Why did it have to be snakes?

A few weeks ago, there came a day that a mother fears – the day when her five-year-old son declares that he wants a snake for his birthday.  Especially if on that same day his father declares that yes, this is a possibility.

Oh, really.

So far, the five-year-old is just “totally into” snakes and lizards.  At a friend’s birthday party recently, there was a Lizard Lady, who brought several cages of reptiles and showed them to the children, telling the crowd a little bit about each animal.  There were lizards, turtles, small snakes, and a 75-pound Burmese Python.  AT A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY.  The Lizard Lady had the gall to invite parents to wrap the 75-pound snake around our shoulders for a photo opportunity.

I wouldn’t have considered the notion.  But when I saw the look of rapture on my son’s face when she said that, I naturally stepped forward and volunteered to be the first. What else is a mom to do?

Our next reptilian adventure will take place in a far safer environment, which will not include any bodily contact between the snakes and myself. Read More »

The old ladybug and the sea...

Just north of Cannon Beach along the breathtaking Oregon coast we encountered a beach full of ladybugs. There’s a story to it, but I can’t share here. This is a Wordless Wednesday post.

Photo by Whit Honea

This  guest post about Leeds, England is authored by travel writer and Leeds’ local: Darren Cronian.

I suspect most American’s when looking to take a vacation in England would instantly think of London. That’s understandable, it is our capital city, it has bags full of history and our Royal Family reside there. In this post though, I would like to offer you an alternative, and it is only a two hour train journey from London King’s Cross station.

Leeds' Kirkgate Market

Welcome to my home city of Leeds

Leeds, by population, is the UK’s third largest city, and the perfect city for a short break or your base for a vacation in England. Leeds is only twenty minutes drive away from the very scenic Yorkshire Dales; there are other fantastic cities like York and Harrogate nearby. Leeds city centre is compact so you can find many of the local attractions without having to spend all of your vacation on public transport. Read More »