We relished a New Orleans adventure in December 2014! Three nights at the iconic Hotel Monteleone was the superb prize awarded by NATJA (North American Travel Journalists Association) for my 2013 Galapagos story. Previous trips there for business or pleasure took place pre-Katrina. Subsequently, our travel style and focus have transitioned a bit. Yet this city’s people, culture, history, … More Nawlins Nails It
There’s something about the shore-the Eastern shore, specifically. Some call it God’s country. We’ve trekked west coast to east coast annually the last thirty-five years, but rarely crossed the Chesapeake. An invitation to a niece’s Navy retirement on the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk generated a visit to my brother on the Bay. We found the towns of Portsmouth … More There’s Something about the Shore
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?
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
Massive oaks are not the only mighty giants that emerged along the scenic Cane River in Louisiana North. A slave’s daughter, Clementine Hunter first picked up oils at the age of 54 while cleaning the artists’ residence. Her artistic legacy depicts plantation life in vivid color. Upstairs in the African House at Melrose Plantation is a … More 5 Faces of Louisiana North
…the curve of a smile, a boy, a beak or tortoise shell, the outline of a beach or gallery, nature-engineered hoodoos, fresh persimmons and guavas or bejeweled pomegranate, a cuppa or sculpture, enormous Baci, Marilyn’s posterior or pizza pie. They make life round.
Happy Birthday, Nonna Daughter-in-law Julie’s contribution to the celebration was a fragrant, yummy tiramisu. The presentation was a surprise: a fondant demi-globe with birthday wishes, street signs from East Coast origins to West and flags for our favorite places! For more, see her page @ http://www.facebook.com/cakesbyjules17
Sean appeared bemused and satisfied as he surveyed us from our bed. We zipped up our suitcases. He proceeded to giggle. Sweet boy, I could stay in this moment forever with you….. Napa calls! With exaggerated, delicious one-year old goodbyes, we were off. Those golden hills were our constant escort from LA on Labor Day. … More Napa time
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