tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17096431218943410312024-03-12T19:14:49.762-04:00missing momentsReenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comBlogger495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-26991178965766924442018-09-30T20:46:00.000-04:002018-09-30T20:46:02.127-04:00Jumping Back In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZrjxfMtlmA/W7FtGWvYtfI/AAAAAAAA7RA/I7CBbMBxJ3wbvrDQXVRlor7jhFbyhm4twCLcBGAs/s1600/_NIK4891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZrjxfMtlmA/W7FtGWvYtfI/AAAAAAAA7RA/I7CBbMBxJ3wbvrDQXVRlor7jhFbyhm4twCLcBGAs/s640/_NIK4891.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have been absent from here for quite a bit. Other interests and the like have seemed to take precedence. And I just wasn't feeling it.<br />
<br />
But last year, I joined a Photography Club in my area and have enjoyed participating in its meetings, challenges and competitions. Nothing like that to get your creative juices flowing again. As well as having a place to share your images besides Facebook or Instagram.<br />
<br />
I took the plunge and have joined other photography club members in the<span style="color: #a64d79;"> <b style="background-color: white;">LWRDCP 52-Week Photography Challenge</b></span> where we must post an image once a week for 52 weeks, beginning October 1. Each week, we must capture an image that best represents the theme for that week and post one image. Weekly theme Categories are either Creative, Technical, Composition and Wild Card. Sample Themes include Movement, Twilight, Water Drop, Leading Lines and so on. You get the idea. And you can't use past photos .... bummer!! You must get off your butt and get out there and practice your craft.<br />
<br />
So that is the whole purpose of the Challenge! To motivate us to expand the mastery of our cameras.<br />
<br />
And if you want to follow me over at my new blog (which is still a work in progress!) as I post images over the next 52 weeks, you can find me at:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.reenawalkling.com/">www.reenawalkling.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>Cheers, my friends. </i><br />
<i>Be kind to one another!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Reena</b>Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-9399868595635248292017-03-02T13:22:00.002-05:002017-03-02T13:23:08.003-05:00Wintering in Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr0Zry25hGg/WLhZ0TpoTFI/AAAAAAAANWc/TirgTvw7jwgc4gU4BHBtU_DmxnTcryoLACLcB/s1600/IMG_1842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr0Zry25hGg/WLhZ0TpoTFI/AAAAAAAANWc/TirgTvw7jwgc4gU4BHBtU_DmxnTcryoLACLcB/s640/IMG_1842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;">In the past, I would have been sharing winter scenes this time of year. But not any more. Aside from a ski trip or two out west with The Professor, I will happily be spending my winters in glorious Florida sunshine. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The cool thing about living part of the year in here is that there is a local photo club which I have joined. It is a very active group of several hundred individuals. Some with little experience and others who earn a living at their craft. They host monthly meetings, focus group outings, feedback sessions, and too many other activities to mention. Needless to say, I am in hog heaven. Sunshine, beaches, amazing critters and all to be enjoyed through my camera! (Which has been greatly neglected over the past year.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHVa7OWVgfg/WLhLTG5jDuI/AAAAAAAANV8/6oxpvcRDtYQLjcjEwzkY5otXymD8lEEpwCLcB/s1600/Reena%2BWalkling%2B2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHVa7OWVgfg/WLhLTG5jDuI/AAAAAAAANV8/6oxpvcRDtYQLjcjEwzkY5otXymD8lEEpwCLcB/s640/Reena%2BWalkling%2B2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;">In January, the photo club had a fun excursion in Ybor City, a historic neighborhood of Tampa. Although I had been there before, it was fun to see it through my lens.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTWeZX1BkmU/WLhLYTIq3bI/AAAAAAAANWM/_w072vI9OU8r8vZRc88Oo4Bj3p1XqJhvACEw/s1600/Reena%2BWalkling%2B2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTWeZX1BkmU/WLhLYTIq3bI/AAAAAAAANWM/_w072vI9OU8r8vZRc88Oo4Bj3p1XqJhvACEw/s640/Reena%2BWalkling%2B2-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>“ Ybor City was founded as an independent town in 1885 by a group of cigar manufacturers led by Vicente Martinez and was annexed by Tampa in 1887. The original population was mostly composed of Cuban and Spanish immigrants who worked in cigar factories.' </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twos6sbvmiM/WLhLV7Eqy4I/AAAAAAAANWE/Zy1mI6U0QJY2g8pBkyeN_1yPhKhNyE5fQCEw/s1600/_DS42631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twos6sbvmiM/WLhLV7Eqy4I/AAAAAAAANWE/Zy1mI6U0QJY2g8pBkyeN_1yPhKhNyE5fQCEw/s400/_DS42631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Ybor City was unique in the fact that it was entirely populated and owned by immigrants. Nowadays, its a mixture of an entertainment and night club district amidst offices and residences. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;">A cool place to photograph with its Spanish, Cuban and Italian architecture. The lady below, as you can see, was none so please as I quickly snapped a shot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K18x2MjuZbM/WLhLTfpKWtI/AAAAAAAANV4/d-EFdeTcrFMnf994chy9LeRP6KDaIhKgACEw/s1600/IMG_9630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K18x2MjuZbM/WLhLTfpKWtI/AAAAAAAANV4/d-EFdeTcrFMnf994chy9LeRP6KDaIhKgACEw/s640/IMG_9630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had lunch at the Columbia Restaurant, which is the oldest restaurant in Florida, owned and operated by five generations since 1905. It was delightful as well as meeting new folks and talking camera talk at lunch.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r509NLr-TiY/WLhLTxj2sLI/AAAAAAAANWA/mzJEZv4qo1Y_9_EFQxrWBKLNpELgV87iACEw/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r509NLr-TiY/WLhLTxj2sLI/AAAAAAAANWA/mzJEZv4qo1Y_9_EFQxrWBKLNpELgV87iACEw/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past month, we enjoyed the Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions. I'll share next time. Until then, my friends!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "droid sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-4764030489520653372017-01-17T04:00:00.000-05:002017-01-17T04:00:08.078-05:00Winter Slumber<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D0CRt9mwchc/VPdKLvtIO-I/AAAAAAAAM2A/o6CSsgZ4ge4/s640/blogger-image--2002812160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D0CRt9mwchc/VPdKLvtIO-I/AAAAAAAAM2A/o6CSsgZ4ge4/s640/blogger-image--2002812160.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
She closes her eyes <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">to the falling snow</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">as daylight dims</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">in preparedness for night</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the ghostly silence</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">of each singular flake</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">amasses to uniformity</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">upon one another</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">covering the sleeping earth</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">under a blanket of promise</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
like the dove</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
the crocus sleep</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
knowing their time</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
for flight will come</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">once again</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-7976953941049132022017-01-12T16:28:00.000-05:002017-01-12T16:28:07.309-05:00She Returns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDBQazOo4Bg/WHfqA6pXCkI/AAAAAAAANT8/9UqTeIkrTLgvBCl5yWxGAunxoaYVkv3tQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDBQazOo4Bg/WHfqA6pXCkI/AAAAAAAANT8/9UqTeIkrTLgvBCl5yWxGAunxoaYVkv3tQCLcB/s640/IMG_0245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello my friends.<br />
<br />
I have been absent from here a bit<br />
A long bit<br />
I could list many reasons for my absence<br />
<br />
Creative juices interrupted<br />
By doggie walks<br />
with free licks<br />
and barks and play<br />
<br />
Maine summers<br />
with harbor sunsets<br />
Lobster bakes<br />
and sunset sails<br />
<br />
Philadelphia winters<br />
and Sarasota sunshine<br />
Knee replacement<br />
with grueling rehab<br />
<br />
Family weddings<br />
and visits<br />
and a new grandson<br />
to spoil<br />
<br />
Travels .....<br />
to grandchildren baseball games<br />
and Graduations<br />
<br />
To the canals of Venice<br />
and hikes in the Alps,<br />
to the Rolling hills of Iowa<br />
<br />
And yes.<br />
There were naps<br />
And laughter and tears<br />
and joy and wine<br />
and more wine<br />
<br />
Just living life<br />
<br />
One day at a time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>P.S. I hope to share here a lot more often! My goodness, it had been so long I had forgotten how to post photos here! Ugh!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-37600601908963971582015-03-02T12:58:00.000-05:002015-03-02T13:10:08.522-05:00Winter Warswinter<div><br><div>a drizzle from the previous evening</div><div>has formed an ice crusted </div><div>landscape</div><div>the pups walk gingerly with each step</div><div>as an occasional </div><div>foot breaks through</div><div>the brittle surface</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MmJrKftKrgE/VPSVhsEVI-I/AAAAAAAAM1o/0YgX5mSMJpw/s640/blogger-image--515597223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MmJrKftKrgE/VPSVhsEVI-I/AAAAAAAAM1o/0YgX5mSMJpw/s640/blogger-image--515597223.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>it does not make</div><div>for fast yard play</div><div><br></div><div>my dogs are stick eaters</div><div>they hunt and search</div><div>for any piece of twig</div><div>breaking the white</div><div>terrain</div><div><br></div><div>I have no idea</div><div>what twigs taste like</div><div>perhaps I should try one</div><div>they apparently are delicious</div><div>delicious enough to fight over</div><div><br></div><div>wars have been started</div><div>over lesser reasons</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><br></div></div></div></div>Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-61477129492959418562014-11-21T10:54:00.000-05:002014-11-21T10:54:03.076-05:00A Gift from Key WestToday I am sitting in Key West. There is a warm gentle breeze that rocks the palm's fronds back and forth as if to say hello. The lush landscape is splashed with red begonias and other flowers which I do not recognize. Such a contrast from the world up north which is blasted with bitter cold and in some areas, knee deep in freshly fallen snow.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am quite happy to be here. And not there. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is not much on my agenda for these few days while here. The Professor has some meetings to attend. We have been to Key West numerous times, so there is not much we haven't discovered. The famous Duval street is a-flush with tourists and we loathe to spend any time there. Instead, we enjoy leisurely strolling around on our bikes on unhurried back streets, seeking out interesting photo ops, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">sitting on our porch reading, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">or napping poolside. Sounds delicious, doesn't it?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dvtg7ArYPJc/VG4eAVPlQbI/AAAAAAAAMyY/AoqN6torRF0/s640/blogger-image-1538256936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dvtg7ArYPJc/VG4eAVPlQbI/AAAAAAAAMyY/AoqN6torRF0/s640/blogger-image-1538256936.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
It's been a while since I've done a post. Sometimes a break from routine is quite nice and required to assess where one has been and where one is going. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hH_1C61gO0/VG9dvueLwtI/AAAAAAAAMyo/GCSSeekg0Mg/s640/blogger-image--1142280077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hH_1C61gO0/VG9dvueLwtI/AAAAAAAAMyo/GCSSeekg0Mg/s640/blogger-image--1142280077.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been blogging for 4 years now. Not very long in the world of bloggers, but for me, seems quite long. I have enjoyed meeting and learning from many of you along the way. It is such an enriching and supporting environment! And I thank you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWWYN3JrtFM/VG9dxwZY2LI/AAAAAAAAMy4/J9aXQlu5LNA/s640/blogger-image-2052702332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWWYN3JrtFM/VG9dxwZY2LI/AAAAAAAAMy4/J9aXQlu5LNA/s640/blogger-image-2052702332.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For this post today, I'm testing out the Blogger app on my iPad versus using my Macbook. All photos are from my iPhone 6+ with edits from the Aviary app. The app seems to function quite easily (so far), so perhaps I'll be encouraged to post more frequently. From anywhere, anytime!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-syjlPbF53yo/VG9dy0lpHfI/AAAAAAAAMzA/UFKL3q5NqnE/s640/blogger-image--97256631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-syjlPbF53yo/VG9dy0lpHfI/AAAAAAAAMzA/UFKL3q5NqnE/s640/blogger-image--97256631.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But for now, sitting here with The Professor on this porch, listening to the nearby waterfall with a light breeze tickling my cheeks is just perfect. I inhale the moment. I acknowledge the gift. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NdchA79LmBY/VG9dwkBJ_wI/AAAAAAAAMyw/a_oIA5jlSoQ/s640/blogger-image-1044578926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NdchA79LmBY/VG9dwkBJ_wI/AAAAAAAAMyw/a_oIA5jlSoQ/s640/blogger-image-1044578926.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until the next time, my friends, </div>
<div>
Have a safe and wonderful upcoming Thanksgiving. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
~Reena~</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-63597981166862951522014-08-18T10:32:00.000-04:002014-08-18T10:32:20.188-04:00August, please slow up!There's a feel of fall in the air with the morning temps in the low 50's. The wet dew and crisp breeze greet me and the pups as they scurry out for their first pee break of the day. Brrrrrr.....<br />
<br />
Oh, I am so not ready for summer to end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjElT7VFw1g/U_IEofKKDQI/AAAAAAAAMOI/bbyXlhVjUO4/s1600/_DS43591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjElT7VFw1g/U_IEofKKDQI/AAAAAAAAMOI/bbyXlhVjUO4/s1600/_DS43591.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a remarkable double rainbow arch itself across our harbor the other day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a light sprinkle happening as the sun burst through the clouds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QD0FsZq5TJI/U_IEpKiAiBI/AAAAAAAAMOM/3OkBPUPZWUQ/s1600/_DS43580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QD0FsZq5TJI/U_IEpKiAiBI/AAAAAAAAMOM/3OkBPUPZWUQ/s1600/_DS43580.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was just stunning!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been trying to take my camera out a bit more </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to capture all the beauty that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
