olympic training center, colorado

May 18, 2018

Do you know what one thing in Colorado Springs exists in only three places in the United States? The United States Olympic Training Center (OTC)!

(The other two campuses are in Lake Placid, New York and Chula Vista, California.)

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to tour the Colorado Springs campus with a fun group of people while in Colorado – the first of the three to be built and also the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Some athletes preparing for the Olympics, Paralympics, and Pan American Games live at the OTCs for a period of months or years, while others visit periodically with their respective national teams for training camps, coaching, or physical testing. (Although foreign national teams are occasionally granted use of the US OTCs, they are used mainly by athletes from the United States.)

The best part of the tour? It was given by athletes! Our group was treated to conversation with paralympic gold medalist, 2-time world champion in the paratriathlon, Allysa Seely and U.S. skeleton athlete, Stephen Garbett.

Since Colorado Springs is situated near the base of Pikes Peak (at the eastern edge of the southern Rocky Mountains), the view of one of the most famous American mountains is visible from most parts of the OTC.

The high elevation of the OTC (located on the former Ent Air Force Base) is thought to improve training effectiveness. Its facilities include a swimming pool, an indoor shooting range, the Olympic Training Center Velodrome, two sports centers housing numerous gymnasiums and weight room, and a sport science laboratory, in addition to an athlete center and dining hall, several dormitories, a visitors’ center, and the offices of both the USCO and U.S. Paralympics.

Even when Pikes Peak is not in view, there are awesome mountain views from most angles. I was particularly impressed by the magnificent mountain view from the 2^nd floor indoor track in one of the sport center buildings – what a view to enjoy while running!

I highly recommend an Olympic Training Center tour if you ever find yourself near one of the locations – it is an inspiring experience, for sure!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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rockin’ garden of the gods

May 11, 2018

A public park located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods was my favorite visited spot on my first trip to Colorado.

Not only was I able to enjoy a morning hike with a great group of people, but I was able to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of this park.

Visitors are not limited to hiking through the park – horseback riding is also an option.

And, for the most adventurous, Garden of the Gods can be viewed from a higher vantage point – while rock climbing!

During most of my hike, the snow-capped Pikes Peak was visible in the distance.

My favorite view was when its beauty was framed perfectly through a rock formation.

Four-hundred eighty acres making up the park was gifted to the city of Colorado Springs back in 1909 and was designated to “remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.”

Are you wondering how all this beauty was created? The Garden of the Gods’ red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to Garden of the Gods! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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spring at the broadmoor, colorado springs

May 8, 2018

On a recent trip (my first!) to Colorado, I had the opportunity to visit an iconic Colorado Springs resort. The Broadmoor offers guests an incredible way to experience the unique beauty of the American West.

Many admire the ornate, European décor in this historic hotel (currently celebrating its centennial) as its standout feature, but, for me; the beauty of the hotel is truly in its surroundings. Today I am sharing the views through the trees – a few of my favorite spring views on the property surrounding the hotel. (You know I always find some kind of theme when appreciating a hotel stay!)

This unique hotel, located on 3,000 acres of property at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, is just 5 miles from downtown Colorado Springs and offers an amazing selection of accommodations, activities, and experiences.

The Broadmoor has remained one of the most recognizable and celebrated hotels in the world. Its distinctive blend of history, luxury and genuine hospitality has made The Broadmoor the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards.

The Broadmoor is a wonderful hotel for people that enjoy keeping active! There is so much to do on the property! In addition, The Olympic Training Center, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Air Force Academy are just a few of the cool places to visit nearby.

If you have any interest in visiting Colorado, this is the place to stay! Especially this year – The Broadmoor is celebrating its Centennial and the year is filled with activities, specials and events.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you are having a fabulous start to your week! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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2,213 pink balloons

April 27, 2018

Do you want to know a sure way to make someone laugh?

Set them loose in a room filled with 2,213 pink balloons!

I had that opportunity recently at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The ‘Pink Balloons’ installation by Martin Creed was one of the nearly 40 ‘PlayTime’ works on display.

This interactive work produced plenty of smiles on the afternoon I visited. How cool would it be to add a balloon-filled room to your next party? I wonder how long it would take to blow up 2,213 balloons?

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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kane’s famous donuts

April 13, 2018

I can’t say donuts are my favorite thing. I can’t even say I’m a big donut lover. But, when a donut place receives national recognition for its donuts, I am definitely curious to try them! This happened to me recently when I was visiting the North Shore.

Since we were close enough to Kane’s Donuts in Massachusetts ‘to taste it’ on a recent visit to see my son, he drove me to the unassuming little neighborhood shop in Saugus and treated me to Kane’s for a Sunday morning breakfast!

