Mediterranean Cruise: Colosseum and Roman Forum

Mediterranean Cruise: Colosseum and Roman Forum | https://www.roseclearfield.com

I’m continuing my Mediterranean cruise tour today with the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We started and end our cruise in Rome (technically the large cruise ships sail in and out of Civitavecchia, but we flew in and out of Rome), which meant that we had time in the city on either end of the cruise. We started with some wanderings in the city right after arriving before heading to our hotel for food and a reception with our travel group (we were part of a large radio listener group from southeast WI).

The second day of the trip, we had about half a day to explore the city some more before heading to Civitavecchia to get on the ship. The vast majority of our group did a combined tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Jake and I had never been to Italy before, so everything in Rome was brand new to us. The major tourist destinations are crazy busy but are a must for a first trip to the city.

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Railroad to Wonderland Garden Train Show at the Domes

Railroad to Wonderland Garden Train Show at the Domes | https://www.roseclearfield.com

Winter at the Mitchell Park Domes means the annual train show! Last year’s train theme, The Great Train Robbery, was pretty perfect. I wasn’t sure that an Alice in Wonderland theme would be as neat. But as always, the Domes outdid themselves and put so much effort into every little detail. Highlights include, but are not limited to, a real-life sized tea party and Queen’s Croquet-Ground. You’ll visit the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Humpty Dumpty, Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat, and more. I really love the aesthetic of this show. Having trains run through Alice in Wonderland is so much fun.

Mirroring Alice in Wonderland, the Domes staff chose plants ranging in size from miniature to large than life. The red and white landscape features pansies, azaleas, petunias, and cyphea as well as two flamingo-shaped topiaries made of hypoestes.

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10 Things No One Tells You About Adoption

10 Things No One Tells You About Adoption | https://www.roseclearfield.com

Credit: Lottie Lillian Photography

A little over two years into the adoption journey and a little over seven months into having an adopted kiddo, I have a bit more perspective on adoption. I’m not worried about all of my emotions coming crashing down at any moment (although that could very easily still happen), and I’m not saying “surreal” to describe my current situation quite so much (even though it still applies). I don’t feel like I went into adoption totally blind. But like any life experience, you can never be fully prepared. Today I’m sharing 10 things no one tells you about adoption. Whether you’re just starting to consider adoption or you have several adopted children, I hope you’ll get something out of this post.

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