Journal - STAMPED

South America

What’s Coming: South America

Four South American countries so far!

North America

What’s Coming: North America

All 50 states, 12 Canadian Provinces, 3 Mexican states,... I've been to a lot of places in North America.

Australia

What’s Coming: Australia

I had the privilege of spending 18 weeks in the Land Down Under, both Australia and New Zealand.

Antarctica

What’s Coming: Antarctica

Does cruising through the Southern Ocean all around Antarctic land count as having been to Antarctica? I say yes.

Africa

What’s Coming: Africa

In 2024, I visited three northern African countries. In 2026, I visited three more.

Asia

What’s Coming: Asia

There are many posts to come about my time in Japan and a day in South Korea.

Europe

What’s Coming: Europe

29 countries so far. There are a LOT of posts coming about those trips.

North America

Fun Friends

I Love Any Anythink!

AnyThink Libraries are a whole different breed of library and I love them!

North America

M.A.D.

Autumn Is a Season

Aaaahhh, Aaahtumn. My favorite season when done right, and Maine does it right.

North America

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Perspectives on the Declaration of Independence

Farmington hosted special events as part of Maine Historical Society's Declaration of Independence Tour.

North America

M.A.D.

The Dunlap Broadside Comes to Farmington

Dunlap broadsides were the first printed and circulated copies of the Declaration of Independence and we saw one.

North America

M.A.D.

Farmington Fair 2026

Charlotte's Web was inspired by a Maine county fair not unlike the Farmington Fair.

North America

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Fielder’s Choice

We needed a good rest stop on our journey and we found one that just happened to also have ice cream.

North America

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

You’ve Never Heard of a Root Beer Float?!

Would you travel 395 nautical miles across the Atlantic or 165 miles across Maine for a root beer float? We did.

North America

Hollins Gang

Last Night Reflections

It’s always great to get together and it’s always too short of a time together. Hollins days were the best days.

North America

Hollins Gang

What’s a Creemee?

We saw it everywhere including on postcards, keychains, and Christmas ornaments. But what is it?

North America

Hollins Gang

A Lovely Afternoon in Woodstock

Woodstock is a quaint and charming town where we enjoyed each other’s company as much as the town.

North America

Hollins Gang

Visualizing Massive Snow Accumulation

You said you get HOW MUCH SNOW?!?

North America

Hollins Gang

Cute Cutouts

Thank you Sugarbush Farm for some really fun photo stand-ins!

North America

Hollins Gang

Sugarbush Farm

Sugarbush Farm is out of the way but well worth the visit and there’s encouragement along the way.

North America

Hollins Gang

A So-Much-More Store

There may be cows on the outside but you’ll never guess what’s on the inside.

North America

Hollins Gang

Dinner for Eight

Dinner for eight people in a small local pub can be tricky, but we did it.

North America

Hollins Gang

Perfect Reunion Party Place

Eight women who want to hang out together for a weekend of reminiscing, sharing, and fun need a special location.

North America

Hollins Gang

Vermont Bound

The destination was a college mini-reunion in Vermont, but the journey was awesome, too.

North America

Solo travel

Autumn Apples

How to best spend a beautiful autumn day in Maine…hang out with friends in the middle of an apple orchard.

Europe

Travelin' Trio

The Golden Ice Cream Cone

When you're exhausted and don't even have enough energy to decide what to do next, the golden ice cream cone can inspire you.

North America

Solo travel

Turtle Ice Cream as Good as the Candy

A good friend knows that when you're not really hungry between brunch and dinner, ice cream is the best next meal.

Europe

Travelin' Trio

“Rosso” Ice Cream is “Red”

There might have been a language barrier, but there was no ice cream barrier.

Europe

Travelin' Trio

So Many Statues! Oslo Edition

A feminist pioneer, a slum's forgotten piper, a beloved king, and a wartime ally — four Oslo statues, four histories worth stopping for.

Europe

M.A.D.

Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid May Disappoint BUT…

In 1992, I was disappointed by The Little Mermaid. 30+ years later, I returned an older and wiser woman.

Europe

M.A.D.

Circle K in the Arctic Circle??

Who knew you could find a Circle K north of the Arctic Circle?! In Norway, we found a unique ice cream treat INSIDE a Circle K.

North America

M.A.D.

Season Opener (for Ice Cream)

Opening day at Northland Dairy Treat in Turner, Maine — a delightful surprise (and some lucky timing) on our way home.

Africa

M.A.D.

Watering Hole Picnic Lunch

A private picnic overlooking a watering hole was one delightful surprise, but then we got an even bigger one.

Africa

M.A.D.

Diversity in the Savannah

Who knew that zebras, wildebeests, some bontebok, grey crowned cranes, and impalas could all get along together.

Africa

M.A.D.

Last Dinner in Cape Town

Rich, creamy, delicious, and perfect hearty meals on a crisp, cool autumn evening followed by my very favorite dessert.

Africa

M.A.D.

Fun People on Our Sunset Cruise

We shared a table with a lovely couple from Pretoria, South Africa and met fun crew members.

Africa

M.A.D.

The Colors of the Setting Sun

The light of the setting sun cast beautiful colors on the landscape.

Africa

M.A.D.

Sunset Cruise Around the Harbor

To celebrate our last night in Cape Town, we took a sunset cruise around the harbor.

Africa

M.A.D.

Last Day in Cape Town Spent on the V&A Waterfront

Sights around the Waterfront: a banner-towing plane, a cute train, a working harbor, and a really big picture frame.

Africa

M.A.D.

Better Than a Selfie

We took a selfie with the Waterfront in the background when a woman nearby offered to take a photo that was even better.

Africa

M.A.D.

A Closed Gate that Was Actually Inviting

We spotted a gate at the entrance to a gallery that, literally, was a work of art itself.

Africa

M.A.D.

Relaxing at the End of a Delightfully Full Day

We saw and did so much today! It was great to get back to our hotel and relax.

Africa

M.A.D.

Nobel Square

Nobel Square had so much more than statues of South Africa's four Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Africa

M.A.D.

Roadside Scenery on the Way Back to Cape Town

It was a relaxing drive back to Cape Town after a delightfully full day.

Africa

M.A.D.

Same Company, Different Location, Different Flavor

We enjoyed Kristen's Kick-Ass Ice Cream so much in Constantia that we decided to try the Stellenbosch store.

Africa

M.A.D.

A Beautiful Setting Makes Lunch Even More Delicious

Delicious South African food and flavors for lunch and then a five degrees of separation story!

Africa

M.A.D.

Yesterday White Wine; Today Red Wine

Both internationally famous red and white grapes can grow in the same valley

Africa

M.A.D.

Fabulous Flora in Stellenbosch’s Valley

Vineyards, olive groves, and fascinating flora

Africa

M.A.D.

Lost in Translation

One word can have multiple meanings in one language, and sometimes one word has different meanings in different languages.

Africa

M.A.D.

Stellenbosch University

A nice university with an intriguing and fabulous piece of art.

Africa

M.A.D.

Plan B Worked Out Well

Since we had so much time on our hands by not going to Robben Island, Sali had a plan B: Stellenbosch.

Africa

M.A.D.

The V&A Waterfront

Seals, a castle, a clock tower, and...rhinos? The V&A Waterfront has something to see in every direction.

Africa

M.A.D.

Cape Town Public Art

Public art is pretty meaningful on the V&A Waterfront. This was my first "micro museum" art.

Africa

M.A.D.

Robben Island Museum Really Hits Home

This museum gives a look into Apartheid through the lens of who was jailed on what pretext and how they lived in that jail.

Africa

M.A.D.

Day Six in Cape Town is Off to a Great Start

We had another yummy breakfast at The Commodore to kick off another great day in Cape Town.

Africa

M.A.D.

