thought that was pretty cool.

Cole and Brendas Wedding took place at Rockaway Beach, Oregon. It is the coolest little tourist/beach town right on Pacific Coast Hwy. 101. The weather couldn't have been more perfect during our trip, and we were able to travel a few days earlier to visit the place we were married almost 30 years ago as well. We had honeymooned in Newport Beach, which was south of here about 65 miles or so. As usual the Oregon coast is windy and cold, but their wedding was at 4:30 pm, when the sun is at its' warmest, so it was really perfect. The ceremony was on the sand, with the backdrop being the ocean, and large rock sculptures in the background peeking out of ocean. Very pretty. We had a blast dancing all night...seeing old friends, and enjoying being in Oregon once again. It has always been one of our favorite places. Then once everyone kind of wound down..that evening they had a bonfire on the beach which warmed us up before heading home.

TENAYA LODGE-YOSEMITE

2006-03-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday April 22, Tenaya Lodge-2006
A short weekend with a lot going on! Doug and his employees received the Presidents Award at the Tenaya Lodge on Saturday, April 22. They had planned the event for over 3 months and it was an impressive and fun party! I picked up Leslie and Connie on Friday afternoon from the airport, and we drove up early, while Brad and Dan stayed behind with Doug and toured the DC. The spring wildflowers are just now coming up and although it was a little cloudy, it was a gorgeous ride up to the lodge. The lodge is beautiful in the middle of pine trees and views of Yosemites mountains. Inside the lobby, a roaring fire in the fireplace greeted us, which was good because it was a bit cold outside. That evening we had a dinner planned for Doug and I, Leslie, Dan, Connie, Brad, as well as Nancy and her husband and Diane and Larry. The 10 of us were shuttled over to "The Narrow Gauge Inn" an awesome restaurant which is also a lodge in a mountain atmosphere. It was just a mile or so down the road from the Tenaya and the dining room we were in had a fireplace with a nice warm fire and old fashioned charm. The room was so welcoming and homey. Beautiful church-like stain glass windows that were over 12 feet high lined the walls. Large boulder-rock walls added to the lodge-like feel of the restaurant. It was a beautiful setting for a nice dinner. The food was really delicious too! I chose the steak and prawns. I was sitting at the center and staring straight at a Moose Head who I became pretty fond of before the evening was over. Poor little thing!

Saturday morning a tour had been planned for anyone wanting to go through the Yosemite park. A large bus took all of us around 11am, Doug stayed behind to take care of last minute details for the party, but I decided to go and I really enjoyed it. I took lots of photos of all of the waterfalls, critters (we saw a coyote) and visited the Ansel Adams gallery in the Yosemite village halfway through the park. Yosemite is just breathtaking. It is bear season right now, so we were all halfway thinking we would see one on the trip.

Saturday evening when I walked into the ballroom I was amazed at how glamorous and beautiful the room had been decorated. Very elegant. Each table had a two foot slim V-shaped vase filled with white roses, orchids and filler flowers. Soooo pretty! All chairs had been covered with nice black and white linen covers. The stage for the band was decorated with draped white chiffon and white lights. It really was beautiful. As pretty if not prettier than some decor I've seen on TV parties. Two pianos were set up for the "dualing pianos" entertainment at the cocktail party, and there was an awesome ice sculpture bar with the company logo carved into it. Spiraling "louge" like things formed within the sculpture, and the bartender poured the apple martinis and whatever anyone wanted through them as you held your glass at the bottom to be filled. It was pretty darn cool. There was line there all night with people just ooohing and aaahing that thing. Before we all filed into the banquet room, the photographer wanted us all to pose for a group photo...I mean that is over 300 people!!! But she got up on the balcony and we all posed together for one group shot, which I can't wait to see how it comes out.

The evenings dinner included steak, chicken, a delicious pasta/rice side, salad, mushroom soup with a crusty top, and a lemon/lime pie for dessert. After dinner A fun video was played to music with pictures of all of the employees on a large screen. They all seemed to really enjoy that very much. Always nice to see yourself in lights I guess. Dougs pictures came up several times too. Then it was time for Doug to deliver his speech. He was in his element! I was so proud of him at that moment. Unlike myself, doug enjoys getting up in front of a huge crowd and "emoting". The speech was heartfelt, and was a very proud moment for everyone in the room. The huge Presidents Award Cup, sat at the front of the centerstage. They will be able to hold it until next years winner acquires it. A popular local rock group came out afterward and the dancing and fun began! Everything turned out perfect in our eyes. Tenaya Lodge told Doug and I that this is the biggest event they have ever hosted.
LOT'S OF FRIENDS, Pictures and good times. Will post pictures as soon as I get them back!!!

