Random Musings of a Curious Mind


"It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, "The Beryl Coronet"

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Branson Lots

In the next few months, our youngest will be turning 18. It's entirely possible that he will choose to live with his mother, who has no rules or chores. If that happens, Mark and I will, undoubtedly be moving. (We've stayed here so that the boys could have consistency and attend all four years of high school with their friends.)

My choice, given where I grew up, would be to move back to Colorado; Mark, for the same reason, wants to head east. As a compromise, I've been looking at a number of areas in between, including some gorgeous areas in Missouri.

I couldn't believe some of the Branson lots that are available. Such a beautiful area. It makes me reconsider my first choices. Plus, there are an amazing number of vacation options would allow us to experience the area, before committing to a permanent relocation.

Definitely adding this location to my list.


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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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Monday, March 03, 2008

Vegas Hotel

Over the years, I have traveled through Las Vegas, on the way to visit my kids. Trust me, the areas where they put the bus terminals is not the Vegas you would want to see. (I have had more than one person hit me up for money, because they just know the casino cheated them and they were that close to hitting it big.) But, despite all that, (and the fact that I don't gamble) I would still love to see 'the strip' and some of the amazing casinos.

My mom used to take trips, with a friend of hers, to Vegas. They would check into a Vegas hotel and take off to see the sights. She loved the shows, which may be why I'm so interested in seeing them.

Well, that and the free shrimp cocktails that she told me about.


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Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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Sunday, December 23, 2007

Pet Friendly Hotels

Hotels are offering more and more amenities these days, but it can be difficult to find pet friendly hotels at a reasonable rate. I was pleased, since we have 'Paka' to consider when we travel, to find a site that helps. The search function is very simple to use and offers a number of options in any city.

We've been planning a weekend in Prescott for a while now, but couldn't leave our 'baby' alone that long. Now, for the same price we would have paid anyway, we can take him with us. With his carrier and bowls in tow, we can tour the area and enjoy ourselves, without worrying. You can't put a price on that.


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Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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Friday, December 07, 2007

Cheaper Than Hotels

Someone asked me, recently, about where I would travel if I could go anywhere in the world. There are a lot of choices, as far as which city or country. But, as always, expense is a serious determining factor.

CheaperThanHotels.co.uk has great deals and a ton of information, whether you need a last-minute deal or year-round rates. I really like the layout of the site; it's incredibly easy to find locations and places to stay. (The site does take quite a long time to load the main page, which could be a problem if you're using dial-up.)

You can find tips and links that will help you plan a perfect vacation, no matter where you want to travel. The variety of hotels - from one-star to five-star - is great and the site converts prices into your currency, so you can truly compare. Some of the places that caught my eye were in Germany and Austria, two of the places on the top of my to-visit wish-list.
Vienna attractions: Schonbrunn palace, Hofburg and Heldenplatz, museums. For more info see Wien hotels;

Munich attractions: Marienplatz, Rathaus-Glokenspiel, Olympic village. For more info see hotels in Muenchen; and

Germany attractions: Bavarian Alps, Leipzig, Lubeck. For more info see hotels in Deutschland.






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Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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Sunday, October 14, 2007

Bed and Breakfast Paris

Like many people, I have always wanted to visit different European cities, from Munich to Barcelona to Amsterdam to Stockholm. But Paris - that city resides at the very top of my I-just-have-to-go-there list. Museums, cathedrals, the right and left banks, and the food have to be experienced.

Now, it's one thing to stay at a hotel that could be in any world city and trudge along with the other tourists, oohing and aahing at the landmarks in the City of Light. Personally, I prefer the idea of bed and breakfast Paris accommodations. It would be amazing to learn French from Parisians, and experience the city as the natives do.

I'm starting my vacation fund right now. How can I resist the chance to start each day with a buttery croissant and rich French coffee, while escaping the crowds in one of the world's most beautiful cities?


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Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

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Thursday, October 11, 2007

Holiday Hypermarket

Looking for a great European vacation or family ski holiday? You've come to the right place. There are millions of inexpensive destinations to choose from and all you have to do is pick your favorite spot.

One location I never even thought about was Romania. Hotels, villas, and chalets are available for any budget, along with enough blue, red, and black ski runs to accommodate all skill levels. Once you're done on the slopes, why not try some of the local restaurants and discos for some authentic food and entertainment?

It doesn't matter if you're looking for upscale ski resorts or affordable family vacations, Holiday Hypermarket has just what you need.


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Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

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Thursday, July 12, 2007

Side Step - Aruba

Ever dreamed of visiting Aruba? Me, too!

A couple I know spent their honeymoon at one of the all-inclusive resorts and had an absolutely wonderful time.

I was taking a virtual vacation at SideStep.com and just fell in love with the island. First of all, you just can't beat the weather - virtually unending sunny days, warm temps, and tropical breezes. Not to mention, low humidity and no hurricanes! The only time I've been to the beach was in California in December, so I can see myself stretched out on the beautiful white sand for hours with a great book and a cold drink.

The area along Eagle Beach sounds perfect to me. It's less urbanized and crowded. There are apartment-style accommodations with kitchens, living rooms, and guest rooms that would just be perfect for us. Being able to fix a quick bite really appeals to me.

Fortunately for Mark, who has to avoid the sun, there are tons of things to do on Aruba besides playing on the beach. I was reading about Fort Zoutman, built by the Dutch in 1796. The oldest example of Dutch architecture on the island, it houses the Museo Arubano, which displays prehistoric Caiquetio artifacts and remnants from the Dutch colonial period. Then, there's the beautiful churches and synagogue, the Numismatic Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Cultural Center. I just love museums and historic architecture. So much of the United States is designed around the concept that newer is better. I totally disagree.

Of course, one of the great things about a vacation is the food! From lobster at Flying Fishbone to dining in a Dutch galleon at Pirate's Nest, I'm starved just reading the menus. Aruba offers such a variety of dining options that I can't imagine there would be any complaints in the group. Some restaurants are very kid-friendly, with grilled cheese sandwiches or spaghetti at The Waterfront Crabhouse and kids meals starting at a very friendly $3.95 at The Turtle's Nest.

Although the days of huge Caribbean bargains are waning, you can still find everything from shoes to linens to fragrances to T-shirts, tanks, and totes that change color in the sun and only 3.3% duty. So, at least one afternoon of serious shopping is definitely on my to-do list! Poor Mark!

Now I just have to convince Mark! Maybe we can start at a Tampa Hotel and work our way up!?


grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

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