presents itself daily.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-U6rbJ-yo0/U_IEl4qAPlI/AAAAAAAAMNk/nAK3UlhOg3g/s1600/_DS40870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-U6rbJ-yo0/U_IEl4qAPlI/AAAAAAAAMNk/nAK3UlhOg3g/s1600/_DS40870.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could forever just photograph boats and dinghies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each one has its own character and flaws.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like the one below. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The oars remind me of the stockings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the Wicked Witch of the West </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the Wizard of Oz.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPf4HM9u4Zs/U_IElpHrQhI/AAAAAAAAMNc/IbnGuYdsadA/s1600/IMG_8842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPf4HM9u4Zs/U_IElpHrQhI/AAAAAAAAMNc/IbnGuYdsadA/s1600/IMG_8842.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are dinghies </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that are so well cared for .....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dulxifj46tY/U_IEl5N2gWI/AAAAAAAAMNg/z1nZqTIF42U/s1600/_DS41455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dulxifj46tY/U_IEl5N2gWI/AAAAAAAAMNg/z1nZqTIF42U/s1600/_DS41455.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and others that look lost and homeless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKonJt32-GQ/U_IEmpMwyUI/AAAAAAAAMNs/YCPFI1H-hng/s1600/_DS41523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKonJt32-GQ/U_IEmpMwyUI/AAAAAAAAMNs/YCPFI1H-hng/s1600/_DS41523.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I find each boat full of charisma and character.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's endless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could photograph them all day long!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9j0xaoCCfVo/U_IEnajaZWI/AAAAAAAAMOA/vjWqC9ka_WI/s1600/_DS43157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9j0xaoCCfVo/U_IEnajaZWI/AAAAAAAAMOA/vjWqC9ka_WI/s1600/_DS43157.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, August. Please slow down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not ready for fall's arrival!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxceogMMLZY/U_IEpILN9hI/AAAAAAAAMOQ/LyoizxbsLgo/s1600/reena%2Bsig%2Bblock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxceogMMLZY/U_IEpILN9hI/AAAAAAAAMOQ/LyoizxbsLgo/s1600/reena%2Bsig%2Bblock.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-39208173774646912802014-08-09T06:00:00.000-04:002014-08-09T06:00:03.329-04:00Maine ... island time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm sitting on our deck overlooking the harbor. It's a beautiful August morning. The pups peacefully watch as lobster boats come and go and the finches feed below. A quiet moment. It has been a busy summer up here in Maine. We've had a number of visitors, a good number of puppy training classes, and lots and lots of doggy walks. All of which I hope to share at some point. But today, I thought I'd share our recent boat trip to Swan Island. Our first of exploring the further islands of Penobscot Bay. The boat trip was put together by Rockport Yacht Club and about 8 boats from the club made the journey for the several day event. We followed our friends who charted an excellent course for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWQmnrjwCqw/U-QFUgpNvAI/AAAAAAAAMKo/_Qdhcen9f0A/s1600/IMG_8529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWQmnrjwCqw/U-QFUgpNvAI/AAAAAAAAMKo/_Qdhcen9f0A/s1600/IMG_8529.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, we had to board the pups. It would be their first experience with boarding and it was hard to leave my babies behind. That's Harry above, giving me the stink eye.<br />
<br />
It is amazing how much work it is to load a boat up for a journey. Blankets and more blankets for chilly Maine evenings. Food and more food in case you get fogged in. Fleece and rain gear and sweaters for layering. And of course chargers. One must not run out of power for the iPad and iPhones! We'd be lost without our Garmin BlueCharts.<br />
<br />
It was a beautiful day to journey over to Swans Island. We arrived in Burnt Coat Harbor mid-afternoon. About a three and a half hour journey from Rockport.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84emiESqtVA/U-QJCWfpY1I/AAAAAAAAMMk/jAoI57i4iSE/s1600/_DS43106+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84emiESqtVA/U-QJCWfpY1I/AAAAAAAAMMk/jAoI57i4iSE/s1600/_DS43106+(1).jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the opening day of the Sweet Chariot Music Festival, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the performers motored around the cove </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and serenaded all of us in the harbor. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sm8_iRtkHtk/U-QJCUrd7-I/AAAAAAAAMMo/OlVEUnuwUO0/s1600/_DS43224+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sm8_iRtkHtk/U-QJCUrd7-I/AAAAAAAAMMo/OlVEUnuwUO0/s1600/_DS43224+(1).jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was delightful!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTVMTcjGTPA/U-QJDEA7HmI/AAAAAAAAMM0/S5n-s5eQeSU/s1600/_DS43236+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTVMTcjGTPA/U-QJDEA7HmI/AAAAAAAAMM0/S5n-s5eQeSU/s1600/_DS43236+(1).jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
That evening we walked about a mile to the community center, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
passing a couple of lemonade/cookie stands with kids raising money for the local lighthouse care. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The event has been held annually for the past 20 some years </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with many looking forward to it with great anticipation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I sat next to a woman who has been coming all the way from Ohio</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the past 7 years!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCTwyQUXwxI/U-QFT2G1J3I/AAAAAAAAMKk/bSZvDTDmwhI/s1600/IMG_8855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCTwyQUXwxI/U-QFT2G1J3I/AAAAAAAAMKk/bSZvDTDmwhI/s1600/IMG_8855.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Truly fascinating was the artist who was painting the backdrop scenery. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is done every year with an artist working each evening on the art piece, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
finishing it the last night to be auctioned off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lu_47lHzFe4/U-QFYK-D8sI/AAAAAAAAMK8/1XhMHBePXIc/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lu_47lHzFe4/U-QFYK-D8sI/AAAAAAAAMK8/1XhMHBePXIc/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been to a lot of musical events but I don't believe I have ever been to one </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where the performers put so much heart and fun into their art.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We must do this again!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBDkeNrfKyw/U-QFYnBAg5I/AAAAAAAAMLA/1xo3csALBEs/s1600/IMG_8865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBDkeNrfKyw/U-QFYnBAg5I/AAAAAAAAMLA/1xo3csALBEs/s1600/IMG_8865.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come the third morning when we were to depart, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we were greeted with rain and heavy fog. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But by 8:30 a.m. it had lifted enough for a safe return.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And for some interesting photos.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_tH8rXWVuQ/U-QHpC4ezsI/AAAAAAAAMLo/OhJIStc5bWE/s1600/_DS43261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_tH8rXWVuQ/U-QHpC4ezsI/AAAAAAAAMLo/OhJIStc5bWE/s1600/_DS43261.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWiueOQhRE0/U-QFaxQ1CrI/AAAAAAAAMLM/wHaIB52_LNs/s1600/IMG_8881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWiueOQhRE0/U-QFaxQ1CrI/AAAAAAAAMLM/wHaIB52_LNs/s1600/IMG_8881.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRAB39_o0zs/U-QHsfra0kI/AAAAAAAAML8/QQrV_nXyATQ/s1600/_DS43270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRAB39_o0zs/U-QHsfra0kI/AAAAAAAAML8/QQrV_nXyATQ/s1600/_DS43270.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHlZ6JKcjes/U-QHqf43MZI/AAAAAAAAMLw/0vuTWVg-DsM/s1600/_DS43287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHlZ6JKcjes/U-QHqf43MZI/AAAAAAAAMLw/0vuTWVg-DsM/s1600/_DS43287.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We made a stop in the quaint little town of North Haven. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Definitely a place to go back for more photos! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKWzjJQ853A/U-QHsX8tHlI/AAAAAAAAML4/3fRuNUzH2qM/s1600/_DS43290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKWzjJQ853A/U-QHsX8tHlI/AAAAAAAAML4/3fRuNUzH2qM/s1600/_DS43290.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So many cute houses and lawns </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and front porches!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbA1qBzrn1c/U-QHuMsHIaI/AAAAAAAAMMM/OgoLdS188Uw/s1600/_DS43298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbA1qBzrn1c/U-QHuMsHIaI/AAAAAAAAMMM/OgoLdS188Uw/s1600/_DS43298.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the time we were nearing Rockport again, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the fog and clouds had totally cleared,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
allowing me to capture this beautiful schooner.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qxs_GIaw1w/U-QHuJFD2aI/AAAAAAAAMMI/gyLc_qJM1Ig/s1600/_DS43303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qxs_GIaw1w/U-QHuJFD2aI/AAAAAAAAMMI/gyLc_qJM1Ig/s1600/_DS43303.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm hoping not to be so neglectful of my blog going forward.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Harry and Lucy have been such a handful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my camera has sat in its bag so much this summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time to change that!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope your summer has been going well!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Later, my friends,</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5K-Bfpycn8/U-QHvBxIXjI/AAAAAAAAMMU/CMeQxbykfsw/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5K-Bfpycn8/U-QHvBxIXjI/AAAAAAAAMMU/CMeQxbykfsw/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-522436837463439482014-06-17T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-17T06:00:01.062-04:00Lupines in bloomCan there be any more of a beautiful place than Maine in the summer? Especially in June when the lupines are in full bloom and the morning air is crisp with earthy smells of a beginning day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mC8VtftlAR4/U575Glawr4I/AAAAAAAAMBM/MmF_DK8E2-E/s1600/_DS40812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mC8VtftlAR4/U575Glawr4I/AAAAAAAAMBM/MmF_DK8E2-E/s1600/_DS40812.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have really never been a morning person, but now with puppies, that has changed. <br />
I guess that is good. <br />
<br />
I always wanted to rise with the sun, but the warmth and comfort of a soft bed always won out.<br />
<br />
Nowadays, the sounds of whining pups that will soon turn into ear-shattering barks should I not move fast enough, rule my world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-busVLBS7njw/U575Goq0DvI/AAAAAAAAMBU/OTAZXg3aFq4/s1600/IMG_0563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-busVLBS7njw/U575Goq0DvI/AAAAAAAAMBU/OTAZXg3aFq4/s1600/IMG_0563.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I have adapted. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Especially here in Maine </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when we have these gorgeous views to take in.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vx3HzjEbFcM/U575IA4n2kI/AAAAAAAAMBk/Fe7zqkKX0GY/s1600/_DS40891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vx3HzjEbFcM/U575IA4n2kI/AAAAAAAAMBk/Fe7zqkKX0GY/s1600/_DS40891.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lucy and Harry enjoy their morning and evening walks. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They especially like it when we arrive at the beach.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you can see below, Lucy goes rather spastic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
running in the sand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Harry, on the other hand, is too busy looking for </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some morsels in the seaweed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCX82QXuGVs/U575H1EdvdI/AAAAAAAAMBs/GETixmM0PQM/s1600/_DS40889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCX82QXuGVs/U575H1EdvdI/AAAAAAAAMBs/GETixmM0PQM/s1600/_DS40889.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But we wrap up our walk taking in the harbor </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and lingering in the morning dew.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSMDXj3q3uw/U575IRNvRsI/AAAAAAAAMB8/SPA6FCfwrmU/s1600/_DS40907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSMDXj3q3uw/U575IRNvRsI/AAAAAAAAMB8/SPA6FCfwrmU/s1600/_DS40907.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now if I can just get them to chill out after their walks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I can enjoy my morning coffee on the patio,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
life would be almost perfect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Almost.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdlzfBojIr4/U575Gv3_61I/AAAAAAAAMB4/Uz5CW7n6fNM/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdlzfBojIr4/U575Gv3_61I/AAAAAAAAMB4/Uz5CW7n6fNM/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVrbbO3XioE/U575IrwMGqI/AAAAAAAAMBo/eZndPRou4FI/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVrbbO3XioE/U575IrwMGqI/AAAAAAAAMBo/eZndPRou4FI/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-77830884848513086822014-06-03T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-03T06:00:03.516-04:00Little bit of Florida sunshineJune is now upon us and I have no idea what happened to May! Oh, that's right. I became the mama of two puppies! I am surrounded by chaos.<br />
<br />
