Tuesday 4 - June 24, 2025

 

Travel Bug

Hello!  It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and I am happy you've come by to take part.

I think finding reasons to blog and stay in touch with others, or to meet new bloggers is very important.  Blogging also  provides you with a record of your thoughts and ideas to leave for your family.   It's a journal of sorts really that you share with others.

Summer is June 21st and people usually take advantage of the warm weather to take a trip or vacation or day trips to visit, shop or for recreation.

  So could we talk about travel?

1.  What are the most memorable destinations you've visited, and what made them stand out? (this could include places like museums, art galleries, etc. not only a vacation site.)

So many of my more memorable destinations happened with I was a child. I was totally in awe when we took a trip to Niagara Falls. Part of my childhoosdwas spent in New Mexico and I remember visiting Carlsbad Caverns. St. Augustine will always be a favorite of mine with all its history and I spent hours in the Lightner Museum. I've been very blessed to be able to see so many wonderful places.

2.  Which hidden gem locations have you explored that you'd recommend to others?

If you love nature and the beauty of God's creation, I'd highly recommend east Tennessee and specifically the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove is full of history of the rugged, brave folk who originally settled there. I wouldn't call it a hidden gem though. the GSMNP is one of the most visited national parks in the nation. 

3.  What’s the most unique cultural experience you’ve had while traveling ?

I really enjoy destinations that have historical value. I've seen the Old North Church in Boston and Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, MA. Each area has its own cultural experiences; its own flavor of food, people with unique accents, and topography. I don't think I could narrow down any one special place. My advise would be to do some homework before you head for a destination. Learn it's history and the out of the way places overlooked by tourists. On my bucket list has always been Israel. Talk about culture and history!!

4.What mode of transportation is your favorite for a long trip? How about a short trip? For a long trip, it would have to be an airplane. Looong car trips just don't work well for me any longer. Now, if I had the resources, I'd love a train trip across America or, even better, the Orient Express from Paris to deep in Europe. For short trips, it would be a car, preferably with someone else driving so that I could sightsee. 

Friday Fave Five - December 9

 

It's just over two weeks until Christmas Day! Two weeks! It seemed like only yesterday that we had weeks and weeks until the Day. I am pretty much ready, gift wise. I'm all decorated up. I'm still behind watching my traditional Christmas movies but that's nothing that a few binge-evenings won't fix. 

As I look at my trees - one multi-colored in the living room and another little one with clear lights in the bedroom, I have to smile. They add such a lovely sparkle and charm to a chilly night. I love to pause each Friday and list blessings that have come to me throughout the week. Thank you, Susanne for giving us this space to do just that.

1. A follow up from last week - The Nutcracker: When I wrote my entry last Friday, I was looking forward to seeing The Nutcracker later that day. The Appalachian Ballet Company pust on this production each year in Knoxville and Maryville, and I was blessed to see it for the first time. The fact that 7 of my grand children are in it in various roles (rats, baby mice, the husband, to name a few) makes it even more appealing. I didn't take photos. The light from my phone would have been too distracting for those around me so I've saved all the sounds and sights as memories. This was the first full ballet performance I had ever attended, and it was amazing! It's so amazing that except for the two principal dancers who are professionals, all the others are local talent. It was a thrill! Lunch at Market Square in downtown Knoxville was an added bonus. 

2. Christmas at the Biltmore: How can one lady stand such excitement in a 5-day period! Friday was the Nutcracker and Monday, my son and daughter in law took me to see The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I had been there one time during the day, and it was breathtaking. With all its Christmas finery - well, there are no words! It was chilly and rainy, but we didn't care. Besides the twinkling lights and greenery, there was choral singing from Bob Jones University as well as a gentleman playing classical violin. Before our appointed time for the tour, we enjoyed hot cocoa, hot cider and we shared three of the best cookies I'd ever tasted! It was a lovely night. Here are some photos - the best one taken by my daughter in law Stephanie.

The library - my favorite room of the house.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Cook

The magnificent fireplace in the formal dining room.

Nativity in the Music Room - I wish I could have gotten closer.

Another beautful tree.

3. Rain: We've had some dry conditions here in east Tennessee, almost of drought proportions. This past week has certainly rectified the situation. It's been constant rain and although it has made going out chilly and wet, it has been welcomed. Of course, this is coming from someone who went out in it as little as possible!

4. A gift from my daughter: My daughter has taken to knitting like a duck to water and I've been the recipient of several lovelies - socks, a sweater and, for my birthday, a matching cowl and hat. I wore the cowl and hat to the Biltmore on Monday, and they were not only beautiful but kept this lady warm and dry. 

The cowl.

Unfortunately, I accidently left the hat in my son and daughter in law's car, so you'll have to see it in this rather strange photo of Stephanie and me, enjoying some Biltmore snacks.

5. A writer's webinar: When I say I'm a writer, I immediately wait to see if I'll be hit by lightning. Truth is I want to write but I'm at that stage when I don't know what to write about or even if I have the talent to pull it off. My friend, Barbara who is a writer recommended a webinar about authorship and building a platform. I was skeptical, thinking it was probably out of my league, but I registered for it (it was free!). Called How to Start Building a Rejection-Proof Author Platform, it was taught by Thomas Umstattd Jr. and hosted by Steve Laube. I was pleasantly surprised and even found myself taking notes! He referred to scripture several times as well as had some very practical tips. I'm not quite ready to use all he taught but it gave me some food for thought. Barbara and I will have a lot to talk about at our next lunch together.

I'm not one for New Year's resolutions but this coming year I am writing down goals. All the stair climbing and walking that I did for The Nutcracker and the Biltmore infuriated my knees and joints to the point that I've been hobbling around in pain since then. It's scary feeling your mobility decreasing so this year, it's weight loss and exercise. 

I hope you all are having a lovely Christmas season. Immanuel - "God with us.". What a concept and what a gift!