Acadia National Park

I'm already researching next years vacation. I know, I never stop looking for new places. I'm probably the only person who reads travel books before bed even if I'm not looking for a place to go. The Handsome Husband has mentioned several times that he would like to go to Acadia National Park in Maine. Here are some gorgeous pictures I found of the park.

Look at these cuties - Puffins!

Lighthouses Galore

Beautiful hiking to be found. This is right up his alley.

I think we are thinking more June than Oct., but I thought this picture was beautiful. The colors are amazing.

Vancouver?

As we were watching TV last night, I casually asked the Handsome Husband where his conference in May was going to be this year. Last year we went to Boston and I LOVED it. He said Vancouver. VANCOUVER!!! I've always wanted to go the the Empress Hotel and Buschart Gardens, so I invited myself! I began to research the area.

Of course, we will stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Surprisingly, not very expensive. As I was looking at the hotel, I came across these luxury tent cabins.

Very luxe and nestled in the most beautiful little spot...

too bad they are $4,500.oo per person for 3 nights all inclusive. Too rich for my blood. The Handsome Husband would have really liked it.

I plan to go shopping in both the historic district where ever shopping is offered.

Whale watching is a must. I guess they find as many as 100 whales in a pod. I do get seasick, however, and it could be miserable for me. But I so want to see these guys.

We plan on going to Stanley Park and other cultural areas. We will explore Vancouver Island and go on some hikes.

This bridge is just a short drive from Vancouver. A must. I don't think I will chicken out, it looks pretty safe.

I'm off to the book store now to find a DK Eyewitness book on Vancouver. I love DK Eyewitness guides.

Alyssa and Greg have been on VACATION

Destination: Orlando. They visited The Magic Kingdom, The Wild Animal Park, Epcot Center, Disney Studios and Universal Studios. They attended many events and had a great time. They went with Greg's family, which included an adorable three year old.

To add to the "everything is decorated for Christmas theme", the weather was extremely cold for Florida. In the high 50's in the day. Alyssa is wearing a t-shirt, sweater, CABI coat and a trench coat over it all. She looks like she is in San Francisco, but no, it is in a theme park. Not sure which one.

Greg, Alyssa and Greg's lovely mom, Barbara.

Alyssa in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

At the Wild Animal Park

I'm anxiously awaiting pictures from the visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Hogwarts.

50th Wedding Anniversary Party

On Saturday, we headed out to Wickenburg, AZ (in the pounding rain, passing two wrecks) to help celebrate Katie and Jer's 50th Wedding Anniversary. They met in Las Cruces, New Mexico and after only 5 weeks of courtship, they married.
It was a wonderful evening with all their friends and lots of family. It was held at Charley's Steakhouse, the nicest place in town. The next morning when we went to Denny's for breakfast, we heard the staff all talking about the big party for Katie and Jer the night before and what a great turnout they had!

They had this wonderful photo from 50 years ago. Beautiful!

Jer welcomed everyone and introduced all the family members sitting at the head table.
Then a little story and background and "Jack the Knife" was played and Katie and Jer danced for us all. They were having a great time and you could see the happiness and love between them.


Jer made a little speech, reminiscing and telling his children and grandchildren how proud of them he was. Then he got a little choked up as he told us all how much he loved Katie and how she was his best friend.
The next morning, bright and early, we hit the open road. There was a beautiful sunrise (unfortunately, we didn't get out the camera until it was too late). The desert was alive with light and shadow, and beautiful colors and smells.


I had to get a shot of the saguaro cactus. They are amazing. As soon as you cross the border from California into Arizona, you see them. They seem to like certain places and will grown in their own little neighborhoods. You won't see any for miles and then you'll come across a whole patch of them filling acres and acres. They are native and I believe only grow naturally in Arizona.

Sightseeing in San Francisco

Before we hopped on the sightseeing bus, we walked down the street to The Plaza Hotel. This is a beautiful hotel close to Union Square and it has this magnificent restaurant by its lobby. This picture just does not do it justice. This hotel is on my list, the Handsome Husband has stayed here before on business.
There are lots and lots of old Victorian houses in San Francisco. I didn't get a chance to see the "Painted Ladies", but I thought this one was pretty and unique with that reflective green glass.
We catch our first glimpse of the bridge. It is nice and clear and in perfect focus. All the cameras were clicking away getting pictures.
We drove across the top and it was freezing and really windy, but totally worth it. Once we got to the other side, we got off the bus and took some pictures. Unfortunately, the sun was right behind the bridge and hindered any great shots.
Notice the fog rolling in over the bridge. Driving back over the bridge, it was even colder than freezing. You could feel the damp cold in your legs right through the jeans!
Here is another look at the fog that now is covering the bridge from the same point as when we first spotted it and it was totally clear. The time elapsed is about 20 minutes.
We then got off the bus and made our way to Chinatown. We wanted to see the fortune cookie factory, but couldn't find it. Next time, I think I will take a walking tour of this section with a local guide. Those tours are always very interesting.
In front of the entrance. I think these statues are called Foo Dogs. Not sure though. You can see the Handsome Husband got a few things for himself here as well.
I loved these lamp posts. The poles were painted aqua and then these fabulous decorative, red lanterns topped them. Love the detail: dragons, bells and peaked roofs!

We caught a this cable car on its way up California street and I took my first ride ever on a cable car. I sat on the outside and the Handsome Husband...

chose to stand on the outside and hold on tight. We had a full day of sightseeing and we were looking forward to our Indian dinner at Maharani's.

First things first, a little shopping...

First stop, Union Square. This little shopping area was so fun. You name it, it's there. We have a lot of the same stores here in Orange County, but something about the store fronts all being decorated and the big Christmas tree and the cool, crisp, sunny day, made it so enjoyable!
When you enter Neiman Marcus, there is this huge tree under this beautiful dome. I really enjoyed all the beautiful workmanship in the old buildings. Crown mouldings 18 inches tall with corbels, stained glass, iron work. It was like what you see in movies. Orange County is chic and new, you just don't get that elegant, rich atmosphere. (Not talking rich as in money, but as in texture).
This mall was just down the Powell Street on Market. Floors and Floors of shopping!
I loved this 4 story Williams and Sonoma store. Inside it had hardwood floors with white banisters. All the merchandise was not all crowded together, you could actually wonder around and get a look at all the fun things.
At night the square came alive. Music, ice-skating and beautiful lights everywhere. The Macy's was 6 floors and every window had a wreath in it.

The Handsome Husband did a little shopping as well. I can't wait until Christmas!