Powder Snow and Chocolat Chaud
There’s only so much time that a sane person can spend maintaining a boat in the depths of winter. Even the Sailing Fanatic has found that the delights of scraping, sanding and fixing toilets begin to pall after a while. He has taken a break to recover his enthusiasm.
Great, you might think. But wait! For when the Sailing Fanatic stops obsessing about boats, a strange transformation occurs: just as Clark Kent sheds his business suit to reveal… Ta Ra! … Superman, so the Sailing Fanatic clambers out of his oilies and sailing boots to reveal… Ta Ra! … the Skiing Fanatic, complete with orange goggles and a fetching bobble hat.
It is an awesome sight, believe me!
Likewise, I also undergo a transformation, changing instantly from Reluctant Sailor to equally Reluctant Skier. With a few dry-ski-slope lessons and one week’s proper skiing under my belt, I am still at the ‘Why do I want to risk life and limb to get cold, tired and hungry, throwing myself off a mountain’ stage.
Compare this with the Skiing Fanatic, who likes nothing better than to travel up to the steepest part of the steepest run, point his skis down the hill and go – followed by two tiny fellow fanatics, who zip happily behind in the blind belief that Daddy will never lead them into harm’s way.
The four of us hit the slopes mid-January, at a small child-friendly resort in the French Alps, known as Les Gets. It is geared up for skiers of all abilities, and a quick trip over the mountain leads you into the massive linked ski area that forms the Portes du Soleil.
The Skiing Fanatic was in his element. The kids were having a whale of a time. And I – had some more skiing lessons.
‘Forget red and black runs,’ I told Tim, my ski instructor. ‘I just want to be able to ski down a blue run without being terrified.’
And, a few hours later, much to my surprise, I could!
It started to snow halfway through the holiday: powder snow, lying thickly pristine on the pisted slopes until we swished our way, one after another, through it. We tackled a long sweeping run, lined with pine trees, swooping and spraying our way downhill, before stopping for hot chocolate at a café halfway down the mountain.
The sun broke through the clouds as we sat there, enjoying the spectacular alpine scenery. It was beautiful. It was fun. I was enjoying it.
The Skiing Fanatic laughed.
‘If you think this is good, just wait until you’ve been cruising up the West Coast on a summer’s day,’ he said.
There was a familiar gleam in his eye. The Sailing Fanatic was back, twinkling at me from underneath a bright red bobble hat.
Helen MacKenzie is a freelance writer. She contributes to the web site at http://www.sea-dreamer.com. The Sea Dreamer web site has articles, guides and news on sailing and cruising on the West Coast of Scotland.
Family Vacation Means Family Time Together
The family is the most cherished possession of every person, but unfortunately today’s high-pressure lifestyle and work hours that zoom right through the weekend often leave very little room for the entire family to get together. How does one then stay close to the most precious possession?
The answer is a vacation for the entire family. Pick a nice familiy vacation package and start out today for some nice quaint little place where the entire family can do things together and enjoy life. These moments will help bring your family closer than ever and will linger in your memories for years to come.
Recreation is one of the biggest needs of a human being, and it is not just about sitting in front of to the television. When you go on a vacation with the entire family you can do stuff like hiking, board games or fishing together. You can see beautiful spots and share the wonder with each other, or you can just relax somewhere, the entire family together. What can be better than that?
That is why a vacation now and then is an absolute must for any family, and now it is easier than ever because of the many options in coastal vacation’s that are available.
With coastal vacation’s you will also get the advantage of better rates on all facilities. So why not make use of the opportunity. Start planning your vacation today, just select a destination, find a package and go on a trip that you will never forget.
And would’nt it be nice to ditch the hotel? I mean, why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a resort with several bedrooms and a fireplace? We all work hard long hours, so make your money go futher and your vacation experience the best it can possibly be for both you and your family.
I gaurantee that once you’ve tried it you’ll be hooked. And remember a family vacation means family time together!
