Author: Claudette Dudley

Kinda In My Own Backyard

Kinda In My Own Backyard

So often we can’t see what is in our immediate view for looking over the horizon for something new or different. Recently, while returning home from running an errand, we decided to stop at the lake that is just a couple of minutes from our 

A Daytime Night Club, Anyone?

A Daytime Night Club, Anyone?

Who knew that the day would come when clubs would open early in the day to accommodate our changing population? Clubs are popping up all over to adapt to the preferences of aging patrons as well as any one whose schedule allows them to have 

A Night Under the Stars with Diana, The Legend!

A Night Under the Stars with Diana, The Legend!


Aww, Chastain! One of my favorite places ever for an evening out to watch some of the greatest entertainers perform. For years, we’ve made the trek to the Chastain Amphitheater with coolers, picnic baskets, flowers, vases and lovely tablecloths to setup for a magical evening under the stars. We listened to the silky voices of artists such as Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, CeeLo Green, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and countless others we’ve seen at this historic venue. It’s always with anticipation as we sit and the energy of the other attendees takes everything to a higher level.



A Night Under the Stars with Diana, The Legend!



On a recent evening at the venue, we saw Diana Ross mesmerizing the audience with her beautiful clear voice, striking beauty, and class. At 80, Diana looked gorgeous and moved with ease and charm throughout the night. She was engaging and teased the crowd who came out to show their love. Repeatedly, she spoke of her gratitude and love.



A Night Under the Stars with Diana, The Legend!





As I reflect on the night, I’m just grateful that we were able to attend. The night under the stars was wonderful, ending with us somehow being at a nearby restaurant sitting around a fire pit, chatting with strangers who had attended the concert as we waited and waited on an Uber to come pick us up. The wonderful thing about life at this stage is that you appreciate the moment and don’t feel that you have to rush to the future. The present is just fine!
















What is your favorite Diana Ross song?






The Historical Algonquin Hotel:  Its Famous Cat and the Famed and Naughty “Blue Bar.”

The Historical Algonquin Hotel: Its Famous Cat and the Famed and Naughty “Blue Bar.”

During a recent visit to New York City, we stayed at the 122-year old Algonquin Hotel. We’ve stayed at the hotel once before, however, this time, the hotel revealed its historical past through the Blue Bar menu and a chance meeting with Hamlet, the cat. 

An Evening Stroll at The Botanical Gardens

An Evening Stroll at The Botanical Gardens

“Nature, time, and patience are three great physicians.” – Henry George Bohn On a recent evening, I had the pleasure of going to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I always forget what makes me come back, time and time again. I have been a member for 

Dining out on St Patrick’s Day

Dining out on St Patrick’s Day



I’ve come to realize that it’s almost impossible for me the let holidays go by and not celebrate in some form or fashion. My heart beats a little faster when considering what to do for fun. Although I don’t know my family connections with Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day makes me smile.


The showcase of green everywhere excites me. The idea of fairytales, rainbows, and pots of gold go hand in hand with our celebration of Irish culture, special foods, music, dancing and drinking. And who doesn’t like a parade? I’ve had the opportunity to visit both Ireland and Northern Ireland, so when Saint Patrick’s Day rolls around, I reminisce with fondness of my time spent on the Emerald Isle.




The most traditional dish of all is corn beef and cabbage. It’s iconic. The middle photo above is salmon and greens, an alternative to the beef.




Lighter dishes included broccoli, and a shrimp boil with corn and potatoes.


Dining out on St Patrick’s Day



Who can resist a ‘Pot of Gold’ and minted chocolate cookies?



Chocolate cupcakes with silken chocolate mousse and mint cookies.





Our visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland in November, 2017.




Traversing the sea shore.




Everything green! Cheers!


Teatime Valentine

Teatime Valentine

Happy Valentine’s Day! This Onion Dip for Breakfast pair had an early start in celebrating Valentine’s Day by having afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel over the past weekend. In the Palm Court, the hotel’s strikingly opulent and beautiful restaurant, we sipped tea, champagne, ate 

Super Bowl and Chicken Wings, Always.

Super Bowl and Chicken Wings, Always.

What are you having? The Super Bowl is this Sunday and we’re getting our menu together. We can’t help but think of our family favorite, chicken wings, whenever we get together for the big game! Here’s a look back to a great day. ——— The 

San Salvador, El Salvador!

San Salvador, El Salvador!


We just returned from an eight day trip to El Salvador. There was so much to see and do in this Central American country which we’ve never visited before, but are already making plans to return. This post will concentrate on our time in San Salvador, the capital, where the majority of the country’s population resides. A future post will delve into our time at beach resorts 2 hours away, which was full of outdoor activities and nightlife.





San Salvador, like most of El Salvador, is mountainous, lush and green. The month of January is in their summer and called the dry season. It’s a photographer’s paradise.




We enjoyed our meals in the country. The national dish, the pupusa, is a stuffed thick griddle corn cake filled with cheese, peppers and endless other options. Being that I love cornbread and corn-related foods, I enjoyed pupusas wherever it was offered.





Other delectable dishes that graced our table were all types of ceviche, tostadas, nachos, burritos, delicious fruits and loads of desserts.



In taking a private tour of the central area of San Salvador, we were given a history of the country. It was once a colony of Spain in the 1500’s and gained its independence in the early 1800’s. The people of El Salvador and the surrounding countries are of Mayan descent. Because of the slave trade, there is an African connection with some of its inhabitants.


In walking through the parks, squares, business and entertainment areas where people and families seemed to gather endlessly, there was an air of relaxation and joy. Small musical bands played in the parks accompanied by young or older dancers. Music flowed throughout. I’m reminded of how New Orleans is called the Big Easy. Things seemed rather easy in San Salvador. It seemed almost like a holiday with the beautiful weather playing its part.



The National Palace of El Salvador


The National Library, a 55 million dollar structure funded by the Government of China.




While in San Salvador, we stayed at the Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel, a place steeped in history. The accommodations were great, the meals lovely, and amenities were excellent. What stood out for me was the wall of photos of Heads of States who had stayed at the hotel. My favorite president of all time, President Barack Obama, was pictured several times. Presidents Clinton and Bush were also framed on the wall. Every time I passed the photographs, I smiled.



El Salvador, I’m planning a return!


New York City ~ A City of Tall Dreams

New York City ~ A City of Tall Dreams

I was recently in New York City, surrounded by tall buildings reaching towards the sky. I felt a sense of excitement while standing and looking up to the tops of the buildings. I also loved being on the rooftops, where one can see the entire