BAHAMAS

2006-03-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

March 29-April 2
We're back! From fun in the sun, to Rain and HOME! Good to be home, but we had a really fun time at the Five Star Excellence Trip, and saw all of our old friends. It was like a huge reunion to see everyone again. I hadn't realized just how many people and friends we have met over the years until this trip. We saw many store owners from places like Texas, Tennessee, New Mexico and of course all of the current California people who came from all over the state. Doug has been with the company for over 20 years, so we have gotten to know many many people from all states across the U.S. as well. It was mind boggling. We tried to get to everyone, but there were so many people it was just too hard to even see everyone or find everyone. It was all about the store owners this time, and between they and the handful of GM's, we all pretty much took over the Atlantis Hotel and were spread out all over it. It is a huuge place. The huge Ice Splash sculpture in the photo, is centered between the Casino and one of the towers. It was just one of hundreds of beautiful pieces of artwork in this hotel. It's a theme park really, with amazing aquariums, ponds, lagoons, everywhere. I've never seen anything like it. Dougs blackberry and our phones did not work here, only laptops worked from this location, or you can buy a local phone card that will work to make phone calls or use the hotel phones. I thought the Seattle Aquarium and the Monterey Aquarium were big, but the Atlantis has them beat in this category. At the "Cafe at the great hall of waters" in the center lobby is "The Dig", a maze of chambers simulating Atlantis with artifacts and hieroglyphics. Amazing fish, jellyfish, and unique sea creatures line the different aquarium viewing chambers. I took lots of photos in here!!!!!!They have the only Manta Rays in captivity in their lagoon. It is an awesome sight to look down from 14 floors and see all of these manta rays just swimming in the water with all their babies. The Atlantis is situated right next to the beach, and there was never a lack of anything to do. There is a casino centered between the two larger towers, as well as a medium size Movie Theatre showing current movies! Shops are available throughout, as well as restaurants, lounges, golf course, fitness facility.
DAY 1
All day trip...we were worried we wouldn't make it for the evening cocktail party, and we barely made it so we didn't have too much time to get ready, we pulled it out though and they took our pictures right away once we got there. (Great!timing is everything)We spotted our old friend Kenny immediately. They had a buffet of good stuff set up in the way of local sea food and 'acoutrements".
DAY 2
Doug took a large group of friends golfing in the morning, while I and friends did breakfast in the large ballroom, and went on a group Historical tour of the city. Of all the people I would meet up there, was a woman from one of the Hawaiian stores. I asked if she made her bracelet, it looked like one I had just learned to make a few days earlier. We got to talking and yes she had made her bracelet and she takes classes in hawaii. Very cool. Doug can't take me anywhere without me starting up some type of beading conversation. Anyway, pretty interesting forts and cannons from the 1600's were on the tour! I took photos of some of the writings and carvings in the walls which prisoners and soldiers had written at the time. We also went to the local "rum cake factory" More like a very small room with cakes wall to wall. I saw a worker literally pour a bottle of rum over and over one of the cakes and then give as sample. Now that's a rum cake! When Doug and I met up that afternoon we checked out Name brand stores lining the halls between rooms. The Lalique store caught my eye, since doug has given me a few pieces of it in the past. I love Lalique. In the evening Doug and I took some friends from Dallas in to town for a fun dinner at the "poop deck". Trust me, I wouldn't eat at a place with this name, but it was suggested and it turned out to be really good. It was a long fun filled day.
DAY 3
Doug and I took in the sun on the beach, the shopping in town where you could see the cruise ships lining the harbor for their stops in Nassau. The straw market got me really dizzy...booths and vendors all wanting you to bargain with them...very much like Juarez, Mexico. Lots of look-a-like designer handbags, so I picked up a few of them. Along the main Bay Street, they have a David Yurman store there which I had to check out. I love his jewelry! Solomons Mines diamonds and jewelry had some pretty pretty things.We shmoozed some more and people watched quite a bit too. The evenings dinner was a "Beach Party" It was sooo fun. They had a fire eater, limbo guy, a reggae band that had everyone really "jammin"
Doug and KC hammed it up in the Bahamian Police Band parade. So much fun! I can't wait to get that picture back!! Great music and good family entertainment!
DAY 4
We went into town again to shop a bit, toured the grounds of the hotel, which we never did complete in any way, 'cause it is just way too big'. In the evening was the farewell party in the Atlantis Ballroom. A sit down dinner with lobster, steak, veggies. Dessert was a cute little three tiered chocolate mousse thing. I have no idea what it was, but I'm sure the cherries were drenched in some type of liquour. Again, the music entertainment was 'jammin' and dancin' and jammin' went on for quite a while. After dinner there were island crafters showing their "wares" and I picked up this really pretty carved shell and pink sand beads necklace, and some amazing shell display pieces. I liked the items here much more than when we went to the straw market in town.

