One of the reasons I like Chicago O’Hare so much is that it’s filled with so much art. This is a walkway from the terminal to the train station.
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Postcard: Macadamia Nut Pancakes in Hawaii
While it may be a more touristy choice than loco moco, I’ll take macadamia nut pancakes any time I’m visiting one of the islands of Hawaii. Add some coarsely chopped macadamia nuts to your pancake batter, then plop them on the griddle as usual. Add some slice fruit and more macadamia nuts on top and serve with maple (my preference) or coconut syrup. It’s a little taste of the islands even when you’re at home.
Read MorePostcard from Napa: National Cabernet Day
I know that there are all sorts of made up holidays, but National Cabernet Day is one I can get behind. One of the world’s most popular grapes, it’s a cross between cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc grapes. While the Bordeaux region of France is home to some of the best cabernet grapes in the world, you’ll also find a nice selection much closer to home – in Napa. Don’t rush out to buy a card for this holiday, just raise your glass in appreciation.
Read MorePostcard from Carlsbad: Pacific Ocean
A few weeks ago, I head to Carlsbad, California, for a weekend retreat with the staffs of TBEX and NMX. We stayed in a beach house along the Pacific Ocean coast which offered a wonderful view to stir up lots of creativity. I love quiet mornings looking out at the ocean.
Read MorePostcard from Seattle: It Doesn’t Always Rain Here
On a warm Seattle day, I’m happy at home just walking around the neighborhood. See – it doesn’t rain here all the time.
Read MoreJP Patches & Gertrude Statue
Many cities have statues honoring their founders, heroes, and statesmen. In Seattle, we have a statue of JP Patches and Gertrude. JP (Julius Pierpont) Patches was played by Chris Wedes. I hesitate to say “played” because in many respects the real person was lost in the larger-than-life persona of his television character. His was the first live show to air on then fledgling station KIRO (a CBS affiliate) and was as unscripted as they come. That was a rarity back in 1958 when the show first aired. The JP Patches showed aired twice daily and I remember watching it before school every morning at then again after school. JP lived in the City Dump, and had crazy friends like his best pal Gertrude, Ketchikan the Animal Man, Sheriff Shot Badly, and Boris S. Wort (the world’s second-meanest man) all played […]
Read MorePostcard from Maui: Beach View
If you think a beach view isn’t important, just think about how relaxing it is to enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee and look at this view from your hotel balcony.
Read MoreHollywood Bowl Concerts: Amphitheater Beneath the Stars
An evening of music under the stars doesn’t get much better than when you’re sitting in one of the most legendary natural amphitheaters — the Hollywood Bowl. And if your California holidays permit, scheduling in a concert or visit to this venue is a wonderful summer treat. The Hollywood Bowl was originally built in 1922 and it first consisted of simple wooden benches set against the natural hillside of Bolton Canyon. That same year the first Hollywood Bowl concerts were scheduled when the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra began its first season of “music under the stars,” a tradition that continues today as the Bowl serves as the summer home of the orchestra. Fast forward to today: With seating of about 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural amphitheater in the United States. It is still the summer home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and […]
Read MorePostcard from Seattle: Lake Union Floating Homes
Some of the hundreds of floating homes (don’t call them houseboats) on Seattle’s Lake Union. Permits are limited, space is at a premium, and these homes go for hundreds (and hundreds) of thousands of dollars.
Read MorePhoto Essay: A Day at Woodland Park Zoo
While Seattle may not be fully engaged in Spring, let alone tiptoeing into summer, there’s no denying that it’s been a lovely holiday weekend. So with the sun peeking through, I headed off to Woodland Park Zoo, one of my favorite things to do in the nice weather. Plus, the zoo has a few new exhibits that I hadn’t seen yet including Warthogs and the endangered Warty Pig. First stop was the Family Farm, a kid friendly stop just to the left of the South Entrance. It’s mostly farm animals, like this goat, with a few other animals rounding things out. I love watching the little kids pet the small animals; for many it’s the first glimpse at rural life. Wandering about the family farm were a few peacocks and pea hens. This guy spent some time preening before his admiring audience. […]
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