Not so long ago, there was much order in my life. Like in April. Like when we took time to visit our home in Anna Maria. Actually, that week ended up not being so relaxing. There were a number of repairs and yard work to get done. I didn't take as many photos as I often do but did have a chance here and there while biking around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHk2Si1D2JM/U4zC4JhqXhI/AAAAAAAAL_w/-CgFkWZIoKo/s1600/_DS39994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHk2Si1D2JM/U4zC4JhqXhI/AAAAAAAAL_w/-CgFkWZIoKo/s1600/_DS39994.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nowadays, just being able to sit and do nothing would be the most rewarding treat ever! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I now speak in dog language.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UunXWwFqY88/U4zC1smZPfI/AAAAAAAAL-0/Bsc15fOvTQ4/s1600/_DS30060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UunXWwFqY88/U4zC1smZPfI/AAAAAAAAL-0/Bsc15fOvTQ4/s1600/_DS30060.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never tire of trying to capture some of my favorite birds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Great Blue Heron.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rC-EIoa4HiU/U4zC04WzcyI/AAAAAAAAL-o/Lm-0nNwG1Yg/s1600/_DS30051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rC-EIoa4HiU/U4zC04WzcyI/AAAAAAAAL-o/Lm-0nNwG1Yg/s1600/_DS30051.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my most favorite, those pelicans.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can watch them endlessly dive and cruise above the waters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjpJ5qEPJxY/U4zC2r7gQfI/AAAAAAAAL_A/7vttpSeRPh8/s1600/_DS30069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjpJ5qEPJxY/U4zC2r7gQfI/AAAAAAAAL_A/7vttpSeRPh8/s1600/_DS30069.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think they are magnificent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpYZDZdhJW4/U4zC2yd9dwI/AAAAAAAAL_M/3XRQ_v32xGU/s1600/_DS30081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpYZDZdhJW4/U4zC2yd9dwI/AAAAAAAAL_M/3XRQ_v32xGU/s1600/_DS30081.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But always, the best time is the evenings.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xXPtc4TspU/U4zC0Oh_zjI/AAAAAAAAL-g/ekRYbcWxtaE/s1600/IMG_8016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xXPtc4TspU/U4zC0Oh_zjI/AAAAAAAAL-g/ekRYbcWxtaE/s1600/IMG_8016.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the day begins to disappear into night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Afc0C3Z75CI/U4zCzWu1avI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/TYjEUysV6rU/s1600/IMG_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Afc0C3Z75CI/U4zCzWu1avI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/TYjEUysV6rU/s1600/IMG_2011.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It reminds me how extraordinary the universe is </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in all of its grandeur.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I am thankful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(And I will be more thankful once my puppies are house broken!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MyGfDk_FRE/U4zC4xlNzrI/AAAAAAAAL_g/4qzNgi0v3Y8/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MyGfDk_FRE/U4zC4xlNzrI/AAAAAAAAL_g/4qzNgi0v3Y8/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-20170446516336135002014-05-28T06:00:00.000-04:002014-05-28T06:00:07.573-04:00Once upon a timeOnce upon a time, I had a blog.<br />
Once upon a time, I slept until 7:30 a.m.<br />
Once upon a time, I traveled to far away places.<br />
Once upon a time, I could go to dinner at any hour.<br />
Once upon a time, I made my bed every morning.<br />
Once upon a time, my house was orderly and smelled good.<br />
Once upon a time, I took dozens and dozens of backyard photos of visiting critters.<br />
<br />
Yep, once upon a time ... before these two: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lucy</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uIyOLpziJ4/U4T7SMe_NgI/AAAAAAAAL94/r0iVV_Rkl5g/s1600/IMG_2059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uIyOLpziJ4/U4T7SMe_NgI/AAAAAAAAL94/r0iVV_Rkl5g/s1600/IMG_2059.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Harry</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjNERoYJSGs/U4T7SM5sAPI/AAAAAAAAL90/RdX0e8geEng/s1600/IMG_8240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjNERoYJSGs/U4T7SM5sAPI/AAAAAAAAL90/RdX0e8geEng/s1600/IMG_8240.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These little rascals consume my time!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I just poked my head in here to do a quick post to let you know I'm still alive. <br />
<br />
Barely. <br />
<br />
Additionally, I had some images of a few of my backyard visitors that I captured before Lucy and Harry's arrival. All these critters are still coming around ... but my camera is gathering dust!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIdCu0XE5YM/U4T3Tt_2MLI/AAAAAAAAL9k/rPS6Mc5NX9E/s1600/_DS30131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIdCu0XE5YM/U4T3Tt_2MLI/AAAAAAAAL9k/rPS6Mc5NX9E/s1600/_DS30131.jpg" height="600" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovaTVLIUIDw/U4T3Tyn21EI/AAAAAAAAL8c/JMPRH_aXHmE/s1600/_DS30141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovaTVLIUIDw/U4T3Tyn21EI/AAAAAAAAL8c/JMPRH_aXHmE/s1600/_DS30141.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hM2-gvpu_mk/U4T3ULDIqCI/AAAAAAAAL9M/18d-qOuQtfg/s1600/_DS30153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hM2-gvpu_mk/U4T3ULDIqCI/AAAAAAAAL9M/18d-qOuQtfg/s1600/_DS30153.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2wNc5Eew2I/U4T3Uo4ChRI/AAAAAAAAL8o/fGYJ8EfBhEg/s1600/_DS30167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2wNc5Eew2I/U4T3Uo4ChRI/AAAAAAAAL8o/fGYJ8EfBhEg/s1600/_DS30167.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMvlz5bg8jY/U4T3VGLSvtI/AAAAAAAAL9I/oEJLukRN7zQ/s1600/_DS30212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMvlz5bg8jY/U4T3VGLSvtI/AAAAAAAAL9I/oEJLukRN7zQ/s1600/_DS30212.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijrj67UqmrU/U4T3VYCrBuI/AAAAAAAAL9E/8a8mtiKDqMk/s1600/_DS30228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijrj67UqmrU/U4T3VYCrBuI/AAAAAAAAL9E/8a8mtiKDqMk/s1600/_DS30228.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you enjoyed as much as I enjoy watching them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nowadays, I spend my time watching Lucy and Harry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As time goes on, I hope to get some better photos of them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now, they barely hold still for anything, let alone a camera.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So thanks for dropping by.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someday, I may actually be able to have time to drop by your place again!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy days,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2EW-JytBdI/U4T3WoXoNXI/AAAAAAAAL9A/m-EgraREps4/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2EW-JytBdI/U4T3WoXoNXI/AAAAAAAAL9A/m-EgraREps4/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-31909472157504850042014-05-16T06:00:00.000-04:002014-05-16T06:00:04.820-04:00So long, sweet freedomAs you know, The Professor and I have been quite the traveling duo. But I think those travels have come to an end. <br />
<br />
At least for a while.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Reason No. 1</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Fox Terrier-Blue Heeler (Australian Sheep Dog)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MmB44rQQ90/U3TjqUn5fqI/AAAAAAAAL2c/Rp91_U_fW6s/s1600/IMG_2036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MmB44rQQ90/U3TjqUn5fqI/AAAAAAAAL2c/Rp91_U_fW6s/s1600/IMG_2036.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Reason No. 2</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Dorky (Dachshund-Yorky) But we don't use the word Dorky. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't want to hurt his feelings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6qDoUra4lk/U3Tjqb7mqhI/AAAAAAAAL2Y/v-ZRiLQpXhg/s1600/IMG_8152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6qDoUra4lk/U3Tjqb7mqhI/AAAAAAAAL2Y/v-ZRiLQpXhg/s1600/IMG_8152.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
OMG! What were we thinking! Two puppies at once! I suppose it was my genius idea to have a second one to keep the first one company. Once we saw their little faces, we couldn't walk away. That was this past Saturday when my house was clean, orderly, and quiet. And I was as free as a bird with my time.<br />
<br />
But my wings have been clipped.<br />
Now, my house is dirty, chaotic ... puppy toys scattered and gates galore. <br />
And I am a servant to their needs! <br />
<br />
I have never raised a puppy. Always been a kitty person. But since Kitty Kramer's passing last year about this time and The Professor's Beagle, Travis McGee, the year before, we felt a loss with no pet in the home. But then again, we weren't home all that much!<br />
<br />
Oh my, how our lives have suddenly changed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEi9ZSR-oHM/U3TjqpQ6CVI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/PPMC4Ew3qig/s1600/IMG_8158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEi9ZSR-oHM/U3TjqpQ6CVI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/PPMC4Ew3qig/s1600/IMG_8158.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
It's like having babies all over again. My days are now filled with a pee/poop/, treat, walk, play, nap. All to be repeated .... starting at 6:00 a.m. and finally ending at midnight. <br />
<br />
I'm a sleepy-eyed, puppy smelling, mush for brains dog mommy of twins. <br />
Learning how to be a pack leader.<br />
<br />
I hope I succeed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCPRlrYsZLg/U3TjrZPok1I/AAAAAAAAL2k/CZsW2kp2luw/s1600/IMG_8161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCPRlrYsZLg/U3TjrZPok1I/AAAAAAAAL2k/CZsW2kp2luw/s1600/IMG_8161.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cause it will be so worth it in a year or so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RchyDYjM_sY/U3TjrQ2CknI/AAAAAAAAL2U/MOemyE4IXIo/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RchyDYjM_sY/U3TjrQ2CknI/AAAAAAAAL2U/MOemyE4IXIo/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P.S. Still trying out names to match their robust personalities. </div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-44287391637378737262014-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:002014-05-06T06:00:12.722-04:00And there went April ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MALZD34tO94/U2auRAOPCRI/AAAAAAAALzo/ENuYsaB83nE/s1600/_DS39534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MALZD34tO94/U2auRAOPCRI/AAAAAAAALzo/ENuYsaB83nE/s1600/_DS39534.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
Here we are, well into May and it has been almost a month since my last post. Bad me. Each day I had good intentions of posting, god knows I have enough photos! But actually ... it was kind of nice taking the break. I think the thing I have come to like most about blogging is that it's like having a journal of thoughts tracked and stored among the daily ordinariness of life. As well as hearing from all of you and your adventures.<br />
<br />
But let's move on, and let me catch you up on April's events.<br />
<br />
You'll recall, we trekked out to Napa Valley in early April. Here's a couple of images of the Golden Gate Bridge as we headed back to the airport.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELN8i5ls784/U2auO03oxQI/AAAAAAAALyo/rVwdyW3kpDU/s1600/IMG_1975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELN8i5ls784/U2auO03oxQI/AAAAAAAALyo/rVwdyW3kpDU/s1600/IMG_1975.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we returned to Philly, Spring had finally begun to make an appearance, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along with some stormy days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8BOC2kHdc/U2auPkYur0I/AAAAAAAAL0A/sfmlQ9YN1-s/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8BOC2kHdc/U2auPkYur0I/AAAAAAAAL0A/sfmlQ9YN1-s/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We journeyed down to Fredericksburg for a weekend to visit our brother-in-law for a few days and his sweet pack of dogs. We always have a good time hitting the flea markets and sharing lots of wine and laughter in the evenings. He has carved out a walking path around his pond which is where I captured the below image. And it must have been there that I inherited the tick I discovered on my waist the following day. Ewww! Fortunately, he had not fully attached himself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMfV06_ulp8/U2auP5HUlPI/AAAAAAAALz4/85xlEjlakZA/s1600/IMG_1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMfV06_ulp8/U2auP5HUlPI/AAAAAAAALz4/85xlEjlakZA/s1600/IMG_1998.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back to Philly, and spring continued to blossom </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with more and more of my birdie friends returning, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I caught up with an old friend who visited for a couple of days.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHe4x5lHM4E/U2auR0Yab-I/AAAAAAAALzc/Of1NO7G8LVE/s1600/_DS39853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHe4x5lHM4E/U2auR0Yab-I/AAAAAAAALzc/Of1NO7G8LVE/s1600/_DS39853.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcMcnXFNbSM/U2auOxqZy1I/AAAAAAAAL0E/fHw8WjCJPEI/s1600/DS3_1470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcMcnXFNbSM/U2auOxqZy1I/AAAAAAAAL0E/fHw8WjCJPEI/s1600/DS3_1470.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I continued to monitor a major bath renovation in our Rockport home that was started in February.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had great hopes of its completion by the end of April. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But as with all renovations, things never seem to run on schedule. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ugh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRo3wFSQfPk/U2fMbL8T9GI/AAAAAAAAL0k/bEqXp-2Oopw/s1600/IMG_7675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRo3wFSQfPk/U2fMbL8T9GI/AAAAAAAAL0k/bEqXp-2Oopw/s1600/IMG_7675.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