The Mutual Building–Mutually Fascinating

This art deco building has "protruding prismoid windows" and a granite carving that tells the story of South Africa.

Africa

M.A.D.

Nelson Mandela at City Hall

Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech from the balcony of the beautiful limestone City Hall.

Africa

M.A.D.

South African Egg Dishes

Creamed spinach with poached eggs or ratatouille with poached eggs--gotta check out local breakfast food.

Africa

M.A.D.

Sali!

We could not have asked for a better guide. Sali was the best.

Africa

M.A.D.

American Mustard Is a Real Thing

When Mother asked for mustard, the waiter asked what kind and listed four choices, one of which was “American mustard.”

Africa

M.A.D.

Wildlife in the Vineyards

We saw several different aspects of Constantia's wine country including baboons and peacocks.

Africa

M.A.D.

Not Just Any Wine

You can’t go to South Africa and not have wine! Both red and white grapes like the soil in South Africa.

Africa

M.A.D.

How Bad Was That Storm?

We were so smart to stay inside all day yesterday. The rain and wind were so bad they even closed schools.

Africa

M.A.D.

Mandela’s Gold

We missed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the great botanic gardens of the world, but we did see Mandela's Gold.

Africa

M.A.D.

District Six Museum

Africa

M.A.D.

A Good Day to Stay Inside

Torrential rain and winds up to 43 mph hit Cape Town on a day we had already planned to be leisurely.

Africa

M.A.D.

Kristen’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream

Sali tried to get us acquainted with local treats. He had us at ice cream.

Africa

M.A.D.

More Mother’s Day Celebration

We had lunch at a lovely restaurant on the water that was celebrating Mother's Day.

Africa

M.A.D.

Penguinized!

To quote our guide Sali, when you go through the gift shop, you'll be "penguinized."

Africa

M.A.D.

African Penguins

These cute penguins moved from nearby offshore islands to this residential community on the mainland shore.

Africa

M.A.D.

My Fourth Penguin Place

In South America, I saw Emperor Penguins, Rockhopper Penguins, and Chinstrap Penguins. And now, African Penguins.

Africa

M.A.D.

Mother’s Day Weekend Reflection

What a great Mother’s Day weekend spending precious time together in one of our favorite joint activities: travel.

Africa

M.A.D.

Chacma Baboons, a.k.a. Cape Baboons

The chacma baboon, also known as the Cape baboon, is one of the largest of all monkeys.

Africa

M.A.D.

The Most South-Western Point of the African Continent

Don't think this is the southernmost point of the African continent, that honor belongs to Cape Agulhas.

Africa

M.A.D.

On the Way to Cape of Good Hope

Today's journey included a rainbow, wet ostriches, and a naval base all before we reached our destination.

Africa

M.A.D.

Hout Bay

Hout Bay is a seaside and harbor town in the Western Cape province and is part of the City of Cape Town metro area.

Africa

M.A.D.

Mandela Glasses

An interesting piece of public art on the Sea Point Promenade has some powerful significance.

Africa

M.A.D.

Happy Mother’s Day Breakfast

The Commodore Hotel went all out for Mother's Day in their morning brunch.

Africa

M.A.D.

Colorful Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap area is known for its colorful houses and fun art, including an elephant made entirely of espresso capsules.

Africa

M.A.D.

Thyme Salad Dressing

We at lunch in a Victorian house turned restaurant and I had a great salad with a unique and tasty dressing.

Africa

M.A.D.

Cableway Charity Challenge

There's actually a fund raiser where you see how many times you run up the mountain (and get free cableway rides down).

Africa

M.A.D.

Leaving Table Top

One more mini-sculpture (can't have too many) and then it's all down hill (or down mountain).

Africa

M.A.D.

What’s a Dassie?

These cute creatures look like a marmot or a big rodent but their closest living relative is the African elephant?!

Africa

M.A.D.

Looking Down on the Twelve Apostles

We looked up at the Twelve Apostles Mountains when we were in Maiden's Cove, now we can look down from Table Top.

