Don't stop traveling!

I started this blog to share my travels and the photos I get with my new camera.  I try not to dwell on work or politics or those sorts of things.  However, one of my great loves is traveling in Europe (I think I got the bug as an exchange student when I was 16),  so when US residents were advised caution for traveling in Europe,  I felt a need to comment.

Don't stop traveling!

You could miss this view...

Ireland

 or these architectural masterpieces...

Westminster Cathedral

Cambridge

You might not get to see local crafts people at work...

Waterford Crystal

Now, I know some folks might be thinking, but it could be dangerous!
Yes, but it can be wonderful if you pay attention, plan ahead, and use your noggin!  I have the dubious luck of being in London just after 7/7 and in Scotland (about 20 miles away) from the terrorist attck in 2007.

What? You don't want to travel with me any more?!

But look at this fabulous vacation destination...

Brighton

And wouldn't you be sad to miss towns where history and contemporary life, live side by side?

I have a very good grasp of the cautions presented this weekend and the very real threat of attacks in tourist areas highly traveled by US citizens.  I do hope that people think through their plans and do not automatically rule out travel to Europe.  I have friends taking a Mediterranean cruise in a few weeks.  I will wish them well, think of them often, and know that they are extremely well prepared if they need to adjust their circumstances somewhere along the way.

I certainly hope that the media does not do major damage to an already struggling European economy by dramatically slowing down a major source of income, tourism.

*Getting down off the soap box now*  I hope you enjoyed the photos!

M.E.

Supporting the local economy.

I'm a big believer in retail therapy.  Not necessarily large purchases or anything, just a pick-me-up once in a while.  Sometimes just shopping is enough, I don't even need to buy anything.  When I do buy, I try to support small and/or local businesses if I can.  Not only because it is good for the area, but because deep down, I wish I had the guts (and money) to try that life.

While driving through this cute little town that had antique shops and crafts shops, they also had a cupcake bakery in a converted Victorian house.  I'm sure the owner works extremely hard and long hours, but the smell alone would get me to come to work everyday. 

I picked up red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes to give them a try.  She packaged them very nicely in this gold box, which would make fun gifts in the future (and helped them survive the drive home).

I'm off on another road trip for the rest of the weekend.  I hope you enjoy yours as well!

M.E.

Bringing in the field corn

After many long days at work, I left early one afternoon to enjoy the autumn weather (oh, and run some much needed errands).  I saw this farmer bringing in the field corn.  I usually miss the actual combine in action, so of course I stopped by to watch!

I'm sure this guy saw me leaning against my parked car with a camera, as he turned the corner to go back down the row.  I can only imagine what he was thinking - um, why is that woman taking pictures of this?  I just love seeing harvest time, the final result of all that hard work and patience.

He continued on his merry way.

Since I do not have a farm and I thought it might be rude to interrupt this nice man's good work, I couldn't get any more up close photos.  However, if you are interested in the whole process, please visit Suzanne at Window on the Prairie. She does a fantastic job of showing you the ropes...and her whole site has such lovely photos!


M.E.