Hi,

All my new posts concerning travel and having fun are all now on my website Lipstickhorizons.com.
Hope to hear from you all there. Let me know about your travels and if you have any questions or concerns about planning a trip or traveling alone.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Judy

With a shaky hand

I signed a years lease. After 4 years of traveling and living short term and sharing places when back in San Diego I decided I needed a base, at least for awhile. I wanted my STUFF out of storage. To see it and use it or get rid of it. But I found the idea easier than the actual doing. Signing the legal document made me a little weak. I did try to talk the agent into a 6 month lease but it was a no go. What if I had making a big mistake? What if there were travel deals coming up I just could not pass up? What if I hated the place in a couple of months time? Oh god - all these what-ifs.
  I had pulled into San Diego at 6 AM, had coffee and was looking at apartments and condos by 9AM. It continued like that for almost a week. Calling and looking all day and then lining more up for the next day. I swear the prices got more expensive and the square footage got smaller. I actually had looked at the place that I am in now but it was early on and I remembered that the bedroom was very small but I noted that it had a yard and lots of closets. Now discouraged I was ready to go into an efficiency in Little Italy until I could find what I wanted but before I did I came back for a second look. And guess what! It looked huge compared to the shrinking places I had been viewing. My memory of the bedroom was off. It is small but for a small one bedroom duplex it has tons of storage. It has new carpet and paint. Its cute and big enough for me. So... with the weekend free I went to ArtWalk in Little Italy meeting friends I haven't seen in almost 7 months. Numerous artists had their creations on exhibit, along with musicians and lots of food booths. Sunday I just enjoyed the day. I walked and picked up a few things at Target for my new place. I was picking up the keys on Monday.
Tuesday I emptied out the storage unit. I really do not have that much. Years ago I chose traveling over having possessions. But there are lots of boxes. Boxes of books(my weakness) my art supplies and art books. It would have been easier on my friends to just have a few pieces of furniture. Jeez. It took half the day to load those boxes into the truck and then unload them into the house. My two dear sweet friends volunteered to help me. All I kept telling them before hand was that it was only a 10X10 unit. There were only some boxes and a love seat and chair. There turned out to be a lot more ands, mostly boxes and a cadenza and art tables and,and, and it was piled up to the ceiling.
The unpacking and sorting and rediscovering began in earnest Wed. Thinking back I would sign that lease without blinking an eye after all the work it took to sort it and put it away and donate the rest. In fact if I had to do it over I don't think I would blink an eye over a 5 year lease! I was house bound for 3 weeks except to go to the store and go out on Saturday night. But it is done and it looks great. I have even gotten creative with the yard. Next time I will post some pictures of it and tell you about the newest trip I have planned for Sept. Yup a trip already. Hey you only live once!

                                                San Diego Skyline and Embarcadero

New Mexico Again

I made the decision to start back to San Diego instead of pushing on toward New England with mixed feelings but weather reports made it look like I could run into some crazy weather like tornadoes and floods. But before I returned to dryer climate I was determined to stay a couple days in Taos. If you remember when I stayed in Santa Fe in December, every time I drove to Taos it was either freezing or they predicted a blizzard right after I arrived so after a big hot breakfast and a wonderful tour of the art museum  I had to outrun the blizzard and get back to Santa Fe. But I don't give up easily. I was going to Taos no matter what. I pulled into Santa Fe on a beautiful sunny springlike morning. Boy did it look different from Christmastime. The plaza trees barely had buds on them and there was no pretty white snow to cover the brown grass. After eating at the waffle shop and because I was on my return trip I bought a couple of small souvenirs. I stretched my legs with a good walk then drove to Taos. I had arranged an apartment through Airbnb. Maybe it was because it was off season but the room was inexpensive, sunny, clean, bright and a 5 minute walk to the Taos Plaza. After walking around for awhile I realized I was getting pretty chilly so I went back to retrieve my coat and scarf. Before I could return to town it started snowing! I couldn't believe it. It had been springlike an hour before. It started coming down heavier and by now it was very cold so I got into my car and returned to town but  by now it was 5, shops were closing. The town was deserted so there was nothing else to do but to go to happy hour. I picked a place that was upstairs with floor to ceiling windows so I could watch the snow. I laughed at myself and was advised by the locals that their springtime was in June. I stayed and ate and was told that the big guy at the end of the bar busy devouring a hamburger was allowed to bring  his large dog with him because he was an emotional therapy dog. First I had ever heard of that but whatever helps is okay with me. When I left it had stopped snowing and the sunset was beautiful. Next day was dreary and cold but no snow. Located only a short way from where I was staying was the Kit Carson house. In fact I had to pass it on my walk into town so I stopped and found out more about this interesting trapper, Indian agent and Army officer. There was a short film in which his great, great grandson played him and docents pointed out correctly that they looked very much alike. I toured the ancient Taos Pueblo. There is a pretty little church there all decorated in bright green and almost every dwelling has a round oven where they still bake outside. When questioned about the rocks and boards covering the oven openings the guide told us they were there so animals could not get in.  One very talented artist whose gallery was tiny and dark created beautiful sculptures in that modest place and several were in museums. Because I had paid an extra fee I stayed after the tour and took pictures.

