Ringing in the New Year

 I always felt that New Year’s Eve was amateur night. Most years we stayed home putting puzzles together. It became a tradition.  In fact, we receive a 1000-piece puzzle from Santa each year. However, there are a plethora of ways to ring in the New Year. 

If you want to see how lucky you are in 2019 both Turning Stone and Del Lago casinos have a variety of New Year’s Eve activities and entertainment and, of course, offer packages that include accommodations.  I think it is best to stay off the highways on New Year’s so, if you have to celebrate away from home, then staying at a hotel is a

great option.  Most of the Syracuse hotels offer staycations packages for New Year’s Eve including the Crowne Plaza, the Genesee Grande, and the elegantly restored Hotel Syracuse.

There have been occasions when we have ventured out of the house and area to celebrate New Year’s.  One of my favorite events was the Mummer’s Parade in Philadelphia.  It caught us by

surprise because I had heard of the mummers and knew of their traditional string bands but what really amazed us were the Fancies in their elaborate float-like costumes. The Mummers have been doing the “Mummers Strut” down Broad Street in a parade that includes more than 10,000 men, women, and children in lavish, glittering costumes and can last eight hours! Besides the String Bands there are the Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, and Fancy Brigades. Watching the parade is free unless you want bleacher seats.

Before the parade we visited the Mummers Fest at the Pennsylvania Convention Center where there are many activities including watching the Fancy Brigades practice for their four-minute performance held after the parade. I was blown away by the performances which were like watching lavish four-minute Broadway-quality shows.  Of course, like most major cities, Philadelphia has other events such as the Macy’s Light Show and fireworks on the Delaware River waterfront.  I would love to go again.

Another family favorite on New Year’s was when we attended the Rose Bowl. The Rose Bowl floats are more spectacular in person because, on the TV, it is hard to appreciate the size of the floats. They were infinitely larger than I thought. However, it wasn’t the parade that was the best part; it was helping to build a float.  Each year, La Canada allows people to help build their float.  There is pre-registration but they also allow walk-ins if they need people.  Volunteers first watch a demonstration video and then go to their station to work – for a few hours or the day.  When our

family participated, John and I put the flowers in vials of water – a no-brainer job. It takes a lot of flowers to create a float.  There can be 18 million flowers on the Rose Bowl parade floats. For many the major event of New Year’s must include a football game and the Rose Bowl always hosts top-seed teams. There are other bowl games; last year our family went to the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix. 

If you are looking for an iconic celebration head to Times Square in NYC and celebrate with about one million of your friends waiting for the crystal ball to drop. Another way to ring in the New Year is to take a cruise to a sunny place.  We often book our flights to Asia on New Year’s because they tend to be more reasonable. 

Carnival Cruise to Catalina and Ensenada

We were in Las Vegas for our granddaughter’s high school graduation. It was special because her father, our son, was an administrator at the school so he personally presented her with her diploma.  A cruise was her gift from her parents and our son wanted all of us to go along making it a family cruise. The Carnival Cruise sailed from Long Beach, CA, to Catalina Island then to Ensenada. John and I are newbies when it comes to big ship cruising.  We have done many river cruises but they have been all-inclusive and never more than 30 people.  

We flew from Las Vegas to Long Beach and stayed at the Best Western because they offered free transport to/from the airport and cruise pier. They also have a package for those who want to leave their vehicle. In the morning the hotel transported us to the cruise ship where a porter was waiting to tag our luggage and transport it to our room.  We were early so the line was not long and check-in was better organized than the only other big ship cruise we went on.  Being early meant avoiding the

lines and having time to explore the ship. Once everyone else arrived there was the compulsory safety drill which was done in the theater and more civilized than the cruise we took in January. 

We enjoyed the cruise more than we thought because we loved how the grandchildren participated in so many events and got

to bond together. They would check the daily schedule and make their plans but we all met for dinner. Besides celebrating a graduation we celebrated two birthdays.

When we arrived in Catalina John, the younger, and his wife went scuba diving and declared it wonderful.  Most of the other family members went into Avalon, the main city on the island, and wandered around.  John

and I stayed on board because we had visited Catalina previously. With so many people off the ship it was a great time to relax in the sun. 