MIAMI

2006-03-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

March 21, 2006

DAY 1________________
It took us almost an entire day to get to Miami, but once there it was perfect weather, sun, cool breezes in the evenings, and lots of sand. We stayed at the Turnberry Isle Resort which was gorgeous. Beautifully manicured and floral walkways all around the place and our room had a nice view of the golf course and night lights of the skyscrapers. I have never seen so much building of skyscrapers going on in one place. Miami is a bustling, busy, and international city. Everywhere we went another language was being spoken. The people ranged from Cuban, South American, French, you name it, they were there. Our first night we had a cocktail party/welcome reception which was nice and we had cocktails, and dinner which included grilled lobster and other really delicious "stuff". We played a "non golfers" game of Who can hit the ball closest to the hole, in two shots, on the golf course. They also had a "golfers" game. I amazingly won the "non golfers" game and took home a winnings of $100 gift certificate to one of the shops in the resort. Very cool!! That was a nice way to start out our trip! Since I have never golfed! That was awesome!
DAY 2____________________
I had a revitalizing facial in the morning and it was amazing. So relaxing, it was nice to just get away and pamper myself, and then went out to the local shopping areas to see what they had. I picked up some "evil eye" jewelry. Supposed to ward off anyone giving me an evil eye or thought. That's a good thing I think! Doug was out on the open sea fishing for "the big one". He came home that afternoon and caught a huuuuuuge amberjack over 75 lbs., that took him 30 minutes to bring in. He was a happy fisherman. It was the big one of the season the captain said, so they took pictures, weighed it and Doug planned to have a replica made and sent out to our home. After the month we have had with Rascal and everything else, we were having a good time and I was happy to see Doug smiling and enjoying himself. That evening we all took a water taxi and had a really nice evening tour along the waterway of the celebrity homes/mansions along the way leading up to our restaraurant. We saw Sonny and Cher's old home among many many others. Once we got to the restaurant, it is a 100 year old building called the Old River House Restaurant in the heart of Ft. Lauderdale, we had cocktails on the dock and dinner in the outside patio. There was lots of good conversation, laughter and food.
DAY 3 ____________________
We spent part of the day at the beach after all the men got out of their meeting at the resort and that evening we all went out to SOUTHBEACH and dined at the famous 'TIFFANY' restaurant. We dined outside patio-side with glowing candles all along pathways. Very romantic. People were drinking from the glasses with glowing ice cubes. I had never seen them. The drinks were so "Miami" looking , these little lights all glowing in the drinks just added to the ambience of the night. For dessert we all went up to the rooftop and by the poolside enjoyed an array of little different kinds of sweet things. From the roof we could look down at all the shops and views of the city life. All the wives were given a beautiful Zales diamond "circle" necklace. I love it! I thought that was so nice and thoughtful of them to think of the wives in this way.
DAY 4 OUR ANNIVERSARY____________________
We decided to stay an extra night because otherwise we would have been traveling all day on our anniversary, so we spent most of the day at the beach, then went down to "HOLLYWOOD BEACH" where we thought we were in the twilight zone...freaks on parade ..but we had fun and that evening decided on German food. It turned out to be a good choice. The concierge knew nothing about it, but we are always ready to try the little holes in the wall restaurants. It had a history behind it. It is called the Bavarian Village Restaurant and they had live german music which they have every night apparently. The gold record of Lay Down Sally, by Eric Clapton in the display case, intrigued us enough to ask the owner what it was all about. The record was given to him by Eric Clapton who has frequented the restaurant along with the Bee Gees and other celebrities. He had been invited to the owners daughters' wedding and due to weather didn't make it. You'll have to ask the owner all about it, if you ever get out there because the story is interesting! He gave us a complimentary champagne bottle to celebrate as well!

