Happy New Year 2021!

Kissing Cousins

Just got back last night from an enjoyable 3-day trip down to Fort Myers Beach to spend time with Tom's "first-level" cousins Jack and Emma.


Tom and Jack

Emma and Jack

Emma, Me and Tom

Chihuly in Florida

Yesterday my friend Billie and I drove over to St. Petersburg to see the Chihuly Collection, presented by the Morean Arts Center. We left Ormond Beach at 6:30 a.m so we could get through Orlando before the morning rush hour, stopping for breakfast once we got through Orlando. After viewing the collection, watching a video and visiting the gift shop, we headed to the Morean Glass Studio and Hot Shop for an art glass demonstration. Unfortunately, picture taking inside the Chihuly Collection was prohibited. I've scanned some photographs from their catalog, but they don't do them justice. My favorite was the Boat Float which was full of glass orbs. I've always been fascinated with all kinds of orbs and am endeavoring to create a similar effect in my garden with marbled bowling balls. So far, I have one. Who knew it would be so hard to find used bowling balls. So, I highly recommend a trip to St. Petersburg to see the Chihuly Collection - this is a permanent collection - not an exhibition. For more information and photos, please visit www.chihulycollectionstpete.com.

God Bless America - Seattle Day 6 & 7

Left Vancouver on Sunday to drive back to the Seattle area. Crossing back into the USA felt really good especially when I got a "Welcome Home" from the border attendant. I didn't have anything planned for that day, so imagine my delight when I found some Casinos just off Interstate 5. Monday, on the suggestion of my niece, I went to see the Chittenden Locks, Park and Fish Ladder. Next, I attempted to see the Chihuly Boathouse which I found online, but when I got there discovered it was not open to the public except for special events. By then it was time to head to my hotel, turn in my rental car, reorganize my luggage and await my way-too-early morning flight back to Florida. I am very happy to be back home.

Oh Canada - Vancouver Day 4 & 5

Crossing the border into British Columbia, Canada on Friday was a little tricky. I ended up in the wrong lane and had to back up and squeeze through lane columns and butt into the right line. Despite the rainy weather these past two days in Vancouver, I did manage to see some sites - the Olympic Cauldron which was on my "must-see" list, Convention Center and Stanley Park.

View from the Top - Seattle Day 3

Seattle Center, the Space Needle in particular, was my only attraction today. This evening, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at my niece Christine and Gregor's house.

Went to Market - Seattle Day 2

On Wednesday, I took the bus from my hotel to downtown Seattle. You could spend many days shopping at Pike Place Public Market but I opted for just lunch and strolling past some of the vendors. Then down to the waterfront and a roundtrip ferry ride across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island. The 3-block uphill walk to get back to the bus did me in.

It's a Chihuly Thing - Seattle Day 1

Left Daytona early this morning and arrived at SEA-TAC Airport about 1:00 pm Seattle time. After picking up my rental car, I drove to Tacamo to see the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and Union Station.