Annual treks to a favorite place are so appealing. When Sassi is that place, I rejoice! We approach the sprawling Italian villa suitably complemented by the desert palette. Inside are cavernous rooms reminiscent of a past stay at a castle in Chianti. Though we feel a bit royal inside these walls, the outside beckons. The … More Abondanza in the Scottsdale Desert
Moving past the “why is the cork on the fork?” scene this restaurant’s name brought to mind (from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Michael Caine and Steve Martin), we adjusted to the ambience of the La Quinta, CA hideaway. In the restaurant dubbed a “unique wine bar and kitchen,” you’ll relish the hand-selected wine list (CORK) and fresh … More Why do we crave Cork & Fork?
Some travel adventures are worldly and others limited in scope. In the mind of an 18 month-old, the backyard is fascinating. On grandparenting detail in San Diego, while our eldest son and daughter-in-law pursued Chilean delights, we sought that unique destination and content which would perhaps rival the backyard. We shared Scripps Aquarium in La … More A Toddler’s Look Underwater in La Jolla
http://travelingwithsweeney.com/2014/05/01/traveling-with-mom/ In the 90s, we two sisters began jaunts from L.A. and Milwaukee to be with our mom. We were growing our own families and juggled to make the visits happen. We met in Maryland at her home, played Scrabble and went for crab cakes. We surprised Mother, detouring from one of our homes to … More Mother’s Day 2014: my part of a collaborative post
Behold, celebrate, luxuriate in it and slurp. It is life-giving and life-saving. All powerful, water may be merciful, and at times, merciless. An object of vast beauty, it is the stuff of dreams, a conduit to wherever and whatever. Water is universally most precious, a need arguably greater than love.
No zip-line, paintball, or a helicopter tour for me, thank you. Less than four months since the previous visit, my Maui beckoned from the northwest. 1) Humpback whales make us giddy! They amaze with distinct behavior patterns and sheer size, from a 2,000 pound newborn to 90,000 pound adult. Our Pacific Whale Foundation naturalist pointed … More My Maui: 14 for ’14
The box was heavy with Fresh Blood Orange California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vanilla & Fig California Balsamic Vinegar, a jar of Preserved Meyer Lemons and a gorgeous reamer made of olive wood. Both salad creations knocked our socks off. I began with the Strawberry, Fig and Basil Salad on the Temecula Olive Oil Company … More When a friend gives you lemons
Irish eyes Irish coffee Irish luck Irish jig Irish fairy tale Irish pub Irish countryside Irish tradition Irish music Irish whiskey Irish charm What would you add to the list of Irishisms?
Stimulating to the senses and one of our favorite treks: Santa Ynez Valley. We meandered the country roads and canyons by both car and bicycle this time. The balance injected some exercise into the mix and likely mitigated our purchases. Just two bottles are a strain in my backpack! Noticeably parched in spots, local water … More Savoring Santa Ynez
You’ve been on my mind today, Dad. Twenty-nine years ago we laid you to rest with a prayer. it was too early. Our kids were so young we hadn’t yet experienced parenting except for sleeplessness and diapers. We now know the agony and joys. Mom shared her gift of unconditional love, but you trump with … More The Heart of It
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