Africa

M.A.D.

Mini Sculpture and More

Mini sculptures give visually impaired people a tactile understanding of a building (but they help sighted people, too).

Africa

M.A.D.

At the Top of Table Mountain

Oh, what you can see from the top of Table Mountain!

Africa

M.A.D.

If You’re in Cape Town, You Gotta Go to Table Mountain

I've been in a lot of cable cars, gondolas, tramways, etc. This one was delightfully unique.

Africa

M.A.D.

Fog on Signal Hill

We drove to the top of Signal Hill but the fog forced us back down the hill.

Africa

M.A.D.

A Capital City

Sali, our amazing guide, drove us all through Cape Town, pointing out architecture, explaining history, and sharing local culture.

Africa

M.A.D.

Twelve Guys and a Maiden

Maiden’s Cove is the perfect spot to view The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range.

Africa

M.A.D.

Life of the Elite Back in the Day

The Castle held the fancy household belongings as well as the tools of everyday life.

Africa

M.A.D.

So Much History

The recognition of Influential Historical Figures of South Africa covers three centuries, I'm sure there's more.

Africa

M.A.D.

Good Morning Capetown!

We met our private tour guide, Sali, at 9:00 and headed out on Day One of our tour of Cape Town.

Africa

M.A.D.

Wow! That’s a lot of great food!

The breakfast buffet has food for Europeans, Africans, and North Americans and an omelette chef.

Africa

M.A.D.

Woolworths for Dinner

I remember Woolworths, but it wasn't a restaurant in my day.

Africa

M.A.D.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront After Dark

Out hotel was just a 5-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront (that's Victoria and Alfred, not Albert).

Africa

M.A.D.

Our Home for the Next Seven Nights

We treated ourselves to a nice hotel: old-style elegance, good location, expensive but not outrageous.

Africa

M.A.D.

We Made It!

We made it to Cape Town! I love seeing my name held up by a private driver so I feel like a celebrity.

Europe

M.A.D.

Eleven Hours and Forty Minutes in Uncomfortable Seats

How to entertain yourself on a long flight (besides watching three movies)

Europe

M.A.D.

A Really Really Long Layover

I don't think I've ever had a layover this long before. Makes me think of Tom Hanks' character in The Terminal.

Europe

M.A.D.

The Last of Its Kind

We found out that our flight was the last for this aircraft like it is.

North America

M.A.D.

International Flights Are Always Interesting

Gotta arrive early for international flights, but not too early.

North America

M.A.D.

On the Road… Again

It's a long way to Africa, and we're on our way.

North America

Solo travel

A Celebration of American Composers

Copland, Bernstein, Sondheim, Gershwin, Ellington plus eight familiar faces on stage--it was quite the concert.

North America

M.A.D.

Once Upon a Mattress

My mom and I do enjoy going to the theater and Waterville Opera House's productions are always a favorite.

North America

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A Texas Cowboy … in Maine

Oh, to find good home cooking when you're so far away from home!

North America

Solo travel

Potato Country

Aroostok County is the largest county in the state and is known as "The County" as well as for its potatoes.

Europe

M.A.D.

Keukenhof is Tulip Heaven

Soooo many tulips (and other flowers, too). Keukenhof's 79 acres are a site to behold.

Antarctica

Fun Friends

Icebergs in Antarctica

There's something special about the light in the Golden Hour, even at the southern-most continent.

South America

Fun Friends

King Penguins at the Falkland Islands

Whatever you want to call a group of penguins…this group on Falkland Island has a lot of king penguins in it!

South America

Fun Friends

The Power of Water

There are waterfalls, and then are the Victoria Falls.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Efficient Ice Cream Distribution

No language barrier was involved in ordering this luscious ice cream in Hokkaido, Japan.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

The Ultimate Embodiment of All Things Japanese

Wow. Attention to detail and balance, respect and love of nature, creativity and artistic vision,...it's all so Japanese.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Kushida-jinja, a Shinto Shrine

Dedicated to the three most important gods, this shrine has a purification/cleansing ritual before entering.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Hakata and Fukuoka

How do you honor a city's history when it merges with another and loses its name?

