tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post8528479434013854656..comments2024-03-17T02:20:03.772-05:00Comments on Riding With The Top Down: Places that InspireKathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-33481523173463571312009-08-12T09:43:48.820-05:002009-08-12T09:43:48.820-05:00That's cool, April. Congrats on winning that t...That's cool, April. Congrats on winning that tote. I'm sure you'll find some wonderful books in there.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-75683660705294059482009-08-12T09:36:44.583-05:002009-08-12T09:36:44.583-05:00I loved the RWA SuperRomance party. I didn't ...I loved the RWA SuperRomance party. I didn't realize how much SuperRomance I read until I went. I won the Louisiana tote bag to my big surprise.princessaprhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17661275728902254769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-19327580386334369022009-08-12T07:54:16.958-05:002009-08-12T07:54:16.958-05:00Amy, I've only been to Atlanta for work, but i...Amy, I've only been to Atlanta for work, but it seemed to be the kind of city I'd love to explore. And Paris? Some day. Sigh.<br /><br />Thanks flchen1! That's such a good point about being where good friends are. The people you're with can make even more of a difference than the place!<br /><br />Laurie, I think I've been to Point Beach! I've camped so many places in Wisconsin it's hard to remember all of them. The dunes in Michigan are absolutely amazing! I had no clue they existed!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-38672524674329565502009-08-12T07:42:25.328-05:002009-08-12T07:42:25.328-05:00Thanks, Betina. Yeah, the twins are part of the p...Thanks, Betina. Yeah, the twins are part of the plot, but not a big one. You know HQ and their titles. They'll look for any kind of hook!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-28694175957249258582009-08-12T07:05:35.386-05:002009-08-12T07:05:35.386-05:00A pretty place to camp and visit right along the s...A pretty place to camp and visit right along the shoreline of Lake Michigan is Point Beach State Forest /Two Rivers, Wisconsin. There is a 5 mile bike trail- south, right along the shoreline connecting Two Rivers to Manitiwoc (which has the Cobra Submarine tours, ferry to Ludington, Michigan and Bernstein's chocolates!). You can also take the bike trail about 5 miles north and trek through the Point Beach State Forest and see the Rawley's Point Lighthouse. The campgrounds are within walking distance to the dunes. Lake Michigan can be quite chilly but refreshing! Bring jackets as the evenings can be cool.<br /><br />Two Rivers is known for the first ice cream sundae and also has a quaint fishing village museum that you can tour for a small fee. The Lighthouse Inn is located right on the water and has good food too!.<br /><br />Finally, Two Rivers has a huge beach area Nashotah Park where you can walk north for miles and miles in beautiful white sand, plenty of driftwood and gorgeous views of the water.Laurie Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12533221100348874087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-90103220885291137262009-08-11T23:39:51.963-05:002009-08-11T23:39:51.963-05:00Favorite places? Wherever our good friends are :)...Favorite places? Wherever our good friends are :) Those are the getaways I enjoy the most. I do also love seeing other parts of the world, so we've gotten to travel parts of Asia with the kids, and it's been exciting (though not terribly relaxing). Congrats on First Comes Twins! Mirabelle sounds like a great place to visit!Fedorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10879033776125666713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-12942613139568304112009-08-11T19:24:29.942-05:002009-08-11T19:24:29.942-05:00My favorite easy getaway is Atlanta and my favorit...My favorite easy getaway is Atlanta and my favorite have to have time and money getaway is Paris.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I am very good at ignoring things that need to be done around the house and zoning out with a good book or the computer!Amy Kathrynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-15749952897204779072009-08-11T18:49:58.177-05:002009-08-11T18:49:58.177-05:00Helen, congratulations on your new book! It sound...Helen, congratulations on your new book! It sounds wonderful. . . and I'm guess the twins are. . .<br />a big part of the plot. Right?<br /><br />I can't wait to pick it up! Four books? Girl, no wonder you've been shy around here sometimes. You've been writing your fingers to the bone! Cut it out. You're makin' the rest of us look bad.