Year in Review-Travel

 Las Aventuras took a break this year from international travel.  Why?  I discovered Southern Arizona with new eyes.

 So while I stayed home, we had such an amazing time here in Arizona.  However, we did get a chance to meet some amazing people, visit Wisconsin and bird in nearby Mexico along the Pacific Ocean.

 One our favorite spots was in Wisconsin Dells over the summer.  Wonderful weather along with beautiful forests made for a very special day.

 And in my hometown along the shores of Lake Michigan, we were able to hang out with the family.

 We even found time to visit Madison, the Capital of Wisconsin during the Scott Walker vote!

 My brother and SIL took us to the Green Bay botanical gardens which was a real thrill.

 Sometimes.  Just sometimes.  I wish I could grow some of these amazing green and colorful plants.

We did get out to Mexico though and had an amazing birding trip along the Sea of Cortez to go to the Bird Islands!

 This next year, several epic outings have been planned.  Some are in the works right now and I'll keep you updated.  I am plotting our courses for next year as are my travel buddies.

 Life is full of good people and experiences.  I believe in kharma.  Throwing bad cause out into the world is not good. But when you send out the positive vibes.......

 .......they come roaring back to you loudly full of incredible energy.  And I'm loving life.  Each day is a new adventure whether it be close to home or elsewhere.  All we have to do is step out that door:)

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The Green Bay Botanical Gardens

Vanderperren English Cottage Garden

One of the last things I had the chance to do before leaving Wisconsin was visit the Green Bay Botanical Gardens!! My brother and sil(sister in law) invited us to these gardens for watching their puppies while they were in Minnesota.  

Purple and White Allium Themed Space

It was a steamy hot day but there was plenty of shade for us to cool off.  And once we got started on the various paths, we saw lots of beautiful color arrangements.

An older Question Mark Butterfly

Now I don't know if this was intended or not, but it really felt like I was walking through the Shire from Lord of the Rings.  I love how every region in the states has their own take on gardening.  People in Wisconsin love their hostas and flowers:)  I can't tell you how many types of hostas there are because there are like......a billion.  But if you love hostas, and who doesn't?, go visit Cheesehead Gardening.  The Hostanerd will tell you everything you need to know.  She even has a post on one particular hosta known as "Captain Kirk".  Yes, hostas are like roses are like succulents are like cacti....and then there are the iris fans.....well you get the idea.  Back on the path.....

Pink Asters

I spotted lots of wonderful themes throughout the gardens and they were absolutely splendid.

Mary Hendrickson Johnson Wisconsin Woodland Garden

My nephew loved capturing things.  Again boys will be boys.  But I had a chat with him about being careful picking something up like a toad or a frog.  Be gentle.  Don't carry them with you.  And put them back in the same spot you found them etc etc etc.  I was like this as a kid and today I would never pick anything up unless it was in danger, but kids have to touch touch touch.  And maybe that's a good thing.  Perhaps they will be the next shephards to watch over and care for our environment.  Nurturing our youth and promoting knowledge about the environment is extremely important in this day and age.  This year I've had 3 explorers with us....my niece, a friend's son, and of course, my own nephew during a couple outings.  And I've got to say this, they spot EVERYTHING!!!  They are good little detectives.  I'm so blind sometimes.  Maybe I do need to have kids:)?  But then again.....

Here is one of my brothers(below) with my nephew.  He's a good man and really wants to become a father.  No luck yet, but maybe soon. 

The important part is to just enjoy the paths we've all been given.  And like this post suggests, these were the kinds of conversations we were having throughout the walk.  Well and lot's of that family joking around:)

 And along the way, here are some things that grabbed my attention.....

12 Spotted Skimmer

 The Dragonflies around Wisconsin are stunning.

Look at this fun Butterfly Garden! I say fill that with lots and lots of succulents!

Lollipop Purle Allium

 The colors of purples and reds and whites and pinks and yellows and oranges and.....

Gertrude B. Nielsen Children’s Garden

 .....the designs........

......areas for kids to have fun......

John & Janet Van Den Wymelenberg Color & Foliage Garden

 .....and places to grab shade from the heat and humidity.

 These are also places to take cheesy family photos.  James Bond.

 ....and how does our youth today feel about older adults?  Do we really smell?

Red Flower Carpet shrub rose

.....and of course the themed gardens.

The Green Bay Botanical Gardens is a real treat for plant enthusiasts around the world.  7 dollar admission.  Here's their link for more info. Hope you enjoyed the tour. And of course more tomorrow....