Time for warmer and dryer climate, at least for a few days. Having been to Scottsdale, and the state of Arizona so many times, it has become more difficult coming up with a new angle for an email about our trip. So, here is some extraneous information that you may or may not care about: 1. The average temperature in March is 76. Most days are clear and sunny. Perfect for baseball or golf. It rapidly jumps up to 85 in April. 2. There is a cactus league (Spring Training) game held every day in March, somewhere in the Valley of the Sun. 3. It is just a few hours drive from either Sedona or Scottsdale to see the magnificent, Grand Canyon. 4. The Sonoran Desert, one of the lushest in the world, is blooming with ... read more

So, I have been under the weather lately, so not much news or email updates. Here are some pearls of whatever you want. “We should try to be the parents of our future rather than the offspring of our past.” — Miguel de Unamuno Pinot Noir is the most commonly mispronounced wine name. Apparently, an average of 2,380 people search for how to correctly say the world-famous French wine each month. (It's PEE-noh nwar, in case you were wondering). Expedia shows the ideal day to book a flight is Sunday. For domestic flights, you can get the best airfare by booking at the end of the weekend. Doing so can save you around 5%. For international flights, the savings are nearly 10%. Barium nitrate is insoluble in 6M Nitric Acid. (I remember that from freshma... read more

February 14th must be more than cards, flowers, and candy. And who is St. Valentine, and what is the Valentine's Day massacre? Though it sounds a little like my pal Andy Rooney, it might be interesting to find out why this day is what it is. It is celebrated in a big way in Southeast Asia, as we found out firsthand. Most restaurants are decorated, stores are full of special gifts, and people seem to step a little lighter on this day. Valentine's Day was named after two early Christian martyrs, both named Valentine. It was Geoffrey Chaucer who began to associate it with love, romance, and courting. Since the 19th cent... read more

Destinations were chosen based on factors like the number of reviews for friendly hospitality, and the number of rental properties and hotels in the region. These are from Booking.com, so it is not an independent survey. This year's most welcoming places in the world span five continents. Most welcoming places in the world 2023 La Rioja, SpainEpirus, GreeceOberösterreich, Austria... read more

Everyone seems to have a bucket list, including Sherman's Travel. Of course, their motives are to get you to buy their travel packages. I have no motive, other than to tell you what I think about them. And I prefer to use the term. "Water Pail List" instead!!! Oahu North Shore-truly spectacular, biggest waves I have ever seen. While you are there, hit Giovanni's Shrimp Truc or Matsumoto Shave Ice. We also enjoy I Am Paradise (pearls and jewelry). Kentucky Derby-you must attend at least once, truly spectacular, often called the "most exciting two minutes in sports." Make sure you bring your best hat, visit the bourbon houses in downtown Louisville, and get to the track early on Derby Day. (pictured) Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street-most of you have already done this, but it never ... read more