Alan Young is a 41 year old minister. He and his wife Mara have 3 teenagers. They have traveled to more than 17 countries and have first hand experience of resort accommodations. You too, can learn how to vacation for pennies on the dollar and earn a comfortable lifestyle. For more information visit their website www.vacationhowto.com
Belfast City Guide, Including Belfast Hotels
Introduction:
Nestled in a valley and bordered to the east by the Irish Sea, the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is a vibrant and lively Celtic city that lives up to its nickname of “The Hibernian Rio.” Situated on the River Lagan, the pedestrian-friendly city enjoys a focal point in Donegal Square where the architecturally stunning City Hall dominates the skyline, and elsewhere Victorian and Edwardian architecture can be enjoyed by visitors on foot.
Places of interest:
Belfast’s glorious seafaring history and place at the forefront of the industrial revolution is evident in the greatest shipyard in Great Britain, where the Titanic was built. The city’s name is derived from the Irish “beal feirste” which means “at the mouth of the sandpit” and nightlife, arts, festivals, dining and shopping are all in abundance in the city. The sea front in particular is now pedestrianised and visitors can enjoy the best of Irish culture in street musicians and theatre against the backdrop of the Irish Sea.
Standing 120 metres above sea level, Belfast Castle offers breathtaking and panoramic views of the city, bay and surrounding areas. Belfast Castle was the ancestral home of the Chichester, later Donegall, family who were descendants of Arthur Chichester who planted the land that was to become the city in the 1600s. The history of the castle, and city, are celebrated in the Cave Hill Visitor Centre in the castle grounds.
Ulster Museum, set over 8000 square metres of grounds, is likely to take up a full day, so extensive and fascinating are its archaeology, ethnography, art, history and natural sciences exhibits. The collections portray and celebrate the history, culture, artistic, scientific and industrial achievements: in short, the story of the Irish people from their ancient roots up until modern day. The museum houses both permanent and temporary collections, and regular, creatively planned tours are offered to distil some of the wonders of the museum into palatable chunks.
For stunning hiberno-romanesque architecture, the Belfast Cathedral is worth a visit, and the exciting, interactive and interpretive St. Patrick Centre tells the story of Ireland’s patron saint, in his own words.
The Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and City of Belfast International Rose Garden, in the southern outskirts of Belfast features an International Rose Exhibition, as well as gardens, walks, a children’s playground and live music concerts.
The Linen Hall Library was established in 1788 and boasts a collection of over 20,000 volumes of Irish literature and an enviable Robert Burns collection.
Things to do:
Belfast will never leave tourists wondering how to entertain themselves! Plenty of things to do and see exist in Belfast.
The world class Belfast Zoo features plenty of don’t-miss attractions, including the monkey park, reptile house and children’s playground.
Walking Tours of Belfast include The Old Town, Titanic Trail and the City Centre Walk.
The oldest covered market in Ireland, St George’s Market offers a range of fish and speciality foods that are unrivalled in Europe.
The world’s largest dry dock, Haarland and Wolfe, is where the Titanic was built and its famous cranes, Samson and Goliath, can be seen from all over the city.
At the The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum a fascinating insight into the history and the daily lives of Ulster people can be found.
The Home Front Heritage Centre features collections that portray the Belfast experience of the Second World War, and is also home to the museum of the Royal Ulster Rifles.
W5 is a world renowned innovative and interactive centre of science and technology exploration, with activities, exhibits and demonstrations to expand and intrigue minds of all ages.
Food & Drink:
If it is excellent food the tourist seeks, they won’t have to look far in Belfast.
Traditional pub fare in a historical atmosphere is to be found at Belfast’s most famous pub, the Crown Liquor Saloon in the heart of the historical district.
Altos was rated number one by Yahoo travel for stylish and contemporary cuisine, serving cutting-edge Mediterranean food and featuring an extensive wine list and speciality coffee choices.
The Gypsy Queen Vegetarian Restaurant is on of Europe’s premier vegetarian dining destinations. All dishes are GMO approved, and organic wherever possible.
