A short layover in Chicago...

Rail Yards....

On the way into Chicago...

Aboard Amtrak's Pere Marquette...

It is a beautiful day to travel..

An added delight to see the sunlit turquoise blue of Lake Michigan.

Amtrak to Chicago....

Woke up very early this morning...A long awaited, much anticipated day has arrived. 

We are traveling cross country aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief train to Flagstaff, Arizona. The train continues on to Southern California but we will get off the train in Flagstaff...thirty-one hours from Chicago. 

Our ultimate destination is Scottsdale, Arizona.

First leg of the journey is aboard the Pere Marquette from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Chicago.

Daffodils and Violas....

It is always to fun to see these 

sweet little faces 

sitting in their 

pots.

Michigan Fall....

Today we went for a drive in the Michigan countryside looking for 

the perfect pumpkin patch.

I think we found it...

A Beautiful Fall Evening on San Jose Drive....

Each returning fall, there is at least one night when the 

air is warm, late summer crickets can still be heard, 

and the trees are aglow in their

finest colors.

This was one such evening.

Colorado Blue Sky....

Can one ever tire of this seeing this magnificent, brilliant blue?

Carbondale, Colorado

My sweet girl....

Is she not just the cutest?

Love spending time with my sweet girl...

A hike up Red Hill in Carbondale, Colorado

A fun hike with spectacular views..

Especially fun when I get to spend time with 

these two very special guides..

Once Upon A Time.....

 Once upon a time...

There was a little princess...

Perfect Fair-weather Football Day...Go Blue!

Beautiful Michigan summer

I love summer....
I love everything about it.
If only summer could last a little longer in Michigan.

Good bye for now.....

As we take our last long look down Banyan Street...

Sophie and I whisper...

"Good bye...for now."

Yet, for some reason, this good bye feels different..

like it may be my last.

"Good bye, sweet island. Thank you for the beautiful years

and for the memories that are etched in my heart forever."

Boca Grande, Florida

Let me linger here in the sunshine...

Boca Grande, Florida

Homeward Bound....

After a two month stay...

On this beautiful little island...

I will leave with a heart full of

wonderful memories 

and a few new friends.

It is always a hope 

that I return again..

To this place I love so very much.

Boca Grande, Florida

Sunday....

Boca Grande, Florida

A Perfect Boca Grande Day...

Our morning trip begins....

We paddle through the clear waters....

To Little Gasparilla Island where stands the house 

with the 

turquoise roof.

Our little boats rest in the sun as we explore.

Back home we go....

It was....

A Perfect Day!