Where Have I Been? Part Two...

Most of the time I'm home in my little Harbor town enjoying a life of routine. Sometimes though, I get to escape the Northwest and roam to other places where I pretend I'm a travel and food blogger.

Last week I was enjoying 90+ degrees in sunny Scottsdale. I love to be a tag-along on my hubby's business trips when they're in Arizona. Growing up in Indiana I remember looking at pictures in my Grandparent's Sunset magazines. Who knew I would get the chance to fly to the desert once or twice a year as an adult!

There are so many things about the desert climate that I love. The palm trees, cactus plants and flowers are so pretty. I realize the rain makes Western Washington green, but the sun shines an average of 211 days a year in Phoenix vs. about 58 sunny days in Seattle. Summer clothes and sandals are so much more fun than jackets, Fleece and Wellies.

This trip we stayed at the Montelucia Resort & Spa. It had a Mediterranean feel with three dining options and pools. While Mr. C. was in his meetings, I kept busy reading, lounging in the "adults only" pool, going to the on-site gym or visiting some of my favorite outdoor malls.

Each night we tried delicious ethnic foods and here are two examples of what compelled me to hit the treadmill each morning: cheese fondue, and Sopapillas with honey and Margaritas at Salty Senorita's.

 

Our last night we drove up to the mountainside Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs to enjoy the view of Phoenix at sunset.

This travel-lover is a Midwest girl transplanted to the Northwest who loves the heat of the south. Indianapolis, Chicago and Scottsdale are ALL my kind of towns, but HOME is where my friends, church, job and family are. No matter where I roam, I'll keep returning to the Harbor. The island where I live and the smiling faces of my kids are my very favorite sights to see.

Thank you for allowing me to share my latest travels with you! 

In His Grip, Jane

Where Have I Been?

Happy Memorial Day from Sydney and the rest of the Clan on Carver Corner! God Bless America!

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my bible study topic this week is on the world competing for my attention, considering I've missed church every weekend this month due to my travels and busy schedule. The month of May is almost over and I haven’t sat down once in front of my dying H.P. laptop to write.

I've been going places: Spokane to spend Easter with our littles, the store where I work, Indianapolis, Chicago, work, bible study, Scottsdale, the store, my laundry room…You get the idea. I haven’t really been home or I've just had my I-pad which I haven’t figured out how to post a blog on it. Sydney has been left twice and she has missed her Mama!

I've spent my month doing some of the things I love most; seeing family, going to some of my favorite states, restaurants and stores, soaking up the sun and helping at the baby boutique where I work. It will take a couple posts to give you a glimpse of my month of joyful experiences and some of the reasons I need to get back to healthy eating and consistent exercise:

We went to Spokane to go to church on Easter with our two youngest. Afterwards we drove to Coeur 'd alene, Idaho to enjoy a fabulous brunch.

I flew back to Indiana to spend time with my Mom and sisters. We had fun going through lots of old family photos. Of course I had to enjoy a tenderloin at Muldoon's Pub-it's a Hoosier tradition!

Chicago was next on my Midwest get-away. I took the Mega Bus into the city to join Mr. C. and see my oldest and his wife. While my hubby attended his work conference I had important exploring to do on Michigan Avenue. Of course we had to have a deep dish Chicago-style pizza while we were there and we saw  the Great Gatsby at a retro theater near the kid's apartment. We ended our trip with a Mother's Day brunch at Dick's Last Resort overlooking the Chicago River.

When I returned home I spent several days hard at "work" at the baby boutique, Charlie Barnes. Don't you wish you had my job?

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My busy May, to be continued...

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

In His Grip, Jane