For the cuisine enthusiast, Deane’s Restaurant is a high end, luxurious dining experience, featuring dishes created by one of Ireland’s top chefs.
Live music pubs are a staple of Belfast nightlife, including the Duke of York, Morrisons and at the docks, Pat’s Bar Princes.
Belfast Hotels & Accommodation:
As befitting a major European destination, a full range of accommodation options are available in Belfast. Visitors can chose from cosy, family run bed and breakfast establishments, a variety of self catering options and luxury five star hotels to suit every taste, set of requirements and budget.
Ravenhill Guest House
The Crescent Townhouse
Europa Hotel
The Malone Lodge Hotel
Tara Lodge
The Park Avenue Hotel
The Stormont Hotel
The Chimney Corner Hotel
Culloden Hotel
Days Hotel
Jurys Inn Belfast
Ramada Belfast
Parkview Lodge
Ten Square
Entertainment
Nightlife is one of Belfast’s main attractions, with revellers enjoying everything from world class dance clubs to traditional pubs. The Potthouse, opened in November 2004 was built on the site of Belfast’s first pottery factory and comprises The Potthouse Bar & Grill, Sugar Nighclub, which plays Top 40, House and classic Disco, and the Soap Bar guestroom. The Fly and The Grill Room and Bar are also notable Belfast nightspots. The Movie House Cinema on the Golden Mile offers the latest cinema releases, as well as arthouse and independent films, and Ireland’s only 3D and 2D large format cinema, the SheridanIMAX is located on Queen’s Quay. Fantastic shopping is available in the city centre Donegall Place and the Waterfront Concert Hall hosts concerts and music tours from all over the world.
Belfast enjoys an enviable position at the forefront of Hibernian culture, scenery and history. With an ideal and unique combination of Celtic culture and British industrial influence, Belfast is an ideal seaside destination for family friendly events, educational and historical attractions and a nightlife that is second to none throughout Europe. In common with much of the British Isles, Belfast experiences a temperate and often wet climate, but is protected by the surrounding mountains of Divis Mountain, Black Mountain and Cave Hill.
Name: Maria Williams
Website: www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK – providers of hotels in Belfast.
Eco Red Jeep Tours of Palm Springs
Eco Red Jeep Tours of Palm Springs
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“This place has a great vibe.” Jay said while gazing down over a recreated Cahuilla Indian encampment from an eagle’s eye hillside view, “People need to know about this.” Those were my exact sentiments as I busily scribbled more cryptic notes in my notebook while on this amazing Palm Springs assignment for Jetsetters Magazine. After a glorious three hour Indian Cultural Tour with Desert Adventures, I had amassed over six full pages of notes on Desert Adventures, history, agriculture, and most importantly, the first occupants of the Palm Springs area – the Cahuilla Indians.
Desert Adventures offer many off road jeep safaris exploring the Coachella Valley.
For over 14 years, Desert Adventures has been 4×4′ing their way through the desert in and around Palm Springs, California. Trust me, they have lots of big red Jeeps: 18, but who’s counting. They can lead any size group from one to 116 people on any of their three fully escorted regular Jeep tours. They range from the one I took, the Indian Cultural Adventure, to Lost Legends of the Wild West Adventure, where you can explore “Faultline, Californy,” a replica of the Wild West mining camps that sprang up in the late 1800’s and learn about mining techniques in a walk-through replica of an old mine. You can enjoy the colorful local history and legends of a rowdy by-gone era when settlers came here in search of freedom and fortune.
Or, adjust your geological clock and go on the Mystery Canyons Adventure. This compass points to the awe inspiring Mystery Canyons, described by geologists as the most tortured landscape on Earth. Thrust up by tectonic collisions and cut into endless mazes by water, these steep walled canyons and ravines along the San Andreas Fault document the passage of time with unerring accuracy. If that’s not enough, hiking is geared to your group’s ability, from a casual nature walk to the infamous “hike of death!” Looking for that special someone, or something to eat? This tour even includes a stop at date ranch.
