When our we going again . . . real soon I hope :O)

I hate it when a vacation ends  . . especially this one, got to travel with two of my kids, Brian and Cassandra.  My daughter and I went to visit my son Brian in Madison, Wisconsin.  When we first arrived in Wisconsin, it was so humid, my hair just blew up, forget the hot iron, that didn't do anything.  After flying all day, it felt so good to get to the hotel.  Cassandra and I stayed at the Marriott in Middleton and while visiting Brian, we decided to rent a car and all drive down to Chicago, Illinois.  We had so much fun there, we made some good memories for sure.

 I have a ton of pics to post from this trip.  We ate so much and enjoyed every bit of it and then some. If I was a young woman in business again, I would just love to live in Chicago.  I absolutely fell in love with this "power horse" of a city.  Chicago is an exciting city with great food.  We had some "real" Chicago style, deep dished pizza, I will so missed that.  Went to pick up a piece with my hand, like we eat it here in California and my son Brian mentioned, they don't eat pizza that way here, use your fork and knife.  It was like eating a piece of pie.  Tasted so good :O). This is one busy city for sure, lots of traffic and people.

While we were there we visit The Art Institute of Chicago Museum.  The entry to the museum was so pretty, the pic below does not show the beauty of those fresh flowers in lobby, they were absolutely gorgeous.

 The timing couldn't have been more perfect, an exhibit called "Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity" was showing, "19th Century Paris has come to Chicago".   Oh my gosh, I fell in love instantly.  Amazing major figure paintings from Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas and Caillebotte.  To actually see them was out of this world, felt like Heaven.  I wish I could have taken some pics, but no one was allowed to photograph any of these paintings at this exhibit.

 There was so much to see and look at.  I did take some pics below, American Gothic by Grant Wood, some Greek gold armbands in the form of snakes from the 2nd century B.C., a glass blow Roman Unguent Bottle from the 1st century A.D.

I thought this was a cute little guy when I seen him, he looks like he's smiling  . . doesn't he?  Actually he is a tomb figure called "Entertainer" from China - Northern dynasties from the 6th century.  These figures were buried in tombs to provide the deceased with companionship and protection, interesting.

I wish this pic below would have turned out clearer and not blurry, my kids gave me hard time for doing this, but its always fun to be a little ornery :O)

While in Wisconsin, we visited a fun and unusual place, called "The House On The Rock" in the city of Spring Green.  This place was huge and required a lot of walking.  We were there an easy four hours.  There is three tours and you definitely have to do all of them to really enjoy the experience.  In my next posting I'll tell you all about it, along with our visit to EPIC where my son works at.  That was something to see.  This company is the GOOGLE of the mid-west, very unique I would say.  After this post, I think I might go lay down for a bit and rest.  All this fun has made me tired for sure :O) 

It's exciting to know . . . isn't it?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

God always wants to surprise us  . . I love that :O)

Happy Independence Day

Wouldn't this be Heaven? Happy Fourth of July!  Blessings, :O)

Almost Time To Fly . . .

We're getting excited over here.  Our trip was moved up to July 17th.  So we have been planning and  getting things ready to go.  A little bit of shopping, not much yet.  Since I'll be traveling with my kids, I know it will be no dress up but all casual, which is the best way to go :O)  I'm so excited to visit somewhere I have never been.  Since Dave has passed away, I have not been able to visit my son in Madison, Wisconsin.  Brian's been the one flying out to visit us in California.  I so want to see in person where my son lives and works and not just by pics.  We are going to try to catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field while were visiting Chicago, Illinois.  This will be a fun trip with my kids, so looking forward to it :O)

Yes . . It's Friday :O)

Going hiking this afternoon again . . .  have a great weekend everyone!

Walking . . . or should I say Hiking

Been enjoying being outdoors and walking, hiking lately.  I walk my dog everyday, usually first thing in the morning for about 30 minutes, sometimes in the evening but not often.  If I'm with my dog, I always feel safe, alone thats another story.  It always fun when you're walking with someone or hiking with a group of friends.  Lately, I have hiked a couple of times at Peter's Canyon in Orange County and really loving it.  It's about a four mile hike.  Uphill climb initially and then downhill on the way back.  It always feels good when done, good for the body.  Been wanting to bring my dog, but I think it might be too hard on her hips.  Buttons will be going on 10 years old.  She's in good shape still, but I can see she's getting tired more often.  Have a great weekend blogland :O)

Trying Something New . .

It seems as I get older, I'm enjoying cooking more, probably because I have much more time on my hands.  Thought I would try to make some chicken enchiladas the other night.  That's a pic of what they looked like before going into the oven.  Happy Cooking!

p.s. Compliments of Pinterest of course :O)