Lanie & Chris - "Remember to Breathe"

Out in the desert a few hours from Los Angeles - just outside Joshua Tree National Park, and then about 1/2 an hour down a remote road (just when you think you've gone too far...) is Pioneertown. The Rimrock Ranch to be specific. I'm amazed that Lanie & Chris found this place at ALL...but man, was it worth it! Spectacular desert beauty everywhere you look, and the Ranch was the perfect canvas for a passionate DIY couple like them. From the flowers to the food to the decor (keys and ribbons hanging from trees, handmade paper plate flowers, their own drink recipes...) everything had their personal touch!

Congrats to the happy couple (and their doggie, Calliope!) - you ROCK!

Last but not least - Alabama thru New York!

We zoomed up to NY in less time than we spent on most of our trip. We hit up Savannah for a brief night and next morning, then onto Virginia and finally New York!

Savannah park at night


Spanish Moss


Richard & Lynn hosted us at Rebec Winery - beautiful!






Finally in NY, Ruthie's friend, Wendy was kind enough to let us crash at her urban palace.

Oops, almost forgot Texas!

We stopped in Austin for a couple days and tooled around with tour guide extrordinaire, Rabbi Susan and my wonderful musical friend Silas!

Loving the name of this little town.


Bullet holes in the border sign!







Our new friend at Home Slice - made Cheesecake "with love", gave us a free piece - Yum!


Texas State Capitol - STARS - EVERYWHERE!






Texas State Cemetary - more stars!


After gorging ourselves on BBQ at County Line.

Laissez les bon temps roulez

Our next stop was New Orleans - I knew I'd like this city, but I wasn't prepared for how chock full of great music, people, history, food, and fun it would have! I'm definitely coming back at some point soon for more exploring. Thanks to Jan & Rick for letting us stay at their comfy & stylish digs, and thanx to Jill at The Chimes for orienting us, having us for an excellent breakfast and being a hospitable hostess! Also thanks to Iris for showing us a few wonderful restaurants and music venues and getting a great group of friends together spontaneously!

Cafe Du Monde - we made 3 visits to sample the sublime frozen lattes and beignets! When you order them to go, there's about a pound of sugar left in the bottom of the bag after you're done - YUM!



Gorgeous architecture in the French Quarter


I loved these amazing "church lady" hats!




Fried alligator (far right), fried rabbit liver (front), and oysters (left) - a wonderful NOLA lunch at Conchon.


The St. Charles Street trolley


Mossy Man


Beaded Tree


Neat old gas station


I love these tiled in-the-sidewalk street signs.


Lower 9th ward Katrina damage.