I am a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers Society and have been off an on since college. This is a great organization that promotes and educates the public about growing tropical fruit, gardening and other outdoor activities related to agriculture. There are a number of regional chapters in the state, all of whom hold regular meetings. Every year there is a Festival of Fruit which rotates among the states' chapters. This year the … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2010
Moon Baja
Moon Baja by Nikki Goth Itoi From the stunningly clear water glistening in the sunlight photo that is pictured on the front cover this book quickly draws you into the wonders of Baja California. From multicultural Tijuana just south of the US border all the way down to Cabo San Lucas on Baja's southern tip, this is the go to guide for this region of Mexico. Helpful sections in the beginning of the book warrant a look including the best of … [Read more...]
How to Rent Vacation Properties
How to Rent Vacation Properties by Christine Hrib Karpinski This is a must have book for anyone who owns property, doesn't live there full time and wants to earn additional income. 26 chapters cover everything from insurance to advertising to furnishings, to maintenance to details as mundane as bed sheets! The author also covers financially prudent ways to own a vacation home - without retaining property managers. This is a very … [Read more...]
Argentina to Chile border crossing in Patagonia
When you're high in the Andes, you can't help but be attuned to the scenery. Breathtaking, snow-capped peaks surround you, water rushes over falls as it hurries down the valleys, lakes brim with emerald water, and the world seems to spin just a little bit slower. Crossing through the Patagonia from Argentina into Chile is one of the best ways to explore the landscape and gives you a glimpse of the spectacular expanse that comprises the … [Read more...]
Filming the fun!
Were being filmed as we go! Check out these Jamaica tourism clips from the past few days. … [Read more...]
Jamaica Island Photos
We had a full day of touring in the Montego Bay region of Jamaica - highlights included exploring the rest of Secrets Wild Orchid Resort, Chukka Caribbean Adventures (high speed Dog Sled Ride), and the Ocho Rios (a fantastic water soaking climb up the steep river walls from the ocean into the rainforest). See some of our photos below: … [Read more...]
The Secret is Out!
I'm currently staying at Secret's Wild Orchid Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica on a trip sponsored by the Tourism Bureau of Jamaica. This resort is completely new having only opened about 2.5 months ago. I have been totally transported in a matter of hours to a magical paradise on the island of Jamaica. We hit the Barracuda bar for a tropical drink which was then carried steps away to the beach where our buffet dinner was awaiting under … [Read more...]
Family Winemakers Tasting, San Francisco
FAMILY WINEMAKERS OF CALIFORNIA 'TASTING 2010' SAN FRANCISCO EARLY BIRD TICKET SPECIAL ENDS ON AUGUST 1st Save 30 Percent Off At-The-Door Price for The World's Most Comprehensive Tasting of California Wines, August 22, 2010 Sacramento, CA (July 15, 2010) - The Early Bird Ticket Special for the Family Winemakers of California's 20th Annual Tasting ends August 1st. Tasting 2010 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Family Winemakers Tasting, … [Read more...]
Unity and Help: The Lesson of the Tortoise
Chances are that you've heard the story of the tortoise and the hare before... at least you've heard ONE version of it. In this classic Aesop folktale, the speedy, cocky hare challenges the slow-poke tortoise to a race, and the tortoise shockingly agrees. The race begins! Halfway through the competition, the hare becomes so overconfident at his giant lead that he takes a nap, dreaming of his glorious and easy victory. When the hare … [Read more...]
Family Winemakers Tasting
I go to this tasting every year (always held in August - SF, or February, Pasadena), at the Festival Pavilion in Fort Mason in San Francisco. This is the premiere tasting for small family owned California producers. This is always a popular event and I recommend showing up early. The original tasting in 1991 featured 46 wineries; the 2010 tasting will have over 325 wineries! Event Details: Sunday August 22nd, 3-6pm Festival Pavilion, Fort … [Read more...]