Maybe you need to focus on astrological pursuits by taking their Night Watch Adventure. As the sun sets in the West, you’ll have the memorable experience of watching the cities light up as twilight and silence envelope the desert, and dramatic rock formations are washed with twilight hues on this surrealistic landscape along the San Andreas Fault. As the twilight deepens, the sparkling stars and peaceful solitude provide a unique magic found only in the desert, with crystal clear skies providing a view of the stars that many of us remember only from childhood. The stars are so brilliant, it’s as if an interplanetary jewel thief fell in his escape and littered the sky with diamonds. The moon is so close you can stir its craters with your fingertips. This Jeep tour is offered in warm months and on evenings with a full moon.
High Desert 4 x 4ing in the Mojave is the only way to experience the outback around Palm Springs, California.
In addition, custom tours can be arranged for everything from wedding parties, hiking, mountain biking excursions, and corporate team building programs. Whether you are six years old or a senior citizen, you will certainly enjoy a Desert Adventure Jeep Eco-Tour as they tread lightly through the desert. Relax, each and every guide is fully trained as a naturalist, geologist, historian, narrator, and first aid and CPR certified.
They will even pick you up at your hotel. Be sure and pack your camera and sun block if you’re heading out in daylight. Being a constant grazer, I was happy to learn that food and drinks are provided, and range from water and snacks on the Jeep tours, up to fully catered events for hundreds of people with beer, wine, and a full bar. Dress comfy and casual, and be ready to enjoy these tours that have won Desert Adventures numerous awards. Talk about a professional organization, Desert Adventures even has one person solely dedicated to maintaining all 18 radio equipped Jeep CJ-8’s to ensure that they are in tip top condition for exploring old cultures and new environments.
Off the Road, Again – On my eco-tour, my guide was called “Spirit Walker.” It seems that each guide is given a suitable nickname after completing his or her intensive three-month training. For Jay Brown, aka Spirit Walker, he has lived in the Palm Springs area for over 46 years and is a walking encyclopedia for flora, fauna, geology, history and just about anything else you ask him.
The spirits of the first inhabitants, the Cahuilla Indians, are alive and kicking and well represented by Jay. Aside from being a very down to earth decent human being, he cares about this natural desert environment and loves to share it with passengers on his Jeep CJ-8. He commandeered this rugged Jeep for me, another guest coincidentally named Jay, along with his girlfriend from Buenos Aires and led us to the path less traveled.
Imagine land selling for $250 – $500 per acre way before the late 1950’s when the rat pack was escaping from Los Angeles to sip martinis by the pool in the hip hideaway known as Palm Springs. In fact, the United States government declared the Coachella Valley area to be a wasteland as they sold off hundreds of acres and gave away 2 acre parcels as a result of the Homestead Act. With its natural beauty, the desert certainly isn’t for everyone with its contrasting harsh climate. Thanks to the Wilhelm Family Trust, over 900 acres purchased in the 1960’s were set aside as an undisturbed natural environment to study the natural beauty and artifacts left behind by hundreds of generations of Cahuilla Indians. It’s on some of these pristine, undisturbed acres that Desert Adventures led us for our Indian Cultural Tour.
To get there, we passed some of the 75,000 acres of agriculture: peppers, carrots, lettuce, artichokes, broccoli, grapes, and dates. This agricultural goldmine reaps over $600 million dollars in annual income. Desert wasteland? I don’t think so. With only four inches of annual rainfall, it’s amazing how the only native fan palm tree, the Washingtonia Filifera or the California Fan Palm, prospers as each sucks more than 30 gallons of water every day from the underground aquifers. This palm tree is the largest of the 2,500 species of palms worldwide and thrives in this desert location that is more than 400 feet below the water table.
