Well, January 2011 came...and went....and the snow came down in February! THE "F'S" SOUNDED LOUDLY IN FEBRUARY too...with a week at the Phillips in Saint Louis and a weekend at Freddy Ball In St. Augustine, Florida.

Fact is, we were set to drive to St. Louis, but apparently God had other plans as He repeatedly dumped snow on the Midwest...time after time again and again. Snow, ice, cold...the whole nine yards was what February was all about...so, flying became the best means to an end. And fly we did....to stay with Logan (6) and Carter (4-1/2), our never-say-tired Phillips' grandsons as Mom and Dad Phillips hit the Caribbean for a week on NCL EPIC. Though I am certain the latter duo had a ball with just a twosome...the week for the former duo was not too shabby either. We kept those boys hopping...through the day and into the night (Billy Boy stories abounded nightly, getting longer and longer!) Thankfully, snow and ice did NOT strike while we were in St. Louis...so we had some side trips (the Magic House, the Transportation Museum), a birthday party for Carter to enjoy, Valentine's Day box creations and festivities (with Papa Doc and Gramercy hosting games at Carter's school on valentine's Day and then lunching with Logan on another day at his school), enjoying the spring-like weather ( a natural for us, but a real treat for those boys!) We had a wonderful time, but do not think for a moment that we weren't tickled pink to pick up "Mom and Dad" at the airport and allow us to "chill without responsibilities" for a day...I do believe we could have slept the whole day away and not be any of the wiser for it!

Headed back down to our home for only a few days' rest before filling up the Subaru and heading southeast to St. Augustine.
Apparently our dance instructors (Katie and Jesse) must have convinced us in a moment of weakness to enter competitions in The Freddy Ball...so it was a FIRST for us..and we came away with the honors! In the southeast we were the Amateur Dancing Couple in both smooth and rhythm dances...that would be waltz, fox trot and tango for smooth...and rumba, cha-cha and east coast swing for rhythm! (Bet some of you didn't know this Wallace Duo had it in them! Fooled you!) We danced so much in three days that I thought our feet would fall off...but, they didn't! Instead, we carted up our trophies, medals and other commemorative pieces and headed home....for a break of two days before we were heading out again..this time..with Australia and New Zealand in our sights! Ya know..we are truly the "Wandering Wallaces!" and lovin' it!

Well, leave it to a Wallace (aka Akins)...that would be Robyn...to advise me that the Wandering Wallace blog is l-o-n-g overdue for an update. I tracked to the site and, sure enough, I ended 2010 with a bang but apparently have not stopped long enough to add and amend 2011...so...the Wandering Wallaces are doing so as we type...might just take about an entry with pics per month...

so...JANUARY 2011...greeted the New Year with pomp and panache at Tommy Bahamas..dressed to the nines, dancing, drinking, eating and giving 2011 a welcome we shall remember into 2012! Then off to the VIRGIN ISLANDS and YEAR TWO of bare-boat solo sailing with Captain Jim and First Mate Jan! Started the adventure at Secret Harbor in St. Thomas...and it is secret! ("Heaven" not to be shared with any!) Then boarded PARADISO, in its 40 feet glory, for seven days of sailing the Virgin Island waters and checking out the islands themselves. My "Capitan of the Dingy" learned the ins and outs of the small craft in the 12 preceding months so that we were able to disembark this year at islands of interest without one of us in fear of losing our lives (namely me!). We even managed to dock at two British Virgin Islands...and you can see our celebratory cheer at Joust Van Dyke, for one. We did celebrate the "two-sies" and "five-sies" (a European declaration of panache, to be sure!) with our wine and cheeses as we settled in for the night, bouyed up, and chillin' to our CD strains, conversation and lulling waters (no TV, no phones, no computes!). Course, Jim did try a "Mast Dance" for his First Mate! Not sure the hilarious laugher was the response he was hoping to elicit! What a delightful trip we had...have to say I cooked scrumptious meals; Jim readily heeled the boat to his satisfaction; we both enjoyed shared company; and we seemed saddened to "call it a week" for another year.