April was also a time to catch up on some medical appointments. A Synvisc injection for my cranky arthritic left knee in attempts to hold off replacement. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And of course, the boob squishing mammogram </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the continuous good news all is a.o.k.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnEbMFCJFJw/U2auRBOjLoI/AAAAAAAALzs/rO4MiQXT_es/s1600/IMG_7943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnEbMFCJFJw/U2auRBOjLoI/AAAAAAAALzs/rO4MiQXT_es/s1600/IMG_7943.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another friend from Seattle joined us for a few days to attend The Professor's </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Corporate Governance conference in Philly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our friend's daughter had heard of the Mutter Museum and wanted him to check it out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So one afternoon, we spent viewing medical oddities and body parts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Definitely disturbing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzeNxQ7k4dQ/U2auQUz-91I/AAAAAAAALz0/_fsyVLqfXCE/s1600/IMG_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzeNxQ7k4dQ/U2auQUz-91I/AAAAAAAALz0/_fsyVLqfXCE/s1600/IMG_2014.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made a trip down to Anna Maria to check up on our vacation properties </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and deal with some maintenance issues. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not much time for any R & R like these folks below, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I did get a few bike rides in and a couple of sunsets.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPmXgOD9rCM/U2auSI-2PbI/AAAAAAAALzk/LXNEeGwa6kc/s1600/_DS39991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPmXgOD9rCM/U2auSI-2PbI/AAAAAAAALzk/LXNEeGwa6kc/s1600/_DS39991.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a pretty time of the year down there with the terns, skimmers and plovers </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mating and nesting ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along with the turtles beginning to return to lay their eggs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsvAJyhGMQ4/U2auPwCExgI/AAAAAAAALz8/qs4AwLN8PGM/s1600/IMG_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsvAJyhGMQ4/U2auPwCExgI/AAAAAAAALz8/qs4AwLN8PGM/s1600/IMG_2010.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there you have it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A full month of family, friends, travels, renovations and a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'few'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vesper martinis in the mix</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to ease my achy ole soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-df1QsdIIULw/U2auQhzlA4I/AAAAAAAALzw/J3wQaqDqHog/s1600/IMG_2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-df1QsdIIULw/U2auQhzlA4I/AAAAAAAALzw/J3wQaqDqHog/s1600/IMG_2019.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking forward to things slowing down a bit this month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taking more photos and getting back into the groove of blogging</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and catching up with all of you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2U8fdK1Eiw0/U2auSH9sNAI/AAAAAAAALzY/vyTnGuP441c/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2U8fdK1Eiw0/U2auSH9sNAI/AAAAAAAALzY/vyTnGuP441c/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-5308877731852238642014-04-09T06:00:00.000-04:002014-04-09T06:00:07.204-04:00Life is too short ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUJRloCO9x4/U0SPmjbqCQI/AAAAAAAALwY/70ASUNpHqJ0/s1600/_DS39198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUJRloCO9x4/U0SPmjbqCQI/AAAAAAAALwY/70ASUNpHqJ0/s1600/_DS39198.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had the delightful pleasure this past week of joining some friends for "a little" wine tasting out in beautiful Napa Valley. (Actually, that's not right. There was 'A LOT' of wine tasting done!)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been in California numerous times but never ONCE visited a winery while there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Silly me!! This girl really enjoys her wine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZsUlaTDt2c/U0SPkZN5g-I/AAAAAAAALvQ/kOkwE0TkO0U/s1600/IMG_1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZsUlaTDt2c/U0SPkZN5g-I/AAAAAAAALvQ/kOkwE0TkO0U/s1600/IMG_1979.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although the vineyards were just beginning to fill in with their spring growth, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the hills and valleys were lush and the mustard flowers were in full bloom.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQET9AH0R6I/U0SPme1VscI/AAAAAAAALv8/qSHyIL_6F0I/s1600/IMG_1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQET9AH0R6I/U0SPme1VscI/AAAAAAAALv8/qSHyIL_6F0I/s1600/IMG_1987.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our friends, who know wines much better than us, put together an awesome itinerary. We stayed in Yountville, a few miles up the road from Napa. It was a great choice being central for most of our travels and much quieter than Napa itself. I'd like to say that the villa above was where we stayed, but alas, it was not. That was the Patland Estate Vineyards, high up in the hills with a beautiful Tuscan landscape. It felt like we were in Italy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht_Pm1VcqJo/U0SPjTIgKeI/AAAAAAAALu0/0UF9_Dn_UAU/s1600/IMG_1962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht_Pm1VcqJo/U0SPjTIgKeI/AAAAAAAALu0/0UF9_Dn_UAU/s1600/IMG_1962.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each day we visited three wineries, all scheduled private appointments. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the winies, who know their wines, here are some of the vineyards we visited: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joseph Phelps, O'Shaughessey, Jarvis, Lava One, Chappellet, Chateau Montelena, and Patland.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP9fe7Zh_Pw/U0SPlkvRciI/AAAAAAAALvg/_XWns8S95r0/s1600/IMG_1984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP9fe7Zh_Pw/U0SPlkvRciI/AAAAAAAALvg/_XWns8S95r0/s1600/IMG_1984.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got to see some incredible wine cellars</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in all shapes and sizes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BO1hRu8yPjk/U0SPm2RBkTI/AAAAAAAALwA/gdpxduBLk6g/s1600/_DS39247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BO1hRu8yPjk/U0SPm2RBkTI/AAAAAAAALwA/gdpxduBLk6g/s1600/_DS39247.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNwg2zeOL10/U0SPnIY1MAI/AAAAAAAALwU/PsV6iAJNfkg/s1600/_DS39323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNwg2zeOL10/U0SPnIY1MAI/AAAAAAAALwU/PsV6iAJNfkg/s1600/_DS39323.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AkKiGT-ct0/U0SPmfpzfpI/AAAAAAAALv4/_cAWq97Jm4s/s1600/IMG_1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AkKiGT-ct0/U0SPmfpzfpI/AAAAAAAALv4/_cAWq97Jm4s/s1600/IMG_1992.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our visit included the famous Chateau Montelena who won the white wine section of the historic 'Judgement of Paris' wine competition in 1976. They surprisingly beat out the French and other California wines and a bottle of the 1973 Chardonnay vintage resides in the Smithsonian.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Oh my ... serious stuff out here in Napa!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTBgyMLssxA/U0SPjtQHBNI/AAAAAAAALu8/NFAL41Q-lBo/s1600/IMG_1967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTBgyMLssxA/U0SPjtQHBNI/AAAAAAAALu8/NFAL41Q-lBo/s1600/IMG_1967.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The chateau was quite fun to photograph </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as well as the reflecting pond surrounding it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6tRQShOKYY/U0SPjRv4_dI/AAAAAAAALuw/ZVzy3XSHYhY/s1600/IMG_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6tRQShOKYY/U0SPjRv4_dI/AAAAAAAALuw/ZVzy3XSHYhY/s1600/IMG_1964.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our last tasting was unlike all the others. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our guide at Chappellet walked us among the vineyards </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as we tasted the wines while he shared the history of the place.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KF0nD_qcgZM/U0SPktsoaFI/AAAAAAAALvM/ymBWvTzKz7s/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KF0nD_qcgZM/U0SPktsoaFI/AAAAAAAALvM/ymBWvTzKz7s/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was fascinating to see the different variety of vines</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the whys and ways of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their vining.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84u5kLOuB8U/U0SPly_t4rI/AAAAAAAALvs/osiGrx0SlT8/s1600/IMG_1982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84u5kLOuB8U/U0SPly_t4rI/AAAAAAAALvs/osiGrx0SlT8/s1600/IMG_1982.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Growing a vineyard really is an art.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I always had the romantic vision of owning a vineyard some day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and making wine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But that notion has been put to bed after</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
seeing all that goes into making a bottle of wine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Best I just keep drinking it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Mxp1keGNs/U0SPlYGaTwI/AAAAAAAALvw/fnHO8dB45IY/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Mxp1keGNs/U0SPlYGaTwI/AAAAAAAALvw/fnHO8dB45IY/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a wonderful time with friends,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
made even better with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some great wines!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9J3eICOwGWE/U0SPkE2nPvI/AAAAAAAALvI/4kfY9VNYp8U/s1600/IMG_1970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9J3eICOwGWE/U0SPkE2nPvI/AAAAAAAALvI/4kfY9VNYp8U/s1600/IMG_1970.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But ....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now I really understand what</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they mean by </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'life is too short to drink bad wine'!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need a larger wine budget.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30F3bvyC1FE/U0SPnTe8mBI/AAAAAAAALwQ/SbBjECvI2UQ/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30F3bvyC1FE/U0SPnTe8mBI/AAAAAAAALwQ/SbBjECvI2UQ/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-23223630831095426242014-03-28T06:00:00.000-04:002014-03-28T06:00:06.717-04:00No place like home<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f--rvFze-1I/UzCqREZbhDI/AAAAAAAALtE/IYV9ja5Cp44/s1600/_DS37880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f--rvFze-1I/UzCqREZbhDI/AAAAAAAALtE/IYV9ja5Cp44/s1600/_DS37880.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once upon a time there was a little red haired girl who left her home to travel around the world. She flew in big and small airplanes, rode in cars on the wrong side of the road, and ate food</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she did not know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was very happy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4qko7yNu4Y/UzCqSRZp-XI/AAAAAAAALtU/oy3akOAHzok/s1600/_DS38690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4qko7yNu4Y/UzCqSRZp-XI/AAAAAAAALtU/oy3akOAHzok/s1600/_DS38690.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But now and then she thought about</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her friends back home </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and wondered if they thought about her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72afeoitM3s/UzCqTOoaQyI/AAAAAAAALtc/xfN3oGVOCwM/s1600/_DS38855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72afeoitM3s/UzCqTOoaQyI/AAAAAAAALtc/xfN3oGVOCwM/s1600/_DS38855.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Days and months passed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and although she continued to be happy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lim4q0rHz7w/UzCqO0GhlxI/AAAAAAAALsk/7csWYR_TjcA/s1600/DS2_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lim4q0rHz7w/UzCqO0GhlxI/AAAAAAAALsk/7csWYR_TjcA/s1600/DS2_0030.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she began to dream of the time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when she would once again return</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to her home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw9KA0hFfIk/UzCqOqviVSI/AAAAAAAALsc/IPftT14NG_c/s1600/DS2_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw9KA0hFfIk/UzCqOqviVSI/AAAAAAAALsc/IPftT14NG_c/s1600/DS2_0058.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One day as she was walking along a wooded path,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a friendly hawk swooped down and began to speak to her (with a French accent!).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Silly girl! Why do you visit all these countries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when you have the very same beauty in your own back yard?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aside from the fact that she was shocked that the hawk could speak with a French accent, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she gathered her wits about her and exclaimed, "Excuse me?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Chir0Ear9Q4/UzDDQQg7WjI/AAAAAAAALt0/fbF-1Amt0xs/s1600/_DS37427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Chir0Ear9Q4/UzDDQQg7WjI/AAAAAAAALt0/fbF-1Amt0xs/s1600/_DS37427.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Yes, I have been observing you 'oohing' and 'aahing' beautiful sights, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but don't you remember the beautiful sights you have in your own back yard?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvsd8_fxqpI/UzCqPs3xr0I/AAAAAAAALss/i-fYUoqm9LM/s1600/DS2_9037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvsd8_fxqpI/UzCqPs3xr0I/AAAAAAAALss/i-fYUoqm9LM/s1600/DS2_9037.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a tilt of her head, the little red haired girl said, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Well, yes, I do remember. Like the northern pines and their reflections </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bouncing amid the shoreline waters."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cw92w7sLgew/UzCqPVJ4nDI/AAAAAAAALs8/GPB3ktQuy-s/s1600/DS2_9012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cw92w7sLgew/UzCqPVJ4nDI/AAAAAAAALs8/GPB3ktQuy-s/s1600/DS2_9012.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Oh, and the lighthouses! How I love their twinkling search light."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GN8x5I_WCR8/UzCqOkfce5I/AAAAAAAALsY/wUVmqWtqp7A/s1600/DS2_8999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GN8x5I_WCR8/UzCqOkfce5I/AAAAAAAALsY/wUVmqWtqp7A/s1600/DS2_8999.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"And I do so love the boats, especially at sunset, when golden light plays on their decks. "</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Oh, Mr. Hawk, you are so right," said the little red haired girl with a loud sigh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I didn't need to leave my own backyard to see such beauty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was there all along!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hawk leaned down closer to the little red haired girl and whispered, "I overheard a scarecrow once telling of a story where this little girl was lost in some land called Oz and was so missing her home that a Wizard told her that if she clicked her shoes 3 times and repeated ' There's no place like home, there's no place like home,' that she would somehow be transported home."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The little red haired girl looked down at her blue tennis shoes and said, "Really?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hawk said, "Yep, that's what I heard. You might give it a try.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But now, I must be off. There's a lion in distress. Something about a mouse.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arrivederci!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a broad swoop of his wings, the hawk took flight. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The little red haired girl thought about what he had said. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She had seen many beautiful sights </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but she did long to return home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhcK06Wy_ls/UzCqR8z7yvI/AAAAAAAALtM/1dVm8knXCig/s1600/IMG_7451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhcK06Wy_ls/UzCqR8z7yvI/AAAAAAAALtM/1dVm8knXCig/s1600/IMG_7451.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And before the hawk was fully out of view,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the little red haired girl closed her eyes and tapped her blue tennis shoes and said, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"There's no place like home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's no place like home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's no place like ..... "</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiVANwH2c6U/UzCqP9VR3EI/AAAAAAAALs0/l61kC7DdNLw/s1600/IMG_1592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiVANwH2c6U/UzCqP9VR3EI/AAAAAAAALs0/l61kC7DdNLw/s1600/IMG_1592.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was just that fast that she found herself once again in her</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
