20 Years Ago, Canada

Twenty years ago this week we were in Canada. We drove from Salt Lake City to Calgary. We were there during the famous Calgary Stampede and were excited to go to that festivity a few days during our visit. 

On this day, however, we were at Lake Louise. It is one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. The hotel was beautiful inside and out. We went into the lobby and were soothed by the music of a harp player. Outside on the shore, the beautiful blue lake was busy with folks like us, tourists, but it somehow still managed to be a peaceful place.

It was pointed out on signs on the walkway that the glacier that feeds the lake is receding. I imagine the way things are going that in the twenty years since then it has changed even more.

Back with more again soon. 

Take care and stay cozy! 

An Unplanned Day

Jim is home today which is unusual for a Friday. Since we have no urgent needs for car repair, landscaping project planning, moving chores or things to do on our rental house the day is free from appointments for him. Since those are the kind of chores he does around here when he has time off.

I think he is planning a small day trip for us. The lady on his Garmin keeps saying, "Please drive the highlighted route." in the other room. If I ask about it I get no answers. I now we won't get as far away as the picture but it is one of my favorites and I like looking at it. This was taken on the shores of Lake Louise in Canada.

Where in the World

No I am not talking about Carmen San Diego. Does anyone remember that computer game and later tv show besides me?

Actually Jim has asked me a couple times if I could choose a destination any where in the world, where would I like to go for a dream vacation. Gemini that I am I have answered differently every time he has asked.

There are places we have been that I would love to return to and explore further. One such place that I would return to is Calgary, Canada. We were there a few years ago during the Stampede and it was so much fun.

There are other places that I have never been to that I imagine would be wonderful to visit. What comes to mind right now are Australia or Ireland. You might notice a trend of English speaking countries here. I mean no disrepect to other places but I have a fear of getting lost in a place where I can't make myself understood. Silly I know but that is just me.

Penny pincher that I am you can bet that when the time comes to actually decide on a destination and go I will be looking for the best travel deals I can find.

What is your dream destination?

Sharing a Favorite

I decided today that I have been remiss in sharing and showing off some of the fabulous things that can be found on Etsy.

The pin you see here today is from the shop Niven Glass Originals of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Her specialty is fused glass jewelry. Her work in the shop includes birds, flowers, bows, divas and of course this hat which I marked as a favorite some time ago meaning to blog about it. Someone should own this beautiful piece, maybe you?

In the artist's own words-

My background is in Graphic Design and Illustration. Six years ago, I took a stained glass course that completely changed the direction of my work. Since then I’ve replaced my paint brush with a glass cutter. I now work full time as a glass artist, focusing primarily on the endless possibilities of fused glass.

I design and handcraft each piece of my glass art. The individual pieces are cut, layered and kiln fused at approximately 1400 degrees F. Most pieces are fired twice to ensure a high polish with smooth even edges. The larger foldover pieces require a third firing. The same amount of care goes into each design and every piece of wearable art jewelry is unique.

What are you waiting for? Go look!