Documenting trips is a wonderful way to preserve memories! A dear friend is leaving for Greece tomorrow so I made three journals to inspire her to document her trip. The first is an over view of Greece including what to do before the trip,  a chronological list of the history, terms, a  page on Greek architecture, one on the gods and goddesses (Greek and Roman), a map and an envelope with a  booklet with photos. 

The second is a blank diary with a page of journal prompts, and the third includes suggestions for different Greek dishes to try, as well as pages to list favorite restaurants and to capture memories of memorable meals.

If you are still looking for an herb to bring true love, a trip to Washington D.C. in the spring time may be just the answer! Schedule your trip around the Cherry Blossom Festival. Simply tie a strand of your hair around the branch of a cherry tree that is in full bloom, and you will find true love! It will most likely be someone else by an adjacent tree who read this post!
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Recently we attend the phenomenal light show at Longwood Gardens. We arrived early and set up our chairs in the front row, very close to the center, so this display is very similar to the one was viewed. i was much too captivated with the experience to record the show so was delighted that this 'sneak peak' was so similar. The background music for the evening we attended was jazz, and if you follow my blog, you'll know I was delighted! This will give you an idea of the spectacular event, and hopefully it will inspire you to check the Longwood Garden site to check their schedule, purchase tickets and attend!

While we were at Longwood Gardens, I heard it referred to as "America's Versailles". I disagree. The variety of plants, artistry of presentation, reverence and dedication to nature and seasonal displays make Longwood far superior. The Versailles gardens were such a disappointment, but isn't it delightful to know we can save the airfare to France and have a much more delightful experience here? For those who are more interested in the history, architecture and furnishings at Versailles, it's worth the trip, but if you are going for the gardens, you may want to reconsider and head to Kennett Square, PA. 

 
We passed this sleepy tree on the way in, already yawning by late afternoon. He probably didn't stay awake for the light show, but he's undoubtedly seen it many times!

We had a leisurely dinner at 1906 while we waited for dusk. Everything there is a step above what is expected. This is their shrimp appetizer - jumbo shrimp served on a square of tomato aspic with sorrel and touch of horseradish. Not only delicious but a work of art!

Although I've been to Longwood Gardens many times over the years and experienced each of the five seasons - spring, summer, fall, holiday and winter - at least once, this was my first after dark experience light display. I'm adding it to my collecting firsts!

Just returned from a delightful mini vacation in PA visiting my daughter with a friend! Mycenea is professional musician and has been doing her solo act for years, gathering awards, accolades and being featured on the cover of magazines. She's living in a spectacular log cabin filled with instruments! One of the highlights of the visit was a listening to her new band practice for a couple of hours! They have been practicing for months but haven't taken the show on the road yet so we were very fortunate to be among the first to hear them!

The living room, which is more reminiscent of a music store, is filled with guitars, amps, there's a mandolin, standing bass, the drums . . . so many fun things to play with if you are so inclined! 

One of the most delightful aspects of this home is the story behind it's construction.
The builder lived in a one room log cabin at the end of the property on a cliff over looking a stream. It has the appearance of a cabin created in colonial times but was built in the 70s and he stayed there year round until he finished building the main home. 

Both properties are guarded by Sasquatch! They host a party annually in his honor.
A kinder, gentler version of Bigfoot is featured here. 

Today's class on Impressionists was filled with reminders about my trip to Paris with Nancy. Our instructor is superlative. He wove insights, knowledge and wisdom through out the course, giving whole new meaning to what we experienced this summer.

The gardens - floral and water lily - were spectacular, and the home was warm and inviting, such a contrast from our earlier visit to Versailles. His reverence for beauty and love of nature filled the area with peace and serenity.

His home, filled with spectacular Japanese prints, was breathtaking. Seeing his masterpieces, hung and stacked in his studio was the high point of an already surreal experience. If I ever go back to France, seeing Giverney again will be at the top of my list. Loved the hustle and bustle of Paris, but the aura in and surrounding Monet's home and gardens was more my preference. .

The Champagne Tour was a highlight of the trip! We toured the vineyards, underground cellars, had one of the most  scrumptious lunches imaginable, and toured the Rheims Cathedral. Our final stop was a tree house nestled in the woods with a spectacular view and more champagne, of course!

It's been awhile since I posted on my blog! A trip to Paris and purchasing a new home in the city of Baltimore have kept me busy and I've spent very little time on the computer! I'm back in classes at Renaissance and I'll be spending more time on the computer. Our entire trip was spectacular but here are a few highlights!