I never thought I would say this, but every summer I look forward to the arrival of…GOATS. Several years ago I was totally disgusted when I saw an ugly fence placed around the beautiful ravine that borders the elementary school nearby. It’s the school our boys attended so many years ago. That fence looked like […]
Two Sisters Explore Sisters Garden – Johnson County, Iowa
Sometimes those Indy sisters can’t agree on an activity. And in this case Big Sis decided to stay in the car and peruse her smartphone while her younger sisters did a little more exploring with me. And that adventure took place only a few miles from the farm where I grew up. We made a […]
From Biscuits To Biplanes…All In One Day – GrandCamp 2018
Biscuits and Biplanes? Please allow me to explain that unlikely combination. A rainy morning is the PERFECT time to stay in bed, but my, how times have changed. Kids no longer grab a comic book or watch cartoons in their pajamas. They are now glued to their electronic devices! And biplanes were the farthest thing […]
Goodbye Atlanta…Hello To Roads Less Traveled!
Ahhhh…The beauty and peace we find on roads less traveled! In the past, our Snowbird trips to and from Florida have taken us through the heart of Atlanta. And I can assure you those are NOT roads less traveled! Just the thought of sitting in that massive freeway parking lot ever again gives me the […]
Easter Bonnet Memories…When Hats Were A Fashion Necessity
Hats and Easter went hand in hand when I was a child. And wearing my new, carefully coordinated Easter outfit almost always meant a photo op with my big brother. Here we are, heading to Mass on Easter morning. (My big brother Tommy even has his prayer book in hand.) My little purse most definitely […]
Seven Reasons For Joining The March – Parkland, Florida
My heart still hurts for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas families in Parkland, but after witnessing first hand the passion and conviction and determination of those students left behind I have no doubt those kids WILL change the world. And they’ll change it for GOOD. When the nationwide March For Our Lives events were announced I […]
The Traffic Was TERRIFIC…But NOT In A GOOD Way!
My dear old Mom always told me “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, Don’t Say Anything!” And normally I try to follow that advice. But when it comes to Atlanta traffic…there are no good words to say. Except that once again we survived that mess on our snowbird trek to Florida. Thank God! We left […]
Carmel Christkindlmarkt – A New Holiday Family Tradition
Have you ever heard of a Christkindlmarkt? I guess my German ancestors knew a thing or two about winter celebrations, and the city of Carmel, Indiana held their first ever event last December. I had no idea what it was, or what to expect, so I did a little research before we hopped in the car […]
Stringtown Grocery – Kalona, Iowa – An Amish Convenience Store
Before we left Iowa for our winter snowbird nest, I made one last trip to Stringtown Grocery, a popular Amish store near Kalona, Iowa. I went to Stringtown to buy two totally unrelated items. Gruyere cheese…and popcorn! I love to browse the aisles in that unusual store. You’ll find everything from canning jars to pots […]
The Crowded Closet – A Thrift Store With A Mission
I’m a thrift store fanatic, and The Crowded Closet in Iowa City is near and dear to my heart. Not only is that store stuffed with bargains, but it’s super neat and clean. This Mennonite sponsored thrift store is staffed by volunteers with mile-wide smiles and “Iowa Nice” personalities. Do you want proof? Come along […]