California palms were used by the small groups of Cahuilla Indians in a number of ways: as roofing for their thatched huts; the berries were boiled and mashed into a jelly and used as food; the fronds were used as sandals to protect sensitive feet from scorching sands; for fire tinder and woven into baskets for storing items; and most importantly, as a gathering and habitation site. Of course, these desert palms grow by underground springs, or oases, which, generally were along earthquake fault lines like these here by the San Andreas Fault.
Tough Times Call for Tough Measures. Natural desert flora includes the Arrow Weed, from which the dried stems were used for, guess what? Arrows. Rocks were ground into arrowheads and used primarily for hunting, since the Cahuilla Indians were a peaceful tribe, unlike other tribes. Palo Verde Trees provided bean pods, which allowed the Cahuilla Indians sustenance when boiled and ground into paste. Tempted by the fruit of another? Be sure and try some of the Mesquite Honey Bean, which was a storable, staple food that is as nutritious as barley.
I am no MD, nor do I play one on television, but it’s not recommended that you drink a whole lot of water from an oasis, since it is heavily mineral laden and if consumed in large quantities will wreak havoc on your digestive system and cause diarrhea. With limited food and water supplies such as these, the Cahuilla Indians were fairly mobile in order to hunt and gather.
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By the Tateras – Jetsetters Magazine Correspondents at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
About the Author
Tateras – Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Disneyland Fastpass Secrets & Tips
In 1999 the Disney parks introduced the world to FastPass. A free service that uses computerized ticket machines to allow visitors the opportunity to avoid standing in line for the most popular attractions throughout the Disneyland Resort. Waiting in long lines has now become a thing of the past for those who know the ins & out of how to use FastPass.
How the FastPass reservation machines work:
The FastPass attraction machines are extremely easy to use. Just look for the FastPass machines at a participating show or attraction and insert your park admission ticket. The FastPass machine will print you a ticket with a one hour time slot in which you can return and experience the attraction without having to wait in the full length of the queue. Once you have your reservation you can use the time to visit other attractions, pose for a picture with Mickey Mouse, or get an autograph from you favorite Disney Princess. When it is time for your FastPass reservation make your way back to the attraction, hand your pass to the cast member at the entrance and enjoy the ride without any lengthy line.
There are a few restrictions involved with Disney FastPass though. Each guest may hold only one FastPass for one attraction every two hours or after the one-hour window expires; whichever comes first.
Tips & Secrets:
- Not all of the machines within the parks are connected to the same reservation system. Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin (Disneyland) and Grizzly River Run (California Adventure) are each on a totally separate computer reservation system. The machines at these attractions are not able to detect if you currently have a reservation at another attraction, which makes it possible to hold a second FastPass reservation at these attractions while still having another reservation elsewhere.
- The bottom of your Disney FastPass reservation ticket will tell you what time you can acquire another FastPass. This is usually the same time as the beginning of your one hour return slot, which means that you can make another FastPass reservation before you’ve even used your first FastPass. The best strategy to maximize the number of attractions you visit in a day is to always get another FastPass ticket A.S.A.P.
- One little known and very unofficial FastPass secret is that the passes don’t really expire after the ending time listed on them – hang onto them and use them a few hours later. This way you aren’t forced to rush back and forth across the park to ride at certain times. Cast Members have been instructed to honor the late arrivals since they don’t really know the circumstances which have made that guest late.
- AAA offers vacation packages that include an “Enhanced FastPass”. This version of FastPass doesn’t have restrictions and users can collect one FastPass after another without time or quantity restrictions. The AAA packages including this “Enhanced FastPass” are not cheap, but if you are willing to pay you’ll find the benefits are well worth it.
Richie Anderson writes for NCE Party Supplies, an online party store featuring everything you need for a great Mickey Mouse Birthday Party or an enchanting Disney Princess Birthday Party
Quiet Time
Each day you should set apart some quiet time just for yourself. Why would you do this? It can work to center you and work to get you the things that you want out of this life. If we take for an example someone who has four kids and works full time, they have so much going on that life can become super busy. With all of this busyness the downtime and relaxation time can disappear. It is good for your overall health to have downtime and quiet time, your heart rate can calm down and the mind can be at ease. This does not have to be a big ordeal, it can be something like setting the alarm clock fifteen minutes earlier than normal and lying in bed awake, or it could be done at night before going to sleep. The point is to set aside the time specifically for this. If you want to write down what your thoughts are during this time, which can help and is all right to do, just as long as it is self-time.