own backyard!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy to have returned home, the little red haired girl never ever wanted to leave again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, at least for a while anyway!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(P.S. We had some wonderful travel experiences over the last 6 months, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it has also been wonderful to spend some time here in beautiful Maine. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even in the winter, which was when all of these images were taken.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRdXfyj5SHw/UzCqTkLxLhI/AAAAAAAALtg/W3oLgVp15fU/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRdXfyj5SHw/UzCqTkLxLhI/AAAAAAAALtg/W3oLgVp15fU/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-36643822120211101702014-03-14T06:00:00.000-04:002014-03-14T06:00:11.724-04:00Singapore, the world's fastest growing wealth hubLeaving the Thai Islands and then visiting Singapore was like stepping out of the tornado-riddled Kansas into the Land of Oz. Whereas Thailand was chaotic, Singapore was orderly.<br />
<br />
Upon arriving in Singapore, one of the safest cities in the world, I was quickly struck with its manicured freeways, graffiti-free trains, non-existent traffic jams and lovely green spaces .... such a tidy and orderly society but one of strict social controls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxhZTEHYp_E/UyHKNgCJHJI/AAAAAAAALqc/Zses7GXtEJo/s1600/_DS35769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxhZTEHYp_E/UyHKNgCJHJI/AAAAAAAALqc/Zses7GXtEJo/s1600/_DS35769.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Singapore has the world's highest percentage of millionaires. <br />
<br />
Long ago it rejected the idea of a welfare system, putting the responsibility on the individual to save for the future, rely on their families, and not expect a handout from the government ... unless you hit rock bottom. It is a country with little acute poverty. There are programs which aid low-income students, destitute families and unassisted elderly. There is no unemployment for those laid off, instead they are placed in other jobs or training programs. Singapore is very adverse to idleness!<br />
<br />
The country and people fascinated me. Its society is so different from my own. Here in America, for example, car ownership is done with ease. In Singapore, they have made auto ownership quite challenging and expensive, in order to limit traffic congestion and smog. In addition to the cost of the car and fees attached, the price of a car can range anywhere from $100,000-$300,000. In addition, one has to bid for a Certificate of Entitlement to drive the car with only a certain number being allocated each month. It's cost: in excess of $80,000 and good for only 10 years. Ouch!<br />
<br />
It has been the country's ideals for every citizen to obtain the 5-C's ... car, condo, credit card, cash, and country club membership. But there seems to be a shift occurring with the younger generation to change the country's vision a bit and embrace more socially conscious endeavors. <br />
<br />
Healthcare is free at government sites. Private clinics charge very little. I had the opportunity to experience their healthcare system first hand. I seemed to have twisted my ankle and the swelling refused to subside so we decided to go to a clinic to make sure no fractures. My total bill: Doctor Visit-$10; Meds-$17; x-ray-$45. <u>$75 total</u>!!! Amazing. Here in the states the x-ray alone would have been several hundred dollars!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were many sites we never got to see but what we did see, wowed us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The downtown was clean and sharp and new.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JC9-2wKi2Nw/UyHKLsvXtxI/AAAAAAAALpk/Yb7RKqpCgbA/s1600/IMG_6286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JC9-2wKi2Nw/UyHKLsvXtxI/AAAAAAAALpk/Yb7RKqpCgbA/s1600/IMG_6286.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss55hIrlfmU/UyHKNun3iAI/AAAAAAAALqo/jzAsYgoxb3o/s1600/_DS35768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss55hIrlfmU/UyHKNun3iAI/AAAAAAAALqo/jzAsYgoxb3o/s1600/_DS35768.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We stayed a couple of nights in the historic Clarke Quay area downtown </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along the Singapore River. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was filled with restaurants, shopping, music and entertainment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was quite colorful and lively.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VtdC51R1c4/UyHKO6YVS7I/AAAAAAAALq0/SgZrFlakF4c/s1600/_DS35862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VtdC51R1c4/UyHKO6YVS7I/AAAAAAAALq0/SgZrFlakF4c/s1600/_DS35862.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A number of years ago, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel (below) was built (with a casino, which is primarily for tourists, because gambling is discouraged for Singaporeans). It is quite extraordinary with its ship shape viewing platform on top. It's the worlds most expensive stand alone casino property in the world.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since we could never afford to stay there, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wasn't able to get you a photo of their infinity pool on top. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like .... I would've got close to the edge. Not!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then, that's what telephoto lens are for.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ne72at-PW00/UyHKPE91SuI/AAAAAAAALq4/OyyZ9PJdIZ8/s1600/_DS35957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ne72at-PW00/UyHKPE91SuI/AAAAAAAALq4/OyyZ9PJdIZ8/s1600/_DS35957.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just to understand its grandeur, the image below gives you some perspective of its size to Singapore's downtown. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tramw5TyEv0/UyHKLYy-i1I/AAAAAAAALpI/DOFEdFsXPVk/s1600/_DS35593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tramw5TyEv0/UyHKLYy-i1I/AAAAAAAALpI/DOFEdFsXPVk/s1600/_DS35593.jpg" height="264" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We thoroughly enjoyed the bay surrounding the hotel. Gardens by the Bay is an urban outdoor recreation space that includes some amazing conservatories and outdoor space. Below are some images of our evening visit to the Supertrees Grove, which were tree-like structures that are the homes for exotic plants and flowers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4bcDpPa3i4/UyHKLlNb8RI/AAAAAAAALpQ/Gq24nxcWhow/s1600/_DS35602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4bcDpPa3i4/UyHKLlNb8RI/AAAAAAAALpQ/Gq24nxcWhow/s1600/_DS35602.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIe96QYQlas/UyHKLwTpCWI/AAAAAAAALqI/Q45JQ38T05Q/s1600/_DS35611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIe96QYQlas/UyHKLwTpCWI/AAAAAAAALqI/Q45JQ38T05Q/s1600/_DS35611.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I added the below image just to give you a size of these structures </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in conjunction with the people. Can you even see the people?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxTLY7YGBTA/UyHKMMKu7yI/AAAAAAAALpg/eHMMgLZa3Lc/s1600/_DS35622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxTLY7YGBTA/UyHKMMKu7yI/AAAAAAAALpg/eHMMgLZa3Lc/s1600/_DS35622.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The elevated walkways provide a breathtaking view </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the gardens as well as downtown Singapore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ADn2MGVFrxI/UyHKMilMJ9I/AAAAAAAALqE/_hvd-IPxiUM/s1600/_DS35639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ADn2MGVFrxI/UyHKMilMJ9I/AAAAAAAALqE/_hvd-IPxiUM/s1600/_DS35639.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But what ended up being really spectacular was the light show</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as the evening came upon us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
People brought blankets to lay upon the grass to gaze up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at these tree structures as they pulsed with varying lights</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the music.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jazxxeHBnFg/UyHKM2rZpzI/AAAAAAAALp4/XdGPM46q9OU/s1600/_DS35668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jazxxeHBnFg/UyHKM2rZpzI/AAAAAAAALp4/XdGPM46q9OU/s1600/_DS35668.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LO2x65JskD0/UyHKM8Q2OoI/AAAAAAAALqA/WhMxLcIUOM0/s1600/_DS35686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LO2x65JskD0/UyHKM8Q2OoI/AAAAAAAALqA/WhMxLcIUOM0/s1600/_DS35686.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On another evening, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we watched the Marina Bay Sands Hotel laser light show </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from our restaurant on the river. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It too was spectacular. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITrshY7KN60/UyHKOLKGExI/AAAAAAAALqk/TYceaD7N7SQ/s1600/_DS35826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITrshY7KN60/UyHKOLKGExI/AAAAAAAALqk/TYceaD7N7SQ/s1600/_DS35826.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
By the way, do you see that ferris wheel to the left in the image below? That's the Singapore Flyer. It's the world's tallest operational ferris wheel. It takes about an hour to make the total trip around. Each car is air-conditioned and holds up to 28 people. I was told that people will book a car for dinners or parties. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_76mDZnbH7k/UyIbiQfQ9UI/AAAAAAAALrI/p3wQHoQQdMU/s1600/_DS35800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_76mDZnbH7k/UyIbiQfQ9UI/AAAAAAAALrI/p3wQHoQQdMU/s1600/_DS35800.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And last but not least, we had to make the trek to the Raffles Hotel's Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling was invented and where literati patrons frequented over the decades, including Hemingway, Maugham, Kipling and is the place where Joseph Conrad came up with the idea of Lord Jim. It still exudes a flavor of 'colonial opulence'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDVCxPq5sw0/UyIg6nsEppI/AAAAAAAALrg/418CTj3N0uQ/s1600/IMG_6335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDVCxPq5sw0/UyIg6nsEppI/AAAAAAAALrg/418CTj3N0uQ/s1600/IMG_6335.jpg" height="400" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take a close look at that drink. At $25, I sipped it very slowly!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gB1OYGOaQ8E/UyIg6DYkyoI/AAAAAAAALrY/w5disnsBRQ8/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gB1OYGOaQ8E/UyIg6DYkyoI/AAAAAAAALrY/w5disnsBRQ8/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-74223257995480537422014-02-27T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-27T06:00:01.509-05:00A Thailand beach surpriseAs I promised in my previous post, we had a big surprise while visiting the Thai Islands. Our son from Utah, Alex, and his girlfriend, Sam, planned to meet up with us for several days while we were staying in Ao Nang, Krabi. But that wasn't the surprise. Alex had been to Krabi before and thought what better time than to come over again while we were there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLHueKyu7Oc/Uw4hrY_C2sI/AAAAAAAALow/onLv8fmT4LA/s1600/_DS36887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLHueKyu7Oc/Uw4hrY_C2sI/AAAAAAAALow/onLv8fmT4LA/s1600/_DS36887.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alex and Sam stayed over in Railay, only accessible by boat, which was a short ride for us from Ao Nang. Railay is surrounded by a warm sea, lush jungle and limestone cliffs. Perfect for the adventurous, like Alex and Sam. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fft0bW7Iou8/Uw4hrCNqeBI/AAAAAAAALog/ULKBnhKG-30/s1600/_DS36846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fft0bW7Iou8/Uw4hrCNqeBI/AAAAAAAALog/ULKBnhKG-30/s1600/_DS36846.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, there are others who would prefer just to chill out </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and have a wonderful Thai massage.....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EhlbFO8K28/Uw4hqtXtXBI/AAAAAAAALoU/DRDy5eMJ41g/s1600/_DS36845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EhlbFO8K28/Uw4hqtXtXBI/AAAAAAAALoU/DRDy5eMJ41g/s1600/_DS36845.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
.... or hang around reading ....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6nGqk9LxEw/Uw4hoiF43AI/AAAAAAAALnk/_-CULfAnKTI/s1600/_DS36726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6nGqk9LxEw/Uw4hoiF43AI/AAAAAAAALnk/_-CULfAnKTI/s1600/_DS36726.jpg" height="602" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