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Woohoo! Photo Stand Ins!

Fukuoka Tower has an interesting mascot but they make up for it with great photo stand ins.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Gift Shop Goodies in Fukuoka Tower

Lots to see and choose not to buy in the packed gift shops at Fukuoka Tower

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

What We Observed from the Observation Tower

We rode the glass elevator to the top and observed the city skyline below.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka Tower is basically an empty tower built of glass with elevators inside that serves as an observation tower.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

What is PayPay?

Why name a baseball stadium "PayPay Dome"?

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Welcome to Fukuoka

A new port, a new excursion, more to see and learn!

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Same Show But Different

Tonight’s entertainment was Cantaré, a men’s quartet show: same play list, same choreography, different singers.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Yummy Dinner

I don't think having two scoops on a fruit crisp while on a Holland America ship will ever get old. Love you James Long!

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

We Slept Through the Earthquake

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck southern Japan but we missed it.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Practically a Sea Day

We sailed all morning and didn’t reach the port of Fukuoka until late afternoon--a nice lazy day.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Sailing Through the Kanmon Straits

Sailing through the Kanmon Straits (a.k.a. the Straits of Shimonoseki)--the stretch of water separating Honshu and Kyushu

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Beautiful Flowers On Board

There are always beautiful fresh flowers all around the ship.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

How Small is a 1/30 Scale?

I love when people help make math realistic and relevant.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Architecture That Makes a Statement

Kochi Castle displays the power and wealth of the lord as well as makes it difficult for enemies to get close.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Kochi Castle

First built in the early 1600's, Kochi is one of the last twelve authentic Japanese castles.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A Fun Bus for a Fun Excursion

Our bus was as fun on the inside as it was on the outside as we drove through Kochi.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Welcome to Kochi

We received quite the welcome to Kochi.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A Not-so-funny Comedian

Tonight’s entertainment was a stand up comedian and voice impersonator who wasn’t very funny or entertaining.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A Bigger Table for Ten

There was a mixup at our original table where 10 people were assigned to a table of 8. They moved us to a bigger table.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

What Is It?

Lots of keys to tiny little spots--what is this for?

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Welcome to/Farewell to Kochi

We missed seeing the character when we arrived, but caught her on our return.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Fun Sites in Kochi

A collection of random sightings that made me smile in Kochi

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Ice Cream

Cherry blossom ice cream and cute ice cream spoons for 500 yen ($3.23), why yes, thank you.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Different Kinds of Heroes

One statue honors a military man who was also a businessman and politician, and another statue honors an important author.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Katsurahama Beach: Too Much to See; Too Little Time

Katsurahama Beach offers, history, scenery, caves, statues, shops, and more.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Great Hands-On Area (Not Just for Children)

So much fun in the hands-on area including traditional outfits, hats, puzzles, origami, and calligraphy.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Calligraphy in a Museum!

Ooh! Displays about Japanese calligraphy!

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

History, Art, Artifacts, and Feathers

The museum had interesting displays: the history of castles in Japan, tiles with a family crest, and a feathered spear cover.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A Nice Ending to a Very Long Day

We were a little hungry and a lot tired after our long day, but we managed to get dinner, local drummers, and theater.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Cutting It Close

One good reason to take excursions sponsored by the cruise company: if they're late, the ship will wait.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Scenic Route Through Kyoto

As we left Kyoto for the 90-minute drive back to the ship in Kobe, our driver took a scenic route through downtown.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Wishing Trees and Kimonos

Japanese traditions for sale: Write your wish and hang it on a tree. Or you can rent a Kimono.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Heian Jingu Shrine

It was only a partial reprroduction at 5/8 of the scale of the original and it was still breathtaking.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Gold Leaf Ice Cream

Real gold leaf is edible? And they put it on ice cream?!

