The Holidays

That time of year again. I spent Christmas Day watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Seems to be my new holiday ritual. I always see new things in it. This year I paid particular attention to the landscape since I have just been to New Zealand. I did recognize some of it. That was fun. Of course it always ends well which is another plus.

This year was pretty eventful. I went to Mexico in January. Enjoyed the good food in Oaxaca. I was surprised by how hot it was, though. Oaxaca is at 5000 feet and I would have thought it would have been cooler in January but not so. Did some traveling around the countryside and saw some ruins and some textiles and some art. All good.

I was called for Jury duty. One boring day of sitting around and then nothing more. Big disappointment. I was hoping for a juicy trial.

May took me to Miami and Key West. Another hot one. Nice to see the ocean and old friends.

In August I went to see Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This was where Frank Lloyd Write lived and worked. He was quite the eccentric. It is a beautiful setting.

At the end of August my book came out but I had to postpone my launch until December. The launch went really well and I am pleased with the book. You should read it!

In October I went to Fiji and New Zealand. Wonderful trip. I had to go to Fiji because my father always said it was his most favorite place to visit. I would concur, it was pretty great. And New Zealand was beautiful plus I got the bonus of seeing a couple of old friends.

November was my son’s wedding. It was a lot of fun and I am happy for him.

I have three book ideas I am working on. Actually I think I have narrowed it down to two. It is kind of slow going but as the days get lighter so do I. The brain is churning away.

Looking forward to Florida, Spain, and Belgium in the new year. And who knows what else. Anything can happen!

I hope you and yours have a wonderful New Year!!

Postcards from Colorado

April 2000

Rocky Mountain National Park. Sky Pond and Taylor Glacier. Colorado hikers on the Loch Vale Trail are awarded close up view of Taylor Glacier reflected in the frigid waters of Sky Pond. Photographer – Ron Mauer

Bear Lake, Long’s Peak in background. An easy drive and a vacation wonderland to remember.

Bear Lake in Early Fall, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The golden Fall color of mountain aspen highlights the ever changing beauty of Bear Lake, nestled beneath 14,255 foot high Long’s Peak.

Mt. Ypsilon (13,307 ft.) and Mummy Range as seen from the High Drive in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Ypsilon from Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Pillars of Hercules – illuminated at night in South Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The roadway to Seven Falls passes between these gigantic rocks, and they as well as the entire canyon and the falls themselves, are lighted at night during the summer season.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Broadmoor Hotel mirrored in the lake, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Internationally famed resort hotel with every recreational activity imaginable.

View from Trail Ridge road, a few miles below Timberline, looking toward the ever snowy Mt Ypsilon, with Y-snow formation. (Estes Park, Colo. Vicinity) Photo by Ted and Lois Matthews

Postcards from Mexico

These are all postcards from the 1960’s

San Francisco, California

We flew from Christchurch to Auckland to San Francisco on Air New Zealand. It was a comfortable flight but miserable. Very long and I can’t sleep on airplanes. I got this amazing shot out the window. My friend told me the glass was tinted to that kind of burst my bubble.

I spent a few days in San Francisco mainly going to art museums and hanging out with friends.

We took the ferry to Angel Island. We were hoping to go the Immigration Station museum but they had just changed their hours so we got there too late. Next time. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed it anyway.

Postcards from India

Emperor Humayan’s tomb, Delhi.

*Brahma, Relief from Aihole, Prince of Wales Museum*

Aerial View of New Delhi. Containing President’s House, Central Secretariates and Parliament House

Elephant Ride, Amber Palace, Jaipur

Lyttelton and the Akaroa Peninsula

Lyttelton is a port just east of Christchurch. At the top of the hill above town is a timeball constructed in 1876, and now is a registered heritage site. A time ball is a large painted wooden or metal ball that drops at a predetermined time, to enable sailors to check their marine chronometers from their boats offshore.

A friend of mine lives in Lyttelton and she took us on a day trip through Akaroa Peninsula. Amazingly beautiful. Along the way we came upon a Maori village.

Christchurch Public Art, New Zealand

Click for larger view

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is a lovely town full of parks and public art. We spent several days wandering around. There was a major earthquake in 2011 that destroyed many buildings. You can still see evidence of the damage today. Some buildings are still under restoration.

There is a memorial along the river to remember those who died in the earthquake.

Around town…

Postcards from Nigeria

Postcard: *Yoruba Coronation Cloth (detail)* *– Nigeria. To benefit UNICEF.*

Paris, March 1973
We are on our way to Amsterdam. I’ll take KLM to Chicago, Bill to Frankfort and Lagos. The Paris weather has been cold but clear and sunny – lovely. I walked miles to know Paris a little better. Had lunch with Zina yesterday – she says Lisa is very unhappy here – she’s going to US for Easter. Do keep warm, for that helps to recover and prevent colds.
Love to you, Mom

1985. NIGERIA
The most populous single African nation on the continent of Africa, lies on the west coast and has a rich tradition and culture closely connected with her religious beliefs and the rites and practices relating to them. Traditional religion has given the people a heritage of culture and tradition which is still noticeable despite later influence by Isalm and Christianity. The agriculture, music, art, craft, language and economies of the country still bear traces of this influence.

Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Nigeria

December 1973
T & J got here about 4 hours late but happy and not too tired. We are gradually hearing about their trip to Europe, their life in Australia.
You can see Bill’s office at the top right of the photo.
Hope you are well, Love, Dede

East Coast of New Zealand

We had planned an overnight at Mt Cook or Aoraki but the road was closed so we stayed an extra night in Dunedin and made an early start the next day. On our way to Christchurch we stopped in a couple of small towns.