Bright and early the next day I drove to La Hacienda de los Martinez. (Note the hanging bed in the kitchen) It had been a busy working hacienda and was still in good shape.  Later as it got warm and sunny I had the best time going to several art galleries that had been artists homes way back when Taos was home to many famous artists. I grudgingly left late that afternoon. I was so tempted to stay longer but  there was no guarantee that the next day would be as pleasant and I was on a mission to get home. But I will be going back to that mystical place. I love New Mexico!

Torrential rain, millions of people, music, horse-drawn carriages, Lucky dog carts, a strange lady who lay on the couch all day and decorated with red shear draperies and rented out rooms: It must be wonderful, fabulous New Orleans!  Yes and I was lucky enough to be there for the Music Festival, not to be confused with the Jazz Festival or any other weekly festival that seems to happen there. I started inquiring about a place to stay the day before I left Natchez (not too smart) and was shocked to not find anything available because of the music festival. Determined to go to one of my favorite places I did something I never do and will probably never do again, I made arrangements online to stay in a private home with another lady. The 300 lb. lady was very sweet and did seem disappointed that I did not need her suggestions as to where to go and what to see because I was not a first time visitor. My room was not bad because I had all new bedding. In fact she proudly told me that I was the first one to use it. But the room was not very big and it was crammed with STUFF. There was not even room for me to leave my suitcase open. I did try to gently advise her that as an experienced traveler I would rather have more room that dusty nic nacs. In the tiny apartment she had red shear drapes dividing the kitchen and dining room from the living room. Every inch of the walls had pictures and she was very proud of her most decorative achievement: The Hollywood room which was the bathroom. All counter space was covered with star's pictures and there was even a vintage dress and gloves attached to the wall. There were heavy drapes hiding the bathtub and shower which smelled like mildew. I used my Clorox wipes but the stay was quite unsettling. The music was fabulous and I walked miles to admire the old houses and parks. I visited the Edgar Degas house. The interesting tour was led by one of his relatives. His paintings done while he visited from France captured New Orleans life. My last day was sunny and beautiful. I spent hours in the Metairie Cemetery taking pictures of all the beautifully sculptured statues and tombs.  As usual

I cannot wait to go back.

I meet the nicest people in Graveyards.  They are usually women walking their dogs or keeping loved one's graves tidy. It happened again in Natchez. I was taking a break from touring houses.  Meandering around the Natchez City Cemetery, a lady walking her two dogs saw me reading the epitaphs and starting pointing out humorous and unusual writings on certain graves.  She was about my age and after she gave me the low down on the most interesting graves to see she told me a little about herself and hoped I did not mind that she popped into my evening to give me a tour. I assured her it was welcomed and appreciated. Later she invited me to dinner in two days time and she would introduce me to a couple of her friends who owned a bed and breakfast there. Later I received an email from her confirming the time and her address for the little dinner party. My dinner companions turned out to be pleasant, genuinely nice people who all had  good senses of humor. I got to see the absolutely beautiful bed and breakfast. My hostess had a pretty home right on Main St. Natchez. I ended the evening with a walk with her and her cute little dogs. I would be leaving Natchez soon and she was getting ready to go on a trip so we said goodbye. Maybe we will be in touch in the future even if its just a emailed HI.  So don't rule out including graveyards in your itinerary. You will not only see beautiful sculptures and stately trees but get an idea of what was going on in certain years whether it was the plague or TB or war. Some were victims of mine disasters and some were mortally hurt on cattle drives. Graveyards are a wealth of information and art. I meet people usually in the early evening. I never see very many people during the day in a cemetery. If you walk in the  late evening I can't guarantee the person you might be talking to is of real flesh and blood!
New Orleans is next ....

