Snapshots from San Antonio Texas

Wild, sassy and sizzling San Antonio!

Pure Bliss Travel | Country Mice @ Niagara-on-the-Lake

We took a short break from the busy Christmas schedule this past weekend and drove to the beautiful Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The street is filed with Christmas shoppers enjoying the holiday rush, the food, the Christmas music and the spirit of Christmas that fills the air. The only thing missing is a blanket of fresh white snow for a picture perfect Victorian Christmas.

A very Merry Christmas!

Pure Bliss Travel | Country Mice @ Napa Valley

Last week, hubby and I flew to San Francisco for his youngest brother's wedding. After the fun-filled festivities, we drove to Napa Valley for some wine tasting and sight seeing - a must every time we travel to the Golden State. We have seen a good number of vineyards over the years in this part of the United States and to me, Castello di Amorosa remains a favorite.

The vineyard with its imposing castle reminded us so much of our unforgettable travel to Tuscany and Umbria. I love walking on the grounds where small farmhouses are surrounded by rosemary and other herbs. Farm animals and free range chickens and ducks are also visible in some parts of the vineyards. 

Excellent vino and rustic farm setting .... definitely my kind of road trip!

Pure Bliss Travel | Country Mice @ the Capital

A couple of weekends ago, hubby and I drove to Canada's capital city, Ottawa. We've been coming here almost every year for the last 15 years specially during the Tulip Festival in spring and in January for the Winter Festival but rarely during the summer time. One thing is sure, Ottawa is alive, vibrant and hot in summer!

At the Westin Ottawa, we were luckily upgraded to the 19th floor overlooking the Parliament Hill, the historical Chateau Laurier, the Rideau Canal and part of the Ottawa River. Don"t get me wrong, I love waking up in our bedroom at home overlooking our neighbors' vast farmland but waking up to these great architectural structures once in awhile is a feast to the eyes.

For us two country mice, we can't think of a better way to end our weekend rendezvous in the Capital than the spectacular fireworks along the Ottawa river!

Pioneer Day ... {Stepping Back in Time}

Hubby and I love things that are old. Not necessarily those very expensive antiques, just simple things that carries so much character. We find it hard to get rid of things at home that have seen the best of their times. Let's just say that the older they are, the better. 

This weekend, we had a great time walking the grounds of Scugog Shore Museum for the annual Pioneer Day. It was like we stepped back in time when life was devoid of complicated gadgets and gizmos. When there was no such thing as "just a click away". When days were not rushed. When work was about hard labour. And when communities were about the farmers, the blacksmith, the weaver, the teacher and the baker.  

Here's a peek of the village during the late 1800's ....

For old souls like us, this was a treat .... young bloods, old souls, open hearts and free mind!