Interesting Travels

I have been away for awhile but I am back. Michael and I have traveled to New Zealand in February 2019 and to Southeast Asia in February 2018. Both trips were memorable. We plan to go fly fishing in New Zealand in 2020, Life is good.

On October 30, 2015 I left the USA for a visit with my granddaughter who lives in Modling, Austria. My trip was everything I expected. My daughter, Audrey and Annalisa greeted me at the airport and her smile and lyrical sounds entertained me for ten days.
She expresses so much through her eyes. She also twirls her tongue and makes a lalala sound. Everyone repeats it to her and she laughs back.
Every day was something new as we played and I observed her. I can't believe a year ago she was born. Now she is walking around and making sounds. Next she will be saying words. I am curious how her language will develop, but I am excited to hear her.
We celebrated her 1st birthday on November 1st at her flat. Her mommy and daddy madea fabulous celebration. Her Opa and Babi and her Great Oma were all there.
Audrey asked me to bring some items from the USA and I was able to get most of it. I had one suitcase just for Annalisa.
Now I am waiting to board the plane for home. Ten days flew by. I am sad to leave them . I get comfortable getting around then the time is gone.
Til nexy year

Summer 2015: Chesapeake Bay

The summer began with a southern cruise to Annapolis, Oxford, Cambridge and some quiet anchorages. It was idyllic as usual with beautiful sunsets and posing blue herons. I love waking up on the water because it gives me an incredible freedom. I am also detached from the trivia of my every day existence at home.
Toots is not with us so there is no need to go ashore first thing upon waking up. But, my sadness of missing her is overwhelming. She was such a great mate and gave me so much love and attention. I miss her every day.
As the summer moved along we have had brutally hot temperatures and being on the boat has been undesirable. We had hoped to go to Block Island but there was a lightening hit on a nearby boat and our electronics were affected. The result has been waiting to get them  replaced so no Block Island.
I am in a sluggish mode trying to keep myself motivated in the heat.
No direction ......

Even Though My Travels Are Very Entertaining,My Backyard Does The Trick, Too

In the morning as I sit drinking my cappuccino, the fleeting birds at my bird feeders delight me with their poses and their flights of nature. It amuses me so much that I refill the feeders each night so they are ready for the birds' arrival in the morning. Then I prepare my camera for the perfect snap.  My zoom lens brings the birds in close so I get to know them on a personal level.

Hidden in the branch is a red bellied woodpecker perched amongst the greenery feasting on some bugs.

 The woodpecker's flight soared through the branches and showed lightening speed.

 The chickadee's small size does not deter it from getting every morsel that it can from the tree branch.

Today by the pond the cardinals were hopping through the branches. Catching one in flight gave a flash of red to the air!

My backyard lends itself to the world of birds. The trees tower high into the sky. Tree branches dip in different directions.There is a certain calmness that pervades the pond. Mr. Fox strolls through the woods occasionally. The deer think the pond is their drinking fountain.
 The pond's glassy frozen cover of ice lends itself to ice skating . It was the scene of many memorable ice skating dates of our children. As I was putting the Christmas decorations away in the barn, the box of ice skates drew my attention. I couldn't remember  the last time those skates were out of the box. Time seems to be flying by. I wish I could stop time or maybe I wish I could bring back those times when there were those voices coming from the pond.

In the morning when we looked out the door we were surrounded by elephants. At night when we closed up the tent we could hear the sounds of the night. Inside the dark tent I was thinking "Are there spiders crawling around me? My security centered around a whistle and a flashlight. I needed the flashlight to navigate my way around the tent in the dark. When I went to the bathroom I imagined the animals on the other side.I have to admit at times I was a little skeptical. But, I had my whistle. And , in the end , it was one hell of an adventure which is what travel should be! I always look back at some of the adventures and laugh at myself.

The elephants traveled in maternal groups and were fascinating to watch. One day our guide pulled into a group of elephants and asked us if we would like to sit and watch the elephants. It was peaceful and amusing. We watched the elephants pull tree branches down and they moved around us. I loved watching the babies breast feed.

The wildebeest were many. Most of the time they were just lulling pass but when one would start running the herd would follow. You would not want to get in their way. The herd creates a rhythmic pace and they race across the field.

According to our guide the Cape Buffallo is the meanest animal in the Serengeti. Jadim said it could take its horn right through you.
Spending the time in the Serengeti gave me a perspective on the animals and how the country operates its National Park. No one can go without a guide. You need a guide for protection and for understanding all the fees.

Dubai's Desert

When we were in Dubai we went to the desert for a fun night. It included dune bashing, a dinner and fun with my cousin, Paul and his fiance, Jenn. Watching the sun go down was beautiful!