To be healthy it is recommended to do your best each day, eat healthy foods, exercise, you could supplement with Acceletrim, drink plenty of water, and keep a low stress level. This quiet time can give your mind time to process all that is going on around you and make the right decisions that will benefit you, your family, and everyone else in this world.
Mexican Ingenuity Revealed
My first experience with the ingenuity of Mexicans was during our year of volunteer work in Villahermosa in the state of Tabasco. We were driving a Chevy Nova and it was usually pretty reliable for us. However, Mexican gas disagreed with it and I soon has some trouble with the carburator.
A friend of mine who worked in the hospital laboratory took me to a nearby repair shop and helped me get a mechanic to help me out. He followed us back to the hospital and pulled the carburator out of my car. He then headed back to his shop.
Having heard that it was best to keep a close eye on anyone working on your car, I followed him. Over the next half hour, I watched him completely disassemble the carburator, clean it with solvent, hand make new gaskets and put it back in my car. The car then ran like new.
So, within a half hour, I had a rebuilt carburator back in my car. I was pretty impressed. I was even more impressed when he said, “Sorry it took so long, but I have never worked on a Chevrolet before.”
A professor from one of the Universities in Texas had a similar experience. He taught Mexican archeology and often toured remote areas in a jeep.We met him when we were camped on the beach on one of our trips to Tulum.
He told us that one time he was traveling up in the mountains in a remote area north of Mexico City. The road was pretty rough and he hit a rock. The rock totally destroyed his oil pan. Without the oil pan, the jeep was useless and he could go nowhere.
After waiting about 4 hours a farmer came by with a mule and was able to pull the jeep into a town a few miles away.
Now every little town in mexico has a small mechanic shop that is a combination repair, tire retread and blacksmith shop. He went over there and explained his problem. After asking if the shop owner could order him a new oilpan and install it, the mechanic replied, “Sure, no problem. It should be here within a couple of months.”
He questioned the mechanic if there was any other solution. The Mexican replied, “Come back in three days.”
So, the professor found a lady that would put him up for a few nights. He then got a chair in the yard and watched what the mechanic did. He watched with interest as the owner went to each house in the village and collected any scrap metal or tin cans that they had.
The mechanic then went back to his shop and started working the metal. Over the next few days, he melted the metal down and poured it out forming a sheet of metal. He then pounded it and cut it into the proper shape, made a gasket and fitted it onto the bottom of the jeep.
The professor then told me that he drove the jeep on many trips after that and the handmade oil pan never leaked a drop!
As you can imagine, I have the highest regard for these underrated Mexican mechanics. While caution is always in order dealing with anyone working on your car, you should be able to find someone with excellent skills to work on any vehicle that has problems while driving in Mexico.
Ron McCluskey has prepared more valuable information for you. Go to I Love Travel Vacations now to find more great travel resources.
Academic Gowns Graduation Regalia
Graduation Gowns
Graduation Regalia
200 William Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
Phone: 800-352-6121
College Diplomas
Creating tailor made designs that add style to your certificate covers is a wonderful option that is available to you. This is made possible by the majority of certificate covers manufacturers in order to meet the demands and needs of their broad client base. Revolutions in the generation of elegant certificate covers have seen the market of the product adopting a fresh and innovative redesign that is in high demand by the consumer. Designs come in catchy royal colors and are bound in quality material that varies from genuine leather covers to acrylic holders that are guaranteed to meet the tastes of each individual customer.
