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The Christmas Trees in the National Parks Honor the Holiday Spirit and Ancient Traditions

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FROM PHANTOM RANCH TO YELLOWSTONE AND DEATH VALLEY

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El Tovar’s lobby, the Grand Hotel of the Grand Canyon, Photo by Xanterra Collection

The Christmas Trees in the National Parks Honor the Holiday Spirit and Ancient Traditions.

The history of Christmas trees goes back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome and continues today with the German tradition of Christmas trees. The Christmas Tree came into vogue when Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha introduced it in the 1800s in England. I love Christmas, so I thank Prince Albert profusely because he is why we decorate Christmas Trees!

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Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos: A Spectacular Holiday Delight at the Dallas Arboretum

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9 Ladies Dancing

Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos: A Spectacular Holiday Delight at the Arboretum

Step into a winter wonderland unlike any other as the Arboretum unveils its spectacular 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos. Each enchanting gazebo brings to life a different day from the beloved holiday song. Imagine strolling through a festive atmosphere, surrounded by intricate designs, twinkling lights, and captivating decorations. So mark your calendars for November 9 through January 5, and plan your visit to the Arboretum, where unforgettable memories await during the most magical time of the year.

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Did you know that Italy has a Christmas Witch, La Befana? She Flies!

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Did you know that Italy has a Christmas Witch, La Befana? Yes. The gift giver in Italy is a woman!

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La Befana flies proudly on my Christmas tree!

La Befana flies on her broomstick on the Eve of the Epiphany, January 5, to leave candy, or charcoal, in children’s stockings!  In Italy, children hang stockings on the Eve of the Epiphany, the celebration of the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ child, which is also the eve of Twelfth Night. The legend of why La Befana brings gifts is somewhat sad, but it is celebrated robustly in Italy during the holidays.

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Here are My Dream Christmas Destinations! Where are yours?

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Yes, you heard me, my dream Christmas Destinations! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day must be spent with family, of course. I really would not have it any other way…but I can dream of visiting other locales during the Christmas season. I imagine sailing on a river cruise in Europe to the Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises! What a dream come true that would be! [Read more…] about Here are My Dream Christmas Destinations! Where are yours?

Immerse Yourself into the Mystical Beauty of the Scottish Highlands to Experience True Wonder!

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Immerse Yourself into the Mystical Beauty of the Scottish Highlands to Experience True Wonder!

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Beautiful Loch Lomond!

Immersing yourself in the mystical beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where rugged landscapes meet serene lochs, is an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, my daughter and I journey through the enchanting regions of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, Oban, Loch Awe and Glencoe, each offering its own unique charm and allure. There are so many legends, songs, and the scenery looks as though it is a painting. Our combined Scottish Ancestry touched our souls.

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Exploring the Irresistible Charms of Glasgow, Scotland: A Fun Mother-Daughter Adventure!

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Exploring the Irresistible Charms of Glasgow, Scotland

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Doulton Fountain was built for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee

The irresistible charms of Glasgow! Nestled along the banks of the River Clyde lies one of Scotland’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities – Glasgow. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Edinburgh, Glasgow holds its own unique allure, offering visitors a delightful blend of history, art, and modernity. My daughter and I took in all three!

My daughter, Ally, goes to Glasgow once a year for business meetings. What a great job that is, going to Scotland once a year! Last year I told her I was going to go in 2024, so we planned a few days of exploration before her meetings began. We stayed at the Hilton Glasgow, a perfect location. Glasgow is one of the friendliest cities I’ve ever been to, the people are warm and inviting.

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After returning from a Trip to the Socorro Islands, I Learned Scary News about our Conservation Superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, Queen of Mantas

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Superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall,

Queen of Mantas

I recently returned from a trip with conservation superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, known as the Queen of Mantas. We dived the Revillagigedo Islands, aka the Socorro Islands, a group of four volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean. They are part of Mexico and are located approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) off Mexico’s western coast. The islands are known for their diverse and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for diving enthusiasts like me. Some species in the waters around the Revillagigedo islands include 11 species of sharks, giant manta rays, dolphins, and whales. The islands are also home to a variety of seabirds and unique flora. It is the only place on earth where I’ve seen so much human and fish/mammal interaction. The mantas love to swim above you enjoying your scuba bubbles, and on my last trip, I danced with a dolphin which was a magical experience.

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BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR WELCOMES WHALE MIGRATION SEASON IN LORETO

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It’s time for Whale Migration Season in Loreto!

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BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR AGAIN WELCOMES WHALE MIGRATION SEASON IN LORETO! – Baja California Sur, the southern half of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, is the annual winter playground for whales of many species where the spectacular sight of whales in near proximity becomes downright commonplace. Whether in the lagoons and bays off the Pacific Coast or around to the eastern side of the peninsula up into the Gulf of California, whale watching in Loreto, Baja California Sur is a bucket list adventure for the whole family.
Each year more than 20,000 gray, humpback, and blue whales (among others) travel 6,000 miles from the cold waters off Alaska to mate, socialize and give birth in the shallow, nutrient rich bays and lagoons of Baja California Sur. As they engage in this extraordinary pilgrimage, they also provide a magical opportunity for locals and tourists alike to witness the graceful creatures in their winter habitat. The routes and habits of the various species differ, as do their personalities and interest in us as the human onlookers. But all offer fascinating insights and experiences with some of the planet’s most enigmatic creatures.

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The Blue Whale, largest mammal on earth
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Gifts That Give Back: A Guide to Eco-Friendly and Thoughtful Holiday Gifts

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Gifts That Give Back: A Guide to Eco-Friendly and Thoughtful Holiday Gifts! It’s the holiday season and the spirit of giving is in the air. This year, consider making your gift-giving experience environmentally conscious. Let me show you some unique and meaningful ways to celebrate the season while promoting sustainability and supporting wildlife conservation efforts. Give Gifts that Give Back!!!

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