We returned home on Tuesday @ 4 am from our 25 day cross country trip, to a peaceful house and a happy cat.


Chicago found us enjoying the Art Institute, Science Museum and Navy Pier. With good food and a Chicago hotdog thrown in.

Driving through Nebraska gave us a good under -standing of how vast our country is. The flattest land one ever did see. Huge blue sky with fields of varying browns & tans. One could only imagine how it might look in it’s glory with fields of corn waving in the breeze.

Fort Collins was for sharing time with our grand babies, (son & daughter-in-law too), enjoying the playground and the Denver Zoo.
                                                                                                                                                                    On the road again with a stop at the “Garden Of The Gods”, incredible

red rock formation chiseled out millions of years ago, my camera was on overdrive.

An austere yet strangely beautiful site of high plains meeting the snow covered Rocky Mountains was our entertainment as we drove through CO headed to NM

The art and the food in Santa Fe, was incredible. Oh!!! I dream about green chili’s still. We had time to explore, Madrid, Pueblo Ruins in Peco’s and learn a bit about turquoise mining.

On our drive to Austin TX we were given a taste of what the dust bowl must have been like. The winds blew and turned the sky and countryside brown. We enjoyed a visit with our son & future daughter-in-law exploring the Botanical Gardens and enjoying the sights & sounds that 6th street had to offer.

It was interesting to see the land changes from prairie & mesa’s to coastal wetlands on our drive to New Orleans.
Each place we have visited has had it’s own beauty but it was nice to see a large shoreline once again.

Once again our taste buds and ears were delighted. We enjoyed creole food, from gumbo to oysters, and listened to blues, jazz and Zydeco music. All I can say is, Bourbon Street is a crazy place. Some of the best musicians were playing on the street.  They basically took up residence on the street, claiming their spots by 7AM.  One might ask how I know this?  Well, my husband is such a good guy he got up early after a late night and walked the near empty street with me so I could take photo's of the varied architecture & balconies. As we walked the musicians were already setting up for the day entertainment. To tell you the truth the tourists probably entertained them as much as they entertained us.

Next stop Nashville to see our daughter and son-in-law. Saturday night saw us sitting at the Grand Ole Opry taking part in one of the 85th year live broadcast.  It was a cultural experience.  With names like Little Jimmy Dickens, (4'11") who's the oldest living member of the Opry at 90, still sharing jokes & music.  Danny Gokey(apparently, he was 3rd runner up on American Idol) and my favorite Martina McBride. There were many  great musicians on the stage during the night.

On Easter the 4 of us took in a Sounds game in a near empty stadium. Third row 1st baseline seats, a bit nerve wracking when the balls by your head from left handed batters. Unfortunately, they lost.

I also had a mentoring appointment at the Nashville Song Writer's Association. I was able to glean some knowledge and some tips from a successful song writer and told how hard the business is to break into.  Well, I think I'll keep writing anyway, it make me happy:) Here’s the song they critiqued that I wrote for my son’s wedding. Remember, I’m a writer not a singer so listen at your own risk.



So... now I’m home again reality is back and I’m gearing up for the next weeks Red Creek Prom.

Blessings to all, till next time!