The North Pole

My nephew with Santa talking about trains.....and trains.

Have you ever seen that movie with Chevy Chase where he takes the family to an amusement park during the holiday season?  I think it's National Lampoons but don't quote me on that:)  Well, the park they visit looks outdated and like something from the 50's.  Most of the things from the 50's are slowly disappearing as the times are changing.  So it was a curious mistake that we discovered one of these parks still existed.  I was so fascinated by the idea that I wanted to check this place out. Today we take a trip to the North Pole.....in Colorado Springs.  

I couldn't stop laughing.  Really.  We happened to visit the weekend before Halloween and some of the Santa figures were quite frankly.....scary!!!  But don't listen to me.  I really had a great time with the family and we laughed a lot.  I forgot that it was 2011 and that I was actually at the North Pole.  It was COLD!!!  The best part was watching my nephew react to all the wonderful rides and shows.

The North Pole has a post office where you can send letters on Christmas Eve.  I thought that was really cool and I know a lot of parents like doing this for their kids.  They have a lot of Christmas shops to buy ornaments, candy, figurines, nutcrackers, and pretty much anything Christmas-y you can think of....

Orion rode Rudolph among the million other rides there.  There weren't any lines and so we didn't have to wait to get onto the various rides. Of course, everywhere you went, they played Christmas music.

Be careful...everywhere you turn, there are elves watching you!

These totem poles are trippy!

Luna makes her annual trip up the tree.

The rides look like Christmas and sometimes feel like Christmas!  What if our Christmas trees really could do this???!!!!  One of my favorite holiday cartoons is the one where Mickey Mouse cuts down a Christmas tree and brings it into his house.  Chip and Dale are in the tree and while they are in the tree, comedy ensues between Pluto and the two mischievious chipmunks!  A true holiday classic.  But the one thing that's magical about this cartoon is how the tree plays like a Christmas village of magic and memories where ornaments and lights act as background landmarks.  What would it be like to get lost in a Christmas tree?  Of course, we'll never know.  But our cats sure do.  It never fails.  Every year they climb up into the tree and break ornaments!

The Santa Slide!  It looked like fun but I was a little leary:)

We went to a magic show by Balthazar, the Christmas Wizard.  I'll admit I was a bit tripped out by the trailer we entered, but forgot we were in the place once the show started.  The Christmas wizard sure knew how to get the kids to react and the adults had a good chuckle.  Honestly, I don't know how he popped out this big fat bunny. 

But the bunny was a kid favorite:)

The rides and amusement park are situated among the gorgeous mountain views of Colorado Springs.  I don't think I saw an ugly part once while we were visiting.

Orion helped Santa out by getting into Santa's very own bomber.  Interesting ride.  Who knew Santa fought against evil in this world? 

Okay, this pic below is my personal favorite.  The fall colors were incredible and this carousel made the perfect backdrop! 

The pic below is bizarre.  It's a terrible shot of me, but I don't care.  I hate roller coasters but did what the cool uncles do.....ride with the family.

A perfect kid moment.  Orion playing around by the magic mirrors.  I laughed so much watching him have fun with those silly things. 

The North Pole is open until the 24th.  Santa has a lot of reindeer in the park....some you can feed!

It was a bit pricey to enter at about 20 bucks a person and then you are cleverly given a card to punch out at the end of the day for all your purchases within the park:)  I really loved the train ride because it took you around the beautiful forested park. 

And of course, there was someone waiting for us as we approached his workshop.....Santa!  I shouldn't have been excited....but I was:)

Orion ran to Santa and I had goosebumps....because it was cold:)  Santa was a funny man and he had some really beautiful things to say.  One was....."Uncles are like young Grandpas" and I smiled.  I don't think we'll ever have kids as I'm getting too old for them. Raising a little kid at 40 isn't my idea of fun, but I know I'd make a good father. We both have so many nephews and nieces that we are constantly bombarded with little kids running around us.  The best part is that we get to go to a quiet home afterwards.  It isn't a requirement to have children and not all people should have them, but they are fun to have around:)  Watching Orion react to Santa's kind words made me feel.....just for a moment.....that I could be a father.  And then the moment passed!

We had a great time up in the North Pole and it was even better having the kids around.  If you have grandkids, nephews or nieces, your own kids....or just kids, you'll have fun here.  Bring some money with you.....especially if you are one of those people who like Christmas things.  There were a lot of beautiful and expensive items inside the stores.  Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season so far...

The 12 Day Countdown

Happy Holidays to my blogging friends!,

Instead of retreading on the same topic from the previous year, I thought I would do something else.  Last year I took you to Winterhaven, Madera Canyon and the Luminarias for the holiday season.  This year I thought I would do something different.  Tucson is an amazing place and I thought I'd go around Tucson and snap shots of the town in its' Christmas glory.  So everyday until Christmas, I'll be featuring an image from my photography shoot with a little description. Afterwards, we'll be heading to Wisconsin and spending some time with the family in Two Rivers.  It should be rather chilly:) Let's get into the holiday spirit.  For me it's not about the religious significance of Christmas as it is more about family.