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Nijo Castle, a Shōgun Palace

Completed in 1626, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was pretty fascinating, especially the floor construction.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Looks Familiar…

Check out the logo on these buses

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A Real Japanese Lunch

Bento box, specialized small plates, bolws, and serving pieces...it was a beautiful (and tasty) Japanese lunch.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Ice Cream Vending Machines

They actually had vending machines that sold ice cream with a choice of competitors: Baskin Robbin’s, Hagen Daas, or Morinaga.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

The Gold is Real

The Golden Pavillion was first built in 1397 but destroyed by fire in the 1400s and in 1950, but has been reconstructed.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Kyoto the Ancient Capital

The 90-minute bus ride from the port to Kyoto was worth it.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Captain’s Welcome and Gala Dinner

It's always fun to dress up for the fancy welcome meal.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Back to the Ship

We got back to the port and there were many vendors including one with a $150,000 kimono.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Hina no Tsurushi Kazari (Traditional Hanging Ornaments)

Cloth decorations given from mother to daughter and handed down from generation to generation in Japanese families.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A 300-Year Old Private Residence

We toured main building of the Ogane family's home, which is designated a National Important Cultural Property.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Matcha Tea Ice Cream?

Of course we had to try it! There are seven levels, we only tried two.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Fascinating Displays at the Tea Museum

Tea sets, cups, pots, craft brew tea, farming equipment, models, maps, and more.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

A Museum Just About Tea

The museum consists of a display area, tea ceremony house, garden, and commercial facilities.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Katsu Kaishū

A Japanese statesman and naval engineer during the 1800’s who helped the country through some hard times politically has a statue.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Food Trucks Can Pack a Lot

It’s impressive what people kitchen wares people can pack in tiny spaces.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Guinness Book of Records Bridge

The longest wooden walking bridge in the world was constructed in 1879 in Japan.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Omaezaki is Home to Mt. Fuji and Green Tea

We didn't see Mt. Fuji but we learned a lot about tea.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

How-Many-Star Mariner

Mother is a 4-star Mariner, I'm only a 3-star....I have some catching up to do.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Cherry Blossom Report

Our cruise director showed map of the current stages of cherry blossoms across the country.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

First Dinner

Let the food photos begin!

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Our Home for the Next Month

Here's our home for the next 30 days. Looking forward to a great cruise, visiting exciting places, and with great friends.

Asia

M.A.D.

Sights on the Way

The drive to the port was mostly through tunnels in Tokyo, but we did see some sights in Yokohama.

Asia

Fun Friends , M.A.D.

Our Ship!

We can see it, we just have to go through some logistics (a lot of logistics) to get aboard. (Spoiler Alert: We made it!)

Asia

M.A.D.

Fun Features of Our Hotel

Beautiful lobby, unusual elevator buttons, unique revolving doors and a gorgeous world clock

Asia

M.A.D.

Cherry Blossoms!

We thought we would miss the cherry blossom season but it was late this year and we hit it just right.

Asia

M.A.D.

The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Architects were invited to submit plans to the competition as long as the building wasn't rectangular.

Asia

M.A.D.

Too Bad We Only Get One Night

Our hotel is so lovely, we wish we were here for more than 18 hours.

Asia

M.A.D.

A Sightseeing Drive Through the City of Tokyo

We are only in Tokyo for one night because we board our cruise ship in the morning, but we saw a lot on the drive to our hotel.

Asia

M.A.D.

Welcome to Japan!

We landed on time, got through customs, were greeted in the terminal by name, and had a personalized ride to our hotel.

Asia

M.A.D.

How We Survived a Very Long Trip

Decent food, leg room, back-of-the-seat entertainment, and sleep made the 13-plus hours just fly by.

North America

M.A.D.

Japan, Here We Come!

And we are off on our next adventure!

Asia

M.A.D.