<br />::grin::Betina Krahnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11379124690406269848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-57894257802507837582009-08-11T18:03:52.545-05:002009-08-11T18:03:52.545-05:00Home is always good, RachieG!Home is always good, RachieG!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-27031757521045195452009-08-11T17:22:57.353-05:002009-08-11T17:22:57.353-05:00I love going home to the northern counties of Illi...I love going home to the northern counties of Illinois. Such a sense of homecoming and welcome. I live in Missouri and love it, but Illinois gives me that sense of home. :)<br /><br />Congratulations on your new release!! Can't wait to check it out!!<br /><br />rachie2004 @ yahoo (dot) comRachieGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-27355110727865407152009-08-11T17:20:38.765-05:002009-08-11T17:20:38.765-05:00Thanks, Liza. Chicago is food. Italian. Best de...Thanks, Liza. Chicago is food. Italian. Best deep dishes on the planet. Yum. Now I'm starving!!!!<br /><br />Ever been to Quartino's? Love that place.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-83184886732741832382009-08-11T17:19:07.048-05:002009-08-11T17:19:07.048-05:00Checked it out, GunDiva. What marvelous SAND! Be...Checked it out, GunDiva. What marvelous SAND! Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. Reminds me a bit of a lake up in Yosemite, except for the sand.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-85133373699148880592009-08-11T17:17:21.599-05:002009-08-11T17:17:21.599-05:00Ellentoo, you made my day! Email me your address ...Ellentoo, you made my day! Email me your address at helenbrenna@comcast.net and I'll send out a bookmark!<br /><br />National parks are the best. I've only been to Yellowstone once and I was young. Didn't have the same appreciation as now. But I loved Yosemite and Denali in Alaska. Gorgeous. Would love to see Glacier.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-27362112345775260612009-08-11T17:15:30.912-05:002009-08-11T17:15:30.912-05:00tetewa, slather on that sunscreen, dollface!tetewa, slather on that sunscreen, dollface!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-4439823826759150542009-08-11T16:53:30.051-05:002009-08-11T16:53:30.051-05:00Congrats on your new release Helen! My favorite va...Congrats on your new release Helen! My favorite vacation spots are the beach and Chicago. I love to kick back and read on the beach under an umbrella(or I'd be a lobster). The sea air clears up my allergies and I love to eat fresh seafood. I go to Chicago to shop, visit friends, and just enjoy all that is Chicago.mslizalouhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346608035190326136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-72467039088095707322009-08-11T16:38:00.134-05:002009-08-11T16:38:00.134-05:00Helen et al, I've posted Sand Beach pics on my...Helen et al, I've posted Sand Beach pics on my blog, gundiva(dot)blogspot(dot)com.<br /><br />As for turning a blind eye on the work that needs to be done - find a relatively clean corner to curl up in, open a book, escape. Easy as pie!GunDivahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02965363044411500380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-90501378794405509582009-08-11T16:26:36.553-05:002009-08-11T16:26:36.553-05:00First let me say that I don't want to be enter...First let me say that I don't want to be entered to win the book because I already have it. But a cool bookmark would be ok LOL.<br />Anyway my favorite vacation spots are out National Parks. I've been to Yellowstone three times and I always discover something new to see. I've been to Glacier National Park and stared in awe at all the wonderful sites including frozen waterfalls. I've actually been to about half of all the Parks in the US and am looking forward to seeing more.EllenToohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06114930219445131840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-5524769857612270832009-08-11T16:25:33.449-05:002009-08-11T16:25:33.449-05:00Congrats on the release! My favorite places for va...Congrats on the release! My favorite places for vacations are places with bodies of water, as I love to swim and lay out in the sun!tetewahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04287233499993365048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-61071447162213579762009-08-11T16:23:33.008-05:002009-08-11T16:23:33.008-05:00Thanks, Maureen, and I hear you about the staying ...Thanks, Maureen, and I hear you about the staying at home and doing nothing. <br /><br />Anyone got any tricks up their sleeves for turning a blind eye to all the work that needs to get done around the house?Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-65981440088512401402009-08-11T16:20:51.219-05:002009-08-11T16:20:51.219-05:00Wow, Laney, very creative thinking. Sounds like ev...Wow, Laney, very creative thinking. Sounds like everyone has a hand in the planning pie! <br /><br />Janga, sadly, we have no mountains in MN. :( In my dreams, I imagined owning a mountain cabin, a lake place and a sea villa. Too much to ask?Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-38087385869755995872009-08-11T16:17:41.062-05:002009-08-11T16:17:41.062-05:00Thanks Chey! Newfoundland. The closest I've ...Thanks Chey! Newfoundland. The closest I've been is Nova Scotia. More places to see.<br /><br />GunDiva - do you have a website? Post a link her in a comment.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-42498107524957216202009-08-11T16:10:09.292-05:002009-08-11T16:10:09.292-05:00Congratulations Helen on your new book! One of the...Congratulations Helen on your new book! One of the most enjoyable things for me is to have a day where I don't have to do anything and I can do whatever I want.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16392692656456938856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-64430877583656306942009-08-11T15:56:20.066-05:002009-08-11T15:56:20.066-05:00Laney4, you're amazing! I can't believe a...Laney4, you're amazing! I can't believe all of the things you've organized. I want to join your family and go to all those cool vacations.GunDivahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02965363044411500380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-69846479150192184812009-08-11T15:52:58.596-05:002009-08-11T15:52:58.596-05:00I'm not much for sun and sand. I prefer the mo...I'm not much for sun and sand. I prefer the mountains. A friend has a cabin in the Smokies that's one of my favorite spots. Going there gives me lots of time to sit on the deck and think and write and lots of time for good conversation with people I love. I call that perfection.Jangahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15128188159653860806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-38019351495231413732009-08-11T15:43:03.572-05:002009-08-11T15:43:03.572-05:00You asked, "... Who plans these trips? Do you...You asked, "... Who plans these trips? Do you guys take turns or do you have a sibling or in-law that simply loves organizing things?"<br /><br />Well ... my sister and her husband visit us in Ontario every two or three years for a week or two or three or more, as they have a motor home and use our place as a home base between visits with various outlying family members and friends. When we know they are coming, we get the puzzles and games ready for passing the evening hours. I win local radio contests and set aside the (no expiry) restaurant gift certificates for when they are here. I scan the Internet and local papers for "things to do" all year long and discuss the possibilities with them when they arrive. We have attended a corn maze, a farming museum, some national parks, a couple of chocolate factories (need I say more?), some wineries (great free samples), a distillery, the local libraries (of course) for early morning/nighttime reading material, a 1917 estate (with indoor bowling alley and one of the first indoor pools), floral gardens, and so much more.<br /><br />When we have visited them in Saskatchewan or Alberta, we have toured underground bootlegging tunnels (in Moose Jaw's downtown area), visited several museums, enjoyed amusement parks (especially at West Edmonton Mall, the biggest mall in the world), seen movies at IMAX theatres, driven around checking out Christmas lights and decorations (both professional and residential), enjoyed local beaches, toured Lake Louise and the rest of Banff, camped throughout British Columbia, took down trees in BC's mountains, watched professional and school theatre productions, took in Stars on Ice, checked out various restaurants, walked at the local gym in inclement weather, gone geocaching, gone swimming in various pools with and without slides, and again the list can go on and on. My sister's daughter helps with planning that itinerary, as she has the children now, but we all have a hand in it!<br /><br />Whenever our husbands have changed jobs, we try to arrange a "plant tour" at the new job sites. That has always been interesting too.<br /><br />Thanks for asking! I hope these have given you ideas for entertainment in your own neck of the woods!Laney4https://www.blogger.com/profile/06990122242183752771noreply@blogger.com