ANGEL DOGS

2006-03-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

RASCAL

(Racky, pretty colors, weegie, love butt, square butt, love pie)

I wanted to share a quote from
"Angel Dogs"

by Allen and Linda Anderson.
I have been really missing my little furry sweethearts so much and this quote really puts things in perspective if you have ever owned a loveable four legged family member.
"Dogs bring to humans such messages as you are loved. you are not alone. You are
protected and guided by a divine higher power. Dogs deliver messages such as
when you are lonely, weary, overwhelmed by life's burdens, I am here. People who are in pain often can't hear the voice of God whispering comfort and hope, so God sends them a messenger with a furry face, wagging tail, licking tongue, and generous heart."

DAISY

(pooh bear, peanut, love butt, baby doe, hug bug, baby girl )

June 14

I am finding out that now that Rascal has been gone for 4 months now, just how much I depended on that little bundle of fur for company and love. When Doug goes out of town for more than two days it is just so damn lonely around the house..so quiet and I really miss my Rascal and Daisy so much. I've always been one to keep busy with something and working working on projects all over the place and I thought it would get easier as the days went by, but it's not. Kind of pitiful that I could rely and depend on such a little furball so much, but when I love my dogs it is with my whole heart and soul and I guess that got ripped out with a huge hole to replace it. I am just lost without my little babies right now, but I know they must be at my side watching over me as they did in life.

NAPA VALLEY

2006-03-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Silverado Resort and hotel is located along the path of all the Napa valley vineyards. It has a nice golf course by it and we stayed in a little bungalow type room.

Silverado Resort Entry
Winery expert

We had a really good time at the wineries. We drove to Tim and Rheas store near San Francisco, and we all met up there. Rhea had suggested the Silverado resort and it was a good pick. We drove out and found it is nestled on a pretty hill in Napa valley. We stayed that evening. A limousine picked up all 8 of us that morning and we drove all day from winery to winery. It was really fun. I don't drink at all really and neither does Doug, but I was doing the nose test and that was enough to tell which wines were good. We visited 6 or 8 places and each was beautiful, informative, Doug wanted to go to the cakebread winery 'cause that is a favorite of his so we all ended up taking home a couple cases for our wine racks. It's weird to have so much wine on hand, but it has come in handy when company comes over for dinner or family visits. At the end of that day we all came away with a head full of wine facts and some nice memories!

Oak Casks

It was nice to see Brad and Connie again they have been friends of ours since Albuquerque, when Doug and Brad worked together

Tim and Rhea Brad and Connie

Brad and Connie, Will and Amy, Tim and Rhea, and Doug and I all piled into the limo. After a days worth of wine tasting everyone was feeling very tired. We had reservations at one of the upscale restaraurants in the valley. I cannot remember the name. Our food was really good, and a bit nouveau cousine so we kind of poked fun at some of the looks of our food. Brads dessert looked like "the partridge family" and that got me laughing a lot!

Will and Amy have been friends of ours since we met them in Albuquerque years ago! Our paths continue to cross no matter where we live.

Pretty french looking winery chateau.

Me and my love...

Entry doorway to one of the wineries

LAMPWORK BEADS

2006-02-23T23:25:00.000-08:00

The Second batch of flower beads Jack has made came out so pretty. I had shown Marty a flower bead design I wanted them to try and come up with so I could use them in my floral bracelets. This is what Jack made and I really can't decide which color I like best, but these are going to be available for the spring floral bracelet classes. They are just tiny little posies which will be perfect sprinkled throughout a fringed bracelet.