My hobbit friends(people from WI or aka. "The Shire") have left our green pastures and now live in the desert due to warmer temps:)  However, it's during this time of year, we go through a type of seasonal depression.  This is a difficult time when we miss our family and friends the most along with all of the holiday festivities.  So I thought I'd put together ways to combat this dark depression.  Santa does come to the Old Pueblo.  You just just have to know the right places and times to visit to get into that holiday spirit.  Get ready for some holiday fun in Tucson!  Our first stop......

Random homes.  Take your car or a walk around the neighborhood at NIGHT.  That's the key because at night it's cooler to cold.  The lights attract our eyes and transport us some place else.  My secret.  94.9 FM with Delilah.  It's all Christmas tunes 24/7. I'll hear a song by Bing Crosby and I'll think about something my Grandmother said while that song is playing. That's how my memory works...everything relates to a song.

So whether it's going to Winterhaven or the individual home that goes above and beyond, Tucson has a lot of Christmas spirit! Happy Holidays!

Breakfast In Flagstaff

A haven from the sometimes oppressive heat of the desert, Flagstaff is a sky island of cooler temps, trees, and a snowy mountain top.  It was nice heading back here after 10 years of not having visited. Flagstaff is a slow and sometimes sleepy town, but if you organize your trip, you'll find it has a lot to offer.

We went to visit during the fall season and here are some shots we snapped at the Arboretum At Flagstaff.  While there, we ate at some wonderful places and met some fascinating people.  Flagstaff was our homebase for the several trips we took over the 4 day weekend to the Grand Canyon and Walnut Canyon.

There is a lot to do and a lot to see while visiting.  My recommendation, if you go now, is to pack warmer clothes and be ready for the odd snow storm that passes through this mountainous area.  Vehicles can get stuck with the freezing temps and make it difficult to get in or out of the city.  But today's focus is on food!!! And more specifically....breakfast:)

There is a lot of charm around this town and it appears that much has not changed.  NAU or Northern Arizona University plays a big role in the city's center. 

I want to tell you about some of the food we ate there as it was phenomenal!!!  I'm serious!  Chilaquiles are delicious and you won't find a better Mexican breakfast treat in the state except for Martannes.   My body will sometimes go into shock if I don't have this delicious Mexican meal.  Imagine.  Tortilla strips in a red or green sauce.  With eggs.  And maybe refried beans.  Or chicken. Fried together over an open stove in a frying pan. Perfection my friends....perfection.

I highly recommend this gem in Flagstaff and I promise that you won't be disappointed.  Ask for chilaquiles(cheel-ah-ki-lays). If you've never had them, you need to order a plate.  If you are a beginner, start with the red sauce and don't add any meat because it's a lot of food.....unless you have a large appetite.  If you like an adventure and don't mind a bit of spice, try the green sauce...my personal favorite.  I'll admit, it took me years to get to that place, but once you go green, you'll never go back to the red:)

Martannes is located downtown Flagstaff.  This place can get busy and weekdays seem to allow for a quieter crowd....but that isn't always guaranteed:)  There is one other mention that I'd like to share with you all.  Before we left for Walnut Canyon, we stopped at another breakfast place with fresh....let me repeat that word.....FRESH biscuits and gravy!!!  I've never had this traditional southern dish before, but I am so glad I tried their fresh biscuits!!!  They were HOMEMADE and yum yum yum!!  Where is this place?   Again, the "place" is located in Flagstaff at Mike and Ronda's The Place.  Go and order one of their delicious breakfasts.  I am a food person and love all things with a home touch.  I know there is a lot about Flagstaff that we didn't see, but we did get to experience some excellent dining options before our major road trips.  If you visit Arizona, I recommend a trip to this interesting change of scenery and temps!  More tomorrow....

Balboa Park

Need a little inspiration and color in your life?  An escape from the routine?  On a vacation this past summer, we went to San Diego for a week.  While there, we stopped at Balboa Park in San Diego.  Here are some unique shots of the artists and their works around this magnificent and botanical haven.

I love color.  In this pic, I try out a beard and kinda like it.  LOVE this garden art.

I felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz.  Where are the munchkins?  Well after reading Wicked, I'd rather not meet these disturbing little individuals. 

There are a lot of garden ideas at this park like from the pic below.  Check out this cool idea...

Magnify your flowers!!!

I had a blast playing around with this garden art and my camera.  People were looking at us funny, but we had fun taking the shots.:)

If you love gardens, there are several. 

If you love art, it's all over.

                                       These tree roots were cool and reminded me of Lord of the Rings

There were vases of flowers.

Statues....

Lily ponds!!!

It was an eyefull of color and fun.  Bring your camera and spend a day at the zoo or just walk around the park.  Either way, it's a win win:) 

This is a free plant exhibit of tropical plants.