In Ensenada most of the family went horseback riding which they said was awesome as they followed a trail up into the mountains.  Two others went on a wine tour.  We didn’t see

anything that interested us so once again we stayed on board and relaxed in the lounge chairs.  However, I learned later that there were a couple of activities we would have enjoyed but I didn’t see them on the web site.  The next time I will make sure I check with the onboard tour desk. 

John signed up for the onboard tour of the ship which turned out to

be so much more than he expected… and longer.  It started with coffee and donuts at 9 a.m. and then toured the entire ship, returning to the lounge about noon where there were more refreshments.  He

didn’t get to drive the ship but thoroughly enjoyed the tour. He learned that for one week the ship, which carries 2000 passengers, serves 1,400 lbs. of prime rib, 45,000 eggs, and 12,500 cans of soda. He was impressed with their effort to recycle. The leftover food is liquefied and fed to the fish.

We enjoyed all the evening activities (I was one number away from wining the big bingo jackpot) and our grandson came in second in the paper airplane contest. We will do it again…soon, I hope.

The Queen Mary

Most people know that the Queen Mary was a luxury ocean liner but forget the important role she played during WW II. When the grand ship was converted to a war ship and painted navy grey. The stateroom furniture and decorations were removed and refitted with triple-tiered bunks. The crystal, paintings, and other valuables were put in storage and

the fancy woodwork was covered in leather. The Queen Mary became the largest and fastest troopship involved in the war carrying as many as 16,000 men in a single voyage. Her high speed and zigzag course made it impossible for U-Boats to catch her.  Hitler offered $250,000 and the Iron Cross to any U-boat captain who sinks her.  It never happened, she could outrun a torpedo. 

Many famous people sailed the Queen plus the D-Day Declaration

was signed by Winston Churchill on board. He said that she was “Built for the arts of peace and to link the old world with the new, the Queen Mary challenged the fury of Hitlerism in the battle of the Atlantic.  Without their aid, the day of final victory must unquestionable have been postponed.” I was surprised to see that the suites did not appear sumptuous by today’s standards. It is said that she is haunted by ghosts of some of her passengers, crew, and soldiers. And, yes, they now offer a haunted tour. 


While in Long Beach, CA, John and I booked a tour of the “Queen.” The tour included a tour of the main areas and a 4-D attraction, “The Queen Mary Story” that included getting sprayed by a wave. 

The ship was built in Scotland at the height of the depression providing work for hundreds. The

Queen, named for the consort of King George V, set sail on May 27, 1936 setting a new standard in transatlantic travel. In 1967 she retired from sea and is now an iconic Southern California attraction and hotel.  During her sailing life she carried 2.2 million passengers during peacetime and 810,000 military personal during the Second World War. Interestingly, on the day she was launched a well-known English psychic predicted,

“The Queen Mary will know her greatest fame and popularity when she never sails another mile or carries another fare-paying passenger.”  The popularity of air travel spelled the end of luxury ocean travel. On her last voyage she left Southhampton filled with passengers who wanted to say they had made Her last voyage.  Not all of them made it to Long

Beach at the end of the cruise December 9, 1967.  According to our guide, Dennis, the ship had no air conditioning and as the ship sailed south it got hotter and hotter. It was too hot for some passenger so they disembarked at various ports along the way.

The tour was interesting and the 4-D somewhat interesting but I learned that after 6 p.m. one can board the vessel and wander around without paying. There are several dining venues. We lunched at the Chelsea Chowder House with a great view of the harbor. The Carnival Cruise ships moor adjacent to the Queen Mary is a Russian sub, The Scorpion, which patrolled the Pacific for 22 years. It is now a museum vessel.

After leaving the Queen Mary we boarded the free Passport bus that connects most of Long Beach’s attractions: The Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, downtown, and shopping and dining areas.

Catalina Island - Island of Romance

I was surprised my children were not familiar with the song “26 Miles” by the Four Preps. Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me, Santa Catalina, the island of romance…

John and I have been to Catalina twice and there is more than romance – there is fun, adventure, and relaxation. 
The easiest and least expensive way to get to Catalina is by ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point. It takes a bit more than an hour. We could have taken a helicopter from Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank, or John Wayne Airport.  Carnival cruise line also stops on

some cruises. Avalon, the island’s main town, is small so everything is in easy walking distance. The public bus has a fixed route up the canyon to Wrigley Memorial and the Botanical Gardens. People can rent a golf cart or bike, and there is a sightseeing tour in a motor coach, which is what we did, and a shuttle bus service or taxi van service to the Airport in the Sky, Two Harbors, or the interior campground. 