Once home, we traveled to see the Wades in Enterprise and hug those growing GRAND-daughters we are so blessed to have...Abby ready to turn 4 in February, and Blaire and Reagan rounding into 8 months of glorious living...the Wades had moved to a bigger homestead in Enterprise, and we were most delighted to share in their happiness of the move. They have settled in well and seem to have already filled out the extra square footage their acquired!

Then we just HAD to work in a visit to Gadsden to chat and update with the DIVAS and their husbands..what a great group....four women getting together to gab who are fortunate enough to have four husbands that enjoy each others company too. Only regret is that we didn't start BEING Divas until almost after we moved from Gadsden. Go figure that one out!

At any rate....friends, family and fun gave us a wonderful January 2011...who could ask for anything more!

Well...time to "update the old" and "welcome the new!" DECEMBER 2010 brought travels, family and fun to this Wandering Wallace Duo! First... headed to Birmingham to bring "Warm Wishes" to a TERRIFIC FRIEND, Ethylea, at her Fantabulous Surprise 50th Birthday Celebration! Boy...was she surprised...but, as always...Lookin' Loverly! Then north to Gadsden, 10 years added, and the Duo celebrates Diva Peggy's 60th year...with all Four Divas and their engaging husbands. All smiles...loads of fun..and even shared gosspi! Can you believe....Peggy's 60???!!! Headed back to the balmy beaches of Sandestin only to break out the candles again for Jim's 63rd "cookied" celebration! Wow...this duo is now tied at 63 for a few months at least!

Birthdays behind...the duo headed to Enterprise, AL and the Wade household...reconnecting with family in their new digs and with the THREE grand-daughters we have been blessed with, Abby, Blaire and Reagan. We were definitely in our "Grandparent Mode" and loving it!

Then, Back on the Road Again...driving to St. Louis to appreciate a "pre-Christmas" celebration and adult date night (a first!) at Mosaics...as Kelly, Matt, Kimberly and Jeff celebrated with the Duo on the evening out...no loving grand-sons or grand-dogs in sight! What a terrific gathering! A harbinger of the GREAT CHRISTMAS ahead in Thornton, CO...as the Duo drove to meet and celebrate with the "newlyweds," John and Robyn, during their First Christmas together! A celebration with traditions, old and new, laughter, love and togetherness. What a blessed time was had...and Santa was good too! But, the road beckoned...and drive back we did (before the snow came a-counting) to Sandestin...only to enjoy a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration at Tommy Bahamas...with all the trimmings...and so...while the Wandering Wallaces welcome a 2011 NEW YEAR OF LIFE...we wish one and all a year of health, happiness, and dream fulfillment. God Bless Us, Everyone!

Let the Festivities begin...and so they did for the Final Wallace Wedding...Ever! Robyn Lynn united with John Akins on October 17, 2010...but the activities were four days in the making!

