One thing that has surprised me recently is the beauty of the desert in the Phoenix metro area. I guess I had always simply thought of deserts as dry, rather barren places.

At this time of year, many folks like to get in the car and take a short holiday road trip if the weather cooperates, especially if the destination brings out the magic of the holidays. Kansas City is one of those places for me!

Another little secret about me is that I am a Dale Chihuly glass artist nut. Consequently, I was dying to see his temporary exhibition at the St. Louis Botanical Garden.