.... or sleeping .....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1Avst63uoU/Uw4hrbVicCI/AAAAAAAALos/w0PClUf2cNc/s1600/_DS36852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1Avst63uoU/Uw4hrbVicCI/AAAAAAAALos/w0PClUf2cNc/s1600/_DS36852.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d4nL8U9sbM/Uw4hqXr64PI/AAAAAAAALoQ/iXfPCOZUlt8/s1600/_DS36835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d4nL8U9sbM/Uw4hqXr64PI/AAAAAAAALoQ/iXfPCOZUlt8/s1600/_DS36835.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or like this kitty ....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWACh7ji1Gg/Uw4hpfYwQfI/AAAAAAAALnw/xdOR4fXmUFc/s1600/_DS36752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWACh7ji1Gg/Uw4hpfYwQfI/AAAAAAAALnw/xdOR4fXmUFc/s1600/_DS36752.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
watch what others come here to do, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from all around the world</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... rock climb ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plHg6_bJILw/Uw4ho67IJdI/AAAAAAAALn0/jTEChYU4Flc/s1600/_DS36743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plHg6_bJILw/Uw4ho67IJdI/AAAAAAAALn0/jTEChYU4Flc/s1600/_DS36743.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khBCYKw9m_4/Uw4hpFZhJKI/AAAAAAAALno/V0oRfza9z4o/s1600/_DS36748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khBCYKw9m_4/Uw4hpFZhJKI/AAAAAAAALno/V0oRfza9z4o/s1600/_DS36748.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But rock climbing wasn't what Alex came to do. Alex had other plans. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As an experienced BASE jumper, he planned to do several jumps on this visit, as he had on other visits. If you are not familiar with BASE jumping, it is an extreme sport of jumping from fixed objects with a parachute. The name BASE is derived from the fixed objects that are jumped from: buildings, antennas, spans (like a bridge) and earth (like cliffs). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lecivQeXGOE/Uw4hoBMzMcI/AAAAAAAALnQ/87Q-Ev1JAdQ/s1600/_DS36720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lecivQeXGOE/Uw4hoBMzMcI/AAAAAAAALnQ/87Q-Ev1JAdQ/s1600/_DS36720.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One has be in great shape to endure the climbs </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
up the backside of these cliffs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It took Alex about 3 hours to climb through jungle and sharp, knife-life rock </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to reach his jumping off point.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pk3anT8Bxc4/Uw4hnBe8-AI/AAAAAAAALnI/8HAUKLNi6OQ/s1600/Alex+jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pk3anT8Bxc4/Uw4hnBe8-AI/AAAAAAAALnI/8HAUKLNi6OQ/s1600/Alex+jump.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK72JcyXZ3c/Uw4hp2YLdaI/AAAAAAAALn8/C03hiZJaN9w/s1600/_DS36791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK72JcyXZ3c/Uw4hp2YLdaI/AAAAAAAALn8/C03hiZJaN9w/s1600/_DS36791.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And he lands ....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The jump was awesome to watch,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but even more awesome was what happened</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after he landed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FydLnBfdTo/Uw4hqFauuiI/AAAAAAAALoI/a65KxluiCQc/s1600/_DS36803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FydLnBfdTo/Uw4hqFauuiI/AAAAAAAALoI/a65KxluiCQc/s1600/_DS36803.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He got down on one knee in front of Sam and said:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I thought I'd take the plunge and ask you to marry me."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well ..... you can see what her response was!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryRIj9wOCs8/Uw4hnbuH3bI/AAAAAAAALnE/BaORoZq1kXQ/s1600/Alex+Proposal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryRIj9wOCs8/Uw4hnbuH3bI/AAAAAAAALnE/BaORoZq1kXQ/s1600/Alex+Proposal.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was wonderful to share such a memorable moment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations Alex & Sam.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking forward to your Utah wedding in March 2015!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2W4f-J29f4/Uw4hnsoHskI/AAAAAAAALnU/v84n3zUf8T4/s1600/IMG_6861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2W4f-J29f4/Uw4hnsoHskI/AAAAAAAALnU/v84n3zUf8T4/s1600/IMG_6861.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>A side note: One must be alert when packing one's parachute. You never know when some Thailand kitty may try to rearrange your lines! Might not make for a pleasant landing!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB-_EHltql4/Uw4hnRwLGkI/AAAAAAAALm4/dzlCT8ckt9Y/s1600/IMG_6824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB-_EHltql4/Uw4hnRwLGkI/AAAAAAAALm4/dzlCT8ckt9Y/s1600/IMG_6824.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kxzeiB8ppY/Uw4hrr8BwtI/AAAAAAAALoo/8o4Wk12SUqI/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kxzeiB8ppY/Uw4hrr8BwtI/AAAAAAAALoo/8o4Wk12SUqI/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-70346307125750307922014-02-21T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-21T06:00:01.416-05:00Chillin' out on the Thai IslandsThailand continues to be in the news with its violent clashes between protesters and police in Bangkok. Much of the unrest began in November, just as we were wrapping up our visit, but with the current situation, foreigners are advised to travel with caution to Thailand. It is projected that Thailand could loose over $2 billion in tourism dollars, a very significant amount for a country so heavily dependent upon the foreign dollar.<br />
<br />
I knew nothing about Thailand prior to visiting. And to be frank, I probably would not be following any of the unrest there had I not previously visited and fell in love with these gentle, kind people. It is my hope that peace comes again soon.<br />
<br />
Our visit in November was supposed to be after their rainy season. Note that I said "supposed to be". Much of our week on three of the islands included rain and rough seas. But no matter. It was still beautiful and peaceful and refreshing after our time in crowded Bangkok. We stayed at three lovely resorts in Phuket, Ko Lanta and Ao Nang. We napped, read, had great dinners, interesting drinks, and $10 an hour to-die-for massages. We saw lots of well cared for cats, a few monkeys and even a beach wedding that included an elephant!<br />
<br />
I'll let the images speak for themselves. My next post holds a surprise that occurred on Ao Nang. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMx6rjiII1g/UwYwGmFyIBI/AAAAAAAALlA/abY8Styyb0U/s1600/IMG_6567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMx6rjiII1g/UwYwGmFyIBI/AAAAAAAALlA/abY8Styyb0U/s1600/IMG_6567.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAsfIgs2LXI/UwYwH74cdsI/AAAAAAAALlc/Ex3_jNyyixE/s1600/_DS36138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAsfIgs2LXI/UwYwH74cdsI/AAAAAAAALlc/Ex3_jNyyixE/s1600/_DS36138.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2EzOEACO8o/UwYwGi36aeI/AAAAAAAALlM/smkuqWPG6eQ/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2EzOEACO8o/UwYwGi36aeI/AAAAAAAALlM/smkuqWPG6eQ/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGzJfGVx4W4/UwYwHv4_6ZI/AAAAAAAALlk/u2TU_QuqNn8/s1600/IMG_6684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGzJfGVx4W4/UwYwHv4_6ZI/AAAAAAAALlk/u2TU_QuqNn8/s1600/IMG_6684.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fs7zo8uQiE/UwYwIAkNGlI/AAAAAAAALl8/ceAlv20Edgk/s1600/_DS36547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fs7zo8uQiE/UwYwIAkNGlI/AAAAAAAALl8/ceAlv20Edgk/s1600/_DS36547.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDkMLoHA7pU/UwYwGpkcktI/AAAAAAAALlI/8qutoUx6ABU/s1600/IMG_6632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDkMLoHA7pU/UwYwGpkcktI/AAAAAAAALlI/8qutoUx6ABU/s1600/IMG_6632.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-317KXNRYXW8/UwYwHTrM3HI/AAAAAAAALls/kKP7Y_Rs46Q/s1600/IMG_6664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-317KXNRYXW8/UwYwHTrM3HI/AAAAAAAALls/kKP7Y_Rs46Q/s1600/IMG_6664.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTmzOZuu4-k/UwYwInkGbwI/AAAAAAAALlw/fSaxOG_nTKE/s1600/_DS36626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTmzOZuu4-k/UwYwInkGbwI/AAAAAAAALlw/fSaxOG_nTKE/s1600/_DS36626.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yr7ntZ9W79w/UwYwI4kfQZI/AAAAAAAALmE/fw5ejtGr_F0/s1600/_DS36664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yr7ntZ9W79w/UwYwI4kfQZI/AAAAAAAALmE/fw5ejtGr_F0/s1600/_DS36664.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-jkP5N-ppI/UwYwJDICBzI/AAAAAAAALl4/aT8pNybuO7Q/s1600/_DS36672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-jkP5N-ppI/UwYwJDICBzI/AAAAAAAALl4/aT8pNybuO7Q/s1600/_DS36672.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35XyzpQcBvk/UwYwJmvu8BI/AAAAAAAALmg/9ih4_HTRTi0/s1600/_DS36858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35XyzpQcBvk/UwYwJmvu8BI/AAAAAAAALmg/9ih4_HTRTi0/s1600/_DS36858.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXT51E-TInM/UwYwJ9WaZOI/AAAAAAAALmQ/Cpam0xFoyKs/s1600/_DS36905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXT51E-TInM/UwYwJ9WaZOI/AAAAAAAALmQ/Cpam0xFoyKs/s1600/_DS36905.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmOA8xQg370/UwYwKZGJJ-I/AAAAAAAALmc/0Z51cXPoQL4/s1600/_DS36918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmOA8xQg370/UwYwKZGJJ-I/AAAAAAAALmc/0Z51cXPoQL4/s1600/_DS36918.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Se712eoNVQ/UwYwK8LHfgI/AAAAAAAALmY/vxZlL8bTHII/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Se712eoNVQ/UwYwK8LHfgI/AAAAAAAALmY/vxZlL8bTHII/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-81187350159176088052014-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-06T06:00:02.170-05:00Bangkok, a city of contradictionSpending a week in Bangkok with its social economic conflicts, was like observing a clash of extreme worlds trying to co-exist. It has not been immune to the perils of globalization. From glitz and glamour of skyscrapers and high rises, to broken down shanties, tangled wires and broken pavements. Five star restaurants amid street side food stalls. Tradition vs modernity. Decadent hedonism alongside Buddhist meditation. Paralyzing traffic giving way to expanding elevated sky trains. But amidst it all, the Thai legendary smile still exists. They are considered the friendliest city on the planet, which we so pleasantly got to experience. Even Travel & Leisure has named it the "World's Best City" for the last four years.<br />
<br />
We visited many wonderful sites the city had to offer. The Royal Palaces and Temples, the Pak Klong Talet (the flower and vegetable markets, where traders from all over the country convene early in the morning to unload their fresh produce), a literary pilgrimage to the timeless elegance of the famous Mandarin Oriental Hotel, lodging for famous authors like Tennessee Williams and Somerset Maugham. Unfortunately, we did not stay there. I'd have to sell a kidney or two! But we did get to enjoy an evening at their Bamboo Bar with a small, rich crowd. And I had my first vesper - the James Bond Martini! Yum! <br />
<br />
Battered by natural disasters and political violence, Bangkok is definitely a city in conflict. Current major protests between Anti-Government and Pro-Government groups is dampening central Bangkok's spirit. But the Thai spirit, like the smile, is pervasive. It remains resilient.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The City</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qk_PoI1asnY/UvKnqHkV9PI/AAAAAAAALh8/7_AMacclx9M/s1600/1DS34978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qk_PoI1asnY/UvKnqHkV9PI/AAAAAAAALh8/7_AMacclx9M/s1600/1DS34978.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqY3ZJX8gGo/UvKnsNrkFTI/AAAAAAAALic/_8ti6LKPM0I/s1600/2DS34912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqY3ZJX8gGo/UvKnsNrkFTI/AAAAAAAALic/_8ti6LKPM0I/s1600/2DS34912.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjeQd7bozxg/UvKnsnLAHqI/AAAAAAAALjA/QZsn3vJbADY/s1600/3DS34766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjeQd7bozxg/UvKnsnLAHqI/AAAAAAAALjA/QZsn3vJbADY/s1600/3DS34766.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBaQMtvb8_o/UvKns4MAgNI/AAAAAAAALio/uSipdtKOfwQ/s1600/4DS34719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBaQMtvb8_o/UvKns4MAgNI/AAAAAAAALio/uSipdtKOfwQ/s1600/4DS34719.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USjT55FCsPA/UvKntdgBs_I/AAAAAAAALi0/bWbKJYtBXJk/s1600/5DS34677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USjT55FCsPA/UvKntdgBs_I/AAAAAAAALi0/bWbKJYtBXJk/s1600/5DS34677.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMOTbMyMf6E/UvKntslrX-I/AAAAAAAALi8/jyeiBUTWsVY/s1600/6IMG_1624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMOTbMyMf6E/UvKntslrX-I/AAAAAAAALi8/jyeiBUTWsVY/s1600/6IMG_1624.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cN887McS5Xk/UvKnufAQhUI/AAAAAAAALjI/1iVddP5O1NI/s1600/7DS35434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cN887McS5Xk/UvKnufAQhUI/AAAAAAAALjI/1iVddP5O1NI/s1600/7DS35434.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The People</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snciGfkMfkQ/UvKnuwSqpaI/AAAAAAAALjk/PqnjWjdVZcQ/s1600/8DS35075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snciGfkMfkQ/UvKnuwSqpaI/AAAAAAAALjk/PqnjWjdVZcQ/s1600/8DS35075.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5Z830TL91s/UvKnu9ADNpI/AAAAAAAALjg/bDW0Rg_z9ho/s1600/9DS35093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5Z830TL91s/UvKnu9ADNpI/AAAAAAAALjg/bDW0Rg_z9ho/s1600/9DS35093.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIT5utA44xI/UvKnmbBkZZI/AAAAAAAALgg/a95rXLrO-u0/s1600/10DS34920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIT5utA44xI/UvKnmbBkZZI/AAAAAAAALgg/a95rXLrO-u0/s1600/10DS34920.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdmdUj4-VrQ/UvKnmIkiBAI/AAAAAAAALgo/pgHzSubBoo8/s1600/11DS35111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdmdUj4-VrQ/UvKnmIkiBAI/AAAAAAAALgo/pgHzSubBoo8/s1600/11DS35111.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma5LXHsjXn0/UvKnmYUz--I/AAAAAAAALgk/8aLWEhgsdr8/s1600/12DS35056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma5LXHsjXn0/UvKnmYUz--I/AAAAAAAALgk/8aLWEhgsdr8/s1600/12DS35056.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_fR0S5-v_0/UvKnnDFLpkI/AAAAAAAALg0/4MwzE2ZmepE/s1600/12IMG_6103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_fR0S5-v_0/UvKnnDFLpkI/AAAAAAAALg0/4MwzE2ZmepE/s1600/12IMG_6103.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGDk9JWHAdo/UvKnnfuey0I/AAAAAAAALg8/RfZhv0kDilA/s1600/13DS35345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGDk9JWHAdo/UvKnnfuey0I/AAAAAAAALg8/RfZhv0kDilA/s1600/13DS35345.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HeIFdx7lCU/UvKnn3IYsoI/AAAAAAAALho/_mi6fRg5PiA/s1600/14DS35575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HeIFdx7lCU/UvKnn3IYsoI/AAAAAAAALho/_mi6fRg5PiA/s1600/14DS35575.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The History</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdI6Om4OT28/UvKnnuiRwmI/AAAAAAAALg4/RqOLndfEh_4/s1600/14DS35166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdI6Om4OT28/UvKnnuiRwmI/AAAAAAAALg4/RqOLndfEh_4/s1600/14DS35166.