Living the Dream in Retirement
I enjoy photography and find it nearly impossible to pass by beautiful flowers without stopping to take photos. These were taken yesterday at my BFF’s home in Traverse City Michigan where I spent a fabulous extended weekend.
I’ve vacationed in Tennessee for years and am so in love with the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the kindness and hospitality of the people, southern food and the endless fun things to do there.
This trip I sought out new experiences and happened upon Rocking Chair Farm. Located in Corryton, it was an easy 30 miles drive from my Sevierville cabin. A cool day with a possibility of rain (which didn’t happen) it was perfect for a tour of this special farm run by David and Christine Rogers. I was their only customer for the 10 a.m. tour and got to have lots of interaction while learning about and feeding these adorable animals.
The herd is comprised of Huacuya and Suri Alpacas guarded over by the couple’s four livestock guardian dogs. Before we entered the first of three pens, David and Christine went over a number of rules for my safety as well as the alpacas. I was told there are some that are really friendly and if there were those who didn’t approach me, not to worry. I learned how to feed them with a flat, open palm; it was the sweetest feeling as they gently nuzzled my hand. There is a gentleness about them, their personalities and curiosity is endearing.
After the tour we visited their gift shop. David designs and makes the lovely hats, scarves, gloves using yarn made from their alpaca’s wool and there are a number of other quality items to choose from. Given the opportunity I’ll visit again – this was an experience I’ll never forget!
Lunar New Year is the current theme at Bellagio. It’s the Year of the Rabbit.
On my latest trip to Las Vegas, I attended a Cirque show so awesome I’m still thinking about it.
We had perfect seats, in the middle and high enough to see everything happening on stage and most importantly – above us. It was breathtaking, a visual feast for the senses between the incredibly gifted acrobats, vibrant costumes not to mention the dramatic music and lighting which are integral to the performance. I was so spellbound taking it all in that most of the photos in this post are courtesy of my sister Lisa.
More from the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino website: Mystère™ is the original, must see Cirque du Soleil® show that combines powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that has become the company’s hallmark.
Deemed a theatrical “flower in the desert,” Mystère thrills generations of audiences with its exhilarating blend of whimsy, drama and the unimaginable brought to life on stage.
Presented exclusively at Treasure Island, Mystère provides the ultimate discovery that life itself is a mystery.
Honored eight times as “Best Production Show” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mystère has an international cast of over 65 performers featuring dancers, singers, musicians and champion-caliber acrobats.
Of all the trips I’ve made to Nevada, I’d never been to the Valley of Fire State Park. A few weeks ago, I visited this magnificent natural wonder – well worth the drive from Vegas – to witness firsthand the breathtaking beauty of these incredible rock formations.
Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 46,000 acres located 16 miles south of Overton, Nevada. The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. Wikipedia
Autumn in Michigan is my favorite season with cooler nights, leaves changing color and this year unseasonably mild day time temps. My BFF invited me to visit her in Traverse City for a couple of days and wine tasting at several vineyards – including a 3 course wine pairing -were on the agenda. Northern Michigan’s west coast has a robust wine region. With elevations overlooking the bay and endless rows of vines heavy with clusters of grapes, natural beauty surrounds you. The wine tasting rooms are elegant, inviting and always a fun way to enjoy the day. It was sunny so we opted to sit outside while they brought us wine flights to sample overlooking views like this. Perfection.
Just back from my first flight since February 2020, for a small family reunion with all four of us vaccinated. Spending time together sans masks, with laughter, hugs and fun was a gift after months of pandemic isolation. When in Vegas, we always visit the fabulous Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Their Conservatory and Botanical Gardens change seasonally and the horticultural creativity and scale of their displays are inspired and breathtaking.
There is something magical about Tennessee that draws me back year after year. With the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop and overlooking Wears Valley, the view from my cabin is ever-changing. Rising early to watch the sunrise – this year with a rooster cock-a-doodle-doing in the valley and enjoying a glass of wine while witnessing every sunset is a priority for me. It’s a perfect way to bookend a day in Tennessee and never disappoints.
Road trip 2021, arrived on Memorial Day hours early for my Wears Valley cabin check-in. Already in nearby Townsend it was time to let my vacation begin, starting with an impromptu wine tasting at Cades Cove Cellars, stocking up on wine…. since I was there anyway. Next on to drive Cades Cove Loop, 11 miles, one lane/one way road. The 11 miles is leisurely and slow-moving easily 2-3 hours which lined up with my check-in and a perfect choice as this place is everything I love about Tennessee. My #1 Tennessee trip goal is to see a black bear every trip – hopefully more than one. Photos never truly capture the majestic mountains, abundant meadows and that sky above… what I’d imagine heaven looks like.
And on this first vacay day, I had my first bear sighting, check!