The island has been inhabited for at least 8000 years. During that time is was home to Native Americans, and visited by the Spanish who named the island in honor of St. Catherine. More recently, until 1970, it was owned by William Wrigley, Jr. of chewing gum fame and owner of the Chicago Cubs. Wrigley developed it into a resort island and it was used as the Chicago Cubs spring training site for several years. Visitors can learn more at the Catalina Island Museum.

The Casino is the iconic landmark in Avalon Bay.  You can’t miss

it.  If you plan to gamble you will be disappointed because it isn’t that kind of casino.  The name comes from the Italian meaning a “gathering place.” The large building contains a movie theater, ballroom, and more. We took the 90-minute walking tour and saw where the big bands played to the enjoyment of their famous guests.

On our recent trip our son and his wife went scuba diving in the kelp fields and declared, “It was awesome!” On our first trip John and I took the Sea Wolf Semi-Submersible Vessel and saw the marine life through our own porthole five feet below the surface. There are a variety of

boat tours to see the dolphins, seals, and glass bottom boats to view the fish. We also took the Avalon Scenic Tour of the town including the home of Norma Jean Baker, better known as Marilyn Monroe. There is also a Hummer of the Avalon Canyon Trail Tour or the one to Mr. Ada for great views of the area. For the adventurous there is zip lining, rock climbing, and/or the unique Aerial Adventure where you can swing and slide from tree to tree.

Don’t miss viewing the buffalo herd. While filming “The Vanishing American” in 1924, the production crew imported 14 bison from the Great Plains.  They never left the island and over the years the herd has increased. 

The island has changed little in the last 50 years… they like it that

way and so do the tourist.  There is a 20-year waiting list to buy/own a car. The fun continues with swimming, stand-up board paddling, kayaking, relaxing with a spa treatment, and golfing. There are a variety of accommodations. To avoid the crowds and take advantage of great values consider visiting in the spring or fall.

Zoos are the best places to watch animals

I, like many people, enjoy seeing animals in their natural habitat and have done so in many places. John and I went on safari in Kenya where we saw thousands of wildebeests and zebras migrating. I was most impressed with the height of the giraffes. When I tell people that we have spent a lot of time over

the years in the rainforest I always add that we have more wildlife in our backyard than we ever saw in the jungle.  John saw a snake once in Costa Rice and we had to pay for a tour to see a sloth. The best place to really see and observe animals is in a zoo. We have been to many zoos in the United States and in several countries. There is always something new and interesting to see and learn. 


One of the best zoos is in Syracuse, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo,

and it is open 362 days a year. They have lions, and tigers and bears and more. One of the most unique primates at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is the Golden Lion Tamarin from the coastal forests of Brazil. They are on the endangered species list with an estimated wild population of about 3,200 and less than 500 in zoos. They are small with beautiful red manes hence the “lion” name. The zoo offers a variety of programs for all ages. 

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, a 183-acre zoo in Cleveland, is another all-season zoo. The Zoo is divided into several areas: Australian Adventure; African Savanna; Northern Trek; The Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building; The RainForest; and Waterfowl Lake. Along with gorillas, big cats, and all the expected zoo animals, the Australian Adventure is a fascinating eight-acre exhibit. A train ride takes visitors past kangaroos and wallabies that roam freely in Wallaby Walkabout and by Kookaburra Station. The Reinberger Homestead is fashioned after a traditional 19th century sheep station offering a peek into Australian home life. Cleveland is always a good destination choice with many museums and attractions.

One of the largest and most progressive zoos in the world is the

famous San Diego Zoo in California with more than 4,000 animals and 800 species. The Skyfari aerial trip offers spectacular views of the zoo but it is just one way to tour the zoo. There is also a miniature train and guided bus tour. There are many programs and unique things to do such enjoying a buffet breakfast while watching the koala colony in their home, the Australian Outback. Watch the keeper feed the koalas their breakfast while you enjoy yours. 

The Alabama Golf Coast Zoo is called “The Little Zoo that Could” because is the only zoo in recorded US history that has ever staged a full scale evacuation for a natural disaster (they actually completed three zoo evacuations - for Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina). During our visit to the zoo I loved the close encounters with the baby white Bengal Tigers and playing in the enclosure with lemurs.  They really are “leaping lemurs.” You can’t do that in the wild. 