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QV3krk8Dbs0/UvKnoFC0CHI/AAAAAAAALhU/b77reius3PU/s1600/15DS35168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QV3krk8Dbs0/UvKnoFC0CHI/AAAAAAAALhU/b77reius3PU/s1600/15DS35168.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6XKnlvbkLE/UvKnoWWNCgI/AAAAAAAALhM/JvovCO3RiYI/s1600/16DS35171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6XKnlvbkLE/UvKnoWWNCgI/AAAAAAAALhM/JvovCO3RiYI/s1600/16DS35171.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmDPvvkNoeA/UvKnpSwmARI/AAAAAAAALhk/7hbnQUdYL6k/s1600/17DS35217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmDPvvkNoeA/UvKnpSwmARI/AAAAAAAALhk/7hbnQUdYL6k/s1600/17DS35217.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSEMggFzfCM/UvKnpV8-RiI/AAAAAAAALhg/1vsxZezAkEs/s1600/18DS35237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSEMggFzfCM/UvKnpV8-RiI/AAAAAAAALhg/1vsxZezAkEs/s1600/18DS35237.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSfKRvnxbjM/UvKnpzylZyI/AAAAAAAALiA/hvLa9E0XfVk/s1600/19DS35267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSfKRvnxbjM/UvKnpzylZyI/AAAAAAAALiA/hvLa9E0XfVk/s1600/19DS35267.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGHN9ilEy4A/UvKnqZeT5lI/AAAAAAAALh4/QmhGJRQpXl4/s1600/20DS35302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGHN9ilEy4A/UvKnqZeT5lI/AAAAAAAALh4/QmhGJRQpXl4/s1600/20DS35302.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xxHXdxhBaI/UvKnrOhYd4I/AAAAAAAALig/2WHj5rRHfQ8/s1600/21DS35328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xxHXdxhBaI/UvKnrOhYd4I/AAAAAAAALig/2WHj5rRHfQ8/s1600/21DS35328.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiFRoJi3QAQ/UvKnrbHq5KI/AAAAAAAALiI/bFoD6kSun0Y/s1600/22DS35354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiFRoJi3QAQ/UvKnrbHq5KI/AAAAAAAALiI/bFoD6kSun0Y/s1600/22DS35354.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkF090OKUH4/UvKnrqPz5lI/AAAAAAAALiU/7suif18KaS4/s1600/23DS35480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkF090OKUH4/UvKnrqPz5lI/AAAAAAAALiU/7suif18KaS4/s1600/23DS35480.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTvmXV2AdRo/UvKnvNcAHXI/AAAAAAAALjU/8bWp-fOjE2o/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTvmXV2AdRo/UvKnvNcAHXI/AAAAAAAALjU/8bWp-fOjE2o/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-60026745701334002472014-01-15T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-15T06:00:04.290-05:00A Joey Good TimeJanuary always seems like such a long month. Winter settles in, making herself at home. Morning light arrives late and evening's dark comes far too early. I wish the days could remain long with light, but I guess Mother Nature needs to rest in this part of the world as she works hard in the Southern Hemisphere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-csF2R-44DsI/UtWP2kmM4vI/AAAAAAAALeY/jK2pE_qj2eI/s1600/_DS32103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-csF2R-44DsI/UtWP2kmM4vI/AAAAAAAALeY/jK2pE_qj2eI/s1600/_DS32103.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hot hot hot in Australia now. I'm glad we visited in their late spring. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I'd post some random images of folks enjoying the outdoors. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know we sure did!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next 7 images were captured on </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
various bike trips from the University to the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Indian Ocean and then down to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fremantle, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about a 9 mile bike ride one way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OoZK5gUJcA/UtWP27490iI/AAAAAAAALeg/DbXE237jFOc/s1600/_DS32112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OoZK5gUJcA/UtWP27490iI/AAAAAAAALeg/DbXE237jFOc/s1600/_DS32112.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Am-lk1NHEXQ/UtWP1PL8c2I/AAAAAAAALeE/cU8iwAdWkYU/s1600/_DS32068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Am-lk1NHEXQ/UtWP1PL8c2I/AAAAAAAALeE/cU8iwAdWkYU/s1600/_DS32068.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGJyvAoFt1A/UtWPyjjOIUI/AAAAAAAALdw/p_xKZkFcmSA/s1600/_DS32025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGJyvAoFt1A/UtWPyjjOIUI/AAAAAAAALdw/p_xKZkFcmSA/s1600/_DS32025.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bv_hvqYmMkM/UtWPzHxh5OI/AAAAAAAALeA/tNZwJzCs9is/s1600/_DS32052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bv_hvqYmMkM/UtWPzHxh5OI/AAAAAAAALeA/tNZwJzCs9is/s1600/_DS32052.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uYgfSiJ6o8/UtWP1gCFoII/AAAAAAAALeM/8Jhq2tEVVz0/s1600/IMG_5162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uYgfSiJ6o8/UtWP1gCFoII/AAAAAAAALeM/8Jhq2tEVVz0/s1600/IMG_5162.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxcbmZz6jkU/UtWP3oxoWoI/AAAAAAAALec/jWuwYjfGTWI/s1600/_DS33534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxcbmZz6jkU/UtWP3oxoWoI/AAAAAAAALec/jWuwYjfGTWI/s1600/_DS33534.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dLkyf4tiYA/UtWP7ZtFe6I/AAAAAAAALew/F4jx-JnrAwc/s1600/_DS33536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dLkyf4tiYA/UtWP7ZtFe6I/AAAAAAAALew/F4jx-JnrAwc/s1600/_DS33536.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The little building below sits in the Swan River. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm unsure of its purpose, but there were always people stopping </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be photographed on its boardwalk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q7JngXZGn0/UtWQAIdRXiI/AAAAAAAALfQ/3nq_VR4DU20/s1600/_DS34502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q7JngXZGn0/UtWQAIdRXiI/AAAAAAAALfQ/3nq_VR4DU20/s1600/_DS34502.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I might have mentioned that our trip to the Outback produced very few sightings of kangaroos. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were told if we wanted to see kangaroos, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we should go to Pinaroo Valley Memorial Park, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a well kept cemetery with lush grounds and gardens. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3vfWOPoh68/UtWP-Frxv5I/AAAAAAAALfI/MYh5mR68PGQ/s1600/_DS33803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3vfWOPoh68/UtWP-Frxv5I/AAAAAAAALfI/MYh5mR68PGQ/s1600/_DS33803.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, we were not disappointed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were dozens and dozens and dozens of 'roos' and their 'joeys' hanging out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or in some cases, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wanting to get out of the paparazzi's sight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsyV2ruEXXs/UtWP5_69wvI/AAAAAAAALes/zmI5O93ihEE/s1600/_DS33793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsyV2ruEXXs/UtWP5_69wvI/AAAAAAAALes/zmI5O93ihEE/s1600/_DS33793.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But there is always one in the crowd</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who wants to be a star!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nlww3XQYpM/UtWP9OBcRKI/AAAAAAAALfA/ITFjeDOAvwc/s1600/_DS33901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nlww3XQYpM/UtWP9OBcRKI/AAAAAAAALfA/ITFjeDOAvwc/s1600/_DS33901.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love those 'roos'!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Later, my friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(And we're halfway through January!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZspfkkju2g/UtWP-cPkYjI/AAAAAAAALfE/TvfqWqDkjts/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZspfkkju2g/UtWP-cPkYjI/AAAAAAAALfE/TvfqWqDkjts/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-73105594394952076302014-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-08T06:00:00.985-05:00More of Australia ... Rottnest IslandSince many of us are caught up in this bazaar 'polar vortex' embracing the country, I thought what better time to have warm images of another place and time. So how about continuing with our Australia trip! <br />
<br />
On my last update of Australia, we were spending a month in Perth on the west coast, which was just the beginning of their summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ9PCIWYYRg/UsxDoJBS59I/AAAAAAAALbw/t-nG-9mKSXQ/s1600/_DS34044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ9PCIWYYRg/UsxDoJBS59I/AAAAAAAALbw/t-nG-9mKSXQ/s1600/_DS34044.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
During our time there, we took a ferry to visit Rottnest Island, which sits 11 miles off the coast and is a popular holiday destination. Diving, snorkeling, boating, biking and just plain relaxing is had by many Aussies throughout the summer months. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54YVcUWg_h4/UsxD5N5XlRI/AAAAAAAALdQ/OeyikYhGf2E/s1600/_DS34299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54YVcUWg_h4/UsxD5N5XlRI/AAAAAAAALdQ/OeyikYhGf2E/s1600/_DS34299.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q1DOcP8aEw/UsxD2nRc9DI/AAAAAAAALc4/2T_eh_34sBc/s1600/_DS34291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q1DOcP8aEw/UsxD2nRc9DI/AAAAAAAALc4/2T_eh_34sBc/s1600/_DS34291.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
The Professor and I took our bikes over on the ferry, since no cars are allowed, and biked the circumference of the island .. which was about 14 miles. It took us a good 5+ hours to make the trip around. We stopped a lot, what can I say! There was much to see and enjoy with the white beaches, crashing surf and spectacular views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmOqtNU-Z9I/UsxDuWtlTiI/AAAAAAAALcY/N-0zMCDEDeI/s1600/_DS34190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmOqtNU-Z9I/UsxDuWtlTiI/AAAAAAAALcY/N-0zMCDEDeI/s1600/_DS34190.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YR0LyYRrRc/UsxDpum0snI/AAAAAAAALcE/Uh5sLzhgFm8/s1600/_DS34055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YR0LyYRrRc/UsxDpum0snI/AAAAAAAALcE/Uh5sLzhgFm8/s1600/_DS34055.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx7aXmOuG0w/UsxDvMM5V5I/AAAAAAAALcg/wslLRis3g6o/s1600/_DS34111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx7aXmOuG0w/UsxDvMM5V5I/AAAAAAAALcg/wslLRis3g6o/s1600/_DS34111.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qjjddJM1pE/UsxD0AnNfNI/AAAAAAAALcw/-AwpChfYxNs/s1600/_DS34262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qjjddJM1pE/UsxD0AnNfNI/AAAAAAAALcw/-AwpChfYxNs/s1600/_DS34262.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyO400yWWKY/UsxD4PJ77oI/AAAAAAAALdI/nUzV_xOCTL8/s1600/_DS34272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyO400yWWKY/UsxD4PJ77oI/AAAAAAAALdI/nUzV_xOCTL8/s1600/_DS34272.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iX-Sb8GkLck/UsxDs__f7WI/AAAAAAAALcQ/08Mresjh030/s1600/_DS34108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iX-Sb8GkLck/UsxDs__f7WI/AAAAAAAALcQ/08Mresjh030/s1600/_DS34108.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We also enjoyed all the wildlife.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pelicans (which are one of my favorite birds) have a bit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of a different look than our Florida brown pelican.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But just as handsome!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lssChgAdpJ8/UsxDmJyWv5I/AAAAAAAALbo/edDb1ixTZa8/s1600/_DS34039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lssChgAdpJ8/UsxDmJyWv5I/AAAAAAAALbo/edDb1ixTZa8/s1600/_DS34039.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What was really cool to spot </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was the huge Osprey nest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~ HUGE ~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPXCheclHiE/UsxDp07N6eI/AAAAAAAALcI/zoUgGuR3hRg/s1600/_DS34087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPXCheclHiE/UsxDp07N6eI/AAAAAAAALcI/zoUgGuR3hRg/s1600/_DS34087.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While we stopped to enjoy the couple, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one Osprey took off and soon was bringing back lunch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHfoZKoc9Yw/UsxDpiV7wzI/AAAAAAAALcA/Joa6BmVbEh8/s1600/_DS34099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHfoZKoc9Yw/UsxDpiV7wzI/AAAAAAAALcA/Joa6BmVbEh8/s1600/_DS34099.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Other critters scattered around the island are quokkas, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which look like a cross between a pint-size kangaroo and a a small ground hog. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were quite a number of them at our lunch spot. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little guy was wondering </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if I had any food to spare.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmtXuERErWk/UsxDxlX9uFI/AAAAAAAALco/n73aGIPXWQc/s1600/_DS34254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmtXuERErWk/UsxDxlX9uFI/AAAAAAAALco/n73aGIPXWQc/s1600/_DS34254.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a great day of tooling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
around Rottnest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Warm and beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjCkswK_RAE/UsyCVMgFAmI/AAAAAAAALdc/SK-kC9yGV88/s1600/IMG_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjCkswK_RAE/UsyCVMgFAmI/AAAAAAAALdc/SK-kC9yGV88/s1600/IMG_0147.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ah, so warm!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beam me over, Scottie!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(I need to thaw out.)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Later, my friends,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9g1XgLFiAw/UsxD3gN5iSI/AAAAAAAALdA/Eg50DgRwggk/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9g1XgLFiAw/UsxD3gN5iSI/AAAAAAAALdA/Eg50DgRwggk/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-4834499228249807592014-01-02T13:05:00.000-05:002014-01-02T13:05:23.110-05:00A clean slateThe New Year entered quietly up here in Maine but that's not to say there hasn't been some excitement. Over the last two weeks, we have had several nasty storms and another one bearing down on us again. Rather early for such behavior. Hope it's not an indicator of what is yet to come!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0J9rSji3bI/UsWZXNKoPlI/AAAAAAAALaQ/z_bxD0goFXo/s1600/_DS37706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0J9rSji3bI/UsWZXNKoPlI/AAAAAAAALaQ/z_bxD0goFXo/s1600/_DS37706.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
I spent part of my New Year's Eve day replacing my 2 year old MacBook Pro's hard drive with a new 1T SSD (solid state drive). ~~ Oh my, what a difference.~~ It's like a brand new machine!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Year to me!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8bBQbwPWf8/UsWZXQ2UAeI/AAAAAAAALaM/eIYXFLeM10Y/s1600/_DS37688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8bBQbwPWf8/UsWZXQ2UAeI/AAAAAAAALaM/eIYXFLeM10Y/s1600/_DS37688.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
