Cape Ann, MA

My cousin lent us her car, which happened to come with a much-needed air conditioner, so Z and I set out to explore nearby Cape Ann and cool down at the same time. We stopped off in Gloucester, America's oldest seaport and Rockport, a swanky beach destination...

Gloucester has a large memorial dedictated to

all the men and women lost at sea...

The downtown is lined with interesting shops and restaurants...

You'll find plenty of views like this in Gloucester...

There's a picturesque artist colony at one end of town...

Our next stop was Rockport, known and loved for its wonderful beaches

and plentiful shopping...

Another fabulous place to visit and all within close distance of Boston - our next destination.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Skagit Valley is a picturesque farming community in northwestern Washington. In springtime all focus is on the magnificent daffodil and tulip fields. This year I arrived just in time for the tulip festival. Even the sunshine made an appearance for me. Come take a look at the spectacular variety of tulips that caught my eye as I walked through the Skagit Valley tulip fields...

The festival continues through the month of April, so if you hurry, you can still visit this marvelous display of flowering tulips. Here's a link: Tulip Festival