Natchez, Mississippi
On the road again!
Left Frisco, Texas last Friday at 10:30 at night and had an easy drive to Natchez. Arrived at Tourists Bureau about 7:00 AM. I dozed until they opened at 8:30. Got in there and purchased my series of Spring Pilgrimage tickets and after brushing my teeth and changing clothes I was on my way to tour Antebellum townhouses. Natchez has been having these Pilgrimages in the spring and fall for years and it goes on for weeks. People open up their homes and dress in period costumes and give the history of the house. Some focus on the furniture and some more on the people who have lived there.
Tours consist of morning and afternoon tours consisting of three houses. I have been touring for 4 days now. Every time I felt like I could not see another big house, I would pull up in front of another gorgeous home and get excited all over again. But I am slowing down. Its very tiring looking at all the beautiful furnishings, dainty Old Paris china and Barrack Chandeliers.

 

I am off to sit on the Veranda and sip my Mint Julep. Till next post bye y'all.

Latest day trip - Denton, Texas. Promise to post pictures. I do not know how I forgot with my last entry with all the pictures I take! This nice historic town has lots of gingerbread houses, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University giving it a young energetic vibe.  It has a huge stone courthouse in the middle of the pleasant town square. I went on a Sunday and all the store except one and a couple of restaurant and bars were open. Young singles and families were sitting on the grass in front of courthouse chatting and munching goodies. The scene was intimate and friendly. But further near U N T was a scattering of restaurants and pubs full of students getting ready for the ST. Patrick's Day celebrations. Word of caution - the official website of Denton is awful. It is not helpful at all and then I had a very hard time getting out of it.
My friend and I spent the day at the Dallas Botanical Gardens. It was 80 degrees and sunny. We had high tea and walked around enjoying the beautiful flowers.

                                                                                    

 Weather is improving in most areas so I will be back on the road soon.  My friend left today to take care of business in Denver. I chose not to go but it is very quiet and strange without her in this big house. Till the next American town - Bye.

Texas Wind
I am still in Texas and will be until end of March. Texas has not heard of March wind. It seems to have strong wind all the time. But that has an advantage. I take less time with my hair and wear hats. I take allergy medications and always have a scarf handy for when the wind gets icy. I could be in worse places in the winter but I have to complain a little. I am having a good visit with my friend, helped her around the house,  have gone to some plays and concerts and eaten a lot of good food. Lucky me she likes to cook. I've been to a fashion show luncheon where they modeled authentic vintage clothing along with some replicas and met some nice ladies.  Last Sunday I drove to Waxahachie, Texas. Built on the cotton and cattle economy it is full of beautiful gingerbread homes and a historical landmark courthouse described as Richardsonian Romanesque.  It is a giant of a stone building sitting in the middle of town with four porches and carved faces.
It claims to have an impressive list of movies filmed in and near their town including the 1967 Bonnie and Clyde.  I could totally an old sedan racing around the town square. There is a lovely walking and biking path near some abandoned railroad tracks. The daffodils and hyacinths are popping out and my friend's beautiful weeping willow tree is all buds. When I walk now I hear the birds singing and the doves are nesting. Beauty is always near wherever you are. Happy Spring!

Still in Texas.  I am enjoying my stay with my friend.  Weather is up and down. 78 one day and cold the next and the wind here is constant. Tomorrow we go to a vintage fashion show and tea in McKinney,Texas. Looking forward to that. I have discovered an historic cemetery called Pecan Grove and I love to sit there and draw the trees. I swim almost everyday and walk. The building here is absolutely astonishing.  Construction of housing developments are frantically being built. Houses are going up so fast I can't imagine the shape they will be in in ten years time. I have already seen them replacing stone walls on these new developments. When I am walking there are large sections of sidewalk that are crumbling. It is like the Stepford Wives movie. Everything looks alike. All houses are Texas Traditional and huge. Ranches and fields are disappearing everyday. If I didn't see this I would never believe it. Meanwhile I try to enjoy what is still here.
When weather gets better I would like to see the hill country and San Antonio. Meanwhile I am drawing and enjoying the marvelous museums they have here in Texas.
Till the next time. J

It's been way too long since I posted. Sorry. I left Santa Fe a week early because of bad weather but not before going to Taos, a beautiful place I am determined to revisit in the spring.  After a hot hearty breakfast we toured the art museum and had a great talk with Don Ward the showcased and long time resident artist whose "Visual Impressions" are beautiful.  The museum is housed in the home of  Nicolai Fechin who built the house in 1927 and was a successful artist in Russia when he came to New Mexico. He built most of the home himself including the carved woodwork and was a talented painter.  After a brief walk around town and checking out a store or two with my friend, we ended the visit early because a snow storm was on it's way that day. I also canceled a trip to see a former San Diegan friend who lives in Silver City because of the road conditions. The next day we packed up and started out for my friend's home in Texas. I will stay with her for awhile before continuing my road trip. Next time ..... Texas!