Friday, October 15 brought Jan and Jim to Della Terra, location of wedding, reception, and housing for "The Givers!" We started the afternoon with a trip through the Rocky Mountain National Park with Kelly (Robyn's twin) and her husband Matt Marlow (photographer extraordinaire of this Wallace wedding!). The sights and elk were so grand to behold, that John and Robyn decided over "pizza by the indoor pool that night" to unite with the four of us and "see the park at sunrise!" We jammed into the Marlow's Motorcoach...and enjoyed the beauty and majesty of Estes Park, Colorado on the official "Morning-of-the-Day-Before!" Then, after walking Estes, the rehearsal luncheon got the entire wedding party together...for food, fun, fellowship, and gifts to one and all...Jim and I especially appreciated our gift this past November...as we travelled to Pensacola, checked into a pre-arranged motel, enjoyed a pre-paid gourmet dinner and wine, and then, headed off to see Mannheim Steamroller and their 25 Celebration before turning in and returning home the next day!) Gifts given...and then all were off to Della Terra to rehearse and commune with the absolute beauty of the outdoors in October. The eyes could not fully chose a pallet for the myriad of colors surrounding us. God's beauty...so magnificent! Then, the PM brought us together for an "Akins Family-Wallace Family"
dinner before joining all participants at an evening of bowling...might not have been the best bowlers of the night, but the comradery and fun was not to be equalled! On the morning of the 17th...girls gathered at Della Terra for primping and sharing "The Day" with "The Bride"...from AM treats set up by a maid and her mom to a luncheon spread for all to enjoy. The groomsmen enjoyed the "theatre" at Della Terra and a luncheon spread of their own. Then, after the Bride and Groom's Special Moment and pictures...the conclave united for pictures prior to the ceremony. Then...the ceremony began..the procession...and the dictates from the dias...where the groom's father and the bride's father shared as wedding officiants for the Scottish rites ceremony that Jim had written for the bride and the groom and their day. I was and am so very proud of his tendered expertise...a first for him, to be sure, but one that I am sure John and Robyn will treasure. The Binding of the Hands with the Clan colors...the Golden Horseshoe of Prosperity...the clanging of the anvil...all made so meaningful by Jim's words and actions.
With the presentation of Mr. and Mrs. Akins, the ceremony ended...as their lives began, two as one united. The reception was enjoyed by one and all with dinner, dancing, Bride and Groom's dance, Bride and Father of the Bride sharing their dance to a special rendition of "Angel in my Arms"...and wine flowing! But, all good thing must come to an end...and so when JOhn and Robyn departed, the reception calmed and closed. However, the morning brought many of the friends and family back together again at a brunch-before-flights....and an opportunity for our "Fifth Daughter," Ethylea Griffitt, to present the ceremonial bride and groom hats that she has designed for all our girls...in fun and merriment.

Four days of flavor, fun and merriment shared by many...May those of you watching enjoy the times as did we...and may your prayers and wishes be for the future of "Mr. and Mrs. John Akins"...two now as one united.

Well, it is clear to me that we did NOT retire from life...rather we jumped into living and hit the ground with feet running!

Returned from Robyn's wedding (the next blog of note!)...only to re-pack and leave for Barcelona, Spain, first class flyin'...enjoying complimentary beverages, two appetizers, pumpkin bisque and a mixed green salad...followed by beef tenderloin and shrimp scampi..topped off with a vanilla ice cream sundae "over the Atlantic! Then laying back with your own personal headphones and TV...geeze...talk about "dacadence and lovin' it"... Wow...well, we are not in Kansas anymore! DeGaulle airport in Paris and then on to Barcelona for four days. The Hotel Arts afforded us an incredible room with a view of a marina on the Med...pinch me please!

A first night of Flamenco dancing and dinner at Botafumeiro...now all the plaudits of that restaurant are true, and then some.
Three days of a private guide gave allowed us to experience parts of Barcelona to the fullest...and the Happy Pills helped us keep up the pace! The Church of the Sangrada Familia, still "in the process" of construction since 1882...offered us not only the two facades dedicated to the Birth of Christ and the Passion of Christ and the incredible innards of light and elevated sights...but who knows, at its proposed completion in 2030, the 18 towers and two additional facades will truly be a Gaudi testiment and even more of a Barcelona landmark...and a gorgeous cathedral. Gaudi lives on in Park Guell (green space before the monicur was even invented!)...La Pedrera and Casa Batllo.Barcelona...land of the motos...Mediterranean, Land of the "Smart" car.

