Sweet home Chicago

I come close to tears when I think of the fantastic journey this big mini adventure took me on. It was truly, as my mom said, a dream come true. I am forever grateful to all my wonderful hosts and hostesses who open up their homes and hearts to me. YOU're wonderful, and helped make this trip the best!! I do love my city, but I miss each of you and I have the wanderlust in my blood now big time...

The beauty of Yellowstone

Waterfalls, bubblin' goop, majestic bald eagle, big 'ole elk, beasty buffulo, sweet black bear --OH MY!!!!!!!!

Jolly times in Jackson Hole

We had a grand time the other day in Jackson. We eat, shopped, and traveled through the Grand Tetons National Park---truly GRAND!

Delights in Driggs

This is truly AMAZING--the cherry on top ---my Chicago friend, Cindy's 'little' red barn sweeeeeet home with a billion dollar view of the Grand Tetons from her place. (It's a bit hard to find , but SOOOO worth it!)  I just got here last evening, along with another one of her friend's Barb(who's now my down under friend)  who is visiting from Australia. So we'll be getting the full Teton Valley treatment the next few days...I'll keep you posted!

Birthdays, Boating, Boatners in Boise!

I had the most wonderful time with Tom (the birthday boy!), Lisa, Sam- and Sarah....and sweet Gemmie & little Emma. Strolling the farmer's market, hiking up the foothills, playing BS, checking out the Oregon trail route, rafting the river, birthday dinner with cool friends, double rainbows...with lots of laughs and fun.  No comsos (; but just about everything.

my "newest old time" friends...

After walking about in breath taking C'oeur d'Lene, Idaho and drove down to Michele's long rocky drive way in no man's land and was greeted by sweet barking Ticket and Fin with Michele waving me in, I knew it was like visiting long time friends. She had a fabulous home grown/ home made pesto dish waiting with a glass of red, which had to wait 'til after the grand tour of her and Tim's super charmin' rehabbed ole far house, gardens, and many happy puppy pets! I just wanna know how I've gotten so incredibly lucky on this trip of trips...

Sensational Seattle

It was a fabulous time meeting and staying with Liz's mom(Pat), dad(Bob), and cousin, James. I arrived right in time to help Pat get ready for Bob's scientist friends' delicious dinner party (I do have great timing!) The next day was wonderful, seeing the organic grocery where James works, wandering their beautiful neighborhood and attending a much needed yoga class with Pat and friends. Then I got the cliff note tour of grand Seattle from James--which included a visit to a coffee shop (of course!), a great ferry ride, the aquarium, Pike's market, their super cool library, and shopping near the  University...but no vampire sitings!

Spike (& Amanda) in Seattle!

Little did we know that we'd both be hanging out and tipping a  few back together in Seattle, but that's just one more crazy, amazing thing about my adventure. I adore Amanda, Marty's new gal,and her place is just steps from famous Pike Market.   Seattle is GREAT! Cheers....

Leaving a 'tiny' mark in Medford

 Lots of laughs have been had with my wacky cousin Terry and his charming 'girls': wife Mary and daughters Breana and Colleen. I got the royal tour of the beautiful club --the the million dollar view--that Terry is TOP iron chef at, which both Mary and Bre work at, too! We spent one afternoon strolling charming, hippie-ville Ashland-where they all said I was meant for...Plus, I helped Terry try to shrink with is big ole carbon footprint...and fine wine cellar collection! (;

..to the Redwood Forest

Well, on this BIG 'mini' adventure, I have to say that sweet Sunny and I felt quite AWED (an understatement) That is ONE tree trunk that is larger than my four wheeled partner in this incredible road trip! WOW, wow is all I could say about this...

off to Oregon --and another Dowling brother--

YAY!!!

Paradise found...

Spent time in Pope Valley---a tricky-t0-find little gem that is just a windy, windy road away from popular Napa Valley--with Gary & Holly. It was a true quiet, nature treasure--with more amazing views from their wall to wall to floor windows, plus fun, funky trinkets through out the fields that Gary has sprinkled about their paradise! (I've been blessed with another of my cousins' yogi's dream retreat)