THE THEATRE

2006-01-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to one of our favorite plays. Mama Mia has been a favorite of ours ever since we went to it when we visited New York 6 months after 911. We had celebrated our anniversary in NY city and that day had gone to the "ground zero" area. What a way to spend an anniversary I know, but it just worked out that way. That evening we really needed something to liven our spirits and Mama Mia was just the thing that did it. We knew nothing about it other than it had Abba music which we had always liked and with our swedish heritage we thought how bad could it be in NYC? Anyway we had the most fun we have ever had in a "theatuh" setting. It wasn't the stuffy crowd for this story and music. People all night were tapping toes, dancing in their seats and at the end everyone was up on their feet clapping, singing and dancing. Awesome. The perfect night in NYC.

We also have seen Mama Mia at the Orpheum theatre in Memphis and thought it just couldn't be as good as the broadway play, but it was and we had just as much fun. Last night we went to the Fresno version at the Saroyan theatre. An awesome theatre. Beautiful inside and tons of seating. Much bigger than the New York stage and the Memphis stage. But the lead Sophie was disappointing. At the intermission people were saying they couldn't hear her, and I had to include myself and Doug 'cause we 'kept going "huh?" The older gentlemen next to me spent much of his time watching the girl in front of me dancing in her seat rather than the stage. I dont' get it. Anyway It was still good, but between the Sophie lead and one of the potential fathers (in the story) who could not sing at all!!! we were a bit disappointed. The audience didn't seem to get into it as much either. Not sure why people weren't just loving the music, but maybe the generation was older than mine? Anyway Mama Mia is a fun story and the music fits so perfectly with it that I think everyone would enjoy it. It is a fun time!

Rolling Stones Concert

2005-11-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

As I walked into the stadium I noticed just how many over "40 somethings" were at the concert. Very few under 30 age group. I was sooo happy to see that our seats were only 10 rows back from the stage and ON THE FLOOR. I was going to be literally breathing the same air as the rolling stones. Awesome!!!! Thanks to Joe, our friend (for life) he was able to get us these fantastic seats. My husband Doug was the driving force behind Joe since he knew I wanted to go, and were unable to get tickets when they sold out in September. As we approached our seats, I noticed a long strip almost right next to us in the center of the arena which was set up for something..hopefully a long skinny stage? The famous guitar chord that Keith Richards does, that let's you know the "stones" are in the house" he did, and so began, "Start Me Up", the first song of the set at the SaveMart Center on Sunday evening.

I really kind of gasped when Mick Jagger came out in his trademark tight black jeans, and a green "tails-coat" which reminded me of the rabbits coat in Alice in Wonderland. Emerald green, it was tailored to fit his small, thin, muscular frame. In typical Mick Jagger form, he sang and strutted, pranced, and did almost acrobatics and super model walks across the stage. It was awesome. He sounded great! I knew this was history in the making for me, since I will probably never see them ever again in concert. He took off his emerald tail coat to reveal a silky tight tee with rhinestone stripes and I was really kind of surprised by his well toned and muscular arms. He is really very small in stature. One of my favorite tunes of the night was a Ray Charles tribute "The night time is the right time" bluesy hit song, which he did a duet with his backup singer Lisa Fischer. She practically stole the show with her vocals. Very Tina Turner-esque. When she screamed out "Babaae!" several times and the crowd joined in, it was really magical. I loved it! Mick changed clothes at least 4 times during the show. For Honky Tonk woman he wore a long coat and cowboy fedora type hat which looked kind of "pimpish" all in a shade of brown feathers or fur, I couldn't quite tell. He was pretty darn cool and only he could wear this and look awesome. Then the moment came when he strutted out a long moving stage that extended right next to our seats...Oh my goooosh! so cool, I ran to the side and watched upward as he sang down to all of us below. Wow. Sorry if I'm gushing, but it was just too amazing to me. He drank from a bottle of water and didn't finish it only to kick it out into our section of seats. It came straight dead center toward me...I got soaking wet, and the bottle literally was at my feet, only to have someone snatch it up from under the chair next to me..."Crap"...I shoulda coulda had it!!! Hey...I got wet and have a story to tell don't I?

Keith Richards did two solo songs, "Infamy" which I enjoyed that, and "Slipping Away" which was slow, and he just was literally "slipping away"..needless to say everyone sat back down at this point and just watched him "slip away". I heard someone yell "YOU SUCK" Rude, and sad, but kind of true. I think he was a bit out of it since he forgot that he had another song to do as well. We all know about Keith Richards history. He looked scrappy, old, weathered, but kept his smile through the whole show.