Fourth Day...we boarded the Royal Caribbean Radiance....and started our Tour of Other Lands...St. Tropez might be a monied place, but have to say, when it rains, without adequate run-off, it is a flooding place too! Umbrellas out for Tropez, Tuscany, and The Field of Miracles in Pisa...an architect's fiasco-a tourist unperpendicular photo-op! Then on to sun in Rome...and the histories of time. An 11 hour tour tried to focus on the majestic Roman highlights of old, the Colosseum, the Pope' Vatican City's museums and grounds, and the unbelievable Michelangelo's magnificent masterpiece in the Sistene Chapel. Naples offerd us a taste of Limencello (tasting to the toes!) and also its acute need for waste removal services (striking at the time). Around Italy's boot and on to Venice...water, water everywhere (and a bit stinky too!) No singing from the hired gondolier, only that of "my" gondolier (romantic...even if he is tone deaf!). Heading south to Croatia...rebuilt, reenergized yet celebrating the historic walled-city, moat and all. Last stop, Corfu, Greece...where we enjoyed the sights, foods, homemade wines, and carvings of olive wood in Paleokastritsa... ate and witnessed more olives than I ever thought could fall from trees!

And then, exhausted, educated, fulfilled, pleased...all the decsriptive adjectives affordable...and we headed back to Barcelona..and then home again. Traveling, touring, cruising is FANTASTIC...we are so very blessed..but coming home again has its plusses too...you better believe it! Now off to sailing the Caribbean with Captain Jim and his First Mate Jan...welcome to 2011!

Well, it is true...we haven't gone on any major trips (other than to Saint Louis for an outing with the Phillips and a look-see at the Marlows new place!)...but never let it be said that the Wandering Wallaces are not "on the move!"

This time it was a "RETRO-MOVE" back to the 80's....and lovin' it!

We have taken our dancing to partying levels...and enjoyed the festivities with the Fred Astaire "groupies" at one of their phenomenal parties...and just had to share the "musical sights" with you!

WELL, WE MAY NOT UPDATE MONTHLY...BUT WHEN WE DO....

JUNE FOUND THE WANDERING WALLACES CHECKING OUT OUR 49TH STATE, ALASKA, ON A LAND-CRUISE EXTRAVAGANZA PRODUCED BY ROYAL CARIBBEAN...AND WHAT AN EXCURSION!

JUNE 20...FLIGHT FROM ATLANTA TO FAIRBANKS...SIGNING INTO THE PINE WATERFRONT LODGE WE FOUND WE WERE TIMELY FOR THE MIDNIGHT SUN FESTIVAL (summer solstice...longest day of the year) IN FAIRBANKS. DID WE GO? YOU BETCHA! THE CITY FESTIVAL GAVE JIM A CHANCE TO "FISH" FAIRBANKS STYLE (for all of nine minutes!), CHECK OUT GAS PRICES UP NEAR THE NORTH POLE (thank God for Floridian favors!), AND REALIZING THE SUN WAS NOT GOING TO SET...THE ENTIRE NIGHT...AND, OF COURSE, WE TOO HAD TO KEEP GOING, AND GOING, AND GOING (harbinger of our 14 days to come which kept us constantly on the the go)!

June 21...WE "MUSH" LUNCHED AT SOAPY SMITH'S PLACE ( the Alaskan King of Con from the gold rush days)...THEN ON TO OFFICIALLY FREEZING OUR BIBBIES OFF AT THE ICE PALACE (how do those Eskimoes "igloo do it?")...THEN DIVA FRAN AND "GIT HER DONE" STEVE JOINED US FOR AN EVENING OF BASEBALL (one that went 15 innings,ended at 3AM and nary a light was lit for the game!)

JUNE 22...AND WE ARE ON THE MOVE...RIVERBOATING ON THE CHENA RIVER WITH OUR SIGHTS ON THE SEAPLANE TAKE-OFF AND LANDING, SLED DOGS WORKING OUT SUMMER STYLE (pulling the engineless four-wheeler around the compound), AND VISITING ANATHABASCAN (Alaskan Indian) FISH CAMP (where sodden roofs were the norm and adorned coats of animal skins the warmth). BUSSING IT TO McKINLEY VILLAGE LODGE, WE HAD A CHANCE TO VIEW THE PIPELINE ABOVE GROUND (a warming "line" for animals in the winter chills). A CABIN NIGHT FAMILY STYLE DINNER ALLOWED STEVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO "ENJOY" THE SURROUNDINGS...AND "KITTY" CAME THROUGH PLANTING TWO COLORFUL KISSES ON STEVE, ONE PER EACH FACIAL CHEEK!

