Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul, MN USA

Continuing our Travel Dates to sites in our backyard, this year we plan to visit Minnesota Historical Society sites. The first was to the newly renovated Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul, at the confluence of the Mississippi & Minnesota Rivers. This blog includes my vast array of photos, tells the story of this site, its history – & shares new things we learned!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

On our visit to Puerto Vallarta, our first, we got a feel for its culture and history. We discovered some of the unique sites that made this somewhat typical Mexican city stand apart from the others we visited – primarily how they incorporated art into every corner of their life. This blog is packed with my photos!

Mazatlán, Mexico

On the western coast of Mexico, across from the Baja Peninsula, is Mazatlan. Famous for its sun, consistently warm weather, beaches and cultural interests – it did not disappoint! Read more about this fun stop on our cruise in this blog.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

At the far southern tip of the Baja Peninsula is Cabo San Lucas. Our short time there, and small sampling of the area, provided us with a diverse and beautiful experience. Read more about this fun stop on our cruise in this blog.

Cruisin’ beyond COVID. . . in the Mexican Riviera

Vastly different than our January cruise out of Tampa FL just 3 months earlier, our cruise out of Port of LA (CA) into the Baja Peninsula of western Mexico was more typical! We saw new places and enjoyed the warm sun. Enjoy this latest blog!

Art in Bloom: Mia 2022, Mpls., MN

The beloved Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, returned this year after a 2-year cancellation due to COVID. Imaginative floral interpretations of selected works of art from the Mia’s permanent collection were showcased. This blog shares examples of how the Mia classic again welcomed spring on a rainy Minnesota day!

Ukrainian Art

Ukraine and its resilient people are in our hearts and prayers at this time. I think of their art. Tragically, Russian bombs are devastating their time-honored, magnificent architecture, especially their Ukrainian Orthodox churches. But two Ukrainian art forms cannot be destroyed by invading forces: their Pysanky (Easter eggs) and Kokum (“grandmother” scarves). This blog shares insights into these art forms and ways to provide solidarity with our Ukrainian brothers & sisters.

Cruisin’ Thru COVID…in the Caribbean

After a two year break from all travel outside our backyard, we cautiously ventured back into the Wonderful World of Cruising, despite CDC’s ominous warnings. This blog shares photos & highlights of our warm and lovely vacation, resuming our annual mid-winter cruise to the Caribbean – despite COVID’s valiant attempts of sabotage!

Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA (Travel)

Clearwater Beach, FL, has one of the finest beaches in the USA with white, sugar sand and friendly gulf waters. With lots of activity at Pier 60 (south end) and pristine solitude on Caladesi Island (north end), it has something for everyone! Photos and fond memories fill this blog! Enjoy!

“Dolphin Tale” comes to Life: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, FL USA (Travel)

Clearwater Beach FL, known for its white, sugar sand beach, sunsets and warm weather is also known as the home of Winter, the infamous dolphin of the movie, “Dolphin’s Tale.” An act of kindness by the marine aquarium staff saved not only the life of the injured dolphin, but also the facility! This blog shares Winter’s story and photos of what you can enjoy at this great place to visit!