Make sure you sit outside and have some lunch along the waterway.

Once inside, I felt like I was back in Panama.

Bromeliads....

Orchids....

Ficus trees!  Oh My!!

A must see if you're going to San Diego.

Quirky Places

 Hello friends,
I thought today I would mention the strange things that make me smile in Tucson.  This weekend, of course, is the 4th Avenue Street Fair and with it comes the artistic crowd.  I'll admit that I was a bit lazy with the camera today and just took shots...nothing artsy except what you see in the photos.  Normally I go to just people watch and look for any new ideas for the garden.  I try to stay away from the greasy fried food and today I succeeded.  When I left the fair today, I found several items interesting......which relate to the places that living things call home.   

 During this time of year, as I imagine it is for many of us, money is tight.  BUT ideas are free. There really isn't anything exceptional about the fair other than it's a great way to get outside and enjoy the weather and celebrate our Tucson community.  I did notice this year that some vendors prohibited people from taking pictures of their art.  However I did find a gracious man who said it was okay for me to take a couple pictures.  I understand how artists feel about pictures being taken of their work, but I didn't realize how many people took pictures without asking permission.  He was a really nice guy and if you have some money, these bird houses are fantastic!  I absolutely loved his work and I have to say that it was my favorite stand this year for the garden.  He'll be there on Sunday so keep your eyes open for colorful bird houses.

 On the way back to our car off a side street, I noticed this odd looking train.  It's a functional home!!!  And I thought, "I'd love to live in a place like this."  I know it's small, but it's really cool.  Whomever came up with this idea, did a great job making it come alive.  It was really cool.  I'm not sure if it's a guest house or an actual home.

 There you have it.  Quirky places make me smile.  I especially love those windows.  Do you have quirky homes in your neighborhood that you'd love to visit?  Or possibly live?

The Thing?

On a road trip to the Chiricahua Mountains, we stopped at this gas station/museum near Willcox, Arizona. For miles and miles before this exit, there were signs leading up to.....THE THING.  The signs plant a subliminal message in your head long before you get there.....and also by placing a Dairy Queen next door to the museum to cool you off.  Clever marketing strategy:)  We had to stop and fill up on gas and grab some ice cream for the long drive ahead of us. While I was in the store, I had the option of paying 1 dollar to see what THE THING was all about, but I didn't. Why not? Well, I love seeing the signs and thinking about what it could be.  Each time I drive past those signs, it's a nastier and scarier image than before.  For me, some things are better left to the imagination. And you?

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs.  This place is simply gorgeous and amazing.  All the skinny American people live here and I think I really understood why people from Colorado are in shape.....there's so much to do outdoors!!  Virtually every part of this city has a view and trail somewhere for people to walk and explore.  Today's post focuses on Garden of the Gods.  It's free to the public and an easy walk around the park.

You'll see a lot of people rockclimbing or running on the trails.  Of course, there are lots of walkers around the main entrance. 

My mom went here several years ago during a trip out to Colorado and told me about this place.  I remember her putting several screensavers up on our computer.  These pictures had rocks with snow on top of them....and for some reason, made me think of the holiday season.  Today when I see these pics I think of Christmas.....even though this place has nothing to do with the season.  It was a weird memory association.  I do remember feeling envy and a desire to visit this place.  Years later.....It would happen.  I would discover a place called The North Pole where Santa lived....and once again I would associate forever Colorado Springs with Christmas.  Strange!

It's open daily, but check the times below for the hours because they do change during winter and summer. It's considered a National Landmark and full of flora and fauna.

Of course, there is no beating the sky!!!  We went in October which was just in time to see the Aspen and other trees turn color for fall. Several days later, snow would fall.

They also had a cheesy souvenir shop with overpriced things, but on the day we went, it was all about the family and Halloween.  There was this guy dressed in a scary rabbit outfit and I really wanted a picture with him....but I didn't do it.  I laughed outloud at the ridiculous nature of his outfit.  It was almost as if he hated dressing up for the event.  However, I still suffer from bouts of shyness and regret not taking the time to get that shot!!!  It would have been funny. The faces kids made were priceless.....

Originally this park was owned by a family who eventually passed it over for all to visit and today it's maintained by the city of Colorado Springs.  There are also volunteers that come and help out around the grounds. 

There's a lot to see and do in Colorado Springs.....almost too much.  Tucson has a lot to do, but Colorado Springs.....um well....that would have taken a full week to visit.  We only had two days, but they were really a lot of fun.

If you have family in wheelchairs or kids in strollers and would like to take them on a day trip, this is the perfect place to visit.  Everything is rather easy to walk.  We saw a lot of runners, rockclimbers, and elderly people being pushed by their kids around the level pavement sidewalks. And there were plenty of mothers with strollers!

And that's exactly what we used the day for.....family day.  We hung out and walked, ate, and visited the lovely city of Colorado Springs.  Beautiful!

For more information, click on this link.