Last Minute Tasks Before the Month-Long Trip in the Morning

What to do when you still need to finish packing for a month-long cruise to Japan (and Alaska and sailing across the Pacific)?

North America

Fun Friends

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Celestial Experience

Words and photographs can’t capture the sensations of the supernatural experience of a total eclipse.

North America

Fun Friends

Our Solar Eclipse Watching Party

We had a party with appropriate eclipse snacks and had a fabulous location for our watch party.

North America

Solo travel

The Total Solar Eclipse is Coming My Way

How exciting that according to the Eclipse App, I live less than 20 miles from the path of the Total Solar Eclipse.

North America

Solo travel

I Live on a Christmas Card

It's April and it's still Christmas card season.

North America

Butterflies

A Butterfly Birthday

We made all our reservations for events on this trip more th three weeks in advance—dinner at Magnolias was worth the wait.

North America

M.A.D.

Christmas Prelude Lives Up to Its Reputation

The whole town of Kennebunkport turns into a magical Christmas village with so many fun things to see and do.

North America

Fun Friends

Best Needhams in the State

Boothbay is a fabulous Maine town, a great place to take visitors, and I love visiting Orne's Candy Store.

Australia

Travelin' Trio

Journey on Lake Wakipitu

As if dinner and a show (two shows to be exact) wasn't enough, the journey to get there was a bonus and equally fun.

Australia

Travelin' Trio

Zoo Photo Bomb

It's a kangaroo at Sydney's Taronaga Zoo...or is it?

North America

PHSisters

Birthday Celebrations Then and Now

In high school we bonded through Girl Scouts, band, drill team, and more. Decades later we are celebrating those friendships.

North America

M.A.D.

Lighthouse Museum

There is so much to learn about lighthouses. And no better place than the Maine Lighthouse Museum.

North America

Fun Friends

UMF Students Past and Present

I brought my class to the MooseTech PD Conference and found former students who are now teachers.

North America

M.A.D.

It Doesn’t Get More American Than This

Happy Fourth of July from Castine, Maine with a children's parade, tug of war, sack races, pie eating, and more.

North America

Fun Friends , Travelin' Trio

Dinner and Dessert in Banff

oooh, check out the double letter words in that title! Guess what we had for dessert.

North America

Fun Friends , Travelin' Trio

Selfie of a Selfie

This great t-shirt called for a selfie.

North America

Fun Friends , Travelin' Trio

Photographic Moments in Banff

Just some phun photos from a phun evening in Banff.

North America

Fun Friends , Travelin' Trio

Bunk House Cafe and Ice Creamery

Fun menu, photo stand in, delicious food, AND ice cream?! Of course we'll eat here.

North America

M.A.D.

Dinner and the Theatre…ABQ Style

Feeding my green chile craving and my hunger followed by a great night of theatre.

North America

Family Folks , Fun Friends

John’s Ice Cream in Liberty

A great rest stop on a long journey is any place with ice cream, but John's ice cream is the perfect stop.

North America

Solo travel

Meet Angus King

At a Google Workshop for Educators, I met former governor Angus King who initiated Maine's Learning Technology Initiative.

North America

Solo travel

Paul Bunyon in Maine

What do Paul Bunyon, Edmund Muskie, and a fake campfire have in common?

North America

Fun Friends

Me and Two Moose

A mama moose and her baby were munching on the shoreline of the pond so we kayaked nearby for a great photo opp.

North America

Family Folks , Fun Friends

Family Fun in the Western Caribbean–2000

We added Dr. Mari to the family and headed off on a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean.

Europe

Family Folks

We Did the Eurail/Backpack Thing — 1992

In two weeks, Karen and I went to Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, and France.

North America

Family Folks

16 States in a Winnebago–1972

Wow. How did we do that?! 16 states in 5 weeks. (Plus a stop in Mexico)

The Journal

South America

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Australia

Antarctica

Africa

Asia

Europe

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Europe

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Africa

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