The long line in front of Kane’s moved pretty fast and, before I knew it, I was in front of the display case trying to decide which donuts to order! I didn’t want to go too nuts, so I decided I would pick just two.

My son had already ordered the honey dipped – which Travel & Leisure Magazine named the best honey-dipped donut in America! – so I knew I could try his and proceeded to order a couple additional flavors to sample. I decided on coconut lemon and turtle for my two choices. One was filled and one had chocolate – seemed like a good variety! The lemon coconut had an outside covering of coconut and so much lemon filling, I couldn’t eat any more after finishing it. I had thought I would just take a couple bites and move on to the turtle one, but that didn’t happen – the lemon coconut one was just SO good, I couldn’t stop eating it! (I ended up saving the turtle one and devouring it later that evening.)

After my tasting, I can definitely see why Kane’s was named one of the Top 10 Best Places for Donuts in America by Bon Appetit, one of America’s 50 Best Donuts by Saveur, and Best Donuts in New England by Yankee Magazine. This local hot spot, using fresh and local ingredients to serve up donuts since 1955, is definitely worth a visit!

Note: This Massachusetts icon now also has a location in Boston.

Thanks for stopping by today for Friday field trip!

Have a great weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things (like a fabulous donut!), Jackie

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philadelphia flower show 2018

April 6, 2018

My two favorite vignettes at the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show (the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event) were a study in contrasts. The first, very elegant; the second extremely casual.

You can see why this library display would be a favorite of mine – it showcased plants and books!

The dramatic wall color was the perfect way to offset the gorgeous display of books and plants.

This second, more relaxed display, featured a ‘shipwreck.’ Using a boat to display the plants was a perfect way to incorporate the 2018 show theme Wonders of Water.

Is it crazy to think about a similar installation in my backyard?!

I hope you enjoyed sharing my two favorite displays from the Philadelphia Flower Show for today’s Friday field trip!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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crane beach in ipswich

March 23, 2018

I fit in a beach walk on a recent trip to the North Shore of Massachusetts – squeezed in between two major Nor’easters!

On today’s Friday field trip, I welcome you to Crane Beach!

Thanks for stopping by and joining me on a winter beach walk! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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white orchids

March 16, 2018

The current highlight at Longwood Gardens, one of the top public gardens in the nation, is orchids. I like orchids, though they are not my favorite. But, I have to say, on my last trip to Longwood, I fell in love with one of the orchid installations.

It consists of all white (my favorite flower color!) orchids suspended from the ceiling in balls.

I am sharing a few photos of this display for today’s Friday field trip. I am sorry the exposure of the photos isn’t the best, but they were taken on a stormy weekend!

If you are an orchid lover, I strongly encourage you to visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The Orchid Extravaganza continues through March 25^th. If you can squeeze in a trip, you will also be treated to a viewing of a rare display of blue-poppies – currently in bloom.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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longwood gardens green wall

March 9, 2018

The Green Wall in the corner of the East Conservatory at Longwood Gardens definitely achieves its goal of resembling a lush green jungle! This display really needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. One view is enough to cause a fern lover go into shock! Not only is the sheer size of the display impressive, but the way the design incorporates a hallway of doors is simply beautiful!

The Green Wall, containing 47,000 plants, is the largest in North America – a very impressive 14 feet high and 300 feet long.

The wall is made up of 12” x 12” stainless steel panels containing a potting mix for use in vertical gardens. Each panel is planted in one of 29 different planting configurations. Each configuration is based on plant type, lighting requirements, and other factors. Just inside the stainless steel, a layer of coconut coir fiber lines each panel to hold moisture.

In 2010, the panels were assembled in Florida where over 50 pallets, each 8-foot-tall and containing 72 boxes per pallet, were loaded in 3 climate-controlled refrigeration tractor trailers and transported 36 hours to Longwood in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

I hope these photos on today’s Friday field trip give you a little sense of the amazingly beautiful Green Wall at Longwood Gardens. This display is just one of the many breathtaking displays at one of the most beautiful public gardens in the nation (and one of my happy places).

Does this inspire you to start thinking of your spring garden? We change the clocks this weekend!!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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dreaming of warmer days

March 2, 2018

A storm is brewing and the shift in the barometric pressure has given me an awful headache! I can’t help but dream of prettier, warmer days!

So, for today’s Friday field trip, some pretty pool photos taken at The Four Seasons Orlando! (With a few of my favorite plant photos thrown in for good measure – taken at The Four Seasons as well.)