Sometimes The Best Destinations Are Right In Your Back Yard

It's a sunny spring day and all my usual Saturday stuff is done, (Jazzercise, grocery shopping and cleaning the house) so I decided to drive the mile down the road and take advantage of the hiking trails in a little county park near my house. 

It's sad and I feel embarrassed to admit that I've only been to this park just once in recent years. Many years ago when I was growing up I used to snowmobile through this park in winter. It's gorgeous and with its rolling hills it's the perfect setting for a hike.

So with my favorite walking partner Zoe we made our way through the woods. 

It just goes to show you that you don't need to drive hours to do something that inspires you and makes you feel recharged. Sometimes the best destinations are right under your nose or a mile down the road. Wisconsin is full of great places like this and even though I love spending time in the big city, places like my Walla Hi County Park make me love where I live just as much!

 

After 4 Years, Paris Keeps Calling Me Back.

Today marks the 4th anniversary since I got on a plane and landed in Paris for the first time.  I will never forget how I tried to contain my emotions as I saw La Tour Eiffel for the first time.  I worried I might get more than a few funny looks from my fellow travelers if I was openly sobbing.  I  couldn't help it, finally I was living my dream of always wanting to see Paris.  That 5 days became the beginning of some fabulous friendships that I have maintained through today.  It also turned me into a certified Francophile and I still cannot get enough of all things Paris.  I read virtually every book that has Paris as it's subject matter,  mastered making macarons, and have tried (unsuccessfully) to learn French.  The latter I am still working on!  My house is filled with Parisian themed decor and I even picked a French name (Zoe) for my dog when we adopted her.

So my obsession is not going to fade anytime soon.  I plan on returning to Paris next year. I want to see all the things I missed the first time, but more importantly, I just want to sit in a cafe and take it all in without being in a hurry. So until then, I will enjoy the memories of that trip 4 years ago and dream of the day that I will see La Tour Eiffel again!