JUNE 23...WE WERE UP AND BUS-LOADED...DENALI (Mount McKinley) HERE WE COME...WHAT A SIGHT TO SEE...NO PEOPLE OR PLACES TO BLOCK THE "WONDER OF THE WILDERNESS"...FROM MOUNTAINS TO ANIMALS TO MEMORIAL TREASURES!
LAND BY DAY...GLACIER "WILD-RAFTIN" IN THE PM...A FIRST FOR WE FOUR! WHAT A RIDE!

JUNE 24/25...FOUND US AT THE MARRIOTT IN ANCHORAGE FOR THE NIGHT...UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN TO MOTORCOACH BY RAIL TO SEWARD...THE OBSERVATION UPSTAIRS/BREAKFAST DOWNSTAIRS TRAIN TOOK US THROUGH THE ALASKAN SIGHTS IN STYLE...WINDING AROUND ALL THE MANY MOUNTAINS ND GLACIERS AND WATERFALLS.

JUNE 25...THE RADIANCE OF THE SEAS WELCOMED US ABOARD

JUNE 26... ENROUTE TO THE HUBBARD GLACIER (largest of its kind) THE SEA LIONS BY THE HUNDREDS WATCHED OUR PATHWAY...AND THEN...HUBBARD IN ITS BLUE GLORY (blue because the sun cannot reflect the color blue so that is what we see)

JUNE 27...IN PORT IN JUNEAU...THE CAPITAL...A SIGHTSEEING DRIVE, A CAPITOL VIEW, A "RUN-IN" WITH TH NATIVES...AND OF COURSE, LUNCH AT THE RED ONION (brothel of reknown that survived the Gold Rush...but now just serves up the burgers!)

JUNE 28...SKAGWAY, THE DESTINATION...BUT "THE BRIDGE" THE IDEAL...AS WE TOURED IT IN STYLE..EVEN TAKING OVER THE CAPTAIN'S PERCH

JUNE 29...ICY STRAIT POINT...A CANNING STOP THAT JIM AND I MANAGED TO SLEEP THROUGH...GOD BLESS THOSE RCL BEDS AND THE DARKENING CURTAINS! THE PACE WON, FOR NOW...WE HAD TO REST UP FOR THE FUTURE STOPS!

JUNE 30...KETCHIKAN....AND THE TOTEMS ABOUND! THE STORIES THEY TELL...THE BLESSINGS THEY GIVE...SO VERY INTERESTING (I do believe we will be seeing one of them in our own backyard before the year is up!)

JULY 1/2 INSIDE PASSAGE AND VOILA, VANCOUVER...THE TRIP ENDED, BUT THE MEMORIES AND THRILL LIVE ON!

AND SO, WE PUT FAMILY TO REST WHEN WE DEPARTED SANDESTIN 6/19 (leaving Robyn/John in our home and KImberly, Jeff, Logan and Carter in our condo), BUT ARRIVED BACK HOME 7/3 TO A FAMILY GREETING (Kelly, Matt and Molly awaited us to celebrate our country's birth on the 4th!)

WE CERTAINLY HAD A "RUN FOR OUR MONEY" WITH SIGHTS, MEMORIES AND FAMILY SURROUNDING THE EXPERIENCE..WHO COULD HAVE ASKED FOR MORE! AND SO THE WANDERING WALLACES UNPACK FROM ALASKA..BUT...THE WIDE WORLD BECKONS AND I AM SURE WE WILL LISTEN AND FOLLOW!