I am extremely excited that The Chicago Files is returning to Los Angeles and Long Beach, California for a little vacation! It’s been quite some time since we were there, and I’ve missed it terribly, especially the majestic Queen Mary as you see in the above photo.
Next week we’ll be taking several visits to our intriguing ship, and I’m thrilled to be meeting with historian, author, and paranormal investigator Nicole Strickland for what I know will be a fascinating visit! Nicole has just completed her second book about the Queen Mary, so I am ‘chomping at the bit’, as it were, to ask her lots of questions about this wondrous ship. Who knows, we might just find ourselves lucky enough to meet the commodore of the Queen Mary as well!
We leave next weekend for a train trip across the country, taking us through a number of states that I’ve never seen before! I’ll be sure and take lots of photos to share with you. I’ll be writing about our California adventures in a number of posts, so please stay tuned! In the meantime, this week I’ll post as usual, but next week will be from sunny Southern California!
Looks like the Titanic!
Interesting that you’d say that, Rob. The Titanic was built by a company called, “White Star”; The Queen Mary was built by, “Cunard-White Star”. The two companies had merged shortly after work had begun on the QM (1934). By 1947 the name of the company was, “Cunard” (wanting to erase all ties with the history of White Star). Probably more than you wanted to know, huh? Cher 🙂
Looking forward to seeing your views of my old home town. I grew up in Long Beach, left there long before the Queen Mary arrived.
Coincidently, we will be visiting San Diego in a couple weeks. Looking forward to sunny SoCal! Safe travels. I’d be interested in reading your train itinerary. Our only overnight train travel was on the Empire Builder from Portland to Fargo some years ago.
Ah, you lucky, lucky guy, John! I utterly ADORE Long Beach! Oh will you? Yes, sunny SoCal! I hear San Diego is wonderful! Thank you John, you as well! We are taking the Southwest Chief! I’ll be posting all about it, too! I’ve heard of the Empire Builder! Cher xo
That’s awesome news Cher!! Looking forward to hearing all about your travels! Take care. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving !
Thank you my dearie! Oh yes, I can’t wait! Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to you guys, too!! Cher xoxo
Have a wonderful time! Can’t wait to hear about your trip. 🙂
Ah, thank you so much, Tonya! I am really looking forward to it!! Cher xo
Enjoy your time there, Cher.
Why thank you so much, Don! I literally cannot wait to get there and back aboard the Queen Mary! Cher xo
So very cool, Cher! I visited the Queen Mary 3 years ago and was at right that place 2 years ago. Last year I was close (Naples). You are about to head there? In 3 1/2 weeks I am in the area again! Enjoy it to the max. So happy for you!!!
Oh did you? We went there last year (April, 2014) and cannot wait to get back there! Yes, on the weekend via train across the country! You are going too? Wow, that’s awesome! And you as well! Thank you my dear! Cher xo
I looooove California. I am basically there at least once a year… lol! I wish you a wonderful time and I am sure you will have it!!! 🌊🌞🌴
Oh, lucky girl! It’s the best!! Ah, bless! Thank you, Erika! I’m sure we will have a fabulous time!! Cher o
😊💖😊💖😊
🙂 xoxo
Have a great time! Looking forward to pics and posts.
Thank you so much, Josh! I’m so happy to be visiting California again! I look forward to sharing pics and posts!! Cher xo
Enjoy your trip Cher 😀
Why thank you so much, Irene! I cannot wait!! This is my favorite place and the Queen Mary is just incredible! Cher xo
Have an amazing time, Cher. Sounds like a blast! 😀
Ah, thank you my dear! I think it will be awesome! I am really looking forward to posting pics and writing about it! Cher xo
Wow, a train trip across the country! Have a great trip, Cher! 🙂 xo
Thank you, Amy! I am soooo looking forward to it!! Cher xo
Have a lovely trip, Cher! 🙂 Love, Iris
Why thank you so much, dear Iris! Love, Cher xo
Enjoy your break… happy hols! <3
Ah, bless! Thank you so much, Iris!! Cher xo
Bring your air conditioner… it’s hot hot hot and heating up again! (Humid too… yuch…) I traveled on the Queen Mary back to England… must have been one of her last trips… beautiful ship.
Oh, thanks for letting me know! Did you? That is fantastic to hear!! Wow, how lucky are you! Cher xo
Hi RMW, My name is Nicole Strickland (I am good friends with Cher by the way and we are both collaborating on a book together about the RMS Queen Mary) and I am wondering if you’d be interested in sharing your Queen Mary sailing journeys for our upcoming book or for a featured spot on my Spirited Queen Mary website at http://www.spiritedqueenmary.com. More than anything, both Cher and I would be honored to hear about your crossings aboard this most beautiful ship. Feel free to contact Cher and I at rmsqueenmaryresearch@gmail.com
Have a wonderful New Year!
Have a fun! It sounds fantastic!
Ah, thank you so much!!! Cher xo
So happy for you, Cher. Have a wonderful time!!! 🙂
Ah, thank you so much, dear Carol! I can’t wait to write all about it (and lots of pics)!! Cher xo
And I can’t wait to read all about it!!
Ah, thank you!! I am super excited!!! Cher xo
Have a lovely travel, Cher! That sounds you will have interesting and great meets up! Looking forward to your future posts 🙂 xoxo
Thank you so kindly, dear Indah! I am really looking forward to it! Yes, I know it is going to be extremely interesting!! Cher xo
How exciting, Cher – can’t wait to hear what happens! Have a wonderful trip xx
Why thank you so much, Helen! I can’t wait to share!! I’m hoping you’ll make it back soon to your father’s church for a lovely visit, too! Cher xo
Thanks Cher – I will be honest, I did get back there over the summer, but unfortunately the building was locked and I couldn’t get inside to take another picture! So I’m going to try and arrange it again – I did take some lovely external shots while I was there and I think I will do a post about that, but it was just so disappointing not to be able to get inside.
Ah, I’m sorry to hear you couldn’t get into the building! Oh yes please do a post about the external photos! You will just have to go back again!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I just feel like something cool will happen there again for you! Cher xo
Thanks Cher, I hope so – and I hope your trip is magical too xx
*grin* That’s what I feel my dear! Thank you, Helen! I am extremely excited! xo
Will you be visiting Catalina Island while you’re at Long Beach? It’s an interesting little place.
Yes as a matter of fact, we are going on Tuesday to Catalina Island, Mike! I am really looking forward to it! So you’ve been? Cher xo
We were there last year. It’s a bit congested but interesting, fun
We are just going for the day, but thanks for telling me that! Now I’ll expect congestion!! Cher xo