The Field Museum I was beyond excited to see the Field Museum, considered one of the most historic but also innovative natural history museums in the world. It was massive, and we could have spent the entire day easily, but were limited by our timed afternoon tickets for the Shedd Aquarium. Our American Science Museum… Continue reading Chicago with Kids: Science & Natural History Museums
This is the "will they or won't they get together" story of a woman and her missing luggage. In 2003, I embarked on a two-week European vacation with two of my fellow Muskingum Alum/sorority sisters/Virginia transplants. Thankfully I documented the entire adventure during and after the trip, so I’m able to share an over-detailed account… Continue reading Girls’ Trip to Europe- Part 1- 2003
Our 2-week winter holiday started in the Colorado Rockies and ended in sunny San Diego. Learn more about each destination by clicking on the links in the timeline. The Amtrak California Zephyr took us from Denver to San Francisco. A series of road trips allowed us to see the California Coast and to Joshua Tree… Continue reading Winter Vacation 2021- Denver & Reno on The Amtrak Zephyr & The California Coast
San Diego Museum of Nature & Science Our last full day in California included brunch with friends, followed by a visit to Balboa Park. With more time, we would have spent a day at the San Diego Zoo. But on a busy Saturday on a holiday weekend, we opted for the Natural History Museum instead.… Continue reading San Diego, California Christmas 2021
The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden Before heading to San Diego, we stopped at The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Garden. The zoo’s central theme is a collection of plants animals from desert and savanna biomes around the world. The backdrop of the California desert made an excellent habitat for the giraffes and other… Continue reading Palm Desert to San Diego, California Christmas 2021
Monarch Butterfly GroveEcho ParkThe Living Desert Zoo & Botanical GardensVenturaSanta Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Visitor CenterLos Padres National Forest Headquarters Pismo Beach, CA After staying in downtown San Francisco, the Oxford Suites Pismo Beach was a nice change, with large rooms and a garden courtyard.Our morning started in the Butterfly Sanctuary, where we immediately… Continue reading Pismo Beach to Palm Springs, California Christmas, 2021
Painted LadiesMethuselah TreeAlice's RestaurantGarrapata BeachBixby BridgeAndrew Molera State ParkPismo Beach San Francisco Our morning started with a plan to check a few last boxes for San Francisco. We started with the Painted Sisters (the iconic Victorian homes situated with a view of the city behind them). Painted Ladies, San Francisco CA, 2021 The next stop… Continue reading San Francisco to Pismo Beach Road Trip, California Christmas 2021
Japanese Tea Garden We started our second day in San Fransisco at The Japanese Tea Garden. This five-acre garden is a spot to spend just an hour or an entire day, as our tour guide, Jocko, often does to write and reflect. From the Japanese Garden we stopped at the Music Concourse and the Shakespeare… Continue reading San Francisco Part 2, California Christmas 2021
