Rain Or Shine

By now, readers of this blog know we love water in all forms - the ocean, snow, creeks, lakes, and even rain. One of our favorite pastimes is sitting on the porch of our Florida home and watching an afternoon rain shower.

With the season of April showers just around the corner, it is the perfect time to go shopping for a new umbrella to keep on hand for that vacationing friend or family member who didn't pack their own.

Online museum gift shops, like New York's Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian, offer a great selection. Right here in Washington, you can find a variety of choices at the National Cathedral Gift Shop and The Phillips Collection. Jut be sure to pick out something durable that can withstand wind, but bright and hard to leave behind on metro or in a taxi. And while you're at it, splurge and buy yourself a new one, too!

Garbage In, Garbage Out

I never thought much about garbage cans, until I didn’t have one!
This week I’m staying at the lovely La Costa Resort and Spa in San Diego, CA for a company leadership meeting. Places like this are always an inspiration for Naturetainment. The grounds are landscaped with beautiful palms and zillions of birds-of-paradise flowers.

My room is quite nice with an extra-large shower, an Internet-wired desk, and a plush robe. However, there is one amenity that is sorely lacking – adequate trash receptacles. In what is a large room by hotel standards, there is only one small trash can in the bathroom.

Note to self – the guest room at home must always have a wastebasket, perhaps like this Target brand, lavender-theme basket pictured at right. And it should be emptied daily.