The coolest thing happened mid evening when the entire stage at the front literally moved up and started moving down the center aisle right next to our seats... Whoooa very cool. It literally transformed before everyones eyes. It slowly moved to the middle of the arena and I watched Ron Wood flirt with the girl with the low cut top and threw her a guitar pick. Hmmmph! Then it made it's way to the center and we were now in the back of the stage, but still enjoying the music. The fans in the back were now in the front. Pretty nice for them! They did three songs there and then it slowly moved back up while they sang their way up the aisle. It was too short of a concert, no matter how many songs they did...I came away glad I went and came away with a very very very.....good feeling of "Satisfaction".

Bracelet Workshop!

2005-11-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

Amazon Bracelet Class!
Wow. I took an all day workshop with Leslie Frazier on Saturday. I hadn't realized she belonged to our bead society in the past. She is busy teaching internationally and doesn't have time for the locals anymore. I made sure to get there way early to get a good seat with a plug in for my light. I hate being late, I hate it when people walk in late to a class, because the teachers focus stops and its' all eyes on the late ones who then have to catch up and need extra attention. I feel it is very inconsiderate. Can you tell someone was late??? It was a fun day however, Leslie is very soft spoken, sweet, and unbelievably talented. She was wearing a beautiful, victorian looking necklace she had made and I was really salivating looking at all of her samples of work. Her color palletes were very close to all the colors I use. She made quite a few items with beaded beads, which she called pinch bead pizzaz. I love beaded beads! That's the "faze" I'm going through now. Her instructions were very good which sometimes can be a challenge with some teachers. Leslie brought some beads to purchase in case we didn't have one of the types of beads needed for the bracelet. That was the case for all of us! Only because she used Miyuki triangles and we all had toho triangles, and she thought the bracelet might not work up right. So although, the color choices weren't great, I made my bracelet with the best colors I could find with what she brought with her. I ended up taking it apart once I got home and re-making it with the original beads I had brought. Tried it, and I looove it now!! Using your own color pallete always gives good results!! The photo really doesn't do it justice, since my lighting wasn't all that great. Leslie had also brought along many japanese beadwork magazines and then told us they aren't available to subscribe to..Oh my gosh, that was cruel. The patterns in the magazines were awesome and to tell us sorry you probably won't be able to get them unless you know someone Japanese with connections was just plain cruel. I am now searching frantically for anyone who I can purchase these from. Right now it seems she's right...and they are unavailable. I am determined however to find some.

2005-11-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

Over the River....
Only a few weeks away from Thanksgiving. That is Dougs favorite Holiday! I have sooooooooo many things to do. I make so many projects for myself that it's a wonder I sleep at all. Last night I got to bed at 1 a.m. which is early for me, 'cause I'm always working on a project of some sort. I have a three bracelets to make for special orders as well as xmas gifts and a birthday gift. A national magazine has approached me and I am in the works for designs for that as well! Whew!I guess I should make some time for housework!!

Glass Lampworking!
Some friends brought all their glass bead making equipment to Becky's store so I could see if I want to invest in lampworking. I made several beads with Jacks help and Marty, his wife gave me some videos and a book to read. Lots of great information. They are two of the nicest people. They brought free beads for myself and others which was so nice. Marty and I bartered beads for a class. She wanted to take my beaded beads number I class. I think I could really get into making these lampwork beads. It was so fun and rewarding to see this small little jewel finally come out looking (almost perfect). So many pretty glass canes of colors to choose from, it was hard for me to pick just one. See the little white and turqoise squiggly patterned ones? I made those as well as the black with greenish/brown pattern. They had a cool mold to squish the glass into shapes. Love those lentil beads. Perfect sizes for bracelets and necklace designs. Jack made the little snowman and gave those to a few of us. Isn't it cute? I really want to make sugar beads. Those just have a dusting of glass frit and look like snowballs or clear beads with margarita salt on them. They are awesome!! I have decided however, to put all of the lampworking off until after the holidays . I just have to many ideas running through my head at this time to actually start one more type of medium. I can just see Dougs face when I bring in the oxygen tank and propane tank into the garage to set up my newest endeavor. I feel so sorry for people married to artists. They have to have a lot of patience and understanding. Of course the other side of it is "life is never boring around our house! My goal right now is to get a smaller kiln so I can fuse glass (much easier and quicker) and use it for my silver PMC jewelry projects.

