I have been to many wonderful museums all over the world and I do enjoy most of the museums I have seen. But I have to say The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix ‘blew my socks right off!” 

I have been a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright’s art and architecture for quite some time. I’ve visited a number of his projects such as a few of his houses in the Midwest, a hotel in Mason City, Iowa, and the Chicago neighborhood of Oak Park.

What do you think of when you see or think about a butterfly? I always think of Spring and colorful flowers. I also am enchanted by a butterfly’s flight - how they flit here and there but still manage to make it to where they want to be. In short, butterflies make me happy.

I always make it a point to visit at least one church, cathedral, or religious site wherever I travel. I love the architecture, the artwork, the stillness (usually), the history, and the various expressions of faith.

I absolutely love aquariums of all kinds! Well, I actually prefer the ones that don’t smell too “fishy.” Yeah, I know. 🙄

Anyway, I can spend all day in a large, well-done aquarium and Scottsdale’s OdySea is definitely both of those. There are more than 65 exhibits to explore and I’m not just talking tiny tanks I set in a wall.

The Phoenix/Scottsdale area has numerous self-driving cars for hire - reserved with an app like Uber or Lyft. The company is called Waymo and I got to ride in one to and from a tour in Old Town Scottsdale.

Scottsdale is so surprising! There’s something for everyone here - the arts, sports, shopping of all types, tours, nature, great restaurants, and great winter weather. I am loving it here. One of the places that surprised me was the Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale Museum of the West.

There will be days that don’t remotely go according to plan when you travel. In fact, you will sometimes have to completely abandon the plan and “wing it.” Today was one of those days.

And where oh where have I been in the last year or so?

Despite the fact I do eat at restaurants when I travel, I do not proclaim to be a “foodie.” Scottsdale is known for their great restaurants, though, so trying at least a few is a must-do. It’s all part of the fun!

While a quarter million (250,000) currently live in Scottsdale, the original downtown/Old Town feels very much like a small town. There are many small shops of all types, fun restaurants, artwork and galleries galore, beautiful public areas, and an unbelievable amount of Western Americana.

I am loving the springlike weather here right now! Plus I also am enjoying the varied scenery - animals, birds, plants, and flowers… Gorgeous!