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Norway's Midnight Sun

Holding the Midnight Sun Norway was our destination.   My husband and I spent two weeks exploring the cities of Bergen and Trondheim as well as the Islands along the western fjords.   Our Norwegian relative tour guides told us we could not leave Norway without experiencing their midnight sun. We searched for the best place on one of the Islands and found it! The midnight sun was glowing across the horizon off the coast of Norway deep into the summer night.   There was a thrill just for being on top of ancient rocks that lined the coast of the Atlantic as the light was starting to fade in the distant horizon.   Our words and laughter seemed to echo across the rocks as the waves crashed high into the air.   We were not only enjoying the view but the sounds and smell of the open air of the salty ocean.    The glowing sun became a light in our hands as we stood and faced the camera.   As a couple we “held” the sun ...
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Rocky Ridge Safari in East Texas

Under the clear blue skies of East Texas is a gem of a drive-through wildlife and safari center called Rocky Ridge Safari that hosts over 25 different species of animals amongst the 200 acres of native trees and smooth red clay winding roads.  A friend asked me to go with her while visiting family in Texas, and I didn't hesitate to say yes! I couldn't believe my luck in the backwoods of Eustace, very close to Canton, was an incredible drive through wildlife center. The trip was a perfect opportunity to do an animal photoshoot and hopefully shoot some great pictures right from the front seat of my friend Linda's car.  We headed out early to be the first car in line when it opened at 10 a.m. since we knew the animals would be hungry and eager to make their way to our car. When you buy your ticket, it also comes with a good size food bag for feeding with each one. The animals were very eager to see us or rather the food we were handing out. I'm not sure I have a favorite f...

Traveling After Quarantine

Bergen, Norway I can't wait to travel after quarantine! So many places we want to go. We may not have time or money for everything, but we are going to figure out some inexpensive and short weekend trips locally, then branch out. Our elderly Aunt has been watching the relaxation videos on Youtube that show scenic mountains, water, villages, and beaches from all over the world. I can't help but watch them too! Stay tuned for some new traveling blog post when we get sprung from this current nightmare. Happy trails will be here again. Keep the faith! 

Dreaming of Norway

Viking Ship I took this photograph when we were in Norway back in 2014. I have made my grandkids a large poster with it and a canvas for my Norwegian Aunt on my husband's side. She loves it except it would be nice if she could see the buildings on the dock too. They were obscured by the beautiful ships but overall she was very pleased with it. Waterfalls galore! I saw so many and each one was unique. The beauty of the landscape was incredible. If you have never ventured to this historic and rich culture you should! Adventure awaits you. This is the Church on the Island where my Mother-in-law and Aunt were born and raised. It is in the village of Gursken, on the western fjords. The beauty of the rocks of Norway The beauty of the landscape was around every turn and place. The rocks were amazing, a work of art in nature.  Ulriken Cable Car  The cable car was pretty scary for me, considering I am afraid of heights, but I did it! It was well ...

Pike Place Fish Market

Seattle Pike Place Fish Market This past summer 2018, I acted as a tour guide for friends visiting Seattle for the first time. We had so much fun exploring not only Seattle, Washington but also Victoria, B.C. (which I will write about in another article). If you visit Seattle, the main stops downtown are the central waterfront area which includes: the Pike Place Market, the Ferris Wheel overlooking Elliott Bay, Seattle Aquarium, a variety of restaurants, and unique shops. A monorail ride will take you from the waterfront to the iconic Space Needle, Seattle Center, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and  Chihuly's Garden and Glass exhibit . If you find yourself in Seattle for business and/or pleasure, take the time to explore. You will be glad you did. If you don't you will miss some things that make Seattle truly remarkable. I had to show my friends the fish market at the Pike Place Market. Pictured below, covered in ice, are some of the freshest vari...

Seattle Aquarium 2018

Seattle Aquarium We loved visiting the Seattle Aquarium this past summer. There was so much variety and the exhibits were bursting with colors as pictured below: I think pictures tell a story sometimes as much as words. The staff at the Aquarium can be just as entertaining!  If you haven't ever visited this great venue in Seattle, then you are missing out on a very educational experience. It is conveniently located at Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront among the quaint shops that line the harbor area. Check out their website Seattle Aquarium  for events, tickets, and location. It is fun for the whole family.   If you are a tourist or Washington resident that loves to be a tourist in this awesome city, then check out the discount tickets at  CityPass . You can get unbelievable package deals for the hottest attractions in Seattle, including the Seattle Center, Space Needle, Argosy tours and Chihuly Gard...

In Search of the Killough Massacre

Killough Monument The winding black top country road shaded with huge east Texas pine trees protected us from the hot July sun as it pried its way through the branches.  As descendants of the Killough Klan living in a distant state, my husband and children had never seen the family monument dedicated to one of the greatest tragedies in East Texas history.  A massacre and tales of conspiracy are still keeping us guessing to this day of what really took place that set this tragedy into motion.  This was how legends are started so we wanted to uncover the truth.  Is it fact or fiction or could it be both? Our directions and GPS seemed to fail us as we drove deeper into the countryside on Farm to Market (FM) roads that didn’t seem to end.  Farm after farm and roads that appeared to shrink in size as the large oak and pine trees overshadowed them with their huge century old branches.  As we parked along the side of the road a couple who live...