New Year's day brought a clearing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the sun kissed the frozen landscape. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UOSMSwerNcE/UsWZWomzXCI/AAAAAAAALaI/lmCqOJhZQnA/s1600/_DS37763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UOSMSwerNcE/UsWZWomzXCI/AAAAAAAALaI/lmCqOJhZQnA/s1600/_DS37763.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was able to persuade The Professor to drive me around </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to capture some of the surrounding beauty.<br />
He's such a good sport with my 'STOP HERE' and "BACK UP' commands.<br />
Of course, one has to be careful as to not to scare<br />
the bejesus out of the driver!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqTWKVFvvuU/UsWZclVXPVI/AAAAAAAALbA/QFMNNBrPxs8/s1600/_DS37812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqTWKVFvvuU/UsWZclVXPVI/AAAAAAAALbA/QFMNNBrPxs8/s1600/_DS37812.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course all that driving </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on icy roads and zero temps ....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2Is0jnOGbw/UsWZY-93UNI/AAAAAAAALac/5EymAlSjzTI/s1600/_DS37804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2Is0jnOGbw/UsWZY-93UNI/AAAAAAAALac/5EymAlSjzTI/s1600/_DS37804.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
......required a stop in a popular restaurant in Camden. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cappy's Chowder House is so busy in the summer with tourists, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we usually avoid it at that time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But in the winter ... it's a great place for some</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of their awesome clam chowder and hot biscuits. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yum!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqvLSB_DVI8/UsWglquWnDI/AAAAAAAALbM/y2lLag8oHTc/s1600/_DS37840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqvLSB_DVI8/UsWglquWnDI/AAAAAAAALbM/y2lLag8oHTc/s1600/_DS37840.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's a wrap for now, my friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a quick hello and a big THANK YOU for all your</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wonderful words and images throughout the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The snow is coming down more heavily now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the house feels cold.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need to go put another log on the fire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's to a happy, healthy and rewarding 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
filled with many many</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
adventures and discoveries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for all of us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j93PlpizjdQ/UsWZYiqb9DI/AAAAAAAALak/OSMgndMgQXA/s1600/_DS37794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j93PlpizjdQ/UsWZYiqb9DI/AAAAAAAALak/OSMgndMgQXA/s1600/_DS37794.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dSZ39Zj9Ys/UsWZbiWEROI/AAAAAAAALa0/1Gf8R0baf8U/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dSZ39Zj9Ys/UsWZbiWEROI/AAAAAAAALa0/1Gf8R0baf8U/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-89937799383774675452013-12-24T12:33:00.000-05:002013-12-24T12:33:57.125-05:00Warm wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wh3D5ZyUW2U/Urm8lHoz5vI/AAAAAAAALYQ/_7WA4j47suQ/s1600/IMG_7174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wh3D5ZyUW2U/Urm8lHoz5vI/AAAAAAAALYQ/_7WA4j47suQ/s640/IMG_7174.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
a time for cheer and merry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of all that has been<br />
and all that is yet to come</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Wishing you a Holiday<br />
Filled with love and laughter<br />
~~~<br />
Reena</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-86471639242257364492013-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-19T06:00:01.801-05:00Perth, a jewel on Australia's west coastIt seems like it has been ages since I've posted! We safely arrived back in the States last week and I am one happy 'chickadee' to be home again with all the comforts, like a washer and dryer! The backyard birdies are glad I have returned. Feeders have been filled and the Junkos, Cardinals, Finches and woodpeckers are having a party!<br />
<br />
It was a wonderful 'Round the World' trip and I'll continue to share our destinations, but I hope to get back to more routine postings and catch up with all of you. When I left you last, we had wrapped up our time in Sydney on the east coast and headed west landing in Perth where we would spend a month. I fell in love with Perth. Come along and I'll show you why.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77LRCO_Bl38/UrJGOYDavfI/AAAAAAAALXE/u1OiJA_sp9Q/s1600/_DS33786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77LRCO_Bl38/UrJGOYDavfI/AAAAAAAALXE/u1OiJA_sp9Q/s1600/_DS33786.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Swan River hosts a fair number of yacht clubs as it winds its way through Perth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bike paths can be enjoyed all along the river, which I took of great advantage. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIXng4udiwQ/UrJGQVngOII/AAAAAAAALXw/4B0ItBoJqtQ/s1600/_DS34448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIXng4udiwQ/UrJGQVngOII/AAAAAAAALXw/4B0ItBoJqtQ/s1600/_DS34448.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTojl7u7yqs/UrJGQi9zYWI/AAAAAAAALX4/EMpJ4RyeFc4/s1600/_DS34460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTojl7u7yqs/UrJGQi9zYWI/AAAAAAAALX4/EMpJ4RyeFc4/s1600/_DS34460.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The unique Swan Bell Tower sits on Riverside Drive along the Swan River. The Tower provides a gorgeous view of downtown and the 18-bells are the largest set of change ringing bells in the world. There were only a few people there the day we visited (and Grandparents day, so we got in free). The guard treated us by having the bells play our National Anthem. Very cool!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dT_UnfnSxJo/UrJGPD4rnOI/AAAAAAAALXs/gI4zUidcHHw/s1600/_DS34001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dT_UnfnSxJo/UrJGPD4rnOI/AAAAAAAALXs/gI4zUidcHHw/s1600/_DS34001.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09ohI6AjE7I/UrJGQL0qhiI/AAAAAAAALYA/7FRQ7cF1iRs/s1600/_DS34445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09ohI6AjE7I/UrJGQL0qhiI/AAAAAAAALYA/7FRQ7cF1iRs/s1600/_DS34445.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AHvPg3XSjE/UrJGPlSIl_I/AAAAAAAALXg/7h2Arcdn6Iw/s1600/_DS34411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AHvPg3XSjE/UrJGPlSIl_I/AAAAAAAALXg/7h2Arcdn6Iw/s1600/_DS34411.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1CBrP1w_-4o/UrJGPcdJWYI/AAAAAAAALXY/cfDt0P03yxk/s1600/_DS34405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1CBrP1w_-4o/UrJGPcdJWYI/AAAAAAAALXY/cfDt0P03yxk/s1600/_DS34405.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxQm8rhDNfY/UrJGNjCiGhI/AAAAAAAALW4/riCNtc1d2HI/s1600/_DS33404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxQm8rhDNfY/UrJGNjCiGhI/AAAAAAAALW4/riCNtc1d2HI/s1600/_DS33404.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I made several visits to King's Park which is one of the largest inner city parks in the world with its botanical gardens, natural bushland, War Memorial and the DNA Tower with its 101 steps and great views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg4pVmE-sOM/UrJGMwyoW9I/AAAAAAAALWs/X8V1ipQvw-Y/s1600/_DS33366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg4pVmE-sOM/UrJGMwyoW9I/AAAAAAAALWs/X8V1ipQvw-Y/s1600/_DS33366.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3xqBj4Q4Gg/UrJGMyy2SzI/AAAAAAAALWo/nZOp6EL22eA/s1600/_DS33353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3xqBj4Q4Gg/UrJGMyy2SzI/AAAAAAAALWo/nZOp6EL22eA/s1600/_DS33353.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a wonderful time frequently watching these beautiful black swans along the river.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They were quite entertaining.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvZBr-54YS4/UrJGN_WmIlI/AAAAAAAALXA/DX8pqq1z24U/s1600/_DS33781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvZBr-54YS4/UrJGN_WmIlI/AAAAAAAALXA/DX8pqq1z24U/s1600/_DS33781.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy was doing his Black Swan stretches one afternoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Natalie Portman has nothing on this guy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfBvIghEta4/UrJGMk21C3I/AAAAAAAALWg/ZU5EhXZ534Y/s1600/_DS31972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfBvIghEta4/UrJGMk21C3I/AAAAAAAALWg/ZU5EhXZ534Y/s1600/_DS31972.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsgY9JOB4fc/UrJGNt4jARI/AAAAAAAALXM/-VGmEwGp3tA/s1600/_DS33755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsgY9JOB4fc/UrJGNt4jARI/AAAAAAAALXM/-VGmEwGp3tA/s1600/_DS33755.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is just a glimpse of Perth. We had a wonderful month there</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and with about 1,600 photos, I've got a few more</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
posts to share about this city.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But the Holidays are upon us and I'm </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
thinking I need a break from travel stories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ho ho ho .....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and all that Holiday glow </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
awaits!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U14yJBlCwQg/UrJGQ4aDr_I/AAAAAAAALX0/9YK4DPqTHxE/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U14yJBlCwQg/UrJGQ4aDr_I/AAAAAAAALX0/9YK4DPqTHxE/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709643121894341031.post-65830947239834223572013-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-05T06:00:00.804-05:00Sydney delightsOur travels after the Great Barrier Reef included a stop in Sydney. We only spent two days in Sydney, but we made the most of our time while there. We hopped on one of those Hop On, Hop Off buses because it provides a great overview of a city in a quick way as well as getting your bearings. The city was clean and beautiful with lots of open spaces and parks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBKwp8g5mA0/Up8pBtfaErI/AAAAAAAALUw/b6llPyKmctE/s1600/_DS31601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBKwp8g5mA0/Up8pBtfaErI/AAAAAAAALUw/b6llPyKmctE/s640/_DS31601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The image above was beautiful at dusk as well as night. The Professor had smartly chosen a hotel that would satisfy this girl's photography obsession, capturing two of Sydney's well-known landmarks ... The Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvESOsPIphI/Up8pAaFfG0I/AAAAAAAALUU/KB1o4nXid58/s1600/_DS31532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvESOsPIphI/Up8pAaFfG0I/AAAAAAAALUU/KB1o4nXid58/s640/_DS31532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It was impossible for us to cover all the incredible sights Sydney had to offer. Our second day, we took a ferry ride from the large ferry terminal to a neighboring community, Manly, which gave us a lovely view of Sydney from the water. From there we got a closer view of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. <br />
<br />
And 'no', we did not do the Sydney BridgeClimb! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-379ZaoRJRPs/Up8o_02xHUI/AAAAAAAALUM/lRlPy13Dlrs/s1600/_DS31441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-379ZaoRJRPs/Up8o_02xHUI/AAAAAAAALUM/lRlPy13Dlrs/s640/_DS31441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
For those brave of heart folks, you can do the 3+ hour trek to the top of the bridge! Day or night! I imagine it has gorgeous views but this girl would have been frozen in place with the very first step!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you see the folks walking up in the image below?? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crazy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I was just fine with my view from our ferry or hotel room!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfS37APcU1A/Up814cELOXI/AAAAAAAALVs/AvNtjAyUirA/s1600/_DS31392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfS37APcU1A/Up814cELOXI/AAAAAAAALVs/AvNtjAyUirA/s640/_DS31392.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After our two days in Sydney, we headed south and stayed in Coogee Beach for several days. Coogee is a beachside suburb of Sydney and a popular destination as are many of the beachside communities of Sydney. One doesn't have to go far outside of Sydney to find a beach.<br />
<br />
So while The Professor had to do his professorial work, I enjoyed this beautiful seaside. The coastline was mostly cliffs with wonderful walking paths that stretched for miles both ways. There were also some spectacular open rock pools where kids could play safely as well as space for adult swim without being in the turbulent surf.<br />
<br />
But I don't need to go on. I think the images tell the story better than I can. Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iCl_-PlmRs/Up8o_ExLjDI/AAAAAAAALUI/iv6MQMp1EMU/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iCl_-PlmRs/Up8o_ExLjDI/AAAAAAAALUI/iv6MQMp1EMU/s640/IMG_5047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUzcSixPKtk/Up8o-easieI/AAAAAAAALT4/5N_17irGBu8/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUzcSixPKtk/Up8o-easieI/AAAAAAAALT4/5N_17irGBu8/s640/IMG_4998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKmzdWrnw6Y/Up8o-MbH3_I/AAAAAAAALTs/xOMp9RIJ2vI/s1600/IMG_5024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKmzdWrnw6Y/Up8o-MbH3_I/AAAAAAAALTs/xOMp9RIJ2vI/s640/IMG_5024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_f0BGjSraA/Up8o9_OFzFI/AAAAAAAALTo/uryaybw9ZS8/s1600/IMG_5044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_f0BGjSraA/Up8o9_OFzFI/AAAAAAAALTo/uryaybw9ZS8/s640/IMG_5044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnXpGjSAHDM/Up8pCvJYMEI/AAAAAAAALU0/TiRKWmsfrrE/s1600/_DS31688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnXpGjSAHDM/Up8pCvJYMEI/AAAAAAAALU0/TiRKWmsfrrE/s640/_DS31688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCdAi8Ah91A/Up8pD9afg8I/AAAAAAAALVY/pNgA2pWbAj8/s1600/_DS31816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCdAi8Ah91A/Up8pD9afg8I/AAAAAAAALVY/pNgA2pWbAj8/s640/_DS31816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2ASc4BY46Q/Up8pD_GhFYI/AAAAAAAALVc/JTfkKs-UtRw/s1600/_DS31803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2ASc4BY46Q/Up8pD_GhFYI/AAAAAAAALVc/JTfkKs-UtRw/s640/_DS31803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next stop, Perth!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3Mr4XJflo4/Up8pEZ23AVI/AAAAAAAALVU/NZ93uyRPFqE/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3Mr4XJflo4/Up8pEZ23AVI/AAAAAAAALVU/NZ93uyRPFqE/s1600/reena+sig+block.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Reenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17813380986631007962noreply@blogger.com