When we were in Nebraska we visited the Lincoln’s Children’s Zoo. I don’t think there is any such thing as a children’s only zoo. In fact, sometimes places that promote to children offer the best learning opportunities. They let visitors pet critters like turtles and lizards plus there are usually animal feeding stations.

Places for quilt lovers to visit

I am not a quilter but one does not have to make a quilt to appreciate all the work that goes into making one.  I have visited several quilt museums along with Gentle Arts which only deepened my appreciation for the art.

1.     Gentle Arts: Gentle Arts in New Orleans has 55 years of cumulative textile experience. The have worked with private collectors and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Historic Trust.  They restore, repair and/or preserve all manner of textiles including quilts.

2.     Seaway Trail Quilt Competition and Exhibition: The Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show is held annually at the Seaway Trail Discovery Center in Sackets Harbor, NY. The 2013 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Beauty of the Byways theme quilt show will be held March 16-17 and March 23-24 with expanded venues in the village of Sackets Harbor. The international interest in the show last year prompted the addition of a second weekend and more venues to display the quilts in 2013.

3.     The New England Quilt Museum: Located in Lowell, MA, the New England Quilt Museum is the only museum in the northeast devoted solely to the preservation, promotion and celebration of this art form. They have great exhibits featuring the best antique and contemporary quilts.

4.     The Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum: Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch County, the museum has one of the finest collections of Amish quilts. They represent the golden period of Amish quilting from the 1880s to the 1940s. Sadly it is open by reservation only.

5.     The Virginia Quilt Museum: Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the Historic Shenandoah Valley, the Virginia Quilt Museum is the official quilt museum of the Commonwealth by the Virginia. Among their prized quilts are the rare Civil War quilts.

6.     International Quilt Study Center & Museum: The center in Lincoln, Nebraska has the largest publicly held collection in the world. The 3500+ quilts date from the early 1700s to the present and represent more than 30 countries.  A tour is available with paid admission.

7.     The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum: While in Golden, Colorado, stop by the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum includes bed coverings of the 1800’s to contemporary art pieces.  For the researcher and quilt enthusiast, their Sandra Dallas Library contains over 3000 volumes featuring out-of-print literature, technique resources, historic patterns and research documents.

8.     San Jose Quilt & Textile Museum: The California museum’s diversified collection is comprised of over 850 textiles, including historic and contemporary quilts, contemporary woven textile art forms and wearable art in its permanent collection. They celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Bay Area with stories, crafts and folk traditions from around the world.

9.     The Visions Art Museum:  Located in San Diego, California, the museum presents art quilts, fiber, and textile exhibitions throughout the year at the NTC Promenade and in the arts and culture district of Liberty Station in San Diego, California. Artists from around the world are showcased in the state-of-the-art gallery built in 2007.

10.  La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum: The museum is located in the historic Gaches Mansion in La Conner, Washington. Their permanent collection includes quilts and textile from 1820 to present. They host a variety of events and quilt challenges throughout the year. While it is one of the newer quilt museums it has grown in size and stature.

Great train trips

There is something about the mournful sound of a train that calls for one to hop aboard and see the world. Some trains are legendary such as the Alaskan trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks and the Australian Ghan that now goes from Darwin to Adelaide. There are many trains worldwide that offer excellent experiences. Some travel short distances while others cover a whole continent.

