The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Years ago, when I first started this blog, a writer commented, "I can see you like to travel."  She was right. Imagine, though, taking a trip to the moon!! Today is the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 12 mission to the moon. The astronauts' adventure didn't receive the same notoriety as Apollo 11, the landing on the moon, or Apollo 13, the everything-went-wrong-that-could-possibly-go-wrong mission. Thankfully those astronauts survived. Tom Hanks starred in the movie telling the journey. Did you know, though, that the Apollo 12 Saturn V rocket also had problems? Lightning struck the capsule more than once and they lost all power for some time. Did you also know astronauts, Charles Conrad, Jr., Richard Gordan, Jr, and Alan Bean were good friends? Tapes of their conversations during the flight are hilarious. They brought up a tape deck with a variety of music. Told jokes. And much more. The ...

The advantage of traveling is stumbling upon fantastic places to eat.  Sometimes a restaurant is hidden in unexpected places. During this week's snow/ice/sleet storm that bulldozed across the United States this week, hubby and I were forced to stop at exit 10 in Chesterton, Missouri. I must admit, I didn't expect this weather in the southern portion of Missouri. We filled our gas tank, booked a room at the hotel across the expressway, then, after searching, ended up back at the gas station complex. Inside motorists can buy de-icer, scrapers for the windshield, a warm jacket, hats, mittens, and so much more!  To the far left was Wally's Home Style Cook'n. I'll admit I was suspicious. What kind of food would I find at a restaurant tucked in a truck stop? Until I saw these tables. Wally's is smart. First up are the dessert choices. Delicious slices of pies, cakes, and puddings. Farther down, the server will give you a...

This is not my first time driving through New Mexico. If I have my say, it won't be my last.  This state has colorful landscapes mastered.  Someday, I hope to actually stay here a few days here. Probably not in the summer. Too hot. For now, New Mexico serves as a link to my destination. A link worth capturing on film and sharing with you. I drove south on a two-lane highway.  The sun rose to my left.  A desert storm crept over the mountains and spilled into the vast, flat scrublands to my right.  Rain tumbled onto the thirsty land. In the sky, it looked like a fine mist, but the drops that hit my windshield were large, plump, and wet. The storm continued to push across the sky.  The rising sun revealed waves of color in thin portions of the cloud. Back where the rain fell, darkness loomed. Experience has taught me, the best photos are usually behind me. I turned and saw this rainbow pop out of nowhere. ...

The snow pictures are appearing on the internet. Already! I've seen some from Colorado, Iowa, and Montana. I hear the snow is heading east.  Before the chilly temps take us to the end of the year, let's head to the beach one more time, eh? I especially enjoy the duck families who visit every year. Once their babies are old enough they leave. But until then, they hang around on our little beach. Lake Superior, in Michigan just has this chilly look to it most of the time. Yes, there is some snow in this picture.  Even without it, the shade of blue typically seen here is chilly. These tenacious weeds grow with a fervor. The only way to keep the sand available for fun is to pull them. Lake Michigan has a bit more green to the water. The shore has a powdery soft sand. West of Traverse City, Michigan is this scenic area. The drop off is 450 ft. A blast to run down...a dredge to climb back up. The Oregon shore of the Pacific had gray grainy s...

Did you know I went to the Alps this month? Seriously! The picturesque mountains of Europe. The snowcapped most of the year string of mountains. The place of history, culture, a-mazing food, and much more. Oh to pick from the many amazing opportunities, sites and sounds, smells and tastes to talk about today. I am beyond jazzed. Can you tell???? All pics were taken by me. If you use any please give my name credit Let's see. Today I will choose: The Matterhorn.  Pools of blue/green water have their color from mineral deposits left from the glacier that was once on this section of the mountain. If you look closely at how tiny the people are down there, thi is a tad bigger than a pool. Because of the Matterhorn's pointy shape, the winds, and the treacherous terrain, only professional climbers attempt the climb. 500 people have died in the attempt. There is, however, a cog rail that takes viewers on a steep climb to the top of a mountain across f...