How To Get Energized

When you need to get energized, what do you do? Where do you go? It’s said that everyone has an “element” they are attracted to that provides a balance and energy for them. For some it may be water, or metals, or wood – which is the case for me. As much as I love the ocean and beaches with snorkeling vacations, I really feel at home in the mountains along rivers and lakes.

Yosemite National Park was the perfect place to get back in touch with “my element” recently. The waterfalls were raging, the weather perfect in the 80’s, and relatively light traffic since we visited on a Friday at the beginning of tourist season – a couple of weeks ago.

Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite

Here’s a photo of Bridal Veil Falls, the river over flowing as we walked to the base of the falls, and then all of the spray at the base – we got soaked!! Yes, it was energizing!

Over flowing river at base of Bridalveil Falls

Water spray from waterfall in Yosemite

Often when we visit Yosemite, we will stay outside of the park at the historic Groveland Hotel, but this time we stayed about 10 miles from there at the Yosemite Westgate Lodge.

To see more about the trip go to BabyBoomersBlueprint and the “Harley Rides” tab.….

Until next time, J.

We Ate Our Way Around Portland

This was a different Memorial Weekend in that instead of having a traditional BBQ and taking time to appreciate all of the Veterans who have made life in the U.S. the way “we know it” – my daughter and I took a road trip to Portland.  We still took the time to talk about our gratitude to all the men and women who made it possible for us to travel safely however, and we wish all of them a safe return to their loved ones….

I have been to Portland once before, but so long ago I really don’t remember much.  During this trip we did most of our exploring on foot through out the Pearl District and NW Nob Hill area.  The city is really easy to navigate around, even for someone with no sense of direction like me! Mikaila and I both thought we could live there….. the buildings aren’t as tall as in San Francisco so it’s not claustrophobic, nor are there as many cars.  Portland has done so much to become a green city and promote walking and public transportation.  I understand they have been considered the Urban model with many other cities looking at them for ideas…..

A road trip isn’t a road trip though without indulging in the local fare.  I would go back to each and every one of these spots again!

• Lodging – Inn @ Northrup Station (A delightfully bright, funky, and fun spirited boutique hotel w/ public transportation right out your door)

• The Vault - A martini bar serving only continue reading »

Can I Deduct My Trip to Mexico?

A couple of weeks ago prior to my departing on a pleasure / business trip to Mexico I asked the question – will any of it be tax deductible?

I noted in the last few posts how to qualify for the deduction, and I did in these categories:

• Traveled more than 300 miles to my destination, so it required over night stay
• I did not travel on a cruise ship
• I did work on Mondays and Fridays
• It was beneficial for me to stay over weekends (airfare would have increased)

However, because I was exploring new business opportunities I had not scheduled any specific continue reading »

The U.S. Economy Has Affected Down South of the Border Too

The last two weeks in Mexico were fabulous, great for my mind and spirit.  However, it saddened me to see my friends south of the border really struggling.

Before telling you more, can you believe how amazing this sunset is ~ taken from the front of my apartment?

Zihuantanejo (or Zihua or “Z”) used to be a sleepy little fishing village with very little English spoken.  During the last 5 years most of the restaurant wait staff and taxi drivers have learned some English making it less of a challenge to get around….. not as much fun however!  Over the last 10 years it has also become a tourist destination, especially now that research is so easy to do on the Internet.  Typically in areas such as Zihuantanejo the locals make their money during the high season (tourist) season, which over the last number of years has been “now” ~January to Easter.  Then things will slow down, picking up again during continue reading »