200 William Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
Phone: 800-352-6121
Email: info@gordon-intl.com
Gordon International has been outfitting the world’s graduates since 1960. Customer Service, High Quality Products and Guaranteed Low Prices. Visit us on the web and see why we’re considered the #1 graduation company.
Graduation Information On The Internet
Graduation information is available all over the internet. You’ll find multiple links which can assist you in your research. Gordon International offers a lot of information which can be useful to anyone ordering graduation regalia but if you’re looking for specific history please see the link provided below.
The Following Site Offers Great Information About Graduation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_dress wikipedia provides the searcher with a great information source for any type of search. You can go to their search wiki and place an random search in the engine and you’ll come across a few useful sources & articles.
Thanksgiving Traditions and Memories
Family and tradition. Isn’t that what the holidays are really all about? The holidays are the one time of the year that families come together and create memories that will stay with them throughout a lifetime. Children who don’t get to spend time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are really missing out on an opportunity to form a bond that only close family ties can create.
I love to learn about how other families spend their time during the holidays. Some of people’s fondest memories are from visiting with friends and relatives during the Thanksgiving holidays. I have put together some of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions that people have submitted to the Creative Homemaking web site.
Jeanette…My favorite memories are of my mother’s family gathering at Grandma’s house. The holiday did not begin until everyone got there. We often played cards or other games. The most fun is when we would go for a long walk in the country. This would include whomever wanted to go, and would always be an adventure.
Bethany…We rotate homes every year for Thanksgiving. Whoever’s house Thanksgiving is at makes the turkey. Everyone else generally brings a vegetable, dessert or salad. Grandma always makes the dressing.
Mrs. Lee…Every holiday we always would write one thing we were thankful for on our place cards.
Shelly…One of my favorite holiday memories is the gathering of my mother’s family at her aunt’s farm at Thanksgiving. I remember gatherings including five generations with relatives we only saw every couple of years, but with whom we shared a common ancestry and a common faith. These bonds allowed us to become reacquainted with one another over the course of the day and gave an almost hallowed meaning to the phrase “family ties”. Even as a child, I knew my actions reflected on my family, and I would never do anything to bring dishonor to my family. Those family bonds are absent for so many people these days.
Ginger…Each year my husbands family (most of them live near) get together for the Thanksgiving meal. Each family brings a part of the meal (decided by the hostess) and we give thanks to God and enjoy each others company. It’s a great time to catch up.
Kathy…Making the center piece with my children when they were little we used to go gather liquid Amber leaves and press them between two pieces of wax paper with some scrapped crayon and name tags also in with the leaves. The kids always looked so forward to this and we kept this up for many years now we make different kinds the kids are older so now we bake together instead which is a lot of fun. Having Thanksgiving at our home is tradition we love.
Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What’s for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com
Choosing a Landscaping Contractor
Landscaping contractors can not only add beauty to your house, they can also provide value by increasing the value of your home. While the initial investment in money and time may seem a lot, a well landscaped property could easily add 10% to the resale value, thereby paying for itself many times over in the long run.
Choosing a landscaping contractor is an important decision and should fit not only your budget, but your personal style. You need to be able to communicate your vision for your landscaping contractor and feel confident that the contractor of your choice understands your vision and can make it come to life.
Landscaping contractors come in all sizes and shapes from a guy in a pick-up truck to huge corporate national chains. What’s more important than the size of the company is the reputation. Take some time to investigate the landscaping contractors in your area for reputation and references to narrow the scope. Then ask a few contractors to meet with you and discuss the work you want done and determine the contractor you feel best suits your needs.
If you are looking for a major overhaul of your property, many landscaping contractors will draw up a set of plans for a small fee. This is a worthwhile investment regardless of the contractor you end up using as it gives you and the contractor a visual guide to the scope of the project.
Once you have narrowed down your landscaping contractor selection and checked references, inquire about insurance and guarantees. These legal details may become the deciding factor. This is going to be a long and expensive job. It is going to be important to select the proper contractor before you begin.
And finally, sit back and enjoy your beautiful new landscaped property