ALBUQUERQUE

2005-11-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Jamie, anticipating her purchases at "Kameyab Imports" in Albuquerque

Taquita Twosome!

ALBUQUERQUE!
What a fantastic trip! It consisted of food, beads and family! One of my first stops in the way of New Mexican food was Macs drive in. Love the taquito twosomes!!! Something so simple yet so missed after living in Texas, Memphis, and California so long. Yes, I took a picture, because it is just one of those places which I wonder if it will still be there when I visit again. It is a local treasure. For only 2 bucks you get two taquitos and guacamole...what a deal..and they are soooo good. Not the cleanest place in the world, but hey....those are sometimes the places with the best food. I managed to visit El Pinto, Sadies, and Good old Lota-Burger too! If you've never had green chile enchiladas and sopaipillas, ya gotta check those places out!! The best food in the world. And yes...I am trying to still lose weight!!!!!!!!!!!!

To the dismay of many however, I spent every single day visiting all of the bead stores I could find. I took my niece Jamie to the biggest 7000 sq. feet showrooom. It was clearly the biggest in Albuquerque. We had an all day spree. I gave her a little spending money and I have to say I have never seen such a big smile on her face when we walked into that place. Her picture above doesn't show it, but that is a huuuge grin. Jamie was a happy girl that day. Wall to wall to wall to wall hanging beads, tables of beads, trays of beads. It was a beautiful site. We spent 3 hours in there!!! Jamie picked out three pendants and beads to match to make something for her cousins for Christmas. We still didn't cover the whole place and had to make a second trip back later in the week. I took my mom and sister with me to Poppy Field Bead Company. It is owned by Margo Fields who is a nationally published bead artist. Although I liked her store, she was a bit rude. For whatever reason she wouldn't give me my purchase without tax. I had my information with me, as I always do, but her excuse was that she didn't have a copy machine. What a crock of !@#@ All she had to do was take the information down. I think she is just not a nice person.

Towards the last of my trip I had lunch with another of my nieces. Charity, my brother Seans daughter had been married this past year and I was unable to go to the wedding and hadn't met her new husband. We all met for lunch and I found myself being so proud of her. Her new husband is so sweet and it was very obvious he wants to take care of her. She reminds me so much of myself and Doug when we were their age. They have lots of plans and dreams for their future and I have no doubt they will accomplish what they intend. We went to their condominium and it was so nice. Full of all the "newly married" things, and we watched the wedding video as well. Even watching the video I had tears in my eyes. It was really a nice visit.

My sister Patti had a bbq at her place to get all of us together for a photo shoot. I have not seen my brother Terry in many many years. I wondered if he was even still alive it has been so long. It was a great time. Terry showed up, my other brother Sean and his new wife were there and I got to meet her as well. My nieces and their "bo's" came, Nephews and their girlfriends came. It was so weird to see my nieces and nephews all grown up and "driving" with significant others and wow I feel old now. But oh how the cameras were flashing and clicking all night. You would have thought celebrities were in the room, and I guess we all are to each other. It was so nice to be with my big family again. As usual there is always plenty of food. Patti made lime mesquite chicken on the grill, and Terry brought his special red chile sauce which we all scarfed down with the roasted beef Patti had grilled. I made my special spanish rice and made a pasta salad. A huge salad and guacamole were also part of the feast.

I asked my nephew to put on some music hoping his taste would be good, and guess what he puts on. Led Zeppelin.......I do love them, but have to say I was surprised that was his choice. While some of us were rockin', others were covering their ears. It was pretty funny to see the old ones rockin' and the young ones saying "turn it down"..That's our family.

I also had to check out St. Bernadette church. It is now a national shrine to St. Bernadette with many of her belongings in the church entrance. It was kind of an eerie feeling there to me. I suppose it should have been a holy feeling??? Anyway it was kind of cool. Holy water from Lourdes runs in one of the little waterfalls there as well, so I took some of that for (emergencies) Ya never know. I washed my hands in the water too.