1. Denali, Alaska: Maybe you won’t see any of Alaska’s famed wildlife on the ride between Anchorage and Fairbanks but scenery from the double decked dome rail cars will mesmerize as it enters the Nenana River Canyon and crosses the Tanana River on one of the world’s longest single-span bridges.
2. Fort Bragg Smoke Train: The California train chugs through towering trees, tunnels, over bridges and past open meadows on what is known as the “Redwood Route” following the same route it has since 1885. On the Northspur Route a barbecue in the redwood forest is included.
3. Polar Express: Nearly every state has a Polar Express that takes the young and young-at-heart to the North Pole while the book of the same name is read, cookies are served, and songs sung. When it arrives at Santa’s workshop, the jolly fellow boards the train and gives those who believe a bell – just like in the book.
4. Verde Canyon: Located in Arizona near Jerome and Sedona the train runs from Clarkdale to Perkinsville through the walls of Verde Canyon, near ancient Native American sites, with bald eagles watching from their nests.
5. Greenfield Village: Some historic villages have incorporated trains as part of preserving their heritage. Such is the case of Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village in Michigan where visitors can tour the village on a train pulled by one of the village’s historic steam or diesel locomotives.
6. Adirondack Railroad: Hop on board the train in Utica, New York, and head to Thendara through the forests, past pristine rivers, breathing the fresh mountain air while enjoying the beauty of the six-million acre Adirondack Park. Relive the golden age of railroading when the Adirondacks played host to the rich and famous on their way to the Great Camps.
7. Strasburg, Pennsylvania: Ride through Pennsylvania Dutch Country on the Strasburg Railroad that started in 1832. It didn’t purchase its first passenger car until 1861 when President Lincoln made his inaugural train ride to nearby Lancaster and nearly 5,000 people showed up to cheer for Lincoln during his four-minute stop in Leaman.
8. Peru’s Hiram Bingham: One of the most luxurious train trips is aboard the Orient Express train to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu. The day starts sipping mimosas while watching folk dances followed by gourmet meals with a guided tour of the ruins, along with the excellent service one comes to expect of the Orient Express.
9. The Little Trains of Wales: There are several narrow gauge steam railways in Wales, some of which have been in operation for over 100 years. They have been lovingly restored and maintained. They offer a leisurely ride through the beautiful countryside, past lakes to small picturesque villages.
10. Australia’s Legendary Ghan: One way to get the feel of the immensity of Australia is to take the Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin witnessing the varied landscape and traveling through the vast barrenness of the Outback. The entire trip of nearly 2000 miles takes about 24 hours.

Great places to visit in California

There are wonderful places in California off the beaten track. We have been to San Francisco and San Diego but some of our favorite places are the small places that we stumble on.
1. Calvaras: Get the lead out! Head to Angel’s Camp in Calavaras County to learn the relationship between Twain’s “Celebrated Jumping Frog” and lead. Mark Twain wrote “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, a tall tale of the life and happenings in the gold rush town of Angels Camp.
2. Catalina Island: Just 26 miles from LA, the Island is a step into the past. For an exciting, informative tour of Catalina board the Catalina Adventure Tour bus. On their Inside Adventure Tour learn about the island William Wrigley, Jr. of chewing gum fame purchased for $5 million in 1919 – sight unseen.
3. Ojai: Ojai is a small-town hideaway north of Los Angles between Santa Barbara and Ventura with eucalyptus trees, hiking/biking trails, unique shops, and small ranches. A ride on the inexpensive trolley is an excellent way to get acquainted with the area.
4. Oxnard: Discover “the land of endless summer.” Its crowning glory is the seven miles of beautiful beaches. Discover the nearby Channel Islands referred to as the American Galapagos. It is a top scuba diving area with naturalist led hikes plus camping and wildlife viewing.
5. The Gold Rush: On January 24, 1848, James W. Marshal was building a sawmill for his partner Captain John Sutter. He noticed a gold nugget and the rush for gold began and the lives of millions and the course of American history changed forever. Follow the Gold Rush along the National Park’s California Historic Trail.
6. Fort Bragg: Fort Bragg is an excellent base for exploring Mendocino County. Take the Skunk Train 40 miles through the scenic redwood forest between Fort Bragg on the coast and the town of Willits on US Highway 101, making it one of the world’s premier train rides.
7. Muir Woods: Only 12 miles from the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is the old-growth coastal redwood forest of Muir Woods National Monument. "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir.
8. Death Valley: Death Valley is the hottest place in the United States and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Visit Cathedral Canyon, Emigrant Pass, China Ranch, old mines, cave houses, Skull rock, Furnace Creek, a Borax Museum and the Amargosa Opera House.
9. Napa: California’s Napa Valley may be all about wine but there is plenty to do. Start the day at the crack of dawn with a balloon ride. At the northern part watch the Calistoga Geyser, a slightly smaller version of Old Faithful. The geyser spouts off every 45 minutes shooting boiling water 60 feet into the air. Nearby is the Petrified Forest. End the day with a Sunset Napa River trip in a quiet electric boat.
10. Half Moon Bay: Savvy surfers, seashell seekers, creators of castles in the sand, beach bums, nurturers of nature, and those looking for relaxing rejuvenation will find it in Half Moon Bay. Head north to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to experience a spectacular stretch of coastline. Wander Pillar Point docks where the fishermen bring in the fresh catch of the day ranging from sardines to salmon.